The voice of the independent garage sector November 2026 www.aftermarketonline.net 14 Top Awards 2026 Finals Preview 24 48 Technical Remanufacturing Fix the reason, not just the result Remanufacturing finds new opportunities
It all starts with www.varta-automotive.com In the updated VARTA® battery portfolio, the colour gold represents AGM technology. The VARTA Dynamic AGM is the perfect choice for the highest energy demands – whether it is powering well-equipped Start-Stop vehicles or supporting the 12 V electrical systems of xEVs. THE POWER OF VARTA. ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR xEVS AND START-STOP VEHICLES.
Editor’s comment 3 ǁǁǁ͘ ĂŌ ĞƌŵĂƌŬĞƚŽŶůŝŶĞ͘ ŶĞƚ EŽǀĞŵďĞƌ ϮϬϮϲ Editor Chris Callander chris@aftermarket.co.uk +44 (0) 1732 671123 Head of Sales Angela Lyus angela@aftermarket.co.uk +44 (0) 7823 736 629 Managing Director Ryan Fuller ryan.fuller@dfamedia.co.uk Marketing Manager Hope Jepson hope.jepson@dfamedia.co.uk Production Design Anthony Wiffen production@aftermarket.co.uk +44 (0) 7851 612799 Finance Department accounts@dfamedia.co.uk +44 (0) 1732 370 340 Published by DFA Media Group 192 High Street Tonbridge Kent TN9 1BE +44 (0)1732 370340 ISSN 2516-9149 Aftermarket is published 10 times a year and is sent free of charge to applicants meeting the publisher’s criteria. All others may subscribe at £60 per anum, £120 Europe and £150 rest of the world. While every care is taken to provide accurate information, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or ommisions, no matter how caused. All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior consent of the publisher. The views of contributors do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Copyright: DFA Aftermarket Media Ltd 2026. Average net circulation July 2024 to June 2025 22,797 Join us for the Top Awards finals Since our last edition, I’ve had a busy month travelling on Aftermarket Magazine’s behalf. This has included a fascinating visit to VARTA’s Hannover HQ to see what goes into the production of today’s automotive batteries. I won’t go into too much detail ahead of an article that will appear in our pages shortly, but seeing the whole process from start to finish was a real eye-opener. And I also have to thank the VARTA team for their exceptional hospitality. I also had the opportunity to attend the Blend conference and awards. This event is an excellent example of a company building a community among its customer base and beyond. The content programme was excellent, and I learned a lot, while the evening’s celebrations provided a great opportunity to see how this industry likes to let its hair down… with style. Perhaps the highlight of my month, though, was attending the Top Awards’ semi-finals at Delphi’s excellent training facility in Warwick. The ten technicians who reached the semi-finals had already passed several stages, so getting this far was a significant achievement in itself. What lay in front of them was five very different exercises, all against the ticking clock. The challenges were fiendish and really put the contenders to the test. But they all got stuck in, and through their nerves, each one of them did themselves proud. And, in what the judges told me was a very closely run thing, they were whittled down to five finalists. Now attention turns to the Top Awards finals, which return to the Delphi Academy on 14 November. There, the five remaining Top Technician contenders will join the Top Garage and Top Apprentice finalists for the last round of challenges and assessments before this year’s winners are crowned. After seeing what the technicians went through at the semi-finals, I’m looking forward to what the judges have in store for them next. And, for the first time this year, you can come along and see it all for yourself. Alongside the competitions, there will be plenty to see and do, with sponsors demonstrating their latest products, technology experts on hand to answer questions, and lots of opportunities to catch up with others in the industry. And starting on Page 14, we have a full preview outlining what’s in store. Whether you’re thinking about entering the Top Awards in the future, want to pick up a few ideas for your own workshop, or simply fancy a day out among like-minded people, I’d encourage you to come along. If the semi-finals were anything to go by, it should be well worth the trip. Chris Callander Editor
IDEAL FOR THE UP & COMING TECHNICIAN. Fast boot up and one-touch code scan and clear, letting you move quickly from start to fixed 10" capacitive colour touchscreen display with great readability from any angle, and superior visibility indoors or out Wireless scan module for freedom to move around the bay 8 Hour battery, and easy access to the charging, USB-C and SD card ports Sleek, sophisticated, streamlined design developed specifically for the workshop environment—featuring thin, rugged grip handles and a lightweight body TAKE THE TOOL MATCHER QUIZ TO FIND OUT WHICH TOOL IS YOUR MATCH A TOOL FOR EVERY TECH FAST. SMART. FOCUSED. To learn more about the new fourth-generation APOLLO,™ scan here Welcome the NEW to the Diagnostic family! SOLUS ZEUS TRITON APOLLO HARDWARE YOU CAN TRUST. SOFTWARE THAT GETS THEJOB DONE. COVERAGE IN THE INDUSTRY PID FLAGS GUIDED COMPONENT TESTS REAL FIXES THE MOST 7+ MILLION 1+ MILLION 48+ MILLION THE POWER INSIDE YOUR DIAGNOSTIC PLATFORM. AUTUMN SOFTWARE OUT NOW APOLLO™ GEN 4 THE NEW
ǁǁǁ͘ ĂŌ ĞƌŵĂƌŬĞƚŽŶůŝŶĞ͘ ŶĞƚ EŽǀĞŵďĞƌ ϮϬϮϲ Contents Subscribe to 8 14 24 44 52 News Klipboard launches Autowork 6 MOT change allows approved LED bulbs 7 NEW – Quick fixes 8 Spotlight What independent garages need to know about erWin 10 Top Awards Top Awards 2026 Finals Preview 14 Business Garage cuts digital spend by £5,000 a month 21 Technical Determine the cause: Fix the reason, not just the result 24 Diagnostic Doctor tackles a mini with a lack of power 28 In focus Products 30 Automechanika review 32 Brakes 34 Steering & suspension 38 Tyres & the tyre bay 42 Reman 48 Filters 50 Peak planning 54 Plus On the move 57 The new Aftermarket Quiz 58
