NEWCASTLE, UK. Getting independent garage owners to leave a busy workshop for a day is no easy task. Filling Newcastle’s Utilita Arena with them is another thing entirely.
That’s exactly what GSF Car Parts achieved on 28 May, as TechFest North welcomed thousands of garage owners, technicians, apprentices and aftermarket professionals for a day that coupled technical training, networking and hands-on product demonstrations with a healthy dose of automotive enthusiasm.
Delivered in partnership with Petrolheadonism, TechFest North brought together more than 70 leading suppliers from across the automotive aftermarket under one roof. From diagnostics and tooling to replacement parts and emerging vehicle technologies, visitors had the opportunity to engage directly with the brands shaping the future of the independent workshop sector.
More importantly, they could do it without the usual trade-show barriers. Entry and parking were free, along with complimentary Food and refreshments. The focus was to give independent garages access to the knowledge, products and people that can genuinely help them run a better business.
Throughout the day, exhibitors hosted live demonstrations, technical discussions and product showcases, giving attendees practical insights they could take straight back into the workshop on Monday morning.
Steve Horne, CEO of GSF Car Parts, said:
“ The energy in Newcastle was absolutely incredible, and it proves that the independent garage network is hungry for a completely new kind of trade show. Events of this scale don’t just happen; our team worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life, and I couldn’t be prouder of how they delivered. We set out to create a platform where real deals get done, where garages can access the best tools and knowledge to future-proof their businesses, and we absolutely smashed it. We are proud of what we’ve built here, and we’re just getting started”
While the technical content remained at the heart of the event, TechFest North also proved that business networking doesn’t have to happen under fluorescent lights with a stale sandwich in hand. Supercars on display, live entertainment and a festival-style atmosphere create an event that felt refreshingly different from the traditional trade show format.
For GSF Car Parts, TechFest is quickly becoming a growing platform that brings together the people who keep Britain’s vehicles moving every day.
Following the success of Newcastle, attention now turns to the next events in the 2026 TechFest calendar:
• TechFest Midlands: Thursday 16 July 2026, CBS Arena, Coventry
• TechFest London: Thursday 17 September 2026, Wembley Park, London
Free tickets are available now via GSFtechfest.com
About GSF Car Parts
GSF Car Parts is one of the UK’s leading and fastest-growing automotive parts distributors. Operating a vast national network of branches, GSF supplies original equipment (OE) quality components, garage equipment, and advanced technical training to independent workshops and retail customers across the United Kingdom. Driven by a mission to disrupt the market through superior availability, rapid delivery, and industry-leading customer support, GSF is the preferred partner for modern garage growth.
Contacts:
GSF: Jordan Harvey – Jordan.Harvey@gsfgroup.com
Petrolheadonism: Ciro Ciampi – theoffice@petrolheadonismc.om
