Garage owners are being encouraged to look beyond the hype surrounding artificial intelligence and consider how the technology could tackle everyday workshop challenges in the latest episode of The Blend Podcast.
Hosted by Mike Ruff and sponsored by community-led garage management system Garage Hive, the pre-conference special features Oldfields Garage owner and aftermarket figure Tim Benson, who explores how independent workshops are already using AI for practical tasks ranging from pricing and customer estimates to staff training and business processes.
“When you think of AI initially, you’re literally thinking of ChatGPT or a content machine,” said Tim. “There’s just so much more to it than that. Garages have got loads and loads of knowledge sat in their systems, and it’s about using AI to help develop and share that knowledge.”
Tim says garage owners do not need coding skills or specialist IT knowledge to start benefiting from AI. Instead, he recommends identifying routine, repetitive tasks where the technology can save time and improve consistency.
Among the examples discussed are bespoke pricing calculators, intelligent customer estimates and clearer explanations of repair work designed to help motorists understand the value of recommended work.
The episode opens with contributions from Blend Community figures including Ray Dilsons of Garage Hive, Gary Wood of Intelligent Auto, Edward Cockill of Uckfield Motor Services, Steve Chambers of Mini Repair Shop and Barry Lawson of Lawson AutoTech, highlighting the peer-to-peer approach at the heart of The Blend.
Tim will continue the discussion at The Blend 2026 this weekend, where his session, Beyond the Hype: How Garages Are Developing with AI, will explore how independent workshops can apply AI in practical ways without needing to become technology experts.
The Blend returns to The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on Saturday 10th October, featuring business-focused presentations, interactive break-outs and networking, alongside a keynote from Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK. The event will conclude with the annual Blend Awards dinner.
The latest episode of The Blend Podcast is available now on all major podcast streaming platforms. Further information about The Blend can be found online here: https://www.theblend.events/.
