Larbert’s Ewan Lawson Motors is gearing up for electric future

However the devil is in the detail, says Barry Lawson of Larbert firm Ewan Lawson Motors, as with all innovations come technical challenges.

The firm launched by Barry’s dad Ewan back in the 80’s is arguably one of those tried and tested local enterprises that manages to combine old-fashioned reliability with a determined look to the future.

Ewan and Barry may be different generations but they have a shared objective - to harness the advantage of innovation for customers’ benefit while realising that at the end of the day it’s all about practicality.

Barry says the business has gained an impressive new spin from its grasp of the need to find cost-effective solutions to DPF (diesel particulate filter) problems, particularly since it became involved with automotive specialist company the DPF Doctor.

This in turn extended the firm’s “reach” beyond Central Scotland, not just through talks around the country (and in Amsterdam, to an international audience) but via magazine articles in Professional Motor Mechanic - Barry will have had five published by the end of the year.

The first such article prompted another magazine, Autotechnician, to ask him to explain in an article how this new string to the Ewan Lawson Motor’s bow had helped grow the company - and helped push the firm’s name, and solid reputation, towards customers and potential markets still farther afield.

“It has definitely made a difference”, said Barry, “because we’ve seen growth in business which has already helped us to take on a new technician and also open a new unit.

“Really by trying to cater for our local customers as effectively as possible we’ve found and developed new ways of strengthening our range of skills.

“We are currently looking to employ another two members of staff, hoping to create work for local people, and we’ve a lot of further potential to explore.”

So when the electric revolution finally arrives, Barry and his dad aim to be prepared.