6 The Top Awards has secured OMODA & JAECOO UK as a headline sponsor for 2026, marking a significant milestone for the competition. The agreement sees OMODA &J AECOO become the first vehicle manufacturer brands to support the awards at headline sponsor level. The addition of OMODA & JAECOO further strengthens an already impressive line-up of industry backing for this year’s competition. The manufacturer joins a respected group of confirmed headline sponsors, including Snap-on, TOPDON UK, Varta, Delphi, JLM Liquid Tools and Garage Hive. The sponsorship reflects the awards growing profile and the increasingly important role the competition plays in recognising technical excellence while helping to develop the next generation of aftermarket talent. Explaining the company’s decision to become involved, Luke Garratt, Training Specialist at OMODA & JAECOO UK Ltd, said: “As two of the UK’s fastestgrowing automotive brands, OMODA & JAECOO are building a nationwide dealer network and investing heavily in technical capability. Supporting the Top Awards allows us to recognise the technicians already delivering exceptional standards, whilst helping attract and develop the skilled people our expanding network will need.” Looking ahead to this year’s competition, Luke added: “We hope to bring the perspective of a fast-growing, technology-led vehicle manufacturer, whilst encouraging more technicians to take part “We also want to create further development and employment opportunities for our own network.” The 2026 Top Awards are now well underway, with Round 1 of the Top Technician competition having closed in June. Those who successfully made it through are now tackling Round 2, which runs until 31 July, as the search continues for the industry’s next Top Technician, Top Garage and Top Apprentice winners. Widely regarded as one of the most respected accolades in the aftermarket, the competition is designed not just to identify the very best, but to encourage technicians, apprentices and businesses to measure themselves against the highest standards in the sector. While a place in the live finals at Delphi Academy in November remains a major incentive, many past participants say the greatest benefit comes from the journey itself. Ant Jhally, a judge in the 2025 Top Garage competition, believes the process encourages businesses to take a closer look at how they operate. “It’s an awesome way to audit your own business,” said Ant. “By entering, you have to look at your operations with fresh eyes. It forces you to evaluate things you might otherwise take for granted.” Now in its second year, the Top Apprentice category continues to build momentum. With a strong focus on nurturing future talent, the competition is already helping young technicians develop confidence and ambition. Troy Smith, one of last year’s standout Top Apprentice finalists, believes taking part has already had a significant impact on his career. “I didn’t expect to make it as far as I did, but it’s been a massive confidence boost,” said Troy. “I met people I never would have otherwise, and it’s already made me set my sights on Top Technician once I’m qualified.” Alongside the technical and businessfocused awards, the BEN Workplace Health & Wellbeing Award continues to recognise businesses that place the welfare of their teams at the heart of their operations, highlighting the importance of creating healthy and sustainable workplaces. Top Technician and Top Apprentice entrants are now working towards securing a place in the Round 3 online essay assessments, which take place between 3 and 21 August. The results will determine who progresses to the inperson semi-finals on 3 October, where the top 10 competitors in each category will tackle a demanding series of 20-minute live fault-finding challenges. For Top Garage entrants, the current stage will determine which businesses move on to the online semi-finals, running from 11 July to 14 August. Successful entrants will then be invited to present their businesses to the judging panel at the live finals at Delphi Academy on 14 November. For those who missed this year’s entry deadline, organisers are encouraging members of the industry to attend the live finals and see the competition in action. Witnessing the standard on display could provide all the inspiration needed to step forward and enter in 2027. The race for Top Awards glory gathers pace OMODA & JAECOO join Top Awards as headline sponsors
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