The National Association of Motor Auctions (NAMA) has presented Ian Wilson of Wilsons Auctions its first ever Hall of Fame Award.

The second generation of the Wilson family to manage the auction company,  he has grown the company from a single auction site in Northern Ireland to 19 sites, becoming the largest independent auction company in the UK and Ireland, boasting an annual sales figure exceeding £500 million.

NAMA’s Paul Hill said: “We are pleased to honour Ian Wilson with the first-ever NAMA Hall of Fame award.

“His dedication and visionary leadership have transformed Wilsons Auctions into the powerhouse it is today. His ability to adapt and innovate in a dynamic market has set a new standard in the auction industry.”

Offering a range of services including collection, storage, valuation, marketing, refurbishment, and auction, Hill added that the company stands as a “model of success and resilience”.

The NAMA Hall of Fame aims to celebrate those who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry.

“Ian Wilson’s achievements exemplify the innovation, resilience, and dedication we seek to recognise,” continued Hill. “We are proud to present this award to him and look forward to many more years of his leadership and vision.”

Wilson said he was surprised to be the first recipient of the award. “I am deeply moved by this distinction,” he added. “The support from my team has been pivotal throughout these past 60 years.

“Observing how far the business has come, it’s incredibly rewarding to see family members and long-term employees advancing within the company and perpetuating the vision of motor auctions that Wilsons Auctions stands for.

“Together, we have reached several significant milestones, and this one is particularly meaningful.

“My heartfelt thanks to everyone for their part in earning this award and their contributions to the business.”