Here at Service Dealer Towers this week, we have been hard at work putting together the next issue of your favourite magazine.

It's not for me to say of course, but I'm sure all independent assessors would agree that's it's another absolutely superb edition of the world's best journal dedicated to the dealer network (their words).

As a sneak preview with no spoilers, we catch up with a dealer who we profiled a couple of years ago to see how their business has evolved in the fast-changing world of the network - hearing how robotics have really taken off amongst their customers. 

Elsewhere we learn about the regulations that all dealers who tow trailers behind their commercial vehicles should know. We speak to a major manufacturer about changes in their business. We learn about a new electric tractor aimed at both ag and turf applications. Find out what was new at a recent industry trade show. Preview our upcoming conference. And hear from an ex-dealer about the toll that working in the industry took on their mental health.

On top of these features we have all our regular sections - including of course the results of our survey that we ran last week asking you, our dealer readers, what factors prompt you to either drop or add a franchise in your business.

Thank you to everyone who responded to this. We received some interesting data and some fascinating comments that we can share with you in the mag. I must say, one comment in particular did stand out to me, as it appeared to be written by a dealer who'd had some especially unfortunate experiences with their manufacturer suppliers. Ones that had left a distinctly bad taste in their mouth.

This particular dealer had a problem of trust with their supplier (or suppliers?) - which, I'm sure everyone reading this today would agree is pretty fundamental to any business relationship.

They spoke of " . .diminished professionalism and respect as manufacturers abuse trust in the relationships with dealers." They went on to say that in their experience suppliers can " .  . . selfishly use the trust and openness of working events, customer demonstrations and shows with dealer staff, to court clients, market direct and, more disturbingly, court dealership staff too."

Quite the accusation and one that prompts the question, is this something you can relate to with your supplier relationships?

I'm no expert, but it would seem to me that trust between a dealer and their supplier is not just nice to have, but rather the foundation upon which long-term, mutually beneficial relationships are built. And of course most dealer-supplier relationships we hear of, are solid. However, if the trust does fail, surely an on-going relationship is simply unsustainable? 

Trust must work both ways, though. Suppliers will want to know that they can rely on their dealers to represent their brand professionally and consistently. Dealers are the front line between the manufacturers and their end user customers. The network is trusted to promote and look after products to the standards demanded by their contracts.

But the key here is that it's a two-way street. A relationship needs to be built on mutual respect. And what the dealer who wrote the above comments has experienced, certainly doesn't sound respectful. In fact it sounds like they are being taken advantage of!

Trust must surely lead to better business? A dealer who believes in their supplier is more likely to push the brand, invest in stock, and go the extra mile for mutual success. A supplier who trusts their dealer should be more likely to offer flexibility, support innovation, and back them during tough times.

But have you also experienced a breakdown in trust? If so, did you immediately the drop the brand or solider on to try to find a way through? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Or as ever, if you'd prefer to have your say anonymously, please feel free to drop me a line in confidence.

Thanks for your input.