The Blend names sponsors ahead of October return

24 September 2026  

The Blend has confirmed its sponsor line-up ahead of its return to Birmingham on Saturday 10 October.

The independent garage conference and networking event will take place at The Eastside Rooms, bringing together garage owners and managers from across the UK and Ireland for a programme of peer-led learning, industry discussion and business advice.

Castrol and The Race Group return as headline sponsors for 2026, joined by NAPA Auto Parts, LKQ Euro Car Parts, GSF Car Parts and Pichler.

The exhibition will also feature Hella Gutmann, Garage Services Online, ALLDATA, Autotech Group, Autogem, VARTA, Pagid and JHM Butt & Co, alongside HR Vitals, Garage Vitals, Vitals Portal and 1TEC Auto Hub.

Running alongside the event’s multi-track conference programme, the exhibition will cover equipment, diagnostic solutions, parts programmes and digital tools.

“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.”

The daytime conference will be followed by an evening awards dinner hosted by Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK, and Nikki Cowan of Cartopia.

The Blend operates as a not-for-profit initiative, with any surplus revenue going to automotive industry charity Ben.

Tickets are available through The Blend website.

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