September 2019

T op Technician and Top Garage 2019 were massive successes, and were greatly enjoyed by those who took part. Congratulations go to the Top Technician winner Neil Currie, runner up Declan Robinson, and the Top Garage winners; Declan McCormack Vehicle Repairs, Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre and Cedar Garage. For those who did not win though, what next? Why, surely it is time to think about 2020. If you took part last year, you will know what to expect. If you didn’t though, you need to know that these competitions are fun and exciting, they provide the opportunity for individuals and businesses to learn and grow, and win great prizes too. They are also open to techs and businesses in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and everywhere between, from the Channel Islands to the Outer Hebrides. Yes, even the Isle of Man. If that’s not enough, there is also a fantastic party at the end, in the form of the Top Technician and Top Garage Awards Dinner 2020, which will be held after the finals for both competitions on Saturday 20 June 2020. As before, we here at Aftermarket magazine are looking to take what is best in the competitions and make it even better for next year, and that applies to the Awards Dinner too. Before we get to that point though, there are the competitions to consider. Let’s look at what is happening for 2020. Top Technician has been running since 2001. In that time, thousands of technicians have taken the opportunity to test their skills and knowledge and vie for the prizes on offer. The best thing of course is it is entirely free to enter and take part. Details on the venues for the semi final and final will be published later. If you make it to the semi final and final, you could win a major prize bundle of cash, tools and equipment. In 2019, the total prize fund was in excess of £14,000. This came from Aftermarket and the sponsors, Snap- on, TRICO and Euro Car Parts. As you may know, the first stage of Top Technician is a fun online quiz that takes only a few minutes to 34 AFTERMARKET SEPTEMBER 2019 TOP TECHNICIAN-TOP GARAGE 2020 Above: Why not boost your professional or business profile by entering Top Technician/Top Garage 2020? www.aftermarketonline.net ONE VISION – TWO COMPETITIONS: TOP TECHNICIAN AND TOP GARAGE Find out what you can expect from the competitions for 2020... Let’s look at the time timetable for Top Technician 2020: Top Technician 2019 timetable (dates may be subject to change) First round (online): 1 October 2019 – 3 January 2020 Second round (online): January – February Third round (online): February – March Semi-final (practical): Late April Final (practical): Saturday 20 June