Scotland Ash News

Randstad, via its deep engine cleaning brand TerraClean, which reduces emissions and restores a vehicle’s performance, is expressing growing concern about proposals to extend the MOT test from three years to four for newer vehicles.

TerraClean warns that if the proposals go ahead, it will severely affect the government’s control of emissions.

Currently, the MOT tests the vehicle in a number of areas, including the release of harmful emissions into the environment.  By extending the test frequency there will be more non-roadworthy vehicles on the road for a further year with no official mileage or emissions recorded until after four years.

Martin Dowd, Randstad managing director, said: “Drivers need to be aware of the dangers surrounding these proposals. Not only could it seriously threaten driver safety as unidentified issues may slip under the radar, but it could also have a detrimental effect on the environment.

“We support and raise awareness to the reduction of harmful emissions through the promotion of our decarbonising tools. As carbon build-up prevents an engine reaching optimum performance, causing pre-ignition (pinging) and, lowering MPG, all of which contribute to increased emissions, we strongly encourage drivers to service their vehicle regularly.”

Through the process of TerraClean, the removal of carbon at regular service intervals restores engine performance and allows for a cleaner fuel burn, thereby reducing emissions and extending the engine life.

Since its launch in the UK, TerraClean has been successful in reducing emissions on all types of petrol and diesel vehicles including, passenger cars, taxis, commercial vehicles, motorbikes and tractors with close to 100,000 vehicles benefiting from the process.

Dowd continued: “Failure to adhere to regular servicing intervals and MoTs plus the illegal removal of diesel particulate filters (DPFs) are contributing to a wider problem of increased air pollution and driver apathy. There should not, therefore, by any removal of legislation that protects the motorist and wider public.”

Please CLICK HERE to download the latest version of The Toolbox, the quarterly newsletter brought to you by Scotlands Ash Garage

The TerraClean awards 2016 provided the growing network with a night of pure entertainment and incredible shocks, as overall winner Mike Lyons from DPF Cleaning Ltd donated his winning prize of a trip for two to Canada to the auction for Dementia UK.

Celebrity guest for the evening Kriss Akabusi MBE had everyone in attendance ‘hooked’ as he dominated proceedings in an event that celebrated the very best of the TerraClean network.

Akabusi was joined on stage by TerraClean ambassador and double BTCC champion Colin Turkington and Randstad sales director Phillip Dowd, to give out no fewer than 11 awards to independent garages and mechanics throughout the evening, held at Holiday Inn, Seaton Burn, Northumberland.

Beginning the event, Dowd paid tribute to the growth of the TerraClean network saying the night was “all about the hard work the service centres put in every day and the togetherness of the network has proven to the entire motor trade that the TerraClean network is a ‘family’.”

The first two awards were for those service centres that had gone ‘above and beyond’ to promote the TerraClean brand in the face of adversity and both Peter Welch of Scotlands Ash Garage and Kevin Martin of Spannerama were honoured by more than 200 guests in attendance.

For Peter Welch, a further surprise lay in store as he was joined on stage by wife Ruth and daughter Libby, who made the trip to the event without Peter knowing. Libby was diagnosed with a nerve sheath tumour at the age of just 20 and is recovering well. Meanwhile, Peter was diagnosed with prostate cancer and is also recovering well. The award acknowledged the incredible journey the family had taken.

After handing out a series of awards including best newcomer, best mobile and best workshop to name but a few, the final award of Best Overall Service Centre with a prize of a trip for two for Canada, home of TerraClean, was awarded to Mike Lyons of DPF Cleaning Ltd.

On collecting his award, Lyons thanked the network for their support over the years and donated the trip for two to the auction for guests to bid for.

Lyons, who also picked up the Best Mobile award earlier in the evening, said: “I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for the TerraClean network. I was shocked to win one award let alone two and so I’m absolutely delighted. The trip for two to Canada is a bonus, but to be able to donate that to the auction and raise much needed funds for Dementia UK is hugely gratifying and the network responded with some huge bids.”

Lyons’ unexpected and incredibly selfless gesture topped an already emotionally charged evening and sent Akabusi into overdrive as the self-appointed auctioneer. His hilarious antics were instrumental in the network donating a staggering £4020 for Dementia UK. In addition to the holiday, the auction included a signed visor and picture, kindly donated from Colin Turkington.

Phillip Dowd, Randstad sales director, said: “The awards underline why the TerraClean network is the best, most generous and ‘entertaining’ network in the automotive industry. The whole event was electric and biggest yet, highlighting the growth of the network. Planning begins for the next event already, where we will welcome more TerraClean service centres than ever before.”

Continuing with the ‘service centre’ theme, Randstad unveiled the new prime time TV advert, promoting its 450+ service centres to consumers throughout the UK. With more service centres joining everyday, the network is primed to take full advantage of this increased exposure.

Didcot-based Scotlands Ash Garage is calling on the local public for votes after being nominated for ‘TerraClean Service Centre of the Year’ at the TerraClean Awards 2016, held at Holiday Inn Northumberland in March.

