KIRKLAND UK
Collaborative approach There were plenty of new things to see at Kirkland UK’s Christmas-themed open day in December, but many of the friends who attended were far from new. The relaxed atmosphere at the Kirkland UK’s Griffins Farm base, just outside Maidstone in Kent, highlighted the company’s low-key approach to providing customers with the advice and equipment they need in a collaborative way. “Today is about chatting to old friends, perhaps making some new ones, having a drink, some food and some fun,” explained Richard Pendry, newest member of Kirkland UK’s three-strong sales team. “I’ve never sold anything in my life,” he admitted, “but I’ve spent 22 years as a farm manager, so I know what farmers and growers need – and, more importantly, what they don’t need. “At Kirkland we make sure we only sell people equipment that we know will do a great job for them and help them grow their business. We build relationships for the long term based on a partnership approach. Farmers can’t afford to buy kit that is used once and is then stuck in the back of a shed somewhere.” There was plenty of machinery on display at the open day – some of it for sale at generous, ex-demo prices – but selling was clearly secondary to the food, drink, fun, live music and general party
38
atmosphere that marked the day. In a particularly seasonal move, Kirkland UK’s Hollie Kamel abandoned her usual admin, health and safety and HR role for the day, instead entertaining visitors with her fabulous singing voice, performing Christmas classics at intervals throughout the event. There were games to play, food and drink to enjoy and plenty of opportunity to catch up with friends and colleagues or test drive some of the ex-demo machines around the large outside area at Griffins Farm. The event also allowed Kirkland UK to show off the dealership’s new parts area, its display ‘stage’ for highlighting new machinery, an exciting new partnership with Kramp and a generally more welcoming layout.
We build relationships for the long term based on a partnership approach