A message to our contractor community
Fifteen years ago, long before “contract technicians” was a recognised part of the automotive landscape, we were facing the same frustrations that many of you have experienced throughout your careers. Empty ramps. Missed MOT slots. Workshops under pressure. We saw how a single missing technician could slow productivity, strain customer relationships and place even more weight on already busy teams.
It was that lived reality, not a business plan, that led to the creation of Autotech Recruit in December 2010.
Back then, contracting wasn’t considered a common or even realistic option in automotive. Today, it plays a pivotal role in helping the industry manage fluctuating peaks in demand, persistent skills shortages and the increasing complexity of modern vehicles. And the reason this model works is because of you, the contractors who helped prove that a different way of working wasn’t just possible, but necessary.
A Model Built from Real Workshop Experience
Autotech Recruit didn’t start with assumptions; it started with experience. Our founders came directly from the industry and understood the consequences of missing technical staff long before the skills crisis became a headline issue. They knew the pressure workshops were under, the revenue that could be lost, and the strain it placed on customers and teams. That practical insight shaped the ethos we still stand by today: solutions should be transparent, compliant and rooted in real industry knowledge.
That commitment has continued throughout our growth. More than 70% of our head office team come from automotive backgrounds, ensuring the support you receive is grounded in true understanding of the jobs you do every day.
Contractors Who Helped Shape the Industry Shift
Many of you joined us when contracting was still new, and your experiences helped build the model that so many rely on today.
Tomasz, who joined Autotech Recruit in 2012, chose contracting for the variety and the opportunity to continuously learn. “I didn’t want to be chained to one ramp permanently,” he says. “Working in different places gives me the opportunity to learn from skilled technicians with expertise in specific makes and models.” He has seen the industry evolve rapidly, from increasingly complex electronics to shifting expectations around contractor responsibilities. As he puts it, “Initially, contractors were covering short-term contracts, but now there’s little difference between short and long cover.”
Simon, who joined us in 2013, was looking for a fresh start after a period out of work. “I rang Autotech on the Wednesday and was in work by the following Monday,” he recalls. He has rarely been without work since and values the standards and communication from the team. “I feel part of a team, not an agency,” he says.
Stories like theirs reflect the journey contracting has taken over the past decade: from an unfamiliar concept to an established and essential part of the automotive workforce.
How You Have Helped Us Grow
Fifteen years on, the scale of what we have collectively built is something we are immensely proud of. What started as a small response to a very real industry challenge has grown into a nationwide workforce platform supporting workshops of every size. Last year alone, Autotech Recruit delivered nearly half a million contractor hours, helping prevent almost £50 million in potential lost revenue for workshops that might otherwise have been unable to operate at full capacity.
Today we are part of the wider Autotech Group, four interconnected brands dedicated to long-term workforce solutions through recruitment, training, future talent development and technology. Every part of this ecosystem exists to support vehicle technicians whether newly qualified or decades into a career.
Why Contracting Matters More Than Ever
As we look ahead to 2026, the automotive aftermarket continues to face intense pressures. Rising costs, prolonged recruitment times, legislative shifts and a deepening skills shortage mean workshops depend on the flexibility and specialist skills that contractors bring. Contracting is no longer a temporary fix; it is a core part of keeping the industry moving.
You play a crucial role in maintaining service levels, protecting workshop capacity and supporting customers when demand spikes or vacancies take time to fill. Your work ensures vehicles stay on the road and businesses continue to operate smoothly, even during challenging periods.
Quality and Compliance – The Backbone of What We Do
As the industry becomes more complex, quality and compliance become even more important. Our processes have always been built around these principles, and achieving ISO 9001 accreditation formalised that long-standing commitment. Few recruitment companies hold this standard, and it reflects the structured, transparent and consistent way we manage quality.
For you, this means clear expectations, strong support systems and the reassurance that every placement meets the highest standards. It ensures you can focus on what matters most: delivering excellent work in a safe, professional environment.
Fifteen Years On – What Sets Us Apart
Since we introduced the contractor model, many others have entered the market. But while the model itself can be copied, the original intention behind it, a deep understanding of workshop pressures, and a commitment to doing things properly, is far more difficult to replicate.
We remain focused on compliance, professionalism and ongoing contractor development. But perhaps the strongest proof of the model’s success is the loyalty within our network. Many of you who joined more than a decade ago continue to work with us today, which is rare and incredibly meaningful in such a fluid market.
The stability, progression and pride within our contractor community show how a once-unconventional idea has become essential. And in a market now filled with imitators, the longevity and professionalism within our network continues to set Autotech Recruit apart.
Thank You — Our Next Chapter Starts with You
Whether you joined us last month or ten years ago, you are the reason Autotech Recruit exists. You’ve helped raise standards, reshape perceptions and build a community that continues to influence the wider industry.
As we celebrate 15 years, we simply want to say thank you. Here’s to the next chapter, and to continuing this journey together.