Congratulations to Arthur Atkinson, our overall Bright Young Sparks winner!

Arthur Atkinson has been crowned our bright Young Sparks winner for 2025. The award was handed over in front of a packed audience at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show with Arthur clearly very happy to have won. Brian Thomas, Car Club Executive from Lancaster Insurance Services handed over the award and praised Arthur, who has started and now successfully runs his own restoration business: “This young man is the future of our industry. His enthusiasm and application is infectious and I hope this award will spur him on to even greater success.”

After receiving the award Arthur joined Practical Classics Editor, Danny Hopkins, on the live stage for a panel discussion on protecting the future of the classic industry. With young sparks like Arthur involved, it is a future that looks bright.

What first got you into Classics? 

What first fuelled my passion for classic cars, was undoubtably my grandmother. From an early age she would gift me model ‘Hot Wheels’ for me to play with- I was quite the imaginative child. I’d often pretend to work on them and do various stunts like barrel rolls and jumps off the stairs…always landing upright of course. 

What made you decide to go into business restoring Classics? 

For me, it was a crossroads when I got the opportunity as a teen to branch out on my own, paired with my natural motivation and obsession which was always very prominent.  Once I was in, I was in. I always say you have to want it and need it more than anything - it reaches far beyond just enthusiasm, it’s a lifestyle. 

How did you set-up the business and who helped? 

Having set-up my first workshop off my own back, I found myself increasingly motivated to want more. With the workload and client relationships building, I upscaled and developed ‘Concours Classics Limited’. With the Company growing as time went on and investment opportunities taken, I was able to expand with the employment of Tom and Chris. Having joined Concours Classics in the recent years, they have really made this place shine - hats off to them. 

What are your plans for the future? 

Looking forward, we aspire to delve further into the realms of vintage relics and custom show cars. We are working towards building a larger social media presence, in order to pass down the heritage skillsets required through generations. Who knows where the future will take us - If I’m able to continue to restore old rusty classics and further great relationships, I’ll be a happy chap. 

What advice can you give other Bright Young Sparks?

Follow your initiative and seize every opportunity you get. There’s nothing holding you back- self-belief, determination and motivation is everything. Chase your passion and you’ll gain traction. It’s not one day, it’s day one. Make that move…

If you know a classic car enthusiast aged 16-25, why not nominate them for Bright Young Sparks? Visit our Bright Young Sparks page to find out more.