Fix Auto UK has reached a major milestone in its employee wellbeing programme, with its 200th team member completing Mental Health First Aider training.
The milestone comes just three years after the initiative was launched. The programme, introduced in May 2022, offers Mental Health First Aid England (MHFA) training to all Franchise Partners and has recently been extended to supplier partners.
Matthew Hewitt, a MET Technician at Fix Auto Leeds North, became the 200th individual to complete the training. He joined 12 colleagues for the latest two-day course held at the group’s Leicester head office and delivered by certified trainer and Regional Business Manager Carl Norton.
The initiative aims to ensure that every Fix Auto UK repair centre has at least two trained individuals who can recognise and respond to mental health challenges. It also encourages open conversations in a sector traditionally silent on the subject.
“This achievement is more than just a number,” said Ian Pugh, Managing Director of the Advantage Group of Companies. “It reflects our unwavering dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive culture. Supporting mental health within our network is not only the right thing to do, it’s part of who we are.”
The programme’s growing impact has not gone unnoticed. Fix Auto UK is a finalist in the 2025 InsideOut Awards, shortlisted in the Best DE&I for Mental Health Strategy category, alongside Air Canada and Sky.
“Being shortlisted… is a huge honour and a testament to the hard work and commitment of our people,” added Ian. “It reinforces the fact that our people-first approach is making a meaningful impact.”
For Matthew, the training was transformative: “Taking part in this course has been a real eye-opener. It’s empowering to know I now have the skills to support a colleague or family member who might be struggling.”
Fix Auto UK is part of a global network of more than 925 bodyshops and carries out over 150,000 repairs a year across the UK.
