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On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
Alex Lindley, Leo Dack, Nathan Taylor
32 episodes
4 days ago
We have a simple mission; to connect as many independent garages as possible, with the aim of sharing knowledge and helping to raise the standards of the independent automotive industry.
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Automotive
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All content for On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast. is the property of Alex Lindley, Leo Dack, Nathan Taylor and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
We have a simple mission; to connect as many independent garages as possible, with the aim of sharing knowledge and helping to raise the standards of the independent automotive industry.
Show more...
Automotive
Leisure
Episodes (20/32)
On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
From Mobile Van to Multi-Site Empire, the Story of Cedar Garage

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.html


From 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 career

21:36 – Sponsored segment

22:50 – Acquisitions, team churn, and learning how to lead

33:00 – Buying vs. building, TUPE, MOT licences, and renovations

47:00 – The Cedar Electric story: EV batteries, national repair, and laser welders

01:03:00 – Delegation, team structure, and what's next for site number five


Subscribe for more expert insight, honest conversation, and real stories from inside the independent garage sector.


#ontheramp #garageowners #automotiveindustry #evrepair #castrol

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp

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2 weeks ago
1 hour 31 minutes 23 seconds

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
£500 and a Dream: Building a Garage Brand from Nothing...

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.html


From 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 influences

18:02 – Burnout, the Tesco years, and rediscovering purpose

21:36 – Sponsored segment

22:12 – Launching Womanic and building a customer base

33:01 – Inspiring the next generation through school and college visits

47:00 – Building a garage, giving back, and future plans

53:00 – Reflections, contentment, and advice for the next generation


Subscribe for more expert insight, honest conversation, and real stories from inside the independent garage sector.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp


#ontheramp #garageowners #automotiveindustry #womeninthetrades #castrol

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1 month ago
55 minutes 49 seconds

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
£0 to £1m in 3 years: The Story of Fife Autotech’s Rapid Rise

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.html


Fife 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 – Introduction

02:12 – How did he get into the trade?

22:35 – Sponsored Segment

23:49 – Apprenticeship, job loss, and regaining momentum

43:04 – Diagnostic journey, SimplyDiag, and early business plans

01:04:05 – Starting Fife Autotech and rapid growth

01:21:30 – Building a strong team and scaling the business

01:27:05 – Finding balance and reflections on the journey

01:31:10 – What’s next for Fife Autotech?


⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp


#ontheramp #automotivebusiness #independentgarage #automotiveindustry

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1 month ago
1 hour 35 minutes 49 seconds

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
#28 Finance for Garages: What You Need to Know

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.html


Finance 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 – Introduction

02:24 – Guest background: About Lee and One Funding

03:51 – What are the biggest financial challenges for independent garages?

08:43 – Understanding asset finance

23:02 – Ensuring you have sufficient working capital30:18 – Sponsored segment

31:32 – Managing cash flow and exploring business loans

48:47 – 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

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2 months ago
1 hour 1 minute 36 seconds

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
#27 Starting From Zero With The Car Nerd

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.html


From 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 – Introduction

02:25 – How did Cathal get started?

27:50 – What drives him to keep pushing forward?

50:17 – A deep dive into diagnostics

01:04:22 – 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

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2 months ago
1 hour 18 minutes 18 seconds

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
#26 One year in, we reflect and refocus. Business failures, acquisitions, and key hires

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.html


A 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 – Introduction

03:06 – Business updates from Lindleys Autocentres

18:45 – Dack Motor Group update

33:43 – Sponsor message

34:57 – Walsall Wood Tyre & Service Centre update


Subscribe for more expert insight, honest conversation, and real stories from inside the independent garage sector.

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp

#ontheramp #automotiveexcellence #automotivebusiness #Automotiveindustry

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2 months ago
54 minutes 27 seconds

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
#25 Conversation with Mark Field, IAAF - Fixing the trade from the inside.

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.html


In 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 – Intro

06:10 – Tariffs and Trade: How International Politics Are Hitting the Aftermarket

15:14 – Growing the IAAF: What’s Being Done to Bring More Members In?

