Richard Perriman, was this weekend crowned ‘Bright Spark’ Champion Technician of the Year 2006 competition – the search for the UK’s best technician.
The competition, which was launched by Champion spark plugs and backed by industry bodies, the IMI and the RMI, saw over 800 mechanics from across the nation battle it out through a series of gruelling theory and practical rounds. The top ten technicians then headed for a final showdown at a leading technical facility in Chapel en le Frith, Derbyshire.
Richard, 45, who runs Martin Pilley Services in New Milton, emerged as reigning champion after a gruelling six hours of theoretical and practical tests
A delighted Richard said: “The pressure was on this year and the competition was very tough, especially some of the tricky practical tests they threw at us. Aside from the competition itself, it was great to be able to share ideas with other like-minded technicians from within the industry. I couldn’t believe it when I heard I had won. Just to have reached the final for the second year running was a great achievement. I try to do the very best I can whatever I am doing and that tactic has paid off again.
"The majority of the public do not understand the complexity of modern cars, nor do they appreciate the huge investment in equipment and training that is necessary to keep abreast of the latest technology. I hope this competition will help change public perceptions of the industry."
Richard walked away with a coveted plaque and dream holiday worth £2,500 plus over £3,500 of Omitec specialist diagnostic tools and a weekend 4x4 driving in the Lake District.
Jerry Banks, competition organiser, said: “Technician of the Year showcases the very best of technical expertise from within the UK's extensive network of over 20,000 garages. The standard of our entries has been very high and this is proof that there are many exceptionally skilled individuals working on and around your vehicles on a daily basis. It is our duty to recognise and reward these great people."
