Firstly, thanks to Chris Biddle for holding the fort here last week. Very interesting to read his thoughts on the value ascribed to staff and indeed on the efforts being taken by industry bodies to produce a brochure to promote our sector to those looking to start a career.

Myself and the owner of Service Dealer, Duncan Murray-Clarke, spent a very productive four days travelling around Scotland visiting many dealers last week - and it was this issue of recruitment which kept cropping up wherever we went. Well, that and the upcoming GDPR regulations (which we will cover in detail in the May/June edition of Service Dealer magazine, ahead of the May 28th deadline).

Recruitment however was certainly the hot topic of discussion. It seems as though it truly is a pressing issue for dealers of all sizes. We met many people last week who are currently experiencing great difficulties in the finding and retaining of the right staff. And I'm sure it's not just a problem peculiar to Scotland.

Of course different areas of the country will always have their own particular reasons as to why recruitment may prove problematic in that locality. One dealer in Aberdeenshire for example, was explaining to us how the North East of Scotland traditionally was very lucky to have great employment within the oil industry, that paid great wages, at a very young age. However, as with all good things, it inevitably came to an end.

The reality has kicked in now, it was explained to us, with great job losses and reduction in wages expected. However in some cases, people find it hard to change their lifestyle and therefore think that they can demand the same wages in other industries.

So, this affects dealers in that area now when they are looking to employ. They may think that have found the ideal candidate, but because these ex-oil workers have become so reliant on their previous exorbitant wages, this industry cannot fulfil their requirements.

And of course there are likely to be areas around the UK with their own stories not dissimilar to this, which affect how they can recruit locally.

However, the problem for dealers in finding staff appears to be much greater than a single circumstance. I guess, as has perennially been an issue for this sector, it may come down to the perception of what the industry is and what it can offer?

But what can be done to alter this perception? And whose responsibility is that? Should it be the trade associations taking charge to make sure the industry is sold in a manor appealing to those looking to start or change a career? Is it the manufacturers? Dealers themselves? The educational establishment?

Surely at the moment dealers are involved in some of the most cutting edge technologies out there what with robotics, battery power and precision farming. It's an exciting time to be involved. But out on the ground, dealers are struggling to convince people there is a rewarding career to be had.

So what are your experiences of recruiting? Are you finding it tough? What sort of situations have you gone through recently when you needed to employ?

And thinking about the bigger picture, what do you think could be done to make recruiting for your dealership a smoother process in the future? And whose responsibility is that?

Equally have you enjoyed any real success stories in recent times? Do you have any advice to pass on to other dealers for how they might go about attracting fresh blood into the workplace?

Please leave your comments below. It would be great to hear the thoughts from as many of our readers as possible. We’ll look to compile your responses in the next issue of Service Dealer magazine.

We have heard that tool sharpening scammers, who were targeting dealers last year, are doing the rounds again.

BAGMA have warned that 'a particularly nasty' scam centering around a tool sharpening service that comes with threats of violence if the fee charged is not paid, even when it has not been agreed, is active once again.

Director of BAGMA, Keith Christian, has provided the below account, from a dealer who fell victim to the scheme recently. The dealer in question has reported the incident to the police. Some details have been left out due to the serious nature of the threats made to this dealer.

"Same old story by all accounts, Eastern European person walks into the workshop, young man seemed really genuine, offering a cheap sharpening service with some additional special unique hardening process that I would be absolutely amazed by.

"I explained that we don’t get tools sharpened, mostly we use and dispose as the new tools are really competitively priced these days, I apologised and said I really do not have anything for him, we have hundreds of tools / drills around the workshop. He saw these, he grabs a few and offered to sharpen them and return the following day. He did return with another man, and I’ve got to admit the tools he returned looked really good.

"He asked if we had any more tools he could sharpen as a service, I explained that we have tools all over the place, but they don’t really need doing we just do them by hand as and when. He grabbed a box of them and put them in the car and offered to sharpen them for a good price, mentioned £3.25 /mm, when I questioned him about this cost he was pretty vague and said they would be very reasonable and don’t worry you will be happy with the price and that we will agreed etc.