News 6 November 2026 ǁǁǁ͘ ĂŌĞƌŵĂƌŬĞƚŽŶůŝŶĞ͘ ŶĞƚ Schaeffler has added a range of Würth workshop consumables to its REPXPERT Bonus Shop, giving technicians more options for spending their accumulated bonus points. The new additions include pump spray bottles, gloves, adhesives and twist drill bit assortment sets. Kian Patel, REPXPERT Platform Business Development Specialist at Schaeffler, said: “We are dedicated to updating the REPXPERT platform with new information and Bonus Shop products as often as we can, and introducing brands such as Würth is just one way we’re continuing to add value for members. “Würth has an array of workshop products that members should find useful, so we’re hopeful they’ll prove to be popular Bonus Shop purchases.” REPXPERT members can collect bonus points by scanning the unique Schaeffler OneCode found on Schaeffler product boxes, including LuK, INA, FAG and Schaeffler Vitesco repair solutions, using the scanning function within the REPXPERT app. The points are then added to the member’s account and can be redeemed against products available through the Bonus Shop. Klipboard launches new cloud-based garage management system Würth workshop products join REPXPERT Bonus Shop Klipboard has launched Autowork, a new cloud-based garage management system designed for independent garages, tyre businesses and multi-site operations. The platform brings together everyday tasks including bookings, job cards, customer and vehicle records, technician allocation, parts ordering, stock management and invoicing. It also provides access to parts catalogues, supplier pricing and availability, alongside vehicle registration, MOT and labour information. For tyre businesses, additional features include tyre lookup, quoting, fitted pricing and supplier integration. Autowork has been developed from the ground up, with Klipboard focusing on making the system straightforward to set up and use. As a cloud-based platform, it is designed to help garages manage their operations without having to switch between multiple systems. The company has also introduced artificial intelligence (AI) to help with routine tasks. An AI-assisted booking tool, for example, helps users identify suitable appointment slots without having to work through the workshop diary manually. James Mitchell, CEO Europe at Klipboard, said: “Garages need technology that makes running their business easier, not just more technology. “We’ve looked at the everyday pressures facing garages and built the experience around making those jobs simpler, whether that’s managing the workshop, finding and ordering parts, dealing with customers or keeping track of what’s happening across the business.” Autowork also connects with Klipboard’s wider range of automotive software, allowing garages to add services such as websites, eCommerce and payments as their requirements change. “A garage shouldn’t have to buy everything on day one, and it shouldn’t have to start again with another provider every time it needs something new,” added James. Klipboard says it plans further AI features to reduce administration and simplify repetitive tasks.
News 7 ǁǁǁ͘ ĂŌ ĞƌŵĂƌŬĞƚŽŶůŝŶĞ͘ ŶĞƚ EŽǀĞŵďĞƌ ϮϬϮϲ MOT rules change to allow approved LED replacement headlamp bulbs Changes to MOT testing regulations mean that vehicles fitted with ECE-approved LED replacement bulbs in halogen headlamp units can now pass an MOT, provided the bulbs have the necessary approval and a corresponding identification sticker is displayed on the vehicle. The change, which comes into effect on 14 October, follows work by the Department for Transport (DfT), Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and lighting manufacturers. Previously, vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1986 with halogen headlamps converted to use LED bulbs would fail the MOT under the defect category ‘Light source and lamp not compatible’. However, section 4.1.4 of the MOT testing manual, ‘Compliance with requirements’, has now been updated to allow LED replacement bulbs approved under UNECE Regulation 37 (ECE R37). The change applies to class 3 (tricycles), class 4 (cars), and classes 5 and 7 (vans), but not motorcycles. New approval sticker To help MOT testers identify approved bulbs, manufacturers must now supply a secure approval sticker with ECEapproved LED replacement bulbs. The sticker must be permanently applied to the vehicle, such as inside the engine bay, and be readily visible to the MOT tester. It must include the LEDr category, variant, rated voltage, ECE approval number, manufacturer’s name and a security feature, such as a hologram. As approval markings are normally on the bulbs themselves, where they cannot be seen during an MOT inspection, testers only need to confirm that a corresponding sticker is present. They are not required to verify its details. If no sticker is visible, the vehicle can still fail with a major defect recorded for ‘Light source and lamp not compatible’. Grant Thunder, Head of MOT at the DVSA, said: “We’ve worked closely with the Department for Transport and lighting manufacturers to develop a practical way to identify ECE approved LED replacement light sources during MOT testing. “Bulbs will be sold with an approval sticker which must be applied to the vehicle and be visible to the MOT tester at the point of test so they can determine if an ECE approved LED light source is f itted.” Which bulbs are approved? OSRAM, one of the lighting manufacturers involved in discussions with the DfT and DVSA, has welcomed the change. According to OSRAM, H11 and C5W are currently the only LED replacement bulb types included in the latest edition of UNECE Regulation 37, with further types expected to be added over the next two to three years. Carl Harrison, Product Manager for Bulbs and Vehicle Lighting at OSRAM, said: “There has been a lot of work behind the scenes on this issue and we are thrilled the hard work of everyone involved has paid off.” Garages should be aware that the change does not apply to all aftermarket LED replacement bulbs. Non-approved LED conversions will continue to fail, while approved products must have the required identification sticker displayed on the vehicle. For peace of mind always use a Garage Equipment Association member. GEA accredited engineers work to an industry code of conduct. Your assurance their skills and knowledge have been independently assessed. IS YOUR EQUIPMENT ENGINEER GEA ACCREDITED? Ask your engineer for his accreditation card ! The Upholders of Industry standards since 1945 The Garage Equipment Association www.gea.co.uk GEA ACCREDITED ENGINEER Name Company Discipline Exp Date ID Number XX123456 XX123456 XX123456 XX123456 XX123456
