David Spear Commercials has been named Autotrader Large Van Retailer of the Year 2026, winning the award for the second consecutive year.
The award was presented at the 2026 Autotrader Retailer Awards at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester. Autotrader said 31 winners were selected from around 14,000 Autotrader retailer partners.
David Spear Commercials, based at Crown Business Park in Tredegar, South Wales, was founded in 1987 and specialises in the sale of used commercial vehicles to customers across the UK. It has worked with Autotrader for more than 30 years, from the printed Autotrader magazine to the current digital platform.
Autotrader’s Chief Executive Officer, Nathan Coe, said: “The Autotrader Retailer Awards are always a highlight of our calendar because they give us the opportunity to recognise the businesses setting the benchmark for automotive retail. Every finalist and winner has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to their customers and to raising standards across the industry. Our judging process is rigorous, independent and grounded in data and evidence, so reaching the final is a significant achievement in itself. To be named large Van Retailer of the Year places David Spear Commercials among the ‘best of the best’. It is thoroughly deserved recognition that everyone at the business should be incredibly proud of.”
David Spear, Founder of David Spear Commercials, said: “Winning an Autotrader award is always a proud moment, but to win Large Van Retailer of the Year for the second-year running is a fantastic achievement.”
“What makes it particularly special is that these awards recognise performance across the business. This is therefore a reflection of the hard work, commitment and professionalism of the whole team.”
“Our relationship with Autotrader goes back more than 30 years. We have grown and evolved alongside the platform, from the days of the printed magazine through to the highly sophisticated digital and data-led environment we have today.”
“Autotrader’s technology and market insight have become incredibly valuable to us. They help us understand what customers are looking for, monitor the market and make better decisions about the vehicles we stock.”
“But technology is only part of the story. Ultimately, our success comes down to our people and the way we look after our customers.”
“We are incredibly proud to have won this award again, particularly against the backdrop of what has been a challenging year for the industry.”
“The challenge now is to build on this success, continue to adapt and make sure we are ready for whatever the next year brings.”
He added: “We certainly won’t be taking anything for granted. Winning it once is difficult and winning it twice is even harder.”
“But having achieved back-to-back awards, we’d love the opportunity to come back next year and see if we can make it three.”
The evening also featured a presentation from professional racing driver Nicolas Hamilton, who spoke about living with cerebral palsy and competing in the British Touring Car Championship.
