February 2022

T he team at Jackson & Phillips Automotive Services will not forget last year, that’s for sure. The business went into 2021 with a new M.D at the helm, and it was also its 50th anniversary. If that was not enough, they then went on to win Top Garage in the businesses with more than 10 staff member category. Situated a short walk from the centre of Leighton Buzzard in what has gradually become a popular and increasingly built-up residential area, the garage has 16 staff. Managing Director Aaron Phillips explained the set- up: “We are lucky in that we have got quite a big yard, so we’ve got plenty of parking. We’ve just added a new ramp, and we’ve got nine bays and a pit. We rarely use that now, but it’s there if we need it. The MOT area is split into two bays, rather than having a single lane. On top of that we have got all the usual stuff; 3D wheel alignment, both of the air-con machine types, and a dedicated diagnostic bay. MOT is Class 4, 5 and 7 on-site. “Without dumbing it down, we are a Jack of all trades, and we will deal with just about anything that comes through the door. We consider ourselves well-up on the diagnostic side of things, and we are ready for EVs and hybrids. We are true generalists. We have a customer with a Reliant three-wheeler, we have customers with Teslas, we have customers with motor homes and vans. We do 56 AFTERMARKET FEBRUARY 2022 GARAGE VISIT www.aftermarketonline.net We visit Leighton Buzzard to find out more about Top Garage 2021 winner Jackson & Phillips Automotive Services FEEL THE BUZZ fleet work, which means we are dealing with year-old vehicles. We also have a lot of customers with classic vehicles. I had to get involved with one last week we were having trouble with. That was a Mk 1 Ford Capri.” Jackson & Phillips is also part of the Bosch Car service Network. Aaron observed: “I know there is some scepticism among independent garages on whether it is worth the investment, but I do find it valuable. The support from the Business Development Managers, and the support from Bosch in general is great. The branding and the name all help too. We are regularly audited, and they mystery shop us. I am all for regulation as it helps you keep on your toes, and also helps you identify things you might not be doing as well as you could.” History We mentioned the 50th anniversary. The garage was set up in 1971 by Aaron’s father Ron Phillips and his then- business partner Dave Jackson. Aaron takes up the tale: “They were both working at different workshops on the same site when they met, and they decided to start working together. Within six months they moved to where we are now. This was a tanker yard, and they were renting a Nissen hut on the side. Their business started to grow just as the tanker business started to move out to another premises. Bit by bit, we eventually acquired the whole Co-Founder Ron Phillips and his son, current MD Aaron