The Blend 2024 unveils full lineup ahead of September conference
The Blend has unveiled its impressive roster of speakers for the much-anticipated 2024 annual conference and networking event for independent garages taking place on Saturday, 28th September at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham.
It promises a wealth of business-boosting insights for over 300 delegates from across the UK and Ireland, all eager to exchange ideas.
James Dillon of Technical Topics will explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), demonstrating how it can enhance diagnostics, boost efficiency, and elevate customer service.
Making his fifth appearance at The Blend, John Batten of Auto IQ will outline strategies for long-term success in the automotive sector. "Winning in business isn’t easy," said John. "It’s next to impossible when you don’t know the rules or have the playbooks required to find the ladders and dodge the snakes."
Meanwhile, Jennifer Webb from HR Vitals will address overlooked factors that lead to employee dissatisfaction and provide solutions to foster a more engaged workforce.
Michael Shaikly of Shaikly Motor Company puts the focus on ‘customer profiling’, with tips on how to identify and retain ‘ideal’ customers to maximise profits and create an optimal workplace environment. “There are thousands and thousands of cars out there that need fixing,” said Michael. “You’re never going to fix them all. Just make sure you’re serving the customers you want.”
Weighing the pros and cons of scaling a business is Paul Griffiths from Elite Land Rover, while Matt Jeffreys of St John’s Garage and RPM Malvern covers the intricacies of acquiring an existing garage, including staff retention and customer poaching challenges.
Nathan Taylor from Walsall Wood Tyre & Service brings practical advice on building a robust online presence, while Louise Baker of Womanic aims to inspire with her vision for shaping the future of the industry.
Addressing the shrinking diesel repair market, Andy Crook of Atomic Success is set to emphasise the need for garages to diversify services and adapt to industry changes to replace lost revenue.
Matt Cleevely of Cleevely Group returns with fresh insights on attracting electric vehicle (EV) owners, sharing strategies and lessons from expanding EV services at Cleevely EV. “We just so happened to be the UK’s first independent EV specialist,” said Matt. “I’m appealing to other garages to be the first in their county, city or town because there’s plenty of EV work for all of us.”
Emphasising the importance of standing out in competitive markets, Chay Blyth of Fife AutoTech will urge garage owners to "be a shark in the ocean, not just another fish".
Dean Lomas of DC Lomas will share his deeply personal journey in “From Rock Bottom to the Very Top.” Dean will recount his journey of overcoming drug and alcohol addiction, demonstrating that business success is achievable even in the face of significant challenges.
Finally, Dan Bridges and Dave Roberts of Castrol and The Race Group will provide practical insights on selecting the right oil and address challenges related to wet belts and diesel particulate filters.
“We’re pleased to have the support of so many distinguished names,” said Ray Dilsons, Event Director at The Blend. “They’re bringing a diverse range of topics to the agenda with business strategy, emerging technology insight and fresh ideas for customer service excellence.”