Highest ever audience for Automechanika Garage Awards 2026
New venue due to overwhelming popularity for tickets
The countdown is officially on for the Automechanika Birmingham Garage Awards 2026, as the industry prepares to come together at the NEC Birmingham on Wednesday 3 June for one of the aftermarket calendar’s most anticipated evenings.
Hosted by the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) and headline sponsored by LKQ Euro Car Parts, the annual awards evening has firmly established itself as a standout event for garages, technicians, workshops and aftermarket professionals from across the UK.
Due to overwhelming demand for tickets, the event has now moved to a larger venue within the NEC to accommodate even more attendees. The expanded space means additional seating is now available for businesses and guests still hoping to attend the celebration. Anyone requiring more seats is encouraged to contact angela@iaaf.co.uk as soon as possible.
Taking place following day one of the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event, the evening promises not only to recognise excellence across the independent garage sector, but also deliver a memorable night of celebration, entertainment and networking for hundreds of aftermarket professionals.
Adding to the atmosphere this year will be award-winning comedian Scott Bennett, who will host the evening’s entertainment as the sector comes together to celebrate another remarkable year for the independent aftermarket.
With a record-breaking number of entries submitted for 2026, judges once again faced the difficult task of selecting finalists from an exceptionally strong field, highlighting the innovation, resilience, customer service and technical excellence driving the industry forward.
The awards recognise achievement across a wide range of categories, reflecting the evolving nature of today’s garage sector, from technical expertise and customer service through to marketing, digital content and community engagement.
Mark Field, Chief Executive at the IAAF, said: “We want the event to be open to as many people in the industry as possible and we’re meeting this challenge by relocating to a larger suite within the NEC. The response to this year’s awards has been phenomenal. Not only have we seen a record number of entries, but the quality across every category has been outstanding. "
The shortlisted finalists for the 2026 Automechanika Birmingham Garage Awards are:
Garage of the Year
Bartlett Automotive Huntingdon Limited
EAC Telford Ltd
Fix Auto Leicester
In Town Automotive
Uckfield Motor Services Ltd
VMB Autocentre
Multi-Site Garage
AG Motors Ltd
EAC Telford Ltd
JDK Automotive Ltd
North East Auto Services
The Forge Garage
VMB Autocentre
Single-Site Garage
Apex Auto Tech
Auto Serve Garages Ltd
Awan Auto Tec
Bartlett Automotive Peterborough Limited
Cleevely Motors Ltd
Intelligent Auto Ltd
Lawson AutoTech
Magnet Autos
Meadowfield Auto Centre Ltd
Mike Knight Autos
Service MOT Repairs
Simon Graeme Auto Service Centre
Sumner Auto Electricals Ltd
Sakis Auto Centre
Auto-Mechanik
Mechtronic
Beresford Mobile Mechanics
Faysal Harb
SJ Autocentre
Womanic Ltd
Best Community Initiative
Autocheck Faversham
DCM Tyre and Autocentres Ltd
DKS Autocare Ltd
First Step Trust
MB Motors Rugeley
Rallysport Automotive Ltd
Service MOT Repairs
Woodrow Way Garage Ltd
WPS Performance Ltd
Best Customer Service
Bartlett Automotive Peterborough Limited
Berry Hill MOT Centre
Brierley Hill Automotive
Fine Drive Autocentres Ltd
Fix Auto Leicester
HiQ Tyres and Autocare Preston
Mouths Motor Company Ltd
Rent A Tech Vehicle Services Ltd
Shaw’s Service Station
Stedmans Garage
Best Marketing Garage
EAC Telford Ltd
In Town Automotive
Pritchard Motor Services
Rallysport Automotive Ltd
VMB Autocentre
Best Content Creator
RMS Diagnostics
VMB Autocentre
The Norfolk Tech
Torque Monkey Limited
Uckfield Motor Services
Womanic
Winners will be revealed during the live ceremony on Wednesday 3 June at the NEC Birmingham.