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.
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.
