On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.

Tina Drayson returns to On the Ramp to talk about the data every garage owner must track. From workshop efficiency and labour recovery to front of house sales and cash flow, this episode strips it back to the numbers that make or break your business.If you have ever wondered why your team is busy but the bank balance is not, this is the one to listen to.Powered by Castrol and The Blend.

Alex and Nathan are joined by Tim Guidotti (The Fleet Guy) to talk about the rise of fleet work, the importance of building relationships with fleet managers, and how garages can adapt to the industry shift away from private vehicle ownership.We also ask the question - why should a busy garage be concerned about fleet work today?Tim also shares details about upcoming Fleet Guy training, Q&A webinars ⁠https://thefleetguy.co.uk⁠ , and his session at The Blend. https://www.theblend.events

This episode of On The Ramp is proudly sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group.👉 Learn more about Castrol Service: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/services/castrol-service.htmlFrom family garage beginnings to building Garage Vitals, Mark shares how diagnostics, OEM tools, and dealer access shaped his journey — and why even top independent garages often need support.We cover the rise of remote diagnostics, the hidden time drain of OEM software, and what SERMI accreditation and vehicle security codes mean for the future of independent garages.👉 Sign up for SERMI: https://rmisc.co.uk/sermi-expression-of-interest/👉 Access vehicle security codes: http://www.autosecuritycodes.comSubscribe for more real stories, honest conversation, and expert insight from inside the independent garage sector.

This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group.To learn more about Castrol Service, please visit: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home.htmlTyres are often treated as an afterthought — but they might be the biggest untapped opportunity in the aftermarket.We sit down with Quentin from GiPA UK to look at the data behind tyre sales, EV wear patterns, MOT failures, and why so many garages are losing out on both retention and new business. From tyre-only depots to MOT regulation, EV fleets to customer psychology — this one’s packed with insight.If you're thinking about the future of your garage, this episode is a must-listen.Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome back: Tyres, research, and missed opportunities10:17 – Why 20% of workshop visits are tyre-related18:02 – Sponsored segment19:15 – EV tyre failure stats and surprising MOT trends28:03 – Are EVs entering the aftermarket too late?35:42 – Selling safety: Why tyre education matters more than everSubscribe for more expert insight, honest conversation, and real stories from inside the independent garage sector.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp#ontheramp #automotiveindustry #independentgarages #EVrepair #gipa #castrol

This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group.To learn more about Castrol Service, please visit: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home.htmlFrom two Ford apprentices in a tiny workshop to running a multi-site operation with its own EV battery repair lab — this is the story of Kevin Pearce and Cedar Garage.We talk about growing through mistakes, how to buy a business the smart way, building a high-performing team, and why Kevin is now investing in some of the most technical EV repairs in the country. If you're thinking about expansion or wondering how to scale without losing your mind — this one's for you.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction and Kevin’s early career21:36 – Sponsored segment22:50 – Acquisitions, team churn, and learning how to lead33:00 – Buying vs. building, TUPE, MOT licences, and renovations47:00 – The Cedar Electric story: EV batteries, national repair, and laser welders01:03:00 – Delegation, team structure, and what's next for site number fiveSubscribe for more expert insight, honest conversation, and real stories from inside the independent garage sector.#ontheramp #garageowners #automotiveindustry #evrepair #castrol ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp

This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group.To learn more about Castrol Service, please visit: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home.htmlFrom burnout in retail to building a garage brand from scratch, this episode tells the powerful story of Louise Baker, founder of Womanic.With no formal qualifications and just £400 to her name, Louise started fixing cars in her apartment car park while raising her daughter solo. Now fully booked, she runs her own workshop, speaks in schools, and is inspiring the next generation of technicians through her work and her new all-female show, Auto Angels.We talk about leaving the motor trade, finding the courage to return, and how she built a business with nothing but grit, honesty, and a deep love for the job.If you're in the trade, this one will hit home.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction and early influences18:02 – Burnout, the Tesco years, and rediscovering purpose21:36 – Sponsored segment22:12 – Launching Womanic and building a customer base33:01 – Inspiring the next generation through school and college visits47:00 – Building a garage, giving back, and future plans53:00 – Reflections, contentment, and advice for the next generationSubscribe for more expert insight, honest conversation, and real stories from inside the independent garage sector.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp#ontheramp #garageowners #automotiveindustry #womeninthetrades #castrol

