More than 200 exhibitors packed out Hall 6 at the NEC at the start of June, when the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event made its return across Wednesday and Thursday (3rd – 4th June).
Major names taking part included Bosch, Delphi, A1 ADAS, LKQ Euro Car Parts, TOPDON, Castrol & The Race Group, BM Catalysts, TechMan, Napa Auto Parts, Pichler Tools and many more. Over 5,000 motor sector professionals made the trip to find out all the latest on tech, training and more.
The event kicked off with a raft of new product reveals from Hella Gutmann, including the UK debut for the CSC-Tool PRO, and a first look at a new digital ADAS calibration system. Visitors were able to get a first in-person look at the mega macs PLUS diagnostics interface. Head of Garage Equipment Julian Goulding said: “We looked at the main issues affecting garages and how we can support them. We've focused on two main areas; garages having the ability to access vehicles, and giving them the same capability as dealers.”
ZF Aftermarket were actually the first company seen by everyone entering the show, simply due to being based at the front door. “We’ve been busy all the way through,” said Marketing Manager Mark Hallam. “There’s been a lot of interest in our new ZF MultiScan diagnostic tool.” The McLaren-branded e-scooter up for grabs via a prize draw also brought in a lot of interest. “They all want that,” noted Mark, “and all workshops had to do was sign up for ZF’s [pro]Tech garage programme.”
Whole proposition
MAHLE caught visitors at both ends. If you somehow missed its workshop equipment demonstration van outside the doors at the NEC on your way in, once you located its stand inside you would be sent out to find it. Head of Western Europe Andy Lees said: “Our focus is on our new workshop product catalogue. We’re launching the whole proposition for distributors and garages. With our OE pedigree, they recognise our product as quality, and are keen to use them.”
Another major name on the go was Cataclean. National Business Development Manager Rob Toovey commented: “We’re talking to a lot of garages about the benefits of using a fuel additive. We’ve had visitors who’ve used the products before, as well as potential future customers.” They had the assistance of Courtwood Car Services’ Randeep Rehal who was providing first-hand experience as Cataclean user.
Over at Think Car, visitors may have come to meet the team from RMS Diagnostics and Mechanic Mindset’s Darren Quinn, but it was the tools that caught their eye when they arrived. Northern Regional Manager Dally Singh said: “We’ve had a very positive reaction. Our tyre machine has seen a lot of interest, and we’ve done a lot of business overall.”
WORN-WARN
The Motor Ombudsman used the show to launch its new ‘WORN-WARN’ digital awareness programme, which is set to roll out across social media and beyond will be asking motorists to think twice about buying and fitting part worn tyres.
The spokesman for the ‘WORN-WARN’ campaign is Paul Brown, General Manager of the tyre division at Lindleys Autocentres. He said: “Garages understand tyres and their construction. They see the DOT code on the side of the tyre and understand what it means. The campaign provides garages and workshops with a brand-new suite of eye-catching assets and tools to help educate motorists on what to look out for when buying and maintaining tyres.”
Plinko power
WD-40 was at the show with its offering spread across three dedicated zones, taking in the Specialist Range of professional-grade lubricants, greases and cleaners, and its Multi-Use Products. Alongside the serious stuff, the third zone provided a home for the company’s interactive ‘Plinko Power’ game. WD-40 Trade Marketing Manager James Jermyn said: “The three dedicated zones provided an engaging mix of product information, cans in hand samples and fun, interactive experiences.“
ALLDATA was at the show putting its new Maintenance Schedules offering in front of workshops. “We have been able to share how accurate, original OEM repair data can help workshops and bodyshops not just survive but thrive,“ said ALLDATA UK and Ireland Sales Director Damian Milling.
He was also part of a panel discussion in the Workshop Theatre looking at how businesses should address key challenges such as rising vehicle complexity, skills shortages and ever-tighter margins. Millings appeared again on in the Collision & Detail Lab in a solo session aimed at bodyshop owners. Commenting on the show, he noted: “The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event is the perfect platform to meet forward-thinking professionals.”
Speaker programmes
Those seeking speakers and live presentations were spoilt for choice with major names appearing at the Workshop Theatre. GiPA UK’s Quentin Le Hetet and Adam Shaikley from Shaikley Motor Company looked at MOT data relating to EVs, while, HELLA’s Steve Fox discussed secure vehicle gateways and Andy Crook examined how global events, government policy, and council decisions could impact on the UK car parc. Other topics covered included everything from ADAS to wet belts and much more.
The Business Management Theatre hosted the likes of CCM’s Tina Drayson talking about garage growth, The Fleet Guy Tim Guidotti on the fleet question, James Dillon on SERMI, Service Academy founder Emma Lindley on FoH and IAAF CEO Mark Field who offered up Hot Topics, and the Hot Wings Challenge.
Cleevely EV’s Matt Cleevely and HELLA’s Riccardo Sorrano headlined at the Autotechnician Workshop Hub, talking about workshop charging and ADAS respectively. Meanwhile, the focus in the Ignite Arena was on careers, innovation and attracting new talent into the sector, supported by a Student Programme put together by with Autotech Recruit in collaboration with School of Thought.
New experiences
For those looking for new experiences, a JHM Butt/Snap-on team-up produced Ramp Up, featuring hands-on demonstrations, interactive talks, real-world repair discussions and a live podcast recording built around a vehicle ramp set up slap-bank at the centre of the event.
Also new for 2026 was The Garage Games, which saw Lindley Autocentres’ Alex Lindley, The Norfolk Tech Jordan Kendal, The Tyre Lady Sophie Lyden, Womanic’s Louise Baker, AAK’s Ant Jhally of AAK and Elliot Smart of Ells Autocare compete to see who comes out on top in a series of workshop challenges, overseen by Matt Cleevely and Alex Jones, Marketing Director at Messe Frankfurt UK, organisers of UK Garage & Bodyshop Event.
Lastly, for those who wanted a sit-down and a chat, Ben had set up an on-site fully-styled pub, The Benevolent. Behind the attractive and amusing surface, the industry charity’s aim was to remind attendees of the importance of talking, and how third spaces like pubs and social clubs offer connection and the opportunity to communicate in a low-pressure environment to those who may be in crisis.
The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event will return in 2028.
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