Maghera and Magherafelt businesses score big at NI Motor Industry Awards 2026
Mid Ulster came out on top at the 2026 Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards, securing six prestigious trophies across Dungannon, Cookstown, Magherafelt, and Maghera.
Over 500 industry professionals gathered at Belfast’s Crowne Plaza on Friday, November 6, for the black-tie ceremony celebrating 23 categories of regional automotive excellence.
Supported by headline sponsor Used Cars NI, the awards recognised the businesses and professionals setting the benchmark for quality, innovation and customer service across the region.
O’Loughlin Bros in Maghera celebrated two wins: Employer Excellence, and Inspirational Female for Joanna McLean.
In Dungannon, J.K. Car Sales also enjoyed a double success. Robert Nosal was named Sales Manager, and the team shared the Sales Team title with Car Brothers NI of Newtownabbey.
Pat Kirk, from Cookstown, took the Marketing Campaign award, while iGen Autos in Magherafelt were joint winners of Customer Service (Independent) alongside Fusco Vehicle Sales of Bangor.
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Emma Marley, CEO of Used Cars NI, said: “We were delighted to support this year’s awards again and to see so many deserving winners. It’s inspiring to see the passion across Northern Ireland’s motor industry, and the evening was a great celebration of it. The atmosphere in the room was electric. Congratulations to every finalist and winner.”
Sandy Burgess, Head Judge, said: “The standard of entries this year was exceptionally high, and the number of joint winners shows just how close the judging was. What stood out was the focus on customer care and on investing in people, from apprentices to long-serving team members. Congratulations to everyone who made the shortlist.”
Valerie Ludlow, CEO of ASG and founder of the awards, said: “Congratulations to all our winners and finalists. With so many joint winners and close categories, the competition has never been tougher. Now in our fourth year, the awards are bigger than ever, and we’re proud to keep celebrating the people and businesses who drive this industry forward.”
Joining headline sponsor Used Cars NI and associate sponsor, City Auction Group in supporting the 2026 Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards as category sponsors were AbbeyAutoline, Autoguard Warranties, Cool FM, Dealer in a Box, EMaC, Enterprise Mobility, Eskimo Lead Management, First Response Finance, GardX, GSF Car Parts, Momentum Warranties, Northridge Finance, PML Group, PurpleRock, The Formula, Transport Training Services and Warranty Solutions Group. A full list of winners is now available at www.nimotorindustryawards.com