HallCraft joined the UK’s leading garage owners and bodyshop professionals this week for UK Garage and Bodyshop 2026.
Hosted at the NEC in Birmingham over two days, the UK Garage and Bodyshop event is one of the UK’s largest gatherings of garage owners, technicians, bodyshop professionals, suppliers and industry experts.
It brings together some of the biggest names in vehicle repair, diagnostics, servicing and accident repair, all focused on one goal – helping independent garages prepare for the future.
For HallCraft, it is an opportunity to explore the latest technology, learn from industry leaders and discover new ways to improve the service we provide to our customers every day.
Investing In The Future
“The automotive industry is changing faster than ever before, and it’s important that we continue learning and investing in the future,” explained HallCraft owner James Hopcraft.
“Events like the UK Garage & Bodyshop Show allow us to see what’s coming next, speak directly with industry experts and bring valuable knowledge back to our customers.
“Whether it’s new diagnostic technology, advances in accident repair or preparing for the growing number of electric vehicles on our roads, our goal is always the same – to provide the best possible service and expertise for motorists across the Black Country and wider West Midlands.”
Latest Tools and Technology
The UK Garage & Bodyshop Event, sponsored by the NTDA (National Tyre Distributors Association, a proactive trade association, was hosted at the NEC Birmingham on June 3rd and 4th.
Over two days, the event discussed the latest tools, technology, and training from 200+ leading brands whilst live demonstrations, hands-on workshops, expert talks, exclusive deals and product launches were all on hand to boost skills and help businesses develop.
Highlights include Workshop Theatre, Paint & Spray Live, Complete Collision & Car Care, Bodyshop Village, Detailing Pavilion, Business Management Theatre, Ignite Arena, and Bodyshop Buzz Social.
Exhibitors included Bosch, A1 ADAS Solutions, Castrol, LKQ, AUTEL UK, JHM Butt, SATA, Pichler Tools, Lake Country, WD-40, and more, with highlights including Workshop Theatre, Paint & Spray Live, Complete Collision & Car Care, Bodyshop Village, Detailing Pavilion, Business Management Theatre, Ignite Arena, and Bodyshop Buzz Social.
Investment In Technician Training
“One of the biggest talking points throughout the event was the continued growth of electric and hybrid vehicles. As more motorists make the switch to alternative fuel vehicles, garages across the country are adapting to new technologies, diagnostic procedures and repair techniques,” James added.
“For HallCraft, this reinforces the importance of continuous investment in technician training and workshop equipment.
“Modern vehicles are becoming increasingly complex, and customers need confidence that their garage has the expertise and tools required to maintain them safely and correctly.
“The event also showcased the latest advances in vehicle diagnostics. New systems are helping technicians identify faults more accurately and efficiently than ever before.
“Faster, more precise diagnostics ultimately mean less downtime for customers and a smoother repair process from start to finish.”
The event brought together more than 200 suppliers and over 5,500 industry professionals, showcasing the latest technologies, tools, training opportunities and business innovations shaping the future of the automotive aftermarket.
Evolution of Vehicle Technology
For the HallCraft team, the event provided an invaluable opportunity to stay ahead of industry developments and ensure that customers continue to benefit from the very latest advances in vehicle servicing, repair and maintenance.
One of the biggest themes throughout the event was the rapid evolution of vehicle technology.
From electric and hybrid vehicles to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), manufacturers and industry experts highlighted how modern vehicles are becoming increasingly sophisticated and reliant on specialist diagnostic equipment and technician expertise.
As more customers transition to newer vehicle technologies, HallCraft recognises the importance of investing in both equipment and training. The event reinforced the need for ongoing professional development to ensure technicians remain fully equipped to diagnose, service and repair modern vehicles safely and effectively.
Another key takeaway was the growing emphasis on digital workshop tools and advanced diagnostics. Leading suppliers demonstrated new systems designed to improve fault-finding accuracy, increase workshop efficiency and reduce repair times.
New Repair Techniques
“These innovations can ultimately help customers benefit from quicker turnaround times and more precise repairs, reducing inconvenience while maintaining high standards of workmanship,” James added.
“The bodyshop sector also showcased significant advancements with new repair techniques, refinishing technologies and materials are helping repairers deliver higher-quality results while improving efficiency and sustainability.
“The introduction of the event’s new Bodyshop Village highlighted how quickly repair methods are evolving and how important it is for businesses to keep pace with changing standards and customer expectations.”
The event focused on bodyshop innovation, new repair methods, paint technologies and materials that are helping repairers deliver better-quality results while improving efficiency.
As a business that operates both a service centre and dedicated bodyshop, HallCraft is always looking at ways to enhance repair quality while maintaining the high standards our customers expect.
Beyond the technology, one of the most valuable aspects of the event was the opportunity to speak directly with manufacturers, suppliers and fellow garage operators.
