This year we thought we’d let the chronically online intern Sheriff put together the show preview for Mechanex North and the first question he asked was “a trade show in 2026 – seriously?” As you’ll see below, he’s been well and truly told on that front!
You sound cool, so I’ll start with you Turbo Guy. You’re coming to Mechanex North this month. We already do a show in the South, isn’t one enough?
Turbo Guy: Well, we operate from our new distribution facility in Elland, West Yorkshire, which provides UK-wide next day delivery. Mechanex North presents a great opportunity for us to connect with workshops and factors in the North and promote the advantages of quality remanufactured turbochargers, which can save customers as much as 40 per cent.
Ok, fair enough, but do people really still buy garage equipment at trade shows?
Think Car: Absolutely – workshops aren’t spending thousands and thousands of pounds based on an image on a website or in a magazine alone. In many cases, trade shows are where the buying journey actually begins. While not every purchase is completed on the day, events like Mechanex give technicians the opportunity to see, touch and test equipment in a real-world setting, which is still hugely important for high-value investments like diagnostic tools or ADAS equipment. Workshops want confidence before they commit, and that comes from live demonstrations, asking technical questions and comparing tools side-by-side. We often see strong post-show conversions because those face-to-face conversations build trust and remove uncertainty.
JHM Butt: Yes, Sheriff, they do, but not in the same way as before. People still buy (or at least commit to buying) garage equipment at trade shows. We find that a lot of visitors either have buying authority, but the interest isn’t always there when we follow up.
Trade shows now act more as lead-generation and relationship-building channels, with sales often completed afterwards. It’s also a good branding exercise for us to get JHM Butt, Supalign out there in people’s faces.
So yes, people still “buy,” but the real value is starting high-quality deals, not instant transactions.
I do all of my meetings over videocall because the editor says I’m not allowed any travel expenses, but I read somewhere that doing business face-to-face is dead anyway.
Alldata: Far from it! Face-to-face business remains incredibly valuable. At ALLDATA, in-person events and exhibitions are a major part of our yearly calendar. They are the ideal arena to raise awareness of our brand, products and people, as well as connect with our key demographic – in this case, workshop owners and technicians. They’re as relevant as ever.
Thinkcar: Not at all, Sheriff – if anything, it’s become more valuable! The industry is more digital than ever, but that makes in-person interaction stand out even more. When you’re dealing with complex products like diagnostics, secure gateway access or ADAS calibration, customers want to speak to real people who understand their day-to-day challenges. Face-to-face events allow for deeper conversations, hands-on learning and immediate problem-solving, which simply can’t be replicated online. It’s also an opportunity to build long-term relationships, not just transactions.
Arnott: Face-to-face business isn’t dead; it’s essential in the automotive world. As a mechanic, you’re not just buying a part; you’re trusting it to perform. With so many products online, it’s often unclear who’s behind them or if the quality holds up.
Bardahl: Absolutely not. Face-to-face interaction remains invaluable: Building trust, demonstrating products in real time and having meaningful conversations simply can’t be replicated online.
I won’t be at the show, thank God! Again, the editor said he couldn’t bear to have me around for two whole days. But I’m not bothered, two days stuck in an exhibition hall – sounds a bit boring, doesn’t it?
Pro-Align: Well, we are thoroughly looking forward to two days in an exhibition hall where we hope to have many ‘in person’ discussions. In an environment where time is precious, customers want the saliant details immediately and a clear understanding of how their purchase is going to make their business more productive! In addition, the number of points of communication has increased, driven essentially by the social media explosion. ‘Rocking up’ at a customer’s premises and doing a demonstration once is no longer sufficient. The foundational work is done remotely, but the final piece is concluded in person.
If there’s one thing we Gen Zers know, it’s that life is all about making bread, and by bread I mean dough – not crumbs! – So wouldn’t it be better to like, you know, stay at work instead of going to a trade show??
Topdon: A visit to a trade show can spark new ideas you can take straight back to the workshop. They give you the chance to see what’s new in the industry, all in one place, get hands-on with tools, compare different options and ask questions to the people behind the products.
