Kevin Toms of FRL Autoservices in Top 5

photo courtesy of FRL Autoservices

Kevin Toms from Blackawton has made it to the Final 5 of the the industry's prestigious Top Technician competition in the UK.
The Top Technician competition began in 2002 to find the UK's most skilled automotive technicians and to highlight areas of training. 

Kevin works for Good Garage Scheme member garage, FRL Autoservices in Dartmmouth, where he has been for 32 years. He is a local lad who has worked his entire life with engines of all sorts, from lawn mowers to lorries, tractors to Teslas and has now battled his way through the heats of this prestigious award to the final five.

Out of thousands of entries, Kevin was whittled down from the last 250 to 20 by a series of tougher tests, the last 10 were then invited to the practical semi-final in Bournemouth on Thursday 11th May 2017. They were put through a series of tasks with a twenty minute time limit. The five technicians with the highest score move forward to the next stage in Warwickshire on July 13th  with the final live event in Daventry on September 16th.

He has been overwhelmed that he has got this far. Having previously reached the top 50, he can’t quite believe it. Owner of FRL Autoservices, Ian Gobel and all of the staff, family, friends and customers are all so proud of Kevin and wish him all the luck for the final.

The Good Garage Scheme would also like to wish Kevin the very best of luck as he proceeds to the semi-final round.

Read How BEN helped Kate & Tim

Ben is the UK's dedicated charity for those who work, or have worked, in the automotive and related industries, as well as their dependants and is the chosen charity of the Good Garage Scheme.

At a recent charity ball held by BEN, Kate and Tim Weaver shared their story about how BEN helped them when they needed it. 

We are grateful for the permission to share the video of Kate speaking at the event and hope it will inspire those to give generously to BEN and also make those in the automotive industry aware of the help that is available to them.

For more information about BEN, please visit www.ben.org.uk.

Good Garage Scheme Supports Automotive Charity BEN

BEN is the chosen charity of the Good Garage Scheme.  The charity is dedicated for those who work, or have worked in the automotive and related industries, as well as their dependents.

Each year we make time at Christmas to visit the day care centre which closest to our Good Garage Scheme head office and send along a hamper for the centre to enjoy.

Arthur Wilson House in Coventry

It is wonderful to see what is available for those who need it and on the day of our visit, the staff were telling us how much the residents enjoyed their annual Christmas party on the previous day.

The centre offers a safe and comfortable place where anyone with a connection to the automotive or related industries can leave an elderly relative to be cared for during the working day. They also welcome those who are more independent who may benefit from socialising or taking part in organised activities and outings. The Centre has up to 25 members each day enjoying a range of entertainment, activities, games and trips to local attractions.

If you are interested in more information about BEN and the work they do or help they can offer, please visit www.BEN.org.uk.

Automotive Charity BEN Offers Support for Flood Victims

With the acrid, foul-smelling flood waters slowing abating and worries that we have not seen the last of the bad weather, the automotive charity BEN is extending their support for our affected automotive colleagues.

Following the Environment Agency's report that 5,800 properties have been flooded since the start of December and 100,000 homes having experienced power cuts, we recognise that members of our automotive community are extremely likely to be amongst those being challenged by the experience.

Commenting on the situation BEN's Chief Operating Officer, Nigel Rothband stated,

"The prolonged damage caused by these events will be placing severe physical and emotional stress on those affected, and we are desperate to ensure that anyone connected to our automotive industry community knows that we are on hand to offer our care and support.

We cannot solve the long-term problem; sadly we cannot throw millions at it to make it go away, but what we can do is to provide short term immediate support including financial assistance, where needed.

Obviously, some people will have been unable to work and will have incurred additional costs in trying to protect themselves and their properties - where these factors have caused short term financial hardship we may be able to assist depending on the circumstances of the individual.

Many will be covered by insurance, which should always be the first port of call, but for those who are vulnerable and do not have cover, or remain unsupported by other agencies we can, and will, respond to immediate need. Whether those affected just needing someone to offload too, advice on temporary accommodation or financial assistance- we are here to help. I would urge any automotive person who is distressed or suffering to get in touch."

In addition to actively encouraging those affected to get in touch, BEN is also contacting existing beneficiaries, in affected areas, to find out if they need help. Many older people in these circumstances will have been unable to get out and therefore missed out on normal social contact, or they may simply be more anxious and need some reassurance. We at BEN are determined to support these individuals and can also offer support to those people needing help to complete their insurance forms.

To contact BEN's helpline;
Call 01344 876770
Text 07781 472622
Email careservices@ben.org.uk

BEN - Caring for automotive people, and their dependants, in times of need

BEN is the Good Garage Scheme's chosen charity - the UK’s dedicated charity for those who work, or have worked, in the automotive and related industries, as well as their dependants.

Christmas Surprise for BEN

On Tuesday, 17th December, staff from the Good Garage Scheme, including Mr. Miles Better, delivered a Christmas hamper to Arthur Wilson House in Coventry, one of BEN's day care centres. Manager, Lynn Walker, was grateful for the items which will be shared in a raffle for the patrons.

 
BEN is the UK’s dedicated charity for those who work, or have worked, in the automotive and related industries, as well as their dependants. Care centres like Arthur Wilson House do a fantastic job caring for those most in need.

If you would like to learn more about BEN and the work they do, please visit www.ben.org.uk.

Teddy Bear Picnic for National BEN Week

The Good Garage Scheme joined in celebrations with automotive industry charity, BEN, this week with the "Bear Us in Mind" campaign.

BEN is the UK’s dedicated charity for those who work, or have worked, in the automotive and related industries, as well as their dependants.

Whether it's practical, emotional or financial support that you need, BEN are there to help. They also provide day, nursing and residential care across the country for older people in our communities.


Staff at Good Garage Scheme's head office brought their beloved teddy bears to work for a  picnic on Thursday, 18th July and the weather was just right for it.

 

We had a bear-themed quiz, prizes for best bear and a raffle for BEN's new "Benjamin Bear". A great time was had by all and we wish BEN a Happy 108th Birthday.

For more information about BEN and the wonderful work they do, visit www.ben.org.uk

Good Garage Scheme Goes Back to School for BEN

The Good Garage Scheme will be holding a ‘Back 2 School’ themed day on the 19th July to raise funds for BEN – the Automotive Industry Charity, during National BEN Week.

Staff at the Good Garage Scheme head office in Coventry will be dressing in a "Back to School" theme in celebration of BEN’s 107th Anniversary of providing help and support to the automotive and related industries.

There will be a school-style picnic dinner and lunchtime games.

Employees are also bringing in school photos of their "younger selves" and there will be a prize for the person who can match most faces to names.


BEN exists to provide care, support and advice to those in the automotive industries who need help in times of hardship or distress. It costs approximately £12 million each year for BEN to continue its vital work, and it’s only thanks to the generosity of supporters that BEN is able to do so.

National BEN Week is an annual event aiming to raise awareness and funds for the charity as well as bringing people together from across the industry to celebrate the birth of their dedicated charity.

Read more about the charity at www.ben.org.uk