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PICTURED ABOVE: Overall Dealer of the Year, Major Owen Ltd
Last Thursday (28th November 2024), following TurfPro's sister title Service Dealer staging their annual Conference, the winners of the 2024 Service Dealer Awards were revealed during a lively and celebratory ceremony at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon, marking the event's second outing at the venue.
The evening kicked off with an energetic set by stand-up Rob Rouse, alongside comedian and actor Charlie Baker returning to host the awards. Organised for the 20th year by the team behind Service Dealer magazine, the ceremony shone a spotlight on exceptional achievements in sales, service, advice, and support across the garden machinery, professional turf care machinery, farm machinery, ATV, and forestry equipment dealer sectors.
An expert panel of judges carefully evaluated nominations submitted by dealer principals, dealership staff, manufacturers, and loyal customers. Open to dealerships of all sizes - whether single-location operations or multi-branch enterprises - the entries were reviewed with great care and a commitment to fairness, reflecting the awards’ dedication to excellence.
Steve Gibbs, editor of Service Dealer magazine said, "Every year, Service Dealer takes great pride in honouring the finest examples of specialist, local dealer expertise. Our award-winning businesses and individuals embody a commitment to consistently surpassing customer expectations in their daily work.
"At a time when the consumer experience often feels impersonal, our Dealer of the Year recipients demonstrate the importance of personalised, friendly, and highly skilled one-on-one service - a cornerstone of excellence that deserves celebration.”
The winners were –
GARDEN MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR
Winner - Major Owen Ltd, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd
Sponsored by Husqvarna
Presenting Award: Stephen Irvine, Head of Sales UK
The judges said, “Major Owen Ltd has consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment to the sector, providing unparalleled service and a customer-centric approach. They have achieved a high customer satisfaction rating this year, with the parts department winning an award from Toro.
“On top of this they have actively participated in local community initiatives, such as sponsoring their local Football Club; they have invested in staff training and development; upgraded their software system to further develop customer relations; and are committed to the promotion of sustainable products.”
Finalists
Ron Smith & Co
Gammies Groundcare
Celtic Mowers Ltd
Josh Owen-Jones and Luke Owen-Jones are presented with the Award by Stephen Irvine, Head of Sales UK at sponsors Husqvarna, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and comedian Charlie Baker
FARM MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR
Winner - Turney Group - Bicester, Middleton Stoney, Bicester
Sponsored by Ibcos
Presenting Award: Adam Giles – Global Business Development Manager
The judges said, “Having also won the New Holland Q1 Customer Service Champion award this year, Turney have established a highly regarded apprenticeship program as well as being renowned for best-in-class workshop operations, community involvement, team morale, and strong industry and supplier relations.
“Earlier this year they built upon their annual Grain Clinic holding their first Agricultural Open Day, inviting along many of their suppliers and customers. A hugely successful day they intend to build upon it next year.”
Finalist:
Dan Coates, Phil Bush and Jeremy Turney are presented with the Award by Adam Giles – Global Business Development Manager, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and comedian Charlie Baker
FORESTRY EQUIPMENT DEALER OF THE YEAR
Winner - Forest & Arb, Winchester, Hampshire
Sponsored by Societe Generale Equipment Finance
Presenting Award: James Dalke - Head of Agriculture
The judges said, “Forest and Arb are always striving to improve and are committed to delivering exceptional value and support to their customers.
“With a strong presence in the industry, this year they took significant stands at both the Arb Show and the APF event. Constantly innovating and evolving, they recently introduced new first aid kits and portable defibrillators for forestry professionals. Their comprehensive support to customers includes next-day service and support for major brands.”
Finalist
Richard Thomas, Amy Nocetti and Jason Nettle are presented with their Award by James Dalke, Head of Agriculture at sponsors Societe Generale Equipment Finance, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and comedian Charlie Baker
PROFESSIONAL TURFCARE DEALER OF THE YEAR
Winner - GGM Group, Colne, Lancashire
Sponsored by Toro UK Ltd
Presenting Award: Craig Hoare, Sales and Marketing Manager UK
The judges said, “GGM Group is well-respected by its supplier partners and highly regarded amongst its customer base. This year has seen continued recruitment, turnover growth and increased profitability.
“GGM pride themselves in building and developing a team capable of sustaining and developing the business though time; recruiting engineers, apprentices and training managers for the business of tomorrow. They give careful consideration to their sustainability strategy, whilst giving back to their local community, including through fundraising for The North West Air Ambulance."
Finalists
Middlewich Machinery
Gammies Groundcare
Major Owen Ltd
Jack Fielding and Andy Wolley are presented with the Award by Craig Hoare, Sales and Marketing Manager UK at sponsors Toro UK, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and comedian Charlie Baker
ATV / QUAD DEALER OF THE YEAR
Winner - Border Plant Sales Ltd
Sponsored by Yamaha
Presenting Award: Carl Stuart – Area Sales Manager, Power Products – South
The judges said, “With a reputation built on trust and reliability, Border Plant Sales consistently deliver top-tier quads/ATV’s to customers, facilitated by their own in-house experts who love the products as much as their clients.
"The dedicated team provides an outstanding service ensuring all quads are processed swiftly with warranty and road registration, alleviating all the stress from the customer. The service team goes above and beyond in fact, to cover warranty on CFMOTO customers whose bikes were not registered by previous dealers through no fault of their own. Their focus on long-term customer relationships has earned them a loyal base who trust in their professionalism and expertise, offering a complete package from initial purchase to aftercare.”
