PROFESSIONAL DEALERS AWARDED

Honours presented by our sister magazine

Following on from last week's Conference staged by our sister magazine Service Dealer, the winners of the Service Dealer Awards were revealed at a glittering awards ceremony held at the Double Tree by Hilton Oxford Belfry.

Hosted once again by comedian and actor Charlie Baker, the Awards, organised by the team behind Service Dealer magazine were in their 18th edition and recognise the achievements of independent dealers in the garden machinery, professional turfcare machinery, farm machinery and forestry equipment  industry.

Steve Gibbs, editor of Service Dealer magazine said, "Each of our winning dealerships and individuals represent the finest examples of trusted, local businesses serving their communities. In these times of economic uncertainly when consumers are looking for not only great value but also exemplary levels of customer service, it’s reassuring that there are still independent, specialist companies out there, such as our Dealer Of The Year winners providing their customers with unparalleled levels of support.” 

The winners were:

GARDEN MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

Winner - Lloyd Ltd, branches across the North of England and the South of Scotland 

Sponsored by Husqvarna. Presenting Award: Jonathan Snowball, Head of Business Unit, Professional UK

 

Simon Holmes with Jonathan Snowball plus Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (r) and comedian host, Charlie Baker (l) 

The judges said of Lloyd Ltd, “Garden Machinery Dealer Of The Year was the most popular category in this year’s awards, with the judges having their work cut out choosing from a long line up of excellent entries.

“Lloyd Ltd however have demonstrated a pro-active attitude to all aspects of their business - from customers, to dealerships, to considering sustainable energy in their product range. Investing in the sector is of great importance to them, with every branch having a lawn care specialist on hand.”

 Finalists: Ron Smith and Co Ltd; MowersUK

 

FARM MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

Winner - Brian Robinson Machinery Ltd, East Cowton, North Yorkshire 

Sponsored by Ibcos. Presenting Award: Kris Illingworth, Account Manager

 

Hannah Robinson with Kris Illingworth plus Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (r) and comedian host, Charlie Baker (l) 

The judges said of Brian Robinson Machinery, “Despite the challenges the industry has faced, 2022 has been Brian Robinson’s biggest yet. Undergoing a handover and dealing with the challenges of succession, this single depot dealership is certainly proving a force in the field. 

“With committed team members – six of whom have achieved over 25 years’ service each– the company is celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. They have also clocked up 36 years selling Valtra, which makes them the longest running Valtra dealer in the UK.”

Finalist: R W Crawford Agricultural Machinery Ltd

 

FORESTRY MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

Winner - Forest and Arb (Winchester Garden Machinery Ltd), Winchester, Hampshire

Sponsored by Société Générale Equipment Finance. Presenting Award: Stephen Davies, Head of Ag

 

Jason Nettle with Stephen Davies plus Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (r) and comedian host, Charlie Baker (l) 

The judges said of Forest And Arb, “Investment has been key to Forest And Arb’s growth. In the past year they have adapted their facility to hold more stock, increased staffing and grown their digital presence. 

“In addition, taking into account the parts shortage faced by so many and recognising the impact this has on customers working to seasonal timescales, the company took the decision to increase loan machines, ensuring that customers waiting for parts weren't prevented from fulfilling their commitments.”

Finalist: F. R. Jones and Son

 

PROFESSIONAL GROUNDCARE MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

Winner - Gammies Groundcare, Forfar, Scotland 

Sponsored by Toro UK Ltd. Presenting Award: Craig Hoare, Sales and Marketing Manager UK

 

Craig Hoare accepting on behalf of Gammies with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (r) and comedian host, Charlie Baker (l) 

The judges said, “Gammies demonstrated a strong relationship with their customer base. Their sales team and workshop professionals pride themselves in going above and beyond for their customers, acting as a reliable and trustworthy source of advice and support. While operating under the restrictions in the peak of the pandemic, they continued to maintain contact over the phone with their customers and have since prioritised face-to-face visits. 

“Gammies have a strong presence both on and offline, and regularly use social media in their work. With standout staff and customer relations, their heart is in supporting their local community.”

Finalist: Wilsons of Rathkenny

 

BEST NEW INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR

Winner - GGM Groundscare for their new Service Agreement, Colne, Lancashire  

Sponsored by Kress. Presenting Award: Tony Macer, National Sales Manager, UK and Ireland

 

Chris Gibson with Tony Macer plus Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (r) and comedian host, Charlie Baker (l) 

The judges said of GGM’s initiative, “Identifying a gap in the market, GGM sought to offer their customers peace of mind when making a purchase from their dealership by developing a value-added product, available at point of sale in the form of a Service Agreement.

