Garage Talk Unwrapped - The Podcast

Episode 21 - Braking boundaries with Fras-le Mobility UK - Sponsored by BM Catalysts

In this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped – The Podcast, sponsored by BM Catalysts [https://bmcats.com/], Vicky and Ben are joined by Toby Whewell, Sales and Marketing Director, and Holly Brailsford, Marketing Manager at Fras-le Mobility UK. Together, they delve into the world of braking systems, bearings, and the evolving landscape of the automotive aftermarket.   Fras-le Mobility UK may not be a household name for every garage, but the brands under its umbrella, including Juratek, Abtex, and Nakata, certainly are. Toby and Holly discuss how these brands integrate and the challenges garages face in choosing the right components, particularly in the competitive braking market. They also explore the impact of electric vehicles (EVs) on braking systems and the importance of understanding the nuances of product quality versus price.   Throughout the episode, they highlight the significance of proper installation processes and the need for garages to adapt to the increasing complexity of modern vehicle technologies, including the integration of advanced sensors and the implications for diagnostics.   Guests: * Toby Whewell - Sales and Marketing Director, Fras-le Mobility UK * Holly Brailsford - Marketing Manager, Fras-le Mobility UK   What you’ll learn: * The challenges garages face when selecting braking and bearing components * The role of electric vehicles in shaping braking system requirements * Why understanding product quality is crucial in a competitive market * The importance of installation processes and diagnostics in ensuring safety * How marketing strategies are adapting to the evolving automotive landscape   This episode offers valuable insights into navigating the complexities of braking and bearing components while preparing for the future of vehicle technology.   📩 Get in touch: hello@garagetalkonline.co.uk [hello@garagetalkonline.co.uk] ▶️ Watch Garage Talk Unwrapped on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@garagetalkonline [https://www.youtube.com/@garagetalkonline]

Episode 20 - Decoding the UK's car parc with Quentin Le Hetet - Sponsored by BM Catalysts

In this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped – The Podcast, sponsored by BM Catalysts [https://bmcats.com], we welcome Quentin Le Hetet from GiPA to discuss the evolving landscape of the UK’s automotive aftermarket.   Quentin shares insights on how the pandemic has dramatically altered the car parc demographics, with a significant drop in new car registrations leading to an ageing fleet. He explains the implications for garages, particularly as vehicles move into the 5-9 year age bracket, which typically sees increased mechanical issues.   We also discuss the importance of understanding customer preferences when it comes to parts and services, highlighting the need for garages to engage in meaningful discussions with their clients about quality versus price. Quentin touches on the growing significance of tyres in the market, especially as electric vehicles (EVs) become more prevalent and require specific maintenance approaches.   Additionally, we explore the challenges of diagnostics in workshops, the need for training and proper tooling, and the rising importance of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) calibration as the industry adapts to new technologies.   Guest: * Quentin Le Hetet - Country Director UK, GiPA   What you’ll learn: * The impact of COVID-19 on car registrations and the subsequent effects on the automotive aftermarket * Why understanding customer needs is crucial for garages * The role of tyres in the maintenance of EVs and traditional vehicles * Challenges and opportunities in diagnostics and ADAS calibration * The importance of ongoing training and investment in the garage sector   If you're a garage owner or involved in the automotive industry, this episode provides valuable insights into navigating the current market challenges and preparing for the future. 📩 Get in touch: hello@garagetalkonline.co.uk [hello@garagetalkonline.co.uk]   ▶️ Watch Garage Talk Unwrapped on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@garagetalkonline [https://www.youtube.com/@garagetalkonline]

