9:09 am, December 19, 2025
The Dealer Principal of the Year Award at the 2025 Car Dealer Used Car Awards has been bagged by Auto-Sportiva boss, William Lee-Kemp.
The 43-year-old set up the Kent-based dealer way back in 2007 and has led it to become one of the most successful specialist sites in the UK over the past two decades.
Beginning with just a handful of cars, the dealership now stocks over 200 vehicles, mostly made up of German and British brands like Porsche, BMW and Land Rover.
This year, he impressed our judges with his excellent mystery shopping scores, superb feedback and outstanding great reputation.
It was enough for Lee-Kemp to see of strong competition – including from JMV Cars’ Tom Kazzaz and Infinity Motors, Sohib Ghafouri, both of whom were Highly Commended.
Sadly, our winner was ill on the night of the ceremony but Alex Carroll, marketing manager at Auto Sportiva, was on hand to collect the award on his boss’s behalf.
He told Car Dealer: ‘I have worked with Will for five years and he’s a great boss so I am not surprised at all he’s won this.
‘He’ll be delighted to win it. He loves these awards and works hard to make sure the entire team is happy.
‘To be recognised for that is something that will make him really happy.
‘It’s been a record year for the business and this is just the cherry on top really.’
Despite his absence from the big night, Car Dealer editor-in-chief, James Baggott, was still on hand to offer his congratulations.
He added: ‘The Dealer Principal Award celebrates leaders who inspire their teams and keep their businesses performing at the highest level.
‘The Dealer Principal Award celebrates leaders who inspire their teams and keep their businesses performing at the highest level.
‘This year’s winner — William Lee-Kemp of Auto-Sportiva — continues to guide a superb dealership with excellent reviews and consistently strong results.
‘A massive congratulations to has to go to William for winning this year’s prize.’
