Watch: Step inside our new workshop

Monday 23rd June 2025

If you haven’t had the chance to see our newly expanded workshop for yourself yet, don’t worry.

Managing Director, Tim Benson has put together a quick video tour to show you what’s new and, more importantly, how it all helps us take even better care of you and your vehicles.

The new unit is adjoined to our existing workshop at Enterprise Park in Leominster, and it’s added 2,000 sq ft of additional space to our workshop – boosting our capacity by 50%.

That means more specialist services like advanced diagnostics and electric vehicle servicing and repairs, plus the room and equipment to take on campervans, motorhomes and commercial vehicles.

We’ve been proud to serve Leominster and neighbouring areas for over 30 years and, with our new workshop, we’re all set to keep doing what we do best for many years to come.

Thanks for being part of the Oldfields family. We look forward to caring for you and your vehicle in our workshop soon!

Oldfields named Garage of the Year at Automechanika Birmingham Awards

Monday 9th June 2025

We are once again celebrating national recognition after winning top honours at the Automechanika Birmingham Garage Awards 2025, one of the UK’s biggest events for the automotive trade.

Oldfields Garage was crowned national Garage of the Year at a packed ceremony held at the NEC on Wednesday 4th June.

Tim Benson, Managing Director at Oldfields Garage, collected the Garage of the Year Award alongside our MOT tester, Steve Neill in front of an audience of industry professionals, suppliers and fellow garage owners.

“We’re incredibly proud to have won this award, especially with so many fantastic garages in the running,” said Mr Benson. “Picking up seven awards in the last 18 months is just amazing, and it really shows the hard work and professionalism of our whole team.

The awards ceremony, organised in partnership with the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), took place alongside the UK’s largest automotive aftermarket trade exhibition.

The latest accolade for Oldfields Garage comes on the back of a major expansion earlier this year, which saw its workshop grow by 50 per cent with the addition of a neighbouring 2,000 sq ft unit at its Enterprise Park site.

The new space includes a dedicated EV bay, a four-post ramp for motorhomes and commercial vehicles, and an advanced diagnostics area, part of the garage’s commitment to staying ahead of evolving customer needs. EV and hybrid work at the garage is already up 61 per cent this year compared to the same period in 2024.

Now employing a 13-strong team and operating eight ramps, including a dedicated MOT bay, we’re continuing to build on our reputation for quality, professionalism, and customer care.

We’ve expanded our workshop!

Friday 25th April 2025

We’ve just completed a major expansion, increasing our workshop capacity by 50 per cent with the addition of a neighbouring 2,000 sq ft unit here at Enterprise Park.

The new space is purpose-built to accommodate electric vehicles (EVs), commercial vehicles (CVs), and motorhomes, and includes a dedicated bay for advanced vehicle diagnostics.

“We’re all incredibly excited about this expansion,” said Tim Benson, Managing Director at Oldfields Garage. “It’s about staying ahead of industry changes and ensuring we have the capacity, tools, and expertise to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

The upgraded workshop is fitted with advanced equipment, including a 6.5m four-post ramp for larger commercial vehicles and motorhomes, a dedicated EV ramp capable of battery replacement work, and a diagnostics area for advanced fault-finding.

Tim said: “We’re seeing increased demand for commercial vehicle and motorhome servicing, and the new workshop allows us to cater to these markets more effectively. There has also been a 61 per cent increase in EV and hybrid work, when comparing the first four months of the year against the same period in 2024.

“The new EV bay not only supports this demand but also reassures our customers that we’re equipped and qualified to continue servicing their needs, should they want to make the switch to electric.”

Paul Benson, who founded Oldfields Garage with his wife Cheryl in 1991 and is father to Tim, said: “Cheryl and I started Oldfields with a simple goal: to offer good, honest service to our local community. Back then, we were running a small workshop and a traditional attended fuel station.

“To see how the business has grown under Tim’s leadership is incredibly rewarding. It still carries the same values we built it on, just with a few more ramps and a lot more technology.”

The new unit, connected to the existing workshop, allows for seamless workflow while maintaining its commitment to efficiency and customer care.

Oldfields wins another national ‘Garage of the Year’ award

Tuesday 25th March 2025

We’ve gone and scooped another major national award at a prestigious industry event!

Oldfields Garage has been named ‘Garage of the Year’ at the first-ever Castrol Service Conference, held at Celtic Manor in Newport, Wales, on Friday 21st March. The award, part of Castrol’s ‘Forever Forward Awards,’ celebrates independent garages that deliver outstanding service and expertise.

