nervous this year. Last year I could go in as an underdog. Now people might have an expectation. We entered last year as a way to improve our processes. Winning made me make the changes we needed.” Kent-based AAK Autos were competing in the 10-plus employees category, and were also up for the BEN Workplace Health and Wellbeing. M.D Anthony Jahlly said: “This is humbling, but you also see things that you can improve upon. We were the first ones in, and we enjoyed it.” East Sussex garage Uckfield Motor Services were also competing in the 10-plus group, with their Service Advisor James Wheatley in the running for Top Service Advisor. Speaking to Aftermarket before meeting the judges, Director Edward Cockill said: “Being in Top Garage reinforces what you are doing. I always keep a close eye on the best garages in the country and to be in the top 10 is a nice place to be.” We then encountered 2021 10-plus employees winners Jackson & Philips Automotive Services’ Aaron Philips, who was competing in the same group for 2023. He said: “It’s good to see so many garages entering. The competition encourages you to to look at your business from the customer’s perspective.” In 2022, the garage’s Service Advisor Michael Francis was the winner of the inaugural Top Service Adviser award. Aaron noted: “It helped me understand his position better. It reinforced the importance of customer service. It has been fantastic for the business, as has Michael.” Suffolk-based Drive Green Vehicle Services was opened two years ago by David Wilson, and was competing in the 1-3 employees group. Explaining why he had entered, David said: “We wanted to better ourselves as this will develop us, but also show the customers we are 100% invested in them and our garage.” He added: I am a friend of Neil Currie’s and I was with him on the night when he won Top Technician 2019. I never imagined that I would be a finalist in Top Garage.” Scarborough’s Alga Garage was looking to win in the main competition and on the Service Adviser side. Owner Adrian Bird said: “This is our first time in Top Garage, but I have competed in Top Technician before.” On his experiences so far, Adrian said: “I have met people on the same wavelength as me, who want to improve the trade. I have learned loads from the process, and that there are more people like me who are trying to shut the cowboys out.” Also up for Top Service Adviser was Miriam English, from Chelmsfordbased Torque Monkey. She said: “I am really excited to be here. Even if I came last I can say I was a finalist, and that encourages potential customers to come to our garage.” Surrey/West Sussex multi-year multi-site contestants CCM were really going for multiplication in 2023. Service Advisors from both their sites up for Top Service Advisor. Amanda DiFrancescomarino was from the company’s Ewhurst garage. She said: “I was delighted to be nominated, and I am very proud to be here, but I am not looking forward to meeting the judges! One of the main things that got me here was the support from colleagues. I hope I learn something from the process.” Her colleague Sharon McCormick was from CCM’s Gatwick outlet. She observed: “I have been in the role for 18 months, but I have been in customer service for 24 years. It is great to get this far and I am looking forward to seeing what I take away from the experience. There is always something to learn.” CCM’s Operations Manager Tina Drayson, who is also now head of the IAAF’s garage section and a regular contributor to Aftermarket to boot, observed: “We are absolutely delighted to be back at the final. This is our third year in a row.” Co-owner and founder Stuart White, who was also 2010’s Top Technician champion, said: “We are always learning, and Top Garage makes us reflect on ourselves.” Tina interjected “I have lined up some garage visits to those who have won to see what they are doing.” Stuart added: “You win or you learn.” Top Technician and Top Garage Awards Evening Following the finals at Delphi Academy, the contestants from both competitions then made the trip up to the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Coventry, where the Top Technician and Top Garage Awards Evening 2023 would be held. Before the main event, a drinks reception took place that was sponsored by Premier MOT Training. The guest speaker for the main event was James Dillon, and there was live music from The Parachutes. Of course, what everyone wanted to know was who the winners were. 36 AFTERMARKET NOVEMBER 2023 TOP TECHNICIAN AND TOP GARAGE 2023 www.toptechnicianonline.co.uk Above: Top Technician and Top Garage finalists and winners Below: Top Technician and Top Garage Awards Evening
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