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.

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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/

In this episode, James Dillon talks about garage business matters with garage owner Jay Wheatley.

Jay took over an established garage business, changed it’s emphasis from generalist to specialist, grew it and then sold it.

Jay shares the trials, tribulations and learning from his journey in an open and frank discussion with James. If you’re a garage owner, and you have either pains or plans, this episode is a must listen.

Jay is now taking his experiences, including his successful garage exit strategy (he has since sold up and moved on), and making himself available to help others with their own garage ownership journey.

Key chapters and takeaways

• Jay’s background
  [00:00:47 – 00:02:22]
• Transition to the Independent Sector
  [00:02:22 – 00:03:57]
• Transitioning a garage from all makes and models to specialist
  [00:03:57 – 00:05:00]
• Business marketing and acquiring new customers
  [00:21:28 – 00:29:56]
• Staff management and training
  [00:24:26 – 00:35:21]
• Challenges of running a specialist garage
  [00:55:00 – 00:57:00]
• Garage Business Consulting
  [01:35:42 – 01:39:50]

More about Jay Wheatley & Absolutely Automotive

Follow their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089057476555

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

Get in touch: https://absolutelyautomotive.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, host James Dillon discusses apprentices in the automotive aftermarket industry with experts Tom Denton and Andy Crook.

They explore the technician shortage and the vital role apprentices have in addressing it. Key topics include the importance of outreach to schools, creating a positive industry image, and providing structured career paths. The conversation also emphasizes the value of mentorship, a supportive workplace culture, and the need for employers to invest in their technicians. Practical advice is given on integrating apprentices into teams and the long-term benefits of developing in-house talent.

Key chapters and takeaways

• The Technician Crisis
  [00:01:10 – 00:02:25
• Challenges in Promoting the Automotive Industry
  [00:02:10 – 00:04:23]
• Career and Pathway Opportunities
  [00:11:02 – 00:16:12]
• Succession Planning
  [00:21:02 – 00:24:46]
• Mentorship
  [00:24:46 – 00:27:36]
• Selecting an Apprentice
  [00:27:36 – 00:32:41]
• Supportive Workplace Culture
  [00:48:17 – 00:55:53]
• Poaching vs Training
  [1:00:00 – 1:06:35]

More about Apprentices and our Guests

Tom Denton: https://www.tomdenton.org/

Andy Crook: https://www.gotboost.uk/

Join the Garage Owners Network: https://www.facebook.com/groups/garageownersnetwork

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.

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In this episode of the Harmonic Motion Podcast, James Dillon is joined by Top Technician judges Ian Gilgrass and Glenn Cutter.

Listen as James, Ian and Glenn talk about the benefits of entering the Top Tech and the Top Garage competitions.

Ian Gilgrass has been active in the Top Technician competition for nearly 20 years. His aim is to improve the automotive industry through training and upskilling, and has been working with various organizations and individuals in the industry to achieve this goal.

Glen Cutter is an expert in training and is currently involved in running City of Bristol College’s heavy vehicle apprenticeship program and the level 4 management program. He aims to improve technicians and business owners knowledge and understanding in the industry.

Key chapters and takeaways

• Judge Introductions
  [00:01:20 – 00:06:15]
• Entry Process and Misconceptions
  [00:10:18 – 00:12:23]
• Judging Criteria and Guidance
  [00:18:02 – 23:12]
• Real-World Application
  [00:24:00 – 00:27:10]
• Structure and Tasks
  [00:27:10 – 00:30:15]
• Judging Criteria
  [00:32:32 – 00:36:15]
• Growth and Development Post-Competition
  [00:50:03 – 00:55:02]

More about Top Technician

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/