DEALER OF THE YEAR WINNERS 2018 ANNOUNCED

Titles awarded at the Oxford Belfry last night

In a prestigious ceremony at the Oxford Belfry Hotel last night, presided over by comedian and actor Charlie Baker, the Service Dealer Awards were were presented to our winning dealers from around the UK.

 

The categories and winners were:

 

GARDEN MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

 

Sponsored by Husqvarna. Presenting Award: Ken Brewster, UK Sales & Marketing Director

 

Winner - Gayways, Harrow, North London

 

The judges said, "In a very competitive category, Gayways took over a struggling business 10 years ago and have completely turned around the fortunes of this dealership by engaging with the local community, utilising technology like WhatsApp, video and imagery."

 

Finalists – Briants Of Risborough, Princes Risborough ; C&C Machinery, Preston

 

FARM MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

 

Sponsored by Kramp. Presenting Award: Andrew Herring, account manager

 

Winner - RBM Agricultural, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire-based

The judges said, "This year’s winning farm machinery dealer supplied a strong category entry with comprehensive customer feedback. They support training and education in the industry and have recently celebrated their 80th birthday."

 

Finalists – RVW Pugh, Montgomery, Powys; Vincent Tractors, Fraddon, Cornwall

 

FORESTRY EQUIPMENT DEALER OF THE YEAR

 

Sponsored by STIHL GB. Presenting Award: Robin Lennie, managing director

 

Winner - Gustharts, Blagdon, Newcastle Upon Tyne

The judges said, "This business started off, like so many, as a father and son team. Supported by excellent customer feedback, the founder of the dealership, Rob Gusthart, is a well-known character in the industry. His product knowledge is superb, and the showroom and website are a shining example to all."

Finalists - Buxtons Ltd, Stafford, Penkridge; Forest & Arb, Winchester

 

PROFESSIONAL TURFCARE DEALER OF THE YEAR

 

Sponsored by Etesia. Presenting Award: Les Malin, managing director

 

Winner - RT Machinery, Nether Winchendon

The judges said, "This family business clearly specialises in machinery targeted at professional users with extensive groundcare knowledge and a strong website. In case we needed confirmation of the quality they offer, they have just been awarded the royal warrant."

Finalists - Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd, Essex; Thomas Sherriff & Co Ltd, Borders

 

ATV / QUAD DEALER OF THE YEAR

 

Sponsored by Honda Power Equipment. Presenting award Steve Morris, sales manager.

 

Winner - Llyn ATVs And Garden Machinery, Pwllheli, Gwynedd

 

 

The judges said, "Llyn ATVs And Garden Machinery have been selling ATVs in North Wales for over 25 years and now the family business is expanding with a second branch in Derby. The dealership received many, many great customer feedback comments."

Finalists - Stratton ATVs, Perth; Ark ATVs, Minehead

 

STAR OF THE DEALERSHIP

 

Sponsored by Catalyst Computer Systems. Presenting Award: Mike Cameron, system sales manager

 

Winner - Jess Parks, 'all-rounder' at AF Wiltshire, Dunsfold, Surrey

 

The judges said, "Our winner this year has shown rapid progression in her relatively short time at a highly respected dealership. She has quickly learnt the complex world of parts ordering and has become an integral part of the business."

 

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

 

Sponsored by Kubota UK. Presenting Award: Martin Tyler, field service manager

 

Winner - William Dart, Hayes Garden Machinery & ATVs

The judges said, "William possesses qualities that are crucial for our industry. A very strong and honest application to all his roles, including his participation in the Honda Apprenticeship Programme, have demonstrated some real determination and initiative."

 

OVERALL DEALER OF THE YEAR

 

Sponsored by Kramp. Presenting Award: Des Boyd, sales director

 

Winner - Gayways

 

The judges said, "Gayways received a huge amount of positive customer feedback forms in support of their business. In addition to this their online reviews are very strong with a 4.7 Google rating from 262 reviews."

 

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AWARD

 

Presented by Chris and Trish Biddle

 

Winner – Patrick Vives, recently retired md of Etesia UK

Chris Biddle said, "Patrick Vives has a strong connection with the timeline of Service Dealer having launched the UK side to the Etesia business at around the time I started the magazine. Since then he has been instrumental in building a successful UK franchise in parallel with the history of our magazine.

"In 1988, the Wolf company developed a machine for tough conditions and decided on a separate brand, Etesia, entrusting its launch and development to Patrick. Although strong in France and Germany, Wolf had a lower profile in the UK where Patrick saw great potential.

"Initially, the Wolf family thought they could handle everything from France, but Patrick along with Tania Wolf saw it differently. They knew that UK grass conditions and operator requirements were unique to this country – and they needed to have a base here in order to succeed.

"When he first came to the UK in 1990, Patrick only had a rudimentary grasp of English. In the years following, he was an integral part of the UK operation, conversing easily with dealers and customers at shows and demo days. 

"I am sure Partick is proud of all that the Etesia UK dealers have achieved and the impact they have made on the turfcare market in the UK - and I know that they recognise the commitment, the quiet authority and the sense of direction that he has provided over the past near 30 years."