Shows
Professional Motor MechanicMaking the Most of ADASAccording to many, the future of driving is driverless. In the meantime, however, cars feature an assembly of aids which assist drivers to a greater or lesser degree. However, without correct calibration in the workshop, ADAS can’t function correctly. In this episode, PMM speaks to A1 ADAS’ Iain Molloy to find out more.This episode is sponsored by Wynn's
2025-12-0922 minProfessional Motor MechanicSERMI UnlockedThe SERMI scheme is finally coming to the UK, so what’s it all about? The IGA’s Jon Douglass tells PMM everything garages need to know about how it can help your business. The scheme enables garages to access security information from the vehicle manufacturers via a single portal. Will you be signing up?This episode is sponsored by Wynn's
2025-11-2622 minProfessional Motor MechanicCrunching the Numbers with the IMIPMM visits the IMI at their headquarters to chat to Emma Carrigy, head of research, careers and inclusion. Emma is behind the organisations statistical reports and in this episode she goes into great depths about what the automotive aftermarket looks like currently and what it needs to look like in the future to face the rapid technological advances underway in the wider automotive sector. Thanks to Wynns for being this month’s sponsor - https://www.wynns.uk.com/pro/
2025-10-3036 minProfessional Motor MechanicWill photo evidence really reduce MOT fraud?80% of fraudulent MOTs are down to so-called ghost MOTs – MOTs carried out without the vehicle even being present at the test station. We reported recently that the DVSA were trialling photo evidence as part of the MOT process in a bid to tackle this. Will it work? We spoke to MOT Juice’s Dave Long to find out.Find out more about the Rising Talent Award at https://pmmonline.co.uk/rising-talent-award
2025-07-2923 min
Professional BuilderLicence to buildIn the latest edition of the Professional Builder Podcast we talk to the Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, Brian Berry about the trade association’s ‘licence to build’ campaign.Licence to Build | FMB, Federation of Master BuildersIn our sponsored content we explore the Bosch range of VDE hand tools and its electrical testers. VDE hand tools: Insulated hand tools Hand toolsElectrical Testers: Electrical testers Measuring technology
2025-06-3020 minProfessional Motor MechanicSeeing both sides of the EV debateElectric vehicles are just one of a number of routes open to governments to reduce emissions, but they have become the focal point for both praise and rage among the general population. What fuels this volatile debate often begins with the media. How journalists and experts discuss the future of powertrain technology therefore needs to be more open, honest and willing to compromise. In this episode, PMM editor Kieran Nee talks to fellow journalists Stuart Woolley from GarageWire (www.garagewire.co.uk) and John Shepherd, editor of Aftermarket magazine (www.aftermarketonline.net), as well as industry expert To...
2025-06-2550 minProfessional Motor MechanicHow will US tariffs affect your garage?In a globalised world where parts cross borders many times before ending up reaching the consumer, decisions made by one government can have far-reaching consequences. Whilst the headlines surrounding Donald Trump’s latest tariff rises (and climbdowns) have centred on the vehicle industry, it is more unclear what they mean for the aftermarket. In this episode, Kieran Nee talks to the IAAF’s Chief Executive, Mark Field to try and get some clarity on what effect tariffs could have on your garage. This episode is sponsored by Schaeffler, whose REPXPERT Alistair Mason can be h...
2025-05-1427 min
Professional BuilderChoosing the right fixingsThe Construction Fixings Association (CFA) was set up in 1979 to encourage and promote best practice for fixings in the construction industry. For the latest episode of the Professional Builder Podcast, we sat down with Chris Middleton, General Manager of the CFA, who has over 30 years of experience running fixings and fastening companies, to find out why best practice is important and common mistakes for tradespeople to avoid.
2025-05-1316 minProfessional BuilderIt’s the Battle of the Brickies at Super Trowel 2025!The Super Trowel 2025 bricklaying competition is bigger than ever this year with regional heats around the country before a final on August 13th & 14th at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire.This month’s Professional Builder podcast is from the Southern Regional where we speak to Super Trowel founder, Ashley Francis and his fellow directors, Jack Dawson, and Joe Short, along with competitors on the day and judges.