Finalist
Stephen Lowe is presented with the Award by Carl Stuart, Area Sales Manager, Power Products, South at sponsors Yamaha with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and comedian Charlie Baker
BEST NEW INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR
Winner – Gammies Groundcare for their diversification into pro arborist equipment
Sponsored by STIHL GB
Presenting Award: Tim Rogers – Channel Manager Omni/EBP
The judges said of Gammies' initiative, “Gammies have always sold a variety of forestry equipment, but this past year their store manager Stan, noticed an influx of professional customers who were asking about ancillary equipment used by arborists. It made sense to Stan that the professionals who were in the store purchasing machinery, should also be able to shop for professional tree climbing equipment, rather than resort to online stores.
“The dealership’s subsequent expansion and diversification into these products, taking on brands new to themselves, has been successful and appreciated by Gammies' customer base. The development is ongoing as staff undertake brand training, increasing their knowledge of the equipment and how their professional customers utilise the tools.”
Finalist
Tim Rogers – Channel Manager Omni/EBP from sponsors STIHL collected the award on behalf of Gammies, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and comedian Charlie Baker
STAR OF THE DEALERSHIP
Winner - Amy Phythian, Group Warranty Manager at Crawfords Group, Chelmsford, Essex
Sponsored by EGO
Presenting Award: David Mortimer – Regional Sales Manager, UK & Ireland
The judges said, “Amy Phythian, group warranty manager, has been instrumental in supporting all depots and aftersales teams across the Crawfords Group, working tirelessly to maintain efficiency and high standards.
“Her close collaboration with suppliers ensures exceptional accuracy and efficiency in the dealership’s warranty claims process, achieving a remarkable acceptance rate. This commitment underpins their farmer-first approach, ensuring a seamless and positive experience for customers. Amy has also taken significant steps to train Crawfords’ technicians, equipping them with a comprehensive understanding of warranty requirements and submission processes.”
Finalists
Phil Portman – Pallisers of Hereford Limited
Nathan Nash – Devon Garden Machinery
Amy Phythian is presented with the Award by David Mortimer – Regional Sales Manager, UK & Ireland at sponsors EGO, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and comedian Charlie Baker
NEW TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR
Winner - Jake Trueman, Sam Turner & Sons, Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Sponsored by Kubota
Presenting Award: Simon Chadbone – Business Development Manager - Parts
The judges said, “Starting out as a Saturday employee, Jake Trueman has quickly progressed into a key player in Sam Turner & Sons workshop, specialising in robotic mowers.
“When Jake first joined the dealership at 15, he was a shy and quiet young boy, but over the years, he has grown into a confident, self-assured young man. His determination and eagerness to learn have been key to his development, tackling each new task with a level of focus and maturity beyond his years. His self-confidence has flourished, becoming a highly respected and integral part of the team, with great prospects ahead of him.”
Finalists
Tom Wood - Crawfords Group
Joe Sweetmore - B&B Tractors
Jake Truman is presented with his Award by Simon Chadbone, Business Development Manager, Parts at sponsors Kubota, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and comedian Charlie Baker
LEADERSHIP AWARD 2024
Winner - Luke Owen-Jones, Major Owen Ltd, based in Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd
Sponsored by AGCO
Presenting Award: Jason Webb, Manager, National Aftersales Commercial, UK & Ireland
The judges said, “The staff at Major Owen Ltd nominated Luke Owen-Jones for the Leadership Award, recognising his exceptional dedication to the company and for fostering a positive, supportive and growth-oriented environment.
“He has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership far beyond his years through his strong values, leading by example and setting the standard for the team. Over the last year Luke has guided two new apprentices through their learning journeys, his patient mentorship helping them build confidence and technical expertise for their future successes. His leadership style has not only inspired his team but has also fostered a culture of inclusivity and teamwork across the business.”
Finalist
Jeremy Turney - Turney Group
Luke Owen-Jones is presented with his Award by Jason Webb, Manager, National Aftersales Commercial, UK & Ireland at sponsors AGCO, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and comedian Charlie Baker
OVERALL DEALER OF THE YEAR 2024
Winner - Major Owen Ltd, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd
Sponsored by Kress
Presenting Award: Jim Kirkwood – Director of Product Management
The judges said, “As well as winning our Garden Machinery Dealer of the Year and Leadership awards, Major Owen have claimed 2024’s Overall Dealer of the Year prize. Achieving an increase in sales over the previous year in both domestic and commercial machinery, as a small team of 25, Major Owen Ltd take great pride in their standard of work. Keen to also bring on the next generation, they have taken on apprentices in both ag and groundcare.
“With their steadfast commitment to excellence, innovative strategies, and deep community connections, Major Owen Ltd truly exemplify the attributes of a local dealer serving the domestic, commercial, agricultural, forestry and construction markets.”
Luke Owen-Jones and Josh Owen-Jones are presented with the Award by Jim Kirkwood – Director of Product Management at sponsors Kress, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke, and comedian/compere Charlie Baker
Editorial Address:
LandPower Publications LLP, Howbery Park, Benson Lane, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BA
Telephone:
Steve Gibbs: +44 (0)7929 438213
