Here’s a quote on which I like you to ponder

“Young people should be prepared to work in menial jobs in hospitals, agriculture and construction, but only if employers ensure they are stepping stones to a skilled career”.

These are the words of Nick Stace, newly appointed CEO of the Prince’s Trust. He was commenting on research by the charity that found that confidence levels about job prospects was at a record low amongst under 25s.

Whilst the sentiment is spot-on, what troubles me is the use of the word ‘menial’. There is nothing menial about working in a hospital, or on a farm, or on a construction project. It is a question of perception. Some of these jobs are classified (in the eye of the beholder) as menial, but in many instances, not only can they play a vital role in the business, particularly a small business, but be the first steps to a long-term career.

Let me ask you?

How many times have you taken on a young person for one of these, so-called, ‘menial’ jobs to find that he or she has shown enthusiasm, willingness to listen and learn, responsibility, common-sense and to be a real ‘fit’ with work colleagues? Very few school leavers can possibly have the work-ethic at the outset. They can only demonstrate their worth and their ambition when placed in a ‘live’ work environment.

But where Mr Stace is absolutely correct is to recognise that employers must ensure that those formative days, months and years should be carefully monitored and nurtured by the employer.

For much of the time, perception gets in the way of reality. For instance, ask Joe Public for their description of a ‘groundsman’ and images of forks, white-line painting and boring mowing dominate their thinking. Yet the skill sets of a professional groundsman encompass science, agronomy, chemistry, turf management, meteorology, engineering - all mixed with a healthy dose of diplomacy, stoicism and an extremely hard-skin.

Dealerships up and down the land are full of success stories of those who started at the bottom, and who have risen through the ranks because of their positive and ‘can-do’ attitude.

Our industry is not an ‘easy-sell’. We are too diverse for it to be packaged into an easily recognisable career. The closest we have got an all-embracing description is ‘land-based engineering’ - and that mouthful rarely gets anybody near our real identity.

As you will see below, for the past couple of months I’ve been working with the various industry bodies to produce a new careers brochure. It’s been quite a challenge. ‘Too many tractors, not enough mowers, don’t forget dairy, how about drones, remember forestry, where are the robots?, can’t leave out ATVs . . .’

In the end, it’s all about getting noticed. A parting of the curtains on what is a fascinating, diverse, opportunistic industry - and full of rich promise.

Editor Steve Gibbs is away this week, visiting dealers in Scotland

The Landbased Education and Training Committee (LE-TEC) has published a new careers guide aimed at informing school leavers and others of the wide range of opportunities in the agricultural, grasscare and power equipment industry.

LE-TEC is a joint initiative between AEA, BAGMA and IAgrE to co-ordinate training, education, recruitment and promotional activities across the landbased engineering sector.

The 16 page brochure, World of Opportunity, which is available in print and digital format features information on the dealer sector, manufacturers and suppliers, apprenticeship opportunities, the LTA scheme and further/higher colleges and universities. It contains pen pictures of those currently working in the industry including apprentices, technicians, sales and parts specialists and employers.

The brochure was written and compiled by Chris Biddle, editor of the IAgrE journal Landwards and founder of Service Dealer, together with Southampton-based designer Martin Hebditch.

Chris says “In many ways this was one of the most challenging, yet satisfying, projects I have ever worked on due to the sheer diversity of the sectors encompassed by the title Landbased Engineering which, lets face it, probably means little to outsiders”

“I had excellent support and feedback from the LE-TEC partners as the project progressed, and we never had to lose sight of the fact that we had to speak to those to whom our industry was a real unknown”.

Early reaction came from dealers shown the final draft. David Sturges, now with JD dealer Burden Bros after long spells with manufacturers Hayter and Countax said “I think this is a great initiative. The brochure looks really professional” whilst Steve Halley of Cheshire Turf Machinery said “Thanks for your efforts in attracting young people to our industry. As you know, once hooked, many people stay in the trade for life”

View the digital version of World of Opportunity

Continental Landscapes, a grounds maintenance company, has taken delivery of 33 pieces of machinery from Ransomes.

This latest investment marks a 20-year relationship between Continental Landscapes and Ransomes. PA Turney demonstrated and sold the machinery, having nurtured the relationship between the companies for more than two decades.

