We’re proud to share some fantastic news — David Spear Commercials has been named Autotrader’s Van Retailer of the Year 2025!
The award was announced at a prestigious ceremony in London last Friday, recognising exceptional performance in customer service, digital engagement, and business excellence across the UK’s automotive sector.
Out of around 14,000 Autotrader retailer partners, only 69 finalists were selected across nine award categories — and just 29 winners were crowned following an in-depth review of data, customer feedback, and mystery shopper results.
With less than 1% of retailers nationwide recognised for their outstanding retailing standards, we’ve joined one of the most exclusive clubs in the industry.
Even more impressively, the Retailer of the Year title was awarded to only six businesses in total, representing the very best of the best across both car and van retail.
Our very own Elliot Spear and Dan Parfitt were in London to collect the award on behalf of the whole team.
“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.
“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.”
Autotrader CEO Nathan Coe also praised this year’s winners:
“The Autotrader 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 achievement follows a period of strategic realignment for our business. Over the past year, we’ve worked hard to rebalance our stock to meet a changing market, focusing strongly on quality used LCVs while maintaining a steady supply of new vehicles aligned to customer demand.
Our approach has strengthened our market position and laid solid foundations for sustainable growth in the year ahead — and this award is proof that our hard work and focus are paying off.
Congratulations and thank you to every member of the David Spear Commercials team for helping us reach this incredible milestone. This award belongs to all of us. 👏
