In my new role as Editor of Service Dealer Ireland I would like to say a big ‘Hello’ to all our readers.

I am looking forward to writing articles and showcasing the dealers and products of the many machines available in Ireland, from both the agricultural and sportsturf/landscaping sector. I will also include the latest news and gossip.

Before I continue I would like to acknowledge the contribution my predecessor, Liam de Paor, has made to the weekly update of Service Dealer Ireland. It will be a hard act to follow. I wish Liam the very best in his future endeavors.

So who am I? Without boring you too much about myself I will just say that my background is in horticulture. I worked with Dublin Co. Council Parks Dept. in the 1980’s. Since then I became involved with greenkeeping, having spent time at Mount Juliet Golf Club as an Assistant Golf Course Superintendent and later becoming Course Superintendent at St. Helens Bay Golf Resort in Co. Wexford. I became involved with greenkeeping education through the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Ireland (GCSAI), becoming their Communications Manager and Editor of their publication Greenside magazine.

As the newly appointed editor of Service Dealer Ireland I would hope that you will send me all the news from your trade. Whether it is from the grasscare machinery or agricultural sector, I would love to hear from you, no matter where in Ireland you do business. I can be contacted on alanmahon4@gmail.com or phone me on 087 6260889.

What a week to start with. There are plenty of thoughts and worries about Brexit. The March 29th deadline has just passed and we are now looking at an April 12th extension or maybe May 22nd or will it be longer? Today (Monday), there will be another crucial vote taken in Westminster parliament so this vote could decide what shape Brexit will take.

Over the past four weeks there have been many twists and turns as to what form Brexit will take. I really hope it wont have a catastrophic effect on both the UK and Irish economies. It remains to be seen what impact it will have on importing machinery from UK manufacturers. What trade tariffs, if any, will apply to equipment and spare parts? With extra custom checks in place the question remains how quick can orders be delivered to Ireland. Up to now we have had a relatively efficient delivery of goods from the UK.

I remember back in my days as a golf course superintendent, ordering a set of bottom blades for a fairway mower from my local dealer. These had to come from the parent company based in the UK. I had them in my hand the very next day. I was very impressed with how quickly they arrived. Will this be still possible with Brexit? Who knows.

It is a fact of life that our equipment usually breaks down at a critical moment - a farmer, contractor or grower ready to harvest the crop discovers a machine part damaged. It would have to be replaced immediately if the crop is to be saved or contract secured. It would be unthinkable to see a situation where these parts could be held up for days in customs for the necessary documentation to be cleared. This would put a lot of pressure on dealers around Ireland.

Last September the Irish government launched their “Getting Ireland Brexit Ready” campaign, spending just under €200,000 towards six events held around the country. This campaign is ongoing and it is aimed at helping Irish businesses prepare for Brexit. This includes contingency planning for all possible scenarios, including the unlikely case of a ‘no deal’ Brexit.

The Irish government outline three steps that need to be taken to prepare your business for the significant change that Brexit will bring.

1. Customs Registration
If you plan to continue trading with the UK you must apply online with Revenue for a customs registration called an EORI number at www.revenue.ie

2. Continuity of Supply
Examine your supply chain closely for UK dependencies. Seek assurances from your suppliers about continuity of supply, as well as freight and logistics providers about Brexit readiness.

3. Cash Flow
Protect your cash flow. Contact your financial provider to discuss options including currency hedging or a working capital loan under the Brexit Loan Scheme

To find out more about preparing for Brexit visit www.gov.ie/brexit

Finally, I hope you enjoy the items in this week’s edition of Service Dealer Ireland. I am looking forward in hearing from you.