The Blend 2026 has announced its first wave of speakers, giving independent garage owners fresh insight into some of the key issues shaping the future of the sector, including compliance, recruitment, customer relationships and business growth.
Taking place on Saturday, 10 October 2026, at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham, The Blend will once again bring together garage owners, managers and industry professionals for a day of peer-led learning, practical insight and networking.
This year’s speaker line-up features industry experts, successful garage owners and business specialists, all sharing experiences and advice shaped around the everyday realities of running an independent workshop.
Mark Webb of Garage Vitals is set to open up the conversation around security-related repair and maintenance information (SERMI), helping garage owners understand the changing requirements around access regulations and what they mean for the future of independent repair.
Business coach Phil Brookes will focus on business growth and strategy, sharing guidance on improving profitability, refining systems and building more resilient garage operations. His session will explore how workshops can create stronger foundations for long-term success.
The importance of learning from other garages will be highlighted in the Chaos vs Control panel session, hosted by Barry Lawson of Lawson AutoTech. Bringing together newer members of the Garage Hive community, Jamie McGeoghan of Chequers Lane Garage, Neil and Kay Fallows of Stourbridge Automotive, and Gemma and Chris Jones of Jonesys Garage will share lessons learned and practical ideas for bringing greater structure to day-to-day workshop operations.
With recruitment and retention continuing to be major challenges for workshops, Eleanor Baker Barnes from Apprenticeship Central will explore how garages can attract, develop and support the next generation of technicians.
Jennifer Webb of HR Vitals will also return to The Blend stage, providing essential guidance on employment law and the people challenges facing independent workshops. Her session will help garage owners navigate the increasingly important role of effective HR management.
Gary Wood of Intelligent Auto will examine neurodiversity in garages, exploring how understanding different thinking styles can improve teamwork, problem-solving and staff retention.
Customer communication and reputation will be the focus of a joint session from Tone Communications’ Tina Parker and industry journalist Phil Curry. Together, they will look at how independent garages can better tell their stories, engage customers and make greater use of the changing media landscape.
Sophie Lyden, widely recognised as ‘The Tyre Lady’, will share her expertise on tyre safety campaigns and explain how raising awareness around vehicle safety can strengthen customer trust while creating opportunities for independent workshops.
Steve Chambers and Kyle Berry from The MINI Repair Shop will share their journey from main dealer backgrounds to building a successful independent business, offering insight into the decisions, challenges and opportunities involved in creating a standout garage brand.
“The Blend has always been grounded entirely in the everyday realities of running an independent garage,” said Ray Dilsons, Event Director at The Blend. “The challenges facing workshops are constantly evolving, whether that’s keeping up with regulation, finding and retaining good people, improving profitability or building stronger customer relationships.
“The value of The Blend comes from bringing together people who understand those challenges and are willing to share what has worked for them. We’re excited to reveal more speakers and continue building a programme that delivers real value for the garage community.”
More speakers will be announced over the coming weeks as the programme continues to develop.
Alongside the multi-track daytime conference programme, The Blend will feature an exhibition of leading trade suppliers before concluding with its evening awards dinner, hosted by internationally recognised behavioural science expert, author and Ogilvy UK Vice Chairman Rory Sutherland.
Tickets for The Blend 2026 are available now. Garage owners and managers looking to secure their place can book online at: https://www.theblend.events/tickets.
