What with all the post-GroundsFest coverage, I didn't have time to mention something else special that had also occurred last week.
Clearly a bunch of you noticed, but for those to whom it may have slipped past, the nomination period for our 2025 Dealer Of The Year Awards is now well and truly open!
The organising team tell me that in this first week that you've been able to enter, we've already had some fabulous nominations come through - but we are just getting started. This year we'd love to hear from more of our incredible dealer readers than ever before. So please, don't go hiding your lights under bushels! Let us know what incredible work your dealership and your team has been getting up to these past twelve months.
For 2025 we have categories for dealerships, individual staff members and for the first time, customers! So there's plenty of scope for companies large and small (and medium-sized) to get themselves in the mix for.
Our core machinery specialism awards this year comprise:
Also for all dealerships we shall once again be looking for the Best New Initiative (sponsored by STIHL).
Each dealership that enters into any machinery category will, of course, be in the running for the prestigious Overall Dealer of the Year prize - which is presented by our Principal Sponsors, who this year are our great friends from AL-KO Weibang.
As well as these company awards, we always enjoy presenting honours to individual team members within the business. It's fabulous to pay tribute to those people who simply make their colleagues' working lives that much better! Prizes for these special people will be given for:
And new this year, we are also looking for your Customer of the Year (sponsored by EGO). This category is flexible and we're genuinely intrigued as to who our amazing dealer readers will choose to put forward. Your nominees could be a loyal customer who has been coming to your place for years; a person or group who are doing great things within the community; or a person / company that simply make working with them a real joy. We're going to be led by you on this one.
So hopefully there's plenty there for you all to get excited about and thinking what you'd like to find yourselves in the running for. The nomination window is open until Friday 24th October - so don't delay, make sure you get your hat well and truly in the ring so you don't miss out.
Why enter?
We've spoken about it before, but there's strong reasons why being nominated for - and indeed winning - a trade award such as our Dealer of the Year prizes is so valuable for a small business.
Firstly, it can be a real milestone for an independent dealership. Straight away it sends out a strong message that your business is at the top of its game. Customers get the reassurance that they’re dealing with people who know their stuff - and for anyone considering where to spend their money, an award could be the nudge that tips the balance in your favour.
Then there’s the marketing boost. An award gives you a ready-made story to shout about. Share it on your website, your socials, in your newsletters and even, if you're like me and from the olden days, in printed media! Unlike a paid-for advert, an award can carry that extra credibility - it’s recognition from industry peers, not just self-promotion. And being able to put 'Dealer of the Year' on your signage or in your email footer is a simple way to stand out every single day.
And finally, especially following the season we've experienced, don’t forget the team. Winning an award is a huge morale boost. It shows your staff that the long hours and effort are recognised and appreciated. For an independent, where every person is vital, that sense of pride and acknowledgment can go a long way in building loyalty and keeping spirits high.
So please do head over to our awards entry page on our website. You'll find all the guidance there that you need to make your nomination(s). Remember we want to hear your stories and gain a flavour of what your dealerships are all about.
Good luck and get entering!