This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group. To learn more about Castrol Service, please visit: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home.htmlFife Autotech’s Chay joins us to share how he went from a dealership technician to building one of the most successful specialist garages in Scotland – hitting £1M turnover in just 3 years.In this episode, Chay breaks down the reality of starting from scratch, the mindset behind his decisions, and what it really takes to scale a garage quickly — from risk and sacrifice to hiring the right team and obsessing over numbers.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction02:12 – How did he get into the trade?22:35 – Sponsored Segment23:49 – Apprenticeship, job loss, and regaining momentum43:04 – Diagnostic journey, SimplyDiag, and early business plans01:04:05 – Starting Fife Autotech and rapid growth01:21:30 – Building a strong team and scaling the business01:27:05 – Finding balance and reflections on the journey01:31:10 – What’s next for Fife Autotech?⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp#ontheramp #automotivebusiness #independentgarage #automotiveindustry

This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group. To learn more about Castrol Service, please visit: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home.htmlFinance can be one of the hardest things for independent garages to get right — and one of the least talked about.In this episode, we sit down with Lee Schofield, founder of One Funding, for an honest look at the real challenges and opportunities around funding a garage business.From asset finance to working capital, buying another business to managing risk, this conversation covers the key questions every garage owner should be thinking about. Whether you’re growing fast or just planning ahead, Lee shares practical advice based on years of experience in the industry.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction02:24 – Guest background: About Lee and One Funding03:51 – What are the biggest financial challenges for independent garages?08:43 – Understanding asset finance23:02 – Ensuring you have sufficient working capital30:18 – Sponsored segment31:32 – Managing cash flow and exploring business loans48:47 – How can you finance the purchase of another business?53:29 – What should you look for in a finance provider?Subscribe for more expert insight, honest conversation, and real stories from inside the independent garage sector.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp#ontheramp #automotivebusiness #garagefinance #independentgarage #automotiveindustry

This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group. To learn more about Castrol Service, please visit: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home.htmlFrom five-star hotels to fault-finding on the road, this episode dives into the journey of Cathal, better known as The Car Nerd. He didn’t take a traditional path into the trade. After starting in hospitality, Cathal moved into car sales, then built a van business from the ground up. But it was diagnostics — not sales — that truly sparked his interest.We talk about the early days working out of a small yard, how he taught himself remapping, and why he focused on professionalism from the start. From mobile tuning to opening his own workshop, Cathal now runs a growing diagnostics and performance business in Northern Ireland, backed by a Top Gear Tuning franchise and a commitment to doing things the right way.Whether you’re in the trade or just curious about what it takes to build a business like this, Cathal’s story is full of insight, hard-earned lessons, and practical advice.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction02:25 – How did Cathal get started?27:50 – What drives him to keep pushing forward?50:17 – A deep dive into diagnostics01:04:22 – What’s next for The Car Nerd?Subscribe for more expert insight, honest conversation, and real stories from inside the independent garage sector.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp#ontheramp #automotiveexcellence #automotivebusiness #automotiveindustry

This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group. To learn more about Castrol Service, please visit: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home.htmlA full year of On The Ramp and the journey is just getting started. In this episode, Alex, Leo and Nathan reflect on the past 12 months, sharing honest insights about their businesses — the wins, the setbacks, and the bold decisions shaping what’s next.Expect real talk about closing divisions, launching new sites, stepping back from operations, and building tools the industry needs. If you're in the garage trade, this is one to take in.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction03:06 – Business updates from Lindleys Autocentres18:45 – Dack Motor Group update33:43 – Sponsor message34:57 – Walsall Wood Tyre & Service Centre updateSubscribe for more expert insight, honest conversation, and real stories from inside the independent garage sector.⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp#ontheramp #automotiveexcellence #automotivebusiness #Automotiveindustry

