Runner-up finally takes Technician top prize

An independent garage owner who has twice been runner-up in the UK’s annual Top Technician competition, sponsored by ReMIT, has finally scooped the top prize. John Tinham, of John Tinham Motor Engineers in Chelmsford, was presented with the award and a £2,000 cash prize during a ceremony at Brands Hatch.

Dave Garratt, chief executive of the Garage Equipment Association and chairman of the judges, says: “John Tinham makes time to keep abreast of new technology and is committed to training – his passion and enthusiasm sets him apart from the crowd.”

In joint second place were Iain Kershaw, who works at VW Commercial Vehicles in Milton Keynes, and Clive Atthowe, owner of Clive Atthowe Tuning in Norwich.

All three passed two theory tests plus an assessment on fault diagnosis, comprehension and waveform interpretation.