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
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