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/

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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/

In this episode of the Harmonic Motion Podcast, James Dillon chats with Mick Shaikly, the multi-award-winning owner of Shaikly Motor Group, based near Colchester, UK. Mick shares his journey from banking to expanding his father’s garage business, highlighting the strategic decisions and challenges faced along the way.

James and Mick delve into the origins of the Shaikly Motor Group, which started with a single ramp and has grown into a successful multi-site operation. Mick’s expertise in running a top-notch garage is evident from his recent wins in the large and multi-site garage categories at the Independent Garage Association Awards and Aftermarket Magazine’s Top Garage Competition. These accolades reflect Mick’s commitment to quality service, continuous training, and fostering a supportive work environment within Team Shaikly.

The discussion also covers the importance of staying updated with automotive technology, the value of employee development, and the unique dynamics of working with family members. Mick’s story is a testament to his knowledge and the positive culture he cultivates, driving his team to excel and deliver exceptional customer service.

Key chapters and takeaways

• Early Career and Entry into the Family Business
  [00:01:08]
• Customer Service Ethos and Reputation
  [00:02:09]
• Growth and Expansion of the Garage
  [00:03:50]
• Financial Sacrifices and Risk-Taking in Business Expansion
  [00:06:06]
• Challenges with Warranty Companies and Parts Selection
  [00:12:27]
• Managing Multi-Site Operations and Systemization
  [00:18:00]
• The Importance of Consistent Communication and Team Training
  [00:18:44]
• Attracting and Retaining Employees with Growth Opportunities
  [00:31:08]
• Balancing Family Relationships and Business Decisions
  [00:42:17]
• Setting Boundaries Between Work and Home
  [00:43:05]
• Advice for Other Garage Owners Considering Award Competitions
  [00:53:15]
• The Value of Business Values and Staying True to One’s Vision
  [00:56:32]

More about Mick Shaikly & Shaikly Motor Company

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

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

Get in touch: https://shaiklymotorcompany.co.uk/contact-us/

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 is discussing the Top Garage competition with current judges Ian Gilgrass and Glenn Cutter.

The three of them provide invaluable tips for garage owners on entering and being successful in the competition as well as advice surrounding training, marketing, succession, and business skills.

For those workshops that take part in Top Garage, the benefits are two-fold. Working through the online element of the competition, and then taking part in Top Garage’s finals where garages face the judges can help them focus on what they are good at, and where the business needs improvement.

Key chapters and takeaways

• Judge Introductions
  [00:00:00 – 00:04:09]
• Entry Criteria and Categories
  [00:04:09 – 00:05:14]
• Practical Advice and Real-Life Examples
  [00:11:54 – 00:27:19]
• Business Strategy and Planning
  [00:27:19 – 00:36:11]
• Mentorship
  [00:42:04 – 00:45:54]
• Returning Competitors and Continuous Improvement
  [00:46:06 – 00:53:12]

More about the Top Garage Competition

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

Check out their website: https://aftermarketonline.net/toptechnician-topgarage/

Enter the competition: https://toptech.alianskills.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/