In the latest episode of Your Garage, Alex and Nathan are back with another visit, this time to Birmingham, where they explore Ferdotti Auto Services, a garage that has built a strong reputation in fleet servicing. With an impressive setup and a focus on efficiency, this garage is redefining how fleet maintenance is handled.
A Fleet-Focused Operation
Ferdotti Motor Services has become one of the UK’s leading fleet specialists, catering to both private and corporate clients. With 25 bays and 13 technicians, it operates on a scale not often seen in independent garages.
Tim, the owner, explains: “Fleet work isn’t just about repairs—it’s about keeping vehicles on the road with minimal downtime.”
Unlike traditional garages, where the customer is the vehicle owner, Ferdotti primarily deals with leasing companies, managing a complex chain of communication between the driver, the company, and the fleet provider.
“There’s a triangle—the garage, the driver, and the leasing company. We provide the service, but it’s the leasing company that gets the bill.”
Workshop Control: Streamlining Operations
To keep up with the demands of fleet maintenance, Ferdotti has fully digitised its operations, using a T-Card system that allows staff to track jobs in real time. The service advisors manage authorisations and parts, ensuring a smooth workflow from start to finish.
Recognising the need for efficiency, the garage introduced a dedicated Workshop Controller. Tim explains:
“Having a single person overseeing workflow means our technicians can focus on their jobs instead of chasing admin. It’s been a game-changer for us.”
By improving efficiency, Ferdotti has been able to save up to 30 minutes per job, which equates to an estimated £60,000 per year in additional revenue.
Training the Next Generation of Technicians
Finding and retaining skilled technicians is a challenge in the industry, so Ferdotti has taken matters into its own hands. The Ferdotti Training Academy provides structured in-house training, bringing in an external trainer twice a month to work directly with the team.
“Most training courses are one-off sessions, and techs never see the trainer again. With our academy, we take them on a proper development journey.”
By offering tailored training, the garage ensures its technicians stay ahead of industry changes while also fostering a motivated workforce.
Hospitality as a Business Strategy
Tim believes in building strong relationships with his clients, and one way he does that is through hospitality. Drawing from his Italian roots, he often hosts clients for home-cooked meals, turning business meetings into personal connections.
“Fleet work can feel very corporate, but at the end of the day, people do business with people. Sitting down for a meal breaks down barriers in a way that emails never can.”
It’s an unconventional but highly effective approach to customer engagement.
Looking Ahead
With five workshops now in operation and more plans for expansion, Ferdotti Motor Services continues to set the standard for fleet maintenance.
Tim will be joining us on an upcoming podcast to discuss fleet servicing in more detail. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments and we’ll make sure to cover them in the episode.
Stay tuned for more from Your Garage.
