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NOVEMBER 2021 AFTERMARKET 37 www.aftermarketonline.net WINNING REACTIONS Aftermarket got some immediate reactions from the winners from Top Technician and Top Garage, just after they were announced W inning in Top Technician and Top Garage can be life- changing. Apart from the £30,000 prize fund, of which each winner takes a sizeable chunk, there is also the impact on self-image and one’s professional reputation. Top Technician Winners We grabbed 2021 Top Technician winner Kevin Toms from FRL Auto Services in Dartmouth Devon, and the runner up, Simon Parkinson of WDMDL Electrotech in Greater Manchester shortly after the announcement. Kevin has been a long-term participant in Top Technician, reaching the semi-finals and finals on a number of occasions. Now in 2021, luck and skill were with him and he has become Top Technician. We asked him what he thought: “I can’t believe it, I’m over the moon. Everyone should do it – they really should. Look at Adam Cannell, who was in the final as well. He did it, he made it to the final, but he didn’t win, but he will be back next year. It’s just phenomenal what it does for your self- esteem.” Kevin received a cheque for £1,000 from Aftermarket, a Zeus tool set from Snap-on, an iPad from VARTA, a voucher for TechMan software, a pair of VIP experience tickets to the British Touring Car Champs Final courtesy of MOTUL, a full light display kit from Philips, and an Autel Ultra with a year of updates from LKQ Euro Car Parts. Next, we moved onto the runner-up. Not only was Simon Parkinson relatively new to the automotive sector, having brought his skills from a career on the railways, he was also new to Top Technician, so he did really well to make it to be runner-up on his first attempt. He observed: “I was up against some really good and experienced guys. It’s absolutely amazing. I saw it and just thought I would enter. I didn’t expect to get anywhere near this far. Once I got through to the semi-final, I thought that would be it. Then, when I did well there, I thought just to come away with that certificate that said ‘Finalist’, I would be happy with that. To actually be runner-up, I’m really pleased.” Simon also received a Zeus tool set from Snap-on, an under- bonnet lamp from Philips and a gold training package from LKQ Euro Car Parts. Top Garage winners Top Garage fielded four categories for 2021, enabling more businesses to shine. We spoke to the winners from each category. Business with 1-3 staff members: CM Automotive, Bristol Co-owners Mark Nelson and Connor Blanning were genuinely surprised that they would be bringing home the title. “We are very, very shocked” said Connor. “We can’t believe it” added Mark. Connor continued: “To have not been going that long and to win something like this is a genuine shock. We only opened 14 months ago.” CM Automotive took home a pair of VIP experience tickets to British Touring Car Championships Final via Motul. Business with 4-6 staff members: Fergies German Vehicle Specialists, Thatcham, Berkshire Co-owners Shaun Ferguson-Miller and his wife Nakita Ferguson-Miller were delighted to win. Shaun observed: “I’m shocked, actually I am very shocked. Three years into running our Winning in Top Technician and Top Garage can be life-changing ”