On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.

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.