Thirty under 30 celebrates the rising stars
The UK Garage & Bodyshop Event has celebrated the winners of its highly anticipated Automechanika Birmingham Thirty Under 30 Awards, recognising exceptional young professionals helping to drive the automotive industry forward.
Returning for a second year and proudly sponsored by Comma, the awards celebrate the rising stars making a significant impact across the automotive sector. Comma’s continued support highlights its commitment to championing the next generation of talent within the aftermarket and wider automotive industry.
This year’s programme attracted an impressive number of nominations from across the sector, with entrants representing a diverse range of roles including technicians, apprentices, engineers, parts specialists, customer service professionals, marketers and business leaders.
Following a rigorous judging process, the final shortlist was selected by an expert panel comprising Tina Drayson, Alex Lindley, Tim Benson and Joanne Knowles, who assessed nominees on qualities including career achievement, passion for the industry, innovation, resilience, ambition and commitment to excellence.
The winners were announced on the Ignite Arena stage at the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event on Wednesday 3 June, with Louise Baker presenting the awards and recognising the outstanding achievements of the industry’s future leaders.
Joanne Knowles, Event Director at Messe Frankfurt UK, organisers of the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event, said: "The response to Automechanika Birmingham Thirty Under 30 this year once again demonstrated the incredible depth of talent within our industry. We received nominations from every corner of the automotive sector, showcasing individuals who are already making a real difference within their businesses and communities.
"Selecting the final thirty was no easy task. The standard of entries was exceptionally high and reflects the passion, innovation and determination that exists among the next generation of automotive professionals. It was a privilege to celebrate their achievements at the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event."
The winners were:
Aidan Clark, Impression Communications
Ben Clarke, Butlers Automotive
Callum Tegg, Pertwee & Back
Cory Woolfrey, Legacy Bodyworks Ltd
Daisy Moore, Doncaster Audi
Dominic Aprigliano, Tackwood MOT And Service Centre Ltd
Fraser Lyall, The ABI (Association of British Insurers)
Jack Heywood, D C Lomas Ltd
Georgia Slater, Leisureways
Grace Campbell, City of Wolverhampton College
Harnek Bhogal, Autoelectro
Heather Littleton, ATECH Garage Equipment Services Ltd
Hollie King, European Junio Drag Bike Champion
Jack Palmer, Diesels Ltd
Joe Fletcher, JR Elite Autos Ltd
Joseph O'Neill, BM Catalysts
Matthew Barnett, Direct Line
Matthew James, FixMyCar
Michael Hill, Babcock Land defence ltd
Muhammad Islam, Stellantis & Peugeot Birmingham North Garage
Olivia Dillon, Technical Topics Ltd
Oscar Pinner, RR&B Garages Ltd
Ria Lachhani, Daltec AI LTD
Robbie Broom, SETS Garages
Ryan Farrelly, Motus Aftermarket Parts EU
SimranBains, Impression Communications
Sky Russell, Schaeffler VLS
Stewart McIlwraith, Bryan Swales Garage
Thomas Vallé, BM Catalysts Ltd.
Tina Pastor, Cataclean
Schaeffler’s Northern Territory Manager, Sky Russell, has won a coveted Thirty Under 30 accolade at the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event.
Sky commented: “I’m absolutely over the moon to have been named as one of the Thirty Under 30 winners! This recognition means a great deal to me, as I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved so far in my career. It’s a real honour to be recognised alongside so many other talented young individuals who are helping to drive the automotive industry forward.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me along the way. I’m excited to continue learning, growing and contributing to such an amazing industry.”
Sales & Marketing Director, Matt Selby, said: “Sky has made her mark in the business very quickly in just two very busy years with Schaeffler. Our customers enjoy working with her and her knowledge of both the products and the industry is second to none. She is incredibly deserving of this award and Schaeffler as a business couldn’t be more proud to have her on our team.”
FAI Automotive is celebrating the success of Marketing Executive Ryan Farrelly, who has been recognised as one of the automotive aftermarket's brightest rising stars.
Peter Garrett, Head of Product & Marketing at FAI Automotive, said: “We are incredibly proud to see Ryan recognised with a Thirty Under 30 Award. In a relatively short period of time, he has become an integral part of the team, demonstrating enthusiasm, creativity and a genuine passion for learning about the automotive aftermarket."
“His contribution to our marketing activity, exhibitions and brand development has been outstanding, and this award is thoroughly deserved. We look forward to seeing Ryan continue to develop his career and make an even greater impact in the years ahead.”
Speaking about the award, Ryan Farrelly said: “I am delighted to have been named as part of the Class of 2026 for the Thirty Under 30 Awards at this year's UK Garage and Bodyshop Event. It is a great honour to receive this recognition and be acknowledged alongside so many talented individuals within the automotive industry.
Although my journey in the industry has only just begun, it is incredibly rewarding to see the impact I have been able to make in a relatively short period of time. This award is a reflection of the opportunities, support and experiences that have helped me develop professionally and contribute to the success of the businesses I work with.
I am excited to continue building on this achievement, supporting FAI Automotive's ongoing growth and success and embracing the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in the years to come.”
Leisureways and Butlers Automotive are celebrating a double win after Ben Clarke, Branch Manager at Butlers Automotive, and Georgia Slater, Office Manager at Leisureways, were both selected for the Thirty Under 30 Awards at this year’s UK Garage and Bodyshop Event 2026.
The annual Thirty Under 30 Awards celebrate rising stars, young talent and professionals who are making a significant impact through innovation and dedication to trade.
Ben’s latest achievement marks his second consecutive Thirty Under 30 Award win, further highlighting his continued contribution and progression within the industry. Having worked his way through each department within the business from a young age, Ben has become a key figure at Butlers Automotive and has played a major role in the branch’s continued growth over the past four years as Branch Manager.
Georgia joined Leisureways as Office Manager in 2023 and has quickly become an integral part of the business, supporting finance, HR and administrative operations during a period of rapid growth. Georgia also represents the growing number of women building successful careers within the aftermarket industry, helping support a workforce made up of 43% women at Leisureways.
David Clarke, Managing Director of Leisureways and Butlers Automotive, commented: “This is a fantastic achievement for both Ben and Georgia. They are excellent examples of the young talent helping drive the industry forward, and we’re incredibly proud to see them recognised on such a respected industry platform. They have both played a major role in the continued success and growth of the business, consistently going above and beyond to support our customers and colleagues.
“Ben receiving this recognition for a second time demonstrates the consistency, leadership and dedication he continues to bring to the industry, while Georgia’s award reflects the impact she has made within the business in a relatively short period of time.”