Firstly, thanks ever so much to Chris Biddle for expertly manning the fort here these past couple of weeks whilst I was away visiting family in the US. As ever his fascinating and thought-provoking views are much appreciated.

It's a great week to be back - and not just because the weather has been the same as it was in California (I assume it was like this the whole time I was away?!). No it's great to be back because there's loads going on at Service Dealer Towers to be excited about!

As you may have already seen, the magazine has a shiny new website! There has been much hard work going on behind the scenes by the amazingly talented team to get the new site prepared for launch. It's up there on the internet today for all to see - and I do hope readers take advantage of all that it offers. As well as looking all snazzy and modern, one of its main functions is to act as an archive of Service Dealer content. Both of the paper magazine and this Weekly Update.

So now if there's something you want to read again, either from a magazine you can't put your hands on, or from an Update you've deleted from your inbox, you can head over to www.servicedealer.co.uk and worry no more!

There's plenty of other delights to be found on there as well, including the announcement today of the first details regarding November's Service Dealer Conference & Awards.

Taking place once again at the Oxford Belfry Hotel, on Thursday 15th November, the theme for this year's edition is tied in to the fact that Service Dealer is celebrating 30 years as the independent voice of the industry in 2018. The event will reflect on that heritage, but more importantly look forward to what the next 30 years could have in store for our specialist dealer readers. Hence the title for the event has been chosen as 'To 2048 - Insights For Our Industry: Helping You To Prosper Over The Next 30 Years'.

The content of the day will once again include leading industry speakers and experts, panel debates and breakout sessions. Keep an eye on this Weekly Update and the magazine for further reveals, but what we can say at this stage is that the Conference programme is based around the most commonly expressed concerns and issues identified by dealers in interviews and surveys published in Service Dealer and from feedback and suggestions from last year’s attendees. As such the conference will be tackling topics such as Succession and Urbanisation - plus guest speakers will give first-hand accounts of what large spending customers expect from a dealership.

Also live today on the new site, entries are open for this year's Dealer Of The Year competition. As ever the presentation for the Awards will take place at the Oxford Belfry, during the gala dinner following on from the day's Conference activities. Always a special night, Service Dealer and our sponsors, are delighted to continue to honour the incredible work being achieved by independent dealers of all sizes, across the country.

To be in the running for one of the core dealer prizes in the categories of Garden Machinery, Professional Turfcare, Farm, Forestry or ATV / Utility, head over to the site and nominate your dealership. Manufacturers and supplies can also nominate their dealers they feel deserve an accolade. Many factors are taken into account when judging the categories including innovation, best working practices, customer care and customer feedback - so there's plenty of opportunity for the smaller dealer as well.

There are also two other award categories on the night, Star of The Dealership and Apprentice of The Year - both of which are open now for entry. With these categories we want you to tell us who really goes that extra mile to help make your business a success. This is a great opportunity to nominate an employee who exceeds expectations within your business.

The Conference & Awards day is always such a memorable occasion, which is getting bigger year on year. We do hope to see as many of our readers there as possible In November. If you head over to the new site now you can register your interest in attending or take advantage of some very attractive Early Bird discounts on tickets.

So plenty to look forward to with Service Dealer for the rest of this year. As ever, everything we do is guided by you, our dealer readers. So please keep giving us your invaluable feedback so we can make sure that all our output across the magazine, Weekly Update, website and Conference & Awards all reflects your interests and concerns.

Service Dealer has today launched a stylish new website, in celebration of the magazine's 30th anniversary.

As well as being packed full of all the new and improved features you would expect from the online presence of a modern magazine, the site also includes the first details of this year's Service Dealer Conference & Awards - including the ability for dealers to nominate their company to be in the running for a 2018 Dealer Of The Year Award.

Service Dealer's new website

Service Dealer editor Steve Gibbs said, "We are immensely proud of our new website. The design team have been working hard behind the scenes to make sure it delivers on all fronts - design, functionality and content.

"With 2018 being Service Dealer's 30th anniversary year, we thought what better way to mark the occasion than by rebuilding and relaunching our site. It has of course, been optimised to look and feel great across all devices from which a user might wish to access it.