19:38 – Sponsor Break

20:52 – Changing Perceptions: Reframing What It Means to Work in the Trade

30:42 – Getting Colleges on Board: Fixing the Industry's Talent Pipeline

43:50 – Automechanika & Motivate: Giving the Next Generation a Front Row Seat

52:00 – Who’s Actually Engaged? The Reality of IAAF Membership Numbers

1:02:10 – Access, Data, and the Right to Repair: The Ongoing Fight for Independent Garages

1:13:40 – Outro


Subscribe 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

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3 months ago
1 hour 14 minutes 19 seconds

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
#24 Extracting Yourself from Your Garage: How to Step Back Without Losing Control
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, we sit down with Jay Wheatly, 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. 00:00 – Introduction 08:02 – Selling a Garage Business: Key Considerations 21:18 – Advertisement 22:32 – Transitioning into Business Consultancy 29:12 – 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 Advisors 01:07:40 – Future Trends in the Automotive Industry 01:19:30 – Stuck in a Rut? How Coaching Can Help Garage Owners Move Forward Subscribe for more expert industry insights and business strategies. #automotivebusiness #garagesuccess #businessgrowth #ontheramp #mechaniclife #automotiveindustry
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4 months ago
1 hour 29 minutes 6 seconds

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
#23 Staying Ahead in an EV World – Lessons from Cleevely Motors - On The Ramp Podcast

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, 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 Break

29:53 – 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

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4 months ago
1 hour 33 minutes

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
#22 The Hidden Struggles of Scaling a Garage Business - Matt Jeffreys - On The Ramp Podcast

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 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 - Introduction

06:01 - Getting Into the Automotive Industry

26:57 - Advertisement Break

28:05 - Securing a Unit and Launching St Johns

52:34 - The Growth and Expansion of St Johns and RPM Malvern

1:03:34 - The Challenges of Running Multiple Locations

1:28:25 - Biggest Business Pressures and Stress Factors

1:36:00 - Personal Goals and Future Ambitions


Subscribe for more industry insights and expert conversations.


https://beacons.ai/ontheramp


#peoplemanagement #leadership #businessgrowth #workplaceculture #ontheramp

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5 months ago
1 hour 40 minutes 54 seconds

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
#21 Fixing More Than Cars: The Art of Managing People - Carl Williams and Lauren Brown

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 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 - Introduction

02:24 - How McDonald's Shaped Carl’s People Management Skills

23:12 - Sponsored Ad Break

27:04 - Recognising When Someone Isn’t Right for the Business

30:45 - Effective Recruitment Strategies

33:40 - Building Strong Personal Connections with Employees

51:01 - The Responsibilities of a Business Leader to Remain Consistent

1:02:00 - Why Employee Progression Matters

1:15:00 - Managing Underperformance Without Creating Conflict

1:24:53 - Finding Time for Budgeting

1:30:49 - 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 #TeamBuilding⁠⁠

https://beacons.ai/ontheramp

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5 months ago
1 hour 46 minutes 22 seconds

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
#20 Car Sales, Crisis & Comebacks: A Car Dealer’s Real Story - Jamie Caple - On The Ramp Podcast

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

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5 months ago
2 hours 15 minutes 3 seconds

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
#19 Garage Success Starts Here: Mastering your Front of House - On The Ramp Podcast

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

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6 months ago
1 hour 3 minutes 38 seconds

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
#18 Driven to Succeed - Edward Cockill's Inspiring Story in Automotive - On The Ramp Podcast

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

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7 months ago
1 hour 12 minutes 13 seconds

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
#17 How I built a garage around a single brand - Should you specialise? - On The Ramp Podcast

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

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8 months ago
1 hour 19 minutes 53 seconds

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
#16 Tradition meets Innovation with Barry Lawson, Lawson Autotech - On The Ramp Podcast

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

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8 months ago
1 hour 30 minutes 21 seconds

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
#15 Alex, Leo and Nath talk shop! - On The Ramp Podcast