2025-04-0715 minProfessional Motor MechanicWhat’s New with the MOT?PMM takes a look at a survey doing the rounds about proposed changes to the MOT and how the industry has reacted. We also take a look at a new phenomenon – that of the MOT desert, and chat to GOPHR, the company which has highlighted the problem. -----To read the articles mentioned in this episode and for more Aftermarket news, check out the PMM website at https://pmmonline.co.uk
2025-04-0419 minProfessional Motor MechanicOriginal Equipment: What’s the Big Deal?PMM takes a deep dive into the subject of original equipment, separating fact from fiction and weighing up the eternal question: What’s the big deal?-----To read the articles mentioned in this episode and for more Aftermarket news, check out the PMM website at https://pmmonline.co.uk
2025-02-2819 min
Professional BuilderUniting The Trades Against Tool TheftWe report from the 2025 Trades United Van Rally. Hundreds of tradespeople gathered in their vehicles to travel in convoy to Parliament Square to protest about a lack of action to combat tool theft. We hear from the attendees about some of their shocking experience of being victims of crime, and what they want government and the authorities to do.In our sponsored content, we talk to Chris Murray, Bosch UK Power Tools Trainer about the health and safety advances in the manufacturer’s accessories range. Bosch has committed to designing a whole range of solutions and the fu...
2025-02-2127 minProfessional Motor MechanicWould you Open a Workshop in 2025?With rising costs on one hand and ageing vehicles on the other, there are upsides and downsides to taking the plunge on starting a car repair business this year. We discuss the matter with Matt Wrankmore from FixMyCar and our special guest host for this episode, Phil Curry, editor at AutoRepairFocus. Most importantly, though, what counts is your opinion as a garage owner. Luckily, we’ve got that covered too! -----See what our guest host, Phil does normally at https://autorepairfocus.comFind your local garage at https://www...
2025-01-2741 minProfessional Motor MechanicHow to keep your technicians happyHow good are you at dispute resolution in the workplace? Are you sure you’re focussing on the good your techs do as much as any issues which arise? Could you run the people side of your workshop as well as the mechanical side? These are the issues we explore in this episode of the PMM Podcast.
2024-12-2032 minProfessional Motor MechanicHow has the aftermarket changed in 20 years?Mechanex-PMM Live is celebrating its 20th anniversary in November, when it comes to Sandown Park in Surrey on Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 13th November. To mark this special occasion, the PMM Podcast is looking at how the aftermarket and car repair more generally has evolved over the last 20 years. We spoke to the IAAF’s Neil Pattemore and the IGA’s John Douglass to find out more. This episode is sponsored by Dewalt Automotive
2024-11-0736 minProfessional BuilderEnergy Efficiency and the Future Homes Standard (Part Three)In this month’s episode of the Professional Builder Podcast, we’re continuing our series on energy efficiency and the Future Homes Standard. This time we’re talking to Dr. Richard Jack, Technical Director at Build Test Solutions. Listen on to find out how measured energy performance can help tradespeople improve the UK’s housing stock and save big on homeowner energy bills.
2024-10-2828 minProfessional Motor MechanicPMM In Conversation With… Andy Savva, the Garage InspectorEver thought your golf course chats should be a podcast? Well, so did we! And who better to hit the fairway with than the Garage Inspector, Andy Savva? Listen as we discuss all things aftermarket related and get Andy’s unique take on what workshops should be paying attention to going forward.
2024-10-0931 minProfessional Motor MechanicApprenticeships in ActionThe industry needs more apprentices, no one can dispute that. However, it’s easier said than done and many small independent workshops struggle to find, hire and retain younger staff – let alone train them up! We visited an apprentice, Tia Marsh and her tutor at East Coast College, Matt Yeldham, to see what some of the challenges facing apprentices themselves were. Throughout this episode, you will be confronted with an interesting, funny and moving portrait of the industry we all work to improve every day.
2024-09-0430 minProfessional Motor MechanicLooking after classic carsThe classic car market is a growing one, bringing a touch of prestige to drivers across the country. But who are those drivers? And is it true that the classic car owner is still primarily a DIYer tinkering away in the garage? Well, to answer those questions and get a better idea of what opportunity classic car repair and maintenance offers to independent garages, we travelled to Clayton Classics in Coventry to speak to Director Dean Allsop. Listen to this episode to find out more.
