In a move that surprises absolutely everyone (including me), this episode features me… talking about cars. Don’t panic, this isn’t a sudden pivot to Top Gear. It’s a relaxed, laugh-filled chat with my ever-patient, genuinely brilliant mechanics who have somehow kept my car alive for over 10 years. A car which, at this point, is less “vehicle” and more paperclip attached to a hairdryer with masking tape. And yet, they remain unfailingly polite about it. Saints.

I’m joined by Lindsay Brown from Summertown Garage, a brilliant independent Oxford business that’s been running for 21 years. We talk about how they started, how they got customers through the door in the early days, and what really makes them stand out. Spoiler: it’s not flashy gimmicks - it’s doing the basics brilliantly and genuinely going the extra mile (sorry, terrible pun, couldn’t resist).

There’s also a vital business lesson tucked into the banter: always delete your Google search history, especially when starting a business. Because let’s be honest, Google becomes our therapist, guru, PA, and panic-room!

Subscribe to @TheClusterOx on YouTube for more relaxed chats with brilliant Oxfordshire indie businesses, and if you’re feeling generous, leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen) it really helps others find the show.

This episode is brought to you by The Cluster, co-working and event space in Oxford. Visit clusteroxford.co.uk to learn more.

Recorded and produced by The Pod Collective, the team behind The PodBox OX podcast studio at The Cluster.

This episode is brought to you by The Cluster Co-Working and Event Space in Oxford.

Visit clusteroxford.co.uk to learn more.

Subscribe on YouTube and leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the podcast.

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