Automechanika Garage Awards names main sponsor

The best-of-the-best technicians will once again be celebrated at the Automechanika Birmingham Garage Awards 2024, hosted by the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), with the aftermarket motor parts group, LKQ Euro Car Parts, announced as the headline sponsor for the second year in a row.

Taking place on Wednesday 5th June at the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event at NEC, Birmingham, and following on from an inaugural ceremony in 2023, this year’s event will apparently be bigger and better than before, with the number of award categories expanding from eight to 10.

The awards will celebrate the best of the garage industry and acknowledge the commitment and dedication independent garages and garages have made to ensuring affordable mobility in the UK over the past few years.

Nominations for each award are open and can be made here.

As a nationwide distributor, LKQ Euro Car Parts is a supporter of the UK garage network, and as well as lending its support at the award ceremony, it will also be exhibiting at the show, with its stand reportedly set to feature a range of training initiatives, prizes, guest speakers and more from right across the business.

Kevan Wooden, group chief executive at LKQ UK and Ireland, said: “Last year’s event was a triumphant success, and we’re delighted to once again be backing this hugely relevant and important ceremony. Best practice is essential to ensure the aftermarket continues to thrive and take strides in the right direction.

“Motorists want to feel assured that they’re receiving a quality, reliable service, at the very best value, at local level, and there are technicians in abundance, in workshops, garages and bodyshops, up and down the country, working hard to ensure this. It is therefore vital that this good work is recognised and celebrated.”

The IAAF membership is available to independent garages, with the federation continuing to campaign on behalf of garages to ensure they receive access to vehicle manufacturer data, and ensuring their voice is heard on Block Exemption Regulations (BER) and Type Approval legislation, as well as fighting to retain the annual MOT test.

Mark Field, IAAF chief executive, said: “Our network has grown year on year, as we continue to fight for the rights of the garage community and ensure their voices are heard and they receive representation across a greater platform.

“The UK Garage and Bodyshop event is the perfect stage to bridge the gap between the supply chain and technicians, with some of the industry’s biggest players exhibiting. And with LKQ Euro Car Parts right up there with some of the most recognisable names, we’re honoured to have its support once again.”

Further sponsorship opportunities for the Automechanika Birmingham Garage Awards, hosted by IAAF, will be announced shortly.

The full categories include: ‘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’; and new for 2024: ‘Content Creator Award’; and ‘Young-Mechanik of the Year’.

The closing date for nominations is 29th March.