In today's Weekly Update there's some stories of reflection and some looking ahead with excitement.

Firstly, I'd like to reiterate my own and Service Dealer's best wishes to Keith Christian upon his retirement from BAGMA. Keith has been a great friend to both myself personally and to the magazine during his tenure at the Association. However, we are far from unique in that regard. Keith is a great friend to all in the industry - never failing to share his help, wisdom and experience with those who need it.

As just one recent example, throughout the pandemic Keith was always on hand, willing to give up his time to join Service Dealer's group video calls. Offering practical advice, he was constantly on top of the complex and ever-changing rules and regulations imposed by government that applied to dealers - helpfully translating them into plain English so we could all understand where the industry stood.

The AEA / BAGMA certainly have a task on their hands, finding someone to take over from Keith. He will most certainly be missed by all who had dealings with him - but let's hope this isn't the last we've heard from Mr Christian!

Looking forward now, also in the Weekly Update today you'll find the unveiling of the categories for the Dealer Of The Year Awards. Today the team is just confirming what the Awards are for this year - you'll be able to throw your hat in the ring, for as many awards as you like, in a couple of weeks.

For the time being, get your thinking overalls on and start deciding which categories you, your business and your team members should be in the running for. You can also begin to gather together any supporting materials for your entry that you might like the judges to take into account. Evidence like testimonials, videos, pictures, links to blogs and to social accounts - anything that supports your nomination would be helpful.

The categories you can enter this year are:

• Garden Machinery Dealer of the Year
• Farm Machinery Dealer of the Year
• Forestry Machinery Dealer of the Year
• Professional Turfcare Dealer of the Year
• Star of the Dealership
• Apprentice of the Year
• Best New Initiative
• Leadership Award

As you can see, we have reinstated our core dealer product sector awards this year, as well as retaining some of the new individual prizes that were established in 2021. I do hope that you, our dealer readers, upon seeing these categories today already have an inkling about what you'd like to take a shot at winning.

These have been a tough few years, with the past 12 months perhaps even more challenging than during the midst of all the lockdowns. You know precisely how hard you and your team have had to work, under incredibly trying conditions, to keep your business going and - crucially - keep your customers satisfied. So why not get that recognition you deserve?

Don't be shy! Shout about how you good you are. Winning a Dealer Of The Year award is not only a fantastic boost for you and your team, it's a gold-plated marketing opportunity. The PR you can generate locally via your social channels and local press, plus the national recognition from the industry and your peers, should not be underestimated.

So start those conversations within your dealership. Which Award(s) you should be going in for?

And to the manufacturer's, please also consider who you feel in your network deserves this recognition. The judges will want to hear from the suppliers' side too, letting the panel know who the stars are that represent your brands.

All the details you'll need to enter the Awards will be published in this Weekly Update very soon. So keep 'em peeled - and get thinking!