#TeamOldfields have done it again! This time we’ve made the final of the Small Independent Garage of the Year in the Independent Garage Association BIG Awards 2024!

Last year at the BIG awards we were in for the Community Engagement Award and this year we’ve made it into a different category. We’ve been on a real run over the last 2 years making several other finals and picking up two awards.

Tim Benson, Director said “I’m so happy for the team to have made another final. It’s a real testament to the efforts everyone puts in to ensure our customers receive the highest levels or care and their vehicle the best quality work. These awards are open nationally and receive entries from all over the UK. It’s fantastic to be considered among these amazing garage businesses.”

We’ll be attending the Glitzy event on September 20th where we’ll be hoping to pick up our 3rd national award in 12 months, along with other amazing automotive aftermarket businesses.

To see the list of other nominated finalists visit IGA | BIG Awards Finalists 2024 | (independentgarageassociation.co.uk)

PLEASE NOTE: We are not actively looking for new start apprentices at the moment, however if you have already started an apprenticeship and are in a workplace that you don’t feel values or supports you, please do get in contact.

We’re looking for the future of Oldfields! Are you the right fit to join our Award Winning Team as an apprentice technician?

We’re keen for the best people to join our business and we have great success in helping apprentices progress and develop, offering opportunities for additional training and a great working environment. Take Owen for example, who is Level 3 Electric Vehicle Qualified before he has even completed his full apprenticeship.

You’ll firstly need to be interested in vehicles and their maintenance. We are looking for a good attitude, able to communicate effectively and a strong willingness to learn and develop. We’ll be inviting successful applicants for a trial run so you can spend some time in the workshop working alongside one of our team.

Who is this for?

We’re keen to get the right person to join us and would consider a school leaver, someone who has completed a year at college on the full time course or someone who has worked in industry but is looking for a better environment with more opportunities to develop.

How should you apply?

If you’d like to be considered for an apprentice position with us email your CV along with a short paragraph on why you’d like to work with Oldfields to tim@oldfieldsgarage.co.uk.

When should you apply?

Don’t leave it too late to apply, we’ve filled one position and once we’ve filled the next position it’s gone! We’re looking to make sure we have an apprentice ready for this September intake with the aim of bringing someone into our team sooner rather than later.

Oldfields recently reaffirmed its commitment to excellence by actively participating in The DPF Doctor Conference 2024 held in Newcastle. The event saw four members of the team joining peers from garages across the UK to enrich their knowledge base.

The conference agenda was brimming with enlightening seminars led by Automotive Aftermarket experts. Topics ranged from Information Systems and Diagnostic Processes to Setting Targets and leveraging Data effectively. Attendees also had the opportunity to delve into practical DPF Case Studies and glean insights from a presentation by DC Lubricants on additives.

Tim, took the stage to share insights on the pivotal role of building strong customer relationships with the right customers, underscoring the longstanding legacy of excellence spanning over three decades.

Reflecting on the conference, Tim commended the team’s commitment to continuous learning and development. He highlighted their willingness to invest personal time in learning and networking with industry peers, based in the UK and internationally, as a testament to Oldfields Garage’s dedication to professional growth.

Tim stressed the importance of providing opportunities for training and development within the company, emphasizing Oldfields Garage’s culture of fostering excellence and innovation.

Returning from The DPF Doctor Conference 2024, the Oldfields Garage team brings back not only newfound insights but also valuable connections. Staying abreast of industry trends and best practices, Oldfields remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering unmatched service to its customers for years to come.

PRESS RELEASE FEB 2024 – CAT MAG 2024 WINNERS

A hugely popular Leominster garage has become the first in the country to win two of the most coveted awards in the industry simultaneously, to underline its status as the nation’s finest.

Oldfields Garage has scooped the Independent Garage of the Year title at the Car Aftermarket Trader’s prestigious CAT Awards 2024 at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester. The accolade arrives hot on the heels of winning the Top Garage 2023, which is widely known as the most sought after silverware in in the automotive retail industry.

Based in Enterprise Park and owned by Tim Benson and his parents, the family business was once again praised for its customer service and painstaking approach to vehicle diagnosis and repairs, where no stone is left unturned and motorists are kept informed through regular, real-time dialogue.

Oldfields Garage is one of the town’s oldest and most popular garages and owner Tim Benson was quick to praise his 9 strong team for making the successes possible.

Tim said: “I couldn’t be prouder of the team, because without them none of our success is possible. Sam and I went to these awards, but it really is a team effort.”

“It is extremely rewarding to be acknowledged in this way, because a CAT Award is amongst he most highly respected prizes anywhere in the aftermarket.

But what makes me prouder is that judges acknowledged the work we do to drive standards and give each and every customer the best possible experience. We were informed by judges that we received several nominations from people in the industry, which really adds Kudos to what the team have achieved.”

“This is only possible because of the team we have in place. We are all from the local area and we care passionately about giving the community an offering that they can be proud of.”

CAT’s editorial lead Will Rimell said: “Oldfields Garage showed that no matter the challenge, especially those we experienced last year, such as parts shortages and high amenity costs, it can always be overcome.

“Congratulations to all our winners, to everyone who was shortlisted, and thank you to those of you who came from far and wide to attend.”