With more than 30 years’ experience delivering excellent, honest service the garage is keen to provide the local community with high quality, cost-effective motoring solutions wherever possible which is reflected in its status as the only TerraClean service station in the local area.

Didcot motorists can vote for Scotlands Ash Garage at http://www.terracleanawards.com in the category of TerraClean Service Centre of the Year.

Scotlands Ash Garage proprietor, Peter Welch said: “We’ve offered TerraClean services for a number of years now and have built up a strong reputation as a garage that can be relied upon by the local community, as well as enhancing our profile within the TerraClean network.”

TerraClean, a deep engine cleaning service removing carbon deposits and reducing harmful emissions, brings about an immediate difference with the vehicle showing increased fuel efficiency and better performance. TerraClean also increases the MoT test pass rate by reducing harmful vehicle emissions.

The family-run garage is a well-known contributor to the Didcot community with the garage regularly sponsoring local events such as Astonbury at the Sweet Olive, as well as local football team, Wallingford Town FC. The garage is also an active fundraiser, donating £1 for every MOT it carries out to the Teenage Cancer Trust. In 2016, the garage donated more than £2000 to the charity and has carried on the initiative into 2017.

Welch added: “We have always had an extremely close affinity to the local area and we would like to thank customers for their support over the past year. Now it is time to bring the award home and we encourage the community to get behind us once more by voting online.”

We are an independent company based in West Hagbourne near Didcot. Due to our continued growth, we are looking for an enthusiastic, reliable individual to join our fun, hard-working team.

About the role:

• The role of Motor Vehicle Technician requires you to carry out general servicing and mechanical repairs to a range of passenger cars
• You will be providing a fantastic service to keep our customers on the road and ensure they get safely from A to B
• The right applicant will be a team player with good communication skills to interact with customers
• You’ll broaden your experience working alongside a supportive, experienced team, and working with some of the best equipment in the business
• Working hours: Monday – Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday 8pm-12pm

Essential

As Motor Vehicle Technician, you will have:

• An NVQ in Motor Vehicle Technology or equivalent
• Previous experience (ideally 1-2 years or more in a similar role)
• The ability to be self-motivated to achieve targets
• A good team player
• Reliable
• Full UK driving license

Desirable

• If you hold an MOT license this would be desired, but is not essential as training can be given

Rewards

• Salary of £22k – £28k depending on experience
• 20 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
• We ensure all staff members feel appreciated and are rewarded accordingly

Please apply with a full CV.

If you would like to find out more about this role or if you are an Apprentice (Level 2 or above) or semi-skilled and would like to know more about opportunities at SAG, please call us on 01235 850707. We look forward to hearing from you!

THANK YOU! We raised £341.30 for Teenage Cancer Trust in September & October after donating £1 from every MOT carried out!

This brings the total we have given to the charity so far in 2016 to £2327.

Thank you also to the TerraClean network for raising £900 for the charity.

And, we’d also like to say a massive thank you to Hagbourne Bowling Club, who we sponsor, for donating £200 towards this great cause.

In total that’s more than £3400 donated this year!!!!!

Thank you to everyone who has donated and have a fantastic Christmas!

 

Please CLICK HERE to download the latest version of The Toolbox, the quarterly newsletter brought to you by Scotlands Ash Garage

We’re hiring! Award winning business Scotland’s Ash Garage is looking to recruit a qualified technician (minimum level 2). Please contact Peter on 01235 850707

Randstad Ltd’s engine decarbonising service, TerraClean, has become the sponsor of new Travel Channel programme, Stars In Their Cars, as part of its next stage of TV brand awareness.

TerraClean-branded advertisements will feature before and during commercial breaks, as well as at the end of each programme, along with TerraClean benefitting from the show’s complete marketing activity before its release.

This additional exposure is a part of the brand’s significant investment in its promotional activity to meet its ambition to drive more traffic and business into its national network of workshops.

Stars In Their Cars, produced by Shiver and hosted by Paddy McGuinness, will see well-known celebrities, including Neil Morrissey, Patsy Kensit, John Prescott, Ross Noble and Goldie on a nostalgic drive down memory lane, as they are reunited with three of their most cherished cars from their past.

From the humble Vauxhall Chevette, to the boy-racer Capri and the cutting-edge Austin Princess, these iconic cars are the stars of the show and will provide a fascinating insight into the lives of each celebrity as they meet with old friends to discuss the quirks of each vehicle.

Travel Channel is one of the fastest growing channels on Freeview in the UK and TerraClean will have prime-time access to this audience, broadcasting the service’s benefits of improved MPG and performance and the process of removing harmful carbon deposits from engine components without the need to dismantle it.

Phillip Dowd, Randstad sales director, said: “TerraClean’s brand awareness is continuing to experience mass growth month-on-month, and the exposure generated through this sponsorship will only add to this success. The programme looks great fun and its very personal approach typifies the service offered to motorists by the growing TerraClean network of service centres.”