PMM sits down with Garage Hive’s Operations Manager and the woman behind its trade event, The Blend, to find out more about what the event holds for workshop owners this month.
Hi Dawn, could you tell our readers about The Blend and what it offers workshops?
The Blend started in 2019 as just an idea to gather Garage Hive users to network and speak to the team in person. Now, it has grown into a conference and networking event for all UK and Irish garage owners and key staff members which is also complemented by a podcast.
The Blend 2023 offers a wide range and choice of industry expert presentations about garage business essential information varying from “how to unlock hidden profit” to fellow garage owners’ experiences and HR topics. It also has a specially selected expo area where the guests can talk to brands like Castrol and , GSF Car Parts, Pichler Tools, Micheldever, Pagid, Autogem and more. Of course, there is a choice of Garage Hive expert sessions for those interested in the software.
Between the presentations, there are plenty of breaks to network with other garage owners and gain new perspectives on issues they face. This year, we are also hosting an awards dinner for which garages had the opportunity to submit their business or their staff for an award.
What sets the Blend apart from other trade events in the calendar?
We noticed that plenty of automotive events focus on the technical side of garages, technician training, tools and similar; however, the industry lacks the business side conferences and networking where garage owners can learn more and get inspired to manage their business effectively to reach their business goals. That’s why delegates have the opportunity to dive into topics like business growing pains, front-of-house, planning an exit and more. Our priority is to provide high-quality information to the attendees; also, it is a non-profit event, and we will donate any profit that is made.
What can attendees expect this year with respect to last year?
This year we have more presentation choices for attendees to pick and mix which sessions they want to attend, a larger expo area and the exciting additional awards categories for “garage of the year” and “staff recognition”, as we believe in and want to celebrate driven businesses and teams.
Why is it important for garage owners and key members of staff to take time out to attend events?
For garage owners who are interested in working for their business, not in the business, this is the place and time to be. If they are interested in following the latest industry trends and staying ahead of the curve, the speaker sessions will educate them on what is happening, what they can do now and what to prepare for in the future. The event gathers a lot of goal-oriented garage owners, some of whom are working towards growing their business, and others to retire or leave the business in good hands.
What are you most looking forward to at the event?
I am most looking forward to the conversations that will arise between the guests and the ideas that will be born out of this networking both for garage owners and for us, Garage Hive, to grow and adapt the software to the needs of the garages. We cannot forget the opportunity to speak to known brands at the exhibition, where new partnerships can be built.
What information do readers need to know before attending?
The Blend 2023 takes place in Birmingham at the Eastside Rooms on Saturday, the 7th of October. It is a full-day conference starting at 9:30 am and finishing with an awards dinner. It is easy to enquire about tickets through the event’s official website.
