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The Blend 2026 has revealed its first wave of speakers, giving garage owners practical insight into compliance, recruitment, customer engagement, profitability and long- term business growth.
The event will take place on Saturday, 10 October 2026, at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham, bringing together garage owners and industry professionals for a day of peer- led learning, networking and practical advice designed around the realities of running an independent workshop.
Among the first names confirmed is Mark Webb of Garage Vitals, who will discuss security-related repair and maintenance information, SERMI. Business coach Phil Brookes will focus on growth and strategy, offering guidance on improving profitability, strengthening systems and creating more resilient garage operations. The programme will also include Chaos vs Control, a panel session hosted by Barry Lawson of Lawson AutoTech. Newer Garage Hive community members 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 from bringing greater structure to daily workshop operations.
Recruitment and retention will be addressed by Eleanor Baker Barnes from Apprenticeship Central, while Jennifer Webb of HR Vitals will return with advice on employment law and people management. Gary Wood of Intelligent Auto will examine neurodiversity in garages, highlighting how understanding different thinking styles can support teamwork, problem-solving and staff retention.
Customer communication and reputation will be covered in a joint session from Tone Communications’ Tina Parker and journalist Phil Curry, while Sophie Lyden, widely known as The Tyre Lady, will explain how tyre safety campaigns can build customer trust and create opportunities for workshops.
Steve Chambers and Kyle Berry from The MINI Repair Shop will discuss their move from main dealer backgrounds to building a successful independent business. Ray Dilsons, Event Director, said: “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,” he said. “The value of The Blend comes from bringing together people who understand those challenges and are willing to share what has worked for them.”
More speakers will be announced in the coming weeks as the programme develops. Alongside its multi-track daytime conference, The Blend will feature an exhibition of trade suppliers before concluding with an evening awards dinner hosted by behavioural science expert, author and Ogilvy UK Vice Chairman Rory Sutherland.
Tickets for The Blend 2026 are available now, with garage owners and managers able to book online at: https://www.theblend.events/tickets
