In our latest On The Ramp episode, we sat down with Ed Cockill of Uckfield Motor Services to dive into a story of resilience, growth, and navigating the challenges of running a family business in the automotive industry. Ed’s journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, risk-taking, and a relentless focus on improvement.
YouTube – https://youtu.be/-DfIkiqCWxw?si=E2WOzudd_cWc0amS
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2ahiAvyp8h5ijnUA9GdWH1?si=bbc8e138c89a447e
Starting from Scratch: A Legacy of Resilience
Uckfield Motor Services was founded by Ed’s father in 1992, following a difficult period of bankruptcy at a previous garage. With a young family to support, he started again as a one-man band. Over time, the business expanded through hard work, taking calculated risks, and building strong customer relationships.
Ed recalls how his father’s perseverance laid the foundation for the company’s values, even during challenging times when financial struggles meant making tough choices. “We didn’t realise it at the time, but looking back, it’s incredible what my dad did to give us the life we had,” Ed shared.
From Racing Dreams to Business Strategy
While Ed initially pursued a career in motorsports, including running a karting team and working globally with racing teams, life brought him back to Uckfield Motor Services. His transition wasn’t just about helping in the family business—it was about finding his niche.
With a background in engineering and a knack for numbers, Ed became instrumental in refining the company’s operations. He introduced a data-driven approach to decision-making, focusing on metrics and long-term strategy.
Expanding Horizons
One of the pivotal moments for Uckfield Motor Services was the decision to open a second unit focused on commercial vehicles. This move allowed the business to cater to a niche market of vans, motorhomes, and small fleets—a sector with high demand and reliable customers.
“We realised there was a gap in the market for commercial vehicle servicing, and we jumped on it,” Ed explained. The expansion wasn’t without challenges, but the calculated risk paid off, transforming the business’s capabilities and diversifying its offerings.
Personal Struggles and Overcoming Challenges
Ed’s journey hasn’t been without personal challenges. In a candid moment during the podcast, he opened up about a difficult period in his life when he struggled with alcohol. During the pandemic, the pressures of running a business and the isolation of lockdown led to unhealthy habits.
“I didn’t realise how much it was affecting me and those around me until it all came to a head,” Ed shared. It took a moment of clarity and the support of his family for him to recognise the problem and make significant changes to his life.
Today, Ed is not only focused on growing the business but also on maintaining balance and being a positive role model for his team and family. His ability to acknowledge and work through personal struggles makes his story even more inspiring.
Building a Modern Team
A standout element of Uckfield Motor Services’ success is its team culture. With an average employee age of 30, the business thrives on youthful energy combined with the wisdom of experienced staff. Ed emphasised the importance of investing in training and development, including hosting supplier-led workshops to keep the team sharp.
“We want everyone to feel connected to the business,” Ed said. “Training days and open communication have been game-changers for us.”
Lessons in Leadership and Risk
Throughout the episode, Ed reflected on the balance between taking risks and knowing when to pull back. From moving to a new site to diversifying services, his story is a masterclass in measured risk-taking.
“You have to step out of your comfort zone to grow,” Ed said. “But it’s just as important to know when to draw the line before things spiral.”
Looking Ahead
As the industry evolves with electric vehicles (EVs) and changing customer needs, Ed is preparing Uckfield Motor Services for the future. The business is embracing EV training, expanding its fleet services, and exploring new opportunities while staying true to its roots.
For Ed, it’s all about striking a balance: “We’re committed to delivering quality, whether it’s for a fleet of vans or the family car down the road.”
Listen Now
For the full story, tune into this episode of On The Ramp. Ed’s journey offers invaluable insights for anyone in the automotive world—or any business leader looking for inspiration.
