Independent North Yorkshire car dealership Browns of Richmond is in the running for its third national motor industry award, just over two years after opening its doors.
The business has been shortlisted for the Newcomer Dealership title at the Car Dealer Used Car Awards 2026, having collected two major accolades last year. Since directors Fraser Brown and Tim Roelich launched the business on Richmond’s Gallowfields Trading Estate, Browns has sold more than 1,400 vehicles, generated more than 500 five-star customer reviews and grown to employ 31 local people. It has also established itself as a leading used electric vehicle specialist and the UK’s largest independent used Tesla dealer.
Hundreds of nominations for the Car Dealer Used Car Awards were assessed by a judging panel including event host and Wheeler Dealers star Mike Brewer and the Car Dealer editorial team. Factors included online reviews, Autotrader and Google rankings, customer comments and supporting citations, together with the size and age of businesses and stock levels.
The shortlisted dealerships now face the next stage of judging, which includes mystery shopping, with judges potentially contacting businesses by phone or email or visiting in person.
Fraser Brown said: “To make the shortlist for a national award is a fantastic achievement for everyone at Browns, particularly given that customer reviews and feedback form part of the judging process. “We set out to create the kind of dealership we would want to buy from ourselves, so to be recognised nationally after just over two years is something the whole team can be proud of.”
The shortlisting follows Browns being named Rising Star at the AutoTrader Retailer Awards 2025 and New Independent Dealership of the Year at the Motor Trader Industry Awards.
Tim Roelich said: “We’ve grown quickly but have always been determined that growth shouldn’t be at the expense of customer service. “The fact the judges have looked closely at online reviews and what customers have said about the businesses nominated makes the shortlisting particularly pleasing.”
The winners will be announced at a ceremony hosted by Mike Brewer in London on November 30.