L-R: Robert Millar of PA Turney, Tom Dew of Continental Landscapes and Nathan Walker of Ransomes

Continental Landscapes was established in 1989 and currently has more than 20 U.K. branches. It has a diverse portfolio of clients including local authorities, government departments, industrial and commercial concerns, housing associations, sports clubs and private individuals. The company also employs more than 700 people.

Tom Dew is the plant and machinery manager at Continental Landscapes, having joined the company in 1991. Commenting on the relationship with Ransomes and PA Turney, Tom said, “We are very proud of our long-standing relationship with both Ransomes and PA Turney. 

“Service and back-up is a huge consideration for us. In my opinion, there is no better dealer than PA Turney. They look after all our branches, and if we need assistance at one of our branches in Scotland, they will travel from Oxfordshire and be there the next day. The combination of exceptional machinery and back-up support is the reason that we keep returning to Ransomes and PA Turney.”

Amongst the new machinery are two Parkway 3 cylinder mowers, 28 HR300 rotary mowers with Müthing decks, two MP493 rotary mowers and one MP495 cylinder mower. Continental Landscapes was one of the first customers invited to test the new Ransomes HM600, a collaboration between Ransomes and Müthing; it will be launching in 2018.

Commenting on the relationship and the machinery, Municipal National Accounts Manager at Ransomes Nathan Walker, said, “It is testament to the design and manufacturing teams at Ransomes, and the staff at PA Turney that Continental Landscapes has been a loyal customer for so many years. I hope this continues with our future developments such as the new HM600; the feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive. It’s going to be an exciting year ahead for all concerned!”

Alasdair Straker, BAGMA's Business Development Manager based in Scotland, had a special presentation made to him marking his retirement at the Association's annual Curling In Stirling event on Wednesday (Feb 14th) this week.

L-R: BAGMA Director Keith Christian makes the presentation to Alasdair Straker

Director of BAGMA Keith Christian made the presentation following the curling and said, "We wish Alasdair all the very best for his retirement and thank him for his many years of dedication to both BAGMA and bira. However, we are very pleased that Alasdair will still be supporting us in Scotland with our BAGMA events and shows that he has attended over the years. So we will continue to see him at our golf events, The Royal Highland Show and most of the Scottish shows throughout this year.

"All of us at BAGMA and bira wish Alasdair all the very best for his future and hope that his ‘warm down’ year will be as enjoyable and productive as his previous years with us."

Representives of BAGMA were joined by dealers, manufacturers and guests to enjoy the Curling In Stirling on Wednesday this week.

The winning team. L-R: Peter Arrand, BAGMA Vice President; Andy Stirrat Pro-Test; Khalid Rehman, Global Payments; Abigail Marsh, Safety Aide. With Dean Lowe of sponsors Safety Aide

The second placed team. L-R: Jimmy Glen, retired; Kate Robb, Faser C Robb; Duncan Murray-Clarke, Service Dealer

The best novice curler award was presented to BAGMA/bira's new representative in Scotland Janine Redford (right) by Miriam Byrne and Alasdair Straker

Service Dealer founder Chris Biddle sponsored the inaugural 'Falling Down Water' award which was presented to Alex McAllister (official BAGMA piper!) by Dave McQueen, senior Scottish Curling Champion

Editor of Service Dealer, Steve Gibbs, displaying his (utter lack of) skills on the ice

Overton (UK) have announced that Double A have recently been appointed as the Scottish dealer for the Mean Green lithium powered electric mowers.

Sandy Armit and Richard Overton

Double A is a family run business owned by Sandy Armit and his wife Aileen. They started the business working from home in 1996 and have since seen the company grow into one of the largest turf dealerships in the UK. The company operates from two depots, situated in Cupar and Aberdeen, and has built up a complete portfolio of products and services for customers covering all aspects of the business, including service contracts, repair and maintenance plans, detailed estimates, overnight parts delivery and finance options.

Sandy Armit said, “I first saw Mean Green at the SALTEX show in 2015 and was impressed, and after discussions with Richard Overton at SALTEX last year we decided to add Mean Green to our product offering”. Sandy believes that Mean Green products will be especially appealing to his customer base who work in local authorities, National Trust sites, schools, universities, caravan parks and large houses and estates. 

