Top Awards glory is within reach
22 September 2026 
The finishing line is getting closer for the 2026 Aftermarket Top Awards, and after months of questions, assessments and challenges, the competition is getting serious.
For the technicians still in the running to be crowned Top Technician 2026, the next stop is the semi-final on 3 October at the Delphi Training Academy in Warwick. Reaching this point is an achievement in itself. The competition is designed to test entrants against some of the best people in the trade, and this year’s final ten have already come through several rounds to earn their place.
So, congratulations to the 2026 Top Technician semi-finalists:
Gary Brown (Arnold Clark), Brian Franklin (Franklin’s Autos Ltd), John Fountain (N&E motors), John Hall (John Hall Auto Electrician), David Harris (Lookers Farnborough Audi), Nathan Jacobs (Snows Kia), James Leach (Diagnostic Specialists Wiltshire), Bryan Swales (Bryan Swales Auto Repairs), Kristopher Williams (Fords of Winsford), and Gordon Wright (Lamborghini).
There won’t be much time for them to enjoy the achievement before the next challenge begins. At the semi-final, each technician will tackle five 20-minute live fault-finding tasks designed to test diagnostic ability, technical knowledge and the ability to keep thinking when the pressure is on.
And they shouldn’t expect the everyday faults they see coming through the workshop door. The challenges are deliberately unpredictable, giving the judges the opportunity to see how competitors adapt, make decisions and work through problems that may take them outside their usual experience.
Good luck to all ten. Getting this far already puts you among some excellent company – now it’s time to see who can make that final step.
A fitting place to put skills to the test
The semi-finals take place at the same venue that will host the 2026 Top Awards Finals on Saturday 14 November: the Delphi Training Academy in Warwick.
Delphi has supported the competition with its venue, vehicles and judges since 2022, and the Academy is well suited to putting technicians through their paces. It offers more than 9,000sq ft of training space, with more than 15 modern vehicles covering a range of powertrains and systems, seven vehicle lifts, diagnostic equipment, tooling and tyre-fitting facilities.
Aliya Lam, Country Director UK at PHINIA, said the Academy’s focus on practical learning makes hosting the competition particularly appropriate.
“Hosting the Top Awards finals at the Delphi Training Academy is a real privilege for us,” said Aliya. “The competition represents everything we believe in at Delphi – technical excellence, continuous learning and giving technicians the opportunity to demonstrate what they can achieve.”
Those who make it through the semi-final will return to the Delphi Training Academy in November, when the Top Technician finalists face a series of 50-minute live fault-finding challenges. Top Apprentice finalists will also tackle practical challenges, while the Top Garage finalists will present their businesses to an expert judging panel. The finalists in these two categories are due to be confirmed shortly. We’ll introduce the full line-up in the next issue of Aftermarket, alongside our full preview of finals day.
Come and see it for yourself
This year you don’t need to be a finalist, judge or sponsor to experience the competition’s finals.
For the first time, the Top Awards Finals are being opened to the wider aftermarket. Garage owners, technicians, apprentices and anyone else working in the trade are invited to come along and see what happens when some of the best people in the industry are put to the test.
If you’ve ever wondered what Top Technician is actually like – or thought you might fancy having a go yourself – this is your chance to find out.
But the day isn’t just about standing around watching other people work.
A host of Top Awards partners will be at the finals showcasing products, equipment and technology and talking to visitors. The 2026 competition is 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.
There should be plenty of opportunity to talk shop, pick up some ideas and catch up with other people from across the trade.
Breakfast is on HELLA
Don’t worry if you arrive hungry. Ben’s Big Breakfast will be at the finals, sponsored by HELLA and served from a bright yellow American school bus provided by Yellow Bus Catering. HELLA is funding the first 250 meals, with visitors encouraged to make a donation to automotive charity Ben.
As well as grabbing some food, visitors will be able to find out more about the health and wellbeing support Ben provides for people working throughout the automotive industry.
And then there were winners…
Once the tools are down and the judging is complete, attention moves to the DoubleTree by Hilton Coventry for the Top Awards Gala Dinner.
That’s when we’ll discover who has done enough to take home the 2026 titles, with the winners of Top Technician, Top Garage, Top Apprentice, the Service Advisor Award and the Ben Health & Wellbeing Award all revealed during the evening.
Whether you’re supporting somebody competing this year, thinking about putting yourself forward in 2027, or simply fancy spending a day with other people who care about doing the job well, we’d encourage you to come along.
We’ll have the full finalist line-up, news from the Top Technician semi-final and our complete Finals preview in the next issue of Aftermarket.
Click here for more details on the competition, the finals day, and how to book tickets for the gala dinner.