Lifetime Achievement Award for Surrey supercar dealer Paul Jaconelli
A luxury and supercar dealer who operates a business in Banstead, Surrey, has won a prestigious award at the Car Dealer Magazine Used Car Awards – often described as the Oscars of the motor trade.
Paul Jaconelli, founder and boss of Romans International, said he was overwhelmed after scooping the prestigious Lifetime Achievement trophy at the awards, held at The Brewery in central London and hosted by the TV personality and automotive legend Mike Brewer.
Jaconelli, aged 75, bagged the prize in recognition of his decades-long career, having worked in the motor trade since leaving school.
Thousands of automotive retailers, plus MOT testing stations and workshops, enter the Used Car Awards every year. Each one undergoes a rigorous judging process and mystery shopping test before the gongs are handed out.
Jaconelli said he was very proud of his achievement, adding: ‘‘I love the car business – I don’t know anything else! As Mike Brewer was preparing to name the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award, I suddenly thought, that sounds a lot like me!’’
Jaconelli paid tribute to his son Tom, who is also a director of the business.
Looking back on his long career, he said: ‘‘There are so many highlights to pick – it’s difficult to single out one in particular. My son has made me very proud. He works at Romans International and he’s absolutely key to our continuing success – he’s even become a bit of a YouTube sensation!
‘‘This year has been difficult in some respects but it hasn’t been too hard on us – we’ve had a fairly successful 12 months and we’re looking forward to 2025.’’
Congratulating Jaconelli on his award, Car Dealer founder and editor-in-chief James Baggott said: ‘‘Paul Jaconelli’s impact on the automotive industry has been nothing short of extraordinary.
‘‘His dedication, leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence have set a gold standard for dealerships everywhere.
‘‘It’s an absolute honour to recognise his contribution with our Lifetime Achievement Award, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this prestigious accolade.’’
Mike Brewer, host and compere of the Used Car Awards, said: ‘‘Many congratulations to Paul Jaconelli – a career in the motor trade spanning 50 years is an incredible achievement.
‘‘As I said on the night, Paul ran franchised car dealerships in the 1980s representing some of the biggest car brands in the country. But in the early 90s he decided to set up a world-class used car business selling some of the most expensive cars on the planet.
‘‘His family business has sold cars to the rich and famous and now, 30 years after his business began, it has just undergone an impressive renovation.
‘‘His firm continues to go from strength to strength thanks to his dedication, experience and knowledge of one of the trickiest areas of the used car business to master. Congratulations once again.’’
The Car Dealer Magazine Used Car Awards have been celebrating the top operators in the UK’s used car industry since 2012, rewarding manufacturers, car dealerships, workshops, and exceptional individuals working in the sector. They are organised by the UK’s leading automotive trade title, Car Dealer Magazine.