Ponteland Garage Boss Shortlisted for Two National Awards

A Ponteland businesswoman is celebrating double recognition on the national stage. Ellessie Browne, who runs Meadowfield Auto Centre on the Meadowfield Industrial Estate, has been shortlisted for two categories at the 2026 Women in Motor Industry Awards.

Ellessie is in the running for both Independent Garage Owner of the Year (Women Led) and Business Owner of the Year. As the Northumberland Gazette reported, the shortlisting comes a year after she took home the Inspiring Returner Award at the same event, a title that recognised her return to work following a serious illness.

From the BMW network to a Ponteland garage

Ellessie joined the family-run Ponteland garage in 2020, after a career in the BMW and MINI dealer network. She has since helped drive the continued development of the independent business, which offers MOT testing, servicing, repairs, tyres and diagnostics to drivers across the NE20 area.

Her return to the workshop came after a difficult period. In 2022, only weeks after the birth of her son, she suffered a stroke that required a long recovery before she was able to come back to work in late 2023. That comeback story was the heart of last year's Inspiring Returner win, and it clearly continues to resonate with the awards judges.

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

A vote of confidence for a local independent

"To be shortlisted for two awards is a huge honour," Ellessie said of the latest nominations.

For a small independent garage, national attention of this kind is a real boost, and a reminder of the depth of talent tucked away on Ponteland's business estates. Meadowfield Auto Centre reaches its tenth year of trading in 2026, and the recognition caps a strong run for a business that already carries a reputation among local drivers for same-day turnaround and personal service.

Whatever the outcome in December, Ponteland has another name to cheer on when the results are read out. You can find the garage's details on our Meadowfield Auto Centre directory page.