Top Awards announces 2026 finalists

The UK’s top apprentices, technicians and garages have earned their places in the national finals of the Top Awards 2026, following an intensely competitive series of qualifying rounds and live semi-finals.

Regarded across as the definitive benchmark for technical diagnostic ability, operational excellence, and customer care, the competition series will culminate on Saturday 14 November 2026 at the Delphi Academy in Warwick.

Contenders across Top Apprentice, Top Technician and Top Garage will face high-pressure final rounds before the winners are crowned that evening at the Top Awards Dinner hosted at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Coventry.

Top Garage

Top Garage tests operational excellence, customer care and sustainable business growth.

Each Top Garage finalist will face an independent judging panel to answer questions covering operations, customer and staff care, and how they are adapting to a changing industry.

“Seeing the calibre of this year’s finalists shows just how high the bar has been raised,” said Ian Gilgrass, Head Judge, Top Awards. “Reaching the finals of the Top Awards is a massive achievement, because you have to step up and prove your capability.

“What makes this series so special is the community and the standard it sets. Everyone comes in nervous, but they leave better at what they do. Technicians, apprentices, and garage owners use this as a benchmark to find their weak spots, learn, and push the entire industry forward.”

Alongside Top Apprentice, Top Technicians and Top Garage, the Top Awards finals will also recognise outstanding customer-facing and workplace standards through the Service Advisor Award and Ben Workplace Health & Wellbeing Award.

“Every single finalist has proven their calibre through a demanding, multi-stage process,” said Ryan Fuller, Managing Director of Top Awards. “We invite the entire trade to join us at Delphi Academy on 14 November to see the standards, meet the partners, and experience what makes our aftermarket community so exceptional.”

Daytime access to Delphi Academy, including the live finals, partner technology showcases and Ben’s Big Breakfast charity brunch, is free to trade visitors.

The day’s events will conclude with the Top Awards Dinner at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Coventry, where the 2026 champions will be announced.

Tickets for the evening Awards Dinner and further information about attending the Finals can be found at: https://aftermarketonline.net/toptechnician-topgarage/.

Top Garage 2026 Finalists

4–6 Employees

• API Motors
• Greenfield Garage
• Fine Drive Autocentres
• Intelligent Auto
• JA Services (Ripon)
• JGG Automotive
• Maitland Motors
• Meadowfield Auto Centre
• Service MOT Repairs
• WJH Auto