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PICTURED ABOVE: Outstanding Dealer of the Year 2025 - Turney Group
Last night (Thursday 4th December 2025), immediately following the Service Dealer Conference, the winners of the 2025 Service Dealer Awards were unveiled during a lively celebration at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon, marking another successful year at the venue.
The evening got underway with a lively performance from stand-up Nick Page, with comedian and actor Charlie Baker returning to host the ceremony. Now in its 21st year, the awards - organised by the team behind Service Dealer magazine – shone a spotlight on outstanding achievements in sales, service, advice, and support across the garden machinery, professional turf care machinery and farm machinery dealer sectors.
A panel of industry experts carefully reviewed nominations submitted by dealer principals, dealership staff, manufacturers, and loyal customers. Open to businesses of all sizes – from single-location dealerships to multi-branch operations – each entry was assessed with rigour and fairness, reflecting the awards’ long-standing commitment to recognising excellence.
Steve Gibbs, editor of Service Dealer magazine, said: "Year after year, we are proud to celebrate the very best in specialist dealer expertise. Our Dealer of the Year winners set the standard for exceptional service, consistently going above and beyond to exceed customer expectations.
"In an era when service can often feel impersonal, these awards remind us of the value of personalised, knowledgeable, and friendly service - the kind of dedication that truly deserves recognition."
The winners were –
STAR OF THE DEALERSHIP
Winner - Louise Danbury-Peters, Horticultural sales manager at Arthur Ibbetts Ltd, St Neots, Cambridgeshire
Sponsored by Kubota
Presenting Award: Simon Chadbone, division manager, parts
The judges said, “Louise Danbury-Peters stands out as a dynamic and influential member of Arthur Ibbett Ltd, breaking stereotypes in a male-dominated industry with knowledge, initiative, and a customer-focused approach.
“In just four years, she has driven significant growth, including elevating AS-Motor sales to the UK top three from a single location, while also enhancing the dealership’s presence through a redesigned website and new signage. Her energy, professionalism, and ability to make a tangible impact make her a truly deserving recipient of the Star of the Dealership award.”
Finalists
Maddie Stevens – Major R Owen Ltd
Graeme Rogers – Sam Turner & Sons
CAPTION: Louise Danbury-Peters is presented with her Award by Simon Chadbone, division manager, parts at sponsors Kubota, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and comedian Charlie Baker
NEW TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR
Winner – Matty Smart, Sam Turner & Sons, Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Presenting Award: Jason Nettle, director Winchester Garden Machinery
The judges said, “Matty Smart has made an exceptional impact in under a year, rapidly mastering new skills in robotics and garden machinery despite joining from a different industry.
“His technical competence, proactive attitude, and genuine care for customers have allowed him to take full ownership of installations and service work while building strong, trusting relationships. Matty’s enthusiasm, teamwork, and natural aptitude mark him out as a rising star and a truly deserving recipient of the Best New Technician award.”
Finalists -
Sion Ap Pedr – Major R Owen Ltd
Celt Thomas - Major R Owen Ltd
Olly Harper – Andover Garden Machinery
CAPTION: Matty Smart is presented with his Award by Jason Nettle, director of Winchester Garden Machinery, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and comedian Charlie Baker
LEADERSHIP AWARD 2025
Winner - Tom Taylor, managing director, Stuart Taylor International Ltd, Blackburn
Sponsored by Toro UK
Presenting Award: Craig Hoare, sales & marketing manager
The judges said, “Tom Taylor embodies authentic, hands-on leadership, combining humility, vision, and a deep commitment to his team and customers.
Stepping up during a period of immense change, he has not only preserved his family’s legacy at Stuart Taylor “International but also modernised operations and strengthened relationships across the business. Through his dedication, care, and ability to inspire those around him, Tom sets a benchmark for leadership that is both personal and transformative.”
Finalists
Keith Norman – Sam Turner & Sons
Jason Nettle – Winchester Garden Machinery
CAPTION: Tom Taylor is presented with his Award by Craig Hoare, sales & marketing manager at sponsors Toro UK, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and comedian Charlie Baker
BEST NEW INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR
Winner – Turney Group for their diversified new Bredon depot
Sponsored by STIHL GB
Presenting Award: Andy Wardrop, key account manager
The judges said of Turney’s initiative, “Turney Group’s Bredon depot exemplifies bold, forward-thinking diversification - blending strategic expansion with deep community and customer focus.
“By revitalising the former P&D Engineering site and introducing their first Country Store alongside established agricultural and groundcare brands, the team demonstrated innovation, commitment, and hands-on leadership at every stage. The result is a thriving new branch that broadens Turney’s reach, strengthens supplier and customer relationships, and sets a benchmark for sustainable, people-driven growth.”
Finalist
CAPTION: Jeremy Turney and Anthony Shepherd are presented with the Award by Andy Wardrop, key account manager at sponsors STIHL, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and comedian Charlie Baker
GARDEN MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR
Winner - Ron Smith & Co, Worcester
Sponsored by Husqvarna
Presenting Award: Stewart Carter – managing director
The judges said, “Ron Smith & Co exemplifies excellence in garden machinery retail through a holistic commitment to customers, community, staff, and sustainability.
