A real look at growth, decisions and the challenges behind building a modern independent garage.
Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/Hlpd4QXR1a8
Walsall Wood has become one of the most talked-about independent garages in the trade, not because of flashy marketing, but because of the journey. What started as a small tyre bay with a barn door and very little equipment has grown into a multi-workshop operation built on footfall, opportunity and relentless graft.
On this episode of On The Ramp, we walked through the full setup with Alex to understand how the business grew, what mistakes had to be corrected, and how the team developed the structure they needed to scale.
Starting with tyres and chasing opportunities
The business began with a simple tyre focus. Alex explains that his background was only tyres, not repairs, and not the typical route most garages take. Before long, he realised tyres alone would not create the sustainable business he wanted.
That led to the next decision: learning MOT testing. He became the tester, ran the office, answered the phones and kept the whole thing moving. It was intense, but it created the foundation for the next stage of growth.
The early-stage mistakes and what had to change
Like many owners, Alex admits the business grew around him. The processes were in his head, the workflow depended on him, and the setup was not designed for scale. The workshop was basic, the office layout was not fit for purpose, and everything funneled directly through him.
Eventually the growth outpaced the structure. Something had to change.
The “wide and shallow” model
One of the major turning points was adopting a wide and shallow approach. This meant taking most jobs in, controlling the depth of the work, and pushing deeper, more complex repairs to the larger workshop. It kept throughput strong without overwhelming the team and allowed the business to capture more customers without sacrificing quality.
Tyres remained a key lead magnet. They drive volume. People come for tyres even when they do not use the garage for anything else. The team learned how to convert that footfall into long-term customers.
Workshop two: overflow, repairs and wheel welding
As volume increased, the second workshop was added. It sat directly behind the first, and although small with limited head height, it solved genuine problems.
It allowed fast overflow. It absorbed repairs. And most importantly, it unlocked wheel welding… a small but profitable add-on made possible only because the tyre volume exposed those opportunities.
The game changer: workshop one
The biggest shift came during Covid, when a much larger unit became available. Nine ramps. Car parking for dozens of vehicles. A space that could carry the entire next stage of the business.
It was a risk. A big one. But the timing was right. The business had stayed open during lockdown, the financials were steady, and a key hire, Gav, had joined the team. That partnership became essential. It allowed Alex to step back from doing everything himself and start putting structure in place.
The unit filled quickly. Faster than expected. And with that growth came the need for better systems, better equipment and a more defined team structure.
Branding, identity and customer experience
The reception area grew into a core part of the brand. Clean floors, open layout, clear identity and a look that made customers feel they were in the right place. It was not about being fancy. It was about being intentional.
Workwear became the next extension. Clothing House was born as a way to reinforce the identity of the business and offer branding support to others.
Parts, mobile vans and operational improvements
The parts area became the drop-off point for all workshops. It simplified operations and improved speed. The mobile van setup evolved as well, with electric tyre machines, battery-operated systems and a quieter, cleaner experience for customers.
This was not innovation for the sake of it. It was practical improvement. Better workflow. Better customer experience.
Building the team and the future
One of the standout parts of Walsall Wood is the investment in people. Apprentices are brought into the media team, the workshop teams are supported, and the business is filled with individuals who take ownership of their work.
The studio upstairs showcases how important storytelling and content have been to the brand. Social media played a large role in growing visibility, and the team continues to invest in it.
The real story behind the growth
The journey from three bays to fourteen ramps took a decade. It was not instant, easy or without mistakes. But it shows what is possible when a garage owner focuses on:
- capturing footfall
- controlling workflow depth
- hiring the right people at the right time
- building structure instead of relying on chaos
- improving customer experience
- moving fast when opportunity appears
Walsall Wood is not an overnight success. It is a long-term one.
Final thoughts
What stands out most is the balance between ambition and practicality. Every decision was made to solve a problem. Every workshop was added with intention. And every extension of the brand was built on a real need.
It is a story many garage owners can relate to. A story of graft, learning, risk and progress.
And ten years later, the journey is still very much in motion.
A word for our sponsor:
This episode of Your Garage is proudly supported by 1TEC Auto Hub, a network designed to help independent garages grow stronger through expert training, modern technology, and business support. Find out more at https://www.1tec.co.uk