News 8 November 2026 ǁǁǁ͘ ĂŌĞƌŵĂƌŬĞƚŽŶůŝŶĞ͘ ŶĞƚ BookMyGarage has updated its Tier Programme to take greater account of local market conditions when assessing garage performance. Launched in February 2024 for garages using the company’s Accelerate package, the programme recognises businesses based on measures including customer satisfaction, reliability, booking performance and customer service. BookMyGarage said one in four garages on Accelerate has achieved Tier status, with Tier garages receiving around 2.8 times more bookings than non-tiered garages. Following analysis of more than two years of marketplace and consumer data, the company has now revised the programme so garages are assessed in the context of local competition rather than relying solely on national benchmarks. Jessica Ruddick, Chief Marketing Officer at BookMyGarage, said: “As our marketplace data has become increasingly sophisticated, it became clear that measuring garages against national benchmarks alone did not always reflect the realities of local markets. “Our new approach ensures the opportunity to achieve our Tier status is assessed in the context of local competition, creating a fairer and more relevant system while maintaining the standards that customers expect.” BookMyGarage said its platform generated £158 million of work for garage partners over the past year, while bookings increased by 41%. Garages using Accelerate achieved an average 820% return on investment between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026, with an average final invoice value of £297. 4XLFN Ꭾ[HVଉ GSF Car Parts has opened its 218th branch, this time in the Hampshire town of Ringwood… … and the company has updated its visual identity, adding the ‘Do Yourself Proud’ strapline to its established logo. OSRAM has entered the battery market with the introduction of a range of 3V lithium button cell batteries. Alliance Automotive Group (AAG) and NAPA Auto Parts UK & Ireland have confirmed their joint sponsorship of the 2026 IAAF Annual Conference and Awards Dinner… … meanwhile, The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has announced that Allianz is once again the headline sponsor of the British Independent Garage Awards for 2027. Arnott Suspension Products’ complete online training programme is now available in eight languages. Duckhams is partnering with the Sim To Reality motorsports challenge to help raise over £20,000 for a suicide prevention charity. Klipboard has celebrated its 50th anniversary, five decades after it was founded in 1976 as Kerridge Computer Company. The Blend raised almost £19,000 for the industry charity, Ben, at is annual conference and awards on October 10. More than 15 independent garages working with Garage Services Online have been shortlisted for the Top Awards 2026 ,QGHSHQGHQW JDUDJHV WDNH WKH KRQRXUV DW 7KH %OHQG $ZDUGV 2026 Following a packed day of learning, discussion and networking at the annual Blend conference in Birmingham on 10 October, some of the UK’s best independent garages and the people behind them were celebrated at The Blend Awards 2026. Intelligent Auto picked up Garage of the Year (1–4 Staff), with Carmaster Garage winning the 5+ Staff category and Castle Garage (Ashby) taking the Multi-location title. Salipa Mwelwa of VMB Autocentres (pictured, centre) won the Staff Recognition Award, while The MINI Repair Shop and Elite Landrover shared the Community’s Garage of the Year award. Andrii Stetsovskyi of Nexa Max Garages was named Community Member of the Year, while Tim Benson of Oldfields Garage picked up the Innovators Award for his work with AI and workshop processes. A special Industry Impact Award went to Sarah Tribe of automotive charity Ben for her work supporting mental health and wellbeing across the sector. The event brought together more than 550 delegates and raised an impressive £18,825 for Ben. The Blend returns on 18 September 2027 at Manchester Central %RRN0\*DUDJH XSGDWHV 7LHU 3URJUDPPH ZLWK ORFDO PDUNHW IRFXV
Spotlight 10 November 2026 ǁǁǁ͘ ĂŌĞƌŵĂƌŬĞƚŽŶůŝŶĞ͘ ŶĞƚ What independent garages need to know about the new erWin Volkswagen Group’s new erWin portal brings repair, maintenance and diagnostic information for eight brands together in one place. But what does the change mean for independent garages, and what do they need to do to make the switch? In a Q&A with Aftermarket Editor Chris Callander, Lasse Schmidt van Hülst, Head of Sales and Product Marketing at Volkswagen Group Info Services AG, explains the thinking behind the new platform, the practical changes workshops need to be aware of, and what further developments are planned. Chris Callander: What prompted Volkswagen Group to rebuild erWin, and what were the previous systems’ main shortcomings or limitations that you wanted to address? Lasse Schmidt: Two things. The first was structural. erWin had grown brand by brand and market by market, so a workshop ended up with several entry points, several interfaces and licence and user management in every one of them. The second was where the market is heading. Official manufacturer data is becoming more central to independent repair, not less, and a system assembled brand by brand was never going to carry that. So the starting point was consolidation into one portal, one shop, one login, with licences and users managed centrally for every employee and every site. But consolidation is the platform, not the product. CC: From an independent workshop’s point of view, what are the biggest practical differences they will notice when moving from the old erWin to the new platform? LS: Three things change on day one. First, login: instead of a separate account for each brand, a workshop registers once under a One Business ID. That is the company account, and every user sits inside it. Second, the licences. They belong to the company rather than the individual and are valid company-wide. Several technicians can work at the same time, each under their own licence, and one overview shows everything active across every brand. Third, the working context for ODIS. It is still mandatory, but it is now stored once under My erWin > My profile, instead of being entered with every purchase. One point workshops should plan for is that accounts from the old erWin are not carried over. The company registers from scratch. Licences already bought there stay valid until they