Communication is the axis around which every business succeeds or fails.  Communication with the public at large, with customers, staff and with suppliers.  But we get too few opportunities to communicate amongst ourselves, share experiences, learn off each other, chew the cud, relate triumphs or pitfalls.

That simply was the purpose behind yesterday’s thought-provoking Service Dealer Conference which once again demonstrated an industry that appears comfortable in its own skin, whilst eager and willing to try new ideas – at its own pace.

Evolution rather than revolution will always be the game-plan. Access, understand, and try new ideas gradually rather than dive in head-first. Learn from the experiences of others and adapt to individual circumstances.

Of course there are hot-potato issues, mainly meeting the challenges provide by the internet, but there was a consensus that the internet provides as many opportunities for the independent retailer as threats to his future (possibly more so).

But when it came down to it, there was universal agreement that the long-established basics of successfully dealing with customers are those that have existed for years.  The power of good service. Understanding their needs. Consistent and relevant communication -particularly with those with whom you have dealt with previously.

None of these are rocket-science, and many of the dealers who spoke yesterday agreed that they could do better to hone their skills and systems to achieve those basics.

As an industry we employ less people than a major retailer like Tesco. But in a way that itself is a strength. Yesterday brought together dealer principals of large multi-branch dealerships, single branch farm machinery dealers, small garden machinery dealers, specialists in forestry kit and in ATVs, old heads and young heads. All part of a diverse and relatively unrecognised industry.  But my . . . the passion, the enthusiasm, the common sense, the willingness to listen and learn was palpable – and exhilarating.

For many years, it has been my vision that we could create once again the type of event that we staged yesterday. A platform, a forum where dealers could come together to discuss their future in a neutral environment.  Dealer to dealer debate, rather than sales conferences or dealer days organised by suppliers (essential, but different).

The new Service Dealer team turned that vision into a reality with a packed house at the Oxford Belfry yesterday. It was a superbly organised, professionally staged event by a team led by new owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and event director Julie Gill who delivered a conference which this morning still has all the delegates buzzing, but which has set a standard and a marker for what will surely become THE essential dealer event for many years to come.