Brian Mitchell is the latest industry figure to join our panel of experts at the upcoming Service Dealer Conference & Awards which takes place November 19th, replacing David Beck.

Brian joined Cyril Johnston & Co Ltd in January 2015 as Head of Retail.

Prior to joining the Carryduff, Co Down based company, Brian spent 10 years with Next Retail plc as Operations Manager, 8 years with Comet as Store Manager before, most recently, working with B&Q as Service Manager and Deputy Manager in stores in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Brian's considerable experience in other retail environments has been put to very good use in the development of the showroom. Since joining Cyril Johnston, the showroom has enjoyed significant double digit year-on-year sales growth. The showroom sells a wide range of leading brands including Cyril Johnston's successful brand of Gardencare lawnmowers, handheld products and accessories.

Whilst the sale, supply and service of lawnmowers and garden machinery is at the heart of Cyril Johnston's retail business, Brian has overseen diversification into adjacent lifestyle products - reducing seasonality and broadening the business' reach into a wider demographic.

Find out more about all the panelists at the Service Dealer Conference & Awards here.