expire, but only while the old erWin is accessible, so they need to be used up by 31 December 2026, when it closes. Annual licences are the exception; they can be transferred to the new erWin with their remaining term. CC: Is the launch essentially a new way of accessing the same information, or should workshops expect the range of information, services and functionality available through erWin to expand over time? LS: Both, and in that order. The first job was to consolidate. The information workshops rely on is the same official Volkswagen Group repair, maintenance and diagnostic information, now reachable through one portal instead of several brand-specific ones. But the platform was built to grow. Two categories are live today; repair and maintenance, and diagnostics with ODIS. Training is marked as coming soon; for now, training data runs through the importer, and we are working on bringing it into the portal directly. The wider point is that a single, centrally governed platform can be developed. Improved user journeys, additional functions and more digital support along the workshop workflow are far easier to deliver from one system than from eight. CC: How much of the development of the new erWin was influenced by feedback from independent workshops and other aftermarket users, and what were they asking you to improve? Lasse Schmidt van Hülst is Head of Sales and Product Marketing at Volkswagen Group Info Services AG
Spotlight 11 ǁǁǁ͘ ĂŌĞƌŵĂƌŬĞƚŽŶůŝŶĞ͘ ŶĞƚ EŽǀĞŵďĞƌ ϮϬϮϲ LS: A lot, and in a very traceable way. In 2025 we ran a structured series of interviews with workshops in Germany, where the new erWin launched first. And we deliberately included workshops that do not use erWin, because the reasons people stay away are as useful as the complaints of the people who are already in. Three questions came back again and again. Where do I start? Separate brand portals kept interrupting the job. Who in my business can access what? Across several people, that was almost impossible to keep transparent. And how quickly can I get to the answer? Every extra step costs workshop time. Those three questions became the development brief, and you can trace each of them in the portal today. The other half of the feedback mattered just as much and that was what not to touch. Workshops told us the information itself and the brands’ professional systems should stay exactly as they are, and so should the licence model and the prices. We left all of it alone. What is new is not the information. It is the route to it. CC: Bringing eight Volkswagen Group brands into one portal is a significant change. What benefits does that offer a multi-brand independent garage compared with the previous approach? LS: For a multi-brand garage, the gain is mostly administrative, and that is not a small thing. Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Škoda, SEAT, Cupra, Audi and Bentley are behind one login, along with diagnostic information for Lamborghini. Previously that meant a set of separate brand logins, each with its own account, its own licences and its own renewal date. Now it is one company account with one consolidated view of what is active. For workshop groups and multi-site operators the effect is bigger still. One company account now covers every site and every brand, with users and licences managed centrally. CC: The new system retains licences ranging from one hour to one year. Why was it important to maintain that flexibility, particularly for workshops that may only occasionally work on a particular Volkswagen Group brand? LS: Because workshops do not have uniform workloads, and their access should not be uniform either. Licences are brand- and topic-specific, and they run from one hour to one year. In practice, that means an annual SEAT licence can sit alongside an hourly Škoda licence for the car that comes through the door once a month. Repair and maintenance information and ODIS diagnostics are licensed separately too, so you can take a diagnostic licence for a brand without buying the repair and maintenance licence alongside it, or the other way round. A workshop buys the access the job in front of it needs, rather than committing to a year for a brand it sees occasionally. Removing that flexibility would have pushed occasional work towards
Spotlight 12 November 2026 ǁǁǁ͘ ĂŌĞƌŵĂƌŬĞƚŽŶůŝŶĞ͘ ŶĞƚ workarounds. Keeping it means the official route is also the practical one. CC: As vehicles become more software-driven and electronically complex, do you think access to official OEM repair and diagnostic information is becoming more important for independent workshops? LS: Yes, and the trend only runs in one direction. The more a repair depends on software versions, control unit states and guided fault-finding, the less can be worked out from experience alone. Official manufacturer information stops being a convenience. It becomes the precondition for doing the job at all. That is why the route to it has to be dependable. And erWin is one part of a bigger picture. Volkswagen Group Info Services AG is the Volkswagen Group’s central interface for vehicle data. We bring information from across the Group’s brands together and make it available to third parties, from fleet operators and service providers to independent workshops. One contract, one system, one point of contact. The new erWin applies exactly that principle to the workshop with one access point instead of eight. As vehicles generate more data, simple and reliable access matters more, not less. That is the job we have set ourselves. CC: Where does ODIS fit into the new erWin proposition, and what does an independent garage need in terms of equipment, licences and registration to make effective use of Volkswagen Group diagnostic information? LS: Diagnostics with ODIS is one of the two categories live in the portal today, alongside repair and maintenance. However, for Lamborghini, erWin covers diagnostic information only. Three things need to be in place. The company needs a One Business ID, and its users added to that account. The working context needs to be stored in the workshop profile under My erWin > My profile. And it needs ODIS installed. The working context is where garages most often lose time, so it is worth being precise. If you already work with ODIS, you apply for nothing new: the number is on your Group Retail Portal account, top