In this episode, James is delighted to be able to chat with Andy Savva – The Garage Inspector.

Andy shares his wide ranging and extensive experience of running a garage business and his mission in helping other garage businesses be the best that they can be. Wherever you are on your business journey, from an aspiring owner/technician thinking about your first business aspirations, or a grizzled old garage owner with a hat full of experience, there is something here for you.

Enjoy!

Key chapters and takeaways

• Andy’s Background 
  [00:01:14 – 00:10:56]
• Higher Education and Dealership Experience
  [00:10:56 – 00:20:35]
• Transition to Training and Consultancy
  [00:25:32 – 00:30:07]
• Balancing Work and Personal Life
  [00:30:07 – 00:35:52]
• The Importance of Business Planning
  [00:47:23 – 00:54:27]
• Understanding Financial Metrics
  [00:54:27 – 01:09:16]
• Valuing Labour and Charging Correctly
  [01:09:16 – 01:18:52]
• Advice for Aspiring Garage Owners
  [01:18:52 – 01:26:23]

More about Andy Savva

The Garage Inspector: https://www.thegarageinspector.com/

Follow their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegarageinspector

Get in contact with Andy: andy@thegarageinspector.com

Get Involved

Are you loving the podcast?

Find your next episode: https://techtopics.co.uk/harmonic-motion-podcast/

Join the Facebook group to get behind the scenes action, previews of unreleased episodes and join discussion about topics from the episodes.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/549573740317836/

In this episode of The Harmonic Motion Podcast, James Dillon interviews Alex Lindley, Managing Director at Lindleys Autocentres and Director of Garage Hive.

They discuss Alex’s journey in the automotive industry, the evolution of Lindleys Autocentres, and the transition to using Garage Hive as a management system. They delve into the challenges and successes of the businesses, the importance of data analysis, effective communication, and pricing strategies. They also highlight the significance of competitive salaries, social media presence, and continuous training for front-of-house staff in the automotive industry.

Key chapters and takeaways

• Alex’s Background and Journey
  [00:01:38 – 00:09:20]
• Handling Branch Mismanagement
  [00:09:20 – 00:11:26]
• Implementing Data-Driven Decision Making
  [00:12:09 – 00:15:30]
• Garage Hive Development 
  [00:15:30 – 00:32:14]
• Balancing Responsibilities and Strategic Growth
  [00:32:14 – 00:42:56]
• MOT Standards and Improvements
  [00:00:38 – 00:40:38]
• Expansion and Strategic Growth
  [00:42:56 – 00:53:26]
• Value of Business Training and Continuous Improvement
  [01:03:00 – 01:08:35]
• Service Advisors’ Critical Role
  [01:08:35 – 01:28:49]

More about Alex Lindley 

Lindleys Autocentres: https://www.lindleysautocentres.co.uk/

Follow their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lindleysautocentres

Garage Hive: https://garagehive.co.uk/

Follow their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garagehive

Get Involved

Are you loving the podcast?

Find your next episode: https://techtopics.co.uk/harmonic-motion-podcast/

Join the Facebook group to get behind the scenes action, previews of unreleased episodes and join discussion about topics from the episodes.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/549573740317836/

We welcomed another group of our Master Technicians into the TT podcast studio whilst they were here at Technical Topics for the Advanced Electronics course.

James, Eugene, Steven, Callum, Malc and Frazer chewed the cud on specialising vs general repair, being clear in client communication and expectations and the integral role software has on modern vehicles.

Enjoy!

Key chapters and takeaways

• About the Master Technicians
  [00:00:41 – 00:05:00]
• Technological Advancements in the Industry
  [00:05:05 – 00:09:02]
• Software Updates and Customer Communication
  [00:18:02 – 23:12]
• Specialisation vs All Makes and Models
  [00:34:12 – 00:41:38]
• MOT Standards and Improvements
  [00:00:38 – 00:40:38]
• Licensing and Regulations
  [00:50:32 – 01:00:04]
• Information and Access to Dealer Tools
  [01:10:46 – 01:20:56]

More about our Master Technicians

Eugene – Autowise: https://www.autowise.ie/

Steven McLeod

Callum Bamsey – https://ccmhelp.co.uk/

Malc Smith – https://martinwrightltd.co.uk/

Frazer Wood – https://ramseyhillgarage.com/

Get Involved

Are you loving the podcast?

Find your next episode: https://techtopics.co.uk/harmonic-motion-podcast/

Join the Facebook group to get behind the scenes action, previews of unreleased episodes and join discussion about topics from the episodes.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/549573740317836/

Welcoming Mr Awesome himself, Steve Scott.

