Preparations are underway for the return of the UK’s most prestigious garage competition, with the organisers of the Top Awards today confirming that the 2026 search for the UK’s best garages, technicians and apprentices is set to begin.
Top Garage, Top Technician and Top Apprentice kick off on 9 February with the first round of multiple-choice questions running until 15 May. As the competition intensifies, the semi-finals will see the nation’s best separated from the pack.
Semi-finalists in the Top Garage and Top Apprentice categories will face rigorous online assessments between 19 June and 4 August. Meanwhile, the UK’s top 10 technicians will gather at Delphi Academy in Warwick for a high-pressure, in-person assessment on 3 October involving ten 20-minute live fault-finding tasks.
The entire competition series will culminate on Saturday 14 November at Delphi Academy, where finalists will face their ultimate practical and business challenges in a bid for the title.
Ryan Fuller, Top Awards Managing Director, urges potential entrants to overcome “imposter syndrome,” noting that every year finalists admit they almost didn’t enter due to self-doubt, only to walk away with new networks and renewed confidence.
“We are looking for the best of the best, and year on year, the standard just gets higher,” said Ryan. “But that shouldn’t put you off. This competition is the ultimate free audit for your skills and your business. Don’t let self-doubt stop you from finding out how good you really are. It doesn’t matter how far you get in this process, you walk away with a clear understanding of where you stand and how to improve, which is invaluable for professional growth.”
The Top Awards has long been a vital fixture in the garage calendar. Far more than a standard industry accolade, the competition series serves as a rigorous health check for garage businesses and a career-defining platform for individual technicians and apprentices.
Supported by a coalition of industry-leading partners committed to raising standards, the Top Awards is ready to once again shine a spotlight on the dedication and skill driving the UK aftermarket forward.
Registration for the 2026 Top Awards opens on Monday 9 February. Garage, technicians and apprentices are advised to follow the Top Awards on social media to stay updated.