"We hope all our readers will enjoy the new benefits which the site offers - and don't forget to check out the details of November's Conference and Awards. From today dealers can use the site to enter themselves for the Dealer Of The Year competition. This year it really could be you!"

As well as full details of the Conference & Awards, the site offers visitors the ability to download full back issues of Service Dealer magazine in pdf form, going back to January 2015. Also back issues of this Weekly Update are archived on the site. Future issues of both will of course be stored here.

You'll find up to date industry news on the Home Page along with the latest Tweets from Service Dealer, the latest weather details, links to our Partners' websites and our latest reader poll.

Elsewhere there are details about the team behind the magazine, how to subscribe, advertising details, what industry events are on throughout the year and how to get in contact.

"The new site truly reflects Service Dealer's position as the voice of the industry," said Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke. "In this our 30th anniversary year a facelift for our online presence seemed appropriate - and sets us up as we look forward, with our dealer readers, to whatever the next 30 years hold."

Visit www.servicedealer.co.uk

An opportunity to expand with more staff and a larger trading area has been grasped by an agricultural machinery dealership by taking on sales, parts and service support for McCormick tractors.

The family-owned business David Eaton Tractors Ltd took on the McCormick franchise at the beginning of April and immediately secured two orders from a new customer running a large dairy unit.

Brothers Mark (left) and John Eaton oversee sales and service activities at David Eaton Tractors

The dealership has taken the decision to drop the Valtra tractor franchise which they have dealt with since 2001.

Managing director David Eaton said, “Although we’ve been successful with the brand we’ve supplied for the past 17 years, switching to McCormick gives us access to a much wider and more varied product range with more opportunities to meet the needs of local farmers and contractors.

“We can also trade across a larger territory with McCormick, so together with an expanded team of technicians in the workshop and for on-farm servicing and repairs we can aim to meet our goal of steadily expanding the business to secure its future and jobs.”

David Eaton Tractors now represents the 43hp to 310hp McCormick tractor range from its base at Fradswell near Stafford throughout a territory extending from Warrington and Sheffield, bordering existing McCormick dealers J Charnley & Sons and N&S Moorhouse, southwards to Burton upon Trent, Cannock and Telford, adjoining existing dealer HJR Agri to the west.

The company will supply new and pre-owned tractors, and provide parts and service back-up for the McCormick tractors supplied by the company and for the many McCormick machines already used in the area.

Mark Eaton, who heads sales, points out that although the dealership has not been directly involved with McCormick previously, salesman Mark Martin and service engineer Tom Whiston have past experience of McCormick products when they were built at Doncaster.

Their experience and product knowledge, combined with that of new recruit, workshop technician Simon Fletcher, puts the business in the perfect position for its new franchise. He is working alongside service manager John Eaton as part of the expanded five-man service team.

At McCormick national distributor AgriArgo UK & Ireland, Ray Spinks, general manager and sales director, is delighted to welcome David Eaton, his sons Mark and John, and the rest of the dealership team to the McCormick family.

“With good management and customer service given the number one priority, David Eaton Tractors is the calibre of dealer we’re keen to appoint in many parts of the country to increase coverage of McCormick sales and service,” he said.

STIHL has launched the MS 500i, which they boast is the world’s first standard chainsaw with electronic fuel injection and a never-before achieved power-to-weight ratio.

STIHL MS 500i

The company says the injection technology (i) not only provides the chainsaw with incredible torque, but also ensures rapid acceleration of the saw chain from 0 to 100 km/h in 0.25 seconds.

They also say that due to the intelligent lightweight design, the MS 500i also features the best ever power-to-weight ratio - 1.24 kilograms per kilowatt, a value never achieved before by series-manufactured chainsaws.

STIHL go on to say that together with the many additional design optimisations, there is a substantial increase in operator comfort. The reduction of gyroscopic forces provides the 80 cm³-class high-performance professional saw with dynamic manoeuvrability, which is a particular advantage during limbing. This makes the professional big timber harvester easy to handle in all disciplines - from felling to cutting to length.