2024-08-0833 minProfessional BuilderFinding the UK’s best bricklayerAs an important part of British construction and British culture in general, it seems odd that there’s not really been much in the way of events celebrating bricklaying. It’s a trade that requires a lot of skill (and a very long time) to master. Three bricklayers that clearly thought the same are Ashley Francis, Joe Short and Jack Dawson, the founders of Super Trowel. Now in its second year, the competition and exhibition, that looks to find the country’s best bricklayer, is back and bigger than before with the final taking place on August 8th in t...
2024-08-0131 min
Professional BuilderTogether, Stronger with Band of BuildersIn this instalment of the Professional Builder podcast we talk to Band of Builders CEO, Gavin Crane about the vital financial, practical and wellbeing support that the charity is providing to the UK construction industry.Band of Builders | National Charity for Tradespeople – Band of Builders LtdIn our sponsored content, Sian Holland, Key Account Manager at Bosch Professional Accessories provides some insight into the many features and benefits of the carbide technology in the manufacturer’s drill bits and blades.Bosch power tools | Bosch Professional (bosch-professional.com)
2024-07-1014 minProfessional Motor MechanicLike Father, Like SonFather-son garages are the powerhouse behind the independent aftermarket. They provide a rock solid base on which UK car repair not only survives, but thrives. How many times do you come across a garage owned by a father whose son also helps out on the workshop floor? It seems that car repair is particularly likely to feature that familial bond that just adds a little warmth to the working day. But what happens when the time comes to pass that garage down to the next generation? How easy is it to relinquish control and place the fate of your...
2024-07-0334 minProfessional BuilderTrades United Van RallyIn the latest episode of the Professional Builder podcast we report from the Trades United van rally in Parliament Square and talk to some of its organisers and participants. With tool theft reaching what has been described as epidemic proportions, a group of tradespeople recently decided to take a stand. The van rally saw builders, plumbers and electricians from across the country come together to throw a spotlight on the issue and urge the government to do more. For more information visit ‘STOP TOOL THEFT’ Westminster Rally - Professional Builder (probuildermag.co.uk)
2024-07-0214 minProfessional Motor MechanicThe Skills Crisis: Is Money the Answer?That the automotive aftermarket is in the midst of a skills crisis can hardly be doubted. Many workshops are complaining that they don’t have the staff to keep up with the amount of work they are presented with and tales are often told of technicians who have left the industry for far easier jobs elsewhere, pocketing more each month in the process. In times like these, the knee-jerk reaction is to raise wages and attract more staff. The only problem is that wages have gone up, quite considerably in fact, and still the problem of attracting new staff – and...
2024-05-2142 minProfessional Motor MechanicHow well is the MOT working in 2024?The Government has now published its findings and response to last year’s consultation and call for evidence on the MOT, looking at the frequency of the test and what amendments and updates the DVSA could make to the test to bring into line with current passenger vehicle landscape. But whilst the Government is focussing on the cars and technology of the future, are they forgetting what makes the MOT work in the first place? Namely the thousands of MOT testers themselves, many of whom often feel frustrated that their experiences and opinions are being ignored. In this...
2024-04-2338 minProfessional BuilderSupporting The TradesIn this month’s edition of the Professional Builder podcast we talk to two commendable organisations who are each championing the wellbeing of construction workers.Falls from height remains the biggest cause of fatalities in construction. The Ladder Association’s avowed ambition is for everyone who climbs a ladder to come back down safely and represents an invaluable source of training, information and guidance on the issue. We talk to Executive Director, Peter Bennett, OBE, about what the not-for-profit industry body is doing to promote the safe use of portable ladders. To view some of the resources the La...
2024-04-2319 min
Professional BuilderEnergy Efficiency and the Future Homes Standard (Part Two)Energy efficiency is one of the hottest topics in the UK construction industry. The cost-of-living crisis, high energy prices, the upcoming Future Homes Standard and government Net Zero aspirations are all contributing.In the last episode we spoke to Professor Will Swan, Director of Energy House Laboratories at the University of Salford about the Energy House 2.0 project. This initiative has been measuring the energy efficiency of two detached houses built inside an environmentally controlled chamber. In this episode we’re speaking to Tom Cox, Construction Solutions Director at Saint-Gobain, who, along with Barratt Developments, are respo...
