Garage Talk Unwrapped - The Podcast

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]

Episode 16 - Under pressure: avoiding TPMS pitfalls - 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 Prashant Chopra from Autogem, a company leading the way in tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) since 2007. Prashant shares his expertise on the realities of TPMS and why thorough vehicle inspections are more important than ever for garages and technicians.   During the conversation, Prashant unpacks the common challenges surrounding TPMS, highlighting the importance of getting inspections right and keeping customers properly informed. He explains how missed checks can lead to issues down the line and ultimately damage a garage’s reputation. Prashant also underlines the value of training and ongoing support to help technicians confidently manage TPMS work.   Guests: * Prashant Chopra: Managing Director, Autogem   What you’ll learn: * Why accurate vehicle inspections are key to avoiding TPMS issues * How to communicate effectively with customers about TPMS * The impact of legislation and battery failure on TPMS systems * How better training and support can improve service quality * The benefits of taking part in Autogem’s Under Pressure competition   If you’re looking to strengthen your garage’s approach to TPMS and deliver a better customer experience, this episode is packed with practical insight.   Get in touch: hello@garagetalkonline.co.uk [hello@garagetalkonline.co.uk]   Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@garagetalkonline [https://www.youtube.com/@garagetalkonline]

Episode 15 - Unleashing the chaos: PR and marketing strategy - 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 the energetic “Chaos Twins,” Cheryl Dean and Annie Sutton from Impression. With their expertise in PR and digital marketing, they share strategies to help garages stand out and grow in a competitive market.   Cheryl and Annie explore the power of storytelling, the importance of building trust with customers, and how a consistent online presence can transform a garage’s reputation. Packed with actionable advice, they cover handling negative reviews, optimising your website, and using social media to increase visibility.   Guests: * Cheryl Dean: Senior PR and Influencer Account Manager, Impression * Annie Sutton: Digital Marketing Manager, Impression   What you’ll learn: * How storytelling can elevate a garage's brand. * Ways to handle negative reviews and turn them into opportunities. * The value of consistent digital marketing and social media engagement. * How platforms like TikTok are shaping the automotive marketing landscape. * Practical tips to boost visibility and connect with customers.   If you want to harness the power of PR and digital marketing to take your garage to the next level, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.   Get in touch with us at https://www.youtube.com/@garagetalkonline [https://www.youtube.com/@garagetalkonline]