The Aftersales and Maintenance Provider of the Year Award rewards either a franchised or independent dealer that has consistently delivered outstanding aftersales service and levels of customer care over the past 12 months.

The award is open to aftersales and maintenance providers of all sizes, and would also welcome entries from those running outsourced maintenance operations.

The judges will look for high levels of successful maintenance and repair delivery, long-term customer relationships and bespoke aftersales packages tailored to the need of customers. It will also take into account initiatives such as longer opening hours, attracting new staff etc.

Entries should be no more than 1,000 words and customer testimonials are welcome.

The Apprentice of the Year Award recognises the achievements of an individual who has either completed, or is currently engaged in, an apprenticeship programme. The apprentice can be involved in either the technical aspect of truck, trailer and van repair and maintenance, or be working as part of a sales or customer support team at an independent or franchised dealership of any size.

The judges will look for an individual that has made a significant contribution to their workplace, as well as a business that has grown and supported young talent.

Entries should be no more than 1,000 words.

The Auction House of the Year Award rewards innovation and outstanding achievement by auction houses over the past 12 months, both in the world of online and location-based commercial vehicle auctions.

Judges will look for evidence of growing sales levels; auction houses making it easier to buy at auction; and those who have spotted and capitalised on niches in the market.

Entries should be no more than 1,000 words and customer testimonials are welcome. This award is open to auction houses of all sizes.

The Bodybuilder of the Year Award recognises best practice, innovation and outstanding levels of customer service delivered by a bodybuilder in the United Kingdom over the past 12 months.

The judges will look for evidence of bespoke product design, listening to customer needs and a commitment to delivering a quality product. Customer testimonials would be welcome, as would evidence of an outstanding financial performance as a business in the past 12 months.

Entries should be no more than 1,000 words.

New for 2018, the Bodywork Innovation of the Year Award seeks to recognise either a bespoke build or a new product line innovation from a manufacturer or bodybuilder supplying to commercial vehicle operators.

The judges will want to see evidence of problem-solving, either in an existing product line or of a specific problem for a customer. The judges will also look for evidence of the practical application of the bodywork innovation, primarily through quantifiably improved customer efficiencies or improvements to health and safety for the operators and/ or the general public.

Customer testimonials would be welcome in this category, as would photographic evidence of the bodywork innovation itself.

Entries should be no more than 1,000 words, not including testimonials.

New for 2018, and inspired by entries in previous years, the Customer Service Award looks to recognise outstanding levels of care, delivery and support for customers supplying vehicles, trailers, parts or maintenance to operators of commercial vehicles.

The judges will look for evidence of outstanding levels of customer service – be it in levels of vehicle uptime, above industry-average inspection pass rates, solving a problem for a particular customer or going above and beyond business as usual to meet the commercial vehicle fleet needs of a client.

The judges will especially want to see customer testimonials, which will remain anonymous outside of the judging panel, be it a single case study or from numerous customers – with no weighting given to either option.

Entries should be no more than 1,000 words, not including testimonials.

The Finance Provider of the Year Award recognises outstanding levels of customer service over the past 12 months by commercial vehicle specialist financial services suppliers.

Judges will look for evidence of financial providers providing a bespoke service to the commercial vehicle market; a strong understanding of the needs of the customer and the ability of the provider to meet the individual needs of customers.

Entries should be no more than 1,000 words and customer testimonials are welcome. This award is open to financial providers of all sizes.

New for 2018, the Forecourt/ Showroom of the Year is a showcase for the outstanding display of commercial vehicles either in forecourt or showroom setting.

The judges will look for investments made in the display of stock and the commercial benefits to the business as a result of investments in design and settings. The judges would welcome entries that show commercial vehicles in a clean, professional and modern setting, that has benefits to customers as well as to the franchised or independent dealership, auction house or rental, leasing and contract hire supplier.

Photography would be preferred as part of the entry, as would evidence of the benefits to the business and customers in maximising the display potential of stock in a forecourt or showroom setting.

Entries should be no more than 1,000 words, with a maximum of 10 photographs.

The Franchised Dealer of the Year award recognises outstanding achievements in customer service, commercial vehicle sales and aftersales support in franchised dealerships of all sizes over the past 12 months.

Judges will look for evidence of high levels of customer satisfaction as well as excellence in the delivery of services such as finance, insurance and warranties. They will also want to see a relationship with the manufacturer that is above ‘business as usual’.

The award is open to all franchised truck dealerships in the UK, either as standalone sites or as part of a group. Entries should be no more than 1,000 words and customer testimonials are welcome.

The Independent Dealer of the Year award recognises best practice, innovation and professionalism over the past 12 months at non-franchised dealerships of all sizes.

This award is open to any independent dealership offering a whole range of business activities, including new and used truck, trailer and van sales, aftersales and support.

Judges will look for evidence of high levels of customer satisfaction and retention, as well as innovative sales strategies and bespoke customer service offerings. Entries should be no more than 1,000 words and customer testimonials are welcome.

The award is open to all independent truck dealerships of all sizes in the UK, either as standalone sites or as part of a group.

The Rental, Leasing and Contract Hire Provider of the Year Award rewards an outstanding supplier of trucks and/ or trailers on either a rental, leasing or contract hire basis (or any combination thereof) over the last 12 months.

The judges will look for evidence of high levels of customer satisfaction and retention; high levels of fleet uptime and compliance; bespoke fleet management services for customers and the delivery of tailored requirements that show an understanding of a customers’ business.

Customer testimonials would be welcome, as would evidence of an outstanding financial performance as a business in the past 12 months.

Entries should be no more than 1,000 words.

The Sales Team of the Year Award recognises and rewards the crucial role played by a sales team in delivering results for a dealership and providing customers with the right solutions over the past 12 months.

The award is open to a sales team at a franchised or independent dealership, irrespective of size, either at a standalone site or part of a group.

Judges will look for evidence of high sales levels; bespoke customer engagement; innovative sales programmes and genuine teamwork.

Entries should be no more than 1,000 words and customer testimonials are welcome.

The Service to Industry Award recognises an individual for a lifetime of service, innovation and leadership in the sale and support of trucks, trailers and vans to commercial vehicle operators.

Nominations for this award would be welcomed by the Commercial Motor Awards judging panel for consideration.

The Technician Team of the Year rewards outstanding achievement in the delivery of service, inspection, maintenance and repair by a team of technicians at either a franchised or independent dealership over the past 12 months.

Judges will look for evidence of a deep technical understanding behind the product ranges supported by the dealer, and would welcome evidence of test lane utilisation rates or delivery rates of manufacturer backed repair and maintenance programmes.

Entries should be no more than 1,000 words and customer testimonials are welcome. This award is open to technician teams at a franchised or independent dealership, irrespective of size, either at a standalone site or part of a group.

The Workshop Innovation of the Year Award recognises an outstanding product, tool or service that has increased productivity; solved problems and improved efficiencies when it comes to maintaining the roadworthiness of commercial vehicles.

The judges will look for evidence of business growth as a result of using the product, tool or service; improved customer compliance levels and a supplier going beyond business as usual to meet the needs of the customer.

Entries should be no more than 1,000 words and customer testimonials are welcome.

The Commercial Motor Awards are seeking nominations for Dealer Principal of the Year, in order to recognise the achievements of an individual that has led success in either a franchised or independent, new or used, HGV dealership. We’re looking for someone that has made a huge difference to a commercial vehicle dealership, getting results. They must also be a real people person, having built a strong team around them as well as strong relationships with customers.

Jut tell us who and why this individual stands head and shoulders above their peers.

All nominations are gratefully received, with the winner selected at the discretion of the CMA judging panel and chair.