This year’s finalists for The Blend Awards have been announced, ahead of the annual conference taking place later this month.
The Blend, a platform for industry discussion around the latest topics and trends, together with networking opportunities for independent garage owners, is held at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on 28thSeptember.
The Awards ceremony follows a day packed with top aftermarket experts sharing their views and knowledge, together with top influencers and innovators.
The Blend’s Garage of the Year Award has, for the first time, been divided into three subcategories, ensuring a level playing field for all garage businesses across the UK and Ireland, no matter their size.
“The quality of entries this year has been truly exceptional, showcasing the talent, dedication, and innovation that defines the independent garage sector,” said Ray Dilsons, Event Director at The Blend. “It is an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals who are pushing the industry forward and setting new standards of excellence.”
Difficult task for judges
The judging panel, featuring Hayley Pells from the Institute of the Motor Industry, Andy Crook of Got Boost, and The Blend Podcast host, Mike Ruff, faced a challenging task this year as they reviewed a striking number of high-quality entries. With so many outstanding submissions, narrowing down the finalists for the Garage of the Year Awards and the Staff Recognition Award proved to be no easy feat.
A community poll has determined the Community’s Garage of the Year, while The Blend has chosen the Community Member of the Year. The prestigious Garage Hive Innovator Award has been assessed by Garage Hive. The winners will be announced at The Blend 2024 during the evening dinner.
Open to any garage in the UK and Ireland, The Blend is celebrating its fifth year and is widely considered to be a ‘must attend’ garage conference. After covering costs, the not-for-profit event will donate any additional proceeds to automotive industry charity, Ben.
The Blend Award finalists 2024
Garage of the Year – Multilocation garages
Sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group
- Castle Garage, Ashby
- Cedar Garage
- Shaikly Motor Company
Garage of the Year Award – garages with 1 – 4 staff:
Sponsored by Micheldever Tyre Services Ltd
- Womanic
- Bear and Bee Garage
- Intelligent Auto
- Drive Green Vehicle Services
Garage of the Year Award – garages with 5+ staff:
Sponsored by LKQ Euro Car Parts
- MB Liverpool
- Lawson Autotech
- Elite Landrover
- Billingborough Cars and Commercials
Staff Recognition Award:
Sponsored by 1Tec Auto Hub
- Keith Wenlock, Bear and Bee Garage
- Laura Guild, Lawson Autotech
- Lauren Savage, RS Autotechnik
Community’s Garage of the Year Award:
Sponsored by GSF Car Parts
- EAC Telford
- Oldfields Garage Services
- Lawson Autotech
Community Member of the Year Award:
Sponsored by Pagid
- Laura Guild, Lawson AutoTech
- Mark Kettle, EAC Telford
- Diana Whetton, PW Auto Repairs
- Chris Wileman, Castle Garage Ashby
- Nikki Cowan, Cartopia
Garage Hive Innovator Award:
Sponsored by Garage Hive
- Fergie’s Automotive
- Fitch Autos
- Castle Garage Ashby
- Auto Solutions
A very limited number of tickets for The Blend 2024 are still available. They can be booked online, and at a special discounted rate until 14th September, here: https://www.theblend.events/tickets.
