Nominations have officially opened for the Automechanika Birmingham Garage Awards 2026, with LKQ Euro Car Parts confirmed as headline sponsor. The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 3 June 2026 at the NEC Birmingham, forming a key feature of this year’s UK Garage & Bodyshop Event.
Now regarded as one of the standout occasions in the automotive aftermarket calendar, the Garage Awards aim to highlight excellence across the independent workshop sector. The programme recognises businesses and professionals who demonstrate outstanding technical ability, innovation, customer service and community engagement at a time of rapid technological and commercial change within the industry. With thousands of technicians, workshop owners, suppliers and exhibitors expected to attend the wider event, the awards are again poised to celebrate the very best of the UK aftermarket.
For 2026, the awards retain their established line‑up of categories:
- Garage of the Year
- Best Single-Site Garage
- Best Multi-Site Garage
- Best Community Initiative
- ‘Auto-Mechanik’ of the Year
- Best Marketing Award
- Best Customer Service Award
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Content Creator Award
- ‘Young-Mechanik’ of the Year Award
Entries are now being accepted via the official online portal, with nominations closing on 29 March 2026. All shortlisted candidates will receive two complimentary tickets to the awards evening, where winners will be announced in front of industry peers and leaders.
IAAF chief executive Mark Field said the federation remains committed to strengthening the independent aftermarket community and supporting workshops as they navigate ongoing change: “Each year, we want to keep improving these awards in line with our ambitions to offer garages a community that they can unite under. We’re bringing the entire automotive aftermarket supply chain closer together and we want to support a garage’s future growth and development. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of businesses that define the heart of the UK aftermarket and keep the UK motoring.”
To submit an entry or make a nomination, visit the official awards page.
