Next up in our ‘At The Garage’ series is Alan and Jeanette Landale, owners of the award-winning and family-run independent garage based in Leeds. They take us behind the scenes of this very successful Motor Ombudsman-accredited business, and the launch of their new AJ Fleetcare Academy training initiative for garages.
What vehicle repairs and maintenance do you offer customers, and do you handle all makes and models, including EVs?
AJ: We offer a full spectrum of vehicle repairs and maintenance, from diagnostics and routine servicing and repairs, to complex engine work, brakes, suspension, electrical fault finding, and much more. Our technicians deliver precision and care across every job. We’re proud to handle all makes and models, including electric vehicles, offering the same level of expertise and attention to detail.
Our award-winning garage is equipped to support modern vehicle systems, including Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) cleaning (with over 1,000 successful cleans to date), AdBlue/Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) diagnostics, and hybrid servicing. Whether you’re driving a petrol, diesel, hybrid, or fully electric vehicle (EV), we ensure your car receives top-tier care using trusted products like JLM Lubricants. We combine technical excellence with a warm, inclusive approach so every customer feels confident and supported.
What does a typical day look like?
AJ: A typical day at the garage runs with precision, energy, and a strong customer focus. The team starts early, reviewing bookings and preparing work bays for a variety of jobs. Alan leads on diagnostics, DPF assessments and cleans, EV checks, and much more, bringing deep technical expertise to every vehicle he handles.
Throughout the day, the workshop tackles everything from servicing and brake repairs, to AdBlue and SCR diagnostics. Each job is approached with care, and vehicles are road-tested and double-checked before handover.
Also, around the clock, parts deliveries arrive, phones ring with new enquiries, and the team keeps a steady rhythm of quality and communication. Jeanette oversees operations and customer experience, ensuring every interaction reflects our award-winning standards. It’s a day built on trust, teamwork, and getting the job done right every time.
What is it like working together as a family, and is it hard not to take “work home”?
AJ: Working together as a family at AJ Fleetcare brings a unique kind of strength. There’s trust, shared pride, and an unspoken understanding of what’s at stake – not just for the business, but for each other. Everyone pulls their weight, knowing the standards we set, as these reflect on the whole family name. That unity shows in how we treat customers, solve problems, and keep the workshop running smoothly.
Of course, the lines between work and home can blur. It’s hard not to carry the day’s challenges with you, especially when you care deeply about the people and the reputation
behind the business. But we’ve learned to balance it – celebrating wins together, tackling setbacks head-on, and making space for family life outside the garage. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.
What have been some of the highlights during the past year since winning the 2024 National Garage Star Award, and how have you promoted this year’s competition to customers?
AJ: Since winning the 2024 National Garage Star Award, AJ Fleetcare has enjoyed a year filled with proud moments and continued recognition. One standout highlight was receiving the trophy at the Houses of Parliament: a humbling experience that celebrated not just technical excellence, but the compassion behind our customer care. The story that won us the award, involving urgent repairs, a paid taxi, and a thoughtful gift for a customer in crisis, continues to inspire how we operate daily.
We’ve used the win to spark conversations with customers about what great service really means. This year’s competition has been promoted through friendly reminders at reception, posters in the waiting area, and social media posts encouraging nominations. It’s not about chasing votes – it’s about celebrating the everyday acts of kindness and professionalism that define our garage. The award may sit on the shelf, but its message lives in every job we do!
How do you go above and beyond for your customers?
AJ: Going above and beyond isn’t a slogan. It’s how we operate every day, and how we have worked for the past 25 years. Whether it’s staying late to finish urgent repairs, arranging transport for stranded customers, or taking time to explain complex issues in plain terms, we’re committed to making every experience feel personal and professional.
We treat each vehicle as if it were our own, using trusted products like JLM Lubricants and applying rigorous checks before handover. Alan’s expertise in diagnostics, DPF work, and EV systems, means problems are solved quickly and accurately, saving customers time and stress. Jeanette ensures every interaction from a booking to a final update is warm, clear, and reassuring.
We’ve even been known to surprise customers with thoughtful gestures when life throws them a curveball. It’s that mix of technical excellence and genuine care that earned us the 2024 National Garage Star Award.
What are some of the common issues that you see with vehicles brought in by motorists?
AJ: We regularly deal with a range of recurring vehicle issues, many caused by delayed repairs. DPF faults are especially common, often triggered by short distance driving – an underlying issue. Alan handles these with expert care, offering both assessments and thorough cleans to restore performance.
