Dixon Motors' managing director Simon Dixon said the winning of four Automotive Management Awards was the result of “a great team effort”.

He congratulated all on the payroll for helping Dixon to clinch gold for large dealer group, widely regarded as the most coveted award.

The South Yorkshire-based group also took gold for marketing, and silver in the new media and training categories.

Awards in the 12 categories were presented at a dinner at the London Hilton on Park Lane. Companies were assessed on quality, service and innovation, the cornerstones of the awards.

Daniel Emery, of Carter & Carter, which provided the quality audit of entries, said: “We were impressed by the quality of entries and also by the breadth and depth of staff involvement at all levels.

“Dealerships plan, coordinate and manage change in a focused and structured way to bring about measurable improvements.

“With difficult market conditions, we observed some innovative techniques as well as refinement of tried and tested practices.”