We have a new name to add to the line-up of expert speakers for this year’s Service Dealer Conference today, and I think our latest addition promises to deliver a particularly thought-provoking session for our valued dealer delegates.

Colonel Julian Salusbury, formerly of the Welsh Guards, will be joining us on December 3rd to explore a subject that feels especially relevant to anyone running a small business: the importance of character in leadership.

Now, I would not be so bold as to preempt what Colonel Salusbury might have to say, but his background certainly suggests he’ll have plenty of experience to draw upon. Having served as an Army officer for more than 27 years, his career has taken him on operations in Northern Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan and the wider Middle East, alongside roles in training, ceremonial duties and senior staff positions within the Ministry of Defence.

All of which is, of course, an entirely different working environment to the one most of our dealer readers operate in day to day (even if some reading this might perhaps describe certain customer or supplier interactions as minor skirmishes!) However, I have no doubt that there are some interesting and direct parallels to be drawn.

Because while the exact circumstances might be worlds apart, the fundamentals of leadership aren't necessarily so different. How do you build trust in the people around you? What happens when plans go awry, pressure mounts or things simply don't go as you'd hoped? And how do your own actions influence the way your team responds?

These are questions that will likely be familiar to anyone who has run a dealership, particularly in a year when trading conditions have presented plenty of obstacles of their own.

Colonel Salusbury has said his session, entitled The Importance of Character in Leadership, will examine how character is built when things are going well, revealed when things go wrong and strengthened by the way we respond. Drawing on his experience in defence, he'll explore the everyday behaviours that help build trust, as well as how adversity and disappointment can help shape better leaders.

It sounds like the type of session that the organisers of the Service Dealer Conference always seem to get right. Pulling in someone from a sector outside of our own, but whose experiences (in this case of leadership) can leave delegates with plenty of useful food for thought for their own businesses long after they've left the Conference.

And this is just one element what’s planned for December. The theme this year is Culture; specifically, the culture created within dealerships, why it matters and how it can influence everything from staff engagement and customer relationships to a company’s ability to adapt and succeed.

Alongside Colonel Salusbury's Insight Session, we've got a range of fascinating speakers and breakout sessions lined up. You can find out more about the programme and the other speakers on the Service Dealer website.

So, if you haven't already made plans to join us, do make sure you're there on December 3rd. The Conference is a great opportunity to step away from the day-to-day demands of the business, share experiences with fellow dealers and take home ideas that could make a genuine difference.

And one other thing, don't forget there is still time to get involved in this year's Dealer of the Year Awards. Nominations are open until October 24th, and whether you enter your business or nominate a staff member who deserves recognition, we'd love to hear from you.

We look forward to seeing you in December!