2011 marks the 20th anniversary of the AM Awards. With each passing year AM has worked hard to ensure its judging process is as rigorous as it is fair and the awards go to those that are the most deserving.

And 2011 will be no exception. We are again delighted to have MSX International as our auditors and together we have refined the judging process and categories to be as confident as we can the awards view the industry as a whole and highlight the real achievers.

There are three new categories. The first is Best Digital Initiative, aimed at acknowledging that best use of technology goes way beyond having an effective website, but can entail a range of high tech wizardry that should support a holistic business strategy and work alongside more traditional sales and marketing techniques.

The second new award, Sales Team of the Year, recognises the value of teamwork and will recognise the make-up of the team plus the positive impact individuals working effectively together towards an acknowledged goal has had on the business.

Franchise of the Year, the third new category, will acknowledge the importance of relationships between dealers and manufacturers, looking beyond the model range to look at a successful partnership, working towards mutual benefit in particularly trying economic times to deliver customer satisfaction and profitability.

An AM Award brings with it the respect of the industry and publicly acknowledges the importance of the people in your business. The journey to winning an AM Award begins here. Good luck.

Success at the AM Awards has become the benchmark by which the industry judges itself. Each year shortlisted companies and members of the automotive industry great and good gather at a gala evening to celebrate the success of the past year. The presentation evening itself is always a spectacular occasion and the winners enjoy extensive publicity and widespread recognition for their achievements.

Next year’s Awards will be presented on Wednesday 16 February 2011, at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham. Attended this year by more than 1,000 guests, the evening is a superb opportunity to entertain guests and celebrate with your peers and key industry figures.

The black tie event will begin with a drinks reception, then a three course gala dinner with an auction in aid of BEN will also be held. Then it’s down to the main business of the night – the prestigious AM Awards, the ‘Oscars’ of the industry followed by a spot of fun with a top entertainer.

Ensure the best chance of a great table position - book your tickets now by calling Kate Howard on 01733 468146.