Episode 19 - The HELLA evolution with Neil Grant - Sponsored by BM Catalysts

In this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped – The Podcast, sponsored by BM Catalysts [https://bmcats.com/], Vicky and Ben sit down with Neil Grant, Managing Director of HELLA Ltd, the UK arm of a major global automotive supplier with a long-standing presence in lighting and electronics.   From OE lighting and electronics through to diagnostics, ADAS and workshop equipment, HELLA is more than a parts supplier. Neil explains how the business supports the independent aftermarket with OE-quality products, technical information, training resources and remote diagnostic support designed to help workshops keep vehicles moving.   This conversation looks at how HELLA operates across a wide and complex product range and what that means when supporting garages in a rapidly changing industry. Neil also shares his perspective on the increasing complexity of modern vehicles, and why access to diagnostics capability, training and technical support is becoming increasingly important for workshops.   He also discusses HELLA’s significant growth in electronics, the return to thermal management, and the company’s “360 degree solution” approach for supporting garages across diagnostics, equipment and parts.   Guest: * Neil Grant - Managing Director, HELLA Ltd   In this episode you’ll hear about: * How HELLA has evolved from lighting specialists into a wider workshop and aftermarket solutions provider * Why electronics has become one of HELLA’s fastest growing product areas * Neil’s view on how future vehicle technologies may shape the industry * The return of thermal management and why it is important for HELLA * How diagnostics, remote support and ADAS equipment fit into workshop support * Why training and technical information are increasingly important for technicians   If you work in the automotive aftermarket, run a workshop, or are responsible for repairing and maintaining vehicles, this episode provides insight into how a major OE supplier is supporting the independent garage network.   📩 Get in touch: hello@garagetalkonline.co.uk [hello@garagetalkonline.co.uk] ▶️ Watch Garage Talk Unwrapped on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@garagetalkonline [https://www.youtube.com/@garagetalkonline]

Episode 18 - Inside automotive events with Jo Knowles - Sponsored by BM Catalysts

In this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped - The Podcast, sponsored by BM Catalysts [https://bmcats.com/], Ben and Vicky sit down with Jo Knowles, Event Director of Automechanika UK and the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event.   Register for the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event here: https://forms.reg.buzz/uk-garage-and-bodyshop-2026/garage-talk [https://forms.reg.buzz/uk-garage-and-bodyshop-2026/garage-talk]   Jo talks about how she ended up in the events world, originally aiming for festivals before moving into automotive, and why properly understanding the aftermarket matters when putting on events for the industry.   We get into what actually makes people turn up to events, the role exhibitors really play, and what’s changing in the way shows are run.   There’s also a look ahead to this year’s UK Garage & Bodyshop Event, including new features, more focus on education, and how the industry can do a better job of bringing new people through the door.   Guest: Jo Knowles – Event Director, Automechanika UK   What you'll learn: * How Jo went from festivals to automotive events * What makes people actually attend shows * Why exhibitors matter more than we think * What’s changing at UK Garage & Bodyshop Event this year * The ongoing battle to bring new people into the trade   If you’re involved in the automotive industry or planning to attend the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event, this episode gives you a proper look at what’s happening behind the scenes and what to expect.   🎟️ Register here: https://forms.reg.buzz/uk-garage-and-bodyshop-2026/garage-talk [https://forms.reg.buzz/uk-garage-and-bodyshop-2026/garage-talk] 📩 Get in touch: hello@garagetalkonline.co.uk [hello@garagetalkonline.co.uk] ▶️ Watch Garage Talk Unwrapped on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@garagetalkonline [https://www.youtube.com/@garagetalkonline]

Episode 17 - Don’t let the bullies win: Tony Yates - Sponsored by BM Catalysts

In this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped – The Podcast, sponsored by BM Catalysts [https://bmcats.com/], Vicky and Ben sit down with Tony Yates from Schaeffler.   Tony shares his journey from a difficult start in his school life to becoming a driving force behind a fantastic training initiative in the aftermarket, Wrenches & Wisdom. It’s an honest conversation about confidence, careers, and why the industry needs to do more to support the next generation.   The discussion tackles the real reasons garages hold back from taking on apprentices, from time pressures to past bad experiences, and why that mindset needs to shift. Tony explains how Wrenches & Wisdom is helping bridge the gap between suppliers, colleges and workshops, giving apprentices practical knowledge from day one.   Guest * Tony Yates: Digital Marketing, Schaeffler   What you’ll learn * Why garages struggle to take on apprentices and how to overcome it * How Wrenches & Wisdom supports real-world training * What makes a good apprentice * Why ongoing training matters for technicians too * How personal experience can drive change in the industry   📩 Get in touch: hello@garagetalkonline.co.uk [hello@garagetalkonline.co.uk] ▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@garagetalkonline [https://www.youtube.com/@garagetalkonline]