Our Service Dealer Conference and Awards, held last Thursday, turned out to be a great success. Excellent speakers gave inspiring talks to a captive audience. It was our second year back holding the event in real life once again, post-Covid. Delegates shook hands, chatted, ate and had the opportunity to catch up with friends and colleagues. 

The Conference itself began with a welcome message from Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke. In his opening speech he said, "It is clear that the battles and problems facing the industry have evolved from last year and you could argue that things are now actually that bit worse. Supply is still in disarray and manufacturers have pretty much all been struggling to keep some sort of consistent flow of products. This season, dealerships just didn’t have the inventory of stock to sell or even make some repairs - despite ordering last year”.  

Great speakers followed Duncan’s opening address and, during the day, two breakout sessions took place, the first in the morning and the second in the afternoon.

That evening the gala Dealer Of The Year Awards dinner took place. Well done to all the winners and finalists. Your achievements have been recognised and truly deserved. I hope comedian Charlie Baker didn’t embarrass the pants off some of the delegates. You need to have a thick skin if you’re in Charlie’s firing line!!

It was nice seeing people from the same industry gather under one roof, meeting face to face. It was not that long ago when such events could not take place, due to the pandemic.

In a funny way Covid-19 has been a turning point in the way we live our lives. It's almost 3 years when the first lockdown began, which put severe restrictions on us all. No-one escaped them. We remember, back then, that our trade shows and conferences were cancelled. Some dealers thought that to be a good thing as it saved them a lot of expense in hiring stands, for not a lot of return. We certainly don't want to return to those lockdown days again. 

The idea of holding a trade conference online seemed daft at the time but, with some adaptations, it did become possible. What made it particularly attractive and cost effective for the organisers, in particular, was that speakers could be sourced from anywhere around the world without incurring their travel and accommodation costs.

Dealers and manufacturers soon jumped onto the bandwagon by holding virtual demonstration days, open days and press launches.

Covid has changed the format of conferences that are held today. You could say a type of hybrid version has developed from the pandemic. Delegates can gather in real life to hear real life speakers but some speakers can give their presentations live online, with live interactions. This can be done from anywhere around the globe, without the speaker having to leave their home or place of work. Not only that but delegates can ‘tune in’ to attend the conference from their home or office. The way technology has advanced is amazing.

Three years on and we are almost back to the way we were. Real life conferences and trade shows are back again where people can meet and chat face to face, as was the case at last Thursday’s Service Dealer Conference and Awards. It’s great to be back.

Following on from last week's Conference, the winners of the Service Dealer Awards were revealed at a glittering awards ceremony held at the Double Tree by Hilton Oxford Belfry.

Hosted once again by comedian and actor Charlie Baker, the Awards, organised by the team behind Service Dealer magazine were in their 18th edition and recognise the achievements of independent dealers in the garden machinery, professional turfcare machinery, farm machinery and forestry equipment  industry.

Steve Gibbs, editor of Service Dealer magazine said, "Each of our winning dealerships and individuals represent the finest examples of trusted, local businesses serving their communities. In these times of economic uncertainly when consumers are looking for not only great value but also exemplary levels of customer service, it’s reassuring that there are still independent, specialist companies out there, such as our Dealer Of The Year winners providing their customers with unparalleled levels of support.” 

The winners were:

GARDEN MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

Winner - Lloyd Ltd, branches across the North of England and the South of Scotland 

Sponsored by Husqvarna. Presenting Award: Jonathan Snowball, Head of Business Unit, Professional UK

Simon Holmes with Jonathan Snowball plus Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (r) and comedian host, Charlie Baker (l) 
 

The judges said of Lloyd Ltd, “Garden Machinery Dealer Of The Year was the most popular category in this year’s awards, with the judges having their work cut out choosing from a long line up of excellent entries.

“Lloyd Ltd however have demonstrated a pro-active attitude to all aspects of their business - from customers, to dealerships, to considering sustainable energy in their product range. Investing in the sector is of great importance to them, with every branch having a lawn care specialist on hand.”

