CD COPLAND, MONIFIETH

SMTA Tell us about your work in your local community?

CC Last year we handed over a cheque for £680 to Monifieth Befrienders (see photo), took part in a Royal Enfield One Ride event that we held at the garage. We raise money for Poppy Scotland on a daily basis through the collection box, we also have a second collection box that we give to the local Royal British Legion to help towards the local foodbanks etc.

SMTA What’s one of the highlights of your community activity over the years?

Callum The main highlight is the smile it puts of people’s faces when we did the Royal Enfield event and did a ride out thought the local towns and villages to raise awareness, the smiles and waves from everybody knowing we were doing what we enjoy but also giving back at same time was a great feeling.

SMTA What does it mean to your business to win one of our Community Activity Recognition Awards?

Callum It has given us a major boost knowing that what we do is helping and that we are here to help, whether it is to hold these types of events and that we have installed a Defibrillator at front of garage that we are all trained to use.

SMTA What do you think it means to your local community to see local businesses fundraising, donating etc?

Callum The response from the local community is that they are delighted and overwhelmed with what we do to help as it’s not always about taking but very much giving back and that it is being kept within the Dundee and Angus area, helping exactly where it is needed.

SMTA SMTA is keen to show that our members are not just garage businesses but many of our members also play a huge part in the community. What inspires you to be so active in your community?

Callum What inspires me is that, I personally have been in a situation where I have needed help years ago and it was through the local Legion and that the members were able to help me. I’ve always said I would pay it forward as we all never know when or if we would ever need help ourselves, and local businesses helping does make such a difference to achieve these happy outcomes.

SMTA Can you tell our readers a bit about your garage?

Callum Owning my own garage has always been a dream of mine and never

Main Image shows the refresh we did to front of building to clean it up as no one realised that behind carwash was the garage thought it would be possible. I was given the opportunity and after lots of head scratching and talking, my wife and I decided to take the opportunity to go for it and I resigned from my job. The scariest part was knowing that now I’m responsible for making my own wage!

I took the decision to employ an apprentice from day one and as I’m getting things sorted out and getting ready to finally open was when Covid lock down was announced! - talk about an extra blow and worry, but thankfully the local residents were fantastic with us and while refurbing the workshop and working away (many late nights involved ) with the help of good friends when it was safe to do so, we have been building on the business with drive and determination. We have become successful in a short space of time that we now have another two members of staff and my wife does the office and administration side after giving up her job in care.

SMTA How does your SMTA / Scotsure membership help?

Callum SMTA membership keeps us up to date with progress within the motor industry. Also, a fantastic source of deals for members. The MOT QMS is a fantastic addition to help me keep to the required standards and maintain that standard. The staff are very approachable and always on hand to answer any queries. We are going to be taking on a young female apprentice soon and will be contacting the SMTA regarding this.

SMTA What are you plans for the future?

Callum Our plans are to keep building on what we have achieved so far and to expand the business as a place where we currently cover servicing / mots etc . We have two members of staff going to college to do EV training and mental health awareness training . We are looking to expand the motorbike and trike servicing side with two ramps especially for the motorbike side of things and further into the future we have plans to opening a shop with consumables etc for cars / bikes

SMTA What’s the key to your garage’s success?

Callum We pride ourselves on being honest and up front with every customer. If there’s a job we are unsure of or don’t have equipment for we will always look for a way we can help or put them in touch with other local business that can do that for them.

We always welcome everyone with a warm welcome with friendly happy faces and friendly banter, we like to listen and discuss with our customers what they require done and discuss the best option that are within their budget.

SMTA What is the biggest challenge as a business?

Callum The biggest challenge is keeping customers happy and keeping them coming back for continued service and recommendations from them and their friends, and keeping costs down as much as possible, what with today’s costs of living we want to help give customers good value for money.

SMTA What drives you?

Callum My wife says stubbornness lol! My determination to provide a service to our customers that I would expect to receive myself and to continue with, not just my job, but my passion and to pass that on to our staff and customers past, present and future.

SMTA What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your career, and how have you made use of it?

Callum The most important thing I have learned is that you have to have a passion and love for the job as it shows in your quality of work and enthusiasm

We are constantly looking forward and working with Dundee and Angus College to with what courses we can put the staff on to help build their confidence and support the business too.

CARET-UP Above is a young lady that came in to us for work experience and loved her week with us that much so that she will be coming into the trade this year as our new apprentice.

CARET-UP Above is the refresh we did to front of building to clean it up as no one realised that behind carwash was the garage

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