The MS 500i has exceptional starting behavior and provides optimum engine power right from startup. The engine does not need a carburetor, since the fuel metering is done using a sensor, and automatically adapts to the different operating conditions, no matter what the altitude and ambient temperature.

A preview of the new MS 500i will be given at the Arb Show, Westonbirt Arboretum from 11 to 12 May 2018. It will be available to forestry professionals worldwide from the beginning of 2019.

Due to the exceptional level of interest, the machine will already be available in selected markets, including Germany, in limited quantities in time for the 2018/19 season.

The details at a glance:

• First chainsaw with STIHL Injection
Huge advancement in engine development. The MS 500i is the first ever series-manufactured chainsaw with an electronically controlled fuel injection system. The high-torque machine provides optimum engine power right from startup. It provides powerful performance and the saw chain accelerates extremely rapidly - from 0 to 100 km/h in just 0.25 seconds.

• Best power-to-weight ratio of all classes
The STIHL MS 500i is a lightweight within the ranks of professional saws. Thanks to intelligent lightweight design, as well as an extremely high engine power, it excels with an exemplarily low power-to-weight ratio at 1.24 kg/kW. This value is unique within all displacement categories.

• Easy starting and sensor-controlled fuel mixing
The MS 500i is very easy to start in all operating conditions, and automatically adapts to different locations of use. The sensor-controlled fuel mixing ensures that the mixture is adjusted optimally for the oxygen content in the air right from the first ignition.

• Improved ergonomics and practical details make work easier
The innovative flywheel with a reduced installation height and lower weight reduces the gyroscopic forces that arise during operation. Together with the low overall weight, the resulting dynamic swiveling behavior of the machine, which is a particular advantage for limbing, makes the ideal guidance of the tool along the trunk easy.

This is also supported by the new bumper spike geometry. The raised plunge bar on the fan housing - parallel to the axis of symmetry of the guide bar - makes directional control and tool guidance easier when plunge cutting. Captive nuts on the chain sprocket cover make changing the chain straightforward. Professional big timber harvesting - from felling through cutting to length to limbing - is a simple task with the new professional saw.

Returning to the Oxford Belfry Hotel this November, the 2018 Service Dealer Conference and Awards will benefit from Kubota as a Gold Sponsor

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

Kubota's marketing manager, Karen Tipping, said “Kubota are delighted to be a Gold Sponsor at the 2018 Service Dealer Conference and Awards. We feel it is very important to be a part of the Conference which gives Dealers some crucial insights into improving their businesses from industry experts.

"The Awards gives the industry a chance to celebrate Dealer’s excellence. We look forward to seeing many of you there”.

Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke said, "We are delighted to have the support of Kubota for this year's Service Dealer Conference & Awards.

"We have just announced the title and theme for this year's event. Entitled 'To 2048 - Insights For Our Industry: Helping You To Prosper Over The Next 30 Years', the Conference, which is taking place in Service Dealer's 30th anniversary year, will be offering dealers invaluable help and advice.

"Also on the new website from today, dealers can nominate themselves to be in the running for this year's Dealer Of The Year competition. Please remember that winners will be judged on innovation, best working practices, customer care and of course customer feedback and so plenty of opportunity for the smaller dealers also.

"We once again thank Kubota for being on board for what will be a very special day."

Winners of Dealer of the Year Awards 2017:

• Large Volume Tractor and Harvester Dealer of the Year – Russells Group
• Medium Tractor and Harvester Dealer of the Year –Turney Group Ltd
• Medium Tractor and Minor Harvester Dealer of the Year – Teme Valley Tractors Ltd
• Tractor Dealer of the Year – Brian Keys Tractors Ltd
• Irish Dealer of the Year – Murphy Motors Ltd

Runners up for 2017 include:

• Large Volume Tractor and Harvester Dealer of the Year – Agricar Ltd
• Medium Tractor and Harvester Dealer of the Year – The Burdens Group Ltd
• Medium Tractor and Minor Harvester Dealer of the Year – Hawkins Agri Ltd
• Tractor Dealer of the Year – Burkes of Cornascriebe Ltd
• Irish Dealer – Lyons & Burton Ltd

New Holland has celebrated the success of its network of agricultural dealers across the UK and Ireland with the presentation of five awards in recognition of excellence in performance and service quality.

