CHRISTMAS CHEER! Some good news around today by Service Dealer Editor, Steve Gibbs
Looking through the stories in today's Update it brings it home just what a caring, fun and generous industry this can be to work in.
Looking through the stories in today's Update it brings it home just what a caring, fun and generous industry this can be to work in.
Firstly, we all here at Service Dealer once again want to say get well soon to Ron Miller who's currently recovering in hospital following a major operation. I've been told that many of Ron's friends across the industry had heard about Ron though the ever-reliable grapevine and had already sent him their best wishes. I don't know how common it is in other sectors for word to get around like that and for people from many different - and let's not forget competitor companies - to express their concern? It does make one think this industry can be pretty special on occasions.
I guess that could be one of the reasons which encourages many people once they become involved, to stay working in our sector for the duration of their working life. There's a great story illustrating this today with Terry Flynn being congratulated by his colleges at Celtic Mowers on the occasion of his 30th anniversary. Well played Terry!
We've also feature news about dealers and manufacturers choosing to interact with their customers in a social and fun way. Dealers AL Agri held a successful open evening to celebrate their first year in business recently and T& H Power Products have a fun display of Father Christmas riding a lawnmower at their premises to give customers a spot of festive cheer. Kubota meanwhile are once again running again a social media campaign, giving away prizes each day in the run up to Christmas.
Events like these engender good feelings between both the businesses and their customers which is so valuable these days when social media and word-of-mouth have such significance. Also it can't be underestimated how much value fun events like these can have on team morale internally - certainly at this time of the year.
That was one of the great aspects of Lister Wilder's incredible Movember effort which Phill Hughes tells us about today. At the same time as raising a phenomenal £18,000 for a very worthwhile cause, Phill says the staff had a great time doing it. "As well as providing a bit of fun and laughter," he says, "a bit of friendly competition is healthy. By offering prizes for various categories it generates a friendly competition amongst different departments, depots and offices."
Phill goes on to explain, "With many participating and others providing encouragement it offers a great opportunity for the whole company to come together for a common cause. And doing something good for others adds the feel good factor and creates a bonding experience along the way."
Other benefits which experts will say small businesses can gain as a result of charitable exercises include getting some great local PR. Local traditional media (and your own social channels) love stories about local companies supporting charitable causes. It shows your community how you are willing to give something back and think about more than just profit.
It is also said that engaging in charitable activities as a small business actually helps you with employee retention. Employees are said to feel proud to work for a company that supports philanthropic programs - and therefore choose to remain loyal.
Of course like any industry, this one experiences its fair share of ups and downs plus bad days. Those are well documented and discussed. However, on days like today where there are reasons to be cheerful and feel good about ourselves and each other, let's be unapologetic about it!
Divisional Sales Director Phill Hughes says they are very proud to know the money raised will make a real difference to people's lives.
Lister Wilder have now finished their Movember campaign and are delighted to announce that they raised £18,064.
This magnificent total makes them the 5th largest fundraiser in the UK. Divisional Sales Director, Phill Hughes said that every member of the team was really pleased with the amazing outcome.
"A big thank you to everyone that took part or donated to our team, " Phill said. "We're very proud to know the money raised will make a real difference to people's lives."
Phill explained why Lister Wilder believe that Movember is an appropriate charity to support. "As an industry whose employees and customers are largely male the charity is relevant, with a large number having been touched in some way by the illnesses it fights against. It therefore holds a place in many hearts.
"Participating raises awareness among employees and therefore promotes a healthier working environment. It helps to remove the stigma that can sometimes surround men’s mental health issues, as well as reminding of the need for regular self checks for early diagnosis."
Phill continued by saying that joining in with Movember, growing some facial hair was both free and easy, plus very enjoyable. "As well as providing a bit of fun and laughter, a bit of friendly competition is healthy. By offering prizes for various categories it generates a friendly competition amongst different departments, depots and offices.
"With many participating and others providing encouragement it offers a great opportunity for the whole company to come together for a common cause. And doing something good for others adds the feel good factor and creates a bonding experience along the way.
"Once again a big thank you to everyone for their support."
Service Dealer columnist, Garden Trader dealer communications manager and industry legend Ron Miller, is recovering in hospital following a major operation this week.
Service Dealer columnist, Garden Trader dealer communications manager and industry legend Ron Miller, is recovering in hospital following a major operation this week.
Ron had a triple by-pass on Monday but he wanted all his industry friends to know that it's so far, so good.
Some Garden Trader dealers might have noticed Ron's absence just recently, but he'll be back just as soon as he can.
Ron told Service Dealer yesterday, "On my feet today, did 75 meters walk and a few other exercises. A long road to go but I'm here. I'm lucky and I'll keep going!"
