UK Garage & Bodyshop Event 2026 hailed a huge success
The UK Garage & Bodyshop Event 2026 has reported an 18% increase in attendance from 2024.
It welcomed 6,098 garage, bodyshop and detailing business owners and senior technicians to the NEC Birmingham.
Meanwhile, more than 200 brands exhibited including AkzoNobel, Mirka, Alliance Automotive Group, Bosch Mobility Aftermarket, GS Yuasa Battery Sales UK, Hella, AUTEL UK, LKQ Euro Car Parts, MAHLE Aftermarket, and PHINIA Delphi UK. Several other brands made their debut including Schaeffler, Pro Align and UFI Filters Group.
In addition, expert talks addressed some of the key issues in the industry including SERMI, right to repair, vehicle data and the future of MOT testing, with the IAAF announcing its call for a mandatory minimum MOT fee of £54.85.
Elsewhere, the bodyshop programme delivered valuable insight, including an expert-led session from ARIES covering the latest repair methods, evolving vehicle construction techniques and the skills required to support the next generation of vehicle repairs.
BODYSHOP BUZZ
The exhibition also showcased the sector’s commitment to developing future talent, while attendees were also invited to BODYSHOP BUZZ networking drinks party, powered by CORE DIAGNOSTICS, which took place in the Bodyshop Magazine Lounge in partnership with NBRA and the Collision & Detailing Lab.
Joanne Knowles, event director at Messe Frankfurt UK, organisers of UK Garage & Bodyshop Event, said: “UK Garage & Bodyshop Event continues to showcase the strength, expertise and ambition of the UK aftermarket. Bringing together suppliers, technicians, workshop owners and industry leaders under one roof creates opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere.
“The energy throughout the event reflected an industry that is committed to continually evolving and driving standards forward.”
