David Spear Commercials has been named Autotrader’s Van Retailer of the Year 2025, following a prestigious awards ceremony held in London.
The award recognises exceptional performance across customer service, digital engagement, and business excellence.
Around 14,000 Auto Trader retailer partners were considered, with just 69 finalists selected across nine award categories. Of those, 29 were crowned winners, following in-depth analysis of millions of data points, independent expert judging, and results from the UK’s largest consumer mystery shopping programme in automotive retail.
With less than 1% of Auto Trader’s 14,000 retailer partners recognised for their retailing excellence, David Spear Commercials has joined one of the industry’s most exclusive clubs.
The top accolade, Retailer of the Year, was awarded to only six businesses in total — representing the very best of the best across the UK car and van markets. To reach this level, retailers must demonstrate exceptional consistency and excellence across every aspect of their business.
The award was collected by Elliot Spear and Dan Parfitt, who accepted it on behalf of the team at David Spear Commercials.
“I’m incredibly proud to receive this award alongside my colleague Dan, and to accept it on behalf of the entire David Spear Commercials team,” said Elliot Spear.
“It means a great deal to us, especially as it comes in the same year we announced our transition to an Employee Ownership Trust — securing the legacy of the business my father, David, founded back in 1987.
“After 38 years of trading, this recognition is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and customer-first approach that define who we are.”
Commenting on this year’s winners, Autotrader Chief Executive Officer Nathan Coe said:
“The Auto Trader Retailer Awards are a highlight of our year as they give us the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the very best in automotive retailing. Winning a Retailer Award is tough — our judging process is completely independent, unbiased, and based on data and facts. To be a finalist, let alone one of just a handful of winners, is a huge achievement and thoroughly deserved.”
This year’s ceremony took place at Landing Forty-Two, located at the top of London’s iconic Leadenhall Building(known as The Cheesegrater), and was hosted by Auto Trader’s Chief Operating Officer Catherine Faiers.
