The automotive aftermarket came together to celebrate the best of the industry at the Automechanika Birmingham Garage Awards 2026.
The event recognised the outstanding achievements of garages, technicians, workshops and aftermarket professionals from across the UK.
Hosted by the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) and headline sponsored by LKQ Euro Car Parts, the annual Automechanika Birmingham Garage Awards evening took place at the NEC Birmingham following the first day of the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event. The evening was expertly compered by Phil Seymour, who guided guests through the celebrations and award presentations.
Award-winning comedian Scott Bennett entertained attendees throughout the evening, helping to create a memorable atmosphere as businesses and individuals celebrated their achievements. Guests were also treated to a lively Bongo’s Bingo experience, adding an extra element of fun and ensuring the celebrations continued long after the awards had been presented.
Support for the aftermarket
“The response to this year’s Automechanika Birmingham Garage Awards has been phenomenal,” highlighted Mark Field, Chief Executive at IAAF. “Not only did we receive a record number of entries, but the quality across every category was outstanding. The winners and finalists should be incredibly proud of their achievements, which demonstrate the strength, professionalism and innovation that exists throughout the independent aftermarket.
“These awards are about much more than recognising excellence on one evening. Being nominated is just the beginning of a garage’s journey with IAAF and Automechanika Birmingham. We are committed to supporting nominees and winners with their ongoing development, helping provide opportunities for growth, sharing best practice and ensuring their voice is heard as we continue to champion the independent aftermarket.”
Automechanika Birmingham Garage Awards winners
Each of the 10 categories at the Automechanika Birmingham Garage Awards saw a highly commended, and winner. These categories covered many areas of the industry, from the best garages to the champions of content creation.
The winners and highly commended in each category this year were:
Garage of the Year
• Winner: Uckfield Motor Services Ltd
• Highly Commended: Bartlett Automotive Huntingdon Limited
Multi-Site Garage
• Winner: EAC Telford
• Highly Commended: The Forge Garage
Single-Site Garage
• Winner: Cleevely Motors Ltd
• Highly Commended: Simon Graeme Auto Service Centre
Auto-Mechanik
• Winner: Brian Hale, Mechtronic
• Highly Commended: Sam Johnson, SJ Autocentre
Best Community Initiative
• Winner: Autocheck Faversham
• Highly Commended: First Step Trust T/A Smart Garage Services
Best Customer Service
• Winner: Shaw’s Service Station
• Highly Commended: Fine Drive Autocentres
Best Marketing Garage
• Winner: EAC Telford
• Highly Commended: VMB Autocentre
Best Content Creator
• Winner: Louise Baker, Womanic
• Highly Commended: RMS Diagnostics
Young Mechanik
• Winner: Jacob Patterson
• Highly Commended: Ryan Taylor
Lifetime Achievement Award
• Winner: Darren Knight, Mike Knight Autos Birmingham
Finalists and nominees from the Automechanika Birmingham Garage Awards will continue to benefit from engagement with IAAF and the wider Automechanika Birmingham community, helping them access new opportunities, share knowledge and strengthen their businesses long after the awards evening has ended.
Amazing result
Speaking to Auto Repair Focus, Content Creator of the Year winner Lou Baker, from Womanic, stated: “I did not expect to win anything, and came away with Content Creator of the Year, which I am buzzing about!
Content creation is massively important in today’s market because the young people coming through, they’re all on YouTube, TikTok, they are all across social media. So if we want to get the best version of the motor trade out to encourage youngsters into it, social media should be at the top of everyone’s priority.”
Brian Hale from Mechtronic, who took home Auto-Mechanik of the year at the Automechanika Birmingham Garage Awards, also told Auto Repair Focus: “This win is absolutely amazing. We came to the awards no matter what the outcome might be so to come away with the prize is great, and I have a fantastic team behind me as well. I’ve put in countless hours in learning, and with support from those around me, so the recognition of those efforts is massive.”
