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

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⁠⁠⁠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.html

In 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-guides

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.

⁠⁠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.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?

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⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp

#evs #electricvehicle #training #ontheramp #automotiveexcellence #automotivebusiness