Best independent UK garage owner nominated in Northumberland

A Northumberland businesswoman is a finalist in two categories at the 2026 Women in Motor Industry Awards.

Ellessie Browne, who runs Meadowfield Auto Centre in Ponteland alongside her partner Stephen, has been shortlisted for the 2026 Women in Motor Industry Awards in two categories: Independent Garage Owner of the Year (Women Led) and Business Owner of the Year.

The awards, organised by Motor Trader, celebrate the achievements of women across the UK automotive sector.

The latest recognition follows Ellessie's success at the 2025 Women in Motor Industry Awards, where she won the Inspiring Returner Award.

Ellessie joined Meadowfield Auto Centre in 2020, following a career within the BMW and MINI dealer network.

She has played an important role in the continued development of the independent Ponteland garage, which provides MOT testing, servicing, repairs, tyres and diagnostics to motorists.

She suffered a serious CVST stroke just weeks after the birth of her son in 2022, which led to a long period of recovery.

She returned to work in late 2023 and has since continued to help grow the business.

Ellessie said: "To be shortlisted for two awards is a huge honour.

"Winning the Inspiring Returner Award last year meant an enormous amount to me, particularly because of everything that had happened before I returned to work. This year feels slightly different.

"These nominations are about what we've built and what I'm contributing to the business today, which makes them really special in a different way.

"We're a small independent garage in Ponteland, so to be recognised alongside women and businesses from across the UK motor industry is something I'm incredibly proud of."

The two 2026 nominations recognise not only Ellessie's personal journey, but her contribution as a business owner within an industry in which women remain significantly underrepresented.

Meadowfield Auto Centre will celebrate its 10th anniversary later this year.

The business has operated under its current ownership since 2016.

It was nominated as one of the best garages in the UK for its customer service when it was a finalist in the Best Single-Site Garage category at the 2026 IAAF Garage Awards, held during the Automechanika Birmingham trade exhibition.

Winners of the 2026 Women in Motor Industry Awards will be announced at a ceremony at Hilton London Bankside on December 2.

The awards aim to highlight the contributions of women across all areas of the automotive industry.

By Natalie Finnigan

Reporter