Skip to content
Sign inOpen the app
Artwork for On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
Leisure

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.

Alex Lindley, Leo Dack, Nathan Taylor

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.

SubscribePlay latestOpen in podnodRSS feedShow website
  • 20 episodes
  • Updated July 31

Episodes20

Newest first
  • July 31 · 1 hr

    What It's Really Like Taking Over the Family Garage at 24

    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 Marc is 25 and runs Magnet Autos in Liverpool, a third generation family garage his granddad started in 1978 after accidentally buying the wrong building at auction. He came into the business straight out of school after six months at home, took over in October 2023 when his dad stepped back to care for his granddad, and was made managing director just under two years later. Turnover has roughly doubled in three years. Tim Guidotti joins Alex on co-hosting duty for the first time, so there is a proper fleet conversation in here too: fleet versus retail margins, auto authorisation on the platforms, high spend reviews and de-fleeting, and why six technicians can run on one service advisor. If you run an independent garage or you are heading into a family business handover, this one is honest about the parts that go wrong as well as the parts that work. Topics covered: Coming into the family business out of school and starting in the back office How Magnet bought its way into fleet in 2004 Taking over in October 2023 when his dad stepped back Going from mate to boss, and the hire he regrets letting go Turning away the busy fools and £4,000 to £5,000 a week of turnover Fleet versus retail: margins, authorisation and high spend reviews Splitting workshop control from the front desk The five year plan, ramps, and why he is not opening a second site Timestamps: 00:00 - intro 01:44 - leaving school and the six months at home 07:29 - how magnet got into fleet in 2004 13:15 - the dip and taking over in October 2023 19:18 - the sultan of brunei cars 23:06 - Castrol | The Race Group Partnership 24:26 - the setup, the staff and buying the wrong building 33:02 - fleet versus retail margins and authorisation 39:15 - the numbers and turning away the busy fools 46:27 - becoming managing director 52:46 - the five year plan and adding ramps 59:36 - outro Subscribe for more expert insight, honest conversation, and real stories from inside the independent garage sector. https://beacons.ai/ontheramp #garageowners #independentgarage #automotiveindustry #mechaniclife #ukgarages #trades #automotive #castrol #fleet #familybusiness #ontheramp

  • July 17 · 1 hr 23 min

    The Tyre Lady: 50 Cars a Day, 2,000 Tyres in Their Biggest Month

    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 Sophie Lyden works alongside her dad at Westgate Tyres in Morecambe. Three depots on one street, 40 to 50 cars a day, and no booking system for tyres. She's also better known across the trade as The Tyre Lady, and became the person the BBC called when they wanted a tyre expert. She joins us to talk about how both of those things happened. If you run a garage or sell tyres, this one's full of practical insight, and a decent argument that safety messaging is the best marketing you're not doing. In this episode: - Why Westgate doesn't take bookings for tyres, and how they cope with 40 to 50 cars a day - The stock strategy behind their biggest tyre month - TPMS, valve service kits, and the conversation most garages skip - Why she checks dot codes on every car and advises at 3mm - The crash outside the garage that started The Tyre Lady - What road safety conferences never talk about - How a LinkedIn post about a bad tyre reached 200,000 people - Getting a tyre onto the BBC Breakfast sofa - What she'd change about the MOT and the legal tread limit - ADHD, postnatal depression, and running a business through both Timestamps: 00:00 - intro 01:04 - how sophie ended up back in the family tyre business 09:11 - inside westgate tyres and their biggest month 18:31 - punctures, stock and what makes a tyre shop busy 24:51 - tyres or servicing, and which one she would keep 29:26 - castrol | the race group partnership 35:55 - the crash outside the garage that started the tyre lady 43:04 - road safety conferences, dot codes and the education gap 52:38 - testing tyres and keeping the tyre lady separate from westgate 60:37 - bbc breakfast and the families behind the campaign 66:46 - what she would change about the mot and the tread limit 75:07 - adhd, postnatal depression and understanding her own brain 83:40 - taking over the business and what comes next 88:05 - outro Subscribe for more expert insight, honest conversation, and real stories from inside the independent garage sector. https://beacons.ai/ontheramp #ontheramp #tyres #tyresafety #garageowners #independentgarage #ukgarages #automotiveindustry #roadsafety #mechaniclife #castrol

  • June 12 · 1 hr 19 min

    Is Fleet work worth it? The Fleet Guy sets the record straight.

