Autotrader's 2026 Retailer Awards named 31 winners, including Thame Cars, Carlingo and Vertu Motors, highlighting dealer excellence across the UK.

Autotrader’s 2026 Retailer Awards announced 31 UK dealers as winners, recognising outstanding performance and customer service. Recipients include Thame Cars, Carlingo, Vertu Motors and Wynyard Motor Company’s Amanda Spensley, signalling industry endorsement that can boost reputation and sales for participating businesses.

Key takeaways

Thirty-one dealers were honoured at the 2026 Autotrader Retailer Awards.
Winners span independent and multi‑site groups across the United Kingdom.
Thame Cars, Carlingo and Vertu Motors featured among the top performers.
Amanda Spensley received recognition for her work at Wynyard Motor Company.

The 2026 Autotrader Retailer Awards

Autotrader organised the Retailer Awards to celebrate dealers that deliver superior sales performance, customer satisfaction and after‑sales service. The competition required participants to submit data on sales growth, online engagement and mystery‑shop scores. An independent panel evaluated the entries, selecting the top performers for public recognition.

Winning the award provides a stamp of quality that dealers can display on showrooms and digital channels. It also offers media exposure through Autotrader’s networks, helping attract new customers and strengthen relationships with existing ones. The accolade is frequently cited in finance applications and fleet contracts.

The awards ceremony was hosted at a London venue and broadcast live on Autotrader’s digital channels. Industry leaders, press and suppliers attended, turning the event into a networking platform where best practices were exchanged.

Winning dealers highlighted

Thame Cars, Carlingo and Vertu Motors were highlighted for strong sales growth and high customer satisfaction scores. Their use of online configurators and transparent pricing contributed to increased footfall and repeat business, aligning with Autotrader’s criteria for retail excellence.

Amanda Spensley of Wynyard Motor Company earned individual recognition for leadership that drove service innovation and staff development. Her focus on warranty handling and proactive communication reduced complaints and improved net promoter scores, meeting the award’s service quality benchmarks.

The broader dealer community responded positively, citing the awards as a benchmark for operational excellence. Many participants indicated plans to adopt similar strategies to improve their own performance metrics.

What this means for dealers

Dealers that secure an Autotrader award can leverage the badge in marketing collateral, website headers and social media posts to differentiate themselves from competitors. The endorsement reassures prospective buyers that the retailer meets industry‑wide standards for quality and transparency.

Retailers should also communicate the achievement to finance partners and fleet customers, as the award can strengthen credit terms and bulk‑sale negotiations. Internally, the recognition motivates staff and supports recruitment by showcasing a culture of excellence.

Frequently asked questions

How can a dealer apply for future Autotrader Retailer Awards?

Dealers must register on the Autotrader business portal during the annual entry window, usually opened in early spring. They submit verified sales data, customer satisfaction metrics and evidence of digital engagement. The submission is reviewed by an independent judging panel, and successful applicants are announced in the autumn awards ceremony.

What benefits do award winners typically see?

Award winners often experience a rise in footfall and enquiries as the badge appears on signage and online listings. The public endorsement also aids negotiations with finance houses, improves resale valuation of stock and can lead to higher conversion rates due to increased buyer confidence.

Are the awards limited to new‑car retailers?

No, the Autotrader Retailer Awards consider both new‑car and used‑car businesses, provided they meet the same standards for sales growth, customer experience and digital presence. The inclusion of mixed‑line dealers reflects the market’s shift towards integrated retail models.