The finalists for The Blend Awards 2024 have been announced ahead of The Blend’s annual conference and networking event for independent garage owners, set to take place later this month.
The event will be held at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on September 28, featuring a prestigious awards ceremony following a day packed with business insights from industry leaders, influencers, and innovators.
For the first time, The Blend’s coveted Garage of the Year Award has been divided into three subcategories, ensuring that garages of all sizes across the UK and Ireland have an equal opportunity.
“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’s an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals who are pushing the industry forward and setting new standards of excellence.
The judging panel, which includes industry figures such as Hayley Pells from the Institute of the Motor Industry, Andy Crook of Got Boost, and Mike Ruff, host of The Blend Podcast, faced a challenging task in selecting finalists.
The large volume of high-quality entries made the decision process particularly difficult for the Garage of the Year and Staff Recognition Award categories.
In addition to the main awards, a Community Poll determined the winner of the Community’s Garage of the Year, while The Blend selected the Community Member of the Year. The Garage Hive Innovator Award was assessed by Garage Hive, with the winners to be revealed during the evening dinner at the event.
Celebrating its fifth year, The Blend conference for independent garages will donate all proceeds after costs to automotive 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 – 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 – 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