Bernadette and Dick Murphty of Murphy Motors win New Holland Irish Dealer of the Year

The 2017 award winners represent the best of New Holland’s 58-strong dealership network that covers 127 locations throughout the UK and Ireland. The Awards are part of an on-going programme to highlight the achievements of its dealers.

New Holland UK and Ireland Business Director, Andrew Watson said, “Our Dealer of the Year Awards celebrate the achievement of individual dealerships, they also serve to highlight the strength of our extensive network. We work with our dealer network to ensure that no matter the location or size of our customers, our dealers provide the best service to farmers, contractors and amenity businesses. Our dealers range from small to large, some are relatively new and some are family-run businesses that are nearly a century old. The common objective of them all is to provide the best possible products and a service. I congratulate all the winners and runners-up in managing to raise the bar each year.

Paul Russell, CEO of Russells Group, said: “We are thrilled to have won the New Holland large volume tractor and harvester dealer award for a second successive year. It recognises the commitment and hard work from everyone at Russells and Hallmark Tractors. It is a real team effort and the combination of strong parts and service support for the sales team provides customers with the confidence to invest in the New Holland product range."

Jeremy Turney, Managing Director of The Turney Group Ltd, was delighted to win the award for Medium Tractor and Harvester Dealer of the Year, saying, “The award is great news for everyone involved and a credit to the whole team.”

Graham Probert, Director, Medium Tractor and Minor Harvester Dealer of the Year - Teme Valley Tractors Ltd said, “It was a lovely surprise and honour to receive this award and the staff were really chuffed. When you are selling such a fantastic product it makes it easier to hit your targets!”

John McCaffrey, Sales Manager, Brian Keys Tractors Ltd said, “We are delighted once again to be named tractor dealer of the year for 2017. This is a great honour following on from our success in the same award category for our performance in 2016.

“It’s a true reflection of the effort put in by each member of staff, providing our customers with a high level of service and support across the New Holland range.”

Bernadette Murphy of Murphy Motors Ltd said. “My brother Dick and I are the third generation of the Murphy family to be involved in running the family business, originally established in 1960. Now 58 years on and still going strong, we are honoured to receive such an esteemed industry accolade from New Holland. We are also extremely grateful to the fantastic and dedicated team we have around us. It simply doesn’t happen without them, and New Holland highlighted this by citing the work of our staff in the parts, service, after-sales and sales departments as being central to our success.”

Cultivation equipment manufacturer Grégoire Besson UK Group and seeding and fertilisation equipment manufacturer Sulky Burel UK have appointed Robert Thurkettle as Managing Director for the UK market.

In 2017 the family-owned French machinery manufacturers agreed to collaborate on the sales, marketing and customer service of Grégoire Besson, Sulky Burel and Rabe products in the UK to improve efficiencies and strengthen their existing relationship. The companies share a single head office and a parts distribution centre in Bourne, Lincolnshire.

The collaboration takes on a new dimension with the recent appointment of Robert Thurkettle as Managing Director. He will be working closely with Ailsa Walker who has overseen the restructure and growth of the two businesses since 2017.

Robert has many years of experience in the farm machinery sector; as a farm manager for Sentry Farming, in sales at John Deere dealer Ben Burgess, and as Dealer Principal at AGCO dealer Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS) in Ely, Cambridgeshire, where he oversaw the restructure and move of their head office and satellite office to a new purpose-built head office. More recently, Robert managed area sales for GPS equipment supplier, LH Agro.

On his new role, Robert says, “I’m delighted to have been appointed by Grégoire Besson UK Group and Sulky Burel UK. This is an exciting time in agriculture, with a myriad of opportunities and challenges for UK farmers and contractors.

“The UK market is very important to both Grégoire Besson and Sulky Burel. We have excellent products and technology, and a growing and robust dealer network to service our customers.

“My focus will be on continuing to build the presence of both brands in this competitive market, and supporting our sales, parts, and head office team to capitalise on the opportunities for growth and provide excellent customer service.”

