The Top Awards, the UK’s most prestigious competition series for top garages, technicians and apprentices, is issuing an invitation to the entire industry to attend its 2026 live Finals.
Held on Saturday, 14 November at the Delphi Academy in Warwick, the event will see the UK’s best talent compete for the industry’s most coveted titles.
While the event has traditionally been reserved for competitors, judges and partners, this year organisers are opening the doors to anyone wanting to experience the competition firsthand.
“Whether you’re competing or not, I’d encourage anyone in the industry to come along,” said Ryan Fuller, Managing Director of Top Awards. “You’ll get to experience the Finals at the fantastic Delphi Academy, see the latest products and technologies from our industry partners and, most importantly, spend time with some of the best technicians, apprentices and garage owners in the country. It’s a brilliant opportunity to learn, network and see first-hand what makes the Top Awards so special.”
Throughout the day, visitors will be able to watch the country’s top competitors put through their paces. Technicians and apprentices will tackle demanding 50-minute live fault-finding challenges, while Top Garage finalists present their businesses to a panel of expert judges in a bid to be crowned the UK’s best.
For those considering entering the 2027 competition, the Finals offer a rare opportunity to experience the standard required, observe how finalists approach each challenge and gain a valuable insight into the assessments before taking part themselves.
Attendees can explore Top Awards Live, where many of the aftermarket’s leading suppliers and technology providers will be showing the latest products, equipment and services. Industry partners including Snap-on, TOPDON UK, VARTA, Delphi, JLM Liquid Tools, Garage Hive, Omoda Jaecoo, HELLA, Hofmann Megaplan UK, LKQ Euro Car Parts, Mechanic Mindset, Garage Services Online, Castrol and The Race Group will also be on hand throughout the day to demonstrate new technologies and speak with visitors.
Supporting the event will be Ben’s Big Breakfast, sponsored by HELLA and served from a bright yellow American school bus provided by Yellow Bus Catering. HELLA will fund the first 250 meals free of charge, with donations to automotive charity Ben encouraged. Visitors can choose from breakfast baps in the morning before a lunchtime menu of burgers and fries, while also learning more about the charity’s health and wellbeing support for people working across the automotive industry.
The day’s activities will conclude with the Top Awards Gala Dinner at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Coventry, where the 2026 winners will be announced across Top Technician, Top Garage, Top Apprentice, the Service Advisor Award and the Ben Health & Wellbeing Award.
Ryan added: “The Top Awards has always been about more than a trophy. Whether you’re thinking about entering next year, looking for new ideas for your business or simply want to spend the day with some of the best people in the trade, we’d love to see you there.”
Those interested in attending the 2026 Top Awards Finals and evening dinner can find out more by visiting: https://aftermarketonline.net/toptechnician-topgarage/.
