Advertise on podcast: On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.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.

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

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

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

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

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

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