In a glittering ceremony at the Oxford Belfry Hotel last Thursday (November 16th), the prestigious Service Dealer Awards were presented.
The Awards, organised by the leading business magazine and TurfPro's sister title, Service Dealer, are now in their 14th year and recognise outstanding sales, service advice and support by dealers in the professional turfcare machinery, garden machinery, farm machinery, forestry equipment and ATV/Quad industry.
George Browns professional turfcare machinery and service business based in Leighton Buzzard won the 2017 Professional Turfcare Machinery Dealer of the Year Award. The award was announced and presented to Kevin McConnell, Derrick Pratt and Andrew Brown at the ceremony by Steve Gibbs, Editor of TurfPro and Service Dealer.
Kevin McConnell, Derrick Pratt and Andrew Brown with Steve Gibbs
Finalists for the award were Balmers GM Ltd of Wakefield and Thomas Sherriff & Co Ltd of Jedburgh.
An integral part of the judging process for the Awards included customer feedback. High praise received for George Browns included, “Good helpful advice. Took time to check my needs and sold me the right piece of equipment - even recommended a lower priced charger after discussing my usage patterns.”
The judges said, “George Browns has demonstrated long term consistency with regular improvements. They stock a great variety of products, message well through Social Media and have obtained some great customer feedback this year.”
The other winning dealers across the various categories were:
GARDEN MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Husqvarna. Presenting Award: Ken Brewster, UK Sales & Marketing Director
Winner - Garlick Garden Machinery Ltd, Preston
Ken Brewster & Chris Garlick
The judges said, "Garlick Garden Machinery was established in 2013 by Chris Garlick, then just 21 years old. The dealership is progressive and embraces new technologies like robotic mowers and cordless products. Garlick has good use of Social Media channels and the customer feedback was extremely strong."
Finalists – Hertfordshire Garden Machinery Ltd, Bramfield; Green Stripe Garden Machinery Ltd Market Rasen
FARM MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Kramp. Presenting Award: James Buchanan, Field Sales Manager
Winner - RVW Pugh Ltd, Powys
Emma Leah and Mary Evans receive their Award from James Buchanan
The judges said, "This family business established in 1978 has grown across its 3 branches. It is well documented that the large machinery sales are still suffering and Pugh’s has been very much bucking the tractor sales trends this year. Pughs is a strong business that attracts sales in a not so typical ag area."
Finalists – Burdens Group, Sutterton; B&B Tractors, Warsop
FORESTRY EQUIPMENT DEALER OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by STIHL GB. Presenting Award: Steve Parkin, National Sales Manager.
Pete & Emma McArthur with Steve Parkin
Winner - Strathbogie Forest & Garden Limited, Aberdeenshire
The judges said, "Following on from a purpose built new showroom and website in 2016, Strathbogie offer a variety of quality manufacturers. Pete and the team combine traditional knowledge whilst embracing change by leading the way in robotic mower sales. They stick to selling on quality and not on price and to cap all that the customer feedback was superb."
Finalists - Gustharts, Seaton Burn; Forest and Arb, Winchester
ATV / QUAD DEALER OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Catalyst Computer Systems. Presenting Award Mike Cameron, Systems Sales Manager
Winner - Stratton ATV Ltd, Perth
Mike Cameron and Craig Wainwright-Fisher
The judges said, "Stratton show a good understanding of multiple markets and tailored solutions within the ATV sector. As a relatively new company they have a neat showroom, perform well and are respected locally."
Finalist - Congleton Garden Machinery Ltd, Congleton
OVERALL DEALER OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Kramp. Presenting Award: Des Boyd, Sales Director
Duncan Murray-Clarke and Des Boyd join Pete & Emma McArthur to celebrate their Overall Dealer of the Year win
Winner - Strathbogie Forest & Garden Limited
The judges said, "Pete McArthur and his team are held in high regard by their principal suppliers – and in offering an unrivalled back-up service they don’t discount wildly to match on-line pricing. Their product knowledge is second-to-none and they support a top-notch website. In our view they are worthy winners."