When we asked Ron if he could send us a smiling pic from his hospital bed for us to use in this Update today, he said he wasn't looking his best at the moment. Therefore we've had to pull one from the archives.
Get well soon Ron! All the very best from all your friends at Service Dealer and across the industry!
Company says acquisition supports their growth in the turf and lawn markets.
Briggs & Stratton Corporation announced this week that it has acquired the assets of Ground Logic, Inc. of Lincoln, Nebraska, a designer and manufacturer of premium stand-on commercial spreaders and spreader/sprayers for fertiliser and pesticide-herbicide lawn applications on mid- to large-sized residential and commercial properties.
Ground Logic sprayer
“This acquisition supports Briggs & Stratton’s strategy to ‘fill out the trailer’ of the commercial lawn and turf professional, with highly-regarded products that are built to stand up to the toughest working demands,” says Harold L. Redman, Senior Vice President and Group President - Turf & Consumer Products, Briggs & Stratton.
“We will be able to use our industry-leading global distribution network to accelerate growth and are eager to add these products to our portfolio of outdoor power equipment to help commercial business owners get the job done.”
Briggs & Stratton say they financed the transaction from cash in hand. It expects that the acquisition will not have a material effect on fiscal 2018 earnings or cash flows.
Terry Flynn who originally started as the stores assistant, has worked his way through the business to his current position as company director.
30 years ago saw one fresh faced teenager come to Celtic Mowers looking for a job.
"Who'd have thought that 30 years later he would still be here running the company," says co-director Gary Evans.
Terry Flynn (left) and Gary Evans (right) - directors of Celtic Mowers
If you ask Terry FLynn why he came for a position at Celtic Mowers his answer would be "To pay off my overdraft". With 2 young daughters and his wedding looming in 2018 the team at Celtic Mowers think he's still trying!
Terry along with Gary now run the business after it passing to the second generation of the family back in June of this year.
The co-founders Of Celtic Mowers, Kim & Sue Davies who set the business up back in 1977, have both sadly passed away over recent years, however Gary says he knows that they would be delighted and extremely proud that Terry has reached this significant milestone.
Terry, who originally started as the stores assistant, has worked his way through the business to his current position as company director. Gary says, "During his time Terry has learnt all aspects of the business and now is recognised in the industry, as one of the most qualified in his field."
Terry says, "My philosophy on taking the business forward is, 'looking to the future whilst respecting the past". Kim, who was my mentor, has instilled in me significant core values on how things should be done with regards the running of the business."
The team at Celtic Mowers, say they would like to thank Terry for his loyal service over the last 30 years and look forward to working alongside him in taking the company forward into the future. "Let's see where we can take it," says Gary.
Andy Mitchell and Liam Wylie set up AL Agri just over a year ago and wanted to celebrate the anniversary by hosting an event to meet existing and potential customers.
An overflowing car park at Forfar mart showed how many farmers turned out for the first Open Evening held last week (Thursday, December 7) by a young agricultural engineering firm and McCormick tractor dealership.
Business partners Andy Mitchell and Liam Wylie set up AL Agri just over a year ago to maintain and repair agricultural machinery and wanted to celebrate the anniversary by hosting an event to meet existing and potential customers.
They supply new McCormick tractors and provide parts and service for existing examples at work throughout Angus and northern Perthshire, and have also attracted a number of implement suppliers who also took part in the event.
L-R: McCormick area sales manager Bob Bain, Liam Wylie of AL Agri, Kevin Clark of GB Lubricants, Alan Watt, Pöttinger, Richard Fairnie, Simon Richard Ltd and Andy Mitchell, AL Agri.
The Open Evening held in a packed Strathmore Hall at Forfar mart gave farmers the chance to see a line-up of current McCormick models - as well as a nicely restored McCormick International B250 - and equipment from the other manufacturers that AL Agri represents.
McCormick International B250
“We were delighted with the turnout and would like to thank all the visitors for the way they showed their support for our venture, which has now celebrated a year in business,” said Andy Mitchell.
“We’re now following up interest in the tractors and equipment shown on the night to see how we can help local farmers choose the best products for their needs.”
Kubota UK has launched #KubotaChristmas, a social media campaign to thank and reward the company’s dealer and end-user customers.
Kubota UK has launched #KubotaChristmas, a social media campaign to thank and reward the company’s dealer and end-user customers with the chance of winning a host of Kubota branded presents this Christmas.
The festive campaign will be launched on Kubota UK’s Facebook and Twitter pages today (Friday 15 December), kick starting a ten-day countdown to Christmas with prizes to be won every day.
The company is encouraging all of its social media fans and followers to get involved by entering and sharing the campaign. Every morning a new #KubotaChristmas video animation will appear. The video sees Santa Claus heading off in his sleigh from Kubota Corporation’s head office in Japan to the shores of the UK and Ireland with a sack full of presents.
