Navigating the Road to Success: Insights from Neil Fellows of Stourbridge Automotive
Youtube – https://youtu.be/Tf56bWJQmXk?si=SI3PcMMe3Lh74cYA
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/44n44h7nQOx0XPb6Kfe5Ky?si=8e5b45421c59465a
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.
1. A Passion for Cars from the Start
Neil’s love for mechanics started at a young age. Whether he was dismantling his BMX bikes or learning from his granddad, who worked as an engineer at British Leyland, it’s clear that working with his hands was always in his blood. This early exposure led him down a path where he trained as a mechanic, first in a restoration business and later with major brands like BMW and Mercedes.
For Neil, it wasn’t the classroom that sparked his career—it was a natural interest in how things worked. His story is a reminder that passion and practical skills can be just as valuable as academic qualifications, particularly in industries where hands-on expertise is crucial.
2. The Realities of Partnership
Neil’s story also touches on the complexities of business partnerships. He and a former colleague from BMW joined forces to start Stourbridge Automotive, but like many partnerships, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Over time, Neil found himself taking on more of the workload, from managing the workshop to handling the business side. This imbalance led to frustrations, eventually culminating in a buyout where Neil took full ownership of the business.
His experience highlights a key point: while partnerships can be a great way to start a business, they require clear communication, mutual respect, and a fair distribution of responsibilities. Without these, tensions can build, making it difficult to move forward.
3. The Power of a Strong Support System
A recurring theme in Neil’s story is the vital role his wife, Kay, has played in the business. Kay wasn’t just there in a supportive capacity—she handled the finances, recruitment, health and safety, and much more. Her involvement was critical to the growth of the business, and Neil is quick to credit her for much of Stourbridge Automotive’s success.
The lesson here is that having the right people around you—whether it’s a business partner, a spouse, or a trusted team—can make all the difference. Neil’s story also touches on a broader issue in the industry: the need for more women in automotive. By creating a welcoming environment for female customers and employees, Stourbridge Automotive has actively contributed to changing the traditional male-dominated culture of the industry.
4. Planning and Adaptability
While Neil admits he’s not much of a planner, he and Kay attended business school before setting up Stourbridge Automotive. This preparation, combined with Kay’s organisational skills, helped them get off to a strong start. Still, even with planning, the business faced its share of challenges, from finding premises to dealing with the eventual partnership split.
Neil’s journey shows that while planning is important, flexibility is equally crucial. You can’t anticipate every bump in the road, but being able to adapt and respond to challenges as they arise is what keeps the business moving forward.
5. Embracing Change and Continuous Improvement
Even after years in the business, Neil remains committed to improvement. He recently introduced a new management system, Garage Hive, to help streamline operations and track performance. For Neil, it’s about more than just keeping the business ticking along—it’s about fine-tuning every aspect to run as smoothly as possible.
The message here is clear: no matter how well your business is doing, there’s always room for improvement. Whether it’s adopting new technology, refining your processes, or rethinking your customer service, staying open to change is key to long-term success.
6. Balancing Work and Family Life
Running a family business brings its own set of challenges, particularly when work and home life start to blur. Neil acknowledges the difficulties of keeping work discussions from spilling over into family time, but both he and Kay make a conscious effort to maintain a healthy balance. They’ve learned to navigate these conversations, focusing on the big picture rather than day-to-day frustrations.
For any business owner, finding that balance between work and personal life is crucial. Neil’s experience is a reminder that while it’s easy to let work dominate your thoughts, making time for family and personal interests is just as important for long-term well-being.
Final Thoughts
Neil Fellows’ story is one of persistence, adaptability, and the importance of having the right people around you. From navigating a tricky partnership to building a strong team with his wife, Neil’s journey offers plenty of valuable insights for anyone running a business. As Stourbridge Automotive continues to thrive, his experience serves as a reminder that with the right support, a clear vision, and a willingness to evolve, success is always within reach.