left. It combines the 3-digit country code, your 5-digit partner number and a brand letter, so a UK workshop’s Volkswagen context reads GBR12345V. You hold one per brand. Use the current number from the Group Retail Portal, not the old one from the previous erWin. If you have not worked with ODIS before, you may not have a partner number yet so ask your importer for one now, for each brand you want to work on. As soon as you have it, you can store your working context in the portal and start using ODIS in the new erWin. One piece of practical advice is to install ODIS before you buy the licence. The licence period starts the moment you purchase, so setup time should not come out of it. CC: Security-related vehicle functions are becoming an increasingly important part of diagnostics and repair. How does the new erWin handle access to security-sensitive information and functions, and what additional requirements might workshops encounter? LS: Much as before. Security-relevant repair and maintenance functions run through our diagnostic software, ODIS Service. What a workshop needs to access them depends on the market. In the EU, where the SERMI scheme is mandatory, workshops need SERMI accreditation and the app that validates it while working in ODIS Service. In the UK, SERMI is voluntary, and the Volkswagen Group does not use it there. Instead, UK workshops get access to security-related functions through the Group’s established GeKo process for security and component protection, which runs via the UK importer. The importer then enables the corresponding authorisations on the workshop’s working context in the Group Retail Portal. The process is the same for all brands, and nothing has changed for UK workshops compared with the previous erWin. The steps are described on the erWin portal. CC: Manufacturers often talk about making technical information easier to access, while workshops tell us that gaining access to OEM systems is becoming more complicated. Do you recognise that concern, and how does the new erWin address it? LS: I understand the concern, and I take it seriously. Getting into OEM systems takes more steps than it did a few years ago, and for a small workshop every one of them comes out of billable time. Some of that is unavoidable, as a lot of what sits behind these systems touches safety- and security-relevant functions, and knowing who is behind an account is not bureaucracy for its own sake. What we can influence is how often you have to go through it. In the new erWin the company registers once, and the working context is stored once in the profile. Making access easier stays on our list, and what we hear back from workshops tells us where to look next. CC: What commitment can Volkswagen Group give independent repairers that they will continue to have access to the information, diagnostic functions and technical resources they need to repair newer Volkswagen Group vehicles on comparable terms to the authorised network? LS: Independent workshops get the official Volkswagen Group repair, maintenance and diagnostic information through erWin, across the Group’s brands. That is how it works today. The new erWin was built to make that route simpler, not narrower. Our job is to make the experience on that official route as good and seamless as possible for independent workshops. drivesomethinggreater.com/erwininfo/ transition
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Top Awards 2026 Preview 14 November 2026 ǁǁǁ͘ ĂŌĞƌŵĂƌŬĞƚŽŶůŝŶĞ͘ ŶĞƚ The final showdown is coming – and you’re invited Some of the UK’s best technicians, apprentices and garages are preparing for one final challenge as the Top Awards 2026 heads towards the finishing line on Saturday 14 November at Delphi Academy in Warwick. Anyone who’s made it this far has already had plenty to contend with. Across the various categories, entrants have had to prove they’ve got what it takes, whether that’s diagnosing tricky vehicle faults, demonstrating their technical knowledge or showing the judges how they run a successful garage business. The Top Technician finalists, for example, have already made it through three online qualifying rounds and a demanding live semi-final, where ten of the country’s best technicians tackled a series of timed diagnostic challenges. Just five are left in the running for the title. Meanwhile, the Top Apprentice and Top Garage competitions have been putting the next generation of technicians and some of the UK’s leading garage businesses through their paces. For those who have made it through, the Finals will bring a fresh set of challenges. The Top Technician finalists will face 50-minute live diagnostic challenges, where they’ll need to work through complex vehicle faults and demonstrate how they go about finding the cause, all against the clock. The Top Apprentice finalists will also be getting hands-on, tackling practical mechanical, electrical and diagnostic challenges designed to test what they’ve learned and how they put it into practice. The Top Garage finalists will face a different challenge, presenting their businesses to a panel of judges and answering questions about everything from customer service and staff development to how they manage their day-to-day operations. Everything now comes down to 14 November, when the day will end with the winners announced that evening at the Top Awards Gala Dinner at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Coventry. There’s also a big change to the event this year. For the first time, the Finals are opening their doors to the wider aftermarket, giving anyone working in the trade the chance to come along and see what it’s all about. If you’ve ever thought about entering the competition yourself, this is a great opportunity to see what you’re letting yourself in for. Or you might just fancy watching some of the country’s best technicians at work and catching up with others in the trade. You’ll be able to watch the competitions as they happen, meet the people taking part and check out some of the latest tools, equipment and technologies being brought along by the event’s industry partners. Entry during the day is free, so if you’re within travelling distance of Warwick, why not come along? For the finalists, though, there’s still one more hurdle to clear. So, who’s made it through, and what will they be facing on Finals Day? Read on to find out.
Top Awards 2026 Preview 15 ǁǁǁ͘ ĂŌ ĞƌŵĂƌŬĞƚŽŶůŝŶĞ͘ ŶĞƚ EŽǀĞŵďĞƌ ϮϬϮϲ After months of competition, the finalists have been confirmed across Top Technician, Top Apprentice, Top Garage, Top Service Advisor and the Ben Automotive Health & Wellbeing Award. They will come together at the Delphi Academy for the final challenges, interviews and assessments before the winners are announced at the gala dinner at the DoubleTree by Hilton Coventry later in the evening. Ryan Fuller, Managing Director at the Top Awards, said: “Congratulations to everyone who has made it through to the finals. Getting this far is a real achievement and reflects the amount of work our entrants have put into the competition. “We’ve got some really strong finalists this year, and I’m looking forward to seeing them all at Delphi Academy. There’s a lot happening on the day beyond the competition too, so we hope plenty of people from across the industry will come along and see what it’s all about.” Top Technician Top Technician is all about putting diagnostic knowledge and faultfinding skills to the test. Having made it through the online assessments and hands-on semi-finals, just five technicians remain in the running for the 2026 title. At Delphi Academy, they’ll face another round of practical challenges, working through vehicle faults while the judges look on. But it’s not just about finding the problem. The judges will also want to see how competitors approach each task, the decisions they make along the way and how well they explain their thinking. With all five having already proved their abilities in the earlier rounds, it promises to be a closely fought final. The Top Technician finalists are: Brian Franklin – Franklin’s Autos John Fountain – N&E Motors John Hall – John Hall Auto Electrician Bryan Swales – Bryan Swales Auto Repairs Kristopher Williams – Fords of Winsford Top Apprentice Top Apprentice gives Level 2 and Level 3 apprentices the chance to show what they’ve learned so far and how well they can put that knowledge into practice. Five finalists will head to Delphi Academy, where they’ll tackle a mixture of practical and knowledgebased challenges. The judges will be looking for a good understanding of the fundamentals, safe working practices and a sensible approach to solving problems. It’s a chance for the apprentices to show how far they’ve come in their training and demonstrate their potential as the next generation of skilled technicians. Competing for the title will be: Katie Bowes – Vertu Kia Nottingham Zephaniah Edwards – Markhams Garage Jacob Knight – SF Tebby & Son Callum Maguire – Pro-tech Automotive Kieran Vaughan – Euro Performance Top Garage Top Garage takes a closer look at how independent automotive repair businesses are run, from the way they look after customers and manage their teams to how they plan for the future. The award covers businesses of all shapes and sizes, with categories for different staffing levels, multi-site operations and mobile mechanics. This allows entrants to compete against Some of the UK’s best technicians, apprentices and independent garage businesses have made it through to the finals of the 2026 Top Awards, which take place at the Delphi Academy in Warwick on 14 November. Who’s battling it out for the Top Awards’ accolades?
Top Awards 2026 Preview 16 November 2026 ǁǁǁ͘ ĂŌĞƌŵĂƌŬĞƚŽŶůŝŶĞ͘ ŶĞƚ businesses with similar operating models and challenges. At the finals, each business will have the opportunity to make its case to the judging panel through a presentation and questions about how it operates. The judges will want to hear what makes each business tick, the challenges it has faced and what its owners have done to make it successful. They’ll also be interested in how businesses are investing in their people, improving their processes and planning for what’s next. With so many different businesses involved, there should be plenty of interesting ideas and approaches to uncover. Mobile mechanic O AM Nicholson O BAR Motorworx O Beresfords Mobile Mechanics O Cleevely EV Mobile O DMR Automotive Solutions O Ell’s Auto Care O MLH Vehicle Repair O The Mobile Mechanic O The Norfolk Tech / JLK Vehicle Solutions 1–3 employees O Alga Garage O AMS Diagnostics O Autoremedy O CHM Autos O DB Car Doctor O Gilbert Motor Services O MMS Technik O Mouths Motor Company O Repayr My Car O The Garage Warmington 4–6 employees O API Motors O Greenfield Garage O Fine Drive Autocentres O Intelligent Auto O JA Services (Ripon) O JGG Automotive O Maitland Motors O Meadowfield Auto Centre O Service MOT Repairs O WJH Auto 7–9 employees O Aldershot MOT Centre O Bryan Swales Auto Repairs O MB MOTORS Rugeley O Specialist Vehicles O Vicarius Automotive O William Street Motor Services 10+ employees O Athersmith Motor Services O Cleevely Motors O Elite Autocare O Magnet Autos O Monmouth MOT Centre O Ramsey Hill Garage O SF Tebby & Son O Stedmans Garage O Uckfield Motor Services O West End Garage Nairn Multi-site O EAC Telford O IN’n’OUT Autocentres O K Brown Auto Repairs O LM Motor Clinic O Shaw’s Service Station O VMB Autocentre Top Service Advisor A good service advisor can make a huge difference to how smoothly a garage runs, and this category recognises the people who keep customers informed and work moving through the workshop. The award looks at communication, organisation, customer care and problem-solving, along with the contribution service advisors make to the wider business. For the finalists, the last stage of the competition is a chance to show how they handle the everyday demands of the job. Whether it’s explaining an unexpected repair bill, dealing with a frustrated customer or juggling a busy workshop diary, service advisors need to think on their feet. The judges will be looking for people who can handle these situations professionally while keeping both customers and colleagues happy. The finalists are: Mike Chubb – Sumner Auto Electrics Graham Clark – Anderson Clark Motor Repairs Luke Collier – Shaw’s Service Station Danielle Cott – Shaw’s Service Station Zubair Iqbal – Fife Autotech Oliver Kolsteren – D&D Autos Kalvin Matharu – Monmouth MOT Centre Magdalena Puszek – Fine Drive Autocentres Kevin Shilling – D&D Autos Ashford Bradley Turner – Uckfield Motor Services Ben Automotive Health & Wellbeing Award Looking after the people who keep a garage running is just as important as looking after its customers, and that’s the thinking behind the Ben Automotive Health & Wellbeing Award. Using Ben’s Health & Wellbeing Assessment Framework, the category looks at what businesses are doing to support their teams, from creating a positive working environment to helping employees with their physical and mental wellbeing. For the finalists, the focus will be on showing how this works in practice. The judges will want to understand what each garage is doing to support its staff, how those measures have become part of everyday working life and, importantly, whether they’re making a difference. It’s an opportunity to recognise businesses that are making employee wellbeing a priority rather than simply treating it as a box-ticking exercise. In contention for the award are: O Aldershot MOT Centre O Ayrshire MOT O Garage Warmington O JGG Automotive O K Brown Auto Repairs O Maitland Motors O West End Garage Nairn O WJH Auto Get involved This year, for the first time, it won’t just be competitors who can get involved on finals day. The Delphi Academy will be open to visitors from across the automotive aftermarket, providing the chance to see the competition in action, meet the sponsors supporting the Top Awards and get a closer look at some of the equipment and technology they will be bringing along. If you fancy coming along and experiencing finals day, read on to find out more about what we have in store.