Last year’s grand prize winner, Andy Roberts, said: “I think the Kubota Christmas campaign is brilliant. My young lad was absolutely delighted with his very own Kubota pedal tractor, it made his Christmas, I don’t know whose smile was biggest, mine or his!”
On Facebook, fans need to answer questions related to the festive period to be in with a chance of winning a host of Kubota merchandise, from beanie hats and body warmers, to pedal tractors. Entries via Twitter will encourage individuals to retweet and like the post to win a present.
Karen Tipping, Marketing Manager at Kubota UK, commented, “Our Christmas campaigns are all about giving back and thanking our customers for their loyal support. This is our third year now and the feedback we receive is excellent. I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at Kubota UK and good luck entering our #KubotaChristmas campaign.”
For more information about how to enter, visit the Kubota UK Facebook page or follow @KubotaUK on Twitter.
From January 1, 2018 MOTUL’s products will become “Officially Recommended” for all ATV models marketed by Suzuki GB PLC.
The relationship between the Suzuki name and MOTUL has been in place for almost 30 years through MotoGP and the motorcycle world.
Now, a new link in the chain connecting the two companies has been added with the announcement of a new multi-year commercial agreement between Suzuki GB and MOTUL.
From January 1, 2018 MOTUL’s products will become “Officially Recommended” for all ATV models marketed by Suzuki GB PLC. The same applies as well as for all automotive, motorcycling and marine models.
The company's extensive range of specialised products including engine oils, gearbox lubricants and much more will now be recommended and used for all Suzuki ATVs and cars as well as its two-wheel and marine products.
Michael Le-Flay, Suzuki GB Aftersales Marketing Manager, commented, “Suzuki GB PLC chose MOTUL as their preferred automobile oil supply partner as we recognised that both companies shared a common commercial architecture, along with a passion and enthusiasm that sees each company excelling in their respective fields
"We’ve worked closely with MOTUL on various projects over the last 15 years and they’re a great bunch of people to deal with. We are very much looking forward to working with MOTUL and together, developing a robust business strategy that will prove beneficial for both parties, including our own Dealer networks”.
The LAMMA show returns to the East of England Showground, Peterborough for the final time on 17 and 18 January 2018.
The organisers of LAMMA ’18 say visitors will be spoiled for choice when it comes to tractors and loaders with hundreds of machines on show, many making their UK debut.
LAMMA say that whether it’s a gargantuan tracked machine or a general-purpose workhorse, there will be something to suit every taste when the show returns on 17 and 18 January 2018 at the East of England Showground, Peterborough.
Highlights will include:
Second-generation McCormick X7s Increased power and performance and cab refinements are among features of the second-generation McCormick X7 Series tractors being launched at LAMMA ’18.
Case IH launching flagship Quadtrac CVX Three new Quadtrac CVX tractors are equipped with CVXDrive transmissions for the first time on an articulated tracked tractor.
Fendt’s flagship track-layer The star attraction on Fendt's stand is likely to be the MT 943 tracked tractor, which will be making its first appearance in the UK.
Compact range from Landini The new Landini Rex 4 Series tractors will make their UK farming debut. The compact tractor range spans 69-111hp and the 95hp Rex 4-100 F will be on display.
John Deere improves 5M and 5E series tractors John Deere has announced several improvements to its lower horsepower 5M and 5E Series tractors up to 115hp.
Claas showing new loaders and telescopic handlers Claas’s Torion wheel loader range, said to be the first loading shovel to be specifically designed for agricultural use, consists of seven models, equipped with Claas’s Power System drive.
JCB Agri-Pro loader makes UK debut The performance of JCB’s six-tonne capacity Loadall 560-80 telescopic handler can now be exploited with the added finesse of hydrostatic drive while still packing a punch on bulk re-handling and loading.
Blaney’s new pivot-steer loader Blaney Motor Company’s new L1 10-27 pivot steer loader makes its UK debut.
LAMMA debut for Manitou forklift Manitou’s MC18 ultra-compact rough-terrain forklift offers optimum visibility thanks to a new panoramic glazed roof, which also reduces noise in the cabin to 79 dB, compared with a market average of 86 dB.
Hauer loaders unveiled for UK market Hauer’s XB Bionic front loaders are being shown for the first time in the UK. These robust loaders have the mechanical parallel guidance and the tilting cylinders integrated into the loader arm.
Manufacturer takes steps to ensure replacement parts are available in peak seasons.
Syncron, the provider of cloud-based after-sales service solutions, have announced CLAAS has selected Syncron Inventory – Retail to optimise its spare parts inventory throughout its global network of dealers.