This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group. To learn more about Castrol Service, please visit: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home.htmlIn this episode, we’re joined by Mark Field, Chief Executive of the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of the independent garage sector.We explore the real-world impacts of international trade tariffs, the challenge of attracting and retaining young talent, and why it’s time to shift the perception of the trade from within. Mark talks about the IAAF’s evolving role—bridging the gap between suppliers, distributors and garages—and how they're pushing for stronger representation, improved access to data, and meaningful change on key legislation like Right to Repair.Whether you’re on the tools, running a business, or somewhere in between, this episode is a clear look at where the trade is going, and why now is the time to get involved.00:00 – Intro06:10 – Tariffs and Trade: How International Politics Are Hitting the Aftermarket15:14 – Growing the IAAF: What’s Being Done to Bring More Members In?19:38 – Sponsor Break20:52 – Changing Perceptions: Reframing What It Means to Work in the Trade30:42 – Getting Colleges on Board: Fixing the Industry's Talent Pipeline43:50 – Automechanika & Motivate: Giving the Next Generation a Front Row Seat52:00 – Who’s Actually Engaged? The Reality of IAAF Membership Numbers1:02:10 – Access, Data, and the Right to Repair: The Ongoing Fight for Independent Garages1:13:40 – OutroSubscribe for more expert insight, honest conversation, and real stories from inside the independent garage sector.⁠⁠⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp#iaaf #automotiveaftermarket #ontheramp #garagesuccess #righttorepair #castrol

This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group. To learn more about Castrol Service, please visit: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/partner-with-us/independent-workshops.htmlIn this episode, we sit down with Jay Wheatley, founder of Absolutely Automotive, to discuss how garage owners can extract themselves from the daily grind and take their business to the next level. Jay shares his expertise as a business consultant, offering practical advice on stepping back from hands-on work, improving efficiency, and building a sustainable, profitable garage.We explore the key challenges garage owners face when trying to transition from technician to business leader, the importance of understanding financials, and why structured processes are essential for long-term success. Jay also dives into the role of specialisation, staff management, and the impact of emerging industry trends on independent garages.If you’re a garage owner looking to work smarter, not harder, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you extract yourself and grow your business.https://absolutelyautomotive.co.uk/help-guides00:00 – Introduction08:02 – Selling a Garage Business: Key Considerations21:18 – Advertisement22:32 – Transitioning into Business Consultancy29:12 – How Can a Garage Owner Step Back from Daily Operations?45:20 – Is Specialising in a Niche Essential for Success?57:20 – Essential Advice for Service Advisors01:07:40 – Future Trends in the Automotive Industry01:19:30 – Stuck in a Rut? How Coaching Can Help Garage Owners Move ForwardSubscribe for more expert industry insights and business strategies.⁠⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp#automotivebusiness #garagesuccess #businessgrowth #ontheramp #mechaniclife #automotiveindustry

This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group, to learn more about Castrol Service please visit ⁠https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/partner-with-us/independent-workshops.htmlIn this episode, we sit down with Matt Cleevely, owner of Cleevely Motors, to explore how the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is reshaping the automotive industry. Matt shares how Cleevely Motors has successfully adapted to meet the growing demand for EV servicing, from investing in staff training to upgrading equipment. He discusses the challenges facing independent garages in the EV market, the differences between customer expectations for EV and traditional servicing, and how Cleevely Motors has built a reputation for quality and reliability. If you’re in the trade or considering transitioning to EV repairs, this episode is full of valuable insights and practical advice. 00:00 – Are EVs the Answer? 12:06 – Introduction 20:33 - Ad Break29:53 – Transitioning to EV Specialisation 40:47 – Did You Ever Doubt Yourself? 51:13 – Do EV Owners Expect the Same Service as Dealers? 1:00:05 – EV Sales Market and Depreciation 1:23:19 – What’s Next for Cleevely? Subscribe for more industry insights and expert conversations.⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp#evs #electricvehicle #training #ontheramp #automotiveexcellence #automotivebusiness

