Oldfields Garage raises industry challenges with MP

Leominster's Oldfields Garage recently welcomed Ellie Chowns, Green MP for North Herefordshire, to its workshop, marking a celebration of the business's impressive achievements in 2024.

The visit in December came as Oldfields Garage follows several prestigious industry and local awards wins over the past year.

Ellie Chowns MP said: “I visited Oldfields as part of Small Business Saturday, a programme of visits to celebrate and support local enterprises. Independent businesses like Oldfields Garage are vital to fostering a thriving community, and I was proud to meet with Tim to discuss the achievements of the garage and his concerns for the industry.

"Oldfields Garage has built an excellent reputation in Leominster, and in recent months, they've been honoured with several awards, including Apprentice Employer of the Year. They’ve also made headlines for having the youngest EV-qualified apprentice in the country. These are achievements that truly deserve recognition."

During the visit, Tim Benson, Managing Director of Oldfields Garage, raised key concerns facing the wider automotive industry.

One of the issues raised was the urgent need to review the MOT test fee. Set in 2010 at £54.85, the current fee no longer reflects the economic pressures facing independent garages.

"Taking inflation into account, the fee should be adjusted to £82.79 to ensure garages are fairly compensated for the vital service they provide," explained Tim. "Beyond financial fairness, an updated MOT fee is essential for maintaining roadworthy vehicles and meeting environmental standards, especially with new testing requirements, such as particulate matter checks, coming into play."

Tim also called for industry regulation similar to the Gas Safe Register, which mandates strict standards for gas engineers. He highlighted the risks posed by the lack of formal qualifications for those working on vehicles, with anyone currently able to open a garage and perform repairs without proper training.

Another key issue raised was the growing challenge of attracting young talent into the automotive sector. He pointed out how outdated perceptions and insufficient vocational training in schools are contributing to the skills shortage.

"The industry is often seen as a low-skill career, which discourages many from considering it as a viable and rewarding profession," said Tim. "With rapid technological advancements, particularly in electric vehicles, the need for specialised, ongoing training has never been more critical. To tackle the shortage, we must reshape perceptions and promote apprenticeships to ensure the future of our businesses."

Oldfields Garage offers MOT testing, servicing, diagnostics, and repairs for a wide variety of cars and vans. In the coming weeks, the business is set to expand its services with the launch of a dedicated electric vehicle bay, catering to the growing demand for EV maintenance. It will also be extending its commercial vehicle and motorhome servicing capabilities.

In the past year, the family-run business has earned major accolades, including being named Garage of the Year at the 2024 CAT Awards, and at the 2024 British Independent Garage of the Year Awards.

"We are proud to be part of this community and grateful to Ellie Chowns MP for taking the time to listen to the issues that are impacting the automotive sector," said Tim. "Independent garages like ours are crucial to the local economy, but we face significant challenges that threaten our long-term sustainability. It was great to have the opportunity to highlight these concerns."