The UK Garage & Bodyshop Event has unveiled the finalists for its highly anticipated Automechanika Birmingham Thirty Under 30 Awards, recognising the 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 has been 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 will be revealed live on the Ignite Arena stage at the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event at 2.30pm on Wednesday 3 June, where Louise Baker will present the awards and recognise 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 has once again demonstrated the incredible depth of talent within our industry. We have 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. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and revealing the winners live at the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event.”
The Automechanika Birmingham Thirty Under 30 finalists are:
| 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 |
| Simran | Bains | Impression Communications |
| Sky | Russell | Schaeffler VLS |
| Stewart | McIlwraith | Bryan Swales Garage |
| Thomas | Vallé | BM Catalysts Ltd. |
| Tina | Pastor | Cataclean |
The UK Garage & Bodyshop Event takes place at the NEC Birmingham on 3-4 June 2026, bringing together thousands of automotive professionals for two days of networking, training, live demonstrations and industry insight.
