On The Ramp

04/07/2025

New Podcast Out Now – Womanic Ltd

Louise Baker didn’t buy a garage or take over a unit. She built her business from the ground up — with £500, no qualifications, and a toddler in the van.

After leaving the motor trade and hitting rock bottom, she started Womanic from a car park. Today, she’s fully booked, working on her own terms, mentoring the next generation, and leading an all-female team on her new show Auto Angels.

This episode is about self-belief, purpose, and building something that actually makes you happy — not just money.

If you're in the trade, this one will hit home.

🎧 Listen here: https://youtu.be/5db9larFeUU?si=8kUo0M8vsn_48YGr
This episode is proudly sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group.

28/06/2025

Next episode of Your Garage filmed, this time we take a look around Lindleys Autocentres latest acquisition and Alex and Nathan discuss with Managing Director Paul Wright the expansion strategy, the harsh reality of expansion and what the plan is to get this one off the ground, there’s a lot of work to do!

This episode will be released later next month.

Thanks as always to George Davies & Jack Donohoe for the producing and filming and to 1Tec Auto Hub for the continued support.

24/06/2025

Feedback like this reminds us of the reason we started this podcast in the first place, it's way more work and effort than it might seem, but as long as it's making a difference to people we will keep it up. Thank you for the feedback Ian! ❤️

20/06/2025

New Podcast Out Now – FIFE AUTOTECH LTD VW AUDI SEAT SKODA SPECIALIST

Chay Bblyth didn’t inherit a business or buy someone else’s garage. He built it from nothing — during lockdown — with £5k in savings, no safety net, and a young family to support.

From leaving his job to hitting £1M turnover in just 3 years, this episode is about backing yourself when it matters most, obsessing over quality, and refusing to cut corners.

If you're in the trade — or thinking about going out on your own — this one’s essential listening.

🎧 Listen here: https://youtu.be/cFU6RCSGiC4?si=HLFnDehYftQ1DoTo

This episode is proudly sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group.

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...

06/06/2025

New Podcast Out Now – One Funding

Finance is one of the biggest hurdles — and opportunities — for independent garages. But it’s rarely talked about openly.

In this episode, we’re joined by Lee Schofield, founder of One Funding, for a straight-talking look at how garage owners can approach finance the right way.

From funding equipment, managing cash flow, and buying another business, to avoiding the common pitfalls — this is the kind of practical advice every garage owner should hear.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group.

Listen here:

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...

04/06/2025

We’re at the LKQ stand today in the Motorvate area to speak to college students about the industry and the opportunities available!

23/05/2025

New Podcast Out Now – The Car Nerd

Cathal didn’t follow the usual route. He left a stable job in car sales, started flipping vans, and ended up building a diagnostics business from the ground up — learning everything along the way.

From mobile remapping to a fully equipped workshop, this episode is about backing yourself, learning as you go, and fixing what others map around. No shortcuts, no guesswork — just proper graft.

If you’ve ever built something from scratch, this one’s for you.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group.

Listen here: https://youtu.be/iil6wCsQIho?si=iWN-a5sVNq8bajHz

09/05/2025

New Podcast Out Now – Episode 26

A year into On The Ramp, Alex, Leo and Nathan sit down to talk honestly about what’s changed in their businesses — and what’s next.

From closing a division and opening new sites, to shifting leadership and building tools that didn’t exist, this episode is about making difficult decisions, backing your team, and learning from failure. It’s not about success stories — it’s about real ones.

If you work in this industry, this one’s worth your time.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group

Listen here: https://youtu.be/GcDv9RvTCmQ?si=fJvAdGRD6TrppGO4

25/04/2025

Your Garage Episode 7 is live!

In this episode, we visit Auto Works HQ in Birmingham to see how they’ve turned a compact unit into a high-performing, digitally savvy garage.

We explore how Andy Wells and his team have built a strong workshop culture, streamlined their space, and embraced social media to reach new customers and engage their community. With a full-time content creator, daily workflow systems, and a clear focus on brand building, this episode offers a modern look at what’s possible in the independent sector.

Whether you're looking to improve your digital presence or make better use of your workshop space, there’s plenty to take away from this one.

You can watch the episode here

https://youtu.be/H3ZtcIIngHk?si=GWJAd_UEGZAOm21F

This episode is kindly sponsored by 1Tec Auto Hub – Supporting the future of independent garages.

18/04/2025

Episode 25 of the On The Ramp podcast is live now!.

This week, we’re joined by Mark Field, Chief Executive of the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF)—an organisation that’s quietly become one of the most important voices in our sector.

We talk openly about where the trade is heading. From rising global tariffs and political pressure, to the staggering dropout rates in colleges, and why the perception of our industry still doesn’t match the value it delivers every single day.

Mark also shares how the IAAF is changing: opening its doors to independent garages, pushing for better access to data, and building stronger links between suppliers, distributors and technicians.

It’s a conversation about trust, responsibility, and the future of a trade that keeps the UK moving, often without the recognition it deserves.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqXHc9l53VQ&t=1254s

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...

04/04/2025

Episode 24 of the On The Ramp podcast is now available on all major platforms!

This week, we are joined by Jay Wheatley, founder of Absolutely Automotive, to discuss one of the most significant challenges facing garage owners—extracting themselves from daily operations to focus on business growth and long-term success.

Jay shares his expertise on transitioning from technician to business owner, implementing effective processes, and understanding financials to ensure a garage operates efficiently and profitably. We also explore the role of specialisation, staff management, and the future of independent workshops in an evolving industry.

Running a successful garage is about more than just technical expertise—it requires strategic thinking and strong leadership. If you are looking to step back from the tools and take control of your business, this episode is essential listening.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group.

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...

27/03/2025

👇🎥 New YG episode coming soon.