    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 Fleet work divides the trade. Some garages swear by it, others swear at it. In this episode, Alex and Leo are joined by Tim Guidotti, second generation owner of Ferdotti Motor Services and founder of Fleet Guy, to tackle the myths head on. Alex explains why he spent years telling garages to get rid of their fleet work, and why he now admits he was wrong. Tim breaks down good fleet vs bad fleet, the truth about labour rates, how to actually win fleet contracts, and why the data suggests retail-only garages could be facing long term decline. If you run an independent garage and you've ever dismissed fleet work, this one's full of practical insight. Timestamps: 00:00 - intro 01:04 - tim's story, growing up in the family business 12:34 - joining the business and doing the deal properly 21:52 - Castrol | The Race Group Partnership 23:05 - why alex was anti-fleet, and admitting he was wrong 29:32 - the coffee test, good fleet vs bad fleet 41:09 - winning fleet work and keeping it 52:25 - should your garage do fleet, and where ownership is heading 1:03:05 - the labour rate myth, utilisation and productivity 1:09:23 - why fleet guy exists, building an industry standard 1:16:36 - fleet guy live, plus tim joins as co-host Subscribe for more expert insight, honest conversation, and real stories from inside the independent garage sector. https://beacons.ai/ontheramp #ontheramp #garageowners #independentgarage #fleetwork #fleetmanagement #ukgarages #automotiveindustry #mechaniclife #castrol

  • June 5 · 1 hr 10 min

    The Marginal Gains Approach to Running a Garage: A Conversation with Phil Brookes

    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 This week it's not a story episode, it's a business one. Alex and Leo sit down with business coach Phil Brookes, who has spent his career in the tyre and garage trade, from the workshop floor to training and running parts of a national group, and now coaching independent garages. We get into the stuff most owners never get taught: pricing with confidence, knowing your real numbers, front of house, recruitment and the small marginal gains that quietly add thousands to the bottom line. If you run a garage and you have ever felt busy but not as profitable as you should be, this one is full of practical insight. Timestamps: 00:00 - intro and why business training is undervalued 01:20 - phil's journey into the trade 07:38 - growing and selling a national tyre group 13:37 - why tyre pricing is so sensitive 17:25 - pricing with confidence and the three prices 18:50 - front of house and the restaurant lesson 26:39 - why training fails without follow-up 29:11 - marginal gains and the 1% rule 33:00 - the wheel alignment opportunity 38:27 - how much profit is really in a tyre 47:56 - leading, retention and recruitment 51:09 - knowing your numbers and the benchmarks that matter 57:29 - marketing and the garage that isn't busy enough 1:04:23 - hiq, wholesale and the real tyre margins 1:06:47 - how to get in touch with Phil Subscribe for more expert insight, honest conversation, and real stories from inside the independent garage sector. #ontheramp #garageowners #independentgarage #automotiveindustry #mechaniclife #automotive #castrol #businesscoaching

  • May 25 · 44 min

    Behind the UK's Biggest Garage Events: A Conversation with Joanne Knowles, Messe Frankfurt UK

    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-... Joanne Knowles is the Event Director for Automechanika Birmingham and the UK Garage and Body Shop event, the two biggest trade shows in the UK independent garage calendar. She joins Alex and Dawn on this episode to talk about what actually goes into running them, why attending matters more than ever, and how Motivate is starting to change the way new talent is brought into the industry. If you're a garage owner, technician, college tutor or student, this one's worth your time. Timestamps: 00:00 - intro 01:14 - automechanika vs uk garage and body shop 03:00 - why garage owners should attend 07:31 - feedback, parking and the autonomous bus 09:20 - introducing motivate 12:20 - women, the ignite arena and engaging colleges 18:16 - computer science, adas and the future 21:34 - the case for cpd accreditation 25:22 - castrol | the race group partnership 26:37 - industry community, the blend and ben charity 33:15 - takeaways and how to get involved 41:13 - uk garage and body shop 2026 44:00 - outro Subscribe for more expert insight, honest conversation, and real stories from inside the independent garage sector. #automotiveindustry #podcast #interview #ontheramp #independentgarage

