Garage Owners Network (UK)

Why are some garages thriving, while others are quietly shutting their doors? Is it luck? Location? Or is it something deeper — something to do with growth & decay? This training topic delves into the reality of growth, scaling, and decay in the UK independent garage sector. By the end of this episode, you’ll know whether your business is actually growing… or quietly shrinking, even if the num...

3 practical ways to use AI to attract more of the right type of customers  This Training Topic is about something that’s everywhere right now – AI Not in a scary “robots taking over your MOT bay” way. But in a practical “how can this help me get more of the right customers” way. I’m going to show you three AI-powered marketing examples you can use right away in your garage.

This is a simple yet powerful framework for creating systems that stick: Document, Demonstrate, Duplicate. Running a garage without systems is like trying to drive down the M4 with no sat nav, no road signs, and no idea where the service stations are. You might eventually get to your destination, but you’ll waste time, burn fuel, and annoy everyone along the way. This practical framework works for...

Every garage owner will experience conflict at some point. Sometimes it’s an angry customer at the counter questioning the bill. Other times, it’s a member of staff complaining. Conflict is part and parcel of running a business. The key is not to avoid it, but to handle it in a way that builds trust and protects relationships. Done well, conflict can actually become an opportunity to strengthen yo...

Most garage owners think finance means loans, leases, or dipping into cash reserves. But there’s a smarter option — business grants. In this training Topic, Andy explains why grants are different, what makes them perfect for SMEs, and shares examples garages could use to secure thousands in funding for EV chargers, new roller shutters, and energy-saving equipment. You’ll also learn where to find l...

This training topic is about something that makes lots of us squirm : failure. Most of us have been told failure is bad, embarrassing, even shameful. But here’s the truth: in business, failure is inevitable. The latest figures from the UK Office for National Statistics suggest that 61% of the 2018 UK start-ups failed by 2023.   The question is: will you fail fast, learn, and move forward? Or will...

Retargeting is reminding people you exist... until they finally say yes. Now, here’s the truth:  most customers don’t buy the first time they see your offer. But that doesn’t mean they’re not interested. It just means they need reminding, nudging, and maybe a little trust built along the way. In this training topic, we’re exploring three retargeting ideas that’ll work for your garage.

what'sThis Training Topic is about something that might make a few of you uncomfortable… Sales . Now I know what you're thinking. “I’m not a salesperson – I’m a technician.” But here’s the truth:  if you run a business, you are in sales. Let’s face it, most garages are only doing the work requested of them. Using the CLOSER framework makes upselling conversational, natural and less pressur...

"You Don’t Get What You deserve—You Get What You Believe" How identity shapes your income, blocks your success, and keeps you stuck in a rut. This training Topic dives into the hidden beliefs that shape your results. Andy explores how your identity around money, success, and control can silently sabotage your personal and business goals. If you’re ready to break the cycle and finally bui...

In this Training Topic, we break down a simple but powerful investing concept called the  ICE Method —Income, Capital, and Equity. Whether you're new to investing or just want to sharpen your strategy, this 15-minute episode gives you a clear understanding of what to expect from the three asset classes, why it matters, and how to build a balanced portfolio that supports your financial goals. E...

This training topic breaks down what strategy really is. Based on Alex Hormozi’s definition that  “strategy is the prioritisation of resources when there are unlimited options, ” this episode will help you stop spinning your wheels and start making progress. You’ll learn the difference between strategy, operations, and tactics, plus how much time to spend working on your business, not just in it....

This episode explores the critical business concept of break-even analysis, specifically tailored for independent garage owners. Unlike traditional manufacturing businesses that sell a single product, garages face unique challenges in determining their break-even point due to the complexity of their service-based model. A crucial insight shared is that the margin of safety must exceed the efficien...

The concept is from Donald Miller's StoryBook framewor k. Which suggests that most websites, social media posts, & Ad copy fails because it is trying to be too clever or it is simply too vague. The Grunt Test checks your marketing messages by answering 3 simple questions. 1What do you do? How does it help me? How do I get it? Atomic Action Use the Grunt test framework to create clear, not...

