Tim Benson, Managing Director at the multi-award-winning Oldfields Garage and founder of Oldfields Automotive Consulting, shared powerful insights into how recognition can drive improvement and morale during his session at The Blend 2025 in Birmingham last weekend.
In his presentation, “How to Put Yourself in the Frame: Seven Steps to Make Your Garage Award-Ready,” Tim revealed what it really takes for independent garages to gain recognition and why the process often matters more than the prize itself.
The session came as national attention turns to the next major event in the garage calendar: The Top Awards finals at Delphi Academy in Warwick on 15 November, where finalists for Top Technician, Top Garage, and Top Apprentice will compete for this year’s titles.
“Awards aren’t about luck,” said Tim. “They’re about understanding your strengths, building the right processes, and communicating them clearly. Whether you win or not, entering helps you see your business differently, and that’s where the real value lies.”
Drawing on Oldfields Garage’s seven national awards since 2023 and two local titles in the past year, Tim shared actionable strategies to help garages benchmark against the best, raise their profile, and inspire their teams.
He encouraged delegates to treat award entries as a practical framework for reviewing operations, from customer service and marketing to staff development and long-term planning. He also highlighted how external recognition strengthens customer confidence and team pride.
“When you tell customers you’ve been judged among the best in the industry, it builds trust,” Tim explained. “And when your team sees their work recognised, it boosts motivation across the business.”
Reflecting on his own journey, Tim said his proudest achievement remains winning Top Garage in 2023, a milestone that marked both professional success and a personal moment of pride.
“We didn’t win the first time we entered, but the second time we did and that moment, sitting next to my dad, was unforgettable. It proved that our efforts to raise standards were paying off,” he said.
Tim also reminded attendees that the true value of awards goes far beyond trophies and titles.
“Each time you go through the process, you find something to improve. The first win is exciting, but sustaining that standard, and involving more of your team, is where it really pays off.”
He closed with a simple message to garage owners: “You don’t need to wait until you think you’re ready. The process itself makes you ready. It’s about progress, not perfection.”
During his session at The Blend, Tim offered a full day of personalised garage consultancy, offering a fresh perspective and tailored advice to help put their business “in the frame” for success. Bryngwyn Service Station has since been selected from the prize draw.
Tim continues to share his award-winning experience through Oldfields Automotive Consulting, helping independent garages improve efficiency, customer experience, and profitability.
For more information or to explore how Tim can help your business put itself “in the frame” for success, email consulting@oldfieldsgarage.co.uk.