IGA: Taking time away from the workshop can be difficult, but trade shows provide a valuable opportunity to step back and look at the bigger picture. Events like Mechanex bring together the latest tools, technology, training and industry expertise all under one roof. It’s a chance to discover new solutions, learn from experts, and speak directly with organisations that support independent garages. Just as importantly, it offers the opportunity to connect with other workshop owners, share experiences, and gain fresh ideas that can help improve efficiency, profitability and long-term business success.
Hmm, all of this has got me dangerously close to thinking and, even worse, it’s almost made me feel that I, a university graduate, might actually have been wrong about something… C’mon Sheriff, get it together, you do this!
The PMM Team – minus Sheriff, of course, whose mum wouldn’t let him come – went up to Yorkshire earlier in the year to speak to the director of this year’s show supporter, York Motor Factors, Matthew Pope.
Q. Is there a need for a trade show in the North?
A. Without a doubt there is a need for a trade show in the North. I understand there’s a strong one at Sandown in the south which is well attended. The one in the north should be better attended and hopefully this year it will be
Q. What do garages need from a trade show in the North?
A. Technology is moving very, very quickly in the motor trade. We’ve got secure gateway built into cars since 2020 and a lot of garages still don’t understand the concept of that. We’ve got SERMI coming in, which garages will need to repair vehicles. There’s a lot happening and it’s moving quicker than ever.
Q. How important is training in a trade show?
A. Training gets mentioned to me every day, we get phone calls requesting training: Aircon training, F-gas training, diagnostic training and for sure in the North technical training would definitely help people to understand where we’re going.
Q. Is the show a good place to socialise?
A. It’s great to go to a show and bump into people you might not have seen for a year and I’ve got to a stage where I’ll ask people “Are you going to the show, I’ve not seen you in a while?” and you meet up with them at the show and there’s a bit of a buzz about it.
Q. Should local garages make the effort to come to the show this month?
A. I recommend anybody involved in the aftermarket to go to the show without a shadow of a doubt.
Q. What are you looking forward to seeing at the show?
A. The show is good for garages to get together, which is a starting point. We can learn about the things we’re struggling on.
Q. What about seeing new products?
A. People don’t know what’s out there until they go to a show. They go to the show, the tyre machine’s there, the new diagnostic machine’s there and they didn’t know about it. They don’t have an hour in the day normally to look at something. They’ve got an hour there specifically to say, “that’s what I’m looking for, I didn’t know that existed, I do now” and that’s how it works.
Q. Is it worth taking the time out of the workshop to attend?
A. Yes, and it’s fantastic to get everybody in the same environment. It’s brilliant, the days go so quickly. Two days last year in Harrogate just flew by. We thought we’d maybe pop in for two, three hours and have a look and time ran away with us, it’s fantastic.
Garage owners will say they can’t afford to close for a morning. Well, if you don’t close for a morning and learn what’s happening now, then in ten years’ time you won’t be opening at all.
Whilst where were up there, we also popped our heads into Sherburn Rubber & MOT Centre to see what they thought of coming to the show this year – and it turns out, they’ve even before! Editor Kieran spoke to directors Dale and Brian
Q. Why do you attend trade shows?
A. They’re a good place to learn about new products, meet other people in the same boat as us and learn new things from them – it helps us improve. We’ve done Mechanex North both times it’s been on, as well as the show at the NEC, OneTec and the Blend.
Q. Is there a need for trade show specifically for the North?
A. Yeah there is, because you do find you’re travelling a lot for the other ones. Yours is very local – less than an hour away, so it’s nice to have less travelling.
Q. How did you spend your time at Mechanex North last time?
A. We went around a few of the stands, mainly tooling. We actually bought a gearbox flushing machine from Launch. You see new things like that and then think whether it’s going to work in your garage.
