Show Notes
In our very first in-person recording, borrowing the studio mics from our friends at the On the Ramp Podcast, host Mike Ruff sits down with Garage Hive Managing Director and the original visionary behind The Blend, Ray Dilsons.
AI is dominating industry headlines, but for progressive independent workshops, software is only as good as the measurable value it delivers to the bottom line. In this wide-ranging, candid conversation, Ray unpacks what practical automation actually looks like on the workshop floor today, why traditional dealership software models fall short, and how community-led development continues to change the game for independents.
Join us at The Blend 2026!
The Blend returns to the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on Saturday, 10th October 2026. Join workshops, industry experts, and trade suppliers for a full day of networking and insights, featuring keynote speaker Rory Sutherland.
👉 Learn more and book your tickets: https://www.theblend.events/
The Blend Podcast is proudly sponsored by Garage Hive and produced by Autotech Communications.
More from The Blend Podcast
In the final countdown episode before The Blend 2026, we’re talking Artificial Intelligence for independent garages. Tim Benson of Oldfields Garage joins us to discuss it ahead of his conference session on the topic.
If you’ve ever unboxed a brand-new dealer tool with little to no instructions on how to get it set up, you’ll know the frustration is real. But as vehicles become increasingly locked down, having genuine OEM access isn’t just an advantage anymore, it’s fast becoming essential.
Today, we’re hearing from Gary Wood of Intelligent Auto in Gateshead, a two-time winner of Small Garage of the Year at The Blend, and this year, he’s aiming for the hat-trick.
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