AM is launching its search for the best dealer principal or general manager in the UK with a new category for its 2013 awards.

The new category is open to dealer principals at franchised sites and the award will recognise an individual who combines the needs of the business with the demands of managing a dealership team and customer expectations.

What are the judges looking for?

The judges will be looking for a dealer principal who has demonstrated excellent leadership skills, ambition, drive and innovative thinking that has helped the dealership achieve business objectives such as sales volumes, profitability, employee and customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Evidence of performance is expected and testimonials welcomed. Dealer principals can put themselves forward for the award or can be nominated by dealer group or manufacturer.

For more information on the AM Awards 2013, all the categories or to enter for Dealer Principal of the Year please email luke.clements@bauermedia.co.uk or visit www.am-awards.co.uk www.am-awards.co.uk/

Why enter?

It's not just about the evening celebration... Read how previous winners have used thier accolades within the industry.

Jon Mathers, managing director of 2012 ‘Best Dealership’ winner Cross Roads, said: “We use the AM Award a lot. We are very proud of it and everyone likes to be associated with success. It demonstrates to banks that we are a good company and is also useful when talking to customers and new employees.”

Frank Berry, marketing manager of 2012 ‘Best Retail Group (more than 10)’ winner Day's Motor Group, said: “We’ve had enormous exposure in the local media with the logo appearing in all of our marketing activity. It is a badge of honour and other dealers are very respectful of it.”

Katie Williams, communications manager of 2012 ‘Best Digital Initiative’ winner Grants Seat, said: “Being a digital award it made sense to shout about it on Facebook and Twitter. We got a great response and were able to thank our loyal followers – customers, prospective customers and other businesses – who enabled us to put the case study together.”

Sue Blackshaw, marketing manager of 2012 ‘Aftersales Operation of the Year’ and ‘Best Marketing Initiative’ winner Blackshaws, said: “We created a series of advertorials in local newspapers on winning the awards and received really positive feedback from both existing and prospective customers. We also use the AM Awards logo in adverts, on the website and in our newsletters.”

Ian Dow, aftersales director of 2012 ‘Excellence in Customer Service’ winner Knights, said: “We have used it in bulletins and e-marketing and it has gone down very well. The Stoke Sentinel newspaper did a piece on us and AM gets to more people in the motor trade than you think – I never imagined so many people would congratulate us.”

Amarjit Shokar, dealer principal of 2012 ‘Sales Team of the Year’ winner Romford Mazda, said: “We use it as much as possible – on our website, on adverts, in the press – because it is something to be proud of. We talk about it in the showroom and it builds a good feeling, making customers feel more confident.”