A LEADING Dorset car trader is celebrating a national award win.

Norman Motors, which has showrooms in Bournemouth and Poole, collected the Digital Excellence Award at the Auto Trader Retailer Awards.

The category recognises the industry’s best “digital forecourts”.

Norman Motors was among 18 winners in seven categories at the event in London.

Proprietor David Norman said: “We are quite a traditional company in as much as it is a family business that has been established for more than 65 years.

“We have built our reputation on supplying quality used cars at fair prices, backed by excellent customer care, no pressure sales and honesty and integrity. The car trade is a changing industry, and today a high percentage of our sales start with online searches; and with some of our national customers, the entire transaction takes place online.”

Auto Trader’s UK group sales director, Darren Moon, who presented Norman Motors with its award, said: “There’s an incredibly rigorous process that retailers have to go through to even be shortlisted for a retailer award, so to have been crowned winner really does demonstrate best-of-the-best in the industry.

“It’s never been more important to be innovative and adaptable both offline and online, with today’s car buyers being more informed than ever before. They expect excellent service throughout the car buying process and this year’s winners show what can be achieved when you go above and beyond to surpass customers’ expectations.”