The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event 2024 has set a new benchmark for industry gatherings, attracting a record number of attendees since its inaugural edition in 2022. Over two action-packed days, the event drew an impressive 5,125 industry professionals to the NEC in Birmingham, significantly up from its previous iteration.
From 5th to 6th June 2024, garage and workshop owners, technicians, and bodyshop experts flocked to the event, taking advantage of complimentary parking and breakfasts. This year’s event offered a comprehensive programme of dynamic training sessions, cutting-edge technology showcases, and essential tools, addressing the pressing changes within the automotive aftermarket, particularly in vehicle technology and data utilisation.
Attendees were immersed in a plethora of interactive exhibitions, live demonstrations, and hands-on workshops. The event boasted over 100 hours of seminars conducted by more than 80 industry experts. Topics ranged from engine fault diagnostics and MOT procedures to advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and diesel technology, providing invaluable insights and knowledge.
One of the pivotal discussions centred around upskilling the workforce to bridge the skills gap through industry training and aftermarket recruitment strategies. Additionally, there were significant conversations on best-practice business management, enhancing garage profitability, and adapting to future mobility trends.
The event featured 120 exhibitors representing 180 suppliers, including prominent names like ZF, Bosch, Hella, Alliance Automotive Group, Snap-On, Comma, LKQ Euro Car Parts, Niterra (formerly NGK), and Castrol. These exhibitors utilised the event as a platform to launch over 25 new products, showcasing the latest advancements in service and repair products, diagnostics, and garage equipment.
A major highlight was the debut of the Modern Garage, sponsored by LKQ Euro Car Parts. This feature was designed to arm business owners and managers with the necessary tools, technology, and expertise to effectively and profitably service and repair contemporary vehicles.
Additional attractions included Body Repair Live and Vehicle Detailing Live, which offered practical demonstrations and insights, resonating strongly with participants.
Joanne Knowles, event director for the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event, expressed her satisfaction: “The second edition of the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event has surpassed all expectations. The growth in attendance and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from both exhibitors and visitors demonstrate the event's importance in the automotive industry. It’s clear that garage and bodyshop professionals very much welcome the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technologies, expert training, and invaluable networking opportunities in the alternate Automechanika Birmingham years.”
Complementing the event was the second edition of the Automechanika Birmingham Garage Awards, hosted by the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), recognising the industry’s finest talent across 11 categories.
The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event is solidifying its status as a critical platform for the automotive aftermarket sector. Plans are already in motion for its return in 2026, while Automechanika Birmingham is set to make its comeback from 3rd to 5th June 2025.