Episode 15 already! In this episode, we take a step back from our usual guest interviews to share our own business updates from the past six months. We discuss the challenges we’ve faced, the investments we’ve made, and the strategies that are helping us grow. Topics include Nathans push for ISO 9001 accreditation, Leo's business expansion, Alex's company restructure and much more! We also welcome Castrol and The Race Group as long-term sponsors/partners of the On The Ramp Podcast. 00:00 - Intro 03:15 - Castrol | The Race Group Partnership 07:46 - Walsall Wood Business Update 24:00 - Dack Motor Group Business Update 58:48 - Lindley’s Autocentres Business Updates ⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp

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9 months ago
1 hour 19 minutes 16 seconds

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
#14 From dealership to dream business with Neil Fellows - Stourbridge Automotive - On The Ramp

In the latest episode of the On the Ramp podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Neil Fellows, the man behind Stourbridge Automotive. Neil’s journey from a hands-on mechanic to a business owner is filled with useful lessons for anyone starting or growing a business. What stands out in his story is the real-world challenges of managing a business partnership, navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and the critical role his wife, Kay, played in the business's success. Here are some key takeaways from our chat with Neil that offer practical advice for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.


00:00 - Intro

04:30 - Getting into the industry

23:43 - Starting your own Garage

32:28 - Financing the business

37:55 - Breaking the partnership

46:14 - Women in the Industry

50:06 - Business growth and new sites

1:01:59 - Work Life balance

1:03:53 - What’s next for the business? ⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp

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9 months ago
1 hour 13 minutes 15 seconds

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
#13 Following a passion for diagnostics whilst building a successful garage business - Mick Shaikly

In the latest episode of the On the Ramp podcast, host Alex sat down with Mick Shaikly from Shaikly Motor Company, a family-run garage with a rich history spanning generations. Mick's story is unique in that he is not just part of a family business but the bridge between two generations—having taken over from his father and now preparing for the potential involvement of his own children.


00:00 - Intro

08:08 - Moving away from the tools

10:34 - Business size

13:38 - Reshaping the business

18:13 - Transfer of business ownership

24:35 - Meeting other garage owners

32:32 - Work life balance

36:15 - Customer profiling

45:43 - Customer service

50:38 - Have you developed a passion for business?

53:01 - Using AI to assist with diagnostics

57:34 - Opening an EV site

1:00:36 - ADAS

1:06:00 - The power of AI within the motor industry

1:10:15 - What was your desire to expand?

1:14:04 - Training centre and development

1:20:41 - Bringing children into the business


⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp

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10 months ago
1 hour 29 minutes 27 seconds

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
#12 Building from disaster, the next generation. The story of Oldfields with Tim Benson - On The Ramp Podcast

In this episode of the On the Ramp podcast, we sit down with Tim Benson, the owner of Oldfield's Garage, to explore his unconventional path into the automotive industry. Tim shares his journey from a young man unsure about his future to becoming the owner of his family’s garage business. Starting with a work experience stint at a Volkswagen dealership, Tim’s passion for the trade quickly led him to an apprenticeship. Despite his early success, the pressures of the job prompted him to pursue a business degree, which broadened his horizons through roles in IT and cosmetic surgery. Returning to Oldfield’s Garage, Tim faced a dramatic turning point when a major fire nearly ended the business. Discover how this pivotal moment reshaped Oldfield’s and how Tim’s varied experiences have guided the evolution of the garage, blending traditional values with modern business practices. Whether you’re in the automotive industry or simply enjoy entrepreneurial stories, Tim Benson’s journey is a powerful reminder of resilience, adaptability, and staying connected to your roots. Don’t miss this inspiring episode that shows how every step of the journey contributes to building a thriving business. 00:00 - Intro 01:46 - Parts Apprenticeship 06:00 - Business Degree 07:20 - Out of industry 16:30 - Back to the family business 22:20 - Fire.... alarm 29:00 - Next generation 34:50 - Making Improvements 38:00 - Taking over 46:00 - Automotive Community 57:00 - What's next

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10 months ago
1 hour 1 minute 55 seconds

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
We have a simple mission; to connect as many independent garages as possible, with the aim of sharing knowledge and helping to raise the standards of the independent automotive industry.