Popular visitor destination, the Eden Project, has added a new member to its horticultural team this spring.

Husqvarna Automower, which works unassisted throughout the day and night, has been installed at the Cornwall site to maintain the grounds surrounding the famous iconic bubble-like Biomes.

Nestled in a huge crater the size of 30 football pitches, the Eden Project Horticultural team have a job on their hands keeping the lawns in immaculate condition all year round. To help save time, the team turned to Husqvarna for an eco-friendly solution.

Kevin Ashmore, Husqvarna Professional UK Manager said, “With sustainability at the heart of the Eden Project it was important that whatever solution we provided was as eco-friendly as possible and the Automower fits the bill.”

Kevin added, “One of the key decision makers for the Eden Project was that Automower could be programmed to run through the night so as not to impact on any visitors during the day.”

Niki Hall, Specialist Horticulturist at the Eden Project said of the installation, "The arena is now in top condition and this allows more time for the horticulture team to spend in other areas rather than cutting the lawns. It is quiet and unobtrusive, though very funky - like a Formula One mower. It has no emissions and low energy consumption. It can also be used in all weathers.”

Farmer’s son Steve Newlove has joined UK-based agricultural machinery manufacturer Claydon as Field Sales Manager for Scotland and the North of England.

Most recently Steve has been with agricultural machinery dealer J. Wood & Son Ltd at Kirbymoorside as Area Sales Manager for North and East Yorkshire. After four years with the company he took up his current position with Claydon and from his North Lincolnshire home now covers an area up to the north of Scotland.

“Farming is a very relationship-based industry, in which the importance of good products, customer service and trust cannot be overstated,” Steve says. “Having worked on my family’s own farm and for a company which took on the Claydon franchise during my time there I know exactly what farmers and dealers want from Claydon products.

“J. Wood & Sons was one of the first Claydon dealers in an area where farmers primarily rely on traditional plough-based crop establishment methods. I used to think that was the only way too, but once I saw the agronomic and economic benefits of the Claydon System there was no turning back. I only want to be involved with products that I would want to purchase or operate myself, so the Claydon range is ideal and the timing could not be better.

"Currently, I am contacting all existing Claydon customers as well as dealers who might be interested in working with the brand to increase our representation and ensure that we provide the best-possible service.”

Steve Newlove can be contacted on M: 07824 115975 or E: Steve.Newlove@claydondrill.com

“A large proportion of our customers have been taking advantage of our 0% finance offer,” says Ben Murray, Polaris’ National Sales Manager, “so we have decided to continue offering interest-free financing on new Polaris Sportsman ATVs, Ranger 4x4 Utility Vehicles, RZRs and Scramblers.”

Originally scheduled to end in March, the 0% finance scheme will now continue running on these 2018 models throughout the year.

Provided in conjunction with Rural Finance, the scheme is available over two years with 2 + 22 monthly payments up to a maximum of 80% of the Recommended Retail Price. It’s available for new Polaris utility ATVs, UTVs, and Sport and Leisure vehicles (excluding Youth). The 0% finance can also include up to £1,000 excluding VAT on genuine Polaris ATV and UTV accessories.

The extended finance offer also runs alongside the arrival of new Polaris ATV and UTV additions to the range at Polaris dealers, with a number of other special offers available. 

The availability of the 0% finance through Rural Finance is subject to status; the offers and warranty are subject to terms and conditions.

Available in the UK, excluding the Republic of Ireland. The finance offer ends on 31st December 2018.

RHS-qualified landscaper Nick Barban of Lawn & Border, says he has been using Hayter products since his business began back in 2002 and is very close to reaching a significant milestone.

This May, Nick will have mowed the circumference of the earth with his Hayter.

Nick Barban

Using a pedometer, he was able to calculate his average pace of 3mph and then work out the figures based on a five-day working week, throughout 10 months of mowing per year. By the end of this spring, Barban will have mowed a total of 24,900 miles, which is equivalent to the circumference of the earth.

He commented, “I’ve always trusted Hayter mowers due to their durability and quality of cut. I’m currently using a Harrier 48 Pro and I was quite amazed to find out how much I’ve mowed over the years. I have to say that the Hayter Harrier range has been the ideal choice for my work.”

