Finalists for The Blend Awards 2023 have been named ahead of the highly anticipated annual conference and networking event for independent garage owners at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on the 7th October.
A remarkable influx of top-tier entries gave the judging panel, consisting of the IMI’s Hayley Pells, industry expert Andy Crook and The Blend Podcast host Mike Ruff, the difficult task of sifting through submissions and whittling down the finalists for The Blend’s ‘Garage of the Year Award’ and ‘Staff Recognition Award’.
Meanwhile, a Garage Hive community poll established finalists for ‘Community’s Garage of the Year’ and ‘Community Member of the Year’, with the ‘Garage Hive Innovator Award’ assessed by Garage Hive.
“The calibre of entries received reflects the exceptional pool of talent and innovation within our community,” said Ray Dilsons, Managing Director of Garage Hive. “All of our finalists have demonstrated outstanding achievement and will serve as a real inspiration for garages across the UK and Ireland.”
The category winners will be announced during an awards ceremony, as part of The Blend’s evening line-up and will be presented by David Massey of ADS Automotive. The evening dinner and celebrations will follow an impressive schedule of talks, panel discussions and break-out sessions from renowned industry leaders, influencers, and innovators during the day.
Organised by community-driven garage management software Garage Hive, The Blend is now widely seen as a ‘must attend’ event for all independent garages across the UK and Ireland – with 2023 expected to be the best yet.
A limited number of tickets for The Blend 2023 are still available to book online at: https://www.theblend.events/tickets.
The Blend Award finalists 2023
Community’s Garage of the Year (Sponsored by GSF Car Parts)
- Fitch Autos
- Fife AutoTech
Community Member of the Year (Sponsored by Pagid)
- Laura Guild of Lawson AutoTech
- Mark Kettle of EAC Telford
- Tom Cockings of Robert Cockings Motor Repairs
Garage Hive Innovator Award (Sponsored by Garage Hive)
- Martyn Langbridge of Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre
- Kirsty Watson of Autocentre Chorley
- Leo Dack of Dack Motor Group
Staff Recognition Award (Sponsored by 1Tec Auto Hub)
- Colin Chapman of Billingborough Cars and Commercials
- Isaac Davies of JDK Automotive / Eco Test MOT
- Laura Guild of Lawson AutoTech
- Kieth Wenlock of Bourne Auto Centre
Garage of the Year (Sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group)
- Shaikly Motor Company
- Lawson AutoTech
- Cleevely Motors
- Britannia MOT & Repair Centre
- Williams Garage