 
Finalists: Ron Smith and Co Ltd; MowersUK

FARM MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

Winner - Brian Robinson Machinery Ltd, East Cowton, North Yorkshire 

Sponsored by Ibcos. Presenting Award: Kris Illingworth, Account Manager

Hannah Robinson with Kris Illingworth plus Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (r) and comedian host, Charlie Baker (l) 
 

The judges said of Brian Robinson Machinery, “Despite the challenges the industry has faced, 2022 has been Brian Robinson’s biggest yet. Undergoing a handover and dealing with the challenges of succession, this single depot dealership is certainly proving a force in the field. 

“With committed team members – six of whom have achieved over 25 years’ service each– the company is celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. They have also clocked up 36 years selling Valtra, which makes them the longest running Valtra dealer in the UK.”

 
Finalist: R W Crawford Agricultural Machinery Ltd

FORESTRY MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

Winner - Forest and Arb (Winchester Garden Machinery Ltd), Winchester, Hampshire

Sponsored by Société Générale Equipment Finance. Presenting Award: Stephen Davies, Head of Ag

Jason Nettle with Stephen Davies plus Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (r) and comedian host, Charlie Baker (l) 
 

The judges said of Forest And Arb, “Investment has been key to Forest And Arb’s growth. In the past year they have adapted their facility to hold more stock, increased staffing and grown their digital presence. 

“In addition, taking into account the parts shortage faced by so many and recognising the impact this has on customers working to seasonal timescales, the company took the decision to increase loan machines, ensuring that customers waiting for parts weren't prevented from fulfilling their commitments.”

 
Finalist: F. R. Jones and Son

PROFESSIONAL GROUNDCARE MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

Winner - Gammies Groundcare, Forfar, Scotland 

Sponsored by Toro UK Ltd. Presenting Award: Craig Hoare, Sales and Marketing Manager UK

Craig Hoare accepting on behalf of Gammies with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (r) and comedian host, Charlie Baker (l) 
 

The judges said, “Gammies demonstrated a strong relationship with their customer base. Their sales team and workshop professionals pride themselves in going above and beyond for their customers, acting as a reliable and trustworthy source of advice and support. While operating under the restrictions in the peak of the pandemic, they continued to maintain contact over the phone with their customers and have since prioritised face-to-face visits. 

“Gammies have a strong presence both on and offline, and regularly use social media in their work. With standout staff and customer relations, their heart is in supporting their local community.”

 
Finalist: Wilsons of Rathkenny

BEST NEW INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR

Winner - GGM Groundscare for their new Service Agreement, Colne, Lancashire  

Sponsored by Kress. Presenting Award: Tony Macer, National Sales Manager, UK and Ireland

Chris Gibson with Tony Macer plus Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (r) and comedian host, Charlie Baker (l) 
 

The judges said of GGM’s initiative, “Identifying a gap in the market, GGM sought to offer their customers peace of mind when making a purchase from their dealership by developing a value-added product, available at point of sale in the form of a Service Agreement.

“The judges were impressed by the clarity of execution and that the dealership was forward thinking in the process, taking into account new, emerging markets in this process such as robotic products. Not only did this new initiative show the professionalism of the dealership, but it also promotes professionalism in the industry.”

 
Finalist: Mowers and More Ltd

STAR OF THE DEALERSHIP 2022

Winner - Kelly and Sophie Burgess, Buxtons Limited, Teddeslely, Staffordshire

Sponsored by Catalyst. Presenting Award: Matt Harris, Account Manager

Kelly and Sophie Burgess with Matt Harris plus Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (r) and comedian host, Charlie Baker (l) 
 

The judges said, “Having responsibility for the website, social platforms and planning of shows and events Kelly and Sophie go above and beyond - not just for the dealership but also the greater community. 

“Using the business as a platform for good they have coordinated two van collections for Ukraine and even arranged for 150 personalised care packages to be put together for members of their local communities at Christmas – spending many hours of their own time to ensure these worthy projects come to fruition.”

