Aftermarket November 2022

NOVEMBER 2022 AFTERMARKET 35 www.aftermarketonline.net in the 4-6 employees’ group. He said: “I am pretty excited for it. I was not expecting to get into the final this year. All the team got really involved as well and have been really excited about it. I am obviously hoping to win, but I am just as happy to have made it this far.” Matt Robinson and Dan Nole- Johnson were representing Rowes Honda from Devon. The business was in the 1-3 employees contingent. They had an interesting connection to both competitions, as Matt explained: “I used to work with Top Technician 2021 winner Kevin Toms when I was an apprentice at FRL Auto Services.” On what they have learned by going through the various stages of the competition, Matt added: “It has helped with staff management.” Meanwhile, Shaikly Motor Services from Colchester were competing in the multi-site group. M.D Rob Porter said: “It is great to be nominated. We were in last year as well. It is so important for us as a garage to deliver a good experience for our staff as well as our customers. It is a team effort.” Owner Michael Shaikly added: “We are excited to be in the final. We work really hard behind the scenes, and it is really good for morale in the business. Everyone is engaged and it would be great to be recognised as one of the top garages in the UK. Happy staff lead to a successful business and they have all been involved from the apprentice up. “ New and old faces Aftermarket visited The Garage Warmington a few months ago, so it was great to see Adrian Smith and his wife Kim, who were competing in the 1-3 employees category. Adrian observed: “I never thought I would get here. There are things I have learned, particularly about running a team.” At this point, we were meeting garages coming out from their sessions with the judges as well as those going in. One of those we encountered was a winner from 2021’s 4-6 employees category, Fergies German Vehicle Specialists, led by co-owners Top Technician 2018 winner Shaun Ferguson-Miller and his wife Nakita Ferguson- Miller. Shaun said: “It has been a good experience, but different; Very marketing-heavy. The semi-final questions were also really unexpected.” Nakita agreed: “It was a different dynamic. Having two judges makes a difference. In a technical industry like ours, things are always changing, and Top Garage reflects that.” Another familiar face from years past in Top Garage was Phil Miller from Millers Motor Services. Reflecting on his experiences in the competition and how it has influenced his thinking, he said: “The first year we made the final it was a massive shock. Then getting to the final and seeing the garages who are there with you drives you to continue the evolution.” In contrast, for Tom Cockings from Robert Cockings Motor Repairs, being in the final for Top Garage was a new experience: “I entered twice, but this is the first time getting to the final. Top Garage is really useful. I have met many garages here, and we are all learning from each other. If one of us makes a mistake, we tell the other one and try not to make the same mistake.” Aftermarket had also visited Oldfields Garage Services, which was competing in the businesses with 10-plus employees group. Proprietor Tim Benson said: “This is my first time in the final. The process has been good. It has given me the chance to reflect and it has opened my eyes. When you are surrounded by good people, which I have always tried to do with the business with suppliers and staff, you will learn many things. Everyone here wants to win, but also want to help each-other.” Another winner from last year was Jackson & Philips Automotive Services, who won in the 10-plus employees category. M.D Aaron Philips said: “It is good to be back. For me, it is about getting out of my comfort zone, speaking to people about how they do things, and testing myself and the garage. Even the build-up process to the finals gets you to look at your business, and think about things from a different point of view. Instead of being in it, you are looking at it from the outside.” Passionate At this point, the contestants for Top Service Advisor started to arrive, and we were able to catch Barrie Stirling from Hunters of Linlithgow just before If I win, customers are going to see they are leaving their car with someone who is passionate, within a business that is passionate ” Above: A & J Fleetcare Ltd Below: Top Technician runner-up John Hall