Tim said: “We take immense pride in delivering outstanding service to our customers, and to be recognised among so many of the UK’s leading independent garages is something special.

“Our commitment to investing in technology, training, and customer experience ensures we remain at the forefront, and this award is a reflection of that dedication.”

The Castrol Service Conference brought together more than 260 independent garages from across the UK and Ireland. Attendees took part in workshops on topics such as digital marketing and business management, while also learning about Castrol’s latest products and services. The event ended with a gala dinner, where the ‘Forever Forward Awards’ were presented.

This latest accolade adds to a string of major industry honours we’ve received over the past year.

Tim added: “This award really reflects the hard work of our entire team, and we’d like to thank our loyal customers for their continued support. We’re committed to providing the best service possible and look forward to continuing to serve the local community.”

Oldfields encourages students to explore automotive careers

Monday 3rd March 2025

Students at Lady Hawkins School in Kington, Herefordshire gained valuable insight into the diverse career opportunities within the automotive industry, thanks to an engaging talk by Tim Benson.

Addressing Year 10 and 11 pupils, Tim shared his journey in the industry, emphasising that success is not determined by background or academic achievements.

Highlighting the automotive sector’s role in everyday life, Tim challenged misconceptions that careers in the industry are limited to mechanics or car sales. Instead, he showcased a broad range of career paths, including diagnostics, engineering, software development, and business management.

“It was great to engage with such an enthusiastic group of students and shed light on the many career paths available in the automotive aftermarket,” said Tim. “With rapid technological advancements, we need bright, passionate young people to help drive the industry forward.”

Drawing on his experience growing up in a family-run garage and pursuing further education, Tim underscored the value of apprenticeships as a gateway to rewarding careers. He explained how these programs offer hands-on experience and industry-recognised qualifications, paving the way for long-term professional growth.

Tim also highlighted the sector’s significant contribution to the UK economy, which employs over 813,000 people and generates £24.3 billion annually. As the industry evolves, he pointed to emerging technologies such as electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, artificial intelligence, and advanced diagnostics, all shaping the future of automotive careers.

Encouraging students to explore opportunities in the field, Tim concluded with an open invitation for questions, sparking discussions about the industry’s potential and the exciting prospects it offers.

“It was a fantastic, thought-provoking session on all things automotive,” said Lydia Stevens, Careers Adviser at Lady Hawkins. “Our students and staff truly appreciate employers like Tim who invest in the future of young people.”

MP Ellie Chowns visits Oldfields Garage

Wednesday 15th January 2025

We recently welcomed Herefordshire Green MP Ellie Chowns to our workshop, having won several prestigious industry and local awards over the past year.

Ellie Chowns MP said: “I visited Oldfields as part of Small Business Saturday, a programme of visits to celebrate and support local enterprises. Independent businesses like Oldfields Garage are vital to fostering a thriving community, and I was proud to meet Tim to discuss the achievement of the garage and his concerns for the industry.

“Oldfields Garage has built an excellent reputation in Leominster, and in recent months, they’ve been honoured with several awards, including Apprentice Employer of the Year. They’ve also made headlines for having the youngest EV-qualified apprentice in the country. These are achievements that truly deserve recognition.”

During the visit, Tim raised some key concerns facing the wider automotive industry. One important issue was the outdated MOT test fee, which has remained unchanged since 2010 despite rising costs for garages.

He also highlighted the need for formal industry regulation to improve safety and quality, much like the Gas Safe Register for gas engineers. Currently, anyone with the finances can open a garage and work on vehicles without proper qualifications, leading to inconsistent work and potential safety risks for customers.

Additionally, Mr Benson discussed the ongoing challenge of attracting young talent to the automotive sector, which is hindered by outdated perceptions and a lack of vocational training in schools. He emphasised the importance of reshaping how the industry is viewed and promoting apprenticeships to address the skills gap and ensure the future of high-quality, sustainable automotive services.

“We are proud to be part of this community and grateful to Ellie Chowns for taking the time to listen to the issues that are impacting the automotive sector,” said Tim. “Independent garages like ours are crucial to the local economy, but we face significant challenges that threaten our long-term sustainability. It was great to have the opportunity to highlight these concerns.”

Oldfields Garage pulls out all the stops this Christmas

Friday 13th December 2024

Yesterday was a day to remember here at Oldfields Garage! We took on one of the most unusual and challenging jobs we’ve ever faced, and we’re proud to say it’s all sorted just in time.

