Well we made it again!! I cant quite believe that we have made it into the Independent Garage Final again this year!

This is a huge achievement for us , as even in the small independent garage category we were up against garages with 10 or less employees. With just Joshua and I working in the garage and my wife Kim supporting us in the background (i.e the unpaid secretary) I cannot express how proud I am that our small independent village garage can compete with some of the best small garages out there. 

We still have an interview this week to sell how great we are but in all honesty I just want us to be the best that we can be and continue to give a great customer services to both our loyal customers of up to 50 years and those new to us. 

By entering these competitions it gives us time to reflect on where we excel and also on where we can improve. It also helps us to build networks with the wider garage community and this helps us to support each other and gain insight and knowledge. I've lost count of how many times I have picked up the phone and used the expertise of fellow garage owners  and technicians to resolve a mechanical issue that's stumped us. 

So with our hands scrubbed clean and our oily clothes replaced by shirt and trousers apart from Kim,  she looks better in a dress,  we will attended the award ceremony on Friday 12th September 2025. Who knows this year we might actually win!!!

Below is what the IGA says about the awards. To be held to a Gold standard and  for us to stand out from the crowd is achievement enough for now. . 

Adrian, Joshua and Kim Smith