2024-03-2031 minProfessional Motor MechanicProfiting from EVs with Matt CleevelyLike ‘em or loathe ‘em, EVs are out driving around on British roads as we speak and many of them are now outside of their manufacturer warranty period. What does this mean? Well, according to EV specialist Matt Cleevely, this offers the perfect opportunity for independent garages like yours to make some money, which is always a good thing! This episode, Freya catches up with Matt Cleevely to see what the fuss is about EVs (spoiler – they’re really fun to drive), whilst Kieran visits our new headline sponsor LKQ Euro Car Parts to find out what they’re d...
2024-03-1835 minProfessional BuilderEnergy efficiency and the Future Homes StandardEnergy efficiency is one of the hottest topics in the UK Construction Industry at the moment. The cost-of-living crisis, high energy prices, upcoming Future Homes Standard and government Net Zero aspirations are all contributing to this. Professional Builder’s Edward Kelly interviews Professor Will Swan, Director of Energy House Laboratories at the University of Salford. This department is responsible for Energy House 2.0 - a massive building with two environmental chambers inside, each able to accommodate two detached houses and under temperature-controlled conditions. Professor Swan tells us what this project has taught us about energy efficiency in UK hom...
2024-02-1426 minProfessional Motor MechanicAre fake parts on the rise?This month the PMM Podcast team are setting out to answer a simple question: Are fake parts on the rise? The answer is, of course, anything but simple. In this episode you will find out what manufacturers, trade organisations and even the police are doing to tackle illegitimate parts infiltrating the aftermarket. As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, the temptation to cut corners grows ever stronger. Yet, as the conversations in this episode of the podcast prove, when it comes to fake parts, if something feels too good to be true, it usually is....
2024-02-1329 minProfessional BuilderMaster At WorkThe Federation of Master Builders is the construction sector’s largest trade association and is run by its members for its members. Its strategic direction is, however, determined by the Board of Directors, the chair of which is the National President. Elected for a period of two years the current incumbent is Chris Carr. In post since November of last year, we asked the MD and founder of Cleethorpes-based housebuilder, Carr & Carr what his priorities will be for his term of office?
2024-01-0925 minProfessional BuilderWomen in the TradesIt’s estimated that just 5-6% of tradespeople in the UK are women. When gardeners and landscapers are removed from the equation, this figure could be as low as 2%. While this figure is on the rise, the UK Construction Industry is still in the midst of a skills shortage, with an ageing workforce and a demand for tradespeople far outweighing supply.With all of that in mind, Professional Builder’s Edward Kelly speaks to Mica May, Head of Development at Stopcocks, the national franchise of women plumbers, to get the story behind the organisation and find out how...
2023-12-1230 minProfessional Motor MechanicGetting garages through hard timesIt’s time to start rethinking health and wellbeing in the automotive aftermarket. Too often discussions around mental health are held in isolation from all the other issues that affect our overal health and wellbeing. It’s time to acknowledge that how healthy we are physically, how satisfied we are professionally and how comfortable we are financially can all impact our mental health. Whether it be stress, anxiety or even depression, the root cause could be found in your workshop. Luckily, we in the aftermarket have access to one of the best health and wellbeing charities around: BEN...
2023-11-1524 minProfessional BuilderZone Out! Is The ULEZ Expansion Bad For Business?There has been concerns raised amongst builders’ merchants – and the SME tradespeople who are their customers – that the recent Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion will make Greater London a significantly more difficult area in which to operate. As a result of the zone’s boundary changes there is a £12.50 daily charge on non-compliant vehicles across all London boroughs. This means that anyone using a diesel van registered before September 2016, or petrol van registered before January 2006, is now charged to travel almost anywhere within the M25. There is a significant proportion of small business owners in the secto...
2023-11-1423 minProfessional Motor MechanicGearing up for Mechanex 2023Are you ready for the UK’s longest-running aftermarket trade show next month? Listen to this month’s episode of the PMM Podcast to get revved up for Mechanex, taking place at Sandown Park Racecourse, 7-8th November. Hear what show sponsors Mann+Hummel and Alldata are bringing and why they think Mechanex-PMM Live is an opportunity you can’t afford to miss. We also speak to seminar speaker Darren Darling about DPFs and how following a set process can change your business. And if that wasn’t enough exhaust talk for you, PMF editor Tom Henman s...
