Automechanika Birmingham has been recognised with a major industry honour at the Exhibition News (EN) Awards, with its pioneering Motorvate initiative winning the prestigious Legacy & Impact Award.

The award celebrates events that deliver meaningful, long-term impact beyond commercial return, recognising initiatives that create lasting value for their industry, community and wider audience. Motorvate, which debuted at Automechanika Birmingham 2025, was developed to address one of the UK automotive aftermarket’s most pressing challenges – skills, recruitment and retention.

Created in partnership with the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), Motorvate provided an inclusive platform that brought together brands with students, career changers, employers, educators and industry bodies to explore real pathways into the sector. Set within the vibrant Ignite Arena, the initiative combined education, engagement and entertainment, featuring interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, competitions and careers-focused content designed to inspire and inform.

The programme attracted more than 3,600 visitors, significantly exceeding its original target, and delivered strong engagement across all audiences. By connecting businesses directly with emerging talent and providing practical tools to support recruitment and training, Motorvate has established itself as a scalable solution to one of the industry’s biggest long-term challenges.

Joanne Knowles, Event Director at Messe Frankfurt UK, organisers of Automechanika Birmingham, said: “We are incredibly proud to see Motorvate recognised with the Legacy & Impact Award. From the outset, our goal was to create something that would genuinely support the future of the automotive aftermarket, not just during the event, but long after it ends. This award is a testament to the power of collaboration across the industry and the shared commitment to addressing the skills challenge together.”

The success of Motorvate reflects the strength of its partnerships, with leading brands including Toyota, LKQ and KwikFit, alongside organisations such as IMI, SMMT, IAAF and HEVRA, contributing to its development and delivery. Together, they helped create a credible, engaging and practical platform that continues to support talent development across the sector.

The initiative’s impact extends beyond the show floor, helping to change perceptions of careers in the automotive aftermarket and strengthening the pipeline of future technicians, engineers and specialists. Its success has already led to the return of the Ignite Arena at the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event 2026, where the programme continues to engage new audiences and build on its legacy.

The EN Awards celebrate excellence across the exhibition and events industry, recognising organisations and initiatives that drive innovation, engagement and long-term positive change. Motorvate’s success highlights the important role that industry events can play in shaping the future of their sectors.

Automechanika Birmingham will return in 2027, continuing its commitment to delivering impactful, forward-thinking initiatives that support the growth and evolution of the automotive aftermarket.

The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event 2026 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, on 3^rd to 4^th June 2026, and registration is open now and free for trade visitors here.

‘Save the date’ for Automechanika Birmingham 2027 (8-10 June).