MikeRuff, Author at Garage Matters

Trade tensions, EV targets and fragile recovery: what Professor David Bailey’s warning means for UK garages

MikeRuff5 January, 20265 January, 2026

by MikeRuff5 January, 20265 January, 20260

Speaking at last month’s 2025 IAAF Conference, automotive economist Professor David Bailey delivered a sobering assessment of the forces reshaping the UK automotive landscape. While...

Golf GTI turns 50 as anniversary celebrations and first electric GTI begin

MikeRuff5 January, 20265 January, 2026

by MikeRuff5 January, 20265 January, 20260

January 2026 marks a major milestone for one of the most influential cars in automotive history. The Volkswagen Golf GTI turns 50 this year, with...

Independent garages poised for major fleet opportunities in 2026

MikeRuff5 January, 20265 January, 2026

by MikeRuff5 January, 20265 January, 20260

Tim Guidotti, director of Midlands-based Ferdotti Motor Services, founder of The Fleet Guy, and a recognised innovator in fleet work management, delivered a compelling presentation...

Schaeffler REPXPERT takes Wrenches & Wisdom campaign to Williams Garage

MikeRuff5 January, 20265 January, 2026

by MikeRuff5 January, 20265 January, 20260

For its final episode of 2025, the Schaeffler team visited the award-winning Williams Garage in Winchester, to speak to some apprentices and deliver product training....

Burnout or bounce back? Why ‘mental toughness’ is your most vital tool for 2026

MikeRuff22 December, 202526 February, 2026

by MikeRuff22 December, 202526 February, 20260

The parts are late, the customer is complaining, and the pressure is relentless. World Rally driver Penny Mallory explains why independent garages don’t just need...

Mixed messages and tax fears ‘putting brakes” on EV switch, AA warns

MikeRuff22 December, 202522 December, 2025

by MikeRuff22 December, 202522 December, 20250

Political uncertainty and potential new taxes are causing drivers to retreat to petrol and diesel, creating a “climate of confusion” that independent garages will likely...

Massive ‘no reserve’ workshop memorabilia collection set for auction

MikeRuff22 December, 202522 December, 2025

by MikeRuff22 December, 202522 December, 20250

From rare enamel signs to legendary Vincents, the Ron Haigh Collection offers independent garages a unique chance to acquire museum-quality heritage items. For many independent...

Double CAT Award nominations for The Fleet Guy as Ferdotti ‘Blueprint’ goes national

MikeRuff19 December, 202519 December, 2025

by MikeRuff19 December, 202519 December, 20250

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)...

DVSA confirms Christmas & New Year 2025/26 open hours

MikeRuff19 December, 202522 December, 2025

by MikeRuff19 December, 202522 December, 20250

With the festive season approaching, garage owners are urged to check the DVSA’s reduced support schedule. DVSA online services on GOV.UK will remain available throughout...

Garage Services Online’s Alex Vere sheds 20 inches of hair to support The Little Princess Trust

MikeRuff18 December, 202518 December, 2025

by MikeRuff18 December, 202518 December, 20250

A well-known figure in the independent garage community has undergone a dramatic transformation to support children and young people battling hair loss. Alex Vere, of...

Trade tensions, EV targets and fragile recovery: what Professor David Bailey’s warning means for UK garages

Golf GTI turns 50 as anniversary celebrations and first electric GTI begin

Independent garages poised for major fleet opportunities in 2026

Schaeffler REPXPERT takes Wrenches & Wisdom campaign to Williams Garage

Burnout or bounce back? Why ‘mental toughness’ is your most vital tool for 2026

Mixed messages and tax fears ‘putting brakes” on EV switch, AA warns

Massive ‘no reserve’ workshop memorabilia collection set for auction

Double CAT Award nominations for The Fleet Guy as Ferdotti ‘Blueprint’ goes national

DVSA confirms Christmas & New Year 2025/26 open hours

Garage Services Online’s Alex Vere sheds 20 inches of hair to support The Little Princess Trust

Hella Gutmann expands macsRemote team amid rising demand for remote diagnostics

ALLDATA kicks off 2026 Repair Excellence Roadshow at Oldfields Garage

EXCLUSIVE: IAAF Chief explains strategy behind ‘mandatory minimum’ MOT fee

Stagnant MOT fee threatening national testing capacity, warns IGA

Rising booking fees see Wallsend garage end eight-year relationship with booking platforms

Hella Gutmann expands macsRemote team amid rising demand for remote diagnostics

ALLDATA kicks off 2026 Repair Excellence Roadshow at Oldfields Garage

EXCLUSIVE: IAAF Chief explains strategy behind ‘mandatory minimum’ MOT fee

Stagnant MOT fee threatening national testing capacity, warns IGA

Rising booking fees see Wallsend garage end eight-year relationship with booking platforms