Ponteland Garage a Finalist for National Garage of the Year

A Ponteland independent garage is heading for one of the motor trade's biggest nights. Meadowfield Auto Centre, on the Meadowfield Industrial Estate, has been named a finalist for Independent Garage of the Year at the Motor Trader Industry Awards 2026. The winners will be revealed at a ceremony at the five-star Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane, London, on Wednesday 18 November.

As reported by the Northumberland Gazette, the Motor Trader award recognises best practice, innovation and professionalism among non-franchised repair garages from across the UK. For a small workshop tucked away on a Ponteland business estate to make the national shortlist is no small thing.

A remarkable awards year

The Motor Trader nomination caps a run that few independents could match. Earlier this year the garage was also a finalist in the Garage of the Year, Best Single Site category at the Automechanika Garage Awards 2026. Co-owner Ellie Browne, meanwhile, is shortlisted in two categories at the 2026 Women in Motor Industry Awards, for Independent Garage Owner of the Year (Women Led) and Business Owner of the Year, having won the Inspiring Returner Award at the 2025 edition.

The garage is run by Stephen Browne, who according to the business took the reins around a decade ago, and Ellie, with a five-person team offering MOTs, servicing, repairs, tyres and diagnostics to drivers across the NE20 area.

A boost for a local independent

Speaking to the Hexham Courant, Ellie Browne said it was "really special" to see "that little team from Ponteland being recognised nationally".

It is exactly the kind of story Ponteland likes to tell about itself: a small, family-run business quietly doing things well and, this autumn, being noticed for it far beyond the village. You can find the garage's details on our Meadowfield Auto Centre directory page, and Ponteland will have another name to cheer on when the results are read out in London.