“The judges were impressed by the clarity of execution and that the dealership was forward thinking in the process, taking into account new, emerging markets in this process such as robotic products. Not only did this new initiative show the professionalism of the dealership, but it also promotes professionalism in the industry.”

Finalist: Mowers and More Ltd

 

STAR OF THE DEALERSHIP 2022 

Winner - Kelly and Sophie Burgess, Buxtons Limited, Teddeslely, Staffordshire

Sponsored by Catalyst. Presenting Award: Matt Harris, Account Manager

 

Kelly and Sophie Burgess with Matt Harris plus Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (r) and comedian host, Charlie Baker (l) 

The judges said, “Having responsibility for the website, social platforms and planning of shows and events Kelly and Sophie go above and beyond - not just for the dealership but also the greater community. 

“Using the business as a platform for good they have coordinated two van collections for Ukraine and even arranged for 150 personalised care packages to be put together for members of their local communities at Christmas – spending many hours of their own time to ensure these worthy projects come to fruition.”

Finalist: Brad Smith, B&B Tractors

 

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR 2022

Winner - Frazer Cross, B&B Tractors, Warsop, Nottinghamshire 

Sponsored by AGCO. Presenting Award: Jason Webb, National Aftersales, UK & Ireland

 

Frazer Cross

Group aftersales manager at B&B Tractors, Andrew Walker, said of Frazer, “With greater opportunities being presented to him, Frazer has really stepped up to every challenge and given it his all. Having had first-hand experience operating machinery, Frazer now has a superior insight and sees the larger picture when it comes to working on kit and diagnosing issues.”

The judges added, “Frazer is not only a standout candidate in his own right, but he is also inspiring the next generation to consider a career in agriculture. Joining the dealership through an apprenticeship scheme he has gone on to mentor too. Frazer aspires to be a master technician – something we are sure he will have no trouble achieving.”

 

LEADERSHIP AWARD 2022

Winner - Andrew Walker, group aftersales manager at B&B Tractors 

Sponsored by Kubota. Presenting Award: Henry Bredin, Dealer Development Manager
 

 

Andrew Walker with Henry Bredin plus Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (r) and comedian host, Charlie Baker (l) 

The judges said, “A modest man and team leader, Andrew is always keen to invest in and encourage his team. Contributing to individual training and apprenticeships, he also strives to help manufacturers and service providers improve their offering to fellow dealers. 

“With bags of enthusiasm and a desire to inspire people into the agricultural sector, Andrew’s passion for the industry is evident and is therefore truly deserving of this accolade.”

 Finalist: Jason Nettle, Winchester Garden Machinery Ltd 

 

OVERALL DEALER OF THE YEAR

Winner - B&B Tractors 

Sponsored by Kress. Presenting Award: Spencer Funnell, Managing Director

 

Richard Roper & Mark Hulett with Spencer Funnell plus Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (r) and comedian host, Charlie Baker (l) 

The judges said, “With so many fantastic dealerships striving to succeed and evolve every year, this award is always highly deliberated over. There were a high caliber of entries this year and the judges were so impressed by the time people have clearly put in to submitting their entries. 

“But there could only be one winner – with not one, but two wins between them with prizes awarded for Apprentice of the Year and the Leadership title, in addition to their finalist place in the Star of the Dealership category, B&B Tractors are worthy winners of the prestigious title of Overall Dealer Of The Year 2022.”

 

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION

Winner - Keith Christian, BAGMA

Sponsored by Service Dealer. Presenting Award: Duncan Murray-Clarke, owner Service Dealer

 

Keith Christian plus Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke

Duncan Murray-Clarke said, “I think the best way of describing Keith is “does exactly what it says on the tin!”. A well liked individual who’s dedication and support for the dealer network is never in doubt. He is passionate about this industry and indeed has spent over 45 years in it.He started for a dealer (H Burlingham) before moving to the supplier side with Spear & Jackson and finally Claymore. He then joined trade association BAGMA 15 years ago to champion the dealer network.

"Many of you will know that Keith, at retirement age still plays rugby. What is more unbelievable is that he plays on the wing!  But underestimate him at your peril. He was for years affectionately been known at his local club as the flying pig. But in these autumn years on the pitch he is now just affectionately known as Pumba.  

"We love Keith’s dedication to the dealer network and all that he has done in support. He is also very much a friend and although he steps down from BAGMA we know that he will continue to stay very much in touch with the industry network."