Recognition Closer to Home: Meadowfield Named a Best of Northumberland Awards Finalist

Meadowfield Auto Centre in Ponteland has been named a finalist for Small Business of the Year (up to 50 employees) at the Best of Northumberland Awards 2026.

It marks our fourth awards final this year, during the year in which we celebrate 10 years since taking over the business in December 2016.

Every finalist place means something to our team. This one brings a different perspective: recognition beyond the motor industry, among businesses from across our home county.

What are the Best of Northumberland Awards?

The Best of Northumberland Awards celebrate the businesses, individuals and community organisations helping to make Northumberland a place to be proud of.

Presented by the Northumberland Gazette, the 2026 awards are supported by headline sponsor Northumberland County Council and category sponsor Banks Group. They bring business achievement and community contribution together in one celebration.

Their history stretches back at least to 2015. Coverage in The Ambler that year celebrated winners including a local community group and a football coach recognised for his community work—a reminder that the awards have long celebrated the people behind the county’s achievements.

Today, the categories span business, tourism, food and drink, employment, environmental achievement, fundraising, sport and community service. Together, they recognise the many different ways people contribute to life across Northumberland.

What does Small Business of the Year recognise?

The Small Business of the Year category recognises outstanding performance by a business with between one and 50 employees that is excelling in its field.

That brings businesses from different sectors into the same category. Meadowfield Auto Centre is one of eight finalists on the official 2026 shortlist.

For our independent garage on Meadowfield Industrial Estate in Ponteland, being included is something we are very proud of.

Why this recognition feels different

Our motor industry awards recognise our work among people who understand the demands of running a workshop, maintaining standards and looking after customers’ vehicles.

Being shortlisted for the Best of Northumberland Awards brings that recognition closer to home and into the wider business community.

It gives us a moment to reflect on Meadowfield as a whole: the team we have built, the relationships we have developed and the trust customers place in us.

We provide MOTs, servicing, repairs, tyres and diagnostics, but behind every booking is someone relying on their vehicle. It might be needed for work, the school run, caring for family or simply getting through a busy week.

Understanding that responsibility has shaped the business we have worked to build over the past decade.

Four awards finals in our 10th anniversary year

When Stephen took over the business in December 2016, the aim was to build a garage that local people could trust and feel comfortable returning to.

Ten years later, reaching four awards finals in one year gives us plenty to reflect on. It represents years of work, investment, learning and support from the people around us.

Our thanks go to our team for their work every day, and to every customer who chooses Meadowfield, recommends us or trusts us to look after their car.

Celebrating Northumberland

The winners will be announced at Slaley Hall Hotel, Hexham, on Thursday 3 December 2026.

Congratulations to our fellow finalists and to everyone recognised across this year’s categories.

In our 10th anniversary year, being part of a celebration of our home county is a particularly meaningful milestone.