STIHL GB celebrated the achievements of its dealer network at its STIHL 100 Dealer Conference last week, bringing together their Approved Dealers from across the country for a landmark event marking the company's centenary year.
Winner of the top STIHL 100 Award was Ron Smith & Co. Pictured L-R: Tim Rogers, STIHL GB channel manager; Mark Smith, md Ron Smith & Co; Kay Green, md STIHL GB; and TV gardener, Joe Swift
The event marked 100 years since Andreas Stihl founded the business in 1926 with the company describing the event as providing an opportunity to recognise "the vital role dealer network continues to play in delivering expert advice, service and support to customers nationwide."
A highlight of the conference, held at British HQ, Contra House, was the STIHL Dealer Awards, hosted by garden designer, broadcaster and writer Joe Swift, who presented awards recognising excellence across the dealer network.
Among the evening's major winners were Sam Turners & Sons, who received the Marketing Excellence Award, Gammies Groundcare, who received the Leading Battery Dealer award, and Louise Danbury-Peters from Ibbetts who was recognised with the Star of the Dealership Award. Additional awards were presented across a range of categories celebrating outstanding business performance, customer service, and technical expertise.
The final award of the night, the STIHL 100 Award, was presented to Ron Smith & Co. for all-round excellence, recognising their consistent growth and commitment to the highest standards across every part of the business. As well as the award itself, director Mark Smith was presented with a Centennial Edition MS 500i chainsaw, which was launched in May to celebrate the company’s anniversary.
Kay Green, managing director of STIHL GB, said, "As we celebrate 100 years of STIHL, it is fitting that we recognise the people who have played such an important role in our success. Our dealer network has always been at the heart of the STIHL business, providing customers with trusted advice, expert support and exceptional service.
"The STIHL 100 Dealer Conference was a fantastic opportunity to get together, reflect on our shared achievements and celebrate the outstanding individuals and businesses that continue to set the standard across the network. Congratulations to all of this year's winners and finalists on their well-deserved recognition."
The full list of award winners
- Marketing Excellence Award - Sam Turner & Sons
- Leading Parts & Accessories Dealer - Hire Services (Southern)
- Customer Service & Aftercare Award - Sam Turner & Sons
- Leading Retail Experience Award - Balmers
- Technician of the Year - Wayne Bodinnar, Tudor Environmental
- Star of the Dealership - Louise Danbury-Peters, Ibbetts
- Leading Garden Machinery Dealer - Ron Smith & Co
- Leading Battery Dealer - Gammies Groundcare Ltd
- Leading Commercial Solutions Dealer - Denbigh Plant Services
- Leading Forestry & Arb Dealer - Gustharts
- STIHL 100 Award - Ron Smith & Co
