News 8 www.aftermarketonline.net MARCH 2026 The automotive sector is being urged to take part in a new sporting event organised by Automechanika Birmingham in partnership with the IAAF. The padel event, taking place at Earl’s Court, London this month, brings together the Women in Automotive programme and the IAAF Gender Balance community. Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. Taking place on March 19, from 2-6pm at the Padel Social Club, the event will bring together professionals from across the UK automotive industry for a friendly, inclusive padel event and networking. Alex Jones, marketing director for Messe Frankfurt UK, said: “This event reflects what Automechanika Birmingham is all about, bringing people together in fresh, engaging ways while supporting a more inclusive and representative automotive aftermarket.” Attendees will take part in a mixed-gender padel event, accessible to all abilities. The session will be professionally coached, and beginners are welcome, offering a balance of social and competitive play over 90 minutes, followed by two hours of relaxed, structured speed networking, with refreshments provided. Mark Field, chief executive of the IAAF, said: “This event is about bringing people together in a way that feels open, inclusive and genuinely enjoyable.” UK Garage & Bodyshop Event sets stage for bumper show The UK Garage & Bodyshop Event has unveiled an expanded range of features and dedicated hubs for its 2026 show in June. UKGBE said the lineup is designed to support skills development, business growth, networking and future talent for workshops, garages and bodyshop repairers. This year’s event, at the NEC Birmingham from June 3-4, will introduce a packed line-up of live theatres, interactive demonstrations and specialist zones, delivering practical value for garage and bodyshop professionals at every stage of their career. At the heart of the show will be the Workshop Theatre, which will host technical seminars tackling the latest advancements and challenges facing the sector. Sessions will cover faults and diagnostics, repairs, MOT, EV servicing and repair, ADAS, and more. Plus, it will offer panel discussions and real-world case studies led by top-tier technicians and industry experts. Business owners and managers will benefit from the Business Management Theatre, created for forwardthinking operators looking to improve profitability and future-proof their businesses. New for this year will be the IAAF Garage Den, launched by the industry federation at the end of last year, which pairs aftermarket suppliers with independent garages (the ‘dragons’) to co-develop new commercial products or services for the market, for real-world testing and development, fostering collaboration and future solutions. The new projects will be unveiled at this year’s UKGBE. Supporting the next generation of talent – and fresh from Automechanika Birmingham 2025’s Motorvate initiative – the Ignite Arena will return to UKGBE 2026 to welcome students and apprentices for interactive talks, live entertainment, competitions and meet-and-greet opportunities. Networking remains central to UKGBE 2026, with the Networking Pit Stop providing a relaxed space for visitors to recharge, connect with peers and build new relationships. Celebrating emerging talent, the show will also host Automechanika Birmingham Thirty Under 30, an awards programme recognising the next generation of talent in the industry. Visit https://bit. ly/46L3wGH for more information about exhibiting at the event and for details of how to get your free ticket for UKGBE 2026. Sports and networking for auto sector
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