Top Garage 2022 Finalists!

Tuesday 20th September 2022

We’re absolutely thrilled to have made it through to the Live finals of Top Garage 2022. Top Garage is seen as one of the “Big One’s” in the industry and making the shortlist from the thousands of garages throughout the UK is a real accolade. We regularly receive excellent customer feedback from our daily feedback request through our management system, but to receive recognition from the industry is the cherry on the top.

The finals will see Oldfields Director Tim grilled by 2 industry experts on 1st October at Delphi Technologies Training Centre in Warwick to find out how we operate, what are our plans and why we think we should be considered to be the “Top Garage” in our category.

Tim said “we’re over the moon to be flying the flag for Herefordshire among a whole host of amazing garages from the length and breadth of the UK. We try really hard to provide excellent service levels and continue to develop our business with our aim of being the best independent garage in the area. None of this would be possible without our excellent team. Our customers will know Dan and Katie on our customer service side but behind the scenes Kevin, Andy, Sam, Chris and Joe in our workshop help ensure we continue to offer a high quality service”. Tim paid special mention to “Mum and Dad” adding “Oldfields wouldn’t be here if Mum and Dad [Paul and Cheryl Benson] wouldn’t have started us on our journey 30 plus years ago. I know they are proud of what we have achieved and I hope to continue making them proud in the future.”

To view all the finalists, visit Top Garage 2022 finalists announced – Aftermarketonline.net

Potential European Block Exemption Rule Changes

Tuesday 22nd March 2022

By Tim Benson

In response to the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations’ impending expiration in May 2023, I feel that there is significant concern within the Automotive aftermarket sector that needs to be addressed. As an independent garage it is vital that we can retain the right to repair and maintain our customers’ vehicles, but I do empathise with manufacturers who make huge investments in developing vehicles.

With the potential law changes coming, the impact will be felt throughout the whole of the UK in the coming years. I believe manufacturers will quietly go about snuffing out the independent garage sector unless we fight to protect our access to data, information and vehicle systems. Individually it would be impossible for us to fight this cause, but collectively, with groups and bodies like the IAAF (who understand the mechanics of dealing with government organisations), we can lobby and push back to ensure there continues to be a level playing field for all garages for many years ahead.

As I said earlier, I do have empathy for manufacturers who spend millions of pounds developing vehicles and dealers who spend significant sums to be part their franchise networks. Personally, I feel it is right that we should commit to investing in our businesses and technicians to ensure that we can carry out work to the standard expected by a manufacturer. There should be a level of “vetting” to ensure that vehicles are worked on by suitable competent garages. This should however be accessible. I can understand that vehicle manufacturers wish to protect their dealership network but preventing customers from choosing another provider is unreasonable and unfair.

Independent garages need to continue to be allowed access to correct technical information at a fair price and vehicle systems should not be blocked for repair by suitably competent garages, to enable us to continue to provide a high value proposition that’s a real alternative to main dealers. Only then can vehicle owners, our Customers, have fair choice.