This year’s finalists for The Blend Awards unveiled

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