Auto Trader has revealed the winners of its Retailer Awards, following a virtual ceremony on Friday October 23.

Dealers were recognised for their exceptional customer service, digital excellence, and for successfully adapting to the unprecedented challenges that Covid-19 has presented.

The top accolade, the Retailer of the Year, was awarded to three businesses:

• Cedar Specialist Cars (under 50 cars)
• Alex Scott Cars (50-100 cars)
• Luscombe Motors (over 100 cars)

In total, 18 trophies were awarded, including two self-nomination categories: the Business Initiative of the Year, which recognised a retailer that had taken bold steps to respond to the changing needs of its customers, and the People & Culture Award, which identified those businesses that are going above and beyond to provide the very best working culture for its colleagues.

This year saw the highest number of self-nominations ever to enter the Awards, which were judged by an independent panel of experts from some of the UK’s best-known brands, including Google, Rightmove and Ennis & Co.

Nathan Coe, Auto Trader’s chief executive officer (pictured), said: “The automotive industry is by nature, incredibly resilient, but we’ve been amazed at just how successful some retailers have been at adapting to the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19. We’ve seen examples of businesses who have truly gone the extra mile to respond to changing consumer behaviour and expectations, not just making the car buying process easier and more efficient, but safer too. We’ve also been hugely inspired by leadership teams that have taken equally bold steps to protect their colleagues and to instil rewarding and collaborative working cultures. 

“In this climate we think it’s more important than ever to step back and to recognise true retailing excellence. And based on the most comprehensive judging process, there is no doubt that this year’s winners are incredibly deserving and truly represent the very best of our industry.”

Winners of the 2020 Auto Trader Retailer Awards:

Award category	Award winners 1-50 cars	Award winners 50-100 cars	Award winners: 100 + cars
Digital Excellence Award	Promotors Limited	Alpha Motors of Wigan	Avalon Motor Company
Customer Experience Award (mystery shopping)	Harvey Cooper Cars	Martin Brothers Motor Group	The Donalds Group
Customer Choice Award	E.S.A. Automotive	Donnelly Volkswagen	M&T Motor Company
Business Initiative of the Year (self-nomination)	PGI Garage	Quirks Car Company	Swansway
Retailer of the Year Award	Cedar Specialist Cars	Alex Scott Cars	Luscombe Motors
Rising Star of the Year	Jamie Caple, Car Quay
	Under 200 cars	Over 200 cars
People & Culture Award (self-nomination)	PGI Garage	Jardine Motors Group