Top Awards announces 2026 finalists ahead of Delphi Academy Showdown

The UK’s top apprentices, technicians, and independent garages have secured their places in the national finals of the Top Awards 2026, following rigorous qualifying rounds and live semi-finals. Designed as a benchmark for technical diagnostic ability and operational excellence, the competition will reach its climax on Saturday, 14 November 2026, at the Delphi Academy in Warwick.

The line-up across the main categories includes:

• Top Apprentice: Level 2 and Level 3 learners facing practical workshop tasks set by head judge Colin Denton to test real-world mechanical, electrical, and diagnostic skills.
• Top Technician: Five finalists tackling 50-minute live diagnostic challenges covering EV platforms, modern diesels, and complex network faults.
• Top Garage: Finalists evaluated on operational excellence, customer care, and sustainable business strategy by an independent judging panel under head judge Ian Gilgrass.

Accolades will also be presented for the Service Advisor Award and the Ben Workplace Health & Wellbeing Award.

Daytime access to the live finals and technology showcases at Delphi Academy is free to trade visitors. The event will culminate that evening at the Top Awards Dinner at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Coventry, where the 2026 champions will be crowned. Tickets are available from the Top Awards website.

Returning to the finals after competing in 2025, Katie Bowes says the experience has helped build her confidence and challenge perceptions surrounding apprentices: “I had doubts in my head, but competing reassured me and proved that I can do it. People often think apprentice means sweeping floors and making tea; this shows you are capable of so much more.”

“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.”

“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.”

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