  • April 24 · 1 hr 16 min

    Life of a Mobile Tech with The Norfolk Tech

    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 Jordan from JLK Vehicle Solutions, better known online as The Norfolk Tech, joins us to share how a Covid redundancy pushed him into self-employment and how he's built one of the healthier mobile businesses in the UK. In this episode, Jordan breaks down why the trade undercharges, what it really takes to run a mobile business day to day, the value of community for solo operators, and why he's been willing to talk openly about burnout. 00:00 – Introduction 02:15 – Redundancy during Covid 06:10 – Six weeks to self-employed 08:45 – Building the business on Facebook 19:20 – A typical day on the road 22:35 – Why the trade undercharges 33:00 – Sponsored Segment 38:00 – Getting scammed, security, and working on driveways 53:00 – Diary management and parts 01:06:00 – The mobile tech community 01:10:00 – Talking openly about burnout Subscribe for more expert insight, honest conversation, and real stories from inside the independent garage sector. #ontheramp #mobilemechanic #independentgarage #automotiveindustry #castrol tps://beacons.ai/ontheramp

  • March 27 · 1 hr 14 min

    From Employees To Owners: how we built a fully booked specialist garage

    If you are a garage owner thinking about starting, specialising or scaling, this episode offers a clear look at what actually drives results. In this episode we cover how this specialist garage was: - Built With Clarity From Day One - Built Without Guesswork- Built With Purpose, Not Pressure - Built Through Focus, Not Expansion - Doing the Right Things Early This episode is kindly sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group. Find out more about Castrol using the link below: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home.html Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 01:42 - Early career and dealership experience 04:15 - The decision to leave the dealership 07:10 - Career perspective and Australia 10:05 - Starting The Mini Repair Shop 14:20 - Building the brand before the building 18:35 - Launching during COVID 23:10 - Finding customers in the early days 28:45 - Why specialising in MINI works 34:20 - The role of social media 40:05 - Partnerships and early growth 46:30 - Expansion vs focus 52:10 - Key lessons for garage owners 57:00 - Final thoughts

  • February 27 · 1 hr 15 min

    Building a Resilient Garage From General Repairs to Specialist

    Most garage businesses start broad.General repairs. General customers. General positioning. But over time, staying general can make growth harder, not easier.In this episode, we explore the journey from a traditional town-centre garage to a specialist Land Rover business and the structural decisions that built long-term resilience along the way. We cover: - Transitioning from petrol station to full garage operation - The risk of moving from a high street location to a commercial unit - Why mastering internal workflow comes before expansion- How specialisation strengthens pricing confidence and authority - The importance of perception in building value - This is not about chasing trends. It is about deliberate evolution. - If you are thinking about resilience, repositioning, or future -proofing your garage, this episode is for you. This episode is supported by Castrol and The Race Group. To learn more about Castrol and how they support independent garages, visit:https://www.castrol.com Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 2:10 - The Origins of the Business 6:15 - From Petrol Station to Garage 12:40 - The Risk of Leaving the High Street 18:20 - Moving to a Commercial Unit 24:30 - Building Systems Before Expansion 30:15 - Controlling Parts and Workflow 36:40 - The Shift Toward Specialisation 44:10 - Becoming a Land Rover Specialist 52:30 - Perception and Premium Positioning 1:01:20 - Lessons in Building Resilience 1:08:45 - Final Thoughts

  • February 6 · 1 hr 3 min

    From Second Guessing to Leading a Garage Business

    Running a garage does not come with a manual. In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Petty, co owner of JP Petty Motors, to talk honestly about what it is really like to learn the motor trade while already carrying the responsibility of running a business. Sarah did not come from a technical background. She learned on the job, asked questions, made mistakes and slowly built confidence in an industry that does not always make space for uncertainty. We talk about running a family garage, the pressure that follows you home, making difficult pricing decisions, learning when to ask for help, and stepping out of the shadows to become a visible leader. This conversation will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like they were figuring it out as they went along. Timestamps 2:00 – Coming into the garage with no technical background 5:10 – Learning on the job and early challenges 8:00 – Moving into a service advisor role 11:00 – Balancing family life and the business 14:00 – Covid and the pressure on the garage 17:30 – The moment everything had to change 20:00 – Learning to ask questions and not guess 23:00 – Knowing what you do not know 26:00 – Stepping out of the shadows 29:30 – Confidence and leadership in the garage 32:30 – Putting yourself out there in the industry 35:00 – Discovering the wider automotive community 38:30 – Information overload and staying grounded 41:30 – Running a family business together 45:00 – Supporting staff and building trust 48:30 – Growth pricing and difficult decisions 52:00 – Vehicle health checks and changing processes 56:00 – Capacity pressure and future thinking 1:00:00 – Final reflections on learning as you go This episode is supported by Castrol and The Race Group.Visit Castrol here: ⁠https://www.castrol.com⁠

