HiQ Bicester

Express Auto Centres, led by Director Sam Buckley, operates as a franchise within the HiQ network. Based in Bicester, the business runs a 3,500 sq ft unit equipped with three ramps and an MOT bay. The workshop is supported by four technicians and offers an additional mobile tyre fitting service for fleet customers, the general public, and Thames Valley Police.

Since opening in April 2024, Express Auto Centres has provided a full range of garage services – including MOTs, servicing, brakes, suspension, cambelts, clutches, engine replacements, and on-site mobile tyre fitting. As a new site, choosing the right garage management system from day one was essential.

The Challenge

The team explored various garage management systems to find one that was modern, streamlined, and easy for staff to use. They had previously used a system offered by HiQ, which Sam describes as good, but lacking in areas where TechMan offered a clear advantage.

He highlights that TechMan’s electronic vehicle health checks, reporting features, and usability stood out immediately.

“It was a lot better… allowed us to report a lot better and it’s definitely a lot more user-friendly,” he explains.

While they considered other systems – including one that seemed overly complex – Sam knew he needed software that his team could use confidently and quickly, without unnecessary complication.

“What I need is to make it easier for the staff… to make their jobs easier and more efficient.”

The Solution

The onboarding process for TechMan was smooth and well-structured. As a new site, the team had time to learn the system as they settled into daily operations.

“The training and onboarding was relatively straightforward,” Sam recalls. “We had a couple of hours online, and once we opened… it gave us a lot of opportunity to learn the system as we went.”

He also praises the support offered:

“The over-the-phone help is second to none… nine times out of ten it’s resolved there and then.”

Implementing TechMan’s electronic features has been a key improvement for their customer journey. Automated confirmations, digital vehicle health checks, and completion notifications have all streamlined communication.

“The electronic vehicle health checks are very handy… and we’ve designed a text message system to let customers know the vehicle is completed. We’ve had feedback saying they really like that because it’s less invasive.”

The Results

TechMan has brought efficiency, clarity, and control to Express Auto Centres, improving operations across the workshop and front desk.

• Streamlined workflow and reporting:
  Sam notes that the system has made day-to-day work simpler and more efficient. Technicians can see their jobs in order, reporting faults is easier, and the front desk can manage bookings more effectively.
  “It just makes everything more streamlined and more efficient.”
• Greater visibility of performance:
  TechMan’s reporting tools have given the business real-time insight into productivity.
  “We can read in live time… see idle time, see how many hours a technician’s sold. There’s so much information that allows us to tweak our model to benefit the business and the employees.”
• Improved customer experience:
  Digital confirmations and health checks create clear, professional communication customers appreciate – especially the completion text message system, which Sam says customers find convenient and unobtrusive.

Overall, TechMan has helped Express Auto Centres build a strong operational foundation from launch, supporting both customer service and internal efficiency.

Support & Experience

Sam describes TechMan’s support as reliable, fast, and highly effective. The team resolves most issues immediately over the phone, giving the workshop confidence and continuity during busy periods.

“The help is second to none… generally nine times out of ten it’s resolved there and then.”

Conclusion

TechMan has helped Express Auto Centres operate more efficiently, giving the team the tools they need to manage jobs, support technicians, and monitor performance across the business.

Sam has already recommended TechMan to another garage and emphasises how easy the system is to use.

“It’s very user-friendly compared to others… I think I could teach my seven-year-old to use it within a week or two.”

His message to other workshops considering TechMan is simple: the right system will make your operation smoother, more organised, and better equipped for growth.