The SIMI Irish Motor Industry Awards in partnership with new sponsor Bank of Ireland Finance was held last night at a glittering ceremony at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Dublin.

The accolades were announced by RTE presenter Des Cahill in front of over 700 of the Motor Industry's senior figures and guests.

The awards honoured those businesses that have demonstrated excellence and best practice in their Industry over the last 12 months. The awards are open to all sectors of the Irish Motor Industry and seven award categories were presented by James Brookes President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) and Pat Creed, Managing Director of Sponsors Bank of Ireland Finance.

Award Winners:

Franchised Sales Operation of the Year -Blackstone Motors New Grange Business Park, Donore Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth

Franchised Aftersales Operation of the Year- Blackstone Motors New Grange Business Park, Donore Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth

Commercial Vehicle Operation of the Year- Nolan Motors, Curryline, Newtownforbes, Co Longford

Independent Sales Operation of the Year - Auto Assure, Grays Lane, Park Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Independent Aftersales Operation of the Year- Green Auto Service, Enniskerry Road, Kilternan, Dublin 18

Bodyshop of the Year- Pratt's Auto Bodyshop Ltd, Hacketstown Road, Bennekerry, Co. Carlow

Apprentice of the Year- Andrew Bushe of  G. Bushe Motors, Inchicore Dublin 8

Outstanding Achievement Award- Robert Prole Founder of Contact After Retirement

Backed by the SIMI, the official voice of the Motor Industry in Ireland, the awards are held in partnership with Bank of Ireland Finance.

Pat Creed Managing Director of Bank of Ireland Finance comments "Bank of Ireland Finance is delighted to Partner with the Society of the Irish Motor Industry to recognise outstanding achievement and excellence within the Industry. BIF is the leading provider of funding to the Irish Motor Industry through tied relationships with 14 Manufacturers/Distributors which account for in excess of 50% of the total Industry".

Alan Nolan, Director General of the SIMI, said "Every year the awards have continued to grow and this year's entries have really raised the bar in terms of both standard and quality. It is great to see our members continuing to develop and improve their business and to win an award is recognition of their hard work".