  • January 16 · 1 hr 4 min

    The Hidden Costs of Going Solo in The Motor Trade

    In this episode of On The Ramp, Jamie shares an honest account of his journey through the motor trade.From starting out in a small local garage and working through dealerships and independents, to running his own business for nearly a decade, this conversation looks at what life is really like behind the scenes. Jamie talks openly about going mobile with very little planning, the pressure of keeping work coming in, and the reality of long hours with little reward. The episode explores common challenges many garage owners face, including undercharging, fear of employing staff, working without a long term plan, and the isolation that can come with running a one man business. The discussion also covers the difficult decision to close a garage, the emotional impact of locking the doors for the last time, and the relief that can come from stepping away. From there, the conversation moves into growth, learning diagnostics properly, working alongside stronger operators, and finding a healthier balance between work, life, and ambition. This episode will resonate with anyone in the automotive industry who has run a garage, is thinking about starting one, or is questioning what success in this trade really looks like beyond just being busy. This episode is proudly sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group. To learn more about Castrol Service, visit: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/services/castrol-service.html Timestamps: 01:00 - Getting into the motor trade 05:30 - Apprenticeships and early mistakes 06:45 - Leaving the dealer and chasing money 07:50 - Going mobile and starting alone 09:10 - Running a business with no plan 11:00 - Winter work and survival mode 11:40 - First workshop and early growth 14:00 - Working month to month 15:45 - The biggest mistake looking back 19:00 - Long hours and family pressure 25:00 - Realising something had to change 29:30 - Deciding to close the business 36:30 - Learning again and rediscovering the trade 56:30 - Finding balance and enjoying the work

  • Dec 19, 2025 · 1 hr 27 min

    What Modern Diagnostics Demand From Independent Garages

    Modern diagnostics demand far more than plugging in a tool and changing parts. In this episode of On The Ramp, we talk about what working on today’s vehicles really requires from independent garages. The conversation covers process, responsibility and decision making in a world of complex systems, EVs and ADAS. We discuss why fault codes are only the starting point, why structure and method matter, and what happens when diagnostics is rushed or handled without the right understanding. This episode is for garage owners and senior technicians who want to work safely, professionally and sustainably as vehicles continue to evolve. Timestamps: 02:12 – Steve’s background and how diagnostics has changed 06:38 – Why fault codes are only the starting point 11:04 – Moving from parts fitting to proper diagnostic process 18:27 – Teaching technicians how to think, not just test 26:06 – Why process matters more than tools 31:42 – Charging properly for diagnostics and assessment time 38:18 – Intermittent faults and managing customer expectations 44:02 – EVs, ADAS and the responsibility garages now carry 49:28 – Safety risks and why calibration matters 56:08 – Dealer vs independent diagnostics explained 01:02:35 – The future of diagnostics and access to vehicle data 01:08:12 – Burnout, pressure and working smarter 01:15:48 – Raising standards without losing your sanity 01:22:26 – Final thoughts on professionalism in the trade This episode is proudly sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group. Find out more below: Castrol: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home.html The Race Group: https://www.facebook.com/TheRaceGroup/?locale=en_GB

