News 7 www.aftermarketonline.net MAY 2026 THE FULL RANGE THE RIGHT PARTS. EVERY TIME engine bearings SUPPLYING PREMIUM QUALITY ENGINE COMPONENTS FROM TRUSTED BRANDS +44 203 915 7535 trade@apexautoparts.co.uk www.apexautoparts.co.uk Dedicated support team Trade Accounts 40,000+ Reviews UK'S TRUSTED ENGINE PARTS DISTRIBUTOR SUPPLYING TRADE & RETAIL CUSTOMERS NATIONWIDE Early bird tickets go on sale for The Blend 2026 Tickets for the conference and networking event for independent garage owners, The Blend 2026, are now on sale, with early bird tickets available at a reduced rate until the end of May. The event will take place at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on Saturday, 10 October 2026, building on the momentum of last year’s conference, which welcomed more than 500 delegates. The event’s organisers are promising an even more ambitious event for 2026, with a multi-track conference programme running alongside a busy exhibition of leading trade suppliers. Designed to give garage owners greater flexibility, the schedule will include a range of breakout sessions, allowing attendees to focus on the areas most relevant to their businesses. Open to all independent garages, the event’s focus remains firmly on peer-led learning, with real-world insights from garages that are actively improving efficiency, strengthening customer relationships, and adapting to new technologies. The daytime conference will lead into the evening awards dinner, a highlight of the event calendar. The evening includes a three-course meal, The Blend Awards, and a charity auction in support of Ben. The 2025 event raised more than £44,000 for the automotive industry charity, with organisers aiming to build on that total this year. Hosting the evening will be Rory Sutherland, the behavioural science and marketing expert known for his work on consumer psychology. His insights are expected to offer valuable perspective for garages looking to enhance customer experience, perceived value, and profitability. Tickets are currently available at www.theblend.events/ tickets for an early bird rate of £150 + VAT for the conference and evening event. All surplus proceeds are donated to Ben to support its work across the automotive industry.
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