We also see worn brakes, broken suspension components, and oil leaks – all issues that tend to worsen when ignored. Electrical glitches in EVs and hybrids are becoming more frequent too, particularly around charging systems and battery management.
Timing belts are another concern; many drivers postpone replacements, risking serious engine damage. Tyres below legal tread depth, and overdue oil changes and services, are
also regular finds. Our team doesn’t just fix problems; we help customers understand how to avoid them in future.
We hear you are launching the AJ Fleetcare Academy. Please tell us more as to what training is provided and how garages can sign up for it.
AJ: It’s official: AJ Fleetcare Academy’s first course, “DPF Fundamentals & On-Vehicle Chemical Cleaning”, is happening on 28th November 2025.
This hands-on training is perfect for technicians who want to master DPF diagnostics, understand failure causes, and carry out effective chemical cleans directly on the vehicle. Alan will be leading the session, sharing decades of experience and practical insight. As he says, “I won’t be here forever, but the skills should be”, and this is your chance to learn from one of the best.
Spaces are limited to keep the training personal and focused. Anyone can register now at www.ajfleetcareacademy.co.uk, or email [email protected] to secure a spot.
Let’s raise the bar for workshop excellence starting this November.
What are some of the main challenges and positives for your business that you have encountered this year?
AJ: This year has brought both rewarding milestones and tough challenges for AJ Fleetcare. On the positive side, winning the 2024 National Garage Star Award was a huge highlight. It reaffirmed our commitment to customer care and gave the whole team a boost. The launch of AJ Fleetcare Academy has also been a proud step forward, allowing us to share our expertise and support technicians across the UK.
Operationally, we’ve seen growing demand for DPF cleans, EV diagnostics, and AdBlue/SCR repairs, which has helped us expand our technical offerings. But with that growth comes pressure. Balancing high standards with a busy schedule isn’t always easy.
One of the biggest challenges has been protecting our reputation in a fast-moving industry, especially when customers arrive with complex faults or unrealistic expectations shaped by online advice. We’ve had to stay assertive, proactive, and focused on what we can control: delivering excellent service, educating motorists, and looking after our customers. Through it all, teamwork and resilience have kept us moving forward.
As we near the end of 2025, what is your outlook for the service and repair sector in 2026?
AJ: The outlook for the service and repair sector in 2026 is one of cautious optimism. With EVs and hybrid vehicles becoming more common, workshops will need to upskill to meet evolving demands especially around diagnostics, battery systems, and emissions technology.
DPF and AdBlue/SCR work will remain vital, as motorists seek cost-effective solutions over costly replacements. Customer expectations are rising too, with transparency and technical accuracy more important than ever. For garages willing to invest in training and adapt to
change, 2026 offers real opportunity to grow, lead, and deliver standout service in a competitive market.
How has AJ Fleetcare benefited from being accredited to The Motor Ombudsman’s Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair, and how does it allow your business to stand out from the competition?
AJ: Being accredited to The Motor Ombudsman’s Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair has been a major asset for our garage. It reinforces our commitment to transparency, professionalism, and customer care values we’ve always held, now backed by a nationally recognised standard.
The accreditation gives customers added confidence when choosing us, knowing we follow strict guidelines and offer a clear route for feedback or resolution if needed. It’s helped us build trust, especially with new motorists who may be unsure where to turn for reliable service.
What sets us apart is that we don’t just meet the Code, we live it. From clear communication and fair pricing, to technical excellence and aftercare, every part of our operation reflects the standards behind that badge.
What do you like to do in your spare time away from the garage?
AJ: Away from the garage, we love taking short breaks, whether it’s a peaceful seaside escape or the occasional trip abroad to recharge. But lately, our spare time has taken a wonderful new turn: our son Mathew and his wife have welcomed a baby, making us first-time grandparents. It’s been an absolute joy, and we’re happily occupied with cuddles, visits, and watching this little one grow. It’s a new chapter that’s brought so much warmth to our lives.
We also get a real buzz from race weekends with Mickel Motorsport, run by John and Lisa Mickel, following the Legends Cars Championship. The atmosphere, the adrenaline, and the strong sense of connection make it a thrilling contrast to workshop life. We cannot thank everyone in Mickel Motorsport enough for this opportunity.
For more information about becoming accredited to The Motor Ombudsman’s Service and Repair Code, click here.