If you don’t know Steve, where have you been? Steve is the founder of automotive community Simply Diag Network – The Automotive Community For Invested Professionals.  

Steve and James talk about Steve’s amazing journey from Automotive Tech To YouTuber and his experiences which set him on the path to creating the Simply Diagnostics Network. You’ll hear about Steve’s early career, his mission in Africa and what drives him to help others to be the best they can be. Known amongst his peers as Mr Awesome, we think you’ll understand why when you discover more about the man, his inspiration and the great work that the Simply Diagnostics Network does for the industry.

Key chapters and takeaways

• Steve’s Background
  [00:01:41 – 00:05:19]
• Time in Africa
  [00:07:05 – 00:13:02]
• Return to the UK
  [00:13:02 – 18:12]
• Founding Simply Diag
  [00:18:12 – 00:26:38]
• Future Goals for Simply Diag
  [00:35:38 – 00:40:38]
• Support and Training for Technicians
  [00:46:46 – 00:48:56]
• Industry Challenges and Solutions
  [01:07:32 – 01:10:04]

More about Steve Scott & Simply Diag

Follow their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplyDiag

Check out their website: https://www.simplydiag.net/

Get in touch: live@simplydiag.net

Get Involved

Are you loving the podcast?

Find your next episode: https://techtopics.co.uk/harmonic-motion-podcast/

Join the Facebook group to get behind the scenes action, previews of unreleased episodes and join discussion about topics from the episodes.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/549573740317836/

Tina Drayson is the operations manager at CCM, manages an award winning, multi-site garage. On this episode, she joins James as they discuss all things garage business management.

CCM is an award-winning group of garages located in the South East of England. With her background in data statistics, Tina started at the company in accounting and bookkeeping. Her role at CCM expanded organically over the years until she reached the pinnacle – co-ownership. Now, Tina is the Operations Manager for all branches of the company.

James and Tina share invaluable tips about people management and navigating the financial landscape, they delve into decision-making dilemmas and the essence of effective leadership.

Key chapters and takeaways

• Tina’s Background and Career Path
  [00:02:05 – 00:04:55]
• Mentorship and Personal Development as a Business Owner
  [00:05:20 – 00:09:16]
• Transition Back to the Workforce After Family Leave
  [00:07:11 – 00:09:16]
• Work-Life Balance and Flexible Workplace Culture
  [00:09:16 – 00:12:17]
• Challenges of Managing Multi-Site Operations
  [00:24:15 – 00:26:38]
• Making Data-Driven Decisions
  [00:27:01 – 00:29:02]
• Strategies for Reducing Business Friction and Streamlining Operations
  [00:39:15 – 00:41:18]
• Setting Effective Labor Rates and Maintaining Profitablility
  [00:51:45 – 00:56:04]

More about Tina Drayson & CCM

Follow their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ccmgarage1

Check out their website: https://ccmhelp.co.uk/

Get in touch: https://ccmhelp.co.uk/contact/

Get Involved

Are you loving the podcast?

Find your next episode: https://techtopics.co.uk/harmonic-motion-podcast/

Join the Facebook group to get behind the scenes action, previews of unreleased episodes and join discussion about topics from the episodes.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/549573740317836/

Jennifer Webb is the owner of HR Vitals, an automotive aftermarket HR specialist consultantcy. She and her team offer critical HR support and comprehensive services to independent garages throughout the UK.

This episode is tailored specifically for small automotive business owners looking to build a strong, motivated team. James and Jen dive into practical HR strategies that can transform how garage owners manage their teams, address staffing challenges, and create a supportive workplace culture.

Jennifer brings her expertise in people management and gives key advice to garage business owners on how HR can improve employee retention, business operations and profitability.

Key chapters and takeaways

• Jennifer’s Journey to HR and People Management
  [00:01:29]

• Unique Challenges in the Automotive Industry
  [00:10:50]

• Team Profiling Learning Preferences and Communication Styles
  [00:14:31 – 00:19:05]

• Building Trust Through One-on-One Meetings
  [00:39:08]

• Technician Shortage and Retention Strategies
  [00:45:18]

• Supporting Mental Health and Self-Care in the Workplace
  [00:14:31]

• Training Needs Analysis and Development Plans
  [01:14:04]

• Leadership and Self-Awareness for Business Owners
  [01:22:09]

More about HR Vitals

Follow their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvitals

Check out their website: https://hrvitals.co.uk/

Get in touch: https://hrvitals.co.uk/contact/

Get Involved

Are you loving the podcast?

Find your next episode: https://techtopics.co.uk/harmonic-motion-podcast/

Join the Facebook group to get behind the scenes action, previews of unreleased episodes and join discussion about topics from the episodes.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/549573740317836/