Because of the seasonal nature of the industry, agricultural equipment manufacturers need to ensure replacement parts are available in peak season. Missing parts can lead to idle equipment, which directly impacts farmers’ revenues.
This led CLAAS to seek a solution that would provide centralised and automated service parts management, improved inventory quality of the distribution network, increased part availability and reduced excess and obsolete stock.
Christian Buck, Supply Chain Manager at CLAAS, said, “Syncron was the only provider offering such a comprehensive solution, and the company’s laser-focus on after-sales service is extremely beneficial - everything from the solution itself to the Syncron team is 100 percent dedicated to the after-sales service supply chain. Syncron’s strong commitment to product development, and the impressive cross-collaboration between our two teams, will enable us to meet our customers’ service needs.”
Prior to selecting Syncron, each CLAAS dealer had its own somewhat manual process for managing spare parts inventory. Separate dealer management systems, different levels of data quality and hardly any system-based order processes for refills led CLAAS to seek a more efficient process.
Syncron Inventory – Retail will be implemented throughout the CLAAS global network of dealers across all business units and product lines. The company’s long-term goals include optimised inventory and order behaviour, increased off-the-shelf availability, time savings in the order process and transparency in spare parts planning throughout the distribution network, with the solution ultimately handling up to 10 million SKUs.
T & H Power Products of Burscough, Lancashire, shared this picture of a special visitor they had recently, spreading some festive cheer.
You wouldn't belive who dropped by T & H Power Products of Burscough, Lancashire this week!
Lee Thomas of T&H says they created the display using an old Atco ride-on to generate a bit of festive cheer.
"Naturally," Lee says, "we gave a him a quick turnaround and sent him on his way!"
If any other readers have a Christmas-themed display they are particularly proud of and want to share with the Service Dealer community, please email any pics and a description to the editor and we'll feature on here on our final Update before the Christmas break next week.
An Automower® Specialist is required to join the Husqvarna UK Sales team, reporting to the UK Field Sales Manager.
An Automower® Specialist is required to join the Husqvarna UK Sales team, reporting to the UK Field Sales Manager.
The primary focus for this exciting role is to support the Field Sales Manager and the Area Business Manager team to develop Automower business further.
This is a field-based role involving frequent travel around the UK dealer network within the following location areas as a minimum - South Midlands\Northern Home Counties.
The key areas of the role are as follows within the Forest and Garden dealer network:
Training Area Business Mangers and dealers on product knowledge and installation of the Automower®
Conduct product demonstrations and exhibits at various events and dealerships, being able to provide technical support and advice as required (by appointment, email or telephone)
Previous mechanical or electrical engineering experience / qualifications is preferred
We require the successful applicant to have the following skills:
Enthusiastic, outgoing and self-motivated with a strong desire to achieve
Excellent communication skills and a relationship builder
Previous customer service experience (garden machinery or other industries)
A team player who is able to work independently and has a self starter attitude
Commercially astute, with strong numeracy and literacy skills
Over 5 inches of snow and temperatures of -14 degrees: it’s snow problem for Grizzly Tools.
Over 5 inches of snow and temperatures of -14 degrees: it’s snow problem for Grizzly Tools. The UK may have endured its first truly wintry bout of the year, with life as we know it grinding to a halt in some parts of the country but fear not, Grizzly Tools have the answer to your icy prayers.
ESF 2026L Electric Snowblower
Arm yourself with Grizzly Tools ESF 2026L Electric Snowblower and being snowed-in can be a thing of the past. With a 2000 watt induction motor with overload protection, it’s purpose-built to clear pathways, driveways and small to medium yard areas, safely and quickly.
The high quality steel snowblower turbine with rubber lining works to deliver snow up via a chute atop the machine and away, far in to the air thereby cleaning the immediate ground of powdery precipitation. The powerful LED light affixed to the handle provides better visibility in low light situations and the snow chute is adjustable allowing for you to choose the direction of snow projection.
Featuring an ergonomic handle with metal shift bar and safety switch, folding handle bar for space-saving storage and integrated carrying handle, this product is robust, reliable and ready to go on the coldest of days. Perfect for clearing your driveway at home or areas on-site when the snow’s fallen and before the freeze sets in; safely limit the risk of falling over and quickly aide the traction ability for motorised vehicles to prevent accidents at home and the workplace.
Sample Grizzly’s Electric Snowblower and other winter garden products from their brilliant range for yourself, enjoy their exceptional quality and effective marketing by becoming a Grizzly dealer today: get Grizzly and see the difference!
Grizzly Tools manufacture quality power tools for every gardener; sold across Europe for 20 years, the brand is well established and trusted by tradesmen and humble home gardeners alike. If you’d like to speak to Grizzly Tools about their 2018 range of products, please give Shnayde a call on 0845 683 2670.
