Carparison general manager Matt Woodward has said that the fast-growing business was galvanised by its win in the AM Awards’ Best Finance or Leasing Brokerage category.

As the entry process for the 2022 Awards officially opened for car retailers and suppliers this month, Woodward told AM that the leasing brokerage’s win at the prestigious event held at the ICC in Birmingham had driven engagement and helped its hard-working team feel like winners.

“It was a great feeling to win as it was that external ratification that everything we are doing and believe in, is recognised from our peers in the industry,” said Woodward.

“More importantly, it was a great way for us to share with our whole team that they are contributing to an award-winning business.”

This year the AM Awards make the move to London, with the black-tie prize giving event taking place at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel on May 12.

Following receipt of Carparison’s award at the ICC last year, Woodward shared his thought on the win in a short video interview.

Reflecting on the business’s motivation to enter the awards last year, he said: “The main motivation was to really put our names in the hat to let the senior judging panel and respected industry bodies, be the judge of our successes to date.

“Since we started Carparison over 66% of our time has been during a pandemic, with the additional 33% being year one, when we were just starting out and finding our way.

“So, we’ve never been to any awards ceremony or felt we were ready to do so. It was our chance to go and compete with some very well-established businesses and gauge our progress in the eyes of the wider industry.”

Commenting on the successful outcome of Carparison’s entry, he added: “With AM being such a prestigious automotive publication, it definitely generated a positive feeling and more engagement from our suppliers and local customers.”