The winners of the Automechanika Birmingham 2023 Garage Awards were announced at a ceremony taking place on day two of the aftermarket trade event.
Hosted by the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) and headline sponsored by LKQ Euro Car Parts, the awards took place after a full day of activity at Automechanika Birmingham. Garage owners, technicians and Federation members marked achievements across the sector at the inaugural awards ceremony
The Garage Awards event offered attendees networking opportunities, prize giving, a three-course meal and entertainment from comedian, Ian Moore.
Garages and technicians from across the UK battled it out to win one of the coveted garage awards in categories including: Garage of the Year sponsored by LKQ Euro Car Parts, Best Independent Garage (Single-Site) and ‘Auto-Mechanik’ of the Year both sponsored by OESAA, Best Independent Garage (Multi-Site) sponsored by Alliance Automotive Group (AAG), Best Community Initiative sponsored by Arnold Clark Autoparts, Best Marketing Award sponsored by WAI, Best Customer Service Awards sponsored by TechMan and the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award, also sponsored by AAG.
Garage Awards see hundreds of nominations
Leading up to the Garage Awards, one of the highlights of the Automechanika Birmingham event, individuals across the industry were invited to nominate and vote for exceptional independent garages and technicians who have successfully contributed to ensuring affordable mobility in the UK over the past few years.
Over 45 individuals and garage businesses were shortlisted from hundreds of nominations, and then industry personnel and motorists were able to vote for their winner online in the lead up to the event.
This culminated in an awards evening where those nominated were able to network and discuss their businesses, or simply enjoy themselves on a lavish evening out. Those attending were happy to just be nominated, regarding it as an honour, as well as an opportunity to promote their businesses.
“From hundreds of nominations and over 7,000 votes, it is fantastic to see how well received and respected garages and technicians are with their suppliers, fellow garages and motorists,” commented Mark Field, IAAF Chief Executive. “It is clear that the automotive industry is very much alive and kicking, ready to embrace both challenge and opportunity.
“We would like to thank everyone for their nominations, and a big congratulations to all of the winners. The IAAF is the fastest growing trade federation in the automotive industry, and we are working hard to raise the profile of independent garages to motorists across the UK.”
Auto Repair Focus Editor Phil Curry added: “The Garage Awards evening was full of fun and laughter and it was great to see so many garages coming together to celebrate their efforts. All of the finalists should be immensely proud of the deserved recognition, and congratulations to those who took home a trophy. Overall, the biggest winner was the independent aftermarket, which is able to use these awards to showcase its talent from across the UK, as the industry becomes even more important within the changing landscape of the automotive industry.”
Automechanika Birmingham 2023 Garage Awards winners
Best Marketing Award – sponsored by WAI
Winner – Darkside Developments, Barnsley
Best Customer Service Award – sponsored by Techman
Winner – A&J FLEETCARE, Leeds
Best Community Initiative – sponsored by Arnold Clark Autoparts
Winner – CD Copland Motors Ltd., Angus
Best Single-Site Garage – sponsored by OESAA
Winner – Billingborough Cars and Commercials Ltd., Sleaford
Best Multi-Site Garage – sponsored by Alliance Automotive Group (AAG)
Winner – CCM Garages, Sussex and Surrey
Auto-Mechanik of the Year – sponsored by OESAA
Winner – Gary Wood, Intelligent Auto
Lifetime Achievement Award – sponsored by Alliance Automotive Group (AAG)
Winner – Peter Welch, Scotlands Ash Garage
Garage of the Year – sponsored by LKQ Euro Car Parts
Winner – Lindleys Autocentres, Nottingham
For more information visit https://www.iaaf.co.uk