Top Awards 2026 Preview 17 ǁǁǁ͘ ĂŌĞƌŵĂƌŬĞƚŽŶůŝŶĞ͘ ŶĞƚ EŽǀĞŵďĞƌ ϮϬϮϲ There’s plenty to see and do at the Top Awards Finals Day Taking place at Delphi Academy in Warwick on Saturday 14 November, the the Top Awards Finals Day is free to attend during the day, with visitors welcome to watch some of the UK’s best technicians competing for the 2026 titles. As well as hosting the event, headline sponsor Delphi will be putting its training facilities to good use. The Academy has a fleet of more than 15 training vehicles, covering a range of technologies and diagnostic challenges. Visitors will be able to watch finalists working through complex fault scenarios, seeing how they approach diagnosis, follow workshop procedures and work under pressure. But there’s plenty happening away from the competition, too, with headline sponsors and industry partners bringing equipment, expertise and activities for visitors to get involved with. Snap-on’s fully equipped Diagnostics Live Tour Demo Truck will be on site throughout the day, giving visitors the chance to explore its latest diagnostic platforms, software and workshop solutions. While its Diagnostic Doctors will also be on hand to discuss difficult faults, diagnostic strategies and the challenges posed by increasingly complex vehicle systems. TOPDON UK is bringing its show van, with its entire product catalogue available for visitors to explore. Equipment on display will range from battery testers through to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) calibration tools and Connor and Dai from the TOPDON team will be available to answer questions. For anyone interested in battery technology, VARTA will be offering practical advice on testing, battery selection and correct replacement procedures. With modern battery management systems making what was once a relatively straightforward job more complicated, its team will be discussing how to avoid common mistakes, diagnose battery-related problems and make the most of battery servicing opportunities. Diesel particulate filter (DPF) problems remain a regular headache for many workshops, and JLM will be focusing on how to tackle them effectively. DPF expert Alan Landale will be available to discuss maintenance, cleaning and fault diagnosis, as well as how a better understanding of DPF problems can help garages offer customers a more effective service while generating additional business. Plus, Garage Hive will be demonstrating how its garage management software can help workshops run more smoothly and profitably. Visitors will be able to explore live scheduling and technician allocation, see how financial dashboards
Top Awards 2026 Preview 18 November 2026 ǁǁǁ͘ ĂŌĞƌŵĂƌŬĞƚŽŶůŝŶĞ͘ ŶĞƚ track efficiency and recovery rates, and try digital customer communication tools. There will also be opportunities to speak with garage owners already using the system and hear how they’re managing everyday business challenges. Elsewhere, there’s plenty more to get involved with. HELLA will be demonstrating its mega macs diagnostic equipment, including fault tracing, security gateway access and ADAS calibration. Mechanic Mindset’s Darren Quinn will share diagnostic case studies and demonstrate some of the tests used to solve them, while ISN will let technicians get hands-on with some of the latest equipment they can purchase through their Tool Truck franchisees. Garage Services Online will be offering free Digital MOT Health Checks, helping garages understand how their websites perform against local competitors and where they might be missing bookings. LKQ Euro Car Parts will provide a space to take a break and chat with its garage management software and account management teams. Castrol and The Race Group will be offering lubricant advice and demonstrating oil look-up tools. They’ll also be running a grip-strength challenge, with a prize for the visitor crowned EDGE Champion. So, whether you’re interested in diagnostics, workshop equipment, running a more profitable garage or simply catching up with others in the industry, there’s plenty of reason to make the trip to Warwick. The Top Awards Finals Day takes place on Saturday 14 November at Delphi Academy, Warwick (Unit 10, Titan Business Park, CV34 6RR). Daytime admission is free. There will also be an opportunity to support a good cause at this year’s Finals, with HELLA UK sponsoring Ben’s Big Breakfast to raise awareness and funds for the automotive industry charity Ben. HELLA is covering the cost of the first 250 meals, which will be served from a bright yellow American school bus. Visitors can tuck into bacon, sausage or egg baps until 11am, with burgers and fries on the menu for lunch. The food is free, but donations to Ben are encouraged. “The apprentices, technicians, and garage owners reaching this stage represent the very best of our industry,” said Neil Grant, Managing Director at HELLA UK. “Providing a hot meal is a simple way to help them through a demanding day, while also highlighting the vital role Ben plays in strengthening our automotive community.” The Top Awards wouldn’t be possible without the support of some of the leading companies from across the automotive aftermarket. Their backing helps us recognise and celebrate the very best technicians, apprentices and garage businesses in the UK. We couldn’t do it without them. So, we asked our sponsors what makes the