Garage Talk Unwrapped - The Podcast

In this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped - The Podcast, we speak to Stuart and Janine from TyreSafe about tyre safety, the risks of poorly maintained tyres and why keeping your tyres in good condition is a responsibility that lasts all year round.

Marking Tyre Safety Month, the conversation explores the importance of tyre maintenance, the potential consequences of driving on illegal tyres and how the automotive aftermarket can help raise awareness and make our roads safer.

Guests:

Stuart Lovatt: Chair, TyreSafe

Janine Danha: Communications Manager, TyreSafe

We talk about:

Why tyres are so important for grip, steering and braking, and why drivers can underestimate their role in road safety

The importance of regular tyre checks, particularly before long journeys and when driving in changing weather conditions

The potential fines, penalty points and legal responsibilities associated with driving on illegal or poorly maintained tyres

The responsibilities of employers and employees when it comes to tyre safety and work vehicles

TyreSafe's year-round campaigning and its mission to reduce harm caused by illegal and poorly maintained tyres

How independent garages, retailers and technicians can help raise awareness in their local communities

The free resources available from TyreSafe to help garages support tyre safety campaigns

This episode is sponsored by BM Catalysts.

📩 Get in touch: [email protected]

▶️ Watch Garage Talk Unwrapped on YouTube

In this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped - The Podcast, we sit down with professional darts player James Wade, better known as The Machine, for a conversation that goes well beyond the oche.

James has been playing darts since he was 7 and has spent 25 years as a professional, but his other great passion has always been cars. From helping out in his dad's workshop as a young child to working on cars and bikes himself today, the automotive world has remained a big part of his life.

Guest:

We talk about:

It's an honest, funny and occasionally very candid conversation with a man who has spent decades at the top of professional darts, while maintaining a genuine connection with the automotive world.

Content warning: James openly discusses his experiences with bipolar, ADHD and periods of poor mental health during the episode.

If you or someone you know works or has worked in the automotive industry and needs support, help is available through Ben's Support for Life on 0808 131 1133 or via their website.

This episode is sponsored by BM Catalysts.

📩 Get in touch: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

▶️ Watch Garage Talk Unwrapped on YouTube: @garagetalkonline

In this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped – The Podcast, sponsored by BM Catalysts, Vicky and Ben are joined by Amanda Webb from FixMyCar to discuss the changing automotive aftermarket and what the future holds for independent garages.

Amanda talks about the recent management buyout of FixMyCar and how it has shaped the direction of the business, with a greater focus on building-term partnerships between the platform and the garages on its network.

The conversation also looks at the pressures facing independent garages, from squeezed profit margins and changing customer expectations to the growing need to invest in electric vehicle (EV) skills, equipment and facilities. Amanda considers some of the difficult decisions garages face as the aftermarket continues to evolve.

Vicky and Ben also explore how FixMyCar's two-sided marketplace works, connecting motorists with garages while giving customers the trust and choice they need when deciding where to have their vehicle repaired or serviced.

With more motorists becoming comfortable with searching, booking and paying for vehicle work online, the conversation turns to the role technology and AI could play in changing the way people find and choose a garage.

Amanda also shares her ambitions for the future of FixMyCar, including growing its garage network and continuing to increase the value it provides to independent garages.

📩 Get in touch: [email protected]

▶️ Watch Garage Talk Unwrapped on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@garagetalkonline

In this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped – The Podcast, sponsored by BM Catalysts, Vicky and Ben are joined by Alex Guslisty, Founder and CEO of Big Atom, to take a closer look at one of the automotive aftermarket’s biggest, and often overlooked, waste challenges: what happens to tyres once they leave a garage?

Around 50 million waste tyres are generated in the UK every year, but how much do garages really know about where those tyres end up?

Alex explains what happens to a waste tyre after collection, why the cheapest collection quote isn't necessarily the safest option for a garage, and what responsibilities garages have when it comes to choosing waste carriers and keeping records.

The conversation also looks ahead to a major change coming in October 2026, when the DEFRA Digital Waste Tracking system is introduced. Alex explains what the new requirements mean for both independent garages and larger tyre businesses, why compliance matters and whether the industry is ready for the change.

Vicky, Ben and Alex also explore the wider future of tyre recycling, including the role of pyrolysis, construction materials and energy recovery, and ask whether the UK needs a more mature and transparent approach to dealing with its waste tyres.

📩 Get in touch: [email protected]

In this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped – The Podcast, sponsored by BM Catalysts, Vicky and Ben are joined by Ross Toomey and Martin Turner from Intermotor Group to explore how rapidly changing vehicle technology is reshaping life for independent garages.

The conversation begins with Intermotor's return to its original name after operating as SMP Europe. Ross and Martin explain the thinking behind the change and what it means for garages and technicians.

From there, the discussion turns to the increasingly complex world of engine management systems. Are modern repairs genuinely more difficult, or are technicians simply facing a different set of challenges?

They also look at some of the biggest issues facing workshops today, including diagnosing modern vehicles, emissions technology and the growing need for specialist knowledge.

