As we start to think about winding down for a well-earned break, it's worth reflecting on another year of the dealer sector's extraordinary hard-work.
Hearing from our readers throughout the year, and especially during the Dealer Of The Year judging process that I'm privileged to form a small part of, I learn about all the incredible entrepreneurship, innovation and devotion that goes into the running of businesses around the country. For me. it is then immensely gratifying to be in a position to be able to report and shine a light upon dealerships who are doing things their way, for their customers, in their communities.
It truly makes my job as editor for the journal dedicated to the dealer sector, fascinating and ever-changing. For example, just looking at the issue of the magazine we have heading off to the printers now (which will be with you all during the first week of the new year) it's packed full great articles which hold a mirror up to this vibrant sector - penned by a crack editorial team!
We look back at the recent Service Dealer Conference, with summaries written by award-winning ag machinery journalist Martin Rickatson, on all the insightful sessions for dealers held at the Stratford-Upon-Avon Crowne Plaza - and we of course feature all the amazing winning businesses and individuals from our Dealer of the Year Awards.
Elsewhere our regular contributor and editor of TurfPro magazine, Laurence Gale, opens his huge book of professional end-user contacts, speaking to a panel of top commercial practitioners about what they require from their relationships with their machinery dealers.
We are also delighted to welcome to the mag, a couple of new, expert voices for 2024. Firstly, industry legend, ex BAGMA head-honcho, and all round font of specialist knowledge, Keith Christian is joining us a regular contributor. Keith kicks off his tenure with his take on the recent SALTEX show - and shares his thoughts on where the wider UK trade show scene may be heading. Keith will continue to write pieces throughout the year that reflect his particular areas of expertise and passion. We're over the moon to have him on board.
As we say hello to Keith though, at the same time we're bidding a fond farewell to Jason Nettle from Winchester Garden Machinery who so fantastically talked us through his year in our Dairy Of A Season column. We are however, so pleased to welcome Joanne Balmer from Balmers GM, to enlighten us during 2024. Jo, who also helps us out as part of the Machinery Dealer Diversity group, will be keeping us informed each issue, on how things are panning out at her dealership. She begins with a fascinating entry, that considers how dealerships now must sell themselves to potential employees, rather than the other way round.
We also of course, include regular features from our expert contributors Adam Bernstein, Sara Hey and mystery columnist The Sprocket!
Before all that arrives with you though, we have a couple of end-of-term treats in today's Weekly Update. For a bit of a laugh, you can watch our comedian friends Charlie Baker and Rob Rouse backstage at the Service Dealer Awards, confess about their slightly dubious relationship with lawnmowers - plus other assorted nonsense! Do regularly keep an eye on Service Dealer's YouTube channel and other social media outlets, where more treats like this are regularly posted.
And finally today, the clever people at TAP have put together a festive game that you can waste time attempting to master! I had a go and embarrassed myself with my ineptitude - but I'm sure there are some young people reading this who excel at these sorts of things!
Until we're back with you again at noon on Friday January 5th 2024, my thanks to everyone who makes Service Dealer tick (with an especial high-five to Nikki). Have a lovely and relaxing Christmas break when you get there - and we look forward to once again documenting the industry's year alongside our incredible dealer readers, every step of the way.
Cheers!
Steve
