There are a couple of important of announcements for our dealer readers in today's Weekly Update.
Firstly, a reminder about the open consultation that the Government has been running on the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Bill. For any dealers who want to have their say on this important piece of legislation affecting our sector, you need to make your contributions via the official Government website by midnight next Thursday (July 13th).
It seems crucial that expert voices such as our readers are heard in this consultation, as it's precisely you who holds the specialist knowledge around this subject and indeed you who will be affected by any future changes to the law. We've been contacted by manufacturers who have told us that if this bill is passed it will have "significant impact" on dealers.
Our anonymous columnist, The Sprocket, meanwhile in their latest piece in our magazine, describes the thought of the bill as an "incredible nonsense" and goes on to say, "There is no question that preventing equipment theft should be a priority, but it seems somewhat naïve to encourage legislation that requires immobilisers to be fitted post production and only for the UK."
So if you do feel that you have something to say on the subject, now is the time to let the powers that be know. I guess it is impossible to say how much influence an individual comment will have, but similar to when it comes to voting in elections, if you don't make use of your democratic right, you can't really complain about the outcome.
Service Dealer Conference & Awards 2023
Anyway, on to a more exciting and upbeat announcement today, and that's the confirmation of the theme for this November's Service Dealer Conference.
It's always an exciting time of the year for the team, when we can begin to share details of what has been going on behind the scenes to prepare for our event dedicated to the independent dealer network. It has now been revealed that the Conference this year will be entitled Taking Care Of Business and will address the topics of sustainability and the retail experience.
As we have been promoting, alongside the announcements of our wonderful sponsors for this edition, the day has shifted to a new, much larger capacity venue - the Crowne Plaza at Stratford-Upon-Avon - in order to cope with the increased demand for spaces. We are expecting more dealers than ever before to join us for what is shaping up to be an incredibly valuable day.
The team pulling together the programme of events, based as ever on feedback received from previous attendees, tell me they are super excited about what they have lined up. Similar to that Government consultation that's looking for comments from those in the know, the best people to ask regarding the shape of a conference dedicated to dealers is - surprise, surprise - dealers. And following on from the feedback forms received after 2022's event, as well as speaking with panels of dealers throughout the year, a schedule examining sustainability and the retail experience feels completely on-point for the current business climate.
We will be announcing plenty more in the run up to the Conference, including unveiling who will be delivering the keynote address this year and what the seminar and breakout sessions will entail.
Also, of course, stay tuned to this Update, our social channels and the magazine as we will be launching 2023's Dealer Of The Year competition soon. All the info you need regarding this year's categories and how to be in the running for a prestigious prize will be explained in due course.
Until then, make sure you mark up Thursday 30th November 2023 in your diaries as the day for learning, sharing experiences and celebrating with friends and colleagues.
We can't wait to see you there.