Sourcing the products from his local dealer in Purley, Cornell and Varley, Barban has opted for the Harrier 48 range throughout the years.

Christopher Cooper, product marketing manager at Hayter said: “We’d like to congratulate Nick on his efforts and it’s fantastic to see how passionate he is about his work. We’re delighted to see that Nick has always chosen Hayter as his preferred brand to work with and we wish him all the best with his business in the future.”

Due to continued expansion of our lawn and garden and handheld OPE offering, Ariens Company is seeking a Product Manager to join our team in the UK office, located in Great Haseley, Oxford.

Reporting to the European Marketing Manager, this position seeks to identify potential new products as well as managing the current product portfolio.

Using marketing research, the Product Manager will generate product requirements; determining specifications, production timetables, pricing, and time-integrated plans for product introduction. The Product Manager will work hand-in-hand with the marketing team to develop marketing strategies specific to product releases.

As both a manufacturer and a distributor, the successful candidate will need to work closely with the engineering function as well as with suppliers of purchased products.

For more information and a full job description, please contact Jef O’Riley – joriley@ariens.com

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join one of the largest Honda and Stihl dealers in the UK.

A leader within our industry we are looking for a professional with experience of Sales and Management within the Tool Hire/Construction & Ground care Equipment sector, to join our largest depot in Bolton as a Depot Manager. An attractive package is on offer, along with monthly/annual bonuses and a fully expensed company car.

We are currently undergoing fundamental business changes with an internal restructure and the launch of a new business system, now is an exciting time to become part of our team.

To apply send your CV to toni.corcoran@seddonplant.co.uk

Job role requirements:

• Full responsibility and accountability for all operational and commercial aspects of the branch, including (where applicable) the workshop facility.
• Overall responsibity for the P&L for the branch.
• Strong focus on improving sales within the branch from a B2B and B2C prospective. Incentivise and support staff within this area.
• Accountable for stock management within the branch.
• Provide a safe working environment for depot staff. Robustly monitor and enforce health and safety procedures.
• Maintain a high level of housekeeping within the depot.
• Depot maintenance standards to be upheld.
• Ensure all Operating Procedures are adhered to by all members of staff.
• Monitor and manage staff morale and motivation.
• Overall responsibility for the customer experience delivered within your branch.
• Deal with customer complaints.
• Identify and instigate improved efficiencies wherever possible.
• Ensure all administrative functions are completed within timescales and of a high standard.
• Review and develop existing working standards.
• Deal with customer telephone and/or counter enquiries for parts/sales/repairs.
• Manage holiday, sickness and absence leave for your employees.
• Accountable for conducting Company disciplinary and grievance procedure as appropriate.
• Cover for absent members of staff within your Depot undertaking all of their duties.
• Opening and closing of the branch on a daily basis.
• All aspects of security within the branch.
• Attend training course and meetings as requested.
• Saturday working will be required.

Company car, fuel card, mobile and a performance related bonus included. Salary up to £34k depending on experience.

Job Type: Full-time

Garden Trader is a product and dealer search website/directory only for specialist garden machinery dealers in the UK. It has been designed to support and promote our dealer industry to consumers who are specifically searching for garden machinery products and services.

It costs just £95 + VAT per year to be listed and all revenues this year will be reinvested into promoting the site online.

Join the country’s only independent specialist website, created by the team that bring you Service Dealer. Join our 170 subscribed Garden Trader dealers now by clicking on “Register Dealership”.

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uni-power have recently been appointed a UK Distributor for Hydro-Gear Drive Solutions.

To complement our other Official Dealerships, we are very proud to announce the addition of Hydro-Gear Drive Solutions, which are used in a wide range of applications across many industries.

We are a specialist Engine, Transmission & Parts supplier to the Trade & Original Equipment Manufacturers.

A large stock order of the most popular Hydro-Gear Parts& Transmissions will be in stock shortly, so please contact us now for all your Hydro-Gear requirements.

As well as supplying the complete range of Hydro-Gear Drive Solutions & Parts, we also offer full Service & Warranty back-up support via our dedicated Service Division.