The Blend Podcast

Garage business growth: expansion pain, lessons gained

The Blend Podcast

Show Notes

In this episode of The Blend Podcast, host Mike Ruff sits down with returning guest Dean Lomas to dive deep into the 'rollercoaster' of running, and rapidly expanding, an independent garage business. It comes ahead of his return as a speaker at at The Blend conference and networking in Birmingham on Saturday 18th October.

Dean offers practical advice for garage owners considering expansion, including raising prices early to maintain cash flow, investing in ramps and staff to meet demand, and ensuring growth never compromises service quality.

The Blend Podcast is produced by Autotech Communications.

More from The Blend Podcast

Oct 7, 2026

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.

Oct 5, 2026

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.

Sep 7, 2026

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.

Aug 18, 2026

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.

Jul 14, 2026

MINI Repair Shop: Dealer standards, independent agility by The Blend Podcast

See all episodes →