Mike Ruff, Author at Garage Matters

Garage owners urged to pivot from ‘day out’ to business investment this trade show season

Mike Ruff20 May, 202620 May, 2026

by Mike Ruff20 May, 202620 May, 20260

With the 2026 trade show season fast approaching, award-winning garage owner and peer mentor Tim Benson is offering his professional advice to help fellow independent...

IMI pushes government to legally require TechSafe standards

Mike Ruff18 May, 202618 May, 2026

by Mike Ruff18 May, 202618 May, 20260

Independent garages could soon face mandatory competency regulations for safety-critical vehicle repairs, following a high-level policy push by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI)...

Heavy electric vans escape HGV testing in major win for Class 7 testing stations

Mike Ruff15 May, 202618 May, 2026

by Mike Ruff15 May, 202618 May, 20260

The government has officially confirmed a massive shake-up of the MOT system, and it is set to deliver a highly lucrative new revenue stream straight...

Software and classic cars signal split future, Automechanika Frankfurt press briefing suggests

Mike Ruff13 May, 202618 May, 2026

by Mike Ruff13 May, 202618 May, 20260

Sitting in the room at the recent Automechanika Frankfurt press briefing, the message to the independent sector was impossible to ignore. As executives detailed their...

HELLA announces first-time Top Awards sponsorship to champion future talent and raise funds for Ben

Mike Ruff13 May, 202613 May, 2026

by Mike Ruff13 May, 202613 May, 20260

As the entry deadline for the Top Awards draws closer, HELLA UK has confirmed its first-ever sponsorship of the live event, funding the catering to...

Aging UK cars and surging used EV sales hands massive win to independent garages

Mike Ruff13 May, 202615 June, 2026

by Mike Ruff13 May, 202615 June, 20260

The corporate analysts and mainstream press have just released their verdict on the first quarter of 2026: the UK used car market is “flat.” According...

Valeo delivers 90% transmission coverage for Asian vehicles

Mike Ruff13 May, 202613 May, 2026

by Mike Ruff13 May, 202613 May, 20260

Valeo Service UK is helping workshops and distributors meet growing demand for Asian vehicle parts by offering a robust transmission portfolio covering up to 90%...

‘Garage Oscars’ deadline extended as Top Awards calls on UK Garage and Bodyshop visitors to enter

Mike Ruff12 May, 202612 May, 2026

by Mike Ruff12 May, 202612 May, 20260

Organisers of the Top Awards have officially extended the entry deadline for the 2026 competition cycle to June 12, allowing the industry one final chance...

Prime Minister’s skills pledge will stall without urgent apprenticeship reform, IMI says

Mike Ruff11 May, 202611 May, 2026

by Mike Ruff11 May, 202611 May, 20262

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has issued a stark warning to Downing Street: the Prime Minister’s vision for a high-skilled UK workforce risks...

Emissions and electrical faults top repairs for aging premium cars

Mike Ruff11 May, 202611 May, 2026

by Mike Ruff11 May, 202611 May, 20261

Warrantywise has released its 2026 Reliability Index, and the findings offer a stark reminder for independent garages: high-ticket used cars are often the ones that...