 
Finalist: Brad Smith, B&B Tractors

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR 2022

Winner - Frazer Cross, B&B Tractors, Warsop, Nottinghamshire 

Sponsored by AGCO. Presenting Award: Jason Webb, National Aftersales, UK & Ireland

Frazer Cross
 

Group aftersales manager at B&B Tractors, Andrew Walker, said of Frazer, “With greater opportunities being presented to him, Frazer has really stepped up to every challenge and given it his all. Having had first-hand experience operating machinery, Frazer now has a superior insight and sees the larger picture when it comes to working on kit and diagnosing issues.”

The judges added, “Frazer is not only a standout candidate in his own right, but he is also inspiring the next generation to consider a career in agriculture. Joining the dealership through an apprenticeship scheme he has gone on to mentor too. Frazer aspires to be a master technician – something we are sure he will have no trouble achieving.”

LEADERSHIP AWARD 2022

Winner - Andrew Walker, group aftersales manager at B&B Tractors 

Sponsored by Kubota. Presenting Award: Henry Bredin, Dealer Development Manager

Andrew Walker with Henry Bredin plus Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (r) and comedian host, Charlie Baker (l) 
 

The judges said, “A modest man and team leader, Andrew is always keen to invest in and encourage his team. Contributing to individual training and apprenticeships, he also strives to help manufacturers and service providers improve their offering to fellow dealers. 

“With bags of enthusiasm and a desire to inspire people into the agricultural sector, Andrew’s passion for the industry is evident and is therefore truly deserving of this accolade.”

 
Finalist: Jason Nettle, Winchester Garden Machinery Ltd 

OVERALL DEALER OF THE YEAR

Winner - B&B Tractors 

Sponsored by Kress. Presenting Award: Spencer Funnell, Managing Director

Richard Roper & Mark Hulett with Spencer Funnell plus Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (r) and comedian host, Charlie Baker (l) 
 

The judges said, “With so many fantastic dealerships striving to succeed and evolve every year, this award is always highly deliberated over. There were a high caliber of entries this year and the judges were so impressed by the time people have clearly put in to submitting their entries. 

“But there could only be one winner – with not one, but two wins between them with prizes awarded for Apprentice of the Year and the Leadership title, in addition to their finalist place in the Star of the Dealership category, B&B Tractors are worthy winners of the prestigious title of Overall Dealer Of The Year 2022.”

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION

Winner - Keith Christian, BAGMA

Sponsored by Service Dealer. Presenting Award: Duncan Murray-Clarke, owner Service Dealer

Keith Christian plus Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke
 

Duncan Murray-Clarke said, “I think the best way of describing Keith is “does exactly what it says on the tin!”. A well liked individual who’s dedication and support for the dealer network is never in doubt. He is passionate about this industry and indeed has spent over 45 years in it.He started for a dealer (H Burlingham) before moving to the supplier side with Spear & Jackson and finally Claymore. He then joined trade association BAGMA 15 years ago to champion the dealer network.

"Many of you will know that Keith, at retirement age still plays rugby. What is more unbelievable is that he plays on the wing!  But underestimate him at your peril. He was for years affectionately been known at his local club as the flying pig. But in these autumn years on the pitch he is now just affectionately known as Pumba.  

"We love Keith’s dedication to the dealer network and all that he has done in support. He is also very much a friend and although he steps down from BAGMA we know that he will continue to stay very much in touch with the industry network."

CEMA’s business barometer survey for November shows that the general business climate index for the agricultural machinery industry in Europe has shown its strongest improvement since the sharp declines in the course of the Russian war against Ukraine. In November, the index increased from 12 to 23 points (on a scale of -100 to +100).

The survey also shows that the volume of orders corresponds currently to a production period of 6.8 months, which is another all-time high ever recorded within this survey. Despite order books at record levels, manufacturers have been still faced with a dynamic order intake, especially in September. At the same time, price increases and bottlenecks on the supplier side continue to challenge the industry, but some slight easing is observable, so that manufacturers are increasingly able to realise their orders.

The survey concludes that the manufacturers' turnover is therefore expected to remain at a high level for the coming six months at least. With regard to expectations for the coming order intake (an indicator which does not feed into the general Business Climate Index), by contrast, skepticism has solidified among industry representatives.

