Organisers of the Top Awards have officially extended the entry deadline for the 2026 competition cycle to June 12, allowing the industry one final chance to register during the upcoming UK Garage and Bodyshop Event at the NEC Birmingham.
Originally due to close in May, the extension allows more technicians, garage owners and apprentices to put themselves forward for Top Technician, Top Garage and Top Apprentice. Widely regarded as the industry benchmark for excellence, the Top Awards offers a unique opportunity to measure skills, knowledge and business performance against the very best in the UK.
Ryan Fuller, Managing Director of Top Awards, said the decision was designed to encourage more face-to-face engagement with potential entrants: “The first step is simply entering. By extending the deadline until after the show, we can speak directly with technicians and garage owners and help them understand that this isn’t just about winning a trophy. It’s about the journey, the networking and the self-audit that can genuinely improve your business.
“While the industry has many excellent recognition programmes, the Top Awards is a practical competition where semi-finalists and finalists must prove their expertise live and under pressure. It’s about understanding where you stand, identifying areas for improvement and ultimately raising standards across the sector.”
The competition is structured to assess both technical ability and business performance. Technicians and apprentices begin with an online multiple-choice test, while Top Garage entrants complete a detailed questionnaire covering operations, customer service and marketing.
Those who progress will face increasingly rigorous challenges. Top Technician semi-finalists will take part in a series of high-pressure, live fault-finding tasks, while Top Garage and Top Apprentice entrants complete further online assessments before reaching the final stages.
Ant Jhally, a 2025 Top Garage judge, believes the competition plays a vital role in driving the industry forward: “This is our Oscars. You’re proving yourself, meeting like-minded people and helping to push standards higher across the whole sector.”
For previous entrants, the value extends well beyond the competition itself. Ross Martin of Repair My Car highlighted the importance of benchmarking against peers: “You can have all the Google reviews in the world, but this is your chance to measure your business against the best of the best. It gives you a completely different perspective.”
The competition will culminate in November, with finalists taking part in live assessments at Delphi Academy in Warwick before the winners are revealed at a prestigious awards evening in Coventry.
Organisers are continuing to encourage those who may be undecided to take the opportunity while entries remain open.
“Everybody’s welcome,” added Ryan. “If you’re thinking about it, just enter. The process alone will improve what you do day to day and the service you deliver to your customers.”
Those thinking about getting involved are encouraged to visit stand K58 at UK Garage and Bodyshop Event where they’ll be able to talk to the competition organisers.
Entries for Top Technician, Top Garage and Top Apprentice now close on 12 June 2026. To register and complete the first stage, visit: https://aftermarketonline.net/competition/.
