Garage visit 35 www.aftermarketonline.net NOVEMBER 2025 Encouragement for progression from apprentice through to senior and specialist roles embracing modern vehicle technologies. There is also significant focus on overall wellbeing for all involved, with Kim Pestridge taking the lead on that, having introduced wellbeing boards, stress risk assessments, and mental health first aid. Automotive industry charity Ben would welcome these initiatives, which at D&D have been expanded to include regular team breakfasts, awareness sessions, and confidential support where necessary. Indeed, the garage is among nominees for Ben’s Workplace Health & Wellbeing Award in this year’s Top Garage competition. The wider team includes senior front-of-house staff such as Oliver Kolsterham and the company also has a clear structure for technicians, with progression encouragement from apprentice through to senior and specialist roles. Matthew said D&D’s retention of apprentices is strong, with several qualifying through the Bosch training programme and staying with the business. The powerhouse team has also driven the garage to take part in competition challenges. Matthew said the firm welcomes and highly values Top Technician and Top Garage, viewing them as excellent benchmarking and motivation tools. After finishing in the top 10 of the Top Garage competition for those with more than 10 employees in 2023, D&D won the ultimate prize and took the Top Garage accolade home in 2024. Winning Top Garage was seen as a major achievement, enhancing team morale and providing valuable feedback for business improvement. He praised the process of competition judging as rigorous and fair, and said all staff become involved in the awards process, attending ceremonies and sharing in the recognition of industry peers. Meanwhile, marketing efforts include local press releases, social media updates, and community engagement such as supporting local football clubs and charities. Staff are also encouraged to contribute technical articles and share unique case studies for industry publications. As for the future, Matthew and Lorraine are committed to continued investment in training and progression to ensure talent retention and maintain the firm’s reputation for excellence. Richard Pestridge, director/workshop manager MOT manager Brian Senior service advisor, Oliver
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