Looking Back at the Motor Trader Independent Dealer Awards 2026
CMe Automotive reflects on an unforgettable evening celebrating innovation across the independent dealer sector.
On 30 June 2026, the CMe Automotive team had the pleasure of attending the Motor Trader Independent Dealer Awards 2026 at The Belfry Hotel & Resort in Birmingham.
The awards are one of the biggest events in the independent motor retail calendar, bringing together dealerships, suppliers and industry partners from across the UK to celebrate excellence across the sector. From customer service and leadership to innovation and investment, the evening recognised the businesses and individuals helping to move the industry forward.
It was also a fantastic opportunity to catch up with clients, partners and familiar faces, while celebrating another successful year for the independent dealer community.
Proud to Sponsor the Dealer Investment of the Year Award
One of the highlights of the evening for us was sponsoring the Dealer Investment of the Year award.
Our founder, Charisse, had the honour of presenting the award to Car Planet, recognising the dealership’s commitment to investing in its future through continued growth, innovation and development. Congratulations to the entire team on a well-deserved win.
Congratulations to This Year's Winners
The evening celebrated excellence across every area of the independent motor retail sector. Congratulations to all the finalists, highly commended businesses and winners.
Retail Award Winners
The Retail Awards recognise the dealerships and individuals setting the standard across the UK’s independent motor trade. These awards celebrate the people and businesses making a real impact on the industry.
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Umesh Samani
- Outstanding Achievement Award – Jay Singh (Ask Motors)
- Aftersales Excellence Award – Culloden Cars
- Car Supermarket of the Year – Anchor Cars
- Dealer Investment Project of the Year – Car Planet Trading
- Digital Initiative of the Year – David James
- Fastest Growing Dealer of the Year – Dace Motor Group
- Digital Initiative Award – Pitstop Motors NI
- Independent Community Dealer of the Year – Solo Car Sales
- Independent Garage of the Year – Carite
- Independent Sales Manager of the Year – Masud Mohamed, Car Planet Training
- Rising Star – Aria Alavi Niako, Car Planet Trading
- Social Media Campaign of the Year – DealerPod
- UK Independent Dealer Customer Care Award – County Garage
- UK Independent Dealer of the Year General Sales (0-50 Cars) – Culloden Cars
- UK Independent Dealer of the Year General Sales (50-100 Cars) – David James
- UK Independent Dealer of the Year General Sales (100-250 Cars) – Oakdene Collection
- UK Independent Dealer of the Year (Premium Cars) – Oakdene Collection
- UK Independent Van Dealer of the Year – Anchor Vans
- Used EV Retailer of the Year – Drive Green
- Website of the Year – Redgate Lodge
Supplier Award Winners
The Supplier Awards recognise the companies working behind the scenes to help dealerships succeed.
- Aftersales Product Provider of the Year – Generational
- Finance Provider of the Year – Carmoola
- IT Innovation of the Year – Dealer Platforms – iVendi
- IT Innovation of the Year – Logistics and Automation – Carcare
- IT Innovation of the Year – Multimedia – Rallye Digital
- Remarketing Company of the Year – G3 Vehicle Auctions
- Supplier Investment Project of the Year – Brego
- Warranty/Added-Value Insurance Products Provider of the Year – Warranty Solutions Group
A brilliant evening for the automotive industry
The full list of winners reflects the innovation, investment and dedication that continues to shape the UK’s independent dealer sector. The awards are about much more than the trophies. They provide an opportunity for the automotive community to come together, celebrate success and share ideas with dealerships, manufacturers, suppliers and partners from across the UK.
For the CMe Automotive team, it was a fantastic evening making new connections and celebrating everything that makes the independent dealer sector such a vibrant part of the automotive industry.
A big thank you to the Motor Trader team for organising another brilliant event, and congratulations once again to every finalist, highly commended business and winner. We look forward to next year’s event!