Overton (UK) Limited have been awarded the Ireland and UK distribution for the RINO electric mowers made in Italy by the Del Morino company.  

L-R: Samuele Acquisti, RINO Electric and Stuart Rose Overton (UK) sales director

The electric mowers have been in production since 2019 and the Del Morino company have been in business for around 150 years. 
 
Stuart Rose, director at Overton said, "We have been looking for rough cut mowers to complement the Mean Green mowers as they are for regular mowing cycles, whereas the RINO has the capability to attach a front mounted flail or rotary mower, sweeper and weed brush. The CaRINO is available as a flail, rough cut or fine cut mowing deck. All these mowers will achieve all day running times and have the options of fast charging systems.
 
"At the recent SALTEX exhibition we were blown away with the comments and positive feedback from the national contractors and dealers. I can confirm we are looking for dealers and I’m pleased to say we had many enquiries at SALTEX."

Claas say the high level of support from their dealer network for the new, in-house apprenticeship based at the Claas Academy at Saxham, UK is evident in the fact that the new course starting this Autumn is fully booked,

The manufacturer boasts they are the only UK machinery manufacturer to offer and deliver a specific in-house apprenticeship scheme, using new purpose built facilities. Opened earlier this year the new Academy is an integral part of their Academy at their headquarters.

Saxham intake: From England and Wales there are:

Amelia Kitchen, Charlie Denny, Luke Newell (CLAAS MANNS); Daniel Simpson, Daniel Thompson, Finnlay Carson, Frazer Hornby, Ruby Cutts (CLAAS EASTERN); Ben Matthews, William Vellacott (CLAAS WESTERN); Alfie Hay, Andrew Spark, Archie Burkill, Finlay Stobbs, James Walker, Owen Clapham, William Hall (RICKERBY); Joshua Bailey (MORRIS CORFIELD); Oliver Lowe (OLIVERS); Joseph Wayte (RIVERLEA); Sam Whiteman (Alkmonton Tractors). Also joining from KELLYS in Ireland are Ciaran Joyce and Emmet McKinley.

Following the inaugural intake of students in February, a further 23 students from dealerships throughout England, Wales and Ireland arrived at Saxham for the start of their 4-year block-release course in September.

A further cohort of students from dealerships in Scotland have also been welcomed onto their course provided and run by the Scottish Rural College (SRUC) Barony near Dumfries.

SRUC Barony intake:

Archie Kerr, Callum Adams and Luke McBurnie (GORDONS); Ivor Smith (GEDDES) and Lewis Bruce (SELLARS)

Claas say their new in-house apprenticeship scheme was introduced to help raise the standard of newly qualified engineers. By ‘growing their own’ the company say they can ensure that the engineers of the future have been fully trained on the latest Claas machinery and that they have the skill set to keep them abreast of technological advancements within the industry, including key franchises offered by the Claas dealer network.

During their apprenticeship, the students will study for a Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard in Land-Based Service Engineering Technician, delivered by dedicated Claas trainers alongside specialist product trainers.

The new Apprentice Academy with its purpose built facilities and specialist fabrication, engine workshops and classrooms, in addition to break-out areas and on-site restaurant, provide the students with training facilities. The 3 million Euros development is a worldwide first for the Claas Group and is being used as a blueprint for the instigation of similar programmes within the company’s global operation.

The new Amazone GPS-ScenarioControl terminal software application for automating complex headland switching operations received the 'Farm Machine 2023' award at the recent SIMA 2022 show in Paris.

L-R: Matthieu Schubnel (journalist, Material Agricole), Bettina Dreyer, Christian Dreyer (Chairman of the Board/Owner of Amazone Group), Florent Guilleman (Managing Director, Amazone Auneau, France)

The award is presented to the agricultural machinery sector by an international jury consisting of industry-leading journalists. Amazone, with its GPS-ScenarioControl, is the winner in the software category.

The precise application of mineral fertilisers just where they are required plays a critical role in saving costs and utilising resources. In this context, various border spreading procedures are used to provide legally compliant fertilisation. The GPS ScenarioControl system is used to automate certain functions on the Amazone fertiliser spreader based on a previously plotted scenario, preventing operator errors during subsequent applications.

