But the year starts off with the same story. Pothole damage is increasing, and councils are not paying out. With National Pothole Day, is this a recognition of the pothole itself, or the people that work hard to ensure that drivers can stay on the road, even if those roads are crumbling.

Auto Repair Focus is also launching a new series for 2026. Garage Focus is looking for participants, who want their business to appear on screen, and to discuss the future of the aftermarket. If you would like to take part, contact Auto Repair Focus Editor Phil Curry - phil@autorepairfocus.com

Finally, we catch up with Andy Waite from Veloris to discuss the battery market, and why garages should be checking every battery on vehicles that enter their workshop, especially as the weather turns colder...

Links referenced in this episode:

1. autorepairfocus.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. SMMT
2. The Motor Ombudsman
3. DVSA
4. Valoris
5. RAC

But with daily pressures rising, and more awareness of mental health and wellbeing, the charity is working to ensure it can support many more people in the years ahead.

Auto Repair Focus Editor Phil Curry sat down with Ben's Senior Leadership Team, including Rachel Clift, Chief Executive Officer, Matt Wiggington, Head of Growth and Development, and Ellen Plumer, head of Aawreness and Experience, discussed how the charity helps, and how it aims to grow, and support a new generation of automotive industry employees over the next 120 years.

We highlight the importance of awareness regarding mental health issues and financial difficulties, emphasising that Ben stands ready to assist those in need, regardless of their circumstances. The conversation also underscores the necessity for proactive engagement and early intervention to prevent crises before they escalate. Ultimately, we collectively urge listeners to familiarize themselves with the resources available

If you are struggling, you can reach out to Ben for help. Find more details on their website, Ben.org.uk

Takeaways:

1. The charity Ben has been supporting the automotive industry for an impressive 120 years, adapting to meet evolving needs.
2. Awareness of mental health and wellbeing within the automotive industry remains a critical challenge for Ben.
3. Ben is dedicated to providing support for individuals facing mental health and financial issues, emphasising the importance of outreach.
4. The organisation aims to normalise conversations surrounding mental health, encouraging individuals to seek help when needed.
5. Ben is evolving into a singular health and wellbeing charity focused on the automotive industry, enhancing its impact.
6. Collaboration with employers is essential for Ben to effectively reach and support automotive workers across the industry.

Plus, Sophie Lyden, The Tyre Lady and Depot Manager at Westgate Tyres, together with Stuart Lovett, Chair of road safety charity Tyresafe, join us to discuss the shocking state of tyre safety in the UK, and the role garages will play in educating drivers. With a considerable knowledge gap on tyre maintenance, and worrying MOT figures, how can technicians ensure their customers are remaining safe, and staying up-to-date with checks?

Guests

• Sophie Lyden – The Tyre Lady
• Stuart Lovett – Chair, Tyresafe

Further reading

You can stay up to date with the latest automotive aftermarket news at autorepairfocus.com, or subscribe to our YouTube channel.

If you have a story to share, or want to take part in the Auto Transmission Podcast, you can leave voice feedback via our website, or email phil@autorepairfocus.com.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we discussed the critical importance of headlight glare, especially during darker months.
• The podcast emphasised the ongoing need for drivers to regularly check their tyre conditions and safety.
• We highlighted the alarming statistics regarding driver awareness of legal penalties for unsafe tyres.
• The necessity for garages to educate customers on tyre safety and proper maintenance cannot be overstated.

No customer ever wants to be in a position to make a complaint, while no business wants to receive one. However, sometimes issues arise, and once all efforts between the two involved parties run out of steam, The Motor Ombudsman can help. They provide fair and impartial overviews of cases, to work towards a resolution.

Auto Transmission goes behind the scenes at The Motor Ombudsman to find out how they deal with cases. Barnes discusses his day-to-day role, and the qualifications that help him when adjudicating.

The episode also provides tips for businesses on how to avoid a complaint, and highlights the areas where the most complaints arise. Throughout, we explore the challenges faced by both consumers and businesses, while underscoring the critical nature of fairness and transparency in dispute resolution.

Find out how you can deal with customer complaints, and how The Motor Ombudsman can help, in Auto Transmission, from Auto Repair Focus.

Joanne Knowles and Rachel Marshall from Automechanika Birmingham about what visitors can expect to see at the show. Plus Dean Lomas, Tim Benson and Simon Powney give their thoughts on why you should attend.

And Phil sits down with the team behind ifnd Autoparts to find out more about the online platform, that promises to change the way we source parts.

In this episode of the Auto Repair Focus Podcast, Phil Curry talks to Rachel Clift, Health and Wellbeing Director at automotive industry charity Ben, about the issues people are facing and the support that is available to them. From financial issues to mental health and wellbeing worries, Rachel highlights the work Ben is doing, and the different channels of help that automotive workers and their families can benefit from.

It can be difficult to ask for help, but to do so is a strength, rather than a weakness. Finding support can lift a heavy weight and burden, and will be better in the long term for those struggling today.

If you are struggling to cope and need to talk, Ben is there for you, day or night, 24/7.

You can chat with them online, or call their helpline. It is free and confidential and available Monday to Friday - 8am to 8pm.

Call - 08081 311 333
Email - supportservices@ben.org.uk
Chat online – www.ben.org.uk

Ben also operates an out-of-hours text support service. To access this, text BEN to 85258.

There is also lots of support available at www.ben.org.uk and you can sign up to receive their top tips to your email inbox at www.ben.org.uk/signup.