Richard Glover clinches National Paint Champion title at Automechanika
Automechanika Birmingham was delighted to crown the winners of its National Paint Championships 2025. Finalists battled it out to win the title of ‘National Paint Champion’ at this year’s Automechanika Birmingham event held on 3rd-5thJune 2025.
After showcasing their exceptional design skills, this year’s champions are, in first place, Richard Glover from Suffolk New College, Madeleine Roche from Dick Lovett Body and in third place, Gavin Murphy from Creative Soul Custom and Classics.
Contestants were tasked to create an innovative car bonnet design based on this year’s theme - nature. The designs needed to demonstrate classic paint techniques and show off their skills, creative ability and unique ideas in keeping with the theme, within a 50-hour time limit.
The competition was close and left the judges, including Simon Wait (Bodyshop Magazine), Michael Massey (Head of Technical Capabilities & Innovation, FMG RS), Craig Bourke (The Specky Painter) and Tom Evans (Paint Sprayer Professional), with a difficult decision to make, but Richard Glover secured the win with his unique flair, winning the title of ‘National Paint Champion’, a prize of £1000 and an invitation toAutomechanika Frankfurt, taking place in 2026, for the opportunity to compete for World Champion.
Madeleine Roche secured the runner-up position, receiving £500 and Gavin Murphy was awarded £250 for his brilliant entry. Dean Baldock, from Smart-Tech Vehicle Body Repair, impressed visitors with his design and was announced the winner of the public vote.
Commenting on his win, Glover said: “It is truly an honor to be titled as ‘National Paint Champion’. It’s been really intense but I’m so proud of myself for putting in all my efforts. I’d like to say a special thank you to the judges and well done to all of the contestants. Bring on Frankfurt!”