From unexpected faults to an epic parts run that took us further than we’ve ever been, this was no ordinary day in the workshop. But thanks to our amazing team and the support of some fantastic partners, we pulled it off!

What was the job? Who was the customer? You’ll have to watch the video to find out…

The four-minute production, titled “Customer Needs It Fixing Before Christmas”, tells the story of a mystery vehicle arriving at Oldfields Garage in urgent need of repairs. The team faces a series of unusual faults, including a ‘chimney clog warning light,’ while garage owner Tim Benson embarks on a humorous quest through traffic jams, roadworks, and even a helicopter ride to source rare parts.

The big reveal at the end shows the customer to be none other than Santa Claus himself, delighted to have his vehicle fully repaired and ready for Christmas Eve deliveries.

“We had so much fun making this video,” said Tim Benson, Managing Director of Oldfields Garage. “It’s a light-hearted way to demonstrate the extraordinary lengths we go to for our customers, whether they’re local residents or the big man in red himself.”

The production featured the support of Herefordshire-based Tiger Helicopters, which provided the helicopter for Tim’s dramatic parts collection, and Hereford Young Farmers, who lent the sleigh and tractor seen in key scenes.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this festive video a reality,” said Tim. “The support from our partners has been outstanding, and this was our way of showing our appreciation. From Tiger Helicopters and RCA Bowen with the sleigh to the many other contributors featured throughout the video, it was a true team effort. Their involvement made this project both possible and unforgettable, and we can’t thank them enough for their enthusiasm and backing throughout 2024.”

It’s certainly been a milestone year for us, having earned five prestigious awards in 2024, including the Outstanding Garage Achievement Award at the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) Pride of the Aftermarket Awards earlier this month.

Thank you to all of our customers for their support. From all the team here at Oldfields, have a very Merry Christmas!

Double win at Herefordshire Ludlow & North Shropshire College Awards

Thursday 21st November 2024

We are celebrating once again after our very own Owen Lloyd, was named Motor Vehicle Apprentice of the Year at the prestigious Herefordshire Ludlow and North Shropshire College Apprenticeship Awards held on 19th November 2024.

In addition to Owen’s success, Oldfields Garage itself was honoured with the Apprentice Employer of the Year Award, recognising our commitment to developing young talent in the automotive industry.

The awards ceremony, held at the college’s Hereford Campus, saw Owen’s hard work and dedication to his apprenticeship recognised by his assessor and tutors. As part of the Oldfields team, Owen has proven himself to be an asset, impressing both colleagues and customers alike with his skills and enthusiasm.

“Owen is a shining example of the future of the automotive industry,” said Tim Benson, Managing Director at Oldfields Garage. “We are incredibly proud of him for receiving this well-deserved recognition. He has shown tremendous promise, and his achievements reflect his commitment to excellence in his trade.”

Earlier this year, Owen made headlines by becoming the youngest vehicle technician in the UK to achieve an Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Level 3 qualification in hybrid and electric vehicles at just 19 years of age.

“I’ve learned so much and had so many opportunities to develop my skills, especially in electric vehicles, which I’m really passionate about,” said Owen. “I’m grateful to everyone at Oldfields for their support, and it’s great to see my hard work paying off. I’m excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to keep learning and growing.”

Phil Dallow, Motor Vehicle Apprentice Assessor at Herefordshire Ludlow and North Shropshire College, said: “Owen has shown exceptional dedication and aptitude throughout his apprenticeship, consistently going above and beyond to develop his skills.

“Oldfields Garage has provided him with an excellent foundation to grow and thrive, offering outstanding support and opportunities for their apprentices. Their commitment to nurturing young talent makes them truly deserving of the Apprentice Employer of the Year award.”

This latest award follows three major accolades for Oldfields Garage in the last year alone, including being named Garage of the Year at the 2024 British Independent Garage of the Year Awards.

“At Oldfields Garage, we believe in nurturing and developing the next generation of skilled technicians,” said Tim. “It’s been a pleasure watching Owen grow, and we’re committed to continuing to offer top-quality apprenticeships to help young people succeed in this rewarding industry.”

Claire Lloyd, Owen’s mum, said she was immensely proud of her son’s achievements after attending the awards ceremony with Owen’s father and his employer, Tim Benson.

“Seeing Owen named Motor Vehicle Apprentice of the Year was such a proud moment for our family,” she said. “He’s worked so hard to get here, and it was wonderful to celebrate his success with Tim, who has been so supportive.”

Well done Owen!