We lead today's Weekly Update with a couple of stories centred around people - around personalities who have made a significant impact on this industry.
Firstly, all at Service Dealer would like to extend their condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Robin Nettle of Winchester Garden Machinery who has sadly passed away. Chris Biddle has put together a wonderful piece in celebration of Robin for today's Weekly Update, which through talking to those who knew him, paints a vivid picture of the man. Chris has also sourced some wonderfully evocative pictures of Robin throughout his career. We hope those who knew Robin will appreciate reading those comments today and seeing those pictures - hopefully bringing back some delightful memories.
On a happier note we also hear of the retirement of Clive Pinnock from Reesink Turfcare. Described by the company as a 'training trailblazer', Clive has retired following 34 years working with Toro products. We at Service Dealer join Reesink in congratulating Clive on his wonderful career and hope he enjoys a long and fulfilling retirement.
What events like these do highlight is how difficult it is when companies lose key members of a team - particularly with a bereavement obviously. In those cases when a colleague dies, it will of course be devastating for everyone. Business experts will say as well as offering access to emotional support channels, perhaps a business might consider how they can remember them and celebrate their life? A donation to a chosen charity, a memorial of some description or a company event might be thought of. Winchester Garden Machinery for example have set up a charity memorial donation page for people who want to honour Robin.
With a retirement there isn't that sadness obviously, but the business, especially a small business, does need to make sure there's continuity and preparedness for inevitable departures.
According to a recruitment specialist, the best thing a small business can do to protect itself against the loss of a team member is to ensure excellent communication and well-integrated teamwork. David Bloxham, managing director at a company called GCS Recruitment, has written, "Engendering an environment that promotes teamwork will mean that all roles in your company are transparent to all. This is critical - there shouldn’t be a role that can’t be picked up by someone else."
Another point he raises is that a small business should try not to be over reliant on a single person - that way following a departure, knee-jerk replacements are not rushed into. Filing a role quickly, should not come at the price of ensuring you are taking on the right person for your dealership.
On a related note, a concept I found interesting is that it's recommended that similar to the way a job seeker is told to always keep their C.V refreshed and up-to-date, so employers should always be on the lookout for new members to join their team - even when they are not actively recruiting. David Bloxham says doing this will "not only ensure you’re aware of the market and can benchmark the latest skills, it also establishes relationships with quality candidates. Don’t think just because you think your team is safe and no one has left yet, that they never will. Be prepared and avoid complacency."
It's been said many times before, but the most important resource that any dealership has is its people. We are hearing that recruiting at the moment is as difficult as it's ever been. The right candidates are hard to find and thin on the ground - but they must be out there?!
It's a subject which most certainly requires on-going discussion between dealers, manufacturers, trade associations, the media and employment experts. Service Dealer will continue to act as a conduit for that discussion, both through our pages and our organised events.
What we shall also always continue to do, is celebrate all the wonderful people who populate this industry and make it such a pleasure to work within.