2023-10-1335 minProfessional BuilderThe time for heat pump action is nowThe heat pump is a renewable energy technology that has long been identified as having real potential in decarbonising our housing stock. At the same time – with the right skillset – installers can capitalise on an increased public appetite with what is set to become a growing and lucrative business opportunity. We talk to Grant UK Technical Design Manager, Stuart McWhinnie about what the air source heat pump manufacturer is doing to help tradespeople get involved. Stuart provides an overview of the systems themselves, the training on offer and the Grant UK range.For further information on Grant UK v...
2023-10-1023 minProfessional BuilderFighting Tool Theft TogetherTool theft and vehicle crime is on the rise and, if a builder falls victim to unscrupulous thieves, the impact can be devastating. Van Watch is a worthy initiative that has ambitions to reduce the number of offences perpetrated against hard working tradespeople. This industry coalition is supported by some of the sector’s biggest names, and is offering practical help and advice, as well as lobbying government to take the issue more seriously. We talk to Van Watch Chair, Ray Stafford about the campaign, whilst we also hear from ordinary builders about their all-too familiar experiences of tool th...
2023-09-1922 minProfessional Motor MechanicSupply and Demand: Why UK Garages are Cleaning UpIn this episode of the Professional Motor Mechanic Podcast, PMM’s Editor Kieran Nee interviews the automotive aftermarket’s numbers man – Quentin Le Hetet, Country Director UK at GiPA. Since the pandemic and to now as we’re navigating the depths of the cost-of-living crisis, it can often feel like garages barely keeping their heads above water. However, Quentin is here to tell us that this might actually be the time for independent garages to thrive. The ageing car parc coupled with drivers continuing to spend money on their cars whilst cutting back in other areas, means UK indep...
2023-09-1230 minProfessional Motor MechanicWomen In The WorkshopIn this month’s episode of the PMM Podcast, PMM’s News & Product’s editor Freya Coleman visits the woman behind Womanic – Louise Baker. Louise has used her experience running a successful workshop to promote the trade to women and has even appeared on TV to spread her message that the automotive workshop is the perfect place for women to find a trade. Join Freya and Louise in her workshop where they discuss the challenges facing women entering the workshop and what we can all do to create a more diverse workforce. Also in this episode, join Profession...
2023-08-0830 minProfessional Motor MechanicIndustry InsightsAftermarket trade shows offer the perfect opportunity to catch up with leading figures in the industry. Here, the PMM team brings you three great interviews from the recent Automechanika show touching on the big issues affecting the independent aftermarket. So come along with the Freya Coleman and Kieran Nee, presenters of the Professional Motor Mechanic podcast to chat with Steve Nash of the IMI, Mike Bewsey from the VLS and Bill Fennell of the Motor Ombudsman to find out what challenges the sector is facing and how the organisations that stand up for you are dealing with ke...
2023-07-1127 minProfessional BuilderTradespeople In DemandThe Independent Builders Merchant Group (IBMG) prides itself on being close to its customers and that makes the business uniquely placed to identify the challenges that tradespeople face. In this episode of Professional Builder’s podcast we talk to IBMG CEO, Martin Stables about current trends in the repair, maintenance and improvement sector and what local builders are doing to maintain a healthy pipeline of projects. The organisation has also undertaken some fascinating research on workloads and the types of jobs that small and medium sized construction companies are taking on.For further information on th...
2023-06-2221 minProfessional Motor MechanicClassic Cars: The ComebackWhen it comes to car lovers, there are two ends of the spectrum. At one end are the classic car lovers – they love proper vintage motors, authenticity and heritage; at the other, the EV crew – nothing is more blissful to these people than silently gliding around town looking for charge points. One company is making it its mission to bring these two factions together, dragging classic cars into the 21st century and giving electric cars a cooler vibe. Join the PMM team as we visit Fellten, a company manufacturing EV-conversion kits for the classic car market, to find o...