"Long and short of it, they came back several days later, all tools appear to be ground really well although I have not tried them. He asked if we could go into the office to do the paperwork etc. tapped out a load of figures relating to the lengths of the drills he had sharpened, offered a big discount on the figure we had apparently agreed on and then presented me with a bill for more than £2500. I told him forget it, you can keep the drills etc, there is no way I am going to pay this extortionate cost.

"It was then that the mood changed, my insistence that I was not going to pay and that he can keep the tools were met with continued mention of the supposed deal we had agreed on, and the fact that the workers who had put in so many hours over the weekend to grind the tools not being happy about this. Finally, I was reminded that they have my full contact details including email and the fact that they would come looking for the money and he didn’t want to find out that I had got hurt by them.

"Anyway, I could not get rid of them, felt really threatened by them as I was on my own, and offered them a lesser amount to get rid of them, paid them by bank transfer. I feel really bad about the whole experience now.”

BAGMA are advising dealers to make all staff aware that this situation is still very much ongoing. They say businesses who may be visited by unknown persons offering such services are not to sign any paperwork, definitely not to hand over any tools and to call police on 101 straight away.

Keith Christian has asked any dealers who know anything more about the situation to email him at keithchristian@bagma.com so they can keep updated on the matter. Also please feel free to post any advice or experiances below this article.

The AEA has announced the market share data for 2016 tractor registrations.

The total number of tractors registered for road use in 2016 was 12,025, including both agricultural tractors (over 50hp) and compact tractors (50hp and below).

The information below shows the number of tractors registered during that year by brand. As always, data are released after a one year delay; figures for 2017 will be published in early 2019.

The leading brand in 2016 once again was John Deere, however its percentage market share had dropped by 2.3% on the previous year's figures from 30.2% to 27.9%.

The only change in the ordering of the manufacturers in comparison to the 2015 results is that Same Deutz-Fahr had swapped places with Agri-Argo to move up to 6th.

The market share data for 2016 was:

• 27.9% (3350 units) JOHN DEERE
• 25.9% (3117 units) CNH (inc Case and New Holland)
• 22.5% (2705 units) AGCO (inc MF, Fendt, Valtra and Challenger)
• 7.1% (852 units) KUBOTA
• 5.5% (667 units) CLAAS
• 2.8% (331 units) SAME DEUTZ FAHR
• 1.9% (232 units AGRI-ARGO (inc McCormick, Landini)
• 1.6% (194 units) JCB
• 1.3% (159 units) ZETOR

418 units sold by others (3.5%)

Returning to the Oxford Belfrey Hotel this November, the Service Dealer Conference & Awards will benefit from Etesia UK as a Gold Sponsor.

The date of this year's event has been confirmed as Thursday November 15th. 

Les Malin, Managing director of Etesia UK said, “We are very pleased to be sponsoring the Service Dealer Awards and in particular the Professional Turfcare Dealer Of The Year.

"We feel now is the time to show how important dealers are to the future of the industry and what better way of doing that than becoming a sponsor of what is recognised as an important industry event.”

Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke said, "We are delighted to welcome Etesia UK to the Service Dealer Conference & Awards.

"It's great to have them on board for what is shaping up to be a very beneficial event for dealers of all sizes."

Further details about this year's Service Dealer Conference & Awards will be announced in due course.

New Holland has announced that MJN Tractors Ltd have been appointed as a new dealer in the Chichester area.

Based in Selsey, the Dealer Principal, Michael Newton, together with his staff, have worked with New Holland for many years and the manufacturers says they bring with them a wide range of experience in sales, service and parts to the farming community in the area.

The dealership will supply the full range of New Holland products including tractors, harvest machinery and telescopic handlers.

Michael Newton, MJN Tractors Ltd owner and dealer principal, said, “We look forward to continuing our association with New Holland at Selsey to provide an excellent level of sales, service and support to our customers in our area. The company's philosophy is based around the training and development of our employees, enabling our skilled technicians and staff to deliver the level of service our customers have come to expect”.

