Independent garages across the UK are valuing the benefits of a web-based Garage Management System more than ever before, say workshop management specialists TechMan. Remote access to business data from any device, has long been enjoyed by workshops using TechMan but never has productivity been more essential for busy garages than during the ongoing pandemic.
Today (Monday 11 January 2021), the DVSA updated its MOT guidance to clarify that “MOT centres can stay open in all areas of Great Britain, including during the national lockdown in England, the temporary lockdown in Scotland, and all of Wales in alert level 4 (lockdown)”. The same guidance always specifies that motorists are still required to get an MOT and there is no MOT exemption this time. As a result, garages across the UK should ensure that customers know that tyre fitting, vehicle repair and MOT services are permitted during the latest lockdown restrictions. At the same time, motorists need to know that there is no MOT exemption.
TechMan is advising its customers that it will be continuing to provide services and support for its garage management system whilst these unprecedented restrictions are in place. Individual garages are evaluating their own position and capabilities during this time in order to understand the best next steps for their businesses and how they can operate whilst adhering to the new social distancing instructions advised by government.
Top Technician has returned for 2020, and round one is now open online. The garage sector competition has been running since 2002, with thousands of people testing their skills in a fun, competitive environment. For the winners, the competition has life-changing potential, according to the organiser, as it puts them on a national stage. Opportunities often follow.
ColourSpray Auto Services in Wirral has reported significant improvements in both its repair times and its overall efficiency across the business thanks to garage management specialist, TechMan. Having previously used an alternative provider, operations manager Dave Hall felt that the existing system had too many limitations for a one-stop garage such as ColourSpray Auto Services.
TechMan has announced that its partner business – Northampton-based garage, In Town Automotive – will be playing host to the prestigious Top Technician / Top Garage 2020 finals for the first time ever.
Colchester-based Shaikly Motor Company has used garage management specialist TechMan to improve efficiency as the business expands. Established in 1977, the family run business has grown to be the largest independent Bosch car service, MOT and repair centre in Colchester, employing 22 members of staff.
TechMan Garage Management Systems has joined the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF). Built from within a garage environment specifically for garages and workshops, TechMan offers a management solution for workshops looking to improve and streamline processes, and ultimately increase their bottom line.
In Town Automotive – one of the largest independently owned vehicle servicing and repairs garage in Northampton – has rounded off 2018 in style, after taking home its second prestigious technology award of the year.
Garage management specialist TechMan has helped Swift Motor Services in Worthing to achieve a “record four months” since going live with the system in July.
TechMan, the garage management specialist, now offers card services provider integration, linking PDQ card terminals with its software. After meeting with a national fast fit network, TechMan said it discovered significant sums of money were being written off by garages each year in miss-keyed or malicious transactions using PDQ terminals. In response, TechMan developed a solution it says is flexible enough to work for both single branch independents and national chains.
TechMan has collaborated with award-winning independent Audi and VW specialist ADS Limited, to deliver an honest appraisal of their experiences to date since implementing the TechMan garage management system less than four months ago.
Two recent winners of prestigious industry awards have given credit to garage management system TechMan. Berkshire-based Shaun Miller went one better than his 2017 runner-up finish in winning Top Technician 2018, while Cedar Garage of Worthing was the inaugural winner of the Top Garage award. Both say Techman, which was developed by independent garage owners, has helped their businesses develop.
The UK’s leading exhibition for the automotive aftermarket and vehicle production industry, Automechanika Birmingham, welcomed 10,200 industry personnel to its 2018 event. Featuring 500 exhibitors from 26 countries in 9,400sqm of floor space, the organiser stated that more than 120 companies exhibited for the first time, including: AA Garage Guide, Snap-On, Ceramex, GSF Car Parts and Wurth Electronics. Tyres & Accessories joined the National Tyre Distributors Association in representing the UK tyre industry at what was a lively event for the automotive sector, with an emphasis on visitor interaction – a fact underlined by the three in-hall dedicated presentation spaces, in which speakers addressed major issues currently affecting the sector.
Manor Motor Company is reporting a significant spike in business since implementing the TechMan garage management system. The Birmingham-based independent, which was established in 2013, adopted TechMan at the end of January, after making the decision to upgrade from a paper diary booking system.
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