NOVEMBER 2023 AFTERMARKET 35 www.toptechnicianonline.co.uk Top Service Advisor: Adrian Bird, Alga Garage Jessica Cobbold, Billingborough Cars and Commericals Terry Felstead, CSN Autos Sharon McCormick, CCM (Ewehurst) Amanda DiFrancescomarino, CCM (Gatwick) Connor Blanning, CM Automotive Bristol Sam Brown, HiQ Tyres and Autocare Ipswich Daniel Anthony Noel-Johnson, Rowes Honda Michael Meaker, Shires Garage Auto Services Miriam English, Torque Monkey James Wheatley, Uckfield Motor Services Wesley Heimann, WJH Autos Ben Workplace Health and Wellbeing: AAK Auto Service Alga Garage Billingborough Cars and Commercials CSN Autos CM Automotive Maitland Motors MMS Technik Ruellans Garage Getting to the finals is definitely an achievement in itself, but to become champions, the finalists had to meet the judges, and put their case. For Top Garage 2023, the judges included representatives from all the sponsors, including regular Aftermarket contributor Damien Coleman from Snap-on. Other judges included BEN’s Ellen Plumer, SimplyDiag Network founder Steve Scott, Technical Topics’ James Dillon, Delphi’s Luke Garratt and TT/TG regular Glenn Cutter. While the various contestants waited for their time with the judges, we were able to hear their stories. One of the first through the door was Matthew Pestridge from D&D Autos in Ashford, who long-term followers of Top Technician will remember as 2018’s runner-up. On his motivation for putting the business into Top Garage, he said: “It has been on my radar for a few years to enter. I’m looking forward to seeing what questions are asked and what is thrown at us.” A more recent Top Technician runner-up then appeared; 2022’s John Hall, whose business was in the competition in the 1-3 employees section. He said: “Sitting down and evaluating your business and looking at what you might be doing wrong is really valuable. I was excited to see how the vetting procedure works compared with the technical tasks of Top Technician.” Yet another winner from 2022, in the 7-9 employees class was Robert Cockings Motor Repairs. Speaking to us after his session with the judges, Owner Tom Cockings said: “It was less nerve-wracking this year, but there was still the element of uncertainty. Last year I took away hints and tips on things to improve in the workshop. I think self-promotion was the big takeaway for me. The public’s perception of the industry is poor, so it’s good to show that there are good garages out there.“ The 2022 winners kept on coming through, with Colchester’s multi-site heroes Shaikly Motor Company up next. Leading the charge was business owner, and Aftermarket’s newest contributor, Michael Shaikly. Alongside him was company M.D Rob Porter. Reflecting on being back, Michael said: “We enjoyed it so much last year. It’s great for the whole business. Winning last year made us want to be even better. Rob observed: “It has given us a passion to improve on where we were. We have really focused on the training, and it has really helped with the engagement. “ We next caught five minutes with Stacey and Andrew Wells from Birmingham’s Auto Works Service Centre, just after they had their time with the judges. Stacey said: “We are really proud to be here, but it is also daunting. The questions the judges ask make you think about what you are doing, and what you need to focus more on.” Back for his third crack at the crown was Ben Thompson from A1 Auto Centre, who said: “Coming to the Top Garage final has become an annual event for us, but I am more confident than the last two times.” Also looking to make three the magic number, but in the 7-9 employees group, was Cleevely Motors, as the eponymous Matt Cleevely explained: “This is our third year in the final, and we are determined to make it third time lucky. We see Top Garage as an opportunity to audit our business. We have learned masses from it. After the first year we looked at our GMS. After last year, we looked at our staffing and customer journey, and made improvements. Even through the process of applying for Top Garage, we learned things to apply in the business.” We next found ourselves talking to 2022 winners in the 1-3 employees class, A&J Fleetcare from Leeds. Coowners Alan and Jeanette Landale were delighted to be back. Alan said: “We are more confident since winning last year. The questions were different, which keeps you on your toes.” Jeanette added: “We are just glad to be back and to be involved, and to see the other garages.” Another winner from last year was Billingborough Cars and Commercials, who won in the 4-6 employees category. This year they had moved up to the 7-9 group. Owner Russ Houlden said: “There are some bigger, well-known industry names in this group, and I am probably more Above: Top Technician finalists outside Delphi Academy
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