Industry rallies behind UK garages’ finest for Top Awards
18 August 2025 
The 2025 Top Awards are in full swing, with the first two rounds complete and only the third round of Top Technician, plus the semi-finals and finals across all three competitions, still to come.
The race to be crowned Top Garage, Top Technician, or Top Apprentice has never been more intense. Backed by leading industry names, the awards celebrate excellence while raising standards across workshops nationwide.
Contenders must navigate multiple rounds of increasingly challenging tests, demonstrating technical skill, problem solving and dedication at every stage. Only those who consistently perform at the highest level will reach the semi-finals and finals — making each finalist truly deserving of recognition for their expertise and commitment.
Matt Boyce, marketing lead at long-time Top Awards partner Snap-On, said the competitions highlight the skill and commitment of garages and technicians across the country. “By supporting the next generation, we aim to inspire continued excellence and growth in the sector.”
‘Raising standards’
Carrie Buckman, Snap-on marketing manager, said the company was proud to once again sponsor the Top Awards, showcasing the value of continuous learning and its positive impact on garages and technicians.
“By supporting these competitions, we help drive excellence and raise standards across the industry.”
The semi-finals and finals take place at Delphi Academy, bringing the UK’s best talent into one of Europe’s largest and most advanced automotive training centres.
Luke Garratt, UK technical services manager at Delphi, said: “Hosting these events allows us to celebrate incredible expertise, provide a professional platform for finalists, and encourage learning and collaboration across the industry.”
Other returning partners include LKQ Euro Car Parts, TOPDON, JLM Liquid Tools and VARTA, each supporting technical skill, business growth, and emerging talent.
New to the Top Awards this year, Garage Hive brings its community-focused garage management expertise. Director Alex Lindley said: “These competitions perfectly align with our mission: celebrating technical skill, business excellence, and the future of independent garages.”
Also making its debut as a sponsor, Garage Services Online (GSO) is sharing expertise in online growth. The platform is known for helping independent garages enhance their online presence, generate leads, and attract the right customers.
‘Showcasing expertise’
“Just as these competitions showcase the best in technical skill and business leadership, we help garages showcase their expertise online, ensuring they attract the right customers and secure more profitable work,” said Jim Lang, managing director at GSO.
“Through this sponsorship, we’re not only celebrating the industry’s top talent but also reinforcing our commitment to helping independent garages thrive.”
Launched in 2002, Top Technician has set the standard for testing the diagnostic expertise of vehicle technicians. In 2018, the Top Awards programme expanded with Top Garage, recognising independent businesses that excel in service, professionalism, and operational excellence.
This year saw the launch of Top Apprentice, providing a much-needed platform for the next generation of automotive talent.
Mechanic Mindset’s Darren Quinn said: “It’s an honour to celebrate the UK’s finest garages, technicians, and apprentices. Every participant demonstrates incredible dedication, and it’s inspiring to see such talent showcased across the country.”
Health and wellbeing
Garage staff wellbeing is also in the spotlight, with a dedicated award designed to recognise workshops that prioritise the mental and physical health of their teams.
Run in collaboration with Ben, the automotive industry charity, the Health and Wellbeing Award is now in its third year and fast becoming one of the most meaningful benchmarks of good practice in the sector.
Finals of the Top Awards take place on November 15 at the Delphi Academy, Warwick, with winners revealed later that evening at a gala ceremony at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Coventry.
Follow Top Awards on social media, in addition to the online and print editions of Aftermarket magazine, to keep up with the latest heats and announcements.