YESTERDAY saw the start of an exciting new era for Service Dealer when last evening I signed a publishing Agreement with Duncan Murray-Clarke, md of Wallingford-based communications agency, The Ad Plain (TAP)
In effect, TAP will take on the publishing responsibility for Service Dealer magazine to include a new website, which will go live in January, and the weekly newsletter.
I will remain at the helm as editor, and I am delighted to say that Steve Gibbs, who has worked on the title for 12 years will be deputy editor. Together we will provide the editorial input for the magazine and continue to compile the weekly Friday newsletter.
All other functions including production, online activity, advertising copy, accounts and administration will be handled by the TAP team at Wallingford.
TAP are a modern and successful independent agency, who work with a number of high-profile clients particularly in the field of aviation and agriculture, and amongst their current publications is The Log, the magazine of the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA)
Service Dealer magazine has been redesigned and will be published six times a year commencing with the January/February 2014 issue (out on 5 January) which will feature our annual State of the Industry review, a major interview with David Withers, President of Jacobsen, a report on the Heritage Award winners, previews of BTME Harrogate and LAMMA as well as many other familiar and new features. The issue will also be accompanied by the return of the very popular Service Dealer Event Wall Planner for 2014.
You can see the new redesigned Service Dealer logo and learn more about TAP's recent work on their news page
The magazine will have an increased circulation and over the coming months will expand its coverage of all sectors of the market including the grass, farm, amenity, forestry, off-road vehicle and outdoor power equipment sectors.
Complimentary copies of Service Dealer will be sent to qualifying sales and service dealers in the sector, with subscriptions available to non-qualifying readers who wish to continue receiving the magazine after an initial 3-issue trial period.
A new Media Pack with rates and features is being finalised and will be circulated over the coming few days together with contact details.
2013 marked the 25th Anniversary of Service Dealer – and so it is apt that as we approach a New Year, that we build on OUR heritage by ensuring that Service Dealer continues its widely recognised role as The Voice of the Industry for many years to come.
Chris Biddle
