The Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards return for 2025, with entries now open across an expanded selection of 24 categories celebrating excellence within the region’s thriving automotive sector.
Scheduled for Friday 14th November 2025 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Belfast, this prestigious black-tie awards ceremony will once again highlight outstanding contributions from new and used car dealerships, leasing companies, parts and servicing businesses, and the professionals driving progress across Northern Ireland’s motor industry.
Used Cars NI, Northern Ireland’s leading online vehicle marketplace, returns as title sponsor for a third year running, now under the leadership of newly appointed CEO, Emma Marley.
Emma commented on the awards’ return: “Used Cars NI is proud to continue its support of the Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards – a true celebration of the people and businesses who are transforming and progressing our sector every day.
“As we look to the future of motoring, it’s never been more important to recognise those embracing innovation, prioritising customer care and investing in the next generation of automotive talent. I’m honoured to support this year’s awards in my new role and can’t wait to see the entries roll in.”
New for 2025 are revised dealer size categories and enhanced focus on customer service, marketing, and community impact, covering both independent and franchised dealers – acknowledging the industry’s continued evolution in innovation and diversity.
Awards will be presented across Dealer Group, Franchised Dealer, and Independent Dealer (Large, Medium, and Small) categories, along with Used Vehicle Dealer and EV Dealer. Operational honours will include Best Leasing Operation, Best Customer Service, Best Marketing Campaign, and Best Community Campaign for both independent and franchised networks.
The ceremony will also continue to celebrate individual excellence, with categories for Dealer Principals, Sales and After Sales Managers, Sales and After Sales Teams, and Automotive Technicians. The Inspirational Female, Rising Star, and Apprentice Awards return, as does the Best Employer Excellence Award.
The 2025 event is organised by PR and Events agency ASG Comms, the team behind the successful launch in 2023 and the record-breaking 2024 edition, which welcomed over 588 industry attendees and received 148 entries from 40 leading automotive companies.
Sasha Jeffrey, Director of PR & Events at ASG Comms, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the platform the Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards has become – not just for recognising excellence, but for building community, sparking collaboration and giving a real sense of pride back to the industry.
“Over the past year, we’ve listened closely to feedback from judges, sponsors and participants, and we’ve taken those insights on board to evolve the awards for 2025. This year’s expanded categories are about going deeper – shining a light on the breadth of talent, innovation and leadership right across the sector.
“Our aim is to make the awards even more inclusive, more reflective of the industry’s diversity and dynamism and to champion those businesses and individuals who are making a measurable and meaningful impact every day.”
The judging panel remains fully independent and expands in 2025 to include a wider range of respected automotive leaders and experts from across the UK. It will be chaired by Sandy Burgess, former Chief Executive of the Scottish Motor Trade Association, bringing a deep well of industry insight and experience.
Other panel members include Vic Covey, Fellow of the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising and former Director of the Scottish Motor Racing Club; Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA); Martin Hutchinson, former Chief Executive of Transport Training Services and Sector Skills representative for the NI Retail Motor Industry. They are joined by Maggie Barry, one of the UK’s most respected motoring journalists; Mark Styles, a technology specialist and independent garage owner in the South East of England; and Rachel Clift, Chief Executive of BEN, the automotive industry charity.
The deadline for submissions is Monday 28th July 2025 at 5pm.
