Patrick Mackin has attributed his Bodyshop Manager of the Year triumph at last night’s Bodyshop Awards 2025 to self-belief and teamwork.
The Bodyshop Awards 2025 were held at The Belfry Hotel & Resort in Sutton Coldfield, celebrating the businesses and individuals who have set industry standards in the last 12 months.
Double victory
Mackin, who also won the coveted Bodyshop Manager of the Year crown in 2021, had further reason to celebrate after Mackins ARC in Newry was also named 2025’s Medium Bodyshop of the Year.
He said: “I had absolutely no idea it was coming, especially after winning Medium Bodyshop of the Year. I thought, right, we’ve got one, but there’s no way we’re going to win two awards. So it came as a complete shock when my name was called out.
“I won it back in 2021 but wasn’t able to make the awards ceremony. I got the award in the post. So to be here tonight is amazing.”
Industry success
The double victory continues a rich run for the business, which also won an NBRA Greener Bodyshop Award this year.
Mackin said: “The secret is backing yourself, believing that you can do it, and not giving up. Obviously there are a lot of challenges with the role that we have and the industry we’re in, especially with the new technologies that are coming out, but it’s about backing yourself, believing you can do it and building a team around you.
“We started with three 12 years ago and there are 23 in the workshop. It’s about getting the right people around you to have the faith that you can push forward.”
Apprentice successes
Among the other winners, Tayla Bennison from Drive Motor Retail Redcar won the Apprentice Paint Technician of the Year title just days before her 22nd birthday. The recognition follows an outstanding year of progress.
She explained: “In the past year I’ve developed so much. I’ve started going on the clock when I’m on jobs now and I’m finishing my apprentice about six months early. My end point assessment is in December and it should be at the end of May.
“I’ve got so much support from work, they provided me with all my sprayguns and PPE and my mentors, Andy and Lee, have been amazing and taught me everything I know. They’re my mentors and my best mates as well.”
Bennison added: “There were two other girls in the final with me, which proves it’s not a man’s job anymore – girls do just as well.”
Meanwhile, Megan Robinson from FMGRS Benfleet was named Apprentice MET Technician of the Year.
She said: “I joined the company a year to the day ago so this award is very special. I never imagined that one day I’d be repairing damaged vehicles but I’m really enjoying it and the support I’ve had has been incredible.”
Bodyshop Magazine would like to thank this year’s sponsors: 3M, Axalta, Repairify Europe, Vizion Network, AkzoNobel, Automechanika UK, BASF, Core Diagnostics, Remote Diagnostics, Entegral, The Institute of Automotive Engineer Assessors, Kapci Coatings, Primrose Radar Calibration, Thatcham Research, Accident Credit Group, DeVilbiss Automotive Refinish, INDASA Abrasives UK, LKQ UK and Ireland, Onyx BMS, SATA UK, Stellantis UK Accident Repair Programme, DEBRA UK, and AutoRaise.
