Blend Awards 2025 finalists unveiled ahead of October dinner
The finalists for The Blend Awards 2025 have been announced, setting the stage for the eagerly awaited ceremony and dinner on Saturday 18th October at The Eastside Rooms, Birmingham.
Highlighting excellence across the sector, The Blend’s Garage of the Year Award celebrates independent garages that shine in staff welfare, customer service, innovation, and community impact. Awards are presented across three categories: workshops with 1-4 staff, 5+ staff, and multi-location operations. Meanwhile, the Staff Recognition Award honours individuals whose dedication and resilience drive their garage’s growth and success.
All entries were anonymised and assessed by an independent judging panel, featuring Hayley Pells of the Institute of the Motor Industry, Andy Crook of Atomic Success, and industry journalist Mike Ruff, host of The Blend Podcast.
The Blend Awards also spotlight achievements within the community. The Community’s Garage of the Year highlights top-performing workshops, Innovator of the Year celebrates garages leading technical and creative advances, and Community Member of the Year recognises individuals making a meaningful impact within the network.
“Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists,” said Ray Dilsons, Event Director at The Blend. “The awards are always a special way to round off the day. It’s our chance to recognise the individuals and businesses driving progress in our industry, following a day of valuable learning, idea-sharing, and connection-building with others passionate about raising independent garage standards.”
Winners will be revealed at the evening dinner and awards ceremony on 18th October, hosted by comedian Troy Hawke, following a full day of conference sessions and trade exhibition.
The Blend Awards 2025 Finalists
Garage of the Year (1-4 Staff), sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts
Intelligent Auto
ABE Motor Works
Greenfield Garage
Garage of the Year (5+ Staff), sponsored by LKQ Euro Car Parts
Soul Garages
Athersmith Motor Services
Autocentre Chorley
Aldershot MOT Centre
Garage of the Year (Multilocation), sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group
Castle Garage Ashby
LM Motor Clinic
IN’n’OUT Autocentres
Staff Recognition Award Finalists, sponsored by Pagid
David Hare, Markhams Garage
Lauren Howells, RS Autotechnik
Gavin Watson, Autocentre Chorley
Laura Guild, Lawson AutoTech
Rhys Woods, RS Autotechnik
Community's Garage of the year finalists (Sponsored by GSF Car Parts)
RCMR
EAC Telford
Drive Green
Community Member of the year finalists (Sponsored by 1Tec Auto Hub)
Diana Whetton from PW Auto Repairs
Nikki Cowan from Cartopia
Laura Guild from Lawson AutoTech
Innovator of the year finalists, sponsored by Automechanika
EAC Telford
Fitch Autos
Apex Auto Tech (J P Howden Auto Electrics)