Top Awards 2026 reaches decisive stage as finalists edge closer
16 July 2026 
As the Top Awards 2026 competition enters one of its most demanding phases, the race to be crowned one of the UK aftermarket’s leading technicians, garages and apprentices is heating up, with the wider aftermarket encouraged to join finalists, judges and industry leaders at the live finals and awards ceremony in Coventry on 14 November.
After months of qualifying challenges that began in February, competitors in the Top Technician, Top Garage and Top Apprentice categories are now facing increasingly rigorous assessments as they bid to secure a place in the semi-finals and, ultimately, November’s live finals.
“Long recognised as the industry’s most sought-after accolade, the Top Awards has a reputation as the competition everyone wants to win,” said Ryan Fuller, Managing Director of Top Awards. “But its true value lies beyond the trophy itself. The competition gives entrants the opportunity to test their skills, benchmark themselves against the best in the sector and gain valuable insight into where they can continue to improve.”
Top Technician entrants are currently completing the second round of online questions, with successful candidates progressing to an online essay stage before reaching the semi-finals. There, competitors will tackle ten 20-minute live fault-finding challenges designed to test their diagnostic expertise, technical knowledge and ability to perform under pressure.
“The semi-final challenges are deliberately unpredictable, with judges creating scenarios that push competitors beyond their everyday experience,” said Top Technician judge Glen Cutter. “The only way you get better is to test yourself.”
As well as complex diagnostic faults, competitors could encounter emerging technologies, including hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, alongside practical tasks involving specialist vehicles. The challenges are designed to assess not only technical ability, but also adaptability, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
The Top Apprentice competition, which recognises Level 2 and Level 3 apprentices, has also reached a key stage, with those still in contention completing an online assessment as they compete for a place in the November finals.
Meanwhile, Top Garage entrants are progressing through an online semi-final assessment. Those who make it through will present their businesses to a panel of industry judges at the finals, showcasing how they run their operations, support customers and drive continuous improvement.
The finalists across all three categories will gather at Delphi Academy in Warwick on Saturday 14 November. Technicians and apprentices will complete 50-minute live fault-finding challenges, while Top Garage finalists will deliver their business presentations before the judges.
The event will also continue Top Awards’ partnership with automotive charity BEN. Alongside hosting BEN’s Big Breakfast charity brunch, the competition includes the BEN Workplace Health & Wellbeing Award, recognising workshops that actively promote positive working environments for their teams.
The 2026 winners will be announced during the Awards Dinner at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Coventry on the evening of the finals.
The competition continues to be supported by 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.
Click here for more details of the awards dinner
Click here for more details of the finals day