Q. What would you like to learn at Mechanex North?
A. I’d like to see more of the diagnostic side of things, such as new tools and new procedures and things like that. I believe if you haven’t seen the business seminar yet, they’re great, but when you’ve watched a lot of them, you tend to hear the same ones over and over across all the shows.
Q. What benefit is there to garage owners from the show?
A. I think one thing we really like is meeting other garage owners. We like to try and meet as many of the area owners as we can because you all should work together and shouldn’t work against each other. We’ve learnt a lot of our procedures from other garages who had been doing it better than us and we’ll put our hands up and say they were. It’s great to have a community to have a good chat and we all have the same headaches and the same problems don’t we.
Q. Is it worth taking a morning out of the garage?
A. What’s one morning? You get out of it what you put it, plus you get free bacon roll and a t-shirt!
Live demos for the first time
Mechanex North will feature two learning areas across two separate stages for the first time – meaning double the technical and business expertise on offer to visitors to both days of the show.
Brand new to the Mechanex line-up is the PMM Live Technical Demo Area, where we will have a live, working vehicle on display throughout the two days, enabling more engaging and interactive technical demonstrations than ever before.
There is no better way to upskill than by seeing processes carried out in a real-world setting, with the opportunity to ask questions and get involved yourself.
Stop by the PMM Live Technical Demo area to see demonstrations of vehicle data from ALLDATA, live wheel alignment from Pro-Align as well as more displays of diagnostics and fault-finding equipment using the live vehicle, typical of what might appear in your workshop on a daily basis.
As every garage owner knows, technical skills are just one aspect of their busy job. Running the business and turning a profit remains critical and is now harder than ever.
We have committed to running our Mechanex Learning Lounge alongside the live demo area, bringing you industry insights and business solutions from industry players including ALLDATA and the IGA.
As ever, all of our demos and learning seminars are CPD-accredited, meaning you will come away with useful information as well as a tangible learning credit to put towards any professional register you are a part of.
Exhibitor profiles
Arnott
With over 35 years of experience, Arnott will bring its expertise in suspension systems to the Mechanex audience. Arnott offers a complete range of suspension parts and will display and provide you with information on its air springs, (electronic) air struts and shocks, compressors, ride height sensors, valve blocks, and LCV air helper kits. Arnott’s products are crafted with high-quality OE components, ensuring perfect form, fit, and function.
ALLDATA
ALLDATA is excited to present on the PMM Live stage for the first time. To bring ALLDATA to life, in front of an audience of workshop professionals, is an excellent opportunity – too good to turn down! Back on our stand (CC60), our team of experts will talk all things OEM repair data. Among show offers will be a ‘bundle’ subscription – part of ALLDATA’s 40-year anniversary offer – whereby new customers can make a saving of 10 per cent by signing up to 12 months of ALLDATA Repair, Labour Times and recently-released Maintenance Schedules.
Autel
Autel will be presenting an exciting range of solutions designed for the modern workshop. Discover the latest IWA500 3D Wheel Alignment system, our all-new alignment solution for 2026. We’ll also be introducing the S2 range, featuring enhanced live data capabilities, improved graphical data displays and an updated topology mapping system with clear module locations. In addition, we’ll be demonstrating our TPMS, Security Gateway’s and ADAS solutions, giving you a complete look at the latest technology available to support your workshop.
Bardahl
Bardahl UK will be showcasing our latest range of high-performance additives, lubricants, and professional workshop solutions at Mechanex Harrogate. We’re so confident in our products that we’ll be offering 25 per cent off all items at the show, giving visitors the chance to see the results for themselves. Attendees who sign up for a Bardahl trade account on the day will also unlock even greater ongoing savings.
Comma Oil
Everything Comma does is made for mechanics. Any make and model of vehicle, any day of the week, plus constantly changing regulations and emerging technologies continue to make the job more complicated. For six decades, Comma has been supporting mechanics with quality engine oils, lubricants and chemicals for passenger and commercial vehicles. Come and visit Comma, sign up to myComma and receive a free Greggs Sausage Roll Voucher!