2023-06-2028 minProfessional Motor MechanicStriving for SuccessGarage Hive's Garage Industry Trends data platform recently collected and released a load of data from all the MOTs done in the UK in 2021 so we invited Alex Lindley down to our studio just after the data was released to the industry to find out more.Featured: Alex Lindley, Garage Hive
2023-05-1627 minProfessional BuilderTaking on an apprenticeMany tradespeople may well be thinking of taking on an apprentice – or would like to. There is, however, a perception that the process is time consuming and complicated, especially for a small business owner.We speak to Ruth Scarrott, NFRC Head of Careers, who offers some useful help and advice on taking on and retaining apprentices.If you’re an employer that’s looking for further support, the following links would be useful.National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) https://www.nfrc.co.uk/careers/employers/recruitingCITB New Entrant Team - newe...
2023-05-1630 minProfessional BuilderBuilding better mental healthAn average of two construction workers are taking their own lives every day and 20% of recorded absences in the sector are due to stress, anxiety & depression. In this episode of The Professional Builder Podcast, host Lee Jones talks to Bill Hill, Chief Executive of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, to discuss mental health issues.Bill talks through some of the reasons the mental health problem is prevalent in the construction sector, shares some sobering stats around suicide and offers some advice and support on how to tackle the issue.Also in this episode...
2023-04-2627 minProfessional Motor MechanicVisiting an NHS workshopYou might imagine that your workshop has little in common with the Make Ready Centres across the country which keep the NHS’s fleet of vehicles up and running, ready to respond to emergencies at any moment. Well, as we discovered when we visited the South East Coast Ambulance Service in Banstead, many of the pressures and challenges faced by the independent sector are also affecting the NHS. Listen as we take you into the workshop where high mileage ambulances get serviced and repaired, and we discuss the advantages and challenges of running an NHS workshop.
2023-04-1121 minProfessional BuilderKnees to knowHow are your knees? Whilst we routinely safeguard our heads with hard hats and our lungs with masks far too many builders are risking crippling injuries by kneeling on hard and uneven surfaces without protection.In this episode we go knee-deep into this vital health & safety issue. We hear from GP Alice Fitzgibbon about how builders can avoid bursitis and osteoarthritis. You can also get some knee protection advice from ToughBuilt, the episode’s sponsor, who has launched a KneelSmart KneelSafe campaign and provides an extensive range of kneepad solutions for the trades.There’s also...
2023-03-1631 minProfessional Motor MechanicMOT MadnessIf you’re concerned about the latest MOT proposals from the government, you need to listen to the latest episode of the PMM Podcast. Cars have never been so advanced, with ADAS and autonomous driving increasingly taking care of road safety and modern engines maximising emissions efficiency. What’s more, cars communicate with their drivers in ways they have never done before. So, the big question the government is asking is: Does the MOT still need to be an annual test? To get a straight answer, we visited garages to find out what they are...
2023-03-1427 minProfessional Motor MechanicAll about OilHave recent oil shortages really plunged the automotive aftermarket into the dark days of the 1970s (bell bottom overalls, anyone?), or is there more to be optimistic about as the true worth of engine oil is finally acknowledged? This month, the PMM podcast takes you on a journey to find out all about oil – the secret ingredient making cars more efficient than ever. In the episode, Mike Bewsey, Chairman of the Verification of Lubrication Specifications, demystifies some of the jargon surrounding oils and explains why they’re getting so complicated. Meanwhile, Witham Group’s Nigel Bottom offers some interesting insigh...
2023-02-1422 minProfessional BuilderEmbracing the makers: Lime and decorative plasteringHeritage plastering is a creative craft, and it’s spreading into the mainstream. This episode, host Lee Jones heads to South Derbyshire to meet a master of this traditional art, the highly skilled Philip Gaches.Philip – who’s been undertaking and teaching decorative plastering for 44 years – discusses the relevance and benefits of lime plastering in 2023. Philip tells us its creative and financially rewarding, plus a bunch of other reasons it’s worth adding it to the ol’ skillset.Jacobean, Elizabethan – find out what’s behind these niche plastering processes.Did we mention Phil’s plastered some o...
