Technical 22 www.aftermarketonline.net JULY/AUGUST 2025 And they’re off! As the entries deadline for all contests closes, the heat is on for our would-be garage champions as they prepare to be put through their paces in the initial stages of the Top Awards races Excitement is mounting as we look toward the initial qualifying rounds of this year’s contests to find the UK’s Top Technician, Top Garage and Top Apprentice. The entries deadline closed for Top Garage and Top Apprentice on June 30, following the closure of entries for Top Technician earlier this year. Now garage owners and rising stars of the trade are all set to showcase their skills to win national recognition and join a celebrated network of industry leaders. Aftermarket magazine will be interviewing contestants in the weeks ahead and asking the judges what they are looking for. Ryan Fuller, managing director at the Top Awards, said: “The Top Awards are about more than trophies, they’re about shining a spotlight on the skill, dedication, and innovation that drive our industry forward. “Whether it’s an experienced technician, a thriving independent garage, or an apprentice just starting out, these competitions celebrate excellence at every level and provide a powerful platform to raise standards, inspire others, and showcase the very best.” Top Garage is considered one of the industry’s ultimate benchmarks for professionalism and performance. Open to businesses of all sizes – from solo mobile mechanics to large, multisite operations – the competition offers insight, feedback, and the opportunity to stand out on a national stage. Additional categories include Top Service Advisor and the Ben Workplace Health & Wellbeing Award, recognising those who go above and beyond in customer care and staff wellbeing. Top Apprentice, new for 2025, turns the spotlight on the next generation of technicians. Open to Level 2 and Level 3 apprentices based in the UK, the competition is designed to celebrate talent, technical ability, and real-world problem-solving skills. Top Garage and Top Apprentice each begin with two online rounds, featuring a mix of multiple-choice and open-ended questions designed to test industry knowledge, decision-making, and practical insight. Finalists from both competitions will then come together with Top Technician contenders for the grand finals at the Delphi Academy, Warwick, on November 15. Finals Day will see the industry’s top talent put through their paces in a series of interviews and hands-on challenges, overseen by a panel of respected experts. The excitement will build to a fitting climax later that evening, with a gala dinner and awards ceremony where this year’s champions will be revealed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Coventry. This year’s guest speaker will be Colin Denton, CEO of North London Garages GTA. “The Top Garage, Top Apprentice, and Top Technician competitions are truly unique in the industry,” said Luke Garratt of the Delphi Academy. “These competitions demand real commitment and hard work from all entrants. The rigorous testing, the practical challenges, and the expert evaluations bring a rare opportunity for individuals and businesses to truly prove themselves, and that’s what makes these awards so special.” This year’s fantastic event sponsors are listed on the facing page, together with latest competition details. Top Awards about shining a spotlight on skills, dedication and innovation Top Technician, Top Garage and Top Apprentice
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