From sweeping floors to running 36 MOTs a day...We sit down with Matthew Pestridge of D&D Autos to talk family business, garage growth, diagnostics, and why the trade’s future looks brighter than ever.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.html00:00 – Meet Matthew from D&D Autos Alex and Nathan welcome Matthew Pestridge and introduce his family-run garage in Ashford.01:00 – How It All Started. The story of how Matt’s dad founded D&D Autos back in 1993.04:00 – Growing Up in the Garage. Matthew shares early memories, family roles, and what made him join the trade.07:00 – From Apprenticeship to Ownership. How Matthew learned the ropes, from college days to running the business.10:00 – Building a Bigger Workshop. The move to an 11,000 sq ft site during the 2008 crash — and surviving it.17:00 – Training, Tech & Diagnostics. Why D&D Autos invest heavily in upskilling, tools, and ADAS calibration.25:00 – Running a Family Business. How three siblings keep a large, busy garage running without fallouts.31:00 – Recruiting & Retaining Techs. Matthew's take on hiring, training, and keeping good people in the trade.45:00 – Plans for Expansion. Looking ahead to a second site and growing the D&D Autos brand.58:00 – Lessons for Garage Owners. Matthew's advice on growth, teamwork, and staying hands-on with the trade.
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1:16:29
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1:16:29
Why Data Is The Real Driver of Success
Tina Drayson returns to On the Ramp to talk about the data every garage owner must track. From workshop efficiency and labour recovery to front of house sales and cash flow, this episode strips it back to the numbers that make or break your business.If you have ever wondered why your team is busy but the bank balance is not, this is the one to listen to.Powered by Castrol and The Blend.
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1:13:40
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1:13:40
Is this the biggest opportunity in the Motor Trade in the next 5 years?
Alex and Nathan are joined by Tim Guidotti (The Fleet Guy) to talk about the rise of fleet work, the importance of building relationships with fleet managers, and how garages can adapt to the industry shift away from private vehicle ownership.We also ask the question - why should a busy garage be concerned about fleet work today?Tim also shares details about upcoming Fleet Guy training, Q&A webinars https://thefleetguy.co.uk , and his session at The Blend. https://www.theblend.events
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24:14
How Mark Turned a Family Garage Into a Diagnostics Powerhouse
This episode of On The Ramp is proudly sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group.👉 Learn more about Castrol Service: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/services/castrol-service.htmlFrom family garage beginnings to building Garage Vitals, Mark shares how diagnostics, OEM tools, and dealer access shaped his journey — and why even top independent garages often need support.We cover the rise of remote diagnostics, the hidden time drain of OEM software, and what SERMI accreditation and vehicle security codes mean for the future of independent garages.👉 Sign up for SERMI: https://rmisc.co.uk/sermi-expression-of-interest/👉 Access vehicle security codes: http://www.autosecuritycodes.comSubscribe for more real stories, honest conversation, and expert insight from inside the independent garage sector.
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1:21:44
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1:21:44
The Problems With Tyres
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.htmlTyres are often treated as an afterthought — but they might be the biggest untapped opportunity in the aftermarket.We sit down with Quentin from GiPA UK to look at the data behind tyre sales, EV wear patterns, MOT failures, and why so many garages are losing out on both retention and new business. From tyre-only depots to MOT regulation, EV fleets to customer psychology — this one’s packed with insight.If you're thinking about the future of your garage, this episode is a must-listen.Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome back: Tyres, research, and missed opportunities10:17 – Why 20% of workshop visits are tyre-related18:02 – Sponsored segment19:15 – EV tyre failure stats and surprising MOT trends28:03 – Are EVs entering the aftermarket too late?35:42 – Selling safety: Why tyre education matters more than everSubscribe for more expert insight, honest conversation, and real stories from inside the independent garage sector.https://beacons.ai/ontheramp#ontheramp #automotiveindustry #independentgarages #EVrepair #gipa #castrol
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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