Ellessie Browne Wins Inspiring Returner Award at the 2025 Women in Motor Industry Awards

Ellessie Browne of Meadowfield Auto Centre in Ponteland has been named winner of the Inspiring Returner Award at the 2025 Women in Motor Industry Awards, recognising her return to the motor industry following an extraordinary period away from work.

The national Women in Motor Industry Awards, organised by Motor Trader, celebrate women working throughout the UK automotive industry.

The Inspiring Returner Award recognises a woman who has successfully returned to the industry following a career break, demonstrating resilience, determination and the ability to make an impact after returning to work.

For Ellie and everyone at Meadowfield Auto Centre, this particular award means an enormous amount.

Ellie's return to the motor industry

Ellie joined Meadowfield Auto Centre in Ponteland in 2020, bringing with her experience from the BMW and MINI dealer network.

In December 2022, just weeks after the birth of her son, Ellie suffered a cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), a rare form of stroke.

What followed was a lengthy period of recovery and time away from the business.

After almost a year away from work, Ellie returned to Meadowfield in late 2023 and gradually resumed her role within the independent garage she runs alongside her partner, Stephen.

Her return wasn't simply about coming back to work. It meant rebuilding confidence, adapting and once again becoming an integral part of the day-to-day running and continued development of Meadowfield Auto Centre.

National recognition for an incredible return

Ellie was subsequently shortlisted for the Inspiring Returner Award at the 2025 Women in Motor Industry Awards, alongside women from businesses across the UK automotive sector. Motor Trader's published finalist material listed Ellessie Browne of Meadowfield Auto Centre among the four finalists for the award.

She went on to win the Inspiring Returner Award.

For a small independent garage in Ponteland, Northumberland, seeing Ellie recognised on a national stage is something we're incredibly proud of.

But more importantly, the award recognises the journey that brought her back.

More than an industry award

Awards are always lovely to receive, but some inevitably mean more than others.

This one does.

Ellie's career in the motor industry began long before Meadowfield, and her experience has become an important part of how the business operates today.

Having that interrupted so suddenly, and then finding her way back to both the industry and the business, makes the Inspiring Returner Award particularly special.

It recognises not only what Ellie has achieved professionally since returning, but the resilience and determination required to get there.

Part of the Meadowfield story

Today, Ellie continues to play a central role in the development of Meadowfield Auto Centre, our independent garage at Meadowfield Industrial Estate in Ponteland.

Together, Ellie and Stephen continue to develop the business and the experience it provides for customers requiring MOT testing, servicing, vehicle repairs, tyres and diagnostics in Ponteland.

Winning a national award is a remarkable achievement.

Winning one that tells part of Ellie's personal story makes this one we'll remember for a very long time.

Congratulations Ellie — 2025 Women in Motor Industry Inspiring Returner Award winner.