Garage owner warns of ongoing ‘covid hangover’ impacting workshops

The latest episode of The Blend Podcast discusses the pandemic's lasting effects on the automotive aftermarket, offering strategies for adaptation

Garage owner warns of ongoing ‘covid hangover’ impacting workshops

The latest episode of Garage Hive’s The Blend Podcast features Nikki Cowan, CEO at Cartopia, who discusses the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on automotive workshops five years on. Cowan suggests that the effects, which he terms a “COVID hangover,” will persist for years to come.

Cowan, a former TV presenter who transitioned into garage ownership, offers a perspective on how garages can adapt to ongoing disruptions like fluctuating MOT cycles and changing customer habits. He stresses that understanding these shifts and planning ahead are crucial for maintaining stability in business.

One strategy Cowan proposes for balancing workloads is offering free MOTs to customers with later expiry dates. He argues that while this might seem controversial, it could help garages retain customer loyalty and ensure a consistent flow of business during typically quieter periods.

Host Mike Ruff noted that Cowan’s insights are “refreshingly honest, packed with real-world advice, and delivered with the kind of humour we all need right now.” Listeners can find The Blend Podcast on their preferred podcast player.

The Blend’s annual conference for independent garages in the UK and Ireland is scheduled for Saturday, October 18th, at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham. Early bird tickets are available for £125 + VAT at https://www.theblend.events/.

As a not-for-profit event, any surplus funds will be donated to the automotive industry charity, Ben.

Have your say!

0 0

Lost Password

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.