competition worth supporting and what they think of this year’s finalists. Why support the Top Awards? For Delphi, the awards are a natural fit with its commitment to training and developing automotive talent. “The Top Awards provide a respected platform to recognise the highly skilled professionals who keep the industry moving.” Snap-on, a long-standing supporter, agrees: “These competitions champion the skills, professionalism and dedication that keep our industry moving forward.” JLM sees the awards as an opportunity to connect with ambitious workshops, while TOPDON UK values the chance to learn from competitors, “gathering feedback and product requirements” to inform its diagnostic equipment development. For Garage Hive, the appeal is equally clear: “They shine a light on the genuine skill, dedication, and commercial acumen within the independent aftermarket.” What makes the Top Awards different? The sponsors agree that the practical assessments are what give the competition its credibility. “This isn’t a popularity contest or an award decided purely by nomination,” said Snap-on. “Competitors are tested on knowledge, diagnostics, fault-finding and problem-solving skills.” VARTA makes a similar point: “Success is earned through demonstrated technical competence rather than reputation alone.” Garage Services Online believes the process itself benefits competitors: “The process exposes areas for imporvement and pushes everyone involved to raise their game.” LKQ Euro Car Parts adds: “The Top Awards aren’t just a desktop exercise.” And, as JLM puts it: “The reputation of the Top Awards is second to none in the UK aftermarket.” What makes a finalist? Getting through to the final stages is an achievement in itself, but what does it say about those who make it? “Reaching these stages of this competition is a real and justifiable claim of knowledge and expertise in their field,” said TOPDON UK. HELLA highlights the importance of “methodical diagnostics, ongoing investment in training, and an adaptable business mindset.” Mechanic Mindset believes the best technicians are those who recognise they can always improve and actively seek answers to difficult repairs. For The Race Group and Castrol, it comes down to “knowledge, professionalism and a commitment to never standing still.” And Delphi offers a final reminder of what reaching this stage means: “Anyone progressing to the later stages of the competition has already proven they possess exceptional technical competence, determination, and a genuine passion for the trade.” HELLA serves up support for Ben at the Finals And now, a word from our sponsors
Top Awards 2026 Celebration and Gala Dinner 14th November 2025 Double Tree by Hilton Coventry Paradise Way CV2 2ST 18.15 - Late Book your seat now! This event wouldn't be possible without your valued support. Together, we're championing the next generation of industry talent. We’re looking forward to celebrating with the industry on 14th November!
WITNESS THE COMPETITION See the finalists in action as they tackle real-world diagnostic challenges in the Delphi Academy training centre. NEW MODELS ON DISPLAY DPF MASTERCLASS Join Alan Landale (AJFleet Care Academy & DPF specialist) for a 20-minute masterclass covering diagnosis, on-vehicle cleaning and more — with a Q&A session. NEW UPDATES & DEMOS Opportunity to ask questions about latest software and walktrough new features. FREE DIGITAL MOT Plus competitor snapshot WORKSHOP ESSENTIALS Stop by, have a look around and take advance of Finals Day discounts from Tool Truck! Take a pit stop, learn something new and take part in a friendly team competition! FUN INTERACTIVE HEALTH MOT DIAGNOSTICS & LIVE DEMOS Explore the TOPDON UK show van, packed with everything from battery testers to ADAS calibration equipment. Meet Connor and Dai, try the kit, get expert advice and even purchase equipment or book a demo on the day! DIAGNOSTIC DR HERE TO HELP! Explore the Snap-on diagnostic truck and its fully equipped demo area, with the Diagnostic DRs on hand inside to help tackle your diagnostic dilemmas. See the latest tools in action, get expert advice and discuss real workshop challenges with the team. BATTERY TECHNOLOGY & WORKSHOP SUPPORT • How to boost your battery business • Future Proof - ICE, EV & Hybrid low voltage solutions • Best Practice Tips & Tricks PLUS PLENTY OF VARTA GOODIES TO TAKE AWAY! DIAGNOSTIC CASE STUDIES Join Mechanic Mindset for a closer look at real-world diagnostic challenges, with practical case studies, demonstrations and tests. Pick up fresh insights, explore different approaches to fault-finding and take away ideas you can put to use in the workshop. FREE BREAKFAST/LUNCH First 250 breakfasts free for visiting independent garages, technicians & apprentices. Meet industry partners, discover new workshop solutions and valueable insights to takeaway. NETWORK & LEARN WIN BEN BALL TICKETS! SCAN HERE TO SAVE YOUR SEAT Take a break, grab a coffee and chat with LKQ's account management team about the challenges and opportunities facing modern workshops. Plus opporunity to attack the batak wall and win some prizes! RELAX & CONNECT ZONE ADAS DEMO See Hella’s ADAS technology in action and learn more about the latest diagnostic and calibration solutions SNAP A SELFIE Take a winning snapshot in the Castrol Photobooth!
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