June 2020

A n open and shut case? Unfortunately, it is more complicated than that. For most businesses, there is a lot to consider when looking at the options during the current situation. 2017 Top Technician winner Karl Weaver is co-owner at Bull Lane Garage. Based in Boughton-under- Blean in Kent. The business is open in a limited way, running at a much lower capacity than usual: “What I have been doing for the last two weeks,” explained Karl, “is opening two mornings a week, just for emergencies and key workers. It is strictly appointment only, where I am just doing a few bits on my own, just keeping it ticking over. The rest I am running from home via the phone and anything else. That is where we are at the moment. “We are all aware of the health risks. My business partner is 70, so it was a no-brainer for him to be furloughed once that option became available. It didn’t seem right that he be there when he is considered a higher risk. Also, as work was getting quieter anyway, it made sense to furlough the rest of the team at that point. It seemed silly to be paying people to stand around increasing the risks to their health. This included my wife, whose role is in the office. She also needed to be at home to look after the children. I know that’s not how you decide from a business point of view, but from a personal perspective and family point of view, it made sense. “The initial plan was to furlough myself as well and just shut the doors, then I was just going to operate from home. Then as the rules around furlough became clearer, it became apparent that I can’t even answer the phone or do any work for the business, if I am furloughed.” Explaining how the business is staying in touch with customers, Karl said: “We have an internet phone system, so I can access the phone from home and take calls there. It is very quiet though, maybe two or three calls a day. We are posting on Facebook, and also trying to drive our Facebook awareness up as well. “ Karl is keeping in touch with businesses in the area too: “The other garage in the village has a slightly different business model to ours. They are also a filling station as well, and the village post office is incorporated too. They look after several fleets, including the Post Office vans, so for them it is better that they stay open albeit with skeleton staff. We are on good terms with them and do some of their diagnostic work. I have spoken to the owner several times over the past few weeks and I feel it's important to stay in touch.” On the parts side, Karl observed: “Both of the factors we use are open, which is very helpful. As for dealer parts, TPS have been very good, and 8 AFTERMARKET JUNE 2020 BIG ISSUE Below: Field’s car centre www.aftermarketonline.net CORONAVIRUS: WORKSHOP VIEW PART TWO We continue to speak to garages right across the UK about how they are reacting to the COVID-19 situation