2023-02-0723 minProfessional Motor MechanicPMM: The Best Bits 2022We've been podcasting for 7 months now! And as a special, festive gift to you, we've put together some of our best bits from the podcast in 2022.Kieran and Freya reminisce over garage visits, conversations with industry experts, mechanics and those who are the future of the industry.Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at PMM. We'll be back in February with a brand new episode.
2022-12-2710 minProfessional Motor MechanicWhat will the future of mobility look like for the aftermarket?What if the aftermarket’s leading figures sat down to discuss the impact the government’s push towards electrification could have on the independent aftermarket? Now there’s an idea. This episode we visit the aftermarket trade show Mechanex, where just that happened. We got five of the UK’s most well-known commentators on stage to share their thoughts and expertise on where mobility could, and should, be heading. PMM News and Products Editor, Freya Coleman updates listeners on the latest news affecting the aftermarket, while Tom Henman shines a light on the prospect of drivers doi...
2022-12-1327 minProfessional Motor MechanicDiagnostics: The Problem Finder For MechanicsThe average new car has over 100 sensors, 100 electrical components and as many as 1400 semi conductor chips. Modern cars provide a level of comfort, security and efficiency that previous car makers could only have dreamed of. The catch? Each of these components is one more thing which can fail, and when they do, finding out where the issue is, what’s failed and why can be a truly herculean task. This is where diagnostics comes into play. In this episode, Professional Motor Mechanic editor Kieran Nee explores what diagnostic equipment is on offer to UK...
2022-11-1530 minProfessional Motor MechanicFighting for the Right to RepairAre cybersecurity concerns being used to unfairly squeeze out the independent aftermarket from competing against franchised dealers? This episode we are looking at how vehicle manufacturers are restricting access to vehicle data and what effect that is having on workshops. Professional Motor Mechanic editor Kieran Nee visits Neville Smith at his workshop, Nev’ll Fix It, along with Neil Pattemore, technical director at UK AFCAR, to find out more. Neil is working on the frontline when it comes to ensuring the aftermarket retains fair access to vehicle data and is the country’s leading expert on the issue...
2022-10-1736 minProfessional Motor MechanicElectrification: should garages go all-in?As more and more Local Councils receive funding to deliver electric charge points across their boroughs, should garages be focusing on electrification?This episode we focus on electrification and the future of mobility. Professional Motor Mechanic Editor Kieran Nee speaks to Andy Brooke – a leader in vehicle diagnostic tools and automotive training – who’s here to share his thoughts on electric vehicles, and how workshops can respond to their arrival. Andy is an engineer and a businessman, and works with the IMI, the IAAF and the UKAF.This episode also features the first Professional Motor Factor...
2022-09-1537 minProfessional Motor MechanicFinding the car technicians of the future...Recruiting car technicians is proving difficult for UK garages. School leavers just aren't choosing it as a career option. At the same time, mechanics are retiring and EU citizens are leaving. So what can garage owners do to secure new recruits?In this episode Kieran Nee - editor of Professional Motor Mechanic Magazine - speaks to automotive apprentices and graduates, to find out why young people aren't choosing to be workshop technicians.3He also speaks to Gavin White, CEO of training and recruitment specialist Autotech, about what garages can do to find valuable recruits. Last...
2022-08-0931 minProfessional Motor MechanicHow to price jobsThis episode looks at the importance of pricing jobs right and offers some top tips for Garage workshops.Pricing jobs is something garages often struggle with. With mounting pressure from customers to lower car repair costs, garages are often left wondering, what is the right amount?We speak with two garages in Walthamstow about how they price jobs as well as Jon Douglass, Membership Services Manager at the Indpependent Garage Association.Tina Drayson, Operations Manager at Garage group CCM, also gives her tips to pricing your jobs better.We also head...
2022-07-1223 minProfessional Motor MechanicWhere's my part? Supply shortages in the UK aftermarketAutomotive supply chains have been thoroughly disrupted by international events over the last two years. For the UK's independent garages, this has led to delays for parts and price increases.In the first episode of The Professional Motor Mechanic Podcast (PMM), the PMM team speak with three local garages about the supply chain challenges they’re facing and how it affects their workshop. The team also catch up with two aftermarket insiders - Julian Woods, chief executive of the Garage Equipment Association and Marc Wise, sales manager at Shaftec – about how suppliers are responding to the challenge but...
2022-06-1425 min