If you have been meaning to enter our Dealer Of The Year Awards this time around, but haven’t quite got round to it, here’s your final (polite) nudge.
In an unprecedented move (and I assure you there's definitely no need to look back to what happened last year - or the one before that!) the marvellous organising team have extended the deadline by a few days until this coming Tuesday (October 27th 2026). So there’s still time to get your application together over the weekend and put your dealership in the running.
There are plenty of good reasons to get involved, not least the chance to earn some well-deserved recognition for the hard work you and your team put in throughout the year. But there’s also an opportunity to shine a light on someone who might not always get the recognition they deserve.
Added to the awards line-up last week following popular demand, our returning Star Of The Dealership category is all about celebrating the individuals who make a real difference to the business.
You know who they are in your workplace. They’re the people who make coming in on a Monday morning that little bit more bearable! Perhaps it’s your parts person who always finds a solution, a sales expert who goes the extra mile for customers, or an admin whizz who somehow keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
Whoever they are, we want to hear about them.
These are the unsung heroes who help make a dealership what it is, and this award offers an opportunity to put them in the spotlight, giving them the recognition they deserve. Nominations can come from suppliers, employers, managers, senior team members, colleagues or customers - so there are plenty of ways to make sure a deserving individual gets their moment in the sun.
Other awards for individuals will acknowledge the vital role of New Technicians and the inspiration that comes from great Leaders.
Of course, it’s not just individuals who can benefit. Our machinery specialism awards offer dealerships the chance to demonstrate the quality of their business and the expertise they bring to their customers.
There are titles to be won across Garden, Professional Turfcare, Farm and Forestry machinery, while this year also sees the introduction of a Plant Hire & Construction Machinery Dealer of the Year category, reflecting the growing breadth of our readership. Also for open for nominations from any business is the always fascinating Best New Initiative prize.
Whatever the area you are your local experts in (and it could of course, be more than one), there’s a category for you to get involved with.
I always think that winning a respected trade award of this kind can make a genuine difference to a small business. Beyond the satisfaction of knowing your team’s efforts have been given their dues, there’s a valuable PR opportunity. A win can provide a great story for local media and your social channels, strengthen relationships with customers and suppliers, and give prospective customers another reason to choose your business.
It’s always gratifying for us to see previous winners proudly displaying their trophies in their showrooms, or using their winners’ logos on their websites and email signatures. These are businesses making the most of their achievement, and rightly so.
So I’m afraid you must consider this your final reminder. The extended deadline is this coming Tuesday 27th October, giving you until the beginning of next week to throw your hat into the ring.
Entering is straightforward, and the potential benefits for your business and the people who make it special, are well worth the effort.
Click here to find all the details of each category and to get your nominations in.
Don’t leave it until next year. Get involved!
