Show Notes
In this episode of The Blend Podcast, host Mike Ruff is joined by fellow Blend Awards judges Hayley Pells, Policy and Public Affairs Lead at the IMI, and Andy Crook of Atomic Success. Together, they lift the lid on the judging process behind The Blend Awards, an industry celebration that recognises the outstanding achievements of independent garages across the UK and Ireland.
We cover the importance of anonymised submissions, the common entry mistakes to avoid, and how simply entering an award can help garage owners reflect on their progress, identify areas for improvement, and boost team morale. The judges also also explain how the judging panel distinguishes between good and truly exceptional businesses.
Entries for the 2025 Blend Awards are now open and can be submitted via The Blend website until 11:59pm on Friday, 8 August. Finalists will be revealed on 8 September, ahead of the awards ceremony on 18 October at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham.
The Blend Podcast is produced by Autotech Communications.
More from The Blend Podcast
In the final countdown episode before The Blend 2026, we’re talking Artificial Intelligence for independent garages. Tim Benson of Oldfields Garage joins us to discuss it ahead of his conference session on the topic.
If you’ve ever unboxed a brand-new dealer tool with little to no instructions on how to get it set up, you’ll know the frustration is real. But as vehicles become increasingly locked down, having genuine OEM access isn’t just an advantage anymore, it’s fast becoming essential.
In our very first in-person recording, borrowing the studio mics from our friends at the On the Ramp Podcast, host Mike Ruff sits down with Garage Hive Managing Director and the original visionary behind The Blend, Ray Dilsons.
Today, we’re hearing from Gary Wood of Intelligent Auto in Gateshead, a two-time winner of Small Garage of the Year at The Blend, and this year, he’s aiming for the hat-trick.
MINI Repair Shop: Dealer standards, independent agility by The Blend Podcast