Ben Hackney-Williams brings you another month of news and reviews from the automotive industry
Get your nominations in for Garage of the Year 2023
►Taking place on June 7that Hilton Metropole NEC, the Automechanika Birmingham Garage Awards 2023 are set to celebrate the best of the industr y, and the nominations are open.
The Garage of the Year categor y recognises exceptional service in addition to impeccable business nous. From understanding the P&L, mark ups and margins, to marketing, social media use and community outreach, the winner will have demonstrated proficiency to navigate and overcome the challenges of operating a thriving business in 2023 and beyond.
Other categories include Best Independent Garage – Best Single -Site, Best Multi-Site, Best Community Initiative, ‘Auto-Mechanik ’ of the Year, Best Marketing Award, and Best Customer Service Award.
Last and certainly not least, the Lifetime Achievement Award will recognise excellence in skills or within a leadership role; someone that has inspired others in the industry and built relationships that last across multiple sectors of the automotive aftermarket. To nominate for each award, visit surveymonkey.co.uk/r/IAAFAwards. Multiple entries will be accepted.
Mini model, maximum heritage
►This is a must-have read for any MINI maniac. Despite being based around the MINI’s modern heyday, James Taylor covers aspects of every past element, from humble beginnings in 1959, courtesy of Alec Issigonis, to the electric excellence – concept to completion.
BMW MINI is full of two-tone styling, diminutive dimensions, and racing heritage as well as on-the -road attraction. This is the story how a four-wheeled icon has stayed at the forefront of consumer appeal for decades.
Possibly the best thing about the author ’s Cooper and compilation is the endless accompanying imager y, showing ever ything from retro rides and models of yesteryear, to anniversar y edition releases, trick detailing and a genuine sense of progression for the end-product that has an impassioned following like no other.
BMW MINI is also available on your Kindle or other e -readers.
Both books @ £15.99 amberley-books.com
Tales from 10 years of holiday history
►When it comes to caravans, Andrew Jenkinson is an encyclopaedia of hitching history and towing tales since the first time someone put a thing with wheels on the back of a thing with wheels.
Delving into his own family histor y, Andrew not only touches on the tourers he holidayed in with his parents, but this guide is full of so much more. Towcars, dealerships, club content and even advertising from the time, Caravanning in the 1970s is perfect for reminiscing about the tech advances of the decade with a nostalgic nod of hindsight.
Fully illustrated 96-pages – and full of enjoyment for b