When it comes to small businesses, understanding the differences between what is urgent and what is important is crucial for effective decision-making and prioritisation. This training sets out to: 1. Define the difference between urgent and important 2. Flip your perception of what is urgent and important 3. Help you spend more time on important-not urgent tasks If you are one of those business o...

Let’s face it—running a garage today isn’t what it was ten years ago. It’s much tougher. The jobs are more complicated and customer expectations have soared. And if you feel like you’re spending your whole day putting out fires or explaining the same thing over and over again… you’re not alone. But there’s one tool that can change the game for your business. Building Systems. Systems improve effec...

You make 42,000 decisions every single day as a garage owner. By 3 PM, your brain is fried, you're agreeing to things you shouldn't, and you feel more like you're reacting than running a business. Columbia University research proves it: the more decisions we make, the worse they become. That's decision fatigue—and it's silently destroying your productivity. The fix? Join me on...

Warranty labour rates are typically lower than a garage’s standard rate because third-party providers prioritise cost control, not workshop profitability. While warranty work can build trust or fill downtime, it’s often administratively heavy and financially tight, especially if diagnosis and admin costs go unpaid. Therefore, this training topic asks, is it worth it?

Most garage owners don’t need a 30-page business plan. They need one piece of paper that helps them fix what’s broken — fast.” This training Topic will introduce you to a 1-page plan to get you focused, fix your weakest point first, and start making better business decisions.” “This isn’t a business plan for investors. It’s a battle plan for day-to-day decisions.” To take the quiz, copy and paste...

In this Training Topic, we unpack the “ Promise, Proof, Plan ” marketing framework . It’s the secret behind creating high-converting offers—and it’s simpler than you think. You’ll learn how to clarify your promise, back it with credibility, and give your audience a clear plan of action. This Training Topic will help you sell with confidence and integrity. Atomic Action Discover what you would like...

Simple ways to repurpose In this training topic, I’ll explain how to unlock hidden value in your business through  repurposing —the smart way to reuse existing tools, content, and resources for greater impact. Using a simple  Spot It. Shape It. Share It.  method, I will share  practical examples  of how garages can repurpose everything from old tools to social media comments, website checklists, a...

How 'Hire Slow, Fire Fast' Can Save Your Team, Culture, and Profits Hiring the right people is one of the most critical decisions you’ll ever make in business—and one of the easiest to get wrong. Many garage owners feel the pressure to get someone in quickly when they’re short-staffed, but a rushed hire can create far bigger problems down the road. In this free training, we’ll dive into th...

In this Training Topic, we examine the real-world risks and rewards of using credit in your garage business. From business loans and mortgages to credit cards, overdrafts, and lending to customers through service plans or interest-free credit, we explore where borrowing can boost your business and where it can burn you. Learn the difference between strategic borrowing and financial firefighting an...

Minimum Viable Action ( MVA ) is Prioritising, Progress, Productivity, and Performance. It’s a simple yet powerful concept that helps businesses break through inertia, combat perfectionism, and drive real progress. Instead of overcomplicating plans or waiting for the perfect moment, MVA encourages taking the smallest meaningful step forward. What I refer to as Atomic Action

To attract more customers, you need to understand one simple truth: people hate losing more than they love winning. For example, would you take this bet? On the toss of a coin • if it lands on heads, you win £150, • if it lands on tails, you lose £100 This perfectly demonstrates how people are naturally more sensitive to losses than equivalent gains That means telling customers, " You'll save mone...

As Queen famously sang, "I want to break free!" Many Garage owners find themselves singing the same tune, but instead of breaking free from a relationship, they're desperate to escape the prison of a business that can't function without them. The aim was Freedom, Time and financial freedom, but you find yourself landed with a 24-hour JOB that prevents Holidays, family time, and t...