This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group. To learn more about Castrol Service, please visit: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home.htmlFinance can be one of the hardest things for independent garages to get right — and one of the least talked about.In this episode, we sit down with Lee Schofield, founder of One Funding, for an honest look at the real challenges and opportunities around funding a garage business.From asset finance to working capital, buying another business to managing risk, this conversation covers the key questions every garage owner should be thinking about. Whether you’re growing fast or just planning ahead, Lee shares practical advice based on years of experience in the industry.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction02:24 – Guest background: About Lee and One Funding03:51 – What are the biggest financial challenges for independent garages?08:43 – Understanding asset finance23:02 – Ensuring you have sufficient working capital30:18 – Sponsored segment31:32 – Managing cash flow and exploring business loans48:47 – How can you finance the purchase of another business?53:29 – What should you look for in a finance provider?Subscribe for more expert insight, honest conversation, and real stories from inside the independent garage sector.https://beacons.ai/ontheramp#ontheramp #automotivebusiness #garagefinance #independentgarage #automotiveindustry
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1:01:36
#27 Starting From Zero With The Car Nerd
This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group. To learn more about Castrol Service, please visit: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home.htmlFrom five-star hotels to fault-finding on the road, this episode dives into the journey of Cathal, better known as The Car Nerd. He didn’t take a traditional path into the trade. After starting in hospitality, Cathal moved into car sales, then built a van business from the ground up. But it was diagnostics — not sales — that truly sparked his interest.We talk about the early days working out of a small yard, how he taught himself remapping, and why he focused on professionalism from the start. From mobile tuning to opening his own workshop, Cathal now runs a growing diagnostics and performance business in Northern Ireland, backed by a Top Gear Tuning franchise and a commitment to doing things the right way.Whether you’re in the trade or just curious about what it takes to build a business like this, Cathal’s story is full of insight, hard-earned lessons, and practical advice.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction02:25 – How did Cathal get started?27:50 – What drives him to keep pushing forward?50:17 – A deep dive into diagnostics01:04:22 – What’s next for The Car Nerd?Subscribe for more expert insight, honest conversation, and real stories from inside the independent garage sector.https://beacons.ai/ontheramp#ontheramp #automotiveexcellence #automotivebusiness #automotiveindustry
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1:18:18
#26 One year in, we reflect and refocus. Business failures, acquisitions, and key hires
This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group. To learn more about Castrol Service, please visit: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home.htmlA full year of On The Ramp and the journey is just getting started. In this episode, Alex, Leo and Nathan reflect on the past 12 months, sharing honest insights about their businesses — the wins, the setbacks, and the bold decisions shaping what’s next.Expect real talk about closing divisions, launching new sites, stepping back from operations, and building tools the industry needs. If you're in the garage trade, this is one to take in.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction03:06 – Business updates from Lindleys Autocentres18:45 – Dack Motor Group update33:43 – Sponsor message34:57 – Walsall Wood Tyre & Service Centre updateSubscribe for more expert insight, honest conversation, and real stories from inside the independent garage sector.https://beacons.ai/ontheramp#ontheramp #automotiveexcellence #automotivebusiness #Automotiveindustry
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54:27
#25 Conversation with Mark Field, IAAF - Fixing the trade from the inside.
This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group. To learn more about Castrol Service, please visit: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home.htmlIn this episode, we’re joined by Mark Field, Chief Executive of the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of the independent garage sector.We explore the real-world impacts of international trade tariffs, the challenge of attracting and retaining young talent, and why it’s time to shift the perception of the trade from within. Mark talks about the IAAF’s evolving role—bridging the gap between suppliers, distributors and garages—and how they're pushing for stronger representation, improved access to data, and meaningful change on key legislation like Right to Repair.Whether you’re on the tools, running a business, or somewhere in between, this episode is a clear look at where the trade is going, and why now is the time to get involved.00:00 – Intro06:10 – Tariffs and Trade: How International Politics Are Hitting the Aftermarket15:14 – Growing the IAAF: What’s Being Done to Bring More Members In?19:38 – Sponsor Break20:52 – Changing Perceptions: Reframing What It Means to Work in the Trade30:42 – Getting Colleges on Board: Fixing the Industry's Talent Pipeline43:50 – Automechanika & Motivate: Giving the Next Generation a Front Row Seat52:00 – Who’s Actually Engaged? The Reality of IAAF Membership Numbers1:02:10 – Access, Data, and the Right to Repair: The Ongoing Fight for Independent Garages1:13:40 – OutroSubscribe for more expert insight, honest conversation, and real stories from inside the independent garage sector.https://beacons.ai/ontheramp#iaaf #automotiveaftermarket #ontheramp #garagesuccess #righttorepair #castrol
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1:14:19
#24 Extracting Yourself from Your Garage: How to Step Back Without Losing Control
This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group. To learn more about Castrol Service, please visit: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/partner-with-us/independent-workshops.htmlIn this episode, we sit down with Jay Wheatley, founder of Absolutely Automotive, to discuss how garage owners can extract themselves from the daily grind and take their business to the next level. Jay shares his expertise as a business consultant, offering practical advice on stepping back from hands-on work, improving efficiency, and building a sustainable, profitable garage.We explore the key challenges garage owners face when trying to transition from technician to business leader, the importance of understanding financials, and why structured processes are essential for long-term success. Jay also dives into the role of specialisation, staff management, and the impact of emerging industry trends on independent garages.If you’re a garage owner looking to work smarter, not harder, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you extract yourself and grow your business.https://absolutelyautomotive.co.uk/help-guides00:00 – Introduction08:02 – Selling a Garage Business: Key Considerations21:18 – Advertisement22:32 – Transitioning into Business Consultancy29:12 – How Can a Garage Owner Step Back from Daily Operations?45:20 – Is Specialising in a Niche Essential for Success?57:20 – Essential Advice for Service Advisors01:07:40 – Future Trends in the Automotive Industry01:19:30 – Stuck in a Rut? How Coaching Can Help Garage Owners Move ForwardSubscribe for more expert industry insights and business strategies.https://beacons.ai/ontheramp#automotivebusiness #garagesuccess #businessgrowth #ontheramp #mechaniclife #automotiveindustry
About On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
We have a simple mission; to connect as many independent garages as possible, with the aim of sharing knowledge and helping to raise the standards of the independent automotive industry.
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