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

In this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped – The Podcast, sponsored by BM Catalysts, we welcome Quentin Le Hetet from GiPA to discuss the evolving landscape of the UK’s automotive aftermarket.

Quentin shares insights on how the pandemic has dramatically altered the car parc demographics, with a significant drop in new car registrations leading to an ageing fleet. He explains the implications for garages, particularly as vehicles move into the 5-9 year age bracket, which typically sees increased mechanical issues.

We also discuss the importance of understanding customer preferences when it comes to parts and services, highlighting the need for garages to engage in meaningful discussions with their clients about quality versus price. Quentin touches on the growing significance of tyres in the market, especially as electric vehicles (EVs) become more prevalent and require specific maintenance approaches.

Additionally, we explore the challenges of diagnostics in workshops, the need for training and proper tooling, and the rising importance of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) calibration as the industry adapts to new technologies.

Guest:

What you’ll learn:

If you're a garage owner or involved in the automotive industry, this episode provides valuable insights into navigating the current market challenges and preparing for the future.

📩 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 sit down with Neil Grant, Managing Director of HELLA Ltd, the UK arm of a major global automotive supplier with a long-standing presence in lighting and electronics.

From OE lighting and electronics through to diagnostics, ADAS and workshop equipment, HELLA is more than a parts supplier. Neil explains how the business supports the independent aftermarket with OE-quality products, technical information, training resources and remote diagnostic support designed to help workshops keep vehicles moving.

This conversation looks at how HELLA operates across a wide and complex product range and what that means when supporting garages in a rapidly changing industry. Neil also shares his perspective on the increasing complexity of modern vehicles, and why access to diagnostics capability, training and technical support is becoming increasingly important for workshops.

He also discusses HELLA’s significant growth in electronics, the return to thermal management, and the company’s “360 degree solution” approach for supporting garages across diagnostics, equipment and parts.

Guest:

In this episode you’ll hear about:

If you work in the automotive aftermarket, run a workshop, or are responsible for repairing and maintaining vehicles, this episode provides insight into how a major OE supplier is supporting the independent garage network.

📩 Get in touch: [email protected]

In this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped - The Podcast, sponsored by BM Catalysts, Ben and Vicky sit down with Jo Knowles, Event Director of Automechanika UK and the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event.

Register for the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event here: https://forms.reg.buzz/uk-garage-and-bodyshop-2026/garage-talk

Jo talks about how she ended up in the events world, originally aiming for festivals before moving into automotive, and why properly understanding the aftermarket matters when putting on events for the industry.

We get into what actually makes people turn up to events, the role exhibitors really play, and what’s changing in the way shows are run.

There’s also a look ahead to this year’s UK Garage & Bodyshop Event, including new features, more focus on education, and how the industry can do a better job of bringing new people through the door.

Guest:

What you'll learn:

If you’re involved in the automotive industry or planning to attend the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event, this episode gives you a proper look at what’s happening behind the scenes and what to expect.

🎟️ Register here: https://forms.reg.buzz/uk-garage-and-bodyshop-2026/garage-talk

📩 Get in touch: [email protected]

In this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped – The Podcast, sponsored by BM Catalysts, Vicky and Ben sit down with Tony Yates from Schaeffler.

Tony shares his journey from a difficult start in his school life to becoming a driving force behind a fantastic training initiative in the aftermarket, Wrenches & Wisdom. It’s an honest conversation about confidence, careers, and why the industry needs to do more to support the next generation.

The discussion tackles the real reasons garages hold back from taking on apprentices, from time pressures to past bad experiences, and why that mindset needs to shift. Tony explains how Wrenches & Wisdom is helping bridge the gap between suppliers, colleges and workshops, giving apprentices practical knowledge from day one.

Guest

What you’ll learn

📩 Get in touch: [email protected]