Entry Essentials

Once your application has been submitted it will be be independently and professionally reviewed by our Judging Panel, finalists will be selected and winners announced on Award night.

Gradient Overlay for Banner on the Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards 2026 Website

Why Should I Enter

Finding a way to highlight the work you do and the commitment you make to your industry is rare. Applying to NIMIA offers the remarkable opportunity to showcase what it is that you do differently, the passion you commit to your brand, and the contributions you make to your clients.

From propelling your PR to networking with influential peers, saying thank you to your team to laying the foundations for scaling your company, being part of NIMIA represents a genuine launchpad for growth and acknowledgment.

Celebrate
Your Success

Shine a light on the commitment and creativity you’ve dedicated to your profession and offers a chance for outside validation and celebration.

Raise Your
Company Profile

Being part of a prestigious awards event will help build your brand with authenticity and substance.

Networking
Opportunities

From an industry leading judging panel to an awards ceremony where you’ll be shoulder to shoulder with colleagues to admire and inspire.

Making Your Entry Stand Out


When you’re making your application, take your time to be clear. It’s easy to over explain your achievements, to go into too much detail or to spend time only on one item.

Try to break down your application into sections that are clear, concise and really tell a story about who you or your brand are. Our judges want to understand you, get to know you and to understand the authentic contribution you’re making to the industry.

Keep it Simple

Be clear and concise in your application, the judges want to see exactly what you can do.

Use Examples

If you have stats or specific stories, include them. Our judges want to get to know you.

Be Yourself

Be authentic. Tell us what your experiences are, not what you think our judges want to read.

Showcase your talents

This is your chance to really shout about what you’ve been doing. Don’t be modest!

Award Categories24

Apply and position your company or yourself among the best in the industry. Showcase the impact of your work while you raise your profile and acknowledge the contribution of your team.

The awards offer the opportunity to build your team, and to say thank you to your clients. Consider which of the 18 categories is most relevant to you.

Award CategoriesAward CategoriesAward Categories

Featured Image for Apprentice

Apprentice

Recognising Outstanding Talent

Featured Image for Rising Star
Company Logo of Sponsor for Rising Star

Rising Star

Recognising Outstanding Young Talent

Featured Image for Automotive Technician
Company Logo of Sponsor for Automotive Technician

Automotive Technician

Recognising Outstanding Talent

Featured Image for Inspirational Female

Inspirational Female

Recognising the role played by an inspirational female in the local automotive industry.

Featured Image for After Sales Team
Company Logo of Sponsor for After Sales Team

After Sales Team

Celebrating After Sales success

Featured Image for Sales Team
Company Logo of Sponsor for Sales Team

Sales Team

Could you be the Sales Team of the Year?

Featured Image for After Sales Manager
Company Logo of Sponsor for After Sales Manager

After Sales Manager

Is your focus on After Sales?

Featured Image for Sales Manager
Company Logo of Sponsor for Sales Manager

Sales Manager

Are you a highly successful Sales Manager?

Featured Image for Dealer Principal/General Manager
Company Logo of Sponsor for Dealer Principal/General Manager

Dealer Principal/General Manager

The role of a dealer or general manager in achieving the goals of an automotive business

Featured Image for Best Employer Excellence

Best Employer Excellence

Have you set a precedent for recruitment and retention?

Featured Image for Best Community Campaign (Franchised Dealer)

Best Community Campaign (Franchised Dealer)

Recognising contribution to your local community

Featured Image for Best Community Campaign (Independent Dealer)

Best Community Campaign (Independent Dealer)

Recognising contribution to your local community

Featured Image for Best Marketing Campaign (Franchised Dealer)
Company Logo of Sponsor for Best Marketing Campaign (Franchised Dealer)

Best Marketing Campaign (Franchised Dealer)

What’s your Best Marketing Campaign?

Featured Image for Best Marketing Campaign (Independent Dealer)
Company Logo of Sponsor for Best Marketing Campaign (Independent Dealer)

Best Marketing Campaign (Independent Dealer)

What’s your Best Marketing Campaign?

Featured Image for Best Customer Service (Franchised Dealer)
Company Logo of Sponsor for Best Customer Service (Franchised Dealer)

Best Customer Service (Franchised Dealer)

Do you rate your company’s customer service?

Featured Image for Best Customer Service (Independent Dealer)
Company Logo of Sponsor for Best Customer Service (Independent Dealer)

Best Customer Service (Independent Dealer)

Do you rate your company’s customer service?

Featured Image for Best Leasing Operation

Best Leasing Operation

The Formula helps businesses attract and retain their talent pool and stand out against their competitors by offering a range of innovative and specialist employer marketing solutions.

Featured Image for EV Dealer
Company Logo of Sponsor for EV Dealer

EV Dealer

Shining a light on Northern Ireland’s EV Dealers

Featured Image for Used Vehicle Dealer
Company Logo of Sponsor for Used Vehicle Dealer

Used Vehicle Dealer

The excellence of Used Vehicle Dealers

Featured Image for Small Independent Dealer (25 vehicles or fewer)
Company Logo of Sponsor for Small Independent Dealer (25 vehicles or fewer)

Small Independent Dealer (25 vehicles or fewer)

Celebrating automotive retail excellence

Featured Image for Medium Independent Dealer (50 Vehicles or fewer)
Company Logo of Sponsor for Medium Independent Dealer (50 Vehicles or fewer)

Medium Independent Dealer (50 Vehicles or fewer)

Featured Image for Large Independent Dealer (more than 50 Vehicles)
Company Logo of Sponsor for Large Independent Dealer (more than 50 Vehicles)

Large Independent Dealer (more than 50 Vehicles)

Featured Image for Franchised Dealer

Franchised Dealer

Celebrating Franchice Vehicle Dealers

Featured Image for Dealer Group
Company Logo of Sponsor for Dealer Group

Dealer Group

A dealer group with two or more sites.

Be the first to hear event updates – sign up to our mailing list

Intuit Mailchimp

Follow us

Cookies    Privacy    T&C’s