PRO DEALERS OF THE YEAR 2023 REVEALED

Honours handed out

PICTURED ABOVE: Devon Garden Machinery won Professional Turfcare Machinery Dealer of the Year

Taking place on Thursday evening last week (November 30th 2023) following TurfPro's sister title Service Dealer's Conference, the winners of 2023’s Service Dealer Awards were announced and presented at a joyful awards ceremony, held for the first time at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford upon Avon.

Following a rip-roaring set from stand-up Rob Rouse, the awards were hosted once again by comedian and actor Charlie Baker. Organised by the team behind Service Dealer magazine for the 19th time, as ever the Awards took immense pride in recognising outstanding sales, service advice and support by dealers in the garden machinery, professional turfcare machinery, farm machinery, ATV and forestry equipment industry.

The awards categories were judged by an expert panel who carefully considered nominations which, as ever, were submitted by dealer principals, dealership staff, supplying manufacturers and valued customers. Dealerships large or small, multi-branch or single premises were able to enter, and all entries were judged meticulously and with utmost fairness.

Steve Gibbs, editor of Service Dealer magazine said, "Each year Service Dealer is delighted to celebrate the very best in specialist, local dealer expertise. Our winning companies and individuals exemplify how exceeding customer expectations is standard practice in their working lives. 

“In these times when the consumer journey can be increasingly depersonalised, our Dealer Of The Year winners prove that friendly, highly-skilled, one-to-one service is both vital and to be cherished.”

The winners were – 

GARDEN MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

Winner - MowersUK, Tadley, Hampshire

Sponsored by Husqvarna
Presenting Award: Stewart Carter, Forest & Garden Division UK Country Manager
 
The judges said, “MowersUK are all about putting customers at the heart of their business. In the light of the cost-of-living crisis, they considered how best to serve their community during troubled economic times. They chose to do so by switching focus and expanding their offering towards the more value end of their range.

“They have also emphasised the importance of increased local footfall into the showroom to highlight their personal service, introducing In-Store Only Deals and Deals of the Month to help cash-strapped customers.”

Finalists    

Celtic Mowers Ltd
Gammies Groundcare
Devon Garden Machinery

Stewart Carter, Forest & Garden Division UK Country Manager at sponsors Husqvarna collcted the award on behalf of MowersUK, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and comedian Charlie Baker

 

FARM MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

Winner - Arwel’s Agri Services Ltd, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire

Sponsored by Ibcos 
Presenting Award: Paul Brown, Account Manager
 
The judges said of Arwel’s Agri Services, “A relatively young company, Arwel's expanded during the Covid period, successfully taking on the Krone franchise. They subsequently went a step further, making a major change with the Fendt dealership - a move that has gone from strength to strength.

“A successful Open Day this year was a business highlight, acting as an opportunity to generate some serious customer buzz. The business is blessed with a strong team who are always happy to face whatever challenges the farming market presents.”

Finalists:    

Battlefield Machinery Ltd
Crawfords Group

Arwel Evans and Georgina Cornock-Evans are presented with the Award by Paul Brown, Account Manager at sponsors Ibcos, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and comedian Charlie Baker
 

FORESTRY MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

Joint Winners 

Buxtons Ltd, Penkridge, Staffordshire
Forest and Arb, Winchester, Hampshire

Sponsored by Societe Generale Equipment Finance
Presenting Award: Stephen Davies, Head of Agriculture
 
The judges said of the joint winners, “The judges this year were unable to separate two exceptional forestry machinery dealerships – therefore jointly awarding Buxtons and Forest & Arb.

“Buxtons have one of the largest showrooms in the UK for forestry and arboricultural products, with an ever-expanding range. They have recently completely overhauled their premises which has coincided with the next generation of Buxtons taking over increased responsibility in the dealership.

“Forest And Arb place great value on meeting customers face-to-face, creating new relationships, hence their attendance at both major arb shows this year. The dealership pushed through continued stock difficulties in early 2023 to ensure sure they had the right equipment available – whilst at the same time expanding into new product areas."

Jason Nettle and Neale Hopley are presented with their Award by Steven Davies, Head of Agriculture at sponsors Societe Generale Equipment Finance, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and comedian Charlie Baker

 
PROFESSIONAL GROUNDCARE MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

Winner - Devon Garden Machinery, Torquay

Sponsored by Toro UK Ltd 
Presenting Award: Craig Hoare, Sales and Marketing Manager UK
 
The judges said, “Devon Garden Machinery pride themselves on helping their professional end-user customers thrive throughout their careers. They are focussed on training, offering guidance to both young apprentices and to mature students with their continuing professional development. 

“The company go above and beyond to keep turf professionals working at all times, caring passionately about their customers and the service they provide.”

