Independent garage conference and networking event The Blend has revealed a powerhouse line-up of sponsors ahead of its return on Saturday, 10 October 2026, at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham.
The flagship gathering for independent garage owners and managers across the UK and Ireland, The Blend 2026 will bring together hundreds of workshop professionals for a full day of peer-led learning, industry debate and practical business strategy.
Underpinning the event’s mission to help independent workshops strengthen their operations, this year’s trade exhibition features leading parts distributors, equipment specialists, technical data providers and business service specialists.
Returning to demonstrate their long-standing commitment to the independent sector are headline sponsors Castrol and The Race Group.
They are joined by a strong line-up of trade suppliers and aftermarket specialists, including NAPA Auto Parts, LKQ Euro Car Parts, GSF Car Parts and Pichler. The exhibition floor will also feature Hella Gutmann, Garage Services Online, ALLDATA, Autotech Group, Autogem, VARTA, Pagid and JHM Butt & Co, alongside industry service specialists HR Vitals, Garage Vitals, Vitals Portal and 1TEC Auto Hub.
Running alongside the multi-track daytime conference, the trade exhibition will give delegates direct access to the latest equipment, diagnostic solutions, parts programmes and digital tools designed to improve workshop productivity and profitability.
“Independent garages are navigating a massive wave of change, tackling everything from SERMI compliance to recruitment challenges,” said Ray Dilsons, Event Director at The Blend. “The true strength of this event is the collaborative ecosystem we’ve built over the years. With the backing of such prominent suppliers, delegates get a complete experience. They can learn practical, real-world strategies from their peers on stage, then head into the exhibition hall to find the tools, data and commercial support they need to turn those ideas into reality.”
Following the daytime conference, attendees will move into the prestigious evening awards dinner, featuring a special double-host line-up, with internationally renowned marketing expert and Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK, Rory Sutherland, joined by community favourite Nikki Cowan of Cartopia to celebrate the sector’s most progressive workshops and individuals.
Staying true to its community-first ethos, The Blend remains a not-for-profit initiative run solely for the benefit of independent garages. Any surplus revenue is channelled directly to Ben, the automotive industry charity.
With time now fast running out to secure tickets, garage owners and managers are encouraged to secure their place early via the official website at: www.theblend.events.
