Overseas Recruit Helps Garage Transform Workshop Culture and Performance

• Mindset shift improves productivity and enables expansion at The Garage Sheffield

A Sheffield garage says recruiting an overseas technician has transformed workshop performance, improved productivity and enabled expansion plans.

The Garage Sheffield, an 11-ramp independent repair business, recruited senior multi-brand technician Tapiwa Chimbwanda through Easy2Recruit after a recommendation from another garage.

Owner Ryan Tandy said the business had been facing the same recruitment pressures affecting many workshops, where a shortage of skilled technicians can limit capacity, restrict growth and leave employers feeling exposed.

Chimbwanda, who joined in March 2026 with a Volkswagen background from South Africa, is now working across general repairs, electrical work and major mechanical jobs.

Tandy said the appointment has delivered more than additional capability, with the biggest impact coming from a shift in attitude across the workshop that is now feeding directly into productivity and growth.

He said: “Tapiwa’s work ethic has been a game-changer. Every job is approached in the same way – 100 percent effort, no complaints, he just gets on with it.

“It’s changed the whole mindset in the workshop. Previously, like many independents, we felt under pressure to tolerate certain behaviours because of how difficult it is to replace skilled technicians. Tapiwa’s attitude has helped to set a new standard.

“When you’re no longer worried about whether people will try to push back on certain jobs, or even turn up on a Monday morning, you can run the business properly, take on more work and start planning ahead.”

That shift has enabled the garage to take on more work and a broader mix of jobs, including more complex repairs.

The recruitment process was completed quickly after The Garage Sheffield opted to fast-track its sponsor licence. Easy2Recruit supplied CVs and candidate videos before Ryan shortlisted candidates and carried out interviews remotely. He interviewed Chimbwanda on a Thursday, with the technician arriving in the workshop the following Tuesday.

Tandy said: “It was so much easier than I thought it would be. At the start, I didn’t really know what to expect. I just wanted someone skilled and reliable, and that is exactly what we got.

“On paper, I expect the investment to be covered well within a year through the extra work we are now able to take on. But the bigger benefit is the stability. You know you have someone committed to the business, and that gives you confidence to grow.”

The Garage Sheffield is already in the process of recruiting a second technician through Easy2Recruit, with Tandy now using the route to support expansion into an adjoining unit.

He said the plan is to grow from 11 to up to 14 ramps within the next 12 months, alongside the continued development of a dedicated ADAS centre.

He added: “If recruitment is holding you back, this gives you another route to get the right people into your business. It’s made a real difference for us, and it’s something we’ll continue to use.”

Ambi Singh, founder of Easy2Recruit, said: “The right hire can have an impact far beyond filling a vacancy. When a business gains both capability and consistency, it creates the confidence to grow.”