Garage visit: Bear and Bee 31 www.aftermarketonline.net SEPTEMBER 2024 The customer base is building with extensive use of social media business after Ian’s death, but is still part of the team as a director of the business and she keeps an experienced eye on financial affairs. And what a roller coaster ride it has been for the family, steering the firm through the pandemic while also coping with Ian’s death. Russ said: “I was begging Robyn to join for years and since she joined six months ago taking charge of marketing and communications it’s been great.” Robyn said: “We get on together really well as a family and just respect each other’s roles. We also have the same clear vision as to where we want the business to go in the future.” Going forward, they are set on achieving more still. Russ said training is part of the firm’s plans to make the business EV tech ready, alongside expertise that already exists with its range of other automotive services including MOTs and diagnostics. Meanwhile the customer base is building, with extensive use of social media. Robyn said the garage uses a lot of channels and Facebook has been particularly good in capturing new business across Grantham. The firm is also still involved in some farm machinery work in association with business contacts. Meanwhile, both garage sites are also contenders in this year’s Top Garage competition. In terms of local community involvement, Robyn has been spearheading the organisation of classic car shows during the summer for the garages that will include family entertainment and fund-raising for cancer research as well as the automotive mental health charity Ben. Meanwhile, Bear and Bee is now nurturing a new generation of mechanics as part of its workforce. One of its apprentices is 18-year-old Mia Reeves (pictured). Mia already has level two and three engineering course passes under her belt from Boston College and she is also a motor sports enthusiast — although she sticks to the mechanics side of the sport. Mia has yet to pass her driving test but knows all about how to help get a car back on the road and is a valued member of the Bear and Bee team as is her father, Alan, who also works at the garage. Mia is also undergoing diagnostics training to complement her work in the workshop. “I guess I was probably about three when I first picked up some tools while helping my grandad in the garage, so I’ve always been interested in the business,” Mia said. Asked what advice she would give to other young women considering joining the sector, she was unequivocal: “Just go for it. See a stereotype as a challenge and find your own way. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.” Former fashion photographer of 11 years, Kingsley, is now a valued electrical technician for the firm, having shown a keen interest in learning the trade and the company trained him over the years. Now aged 35, Kingsley said his love of working on his first car, a Mini, several years ago, was reignited when he became disenchanted with photography work and wanted to try something new. During the pandemic, Kingsley took a part-time job as a farm handyman, which included working on quad bikes. Despite having had no formal training as a mechanic, he had the drive and skills for the work and this was quickly spotted when he applied to join Bear and Bee after seeing an advert. When Kingsley joined three years ago he actually joined the Billingborough garage and is now the firm’s electrics specialist across both sites. “I’ve been here almost three years now and I’ve been put through some courses including my level two EV mechanic course.” Kingsley also does a lot of diagnostics work and “loves being able to fix stuff that others can’t.” He also has a message for the auto sector in tackling the skills crisis: “If someone turns up and is keen for work but has no qualifications, whatever their age, give them a chance.”
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