JT Motor owner is UK’s Top Technician

Chelmsford mechanic John Tinham has been named the winner of Top Technician 2011, winning the prize a second time after his victory in 2005. Tinham won the prize after completing a series of online, practical and written tests set by chief judge Ian Gillgrass, accreditation manager at the Institute of the Motor Industry and his team of expert judges including 2008 Top Technician winner Mark Banks and Delphi trainers Rob Lewis and Tim Roberts. The annual competition aims to recognise and reward the best automotive technicians in the UK.

The owner of JT Motor Engineer in Chelmsford, Essex is the first technician in the competition’s history to achieve two wins after narrowly beating rival Clive Atthowe of CA Tuning in Norwich. In addition to his competition victories, Tinham has been a regular finalist: “It feels excellent to win again, really good.”

Prizes associated with the competition are worth more than £17,500, including £2,500 in tax-free cash, holiday vouchers, driving experiences and a wealth of tools, equipment and training courses. “We haven’t been on holiday for five years so the holiday vouchers and prize money are very welcome,” Tinham said.