'The atmosphere was electric': Northern Ireland’s top dealers and automotive professionals celebrated at a star-studded gala
Roadside Garages, Shelbourne Motors, Charles Hurst JLR and Fusco Vehicle Sales Shine at Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards 2025
Roadside Garages, Shelbourne Motors, Charles Hurst JLR, and Fusco Vehicle Sales led a field of impressive winners at the prestigious Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards, sponsored by Used Cars NI.
The awards celebrate excellence across the region’s dynamic motor sector, recognising businesses and individuals who set the benchmark for quality, service, and innovation.
The 2025 gala ceremony took place on Friday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast, bringing together the region’s leading motoring professionals for a black-tie evening celebrating outstanding achievements across 23 categories.
Roadside Garages took home the Franchised Dealer of the Year title, alongside Best Customer Service (Franchised Dealer) and the highly competitive Best Employer Excellence award. Dominic Clyde also received a Highly Commended award for Automotive Technician.
Shelbourne Motors celebrated a hat-trick of awards, including the coveted Dealer Group, EV Dealer, and Best Marketing Campaign (Franchised Dealer).
Charles Hurst JLR earned the Highly Commended Award for Used Vehicle Dealer, with Paul Herriot winning Dealer Principal/General Manager. Team members Stanley Graham and Lauren Mitchell were recognised as Automotive Technician and Inspirational Female, respectively.
Fusco Vehicle Sales secured three top awards – Sales Team, Best Community Campaign (Independent Dealer), and Colin Gaw as Sales Manager.
Specialist double wins included SERE Motors with Joanne Thompson winning After Sales Manager and the Lisburn team receiving After Sales Team.
In the independent dealer space, iGen Autos claimed both Medium Independent Dealer and securing the Used Vehicle Dealer awards. Other notable winners included J.K. Car Sales and Fleetwise Ltd (Large Independent Dealer, joint winners), and Adam Wood of Top Gear Motors Cars & Commercials as Apprentice of the Year.
Emma Marley, CEO of Used Cars NI, said: “Used Cars NI was extremely proud to headline sponsor this year’s awards. Massive congratulations to all the winners in this year’s Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards.
“The atmosphere was electric, and it was a privilege to celebrate the extraordinary talent and dedication across Northern Ireland’s motor industry.”
Sandy Burgess, head judge and former CEO of the Scottish Motor Trade Association, explained: “Selecting winners this year was incredibly challenging. The quality and volume of entries were outstanding, reflecting the exceptional talent driving the Northern Ireland motor sector forward.”
The 2025 judging panel included leading UK automotive experts: Sue Robinson (NFDA), Maggie Barry (award-winning journalist), Vic Covey (Fellow of the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising), Martin Hutchinson (formerly Transport Training Services), Mark Styles (Technology Specialist), and Rachel Clift (Chief Executive, BEN). This collective of expertise ensures a rigorous, impartial assessment of all entries.
Sasha Jeffrey, director of PR & Events at ASG and founder of the awards, added: “Congratulations to all our winners and highly commended recipients. Four companies tying for the highest number of wins highlights the calibre and competitive spirit across the industry.
"Now in their third year, we are proud to continue organising the Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards, building on the success of previous events and making them bigger and better each year.”
Joining Used Cars NI in supporting the 2025 Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards as category sponsors and partners were City Auction Group who served as the Associate Sponsor, AbbeyAutoline, Autoguard Warranties, CarMoney, Codeweavers, Cool FM, EMaC, Enterprise Mobility, Eskimo Lead Management, Momentum Warranties, MotorCheck, NFU Mutual, Northridge Finance, PML Group, PurpleRock, The Formula, Transport Training Services, and Warranty Solutions Group.