New Holland Business Director UK & ROI, Andrew Watson said, “We’re extremely happy to have MJN Tractors on board. We are confident that we have chosen the best partner in West Sussex to deliver great customer service and expand our brand in a key area for our business. We wish all the staff at MJN Tractors every success in the future.”

Charterhouse Turf Machinery have announced the appointment of Mona Tractor Company as their dealer for North Wales.

Richard Lucas of Charterhouse (left) with Gethin Pritchard of Mona Tractor Company

With three depots in the area, in Ruthin, Llanystumdwy and Anglesey, they are well placed to deliver sales and customer support on a wide range of Redexim machinery for natural turf surfaces.

Mona Tractor Company are a family run company, celebrating their 40th year in trade throughout 2018. They pride themselves on providing a professional and personal service through their workshop, parts and sales departments and stock a wide range of tractors and machinery for the agricultural, landscape and sports turf sectors.

Commenting on the appointment, Central UK Territory Manager for Charterhouse Richard Lucas said, “We are extremely pleased to be working with Mona Tractor Company, they have a fantastic reputation for sales and aftercare in the area which is most important to our customers. I’m personally looking forward to working with them to enhance the area, provide the best solutions and support for all of our new and existing customers.”

Gethin Pritchard, Turf Machinery Sales Manager for Mona Tractors added, “We’re delighted to be working together with Charterhouse and adding their vast range of machinery to our portfolio. We have a vast customer base and we’re confident that the versatile and efficient Redexim products will satisfy the demands of today’s ground professionals.”

OPICO Ltd has announced the appointment of Menai Tractors near Caernarfon to their grassland dealer network.

L-R: Robert Jones, Managing Director of Menai Tractors and Nick Rider, OPICO Territory Manager for the West Midlands and Wales

Menai Tractors enjoy an established relationship with OPICO, as they have been the Strautmann dealer in North Wales for several years, selling and servicing the range of German-made diet feeders and forage wagons.

“We see this new appointment is a natural fit for Menai Tractors and we are delighted to have them on board,” commented James Woolway, Managing Director of OPICO Ltd.

Robert Jones, Managing Director of Menai Tractors added, “Given the excellent technical support and back-up we’ve already experienced, I’m excited to have the opportunity to promote the full OPICO range of grassland equipment.”

Predominantly servicing a grassland and livestock area, Robert says he expects to see strong demand for the company's grass harrow and seeders, sward lifters and sward slitters this coming season.

Two charities dedicated to supporting the farming community have received a £74,000 donation from JCB as a result of a unique project.

JCB Chairman, Lord Bamford, presented The Louise Hartley Memorial Fund with £50,000 and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) with £24,000, which was raised through the auction of a one-of-a-kind Loadall telescopic handler.

The 541-70 Agri Pro was built by 68 JCB apprentices to highlight the value of apprentices and attract new talent.

Pictured front (left to right): Danusia Osiowy and John and Sarah Hartley of The Louise Hartley Memorial Fund, Lord Bamford, and Paul Burrows, Suzy Deeley and Joshua Hosier of RABI. Back row (left to right) are: project manager George Shepheard, apprentices Jack McDerrmott, Charlie Trotter, Danielle Cooper, Dan Hodgkinson, Josh Gwilliam and Apprenticeship Advisor Chris Morris.

The donation was made possible through the generosity of long-standing JCB user Angus Wielkopoliski of Yorkshire Dairy Goats who was the highest bidder for the machine in an online auction.

Lord Bamford welcomed representatives of the two charities and Mr Wielkopoloski to JCB’s World Headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire for the official presentations.

He said: “JCB’s apprentices worked as a team and did a wonderful job manufacturing this unique Loadall.

“I am not only delighted that one of our long-standing customers has supported the charity auction, but that the £74,000 he paid is helping two such worthwhile charities connected with the farming community, of which we are such a close part.

The Louise Hartley Memorial Fund was established in memory of the agricultural journalist who lost her life to cancer in 2016 at the age of just 24.

Louise’s parents, dairy farmers Sarah and John Hartley, of Clitheroe, Lancashire, said: “Louise was passionate about farming and the fund was set up in her memory to help young people pursue their ambitions and dreams in the farming world.

