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

Episode 23 - Ben: the automotive industry charity - Sponsored by BM Catalysts

In this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped – The Podcast, sponsored by BM Catalysts [https://bmcats.com/], we sit down with Ellen Plumer from Ben [https://ben.org.uk/], the charity dedicated to supporting those in the automotive industry. Ellen sheds light on the vital services Ben provides, emphasising that help is available to anyone who has worked in automotive (and their families), regardless of their circumstances.   The discussion dives into the mental and physical challenges faced by individuals in the automotive sector, including highlighting the impact of stress and anxiety compounded by the ongoing cost of living crisis. Ellen shares insights into how Ben offers holistic support, from mental health resources to financial assistance, and the importance of early intervention before issues escalate.   Listeners will learn about the historical evolution of Ben, its mission to raise awareness within the industry, and the significant role that peer support plays in encouraging individuals to seek help. Ellen also addresses the growing need for a more inclusive environment that acknowledges mental health, particularly in a traditionally male-dominated field.   Guest: * Ellen Plumer - Head of Awareness & Experience, Ben   What you’ll learn: * The range of support services available through Ben for automotive workers and their families * Common mental health challenges faced in the automotive industry * How to identify early warning signs of stress and burnout * The importance of fostering a supportive workplace culture * Ways to raise awareness and support the charity’s mission   This episode is essential listening for anyone in the automotive industry, offering valuable insights into mental health support and the importance of community within the sector.   📻 We're proud to be supporting Ben with a 24-hour live radio show on 20th August to help raise funds for this fantastic charity. If you'd like to support the challenge, you can donate here: 24 Hour Radiothon - Garage Talk Online [https://giving.ben.org.uk/cf/24-hour-radiothon-garage-talk-radio]   📩 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 22 - Lights, (dash)camera, action with Henry from Ring - 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 Henry Bisson, Marketing Director at Ring Automotive, to discuss the latest developments in automotive lighting, vehicle safety and the aftermarket.   Henry shares his insights on the importance of quality bulbs, highlighting how poor choices can lead to costly repairs and safety issues. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of vehicle lighting, including the differences between brightness and glare, and the implications of using LED bulbs. As the darker months approach, Henry emphasises the need for consumers to be educated about their choices, especially as modern vehicles become increasingly complex.   The conversation also touches on the relationship between Ring Automotive and OSRAM and how they work together. Henry reflects on the changing dynamics of the aftermarket, the significance of battery health, and the impact of seasonal changes on vehicle performance.   Guests: * Henry - Marketing Director, Ring Automotive   What you’ll learn: * Why choosing quality lighting products matters * The difference between brightness and glare * What drivers need to know about modern lighting technology * How battery health affects vehicle performance, especially as the seasons change * Why consumer education is becoming increasingly important   Whether you're an aftermarket professional or simply interested in the latest vehicle technology, this episode offers practical insights into lighting, safety and the trends shaping the automotive industry.   📩 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 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]