#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.”

We’re looking for two team members to join our team, I’d advise you to take a look at our website and social media to see what we get up to

We use the best management system available, offer great training and development opportunities, have excellent facilities, modern and up to date equipment and we continue to invest to move us forward. We also pay well and have a generous holiday allowance, rising to 33 days inc bank holidays.

Customer / Business Manager

Picture yourself standing on the stage, receiving accolades and applause at a prestigious award ceremony. We envision a long-term, stable career for you within our company, where your growth and achievements are recognized and celebrated. We provide a motivated environment that drives your professional development, allowing you to thrive and rise to the top of your game.

Dan will be leaving to pursue other aims and we’ve taken the opportunity to re-evaluate our needs along with out desire to continue progressing and therefore this is a new role within the business. We are looking for someone to oversee the development of our operation, including customer service, sales and operational aspects of customer delivery to enable us to continue to be recognised industry-wide for our customer experience.

Oldfields Garage is searching for the right person to join our team, and we are committed to designing the job role around the strengths and aspirations of the successful applicant. Whether you have managerial experience or not, we believe in providing opportunities for growth and progression within our company. Our goal is to create a long-term successful career, offering stability, recognition, and success. We are dedicated to supporting your professional development and ensuring that you reach your full potential in a rewarding and fulfilling environment.

MOT Tester / Service Technician

We’re sadly losing Andy from our team due to retirement, and we are looking for a new team member to replace his role within the business. We are looking specifically for an MOT tester or someone who wants to obtain their MOT tester licence and in a position that we can can support you to do this straight away.

Along with modern equipment, the staff facilities and business investments you’d expect from a UK leading independent garage, we offer excellent rates of pay as well as other benefits including a generous holiday allowance rising to 33 days inc bank holidays, training opportunities, staff discounts, monthly BBQ, monthly Chippy Friday, industry outings and being a valued part of our exceptional team.

If you’d like to enquire, or discuss the opportunity please Email your CV and why you think you we shouldn’t miss the opportunity to employ you tim@oldfieldgarage.co.uk

I’d like to start by saying a huge thank you to all of our staff for their effort again this year. It’s been another challenging year for the UK and beyond, but our team continue to work hard for Oldfields to help us keep our customers safe and on the road. Our annual Christmas Shut Down will again give everyone a chance to recharge their batteries, spending some time with family and friends.

It’s been another great year for the Oldfields, which has seen us reach the final 4 in our category in the National Competition for “Top Garage 2022” in our first year of being nominated. We’ve made a lot of improvements to the business internally and getting to the Top Garage Final helped to demonstrate the impact of these improvements. We’ve also been selected to join the Castrol Service Network, worked with many automotive trade publications on best practice and also started Servicing Electric & Hybrid Vehicles to ensure we can continue to care for our customers in the future.

THIS YEAR’S CHRISTMAS CHARITY

Earlier in the Year, I, along with some friends raised some money for Macmillan Cancer Support for the Wye Valley Mighty Hike and this year I’ve chosen to support that cause for Xmas instead of sending Christmas Cards. We’ve also donated to and supported many excellent other local causes this year, which you can find out about here.

I’d like to finish by thanking all of our customers for their continued support, and on behalf of the Oldfields Team I send best wishes for the Christmas period. We look forward to taking care of your vehicles in the New Year.

Best wishes, Tim

CHRISTMAS SHUT DOWN

The office, workshop and vehicle hire will be closed for our Christmas shut down from Friday 23rd December, reopening on Tuesday 3rd January at 8:30am. Our last booking day is Thursday 22nd December.

After spending many years running Oldfields and getting it to the point where it is today, Tim is keen to share his experience running a successful independent garage along with working with suppliers, trade publications and associations to help others enhance their products and offerings.

Having been engaged to speak and present at various automotive events and training seminars and also working with a number of original equipment manufacturers on best practice projects and trade articles previously it seems a natural progression to use these skills to help others and the industry as a whole to improve.

As an active OESAA Garage Forum Member (Original Equipment Suppliers for the Automotive Aftermarket), Tim has gained insight from a quality aftermarket supplier perspective, and this adds to his understanding of how the industry works behind the scenes.

For more information visit here www.oldfields-consult.co.uk

Oldfields Garage are delighted to have been chosen to join the Castrol Service Network. Being part of the Castrol network, not only gives us access to one of the most prestigious oil brands in the world, but helps us continue to provide the highest quality service for our customers.

Tim Benson says “there aren’t many garages locally that meet the requirements of Castrol to join their network and it’s fantastic for us to be able to use the Castrol Brand within our business. We’ve spent a lot of time researching products available and carefully sourcing based on quality, value and availability to us to ensure our customers benefit from high quality parts and we’re delighted to add Castrol to our preferred product brands.”

Customers who have their oil change using Castrol Oil can benefit from the “Castrol Engine Warranty” by registering there oil change with Castrol.