This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group, to learn more about Castrol Service please visit https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/partner-with-us/independent-workshops.htmlIn this episode of On The Ramp, we sit down with Matt Jeffreys, owner of St Johns and RPM Malvern, to discuss his journey from launching his first garage to successfully acquiring and turning around a second business. Matt shares the challenges of securing his first unit, the realities of running multiple locations, and the lessons he has learned along the way. We also explore the pressures of business growth, the importance of building the right team, and his vision for the future. If you’re a garage owner looking to expand or improve your business, this episode is packed with valuable insights. 00:00 - Introduction06:01 - Getting Into the Automotive Industry26:57 - Advertisement Break28:05 - Securing a Unit and Launching St Johns52:34 - The Growth and Expansion of St Johns and RPM Malvern1:03:34 - The Challenges of Running Multiple Locations1:28:25 - Biggest Business Pressures and Stress Factors1:36:00 - Personal Goals and Future AmbitionsSubscribe for more industry insights and expert conversations.https://beacons.ai/ontheramp#peoplemanagement #leadership #businessgrowth #workplaceculture #ontheramp

This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group, to learn more about Castrol Service please visit https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/partner-with-us/independent-workshops.htmlIn this episode of On The Ramp, we sit down with Lauren Brown, Managing Director of T10 Automotive, and Carl Williams from Williams Talent Management to discuss the vital role of people management in building a successful business.We explore the importance of workplace culture in driving performance, how to handle underperformance without creating conflict, and the challenges of recruitment. The discussion also covers why hiring for attitude over skill is crucial, the responsibilities of effective leadership, and how business owners can create an environment where employees feel valued and motivated.Lauren and Carl also share their insights on fostering employee progression, coaching versus consulting, and how strong leadership can transform a business. Whether you’re managing a growing workforce or looking to improve team dynamics, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you build a high-performing and engaged team.If you're a business owner, manager, or aspiring leader, this conversation offers valuable lessons on people management, leadership, and workplace culture.00:00 - Introduction02:24 - How McDonald's Shaped Carl’s People Management Skills23:12 - Sponsored Ad Break27:04 - Recognising When Someone Isn’t Right for the Business30:45 - Effective Recruitment Strategies33:40 - Building Strong Personal Connections with Employees51:01 - The Responsibilities of a Business Leader to Remain Consistent1:02:00 - Why Employee Progression Matters1:15:00 - Managing Underperformance Without Creating Conflict1:24:53 - Finding Time for Budgeting1:30:49 - Coaching vs. Consulting: What’s the Difference?1:39:20 - How Can People Work with You Now?Subscribe for more industry insights and expert conversations.#peoplemanagement #leadership #workplaceculture #businessgrowth #TeamBuilding⁠⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp

This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group, to learn more about Castrol Service please visit https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/partner-with-us/independent-workshops.html In this episode of On the Ramp, we sit down with Jamie Caple, owner of Car Quay, to discuss the highs and lows of running a used car dealership. Jamie shares his journey from the collapse of his previous business to rebuilding from the ground up, all while navigating the unpredictable world of used car sales. We explore the realities of stocking facilities, the impact of market fluctuations, and the challenges of maintaining profitability in a tough industry. Jamie also provides insights into the importance of preparation efficiency, managing risk, and staying adaptable in a rapidly changing market. If you’re an independent garage owner or thinking about moving into car sales, this episode offers valuable lessons on resilience, business strategy, and the mindset needed to succeed. 00:00 - Introduction 04:25 - Leaving the previous business and facing legal action 20:05 - External factors influencing vehicle sales 31:01 - Castrol sponsorship segment 32:15 - How real-world events impact bookings and average invoice values 35:00 - Government inefficiencies and their effect on small businesses 37:53 - Are you working on your business or in your business? 42:55 - Beyond AutoTrader: Other strategies for growth 45:48 - Why people are drawn to stories of business failure 47:49 - Receiving legal papers just before Christmas 01:04:13 - Selling electric vehicles: Opportunities and challenges 01:07:21 - Preferred fuel types and the future of the market 01:11:00 - The role of workshops and MOTs in a dealership 01:13:59 - The importance of charisma in modern car sales 01:20:21 - How warranties impact customer confidence 01:28:21 - The role of third-party finance companies in car sales 01:31:41 - Sales functions and strategies for success 01:45:23 - The purchasing process and making smart stock decisions 01:50:18 - Identifying your strengths in business 01:53:29 - Key advice for new business owners 02:06:58 - Where do you see yourself and the business in five years? Subscribe for more industry insights and expert conversations. #UsedCarSales #AutomotiveBusiness #CarQuay #OnTheRamp #IndependentDealership