When applying fertiliser, drivers have to juggle various tasks. Firstly, they need to ensure optimal lateral distribution of the material to be spread, as well as maintaining the desired application rate of the fertiliser. Secondly, they must ensure that the most appropriate border spreading procedure is used alongside ditches, footpaths or field boundaries to guarantee legally compliant and precise fertilisation. This can lead to operator errors, especially when changing drivers, as the right border spreading procedure is not activated or deactivated in the right place. Lack of driver knowledge can also lead to non-compliance when applying fertilisers. In addition, there may be frequent discussions about carrying out the correct application between the employee and the manager, taking up valuable spreading time.

When crossing the field for the first time with the fertiliser spreader, all the switch points, driving route and driving direction can be automatically plotted by an experienced driver by pushing the record button and using GPS ScenarioControl. The switch points are clearly marked on the map and the driving direction is visualised with arrows. The fertiliser spreader offers border, water-course and side spreading, as well as one-sided spreading inside the field boundary on headlands (HeadlandControl). GPS ScenarioControl is integrated in the AmaTron 4 ISOBUS operator terminal and can be viewed and operated via the AmaTron Twin display extension.

In future, GPS ScenarioControl will also be compatible with other Amazone Isobus machines. This route function is already available for crop protection sprayers from the company, where it considerably reduces workload here as well.

The Tractor of the Year jury, made up of 26 journalists from leading European trade publications at the recent EIMA exhibition in Bologna have awarded the McCormick X6.414 P6-Drive the 2023 Tractor of The Year award in the Best Utility category. 

The jury said, ""McCormick has brought open-field technology to the multi-purpose tractor segment, recognising the need for greater versatility for tractors in this segment and the demand for precision-farming technology”. 

Valerio Morra, President of Argo Tractors S.p.A said, "This achievement serves as a certification of the company’s strategy of constantly investing in Research & Development, always at the cutting edge of the market and serving the needs of customers, and with a constant drive towards sustainability, thanks to tractors that combine power, technology and design in an extraordinary mix."

The company say the X6.4 P6-Drive was designed to combine versatility, performance and comfort in a single tractor. Stage V compliant thanks to the exhaust gas post-treatment system, the range features models X6.413, X6.414 and X6.415, powered by 4.5-litre, 16-valve, 4-cylinder FPT NEF 45 engines with a maximum power output of 146 hp on the winning model. 

The model's strengths are the front axle with independent suspension, four-wheel braking, the P6-Drive transmission with six PowerShift gears and four robotised ranges, manufactured by Argo Tractors, the McCormick High Vision Cab (cab with FOPS-approved panoramic roof, additional hatch for natural ventilation and LED field lights).

The organisers of this year's SALTEX show say that "pre-pandemic confidence" returned to the exhibition in this month, as nearly 15 percent more visitors attended the 2022 show.

 
Over 8,300 attendees from across the UK and over 50 countries visited over the two-day event at Birimingham NEC, which the GMA say signalled a return to pre-pandemic levels.
 

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA said, “SALTEX has long been the flagship show for the industry and, in its 76th year, showed that, after the challenges of the pandemic, confidence from both visitors and exhibitors has returned.

“With nearly 15 percent more visitors than the 2021 show, SALTEX delivered on offering visitors the widest array of equipment and products to explore, with over 400 brands on display, and offered exhibitors the largest audience to showcase their products to. 

“As a not-for-profit, everything we earn gets ploughed back into the industry through investment in resources and initiatives that benefit the groundscare sector, so, with the 2022 show being such a hit, we look forward to beginning work on ensuring we build on this success and make the 2023 show even better for the sector. 

“We look forward to welcoming everyone back at SALTEX from 01-02 November 2023.”

In recognition of current economic challenges, the GMA say they introduced a special show rate for 2022 exhibitors, meaning that exhibiting at the 2023 show will cost the same despite increases in interest rates and inflation.

The independently audited post-show survey is underway which the GMA say will shed insight into the effectiveness of the event for generating new leads and sales for exhibitors. The results of these surveys will be published in due course.