The conversation then moves into OE quality, product testing and validation, and the challenge of balancing cost with quality and reliability when choosing components.

And with electrification, connectivity and software-driven vehicle systems continuing to change the automotive landscape, what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for independent garages?

Guests:

📩 Get in touch: [email protected]

In this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped – The Podcast, sponsored by BM Catalysts, Vicky and Ben are joined by Tim Guidotti of Ferdotti Motor Services, a garage with a rich history dating back to 1977. 

Tim shares insights into the evolution of his family-run garage, the significance of training and equipment investment, and how these elements contribute to a successful workshop. 

We also speak to "The Fleet Guy" himself about the world of fleet vehicles, which now make up nearly 60% of all new vehicle sales, including challenges and rewards of transitioning into fleet work, and how garages can enhance their profitability by understanding the unique needs of fleet customers.

Tim emphasises the need for garages to adapt to the changing landscape of vehicle ownership, particularly with the rise of electric vehicles and the shift towards mobility as a service.

Guests:

What you’ll learn:

This episode is a must-listen for garage owners looking to tap into the fleet market.

📩 Get in touch: [email protected]

▶️ Watch Garage Talk Unwrapped on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@garagetalkonline

In this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped – The Podcast, sponsored by BM Catalysts, Vicky and Ben welcome Eleanor Baker Barnes from Apprenticeship Central to discuss the pressing need for young talent in the automotive aftermarket and how to effectively attract apprentices.

What you’ll learn:

This episode is essential for anyone in the automotive sector looking to foster a new generation of skilled professionals and ensure the industry's future success.

In this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped – The Podcast, sponsored by BM Catalysts, we sit down with Ellen Plumer from Ben, the charity dedicated to supporting those in the automotive industry. Ellen sheds light on the vital services Ben provides, emphasising that help is available to anyone who has worked in automotive (and their families), regardless of their circumstances.

The discussion dives into the mental and physical challenges faced by individuals in the automotive sector, including highlighting the impact of stress and anxiety compounded by the ongoing cost of living crisis. Ellen shares insights into how Ben offers holistic support, from mental health resources to financial assistance, and the importance of early intervention before issues escalate.

Listeners will learn about the historical evolution of Ben, its mission to raise awareness within the industry, and the significant role that peer support plays in encouraging individuals to seek help. Ellen also addresses the growing need for a more inclusive environment that acknowledges mental health, particularly in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Guest:

What you’ll learn:

This episode is essential listening for anyone in the automotive industry, offering valuable insights into mental health support and the importance of community within the sector.

📻 We're proud to be supporting Ben with a 24-hour live radio show on 20th August to help raise funds for this fantastic charity. If you'd like to support the challenge, you can donate here: 24 Hour Radiothon - Garage Talk Online

📩 Get in touch: [email protected]

▶️ Watch Garage Talk Unwrapped on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@garagetalkonline

In this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped – The Podcast, sponsored by BM Catalysts, Vicky and Ben are joined by Henry Bisson, Marketing Director at Ring Automotive, to discuss the latest developments in automotive lighting, vehicle safety and the aftermarket.

Henry shares his insights on the importance of quality bulbs, highlighting how poor choices can lead to costly repairs and safety issues. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of vehicle lighting, including the differences between brightness and glare, and the implications of using LED bulbs. As the darker months approach, Henry emphasises the need for consumers to be educated about their choices, especially as modern vehicles become increasingly complex.

The conversation also touches on the relationship between Ring Automotive and OSRAM and how they work together. Henry reflects on the changing dynamics of the aftermarket, the significance of battery health, and the impact of seasonal changes on vehicle performance.

Guests:

What you’ll learn:

Whether you're an aftermarket professional or simply interested in the latest vehicle technology, this episode offers practical insights into lighting, safety and the trends shaping the automotive industry.

📩 Get in touch: [email protected]

▶️ Watch Garage Talk Unwrapped on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@garagetalkonline

In this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped – The Podcast, sponsored by BM Catalysts, Vicky and Ben are joined by Toby Whewell, Sales and Marketing Director, and Holly Brailsford, Marketing Manager at Fras-le Mobility UK. Together, they delve into the world of braking systems, bearings, and the evolving landscape of the automotive aftermarket.

Fras-le Mobility UK may not be a household name for every garage, but the brands under its umbrella, including Juratek, Abtex, and Nakata, certainly are. Toby and Holly discuss how these brands integrate and the challenges garages face in choosing the right components, particularly in the competitive braking market. They also explore the impact of electric vehicles (EVs) on braking systems and the importance of understanding the nuances of product quality versus price.

Throughout the episode, they highlight the significance of proper installation processes and the need for garages to adapt to the increasing complexity of modern vehicle technologies, including the integration of advanced sensors and the implications for diagnostics.

Guests:

What you’ll learn:

This episode offers valuable insights into navigating the complexities of braking and bearing components while preparing for the future of vehicle technology.

📩 Get in touch: [email protected]

▶️ Watch Garage Talk Unwrapped on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@garagetalkonline