The Secret to Garage Success: Front-of-House Excellence In this episode of On The Ramp, Alex and Nathan are joined by a special guest, Emma, the newly appointed Customer Experience Director. Together, they dive deep into the critical role of front-of-house teams in the success of a modern garage. What you'll learn in this episode: Why the front-of-house role is the backbone of a successful garage The importance of reducing customer anxiety and building trust Recruitment tips: Finding the perfect front-of-house candidate The art of hospitality and its connection to automotive service How to implement service plans and improve customer retention Practical advice for training and structuring front-of-house teams Whether you're a garage owner, a front-of-house professional, or just passionate about customer service, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss! This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group, to learn more about Castrol Service please visit ⁠https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/partner-with-us/independent-workshops.html⁠ 00:00 - introduction 02:46 - Inducting new staff 13:32 - Efficiency in FOH 18:33 - Ad Break 19:47 - Specialist responsibilities 22:00 - How does Lindley’s recruit into FOH 30:31 - Diagnostic bookings 37:44 - Service Plans 49:04 - is it a sales role? How important is it? 51:40 - How important is sales training? #OnTheRamp #GarageSuccess #CustomerExperience #AutomotiveIndustry #FrontOfHouse ⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp

Ed Cockhill of Uckfield Motor Services joins us to discuss his journey from motorsport aspirations to managing and growing a thriving family business. Learn about the challenges of expanding into commercial services, balancing innovation with tradition, and navigating the ever-changing automotive landscape. This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group, to learn more about Castrol Service please visit https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/partner-with-us/independent-workshops.html 00:00 - introduction 01:40 - Previous Failures 02:49 - The career path that led to joining the family business 12:03 - F1 Talk… 13:18 - Moving to the family business 23:09 - Starting a Commercial Branch 37:39 - Do you specialise in a specific brand? 40:48 - What’s your view on EV? 47:53 - Going through a rough patch and getting over it 1:04:02 - What can we expect from you in the future? ⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp

This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group, to learn more about Castrol Service please visit https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/partner-with-us/independent-workshops.html In this episode, Alex and Nathan sit down with Olly, a Mercedes-Benz specialist with years of experience running a successful independent garage. From starting his business with limited resources to building a national reputation, Olly shares his journey, the benefits of specialising, and the challenges of staying ahead in the motor trade. 📌 Topics Covered: Why specialising in a single brand makes sense for independent garages Building efficiency and expertise in diagnostics and repairs Creating a loyal customer base through trust and community engagement Advice for garage owners considering specialisation Whether you're an independent garage owner, a mechanic, or simply interested in the automotive industry, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of independent garages. 🎧 Listen Now to learn more about Olly's approach and what it takes to run a specialist garage. 💬 Share your thoughts: Are you considering specialising your services? Let us know in the comments below! 00:00 - Introduction 01:46 - About Prestige Car Service 21:41 - Diagnostics 36:33 - Would you specialise? 48:12 - Setbacks 52:19 - Getting a larger workshop 57:32 - Being content with what you have 01:00:36 - Benefits of a single brand 01:12:37 - Why dealerships need to change #OnTheRampPodcast #MercedesSpecialist #IndependentGarage ⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp

In this episode of On The Ramp, Barry Lawson, owner of Lawson Autotech, shares his journey from a traditional family garage to a thriving, innovative modern garage business. Starting as a reluctant partner at 21, Barry reveals how he modernised his father's garage, overcame resistance to change, and embraced continuous learning and networking to set new industry standards. Tune in to hear how Barry’s commitment to people, technology, and business strategy transformed Lawson Autotech into a leader in the independent garage industry. Perfect for automotive professionals and anyone inspired by stories of growth and innovation! This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group, To learn more about Castrol Service please visit https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/partner-with-us/independent-workshops.html 00:00 - Introduction / career progression 21:19 - Networking with other garage owners in the industry 41:21 - Keeping social life and work separate 49:27 - New staff hiring + Process and software implementation 1:11:43 - Being a full time tech as a business owner 1:15:05 - What’s next for Lawson? 1:23:37 - What’s next for you? ⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp