Author: Alex Lindley
Alex Lindley
I am passionate about the motor industry and I am always looking for new opportunities to make a positive impact. I would love to connect with other professionals in the field to share ideas and collaborate on new initiatives.
In the latest episode of On The Ramp, Alex and Leo welcom Barry Lawson, owner of the recently rebranded Lawson Autotech, to discuss his journey from dealership apprenticeship to family business, and ultimately to entrepreneurial success. Barry’s story of adapting, learning, and transforming his approach offers a fresh perspective on navigating the challenges of the automotive industry. YouTube – https://youtu.be/5sUea1wY8oM?si=d5Hoxt7xAxjPAyuv Spotify – https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/ontherampuk/episodes/16-Tradition-meets-Innovation-with-Barry-Lawson–Lawson-Autotech—On-The-Ramp-Podcast-e2qvhf7 Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/16-tradition-meets-innovation-with-barry-lawson-lawson/id1742771842?i=1000677040077 A Reluctant Start in the Family Business Starting as a 16-year-old with no clear path, Barry initially hesitated to join the family business, founded by his father in 1983. He first ventured into a…
Episode 15 already! In this episode, we take a step back from our usual guest interviews to share our own business updates from the past six months. We discuss the challenges we’ve faced, the investments we’ve made, and the strategies that are helping us grow. Topics include Nathans push for ISO 9001 accreditation, Leo’s business expansion, Alex’s company restructure and much more! YouTube – https://youtu.be/9UoJeoKAVY4?si=loUT7SIpRWbM5uXR Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/1pThAlvAgekuP8nPbtVewE?si=qlt0Nw5PQlG_v2PhgDafBA Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/15-alex-leo-and-nath-talk-shop-on-the-ramp-podcast/id1742771842?i=1000675293550We also welcome Castrol and The Race Group as long-term sponsors/partners of the On The Ramp Podcast! To learn more about Castrol Service, click here!
In the latest episode of Your Garage, hosts Alex and Nathan take us on an inspiring tour of The Mini Repair Shop in Lincoln. Over the past three years, founders Steve and Kyle have transformed their ambitions into a thriving, specialised business. This episode offers an in-depth look at how they made the leap from working in a dealership to running their own successful repair shop, focusing exclusively on Minis and BMWs. The Leap to Entrepreneurship Steve and Kyle’s journey began at a BMW dealership, where they gained over 15 years of experience working on Minis and BMWs. However, like…
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 Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/14-from-dealership-to-dream-business-with-neil-fellows/id1742771842?i=1000673521294 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…
The Journey of a Multi-Generation Garage: Lessons from Mick Shaikly of Shaikly Motor Company In the latest episode of the On the Ramp podcast, host Alex sat down with Mick Shaikly from Shaikly Motor Company, a family-run garage with a rich history spanning generations. Mick’s story is unique in that he is not just part of a family business but the bridge between two generations—having taken over from his father and now preparing for the potential involvement of his own children. Youtube – https://youtu.be/lexxO7zh_WI?si=ZVrgbvakdcgCFhKQ Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2ahiAvyp8h5ijnUA9GdWH1 Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/13-following-a-passion-for-diagnostics-whilst/id1742771842?i=1000670880157 A Passion for the Motor Trade Mick’s journey into the…
From Work Experience to Leading a Family Garage: Tim Benson’s Journey In the ever-evolving world of the automotive industry, stories of perseverance, learning, and unexpected paths often lead to the most successful ventures. Tim Benson’s journey from a teenager uncertain about his future to a key figure in Oldfield’s Garage is a testament to the power of adaptability and the importance of embracing every opportunity. Youtube – https://youtu.be/1nv13oKMqW0?si=eCk32ygc8q3A4BP8 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/1DVar5wBIUUVJVNBWKORL0?si=bGswyAg_Q1qEeFLla7xryg Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/12-building-from-disaster-the-next-generation-the/id1742771842?i=1000669382571 Early Beginnings Tim’s entry into the automotive world was far from conventional. As a young man, he didn’t immediately follow in his father’s footsteps. Instead, his…
Welcome to the first episode of “Your Garage,” a new series from On The Ramp that takes you behind the scenes of automotive service centres across the UK. In this episode, we kick things off with a tour of one of our hosts facilities Lindleys Autocentres, giving a closer look at what makes the operations tick. Building a Legacy The journey begins with Alex and Emma, two of the directors, guiding us through the garage. Alex, who’s been with the company for 20 years, explains how it all started from a single site and expanded into a network of branches.…
At On the Ramp, we share stories of professionals who have taken practical and sometimes unconventional routes in their careers. Chris Wileman’s progression from school-leaver to owner of Castle Garage is one such example, offering useful insights for those in the automotive trade or considering business ownership. Youtube – https://youtu.be/wrgL-L1kPyg Spotify – https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ontherampuk/episodes/11-Buying-out-the-boss—-and-going-multi-location—-Chris-Wileman—On-The-Ramp-Podcas-e2nge7g/a-abg970c Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/11-buying-out-the-boss-and-going-multi-location/id1742771842?i=1000666307158 Early Days: Finding His Path Chris Wileman’s entry into the automotive industry wasn’t planned. Like many young people, he wasn’t entirely sure what to do after school. However, a strong interest in cars led him to a two-week work experience placement at Castle Garage,…
In the latest episode of “On the Ramp,” we had the pleasure of speaking with Tina Drayson, a key figure at CCM Garages. Tina’s path in the automotive industry showcases dedication, adaptability, and a drive for continuous improvement. Youtube – https://youtu.be/JtD—9HLH4 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/5W8nltKde9chFSdkJT877z?si=4285102653d14ba2 Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/10-the-importance-of-great-leadership-tina-drayson/id1742771842?i=1000664782109 Early Beginnings and Transition Tina’s career with CCM Garages began over 25 years ago when she joined on a part-time basis to handle the company’s finances. At the time, she balanced her career with raising four children. Before joining CCM, Tina worked in finance for a brick manufacturing company, which provided a solid…
Early Beginnings and Passion for Cars In the latest episode of the “On the Ramp” podcast, the hosts welcomed David Massey from ADS (Automotive Diagnostic Solutions). David shared his journey, touching on various aspects of his personal and professional life, providing listeners with an insightful look into his experiences. Youtube – https://youtu.be/0Lw6RWbY8OQ?si=BRsPcXFPdN_HmvKk Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/2BYI54L5h9XeNOsgtpxci4?si=6NPyz2UMTI6BJpqUtyN1Eg Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/9-how-do-you-define-success-david-massey-on-the-ramp-podcast/id1742771842?i=1000663388876 David begins by discussing his early years, highlighting his struggles at school and how he found a passion for working with cars. His father, a significant influence in his life, played a crucial role in nurturing David’s interest in performance cars and…