In this episode of On The Ramp, Barry Lawson, owner of Lawson Autotech, shares his journey from a traditional family garage to a thriving, innovative modern garage business. Starting as a reluctant partner at 21, Barry reveals how he modernised his father's garage, overcame resistance to change, and embraced continuous learning and networking to set new industry standards.

Tune in to hear how Barry’s commitment to people, technology, and business strategy transformed Lawson Autotech into a leader in the independent garage industry. Perfect for automotive professionals and anyone inspired by stories of growth and innovation!

This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group, To learn more about Castrol Service please visit https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/partner-with-us/independent-workshops.html

00:00 - Introduction / career progression

21:19 - Networking with other garage owners in the industry

41:21 - Keeping social life and work separate

49:27 - New staff hiring + Process and software implementation

1:11:43 - Being a full time tech as a business owner

1:15:05 - What’s next for Lawson?

1:23:37 - What’s next for you? ⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp

Episode 15 already! In this episode, we take a step back from our usual guest interviews to share our own business updates from the past six months. We discuss the challenges we’ve faced, the investments we’ve made, and the strategies that are helping us grow. Topics include Nathans push for ISO 9001 accreditation, Leo's business expansion, Alex's company restructure and much more! We also welcome Castrol and The Race Group as long-term sponsors/partners of the On The Ramp Podcast. 00:00 - Intro 03:15 - Castrol | The Race Group Partnership 07:46 - Walsall Wood Business Update 24:00 - Dack Motor Group Business Update 58:48 - Lindley’s Autocentres Business Updates ⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp

In the latest episode of the On the Ramp podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Neil Fellows, the man behind Stourbridge Automotive. Neil’s journey from a hands-on mechanic to a business owner is filled with useful lessons for anyone starting or growing a business. What stands out in his story is the real-world challenges of managing a business partnership, navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and the critical role his wife, Kay, played in the business's success. Here are some key takeaways from our chat with Neil that offer practical advice for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.

00:00 - Intro

04:30 - Getting into the industry

23:43 - Starting your own Garage

32:28 - Financing the business

37:55 - Breaking the partnership

46:14 - Women in the Industry

50:06 - Business growth and new sites

1:01:59 - Work Life balance

1:03:53 - What’s next for the business? ⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp