On Saturday, April 27, 2024, the prestigious NFDA Spring Ball returned to The Grove in Hertfordshire, marking a triumphant celebration of industry excellence. The event, attended by dealers, manufacturers, and senior automotive stakeholders, offered a lavish evening filled with fine dining, entertainment, and invaluable networking opportunities.
Charismatic TV presenter Mark Durden-Smith led the evening as the event’s host, adding an extra layer of excitement. Joining him was Sean Fitzpatrick, the esteemed former World Cup winning rugby player and All Blacks Captain, who graced the occasion as the guest speaker, regaling the audience with inspiring anecdotes and insights.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the Awards ceremony, presided over by Mark Durden-Smith and NFDA Chairman David Newman. Among the esteemed winners were KIA UK Limited, crowned Manufacturer of the year for their exemplary relationship with their dealer network and outstanding performance in the NFDA’s Summer 2024 edition of the Dealer Attitude Survey. Chris Lear, Aftersales Director of KIA Motors UK, accepted the award on behalf of the company.
METRYX earned the Industry Partner of the Year Award, recognised for their unwavering support to the NFDA and its franchised dealer members. Mike Khan, CEO of METRYX, was on hand to receive the accolade, with NFDA extending gratitude to their pivotal role in enhancing the Dealer Attitude Survey experience.
Terrence Donnelly OBE, Group Executive Chairman of Donnelly Group, was honoured with the Industry Personality of the Year Award, sponsored by Indeed. Terence’s remarkable contributions to the NFDA in Northern Ireland and his instrumental role in establishing NFDA-NI were lauded, underscoring his significant impact on the automotive landscape.
The Green Dealer Award saw Soper of Lincoln and Vertu Motors clinch victories for their commitment to environmental sustainability, while BYD UK was crowned the Green Manufacturer of the Year for their ground-breaking efforts in promoting electric vehicles.
Peter Vosper, Chairman of Vospers Motors Ltd, received the prestigious NFDA Chairman’s Award, in recognition of his exceptional leadership and steadfast support for NFDA initiatives throughout the year.
In addition to celebrating excellence, the event also served as a platform for philanthropy, with almost £3,000 raised for the automotive industry charity, BEN, through generous donations.
Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of NFDA, expressed her delight at the overwhelming success of the event, extending gratitude to sponsors and attendees alike for their unwavering support. She congratulated the winners for their outstanding contributions to the automotive industry and looked forward to another year of celebrating excellence.
The NFDA Spring Ball indeed stood as a testament to the industry’s resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence, leaving attendees excited for the year ahead.