“Their combination of expert service, family-driven culture, strong supplier partnerships, and proactive promotion of greener, cordless technologies demonstrates innovation and leadership in the sector. By consistently delivering outstanding customer experiences and fostering long-term relationships, they set the standard for what a modern, independent garden machinery dealer can achieve.”
Finalists
CAPTION: Mark Smith is presented with the Award by Stewart Carter, managing director at sponsors Husqvarna, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and comedian Charlie Baker
FARM MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR
Winner - Turney Group - Bicester, Middleton Stoney, Bicester
Sponsored by Ibcos
Presenting Award: Greg Cadman, account manager
The judges said, “Turney Group has set the benchmark for excellence in farm machinery retail through strategic growth, dual-brand representation, and a relentless focus on customer service.
“Their ability to successfully reinstate both New Holland and Case IH franchises and strengthen supplier and community relationships demonstrates vision, agility, and leadership. By combining innovation, hands-on service, and a deep commitment to the farming community, Turney Group exemplifies what it means to be a trusted, forward-thinking agricultural partner.”
Finalists
CAPTION: Jeremy Turney and Anthony Shepherd are presented with the Award by Gred Cadman, account manager at sponsor Ibcos, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and comedian Charlie Baker
PROFESSIONAL TURFCARE DEALER OF THE YEAR
Winner - Major Owen Ltd, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd
Sponsored by Kress
Presenting Award: Vince Jenkins, national accounts manager
The judges said, “Major R Owen Ltd demonstrates how a smaller, family-run dealership can deliver exceptional impact through expertise, integrity, and a customer-first approach.
“Their tailored, consultative solutions for professional turf machinery, combined with outstanding aftersales support and highly trained staff, have earned remarkable customer trust and satisfaction. By investing in technology, community engagement, and long-term partnerships, they continue to set the standard for professionalism and service in the turf machinery sector.”
Finalists
CAPTION: Celt Thomas, Huw Williams, Maddie Stevens Joshua Owen-Jones, Sion Ap Pedr and Luke Owen-Jones are presented with the Award by Vince Jenkins, national accounts manager at sponsors Kress, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and comedian Charlie Baker
CUSTOMER OF THE YEAR 2025
Winner - T Hammond Farms, Nottinghamshire- nominated by B&B Tractors
Sponsored by EGO
Presenting Award: David Mortimer, regional sales manager UK & Ireland
The judges said, “T Hammond Farms embodies the spirit of long-term partnership, innovation, and community commitment that defines this award.
“Over 25 years, their collaboration with B&B Tractors has grown from a single purchase to a fully optimised Fendt fleet, underpinned by trust, efficiency, and shared values. Celebrating 125 years of family farming, the Hammonds continue to blend tradition with cutting-edge technology, setting a benchmark for progressive, sustainable agriculture.”
CAPTION: Scott Knottenbelt of T Hammond Farm is presented with the Award by David Mortimer, regional sales manager UK & Ireland at sponsors EGO, with Andrew Walker of B&B Tractors, Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and comedian Charlie Baker
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION
Winner – David Withers, Iseki UK & Ireland
Sponsored by Service Dealer
Presenting Award: Steve Gibbs, editor
The judges said, “This year’s winner is very much an industry character and has spent pretty much all of his working life in groundcare machinery. He has the ability to balance fun with professionalism but you can’t help feeling there is always a plan behind that smile.
“David Withers has worked his way up in the industry, starting a car repair business with his friend David Watson (latterly of Ernest Doe) which they ended up selling to their customer Charterhouse.
“David then joined Jacobsen as a regional sales manager and quickly worked his way up to National Accounts Manager. In 1998 Ransomes Jacobsen came to be and David worked his way up from UK Sales Manager to Managing Director.
“Then around 2011 he was appointed Jacobsen President & CEO, moving to live in Charlotte, North Carolina. He served six years in this post, where he was running the global business, setting up branches, buying companies, such as Dixie Chopper, and growing the group to a turnover of around $400 million.
“David then moved back to the UK to focus on Iseki -leading to the successful evolution and sale of Iseki UK last year. An incredible career by anyone’s standards.”
CAPTION: David Withers is presented with his Award by Steve Gibbs, editor at sponsors Service Dealer, with owner Duncan Murray-Clarke, and comedian/compere Charlie Baker
OVERALL DEALER OF THE YEAR 2024
Winner - Turney Group - Bicester, Middleton Stoney, Bicester
Sponsored by AL-KO and Weibang
Presenting Award: Stewart Anderson, managing director
The judges said, “Turney Group displays excellence across every facet of their dealership, combining strategic growth, innovation, and outstanding customer service with a strong community and employee focus.
“From successfully reinstating dual-brand representation and launching the pioneering Bredon Depot, to delivering award-winning initiatives and fostering trusted supplier and customer relationships, their achievements reflect vision, resilience, and leadership. Consistently setting the standard for professionalism, adaptability, and long-term value, Turney Group is a truly deserving recipient of the Overall Dealer of the Year.”
CAPTION: Jeremy Turney and Anthony Shepherd are presented with the Award by Stewart Anderson, managing director at sponsors AL-KO and Weibang, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke, and comedian/compere Charlie Baker
And finally, Service Dealer editor, Steve Gibbs, was presented with a special cover by Duncan Murray-Clarke to mark his 25 years with the magazine.
Editorial Address:
LandPower Publications LLP, Howbery Park, Benson Lane, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BA
Telephone:
+44(0)1491 837 117
