Leading independent garages and the people driving progress across the sector were celebrated at The Blend Awards 2026, held on Saturday 10 October at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham.
Following an inspirational day of discussion during the peer-led conference, The Blend Awards recognised the businesses and individuals raising operational benchmarks.
Judged anonymously by an independent panel featuring Hayley Pells of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), Grahame Pells industry author and owner of G P Fabrications, Mark Field, Chief Executive of the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), and aftermarket journalist Mike Ruff, the competitive categories focused on businesses demonstrating genuine innovation, community leadership, and staff investment.
With community-favourite Nikki Cowan of Cartopia hosting proceedings on stage, the Blend Awards celebrated the unsung heroes and progressive businesses proving what independent workshops can achieve with the right processes, data, and community backing.
Taking home the coveted Garage of the Year (1–4 Staff) title, sponsored by GSF Car Parts, was Gateshead diagnostic specialist Intelligent Auto, commended for its technical rigour and exceptional customer clarity.
In the Garage of the Year (5+ Staff) category, sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts, Harrogate-based Carmaster Garage claimed top honours.
Meanwhile, the Garage of the Year (Multi-location) award, sponsored by LKQ Euro Car Parts, was won by Castle Garage (Ashby).
Celebrating dedication behind the workshop scenes, the Staff Recognition Award, sponsored by Castrol / The Race Group, went to Salipa Mwelwa of VMB Autocentres. Salipa was recognised for exceptional commitment to workshop operations and team support, standing out among a competitive field of finalists.
The evening also presented dedicated community honours voted by the Garage Hive network.
In a tightly contested Community’s Garage of the Year category sponsored by Pagid, a joint win was declared for The MINI Repair Shop and Elite Landrover.
Andrii Stetsovskyi of Nexa Max Garages collected Community Member of the Year, sponsored by VARTA, while Tim Benson of Oldfields Garage took home The Blend’s Innovators Award of the Year, sponsored by Garage Hive, for pioneering practical AI and standard operating procedures.
In a special moment, The Blend’s first-ever Industry Impact Award was presented to Sarah Tribe of automotive charity Ben, honouring her tireless advocacy and support for mental health and wellbeing across the sector.
“The awards ceremony was the perfect way to round off what had already been an immensely inspiring day,” Ray Dilsons, Event Director at The Blend and Managing Director of Garage Hive. “Seeing over 550 delegates sharing knowledge and then coming together in the evening to celebrate the businesses and individuals pushing new boundaries, proves just how resilient and progressive our community is. Every single finalist and winner has shown that with the right data, solid processes, and a commitment to their people, independent workshops can build exceptionally profitable, sustainable businesses.”
In a powerful show of community support, The Blend 2026 raised £18,825 for automotive charity Ben, generating vital funds through surplus ticket proceeds after covering event costs, coupled with generous donations and evening fundraising from attendees.
The Blend Awards will return next autumn, taking place alongside The Blend 2027 conference at Manchester Central on Saturday 18 September 2027. Early-bird registration is available online at www.theblend.events.
The Blend Awards 2026:
Garage of the Year (1–4 Staff)
- Winner: Intelligent Auto
- Finalist: Womanic
Garage of the Year (5+ Staff)
- Winner: Carmaster Garage
- Finalist: Cleevely Motors
- Finalist: Aldershot MOT Centre
Garage of the Year (Multi-location)
- Winner: Castle Garage Ashby
- Finalist: VMB Autocentres
- Finalist: Shaws Service Station
Staff Recognition Award
- Winner: Salipa Mwelwa – VMB Autocentres
- Finalist: Lucy Butler – Marks Transport Group
- Finalist: Lee Thompson – S & R Miller
Community’s Garage of the Year Award
- Winner: Elite Landrover
- Winner: The MINI Repair Shop
- Finalist: Oldfields Garage
- Finalist: Lawson Autotech
- Finalist: Castle Garage Ashby
- Finalist: The JDK Group
- Finalist: Auto HQ
- Finalist: Shaikly Motor Company
- Finalist: D&D Autos
- Finalist: PW Auto Repairs
- Finalist: Jonesys Garage
Community’s Member of the Year Award
- Winner: Andrii Stetsovskyi – Nexa Max Garages
Innovators Award of the Year
- Winner: Tim Benson – Oldfields Garage
Industry Impact Award
- Sarah Tribe – Ben
