New Holland’s first dealer saleswoman in the UK joins J&S Lewis
When Alison Shacklady joined New Holland’s nationwide dealership network this year, she became the company’s first dealer saleswoman. Alison began her role in February when she joined J & S Lewis in Leigh, Lancashire. It didn’t take her long to realise that she was unique – there were no other women doing the same role as her.
Before joining J & S Lewis, Alison was originally in wholesale horticulture, dealing with the sales of trees, shrubs, plants and seeds. Before that Alison, the daughter of a farmer, had worked for an agricultural company.
Alison admits however, that it was a very big leap from working in the Horticulture Industry, to selling New Holland agricultural machinery at J & S Lewis:
"It was a big change; I hadn’t sold machinery before, but I’ve done lots of training and I love it. It’s a man’s world, there’s no doubt about that and I’m seriously outnumbered – but I’ve dealt with farmers all my life and I think I’ve been well received in the area – already knowing several of the customers anyway."
Alison joins J & S Lewis at an exciting time for the dealership. At the end of 2010 this family business, established for over thirty years, was appointed by New Holland. J&S Lewis offers the full portfolio of New Holland combines, round balers, big balers and the full tractor range.
It’s Alison’s job to help sell these machines and she’s doing well so far. In her first couple of months as a dealer saleswoman, she’s sold two tractors (two T5070 deluxes) and a large square baler. She’s also quoted for more tractors in addition to successful orders for other new and used machines.
Alison says that as far as being the only woman doing this job, she doesn’t really think about it as she thoroughly enjoys being part of the sales team at J & S Lewis.
"To be honest, the most important attribute is being able to build relationships with the customers. Farmers are quite unique and being a farmer’s daughter I get on well with them. I think that’s half the battle."
