In the latest episode of The Blend Podcast, Oldfields Garage Managing Director Tim Benson shares how entering awards can help independent garages benchmark performance, boost reputation, and celebrate the progress of their teams.
The conversation comes ahead of Tim’s upcoming session at The Blend in Birmingham later this month, where he’ll present ‘How to Put Yourself in the Frame: 7 Steps to Make Your Garage Award Ready’.
Drawing on Oldfields’ own award-winning journey, Tim explains how the process of entering competitions has strengthened his team, built customer confidence, and put his Herefordshire business firmly on the map.
“Winning an award is a fantastic feeling, but the real value is in what happens before and after,” said Tim. “Preparing an entry forces you to step back, assess your business, and identify improvements. And once you’re nominated, it’s about telling people, your customers, your staff, and your community, so the recognition has an impact beyond the trophy.”
Packed with practical advice, the episode covers where to begin with local and national awards, how to benchmark against main dealers, and even how to handle the disappointment if your entry isn’t recognised. Tim also stresses that awards aren’t only for large or high-profile garages: smaller workshops can use awards just as effectively to showcase their achievements and motivate their teams.
Looking ahead to his Blend conference session, Tim promises to share a clear framework any garage can apply. One attendee will also win a day of consultancy with Tim at their own site, offering hands-on guidance to make strategic business improvements.
“Tim has an incredible track record,” said host Mike Ruff. “Whether you’ve entered awards before or not, this episode will get you thinking about the opportunities recognition can bring to your garage and your people.”
Tickets for The Blend conference and evening awards ceremony on Saturday 18th October are almost sold out, with the final few available at www.theblend.events.
The Blend Podcast is available now on all major podcast platforms or watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/C_zCYIEeKjU
Produced by Autotech Communications.
The Penygroes Service Centre located in South Wales was founded in 2014 by Jonathan. He has extensive 17 years of experience in the industry. However, Jon found himself doing a lot of manual labour for data management to keep a finger on the pulse of the business. Therefore, joined Garage Hive's garage management software in March 2021 and has already seen a significant improvement in his garage, an increase in gross profit and has achieved a great NPS® Score.
Tom and Kayleigh runs their garage TR Autos in Yeovil, Somerset. They joined Garage Hive last year. Tom has two decades of industry experience , both practical and technician side and now business as TR Autos was founded in 2008; since then the team has grown, practices have moved away from paper diaries to garage management software, their productivity has increased and they also have moved into bigger premises.
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