Castrol Service celebrates top-performing independent workshops
Castrol and The Race Group celebrate contribution of six members of Castrol Service network at annual award ceremony
Leading independent workshops recognised for customer service, innovation and community impact
Castrol and The Race Group have bought together and recognised the UK’s best-performing Castrol Service workshops at the Castrol Service Networking Event & Forever Forward Awards 2026 in Birmingham.
Castrol Service is a global network of approved independent workshops that provide high-quality car service, maintenance and repairs. Garages in this programme are certified and must meet strict quality standards for workmanship and customer care. By carrying the Castrol brand, independent workshops can more quickly establish trust with the customer, and they have access to Castrol bespoke training solutions and marketing support.
The Castrol Service Networking Event & Forever Forward Awards were split into six categories, with nominations received from customers, fellow workshops and industry peers, highlighting the exceptional commitment demonstrated by network members throughout the year. The judging panel comprising senior managers at Castrol including Courtney Forman, as well as representatives from The Race Group – Castrol’s UK distributor partner and Simon Rayner from Certas Lubricant Solutions.
Forever Forward Awards 2026 winners
‘Strong Social Media Award’
Sponsored by Garage Services Online
Winner: Hereford Volvo Specialist
Hereford Volvo Specialist was recognised for its consistently engaging social media presence, which effectively showcases the business while maintaining strong connections with customers. Through a well-balanced mix of informative, entertaining and behind-the-scenes content, the workshop provides valuable insight into its team, expertise and day-to-day operations, successfully combining professionalism with personality.
‘Building Community Award’
Sponsored by The Fleet Guy
Winner: RSV Automotive
RSV Automotive received the award in recognition of its outstanding commitment to community engagement. Alongside supporting local groups and initiatives, the business has played an active role in supporting North Wales Superkids, helping provide Christmas gifts for disadvantaged children while rallying customers and the wider community to support the cause.
‘Extra Mile Customer Experience Award’
Sponsored by ProVQ
Winner: Harris Motor Co
Harris Motor Co was recognised following an overwhelming response from customers, who highlighted the team's professionalism, friendly service and commitment to exceeding expectations. The business has cultivated a highly loyal customer base due to "truly exceptional service.”
‘Castrol Spirit Award’
Sponsored by Garage Hive
Winner: K and M Citroen & Peugeot
Selected through votes from fellow Castrol Service members, K and M Citroen & Peugeot received the Castrol Spirit Award in recognition of its commitment to the values that underpin the Castrol Service network. Owners Kirsty and Mark were commended for their dedication to the Castrol brand, outstanding customer focus and active contribution to both the network and their local community.
‘Forever Forward Garage of the Year’
Sponsored by The Purple Company
Winner: Pro-Tech Automotive
The Forever Forward Garage of the Year title was awarded to Pro-Tech Automotive, recognising the family-run business's excellence across all areas of its operation. Judges highlighted the workshop's forward-thinking approach, strong customer focus and commitment to continuous improvement, as well as its successful use of the Castrol Service programme to drive business success.
On the evening, Castrol also presented its ‘Contribution to the Industry Award’ to Emma Lindley, from Service Advisor Academy, in recognition of her efforts to champion front-of-house professionals within the automotive aftermarket. By focusing on developing service advisor skills through the Service Advisor Academy, Emma has helped raise awareness of the value customer-facing roles bring to garage businesses, enabling workshops to strengthen customer relationships and build lasting loyalty.
Cristiane Duraes, Marketing Activation Lead at Castrol, commented: “We’re incredibly proud of the community we have built with The Race Group and the commitment our members continue to show in raising standards across the automotive industry. Events like these recognise outstanding achievement and create valuable opportunities for workshops to connect, collaborate and learn from one another. Thank you to everyone who joined us this year, and we look forward to supporting the future success of our network.”