INSIGHT SESSIONS CONFIRMED

The organisers of the Service Dealer Conference have today announced a line up of speakers for the popular Insight sessions - all of whom will have the concept of Resilience tied into their presentations.

Joining us on stage to share their experiences and provide valuable insights will be:

Customer Insight:

Ian Beecher-Jones, JoJo’s Vineyard

Co-owner of JoJo’s Vineyard, a 2.2ha vineyard in Henley on Thames, Ian was director general of BAGMA from 1994 to 2006 then moved on to set up his own precision farming consultancy business working with farmers around the world improving their use of precision farming yield data. Ian says one of the main challenges facing the viticulture industry is sustainability and what that looks like to a business. Ian will explore what this means for farmers, growers and dealers over the next few years.

Customer Insight:

Jim McKenzie MBE, Celtic Manor Resort

Following an already successful career in greenkeeping, Jim joined Celtic Manor Resort in 1993 to oversee construction of the Roman Road Course. He became golf course manager upon completion of the project and subsequently developed a further four courses on site. Between 1999 and 2004 Jim also held the position of director of golf and is now director of golf courses and estates management. Jim will speak on what a turf professional requires from their local dealer

Another perspective:

Gary Whitney, Smartlawns Ltd

Gary Whitney, managing director of Smartlawns Ltd who specialise in robotic solutions for large area mowing and line marking, has spent over 40 years across all aspects of OPE sales, use and maintenance. Most recently enjoying 25 years with Stiga, he was first promoted to national sales manager in 2014 and then managing director in 2018 - leaving in June 2024 to set set up Smartlawns. Gary will reflect on lessons learned and consider the network’s threats and opportunities. 

The Service Dealer Conference & Awards takes place on Thursday 4th December 2025 at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon.