Oldfields wins another national ‘Garage of the Year’ award

Tuesday 25th March 2025

We’ve gone and scooped another major national award at a prestigious industry event!

Oldfields Garage has been named ‘Garage of the Year’ at the first-ever Castrol Service Conference, held at Celtic Manor in Newport, Wales, on Friday 21st March. The award, part of Castrol’s ‘Forever Forward Awards,’ celebrates independent garages that deliver outstanding service and expertise.

Tim said: “We take immense pride in delivering outstanding service to our customers, and to be recognised among so many of the UK’s leading independent garages is something special.

“Our commitment to investing in technology, training, and customer experience ensures we remain at the forefront, and this award is a reflection of that dedication.”

The Castrol Service Conference brought together more than 260 independent garages from across the UK and Ireland. Attendees took part in workshops on topics such as digital marketing and business management, while also learning about Castrol’s latest products and services. The event ended with a gala dinner, where the ‘Forever Forward Awards’ were presented.

This latest accolade adds to a string of major industry honours we’ve received over the past year.

Tim added: “This award really reflects the hard work of our entire team, and we’d like to thank our loyal customers for their continued support. We’re committed to providing the best service possible and look forward to continuing to serve the local community.”

Oldfields encourages students to explore automotive careers

Monday 3rd March 2025

Students at Lady Hawkins School in Kington, Herefordshire gained valuable insight into the diverse career opportunities within the automotive industry, thanks to an engaging talk by Tim Benson.

Addressing Year 10 and 11 pupils, Tim shared his journey in the industry, emphasising that success is not determined by background or academic achievements.

Highlighting the automotive sector’s role in everyday life, Tim challenged misconceptions that careers in the industry are limited to mechanics or car sales. Instead, he showcased a broad range of career paths, including diagnostics, engineering, software development, and business management.

“It was great to engage with such an enthusiastic group of students and shed light on the many career paths available in the automotive aftermarket,” said Tim. “With rapid technological advancements, we need bright, passionate young people to help drive the industry forward.”

Drawing on his experience growing up in a family-run garage and pursuing further education, Tim underscored the value of apprenticeships as a gateway to rewarding careers. He explained how these programs offer hands-on experience and industry-recognised qualifications, paving the way for long-term professional growth.

Tim also highlighted the sector’s significant contribution to the UK economy, which employs over 813,000 people and generates £24.3 billion annually. As the industry evolves, he pointed to emerging technologies such as electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, artificial intelligence, and advanced diagnostics, all shaping the future of automotive careers.

Encouraging students to explore opportunities in the field, Tim concluded with an open invitation for questions, sparking discussions about the industry’s potential and the exciting prospects it offers.

“It was a fantastic, thought-provoking session on all things automotive,” said Lydia Stevens, Careers Adviser at Lady Hawkins. “Our students and staff truly appreciate employers like Tim who invest in the future of young people.”