JHM Butt
From a JHM Butt perspective, we’re bringing a strong mix of hands-on product demonstrations, exclusive show pricing, and expert advice tailored to garages and workshops. Visitors can see our latest equipment in action, including a Supalign Computerised Wheel Aligner, Digital Wheel Balancer, Teco Tyre Machine, Supalift Mobile Mid-rise Scissor Lift and many crucial workshop tools. We’re also offering exclusive show-only discounts and bundle deals (you’ll have to wait ‘n’ see), making it a great opportunity for businesses to invest and save.
The IGA
The IGA, HEVRA and the RMI Academy of Automotive Skills will be at the show to support independent workshops with practical guidance, training pathways and industry insight. Visitors can learn more about the wide range of support available through the IGA, from business advice and industry representation to member benefits and resources designed to help garages thrive. We’ll also be highlighting the specialist EV expertise within HEVRA and the technical training opportunities delivered through the RMI Academy.
Orbia
Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials brings over 50 years of expertise across the refrigerants sector. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability and customer needs, its refrigerants business is leading the shift towards development of next‑generation, lower‑impact refrigerants for the automotive aftermarket. At Mechanex, Orbia F&EM and will be demonstrating a live retrofit of its next-generation refrigerant Klea Edge 444A, a new direct replacement for R-1234yf, offering a more economical solution with improved performance.
PneuFlo
PneuFlo Supply, in partnership with Universal Air Tools, will be showcasing a wide range of high-performance compressed air solutions. Visitors can explore our latest air tools, durable hose reels and essential workshop equipment designed to improve efficiency and reliability in demanding environments. We’ll also be running exclusive show-only offers, with special pricing across selected air tools, hose reels, and workshop equipment making it the perfect opportunity to upgrade your setup.
Pro-Align
We pride ourselves on bringing solutions, not just products. So, we are very much looking forward to discussing these with our customers. Whether it be the Hunter dynamic duo, the development of ‘Three R’s’, the potential reduction in insurance costs or the opportunity to increase revenue we like to think we are bringing a whole load to the show and we look forward, very much, to having those conversations.
Recoturbo
At Mechanex North we’ll be showcasing our range of quality, engineered turbochargers and parts you can rely on – backed by the support to keep things moving. From our technical support helpline (on 0800 433 7056) to warranties and online guidance, we’re here to keep jobs on track and cars off the ramp. Please visit us on stand DD80.
Roadrunner Insurance
We are Road Runner, the original motor trade insurance specialists with 30 years of experience offering Road Risks and Liability cover to the independent motor trade professional. Join us on stand DD44 to meet the team and ask us anything about your motor trade insurance and grab some goodies. Plus, making its debut will be the star of our nutty project masterminded by Edd China… the one and only, fully furred up Road Runner van!
Think Car
Think Car returns to Mechanex to showcase its latest diagnostic tools, mobile ADAS calibration solution, tread readers, TPMS equipment and DPF gun, giving technicians and garage owners the opportunity to see its growing product range in action. As the official bacon roll sponsor, Think Car will kick off each day of the exhibition with complimentary breakfast and Think Car merch for show visitors.
Topdon
TOPDON UK will be showcasing the new TOPDON ONE, alongside our latest diagnostic, battery, and workshop solutions designed to help technicians work smarter and more efficiently. Visitors can get hands-on with our newest tools, see live demonstrations, and speak directly with the team about their workshop needs. Whether you’re looking to improve diagnostics or streamline day-to-day jobs, our team will be on hand throughout the event with advice and support.
The Turbo Guy
The Turbo Guy team will be in force at Mechanex North for the first time, exhibiting a number of popular units from its comprehensive range of premium remanufactured turbochargers, which cover over 90 per cent of the UK’s car and van market. It will also showcase turbos from its new and fast-moving Kiiro brand, which launched in January. Providing garage workshops with best value new turbos that deliver OE-matching performance, Kiiro units are available exclusively from The Turbo Guy’s network of motor factors and parts distributors.