“The £50,000 donation will enable the fund to award a significant number of bursaries and help many young people to progress in their farming careers, so we are very grateful to both JCB and Yorkshire Dairy Goats for their kindness and generosity.”

Paul Burrows, Chief Executive of RABI added: “Our charity offers financial support to farming people of all ages.

“We have decided to use this generous donation to provide vital assistance to people with mental health problems, an issue which affects many of the families who approach us for support.”

The presentations brought to a successful conclusion the project which saw JCB’s young employees work across the company’s factories and departments over six months to manufacture the axles, gearbox, engine, hydraulics and cab of the Loadall. They also chose the colour scheme before it was assembled at the company's World headquarters.

It was first unveiled during National Apprenticeship Week last year to highlight the individuals working in the company's apprenticeship programme and generate an interest in attracting new talent for the future. The unique telescopic handler was also produced to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the Loadall, a machine which revolutionised the lifting and placing of loads on farms and construction sites.

JCB graduate manufacturing engineer and project manager, George Shepheard, 24, said: “The project has been an incredible experience for all of the apprentices and for me as a recent graduate. We all learned so much from using our skills in a real-world environment and it helped us to understand the bigger business picture.

“As a group of young people it is great for us to see that our hard work is benefiting others who are starting out in their careers or who need support in difficult times. We feel we have contributed something really special.”

Briggs & Stratton’s Commercial Power brand, Vanguard introduced a complete line of single-cylinder horizontal shaft petrol engines a the 2018 Executive Hire Show.

The company says the range has been developed in response to customer input rather than modifying an existing design.

After interviewing hire outlets, end users and dealers worldwide the key issues that arose time and again included the need for improved starting, reduced maintenance, less noise and vibration and better service and support.

The result was an engine with four-season starting at temperatures as low as -28 degree celsius, corrosions and stale fuel resistant plating. Vanguard’s exclusive single ignition and fuel shutoff, TransportGuard which prevents oil dilution whilst in transit. In addition, the engine’s dimensions and bolt configuration make it a ‘drop-in’ solution for equipment powered by other engine manufactures.

To help reduce maintenance downtime, the engine features an oil management system that allows the engine to run efficiently for up to 200 hours between oil changes - double the industry standard say Briggs & Stratton.

A fully-cyclonic air filtration system lessens downtime by extending the recommended air filter replacement to 600 hours.

The company says overall engine noise is improved and Vanguard has manufactured the main components to lessen the impact of vibration on performance as well as operator comfort.

The first available model within the new range, the 6.5-gross horsepower Vanguard 203cc, will be available to OEMs and for engine repowers from 2018. The remaining models - ranging from 5 to 13 gross horsepower - will be introduced over the next two years.

Polaris UK & Ireland has announced their continuation as title sponsors of British Side by Side Championship Racing in 2018.

What started in 2011 with Polaris Dealer Martin Fletcher and racing Polaris RZRs has become the fastest growing sport and leisure racing in the UK. It is now the premier racing championship for all makes and models of SXS.

“Polaris and SXS Racing have had a fantastic relationship since UTV racing began in the UK, and that is set to continue this season,” says Colin Martin, Race Director. “As the UTV market has come alive, so the motocross style of Side by Side racing has grown, attracting entrants from widely diverse backgrounds.”

SXS racing runs over three race formats, Short Circuit Racing, Endurance Racing and Youth.

“Polaris is passionate about Sport and Leisure and the Polaris British Short Circuit Racing Championship has grown year on year,” says Richard Coleby, Polaris District Sales Manager, “and the BSCC attracts people from all over the country. We’re proud to be at the forefront of the development of the sport.”

E.P. Barrus has announced its continued support of renowned equestrian William Fox-Pitt throughout 2018.

Barrus has a long-standing relationship with William, and say he has been a great ambassador working to promote Cub Cadet and the company’s range of garden machinery and equipment.

William Fox-Pitt

“Barrus and Cub Cadet have been a very valuable partnership to me and all at Fox-Pitt Eventing. Not only are we provided with vital equipment that we have such confidence in, but it is a long-standing relationship that has covered 14 years, and we are very lucky to have had its support for so long”, states William.

