Driving innovation across generations: How Motorcare Powys uses Autowork Online to succeed in serving its customers

Motorcare Powys, a family-run business located within the small village of Llanrhaeadr ym, in Wales, has been an important part of its community for over 36 years. After choosing to implement MAM Software’s Autowork Online software two decades ago, Adrian Roberts, Director of the business, has seen firsthand the positive impact of a digitised approach within their company. Now, the team considers how this can be utilised even further as his son plans for the future and prepares to take over.

After opening its doors in 1985, Motorcare Powys quickly picked up business serving not only its local village people but the surrounding areas, becoming known for quality service and reliability. The business has built a solid foundation over the years. “We’re known for our work with all makes of cars including classic cars. We make significant investments in training and the latest diagnostics equipment to make sure we provide excellent service,” explains Adrian.

When Motorcare Powys implemented Autowork Online, MAM Software’s cloud-based garage management solution, it allowed them to improve their overall operations whilst maintaining current standards. Autowork Online, a comprehensive web-based tool that automates essential tasks like scheduling, invoicing, parts ordering and customer communications, facilitated their garage to run more efficiently and deliver exceptional service. Adrian still remembers when the business decided to make the switch to the software over 20 years ago. “At the time, we were using a different company’s system and we were looking for something more comprehensive,” he states. After discovering Autowork Online, they saw the “potential to modernise their business” with a system that could manage everything from organising schedules to maintaining customer records.

The switch allowed them to streamline key areas of their company. Adrian says, “It helps us with workshop management and tracking jobs. It’s simple and it just works for us. We can get job cards sorted within the first hour of work, and that’s just one way in which it helps us.” This is thanks to Autowork Online’s ability to quickly populate job cards with key details and schedule them easily, saving time and speeding up an otherwise lengthy process.

As Adrian’s son, John, prepares to take over the business from his parents, he already brings a determined approach to management with fresh ideas. “John has a different vision for the business. He wants to make improvements, like increasing the size of the building and putting in a new bay,” he explains.

Adrian also notes about how smooth-sailing things have been overall, since the garage’s relationship with MAM Software started, two decades ago: “MAM Software have been great to work with. Any issues we’ve had were dealt with quickly and efficiently,” he says. “I’ve always been impressed with the way they continue to develop the product. There’s always something new and I personally recognise how important it is to keep developing a product.”

Recent developments in Autowork Online have introduced advanced features, including the Auto-Link module for easy customer communication and approvals, as well as an improved diary system designed to optimise scheduling and front-of-house operations. These updates allow the software to remain a future-proof solution for automotive businesses across the UK.

Motorcare Powys are keen to continue utilising Autowork Online as they plan to expand their facilities with the new bay to accommodate increased demand. Despite the fact that they started up decades ago, they remain a vital part of the local economy, with many residents depending on their services.

“There’s no reason we wouldn’t continue using Autowork Online,” says Adrian. “It just works for us. It’s so user-friendly and the reports are excellent.”

As John prepares to take over, the business is well-positioned to continue serving its loyal customers and contributing to the community for many years to come. “We’re proud of what we’ve built and we’re excited about what the future holds with Autowork Online,” Adrian concludes. “Our community depends on us and we’ll always be here to support them.”

"By streamlining job tracking and scheduling, Autowork Online has allowed Motorcare Powys to focus on delivering the best possible service, from diagnostics to classic car care. We’re proud to support their ongoing success and future plans," Nathan Fothergill, Autowork Online Sales Manager, stated.