With just two weeks to go, organisers of the Top Awards are inviting trade professionals to Delphi Academy in Warwick on Saturday 14 November for Finals Day, combining the national competition finals with a major showcase of the people, products and technology shaping the industry.
The event will see the UK’s leading technicians, apprentices and garages compete for the Top Apprentice, Top Technician and Top Garage titles, while visitors will have access to live demonstrations, technical advice and business solutions from some of the aftermarket’s leading suppliers.
At the heart of the day will be the live competition bays, where finalists face demanding diagnostic and business challenges under the scrutiny of expert judges. For those considering entering the 2027 competition, it offers an opportunity to see first-hand the standards required to reach the top.
Technical demonstrations and workshop solutions
Snap-on will bring its Diagnostics Live Tour Demo Truck, giving technicians the chance to explore its latest diagnostic platforms and consult the company’s Diagnostic Doctors about challenging workshop problems.
TOPDON UK will also showcase its equipment range, from battery testers to ADAS rigs, aboard its Show Van, with specialist advice and exclusive show discounts.
Mechanic Mindset will deliver technical presentations based on real-world diagnostic case studies, while HELLA will demonstrate ADAS calibration procedures and cybersecurity gateway navigation using its mega macs diagnostic family.
Battery technology and emissions systems will also feature, with VARTA exploring modern battery replacement procedures and battery management systems (BMS). At the JLM stand, DPF specialist Alan Landale will deliver 20-minute masterclasses covering on-vehicle cleaning, diagnostics and preventative maintenance.
Business advice and networking
Garage owners will also be able to explore ways to improve workshop performance and customer acquisition.
Garage Services Online (GSO) will offer free Digital MOT Health Checks to identify weaknesses in local search visibility and demonstrate how its RampUp platform can streamline customer bookings.
Garage Hive will showcase its workshop management software, including resource loading, technician efficiency tracking and real-time financial reporting.
Visitors can also relax in the LKQ Euro Car Parts Relax & Connect Zone, take on its Batak reaction wall and explore the latest OMODA | JAECOO vehicle range.
The Castrol and The Race Group Grip Strength Dynamometer will provide another challenge, with visitors competing to become the ‘EDGE Champion’.
Jason Hickmott, Sales and Operations Director at Snap-on Diagnostics and Garage Equipment UK, said: “The automotive aftermarket is evolving at an incredible pace, and this competition reflects real technical ability, tested on fault-finding and problem-solving that technicians face every day in the workshop.
“Finals Day is an invaluable learning experience. We encourage anyone in the sector to come down, explore the technology, talk through diagnostic challenges with our team, and see first-hand the incredible talent driving our trade forward.”
Free catering and support for Ben
Ben’s Big Breakfast, sponsored by HELLA, will provide catering from an iconic yellow American school bus. The first 250 meals will be free for visiting garage staff, technicians and apprentices, with donations encouraged for automotive industry charity Ben. Breakfast baps will be followed by a lunchtime menu of burgers and fries, alongside interactive health check-ups and team competitions.
Finals Day takes place on Saturday 14 November at Delphi Academy in Warwick with doors opening at 9am. Admission to the daytime competition and exhibition is free for automotive trade professionals, garage owners, technicians and apprentices.
Tickets are also available for the Top Awards Gala Dinner, taking place that evening at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Coventry, where the winners of the 2026 awards will be revealed across all five categories.
To reserve a place, scan the official event QR code or visit: https://aftermarketonline.net/toptechnician-topgarage/.
