Hella Gutmann is urging independent garages and technicians to put the 2026 Top Awards Finals in their diaries – even if they are not competing.
Held on Saturday, 14 November in Warwick, the event will see the UK’s best talent compete for the industry’s most coveted titles.
For the first time, the prestigious finals are being opened to all garage owners, technicians and apprentices, giving visitors an unmissable opportunity to witness the industry’s leading talent in action.
“The Finals are a great opportunity for the garage owners and technicians of all abilities to come together and see what the Top Awards are all about,” said Julian Goulding, Head of Garage Equipment at Hella Gutmann. “You don’t have to be competing to get something from the day. There will be some excellent technical challenges taking place, new products and technology to explore, and plenty of opportunities to meet other people from across the industry.”
Visitors will be able to watch Top Technician and Top Apprentice finalists battle through demanding 50-minute live fault-finding challenges, alongside Top Garage finalists presenting their businesses to an expert judging panel.
Competition sponsors will also be showcasing their latest technology, with Hella Gutmann demonstrating live ADAS calibrations throughout the day. Technicians will be able to see the equipment in action, put their questions to the experts and gain a closer look at the latest approaches to ADAS calibration.
Beyond the competition and technology, Hella Gutmann is sponsoring Ben’s Big Breakfast, providing the first 250 meals free of charge to visitors, with donations to the automotive industry charity encouraged.
A busy day of technology, networking, and competition will conclude with the Top Awards Dinner at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Coventry. The evening will see the announcement of the 2026 winners across Top Technician, Top Garage, Top Apprentice, the Service Advisor Award, and the Ben Health & Wellbeing Award.
The Top Awards are among the automotive aftermarket’s leading showcases of technical expertise, business performance and professional achievement. The programme recognises outstanding individuals and businesses across the sector, with categories spanning technical skills, garage management, apprenticeships, customer service and industry wellbeing.
For more information about attending the 2026 Top Awards Finals and the evening dinner, visit: aftermarketonline.net/toptechnician-topgarage/.
