Garage Talk

Automotive Aftermarket News

THE PODCAST

Green background with black text reading "Garage Talk Unwrapped" and a blue sign saying "The Podcast" along with two people, a woman and a man, smiling at the camera.

Garage Talk Unwrapped is the fortnightly podcast for the automotive aftermarket, packed with industry news, expert guests, and honest conversations.

Perfect for technicians, business owners, and anyone working in the trade.

New episodes every other Tuesday.

Some episodes feature highlights from our Garage Talk Unwrapped video magazine on YouTube.

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Want to be a guest? Contact us here.

Ben Coates Ben Coates

Episode 15 - Unleashing the chaos: PR and marketing strategy

Vicky and Ben sit down with the “Chaos Twins,” Cheryl Dean and Annie Sutton from Impression, to explore PR and digital marketing in the automotive aftermarket. From the power of storytelling and managing online reviews to experimenting with social media platforms like TikTok, this episode is packed with practical tips to help garages raise their profile and connect with customers.

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Ben Coates Ben Coates

Episode 14 - Parts buying made easy with Part Sync

Part Sync is changing the way garages source parts, making it quicker and more transparent to compare quotes from trusted suppliers. In this episode, co-founders Ashley Sutcliffe and Giulio Leone share how the platform was built to solve everyday parts-ordering frustrations, plus real examples of the savings and efficiency gains garages can achieve.

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Ben Coates Ben Coates

Episode 11 - The art of automotive marketing

Discover how BM Catalysts approaches automotive marketing in this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped - The Podcast. Tom Vallé and Joe O’Neill share expert insights on aftermarket marketing strategies, creative campaigns, social media engagement, digital marketing trends, and how to connect with both trade and consumer audiences.

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Ben Coates Ben Coates

Episode 10 - Chris Wileman on running a modern garage

We speak with Chris Wileman, owner of Castle Garage in Ashby and winner of The Blend’s Garage of the Year award. Chris shares his journey from apprentice to award-winning garage owner, offering insights on running a modern workshop, embracing the shift to electric vehicles, building a strong team, and navigating today’s industry challenges. A must-listen for anyone interested in the future of independent garages.

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Ben Coates Ben Coates

Episode 9 - Reflecting on the automotive aftermarket in 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, Vicky and Ben take a moment to look back on an incredible year in the automotive aftermarket. From milestones like reaching 51,000 YouTube subscribers to exclusive insights from Silverstone and industry events like Automechanika and CarFest, they share the highs, the challenges, and the memorable moments that have shaped Garage Talk.

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Ben Coates Ben Coates

Episode 7 - The Apex of the Recovery Industry

In this episode, Vicky and Ben chat with Mark Blinston of BM Catalysts about the company’s journey from a small tyre fitting centre to Europe’s leading emissions manufacturer. Mark shares insights on overcoming early challenges, adapting to new regulations, embracing innovation, and preparing for the rise of electric vehicles, offering an inspiring look at resilience and growth in the automotive industry.

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