Less than a year after its launch, The Fleet Guy has been named a finalist in two categories for the 2026 Car Aftermarket Trader (CAT) Awards.
The UK’s first dedicated fleet-work training community for independent garages is vying for both the Innovation Award and Training Scheme of the Year.
The nominations cap a significant debut year for the platform, developed by fleet servicing expert, Tim Guidotti to help more independent workshops move away from the “retail struggle” and tap into the stable, high-margin revenue of fleet contracts.
Unlike traditional theory-based training, The Fleet Guy is built on the operational success of Ferdotti Motor Services, one of the UK’s most profitable independent fleet specialists.
With 90 per cent of its revenue derived from fleet work and a recent win for Outstanding Garage Achievement at the IAAF Awards, Ferdotti serves as the live blueprint for everything taught within the community.
“The Fleet Guy isn’t based on a textbook; it’s the result of 25 years of trial, error, and ultimate success,” said Tim. “The fact that Ferdotti is also a finalist for Independent Garage of the Year at the CAT Awards validates the exact systems we share with our members. We are proving that when independents adopt a ‘fleet-first’ mindset, they can outperform main dealers on speed, quality, and profitability.”
Since its launch in May 2025, the platform has started to develop a first-of-its-kind Fleet Guy Certification. This programme will vet independent workshops to a professional standard recognised by major leasing companies, effectively opening doors that were previously closed to independents.
“We founded The Fleet Guy to give independent garages a seat at the table with the UK’s biggest fleets,” said Tim. “I knew the appetite for change was there, but the speed at which The Fleet Guy has taken off has genuinely surprised me. Seeing the Ferdotti blueprint transform other independent garages in just a few months is incredibly rewarding.”
The CAT Award winners will be revealed during a gala ceremony at Manchester’s Lowry Hotel on 26 February, where the UK’s automotive aftermarket will gather to celebrate the industry’s top performers.
Independent garages looking to grow their fleet work and connect with leading leasing and fleet companies can find out more at https://www.thefleetguy.co.uk/.
