Mercedes-Benz dealer S & B Commercials appoints new management team

S & B Commercials is going for growth under the leadership of a new-look senior management team.

The company is responsible for sales and support of the Mercedes-Benz truck and van ranges, as well as Fuso Canter light trucks.

The company operates from its headquarters in Welham Green, Hatfield, and other main dealerships at Stansted and Thurrock, as well as a series of vehicle maintenance units. Its area of responsibility takes in Hertfordshire, Essex, and north and east London.

Winner of the coveted Mercedes-Benz Commercial Dealer of the Year trophy for 2010 – and on two previous occasions since it being awarded the German manufacturer’s franchise in 1992 – S & B employs 263 people and boasts a turnover just shy of £100 million.

Despite this the dealer has remained true to its family business ethos and in keeping with its policy of developing its own staff all five of those now leading the company team have been promoted from within.

New dealer principal Daniel Holmes takes over from his father Ron. Daniel joined the business in 2004 and has held various positions including site manager at Stansted and, since 2008, director of operations.

Ron founded S & B Commercials in 1982 and although he has now relinquished day-to-day control of the business stays on as chairman. Meanwhile, Ron’s long-term right-hand man Nick Lambert – one of no fewer than 10 staff members to have chalked-up 30 years or more service – has stood down from his role as director of sales in order to focus on special projects.

Promoted in his place to the company’s top sales job is Graham Balsom, who joined S & B in 2000. Graham’s previous position of van sales manager has gone to Mark Robinson, a member of the S & B team since 2005. Both are high achievers and have won numerous awards from the manufacturer for their sales performances.

Another serial award winner is Tony Thrower, a former Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicle service manager of the year, who steps up from his previous role as group after sales manager to become director of after sales. Tony began his Mercedes-Benz career in 1988 as an apprentice truck technician working for another dealer, but moved to S & B in 2009 to run the Thurrock workshop.

Completing the round of internal promotions is Colin Davis, a chartered accountant who joined the dealership in 2011 as financial controller. Having led the dealer’s eight-strong finance team with distinction, he becomes the company’s new director of finance.

Holmes said: “We’ve set ourselves some very ambitious growth targets for the next few years. But with the right management team in place, the industry’s finest product range and some first class facilities, I’m confident that we’re perfectly placed to achieve our goals.”