Automechanika Birmingham has unveiled the shortlist of finalists for its 2025 National Paint Championships. Eight professionals have been selected to demonstrate their creativity and craftsmanship live at the NEC Birmingham from 3 – 5 June 2025, when Automechanika Birmingham opens its doors.
Following significant interest from the sector, the shortlisted finalists will each receive a car bonnet to transform their concepts into full-scale artworks. These creations will be unveiled live at the event on Wednesday 3 June 2025.
The finalists for 2025 are:
- Richard Glover – Suffolk New College
- Madeleine Roche – Dick Lovett Bodyshop
- Julian Woodstock – Colchester Institute
- Becca Denton – Bex Airbrushing
- Gavin Murphy – Creative Soul Custom and Classics
- James Hamilton – Unit D Custom Paints
- Dean Baldock – Smart-Tech Vehicle Body Repair
- Jake Reed – Colchester Institute
The competition will be judged by an industry panel including Simon Wait (Editor, Bodyshop Magazine), Michael Massey (Brand Development Manager at Morelli Group), Craig Bourke (The Specky Painter), and Tom Evans (Paint Sprayer Professional). Prizes of £1,000, £500, and £250 will be awarded for first, second, and third place respectively.
Entrants were tasked with submitting a planning document based on this year’s ‘Nature’ theme, showcasing technical skill, originality, and artistic flair to design an impressive car bonnet executable to a high standard within 50 hours.
Joanne Knowles, Event Director at Messe Frankfurt UK, expressed excitement about the quality and imagination of the entries. She wished the shortlisted participants luck and looked forward to seeing their visions brought to life.
The public can also vote for their favourite motif for the People’s Choice Award. The prize-giving ceremony will take place on 3 June at 2:30 pm in the Hall 18 entrance. The National Paint Champion will also be invited to Automechanika Frankfurt in 2026 to compete for an international title.
You can view the full event programme for Automechanika Birmingham 2025 here and register for a free ticket now by clicking here..