Finalists    

Stuart Taylor International
Garden Machines Northampton Ltd

Steve Dommett is 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 - MKM Agriculture Ltd, branches in Bedfordshire and Suffolk#

Sponsored by Yamaha 
Presenting Award: Gareth Sloane, Power Products Manager
 
The judges said of MKM Agri, “MKM have invested heavily in their marketing ambition this year. They have employed a new marketing manager, held a major open day and upped their social media engagement significantly.

“Always looking to enhance the customers’ experience, MKM are currently exploring several new endeavours including projects such as the establishment of a utility vehicle test track.”

Finalist

Wilsons Of Rathkenny

Anthony Deacon is presented with the Award by Gareth Sloane, Power Products Manager at sponsors Yamaha with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and comedian Charlie Baker

BEST NEW INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR

Winner – B&B Group for their total rebrand

Sponsored by STIHL GB 
Presenting Award: Simon Hewitt, Head of Marketing
 
The judges said of B&B’s initiative, “B&B Group’s total rebrand is a major overhaul, completely reinvigorating their whole business. Expanding their company into four divisions - B&B Tractors, B&B Machinery, B&B Plant, and B&B Groundcare – the change ensures they can effectively meet their customers’ diverse requirements.

“Way more than simply a name change, this initiative was undertaken to ensure their image, values, and market position perfectly align with their vision for the future.”

Finalist

GGM Groundscare

Craig Harper, Sara Paoloni & Andrew Walker are presented with the Award by Simon Hewitt, Head of Marketing from sponsors STIHL, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke, left and comedian Charlie Baker, right
 

STAR OF THE DEALERSHIP

Winner - Jennifer Scrymgeour, Gammies Groundcare, Forfar, Angus

Sponsored by EGO
Presenting Award: Peter Melrose, Managing Director
 
The judges said, “Jennifer Scrymgeour has been working at Gammies for over 14 years, starting out as an office junior, progressing to office manager. She is the focal point of the day-to-day running of the business and helps all departments across the dealership.

“Never too busy to assist a colleague or customer, Jennifers' extensive knowledge of stocking, purchasing, and accounts means she always comes up with a solution, no matter the circumstances. A vital help to everyone around the dealership, she uses her initiative to offer creative solutions to all issues encountered.”

Finalist

Sara Paoloni, B&B Tractors

Les Gammie collects the Award on behalf of Jennifer Scrymgeour from Peter Melrose, Managing Director at sponsors EGO, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and comedian Charlie Baker

 
NEW TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR

Winner - Nathan Jones, Edwards and Farmer Ltd, Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Sponsored by Kubota
Presenting Award: David Hart, Managing Director
 
The judges said, “Nathan Jones exceeds the expectations set by customers, colleagues and college lecturers. His passion for the industry is unmatched and his ambition to continuously improve is admirable. Nathan worked immensely hard throughout his AGCO Apprenticeship, where he achieved distinctions in every module, and continues to push himself in the workshop.

“Involved across all aspects of the dealership, his skill level, eye for detail and keenness to finish a job to the highest of standards is a commendable attitude and a benchmark for others.”

Finalists

Josh Harrison - Pallisers
Milan Clifton - Hunts Engineering

Nathan Jones is presented with his Award by David Hart, Managing Director at sponsors Kubota, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and comedian Charlie Baker

LEADERSHIP AWARD 2023

Winner - Duncan Waitland, Crawfords Group based in Writtle, Essex

Sponsored by AGCO 
Presenting Award: Jason Webb, Manager, National Aftersales Commercial, UK & Ireland
 
The judges said, “In his role as Group Parts Manager for Crawfords Group, Duncan Waitland has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership. One of his remarkable contributions is the collaboration with the sales department to develop parts contingencies for sold machines. He has also recently played a pivotal role in the company's IT system development, as well as acting as a vital element in the successful integration of Agwood into the company.

“Duncan's leadership qualities, dedication, and numerous accomplishments have had a profound impact on the success and cohesion of Crawfords Group.”

Finalist

Paul Vincent, Vincent Tractors & Plant

Duncan Waitland 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 2023

Winner - Arwel’s Agri Services Ltd, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire

Sponsored by Kress
Presenting Award: Tony Macer, National Sales Manager UK & Ireland
 
The judges said, “As a business Arwel’s has not only taken on exciting new brands but have also helped expand what their loyal staff can do with their skills. The young team do not only undertake their everyday work, but also look for further exciting projects to help build on the business's image and help promote the company's ethos.

“Working together as husband and wife is never easy but having the incredible staff around them at Arwel’s Agri, ensures that Georgina and Arwel have the perfect platform to allow the dealership to thrive."

Arwel Evans and Georgina Cornock-Evans are presented with the Award by Tony Macer, National Sales Manager UK & Ireland at sponsors Kress, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke, and comedian/compere Charlie Baker