One of the most successful, and popular Three-Day Event Riders ever, William is the four times World Number One and eleven times British Number One. Barrus has supplied William with a number of Cub Cadet products over the years, including a 4x4 UTV and two Z-Force zero-turn ride-on mowers to help maintain his 28-stable complex in rural Dorset.

The state of the art stable facilities enables him and his team to prepare horses for the gruelling eventing calendar. The Cub Cadet machines are put through rigorous usage with the UTV being used daily by the team for everyday tasks, whilst the ride-on mower is used to keep the acres of grass under control.

William was recently awarded ‘Professional Rider of the Year’ at the 2018 BETA Business Awards. This award recognises sponsored riders who have made the greatest of contributions to the trade.

“We want to congratulate William for winning Professional Rider of the year earlier this year. It is a privilege for Cub Cadet to be part of his journey and we hope we have contributed in some way to his continued success!” explains Karen Clarke, Marketing Services Manager at E.P. Barrus Ltd.

Due to recent expansion & the addition of new dealerships, our Essex based company has an opening for a Parts & Sales Advisor to join the team in Great Dunmow.

We are an officially appointed distributor for Industrial Petrol & Diesel Engines, Transmissions & Parts to the Trade & Original Equipment Manufacturers.

The successful candidate will be an extremely self-driven & energetic individual with a proactive & positive attitude. Applicants should possess a high level of previous experience within the Industrial Parts & Sales sector, although full training will be given on our exact range of Engines & Transmissions; a degree of computer literacy is also essential.

Our Engine Dealerships are: Briggs & Stratton, Hatz, Honda, Kohler, Kubota, Lombardini, Yanmar

Our Transmission Dealerships are: Peerless, Tuff Torq

The position offers an attractive salary, private medical insurance & company pension scheme.

If you feel that this position is right for you, please email a CV and covering letter to tricia@uni-power.co.uk ; or send via post to Uni-power Ltd, Attn: Tricia Paveley, Units 8-9 Flitch Industrial Estate, Great Dunmow, Essex CM6 1XJ.

Tel: 01371 875331

www.uni-power.co.uk

#GetGrizzly with Grizzly Tools expanded 40v interchangeable battery range and enjoy cordless freedom without compromising on power thanks to Grizzly’s infallible German-engineered performance.

Here’s your license to roam thanks to the Grizzly 40v multi-tool lithium-ion battery system. It’s time to ditch the petrol and do away with electric, keep carbon emissions low and tend to gardening duties without the inconvenience of refuelling or keeping live wires out of the way: one battery fits all.

The extended range now works across twelve different tools, including five lawn mowers, scarifier and snow blower; hand power tools include the long-awaited 2-in-1 extendable pole saw with hedge trimmer attachment, hedge trimmer, chainsaw, leaf blower/vaccum, brush cutter, hedge trimmer and grass trimmer – garden in style with the ultimate flexibility and collect the range!

With the latest in battery powered technology and charging to full power in just over one hour, this allows for up to sixty minutes of constant use. Your customers can look forward to gardening without being hampered by electrical wires or the difficulty of storing fuel. Get Grizzly and enjoy the height of convenience at the forefront of technology – battery powered tools are the environmentally-friendly future of garden maintenance.

With a three year warranty as standard, the 40v range can be supplied with a stocked display stand that includes each model as well as batteries and chargers, (sold separately with hand tool models) for ease of demonstration in your showroom; there are payment options available to all current and future dealers. Get Grizzly and see the difference!

Celebrating 20 years of trading throughout Europe, Grizzly have an exceptional offering for 2018. Grizzly Tools manufacture quality power tools for every gardener, 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 range of products, please call Shnayde on 0845 683 2670.

Unbeatable Engine Prices - whilst stocks last!

Quantum 5.5hp replacement £128.00net (Usual trade price £165.00net)

17.5hp Ride-On £415.00net (Usual trade price £641.00net)

21hp Ride-On £406.00net (Usual trade price £630.00net)

Find out more