The Best UK Cities to Be a Mechanic

• Milton Keynes tops the list as the best UK city for mechanics, with high car ownership, strong demand, and plenty of garages.
• Demand for mechanics remains high, with Northampton, Bournemouth, and Bristol also ranking among the top cities.
• The experts at Garage.co.uk share tips on how to make your mechanic business stand out.

As the demand for skilled mechanics rises across the UK*, certain cities offer better opportunities for automotive professionals. To help identify the best locations, Garage.co.uk conducted an in-depth analysis of UK cities, focusing on factors such as-

• The percentage of residents in each city, that travel to work by driving a car or van, according to UK census data.
• The percentage of households that own/are available to use 1 or more cars or van
• The number of plug-in vehicles in each city
• The average median income in each city, as of 2024.
• The combined number of searches in each city for the prompts: “car repair near me” & “mechanic near me”
• The number of garages in each city

By examining this data, the cities were ranked based on these key factors, providing mechanics and garage owners with insights to help them make informed decisions. Milton Keynes topped the list, thanks to its strong combination of demand and opportunity.

These are the best UK cities to be a mechanic

Milton Keynes is the best city to be a mechanic

Milton Keynes has claimed the top spot as the best UK city to be a mechanic, thanks to its ideal combination of factors that support the trade. With 82.9% of households owning at least one vehicle and an impressive 1,519 plug-in vehicles per 100,000 people, there’s a strong demand for automotive services. The city also boasts an above-average annual income of £35,006, ensuring a solid customer base for mechanics. Additionally, Milton Keynes has a high search volume for automotive services (2,356 searches) and 108.4 garages per 100,000 people, making it a hub for car maintenance and repair businesses. These factors combine to make it the perfect location for mechanics looking for steady work and business growth.

Northampton comes in second place as best UK city to be a mechanic

Northampton secures second place as one of the best UK cities to be a mechanic, offering excellent opportunities in the automotive industry. With 84.1% of households owning at least one vehicle, demand for repairs and maintenance remains high. The city also has 1,222 plug-in vehicles per 100,000 people, highlighting the growing need for specialists inelectric and hybrid cars. Mechanics in Northampton benefit from an average annual income of £32,094 and a strong search volume of 998, indicating consistent customer interest. Furthermore, with 112.9 garages per 100,000 people, the city provides a thriving environment for automotive professionals, making it a prime location to build a successful career in the industry.

Demand for Mechanics Remains Strong Across the UK

With car ownership remaining high across the UK, the demand for skilled mechanics shows no signs of slowing down. Cities like Northampton and Milton Keynes have over 80% of households owning at least one vehicle, ensuring a steady flow of customers in need of repairs, servicing, and MOTs. Even in major urban areas like Birmingham and London, where car ownership rates are lower, high search volumes for automotive services highlight the continued reliance on mechanics. As vehicles become more advanced, skilled professionals will remain essential in keeping the nation’s cars on the road, making the industry a stable and rewarding career choice.

How to Make Your Mechanic Business Stand Out

After reviewing the top five cities for mechanics in the UK, the experts at garage.co.uk compiled a few key strategies to help mechanics and garage owners differentiate their businesses. Here are the top recommendations for expanding your customer base in your local community.

• Establish an Online Presence – In today’s digital age, not having an online presence means you’re likely missing out on potential customers. If you haven’t already, set up a simple website that allows customers to contact you and book appointments with ease.
• Engage on social media – Just like having a website, having a presence on social media is crucial. Whether it’s on one or two platforms, being active on social media can significantly boost your visibility and attract more customers.
• Expand Your Services – While regular car services, repairs, and MOTs are essential to a mechanic’s business, offering additional services—such as electric vehicle repairs or MOT reminders—can help you reach a broader audience.
• Encourage Customer Reviews – Positive reviews are a great way to attract new customers. Encourage past clients to leave reviews and testimonials, helping to build and strengthen your reputation.
• Partner with Other Local Businesses – Don’t hesitate to connect with local scrap yards or auto shops to explore partnership opportunities. By recommending each other’s services to customers, both businesses can benefit from increased exposure and mutual promotion.

If you’d like to find out more about the best cities to be a mechanic, please visit: https://www.garage.co.uk/blog/general/the-best-places-in-the-uk-to-be-a-mechanic