  • Nov 21, 2025 · 1 hr 33 min

    Hiring, Firing & Everything In Between

    We sat down with Jennifer Webb from HR Vitals to break down the HR essentials every garage owner needs to understand. From contracts and onboarding to conflict, conduct and difficult conversations, Jen explains the practical steps that protect your people and your business. In this episode, you’ll hear about: - The most common HR mistakes garages make - What every employee contract should include - How to handle staff issues fairly and legally - Why documentation matters more than you think - The right way to approach sickness, conduct and capability - How good HR creates a stronger, safer and more stable workplace - If you employ people in the automotive industry, this is a must-watch conversation. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why HR matters more than most garage owners realise 02:17 – What HR Vitals actually does for the automotive industry 04:22 – The most common HR problems inside independent garages 07:25 – Quick wins for reducing pressure on owners and teams 1:36 – Handling issues early and avoiding bigger problems later 15:03 – Conduct and capability explained in clear terms 20:18 – Values, behaviour and setting the right expectations 27:03 – What workplace culture really looks like inside a workshop 33:57 – Avoiding confrontation and how it impacts team behaviour 38:51 – Scoring culture and understanding who fits the business 43:19 – Why technicians lose motivation and direction 49:26 – How HR strengthens retention and protects your business 57:10 – Why your mindset affects how you manage people 01:12:00 – How onboarding shapes the first months of employment 01:23:10 – Recruiting the right people and building a stable team This episode is proudly sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group. Find out more below: Castrol: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home.html The Race Group: https://www.facebook.com/TheRaceGroup/?locale=en_GB

  • Oct 31, 2025 · 59 min

    Hidden Struggles In The Automotive Industry

    This week, we sit down with Ellen Plumer from Ben Charity, the organisation supporting everyone in the automotive industry. We talk openly about mental health, financial struggles, and the pressure of running or working in a garage. From business owners to technicians and suppliers, Ben offers free, confidential support when life gets tough.Listen to find out:- How Ben helps anyone in the trade - Why awareness can save lives - The shocking truth: two people in the automotive industry die by suicide every week - What garage owners can do to support their teams - How you can use Ben’s services for free Visit ben.org.uk to learn more or get help today. On The Ramp is proudly sponsored by Castrol, supporting garages that keep Britain moving with trusted oils, lubricants and technology that powers performance every day. 🔗 Learn more about Castrol Service: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home.html Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and why this episode matters 02:13 - What is Ben Charity and who do they support? 06:27 - The unseen struggles in the trade 08:42 - How Ben helps garage owners and their teams 12:36 - Mental health, money, and business stress 16:18 - The stats every garage owner should hear 20:45 - The real cost of not looking after yourself or your staff 25:22 - Coaching and counselling… what’s the difference? 32:09 - Letting people help you 40:37 - How every garage can spread the word about Ben 55:18 - Why awareness keeps the industry strong

  • Oct 10, 2025 · 1 hr 16 min

    Inside D&D Autos Success - 36 MOTs a day!

    From sweeping floors to running 36 MOTs a day... We sit down with Matthew Pestridge of D&D Autos to talk family business, garage growth, diagnostics, and why the trade’s future looks brighter than ever. 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 00:00 – Meet Matthew from D&D Autos Alex and Nathan welcome Matthew Pestridge and introduce his family-run garage in Ashford. 01:00 – How It All Started. The story of how Matt’s dad founded D&D Autos back in 1993. 04:00 – Growing Up in the Garage. Matthew shares early memories, family roles, and what made him join the trade. 07:00 – From Apprenticeship to Ownership. How Matthew learned the ropes, from college days to running the business. 10:00 – Building a Bigger Workshop. The move to an 11,000 sq ft site during the 2008 crash — and surviving it. 17:00 – Training, Tech & Diagnostics. Why D&D Autos invest heavily in upskilling, tools, and ADAS calibration. 25:00 – Running a Family Business. How three siblings keep a large, busy garage running without fallouts. 31:00 – Recruiting & Retaining Techs. Matthew's take on hiring, training, and keeping good people in the trade. 45:00 – Plans for Expansion. Looking ahead to a second site and growing the D&D Autos brand. 58:00 – Lessons for Garage Owners. Matthew's advice on growth, teamwork, and staying hands-on with the trade.

  • Sep 19, 2025 · 1 hr 13 min

    Why Data Is The Real Driver of Success

    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.

  • Sep 5, 2025 · 24 min

    Is this the biggest opportunity in the Motor Trade in the next 5 years?

    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

  • Sep 1, 2025 · 1 hr 21 min

    How Mark Turned a Family Garage Into a Diagnostics Powerhouse

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

  • Aug 15, 2025 · 42 min

    The Problems With Tyres

    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 Tyres 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 opportunities 10:17 – Why 20% of workshop visits are tyre-related 18:02 – Sponsored segment 19:15 – EV tyre failure stats and surprising MOT trends 28:03 – Are EVs entering the aftermarket too late? 35:42 – Selling safety: Why tyre education matters more than ever Subscribe 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

  • Jul 21, 2025 · 1 hr 31 min

    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

  • Jul 4, 2025 · 55 min

    £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