Richard Overton says, "Being successfully sold within the US over the last nine years this proven technology is being embraced by forward thinking dealers in the UK who can see the benefits provided by commercial electric mowers."

E. P. Barrus Ltd has announced the appointment of Emily King to the role of Lawn and Garden Marketing Executive.

Emily King

Emily brings with her a wealth of marketing experience. After graduating with a degree in Advertising and Promotions, Emily completed a Sales Diploma and has since worked with high-profile brands including BMW and Mazda. Her experience includes online and offline marketing and, with knowledge of channel marketing, she is well suited to also support the company with its marketing.

E. P. Barrus distributes names such as Cub Cadet and Lawnflite, and Emily’s main area of responsibility will include supporting the growth of these.

Emily will support Cub Cadet dealers in promoting the brand as well as looking after all marketing for Lawnflite. 

Emily said, “I am thrilled to be joining Barrus in the Lawn and Garden Division. It’s an exciting time for the company having just celebrated its 100-year anniversary and with the new products being launched this year I’m happy to be on board. Gardening has become a passion for me and I am excited to be working on some of the most loved brands in the industry.”

Tim Hart, Director of Sales & Marketing at Barrus added, “With a strong background in channel marketing and her broad knowledge of on and offline activity, I know Emily will provide a great support to our dealer network and help the Lawn and Garden Division with their next phase of growth.”

Fraser C Robb have been appointed distributors for KUHN Amenity Pro products.

Fraser and his wife Kate established the business in 1975, just outside the town of Drymen, north of Glasgow, with Struan and Lorna, the next generation taking the business forward.

With a team of 16 staff, they look after the needs of their agricultural, landscaping, ground care and local authority customers - selling and servicing a range of equipment that ranges from pedestrian lawnmowers to tractors.

Fraser C Robb offer a range of machinery for gardening, tree felling, agriculture, construction, estate maintenance and ground care.

KUHN Amenity Pro products are available from:

Fraser C Robb
Stirling Road
Drymen
G63 0AA

MANNS have announced a new franchise agreement with Stewart Trailers.

Under the agreement, MANNS will provide sales, service and support for the complete Stewart Trailer range from their branches covering greater East Anglia.

Commenting on the appointment Chris Chilvers, Franchise Manager for MANNS, said, “We have been looking for a trailer franchise to complement our existing product range, and MANNS are very pleased to be able to offer a quality engineered trailer to our customers. We are looking forward to working with Stewart’s to increase the number of their iconic blue trailers in our region.”

Stewart’s range includes Tipping Trailers, Dumper Trailers, Flat Trailers, Livestock Containers and Low Loaders. All Stewart Trailers products are manufactured to order so the customer can specify which of the wide selection of optional extra items they want to have on their trailer.

Stewart Trailers operates from a manufacturing facility in Aberdeenshire and was established in 1988 by husband and wife team James and Mandy Stewart. “We are delighted to add MANNS to our dealer network,” said James Stewart. “They are a well-established, respected business that is ideally placed to promote and sell our products.”

Customers can now gain much better informed advice about the recently introduced NewAg range of Manitou MLT telescopic handlers following a major in-house training event.

Held at the National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh, the hands-on event training event was the largest ever practical training session organised by Manitou (UK) Ltd.

Dealers get hands-on at the Manitou training event

During the training sessions, 180 Manitou dealer personnel including Managing Directors, senior managers, sales people and support staff were able to learn about, inspect and test drive the latest MLT NewAg models. Experts from Manitou UK were on hand to provide comprehensive presentations before the dealer personnel tried out the different models to carry out a series of realistic operating tasks with appropriate attachments.

In a statement Manitou said, "The training event made it easy for the participants to check out the different operational advantages of the alternative transmissions now being offered with some of the MLT NewAg models. As well as the traditional powershift transmissions, Manitou can now provide alternative CVT (continuously variable transmissions)."

The latest ZF CVT transmission is now available in the NewAg V (Varioshift) and V+ (Vario Plus) models. And, at the major training event, the Manitou dealer personnel were able to directly compare the benefits of both the Power Shift Plus (P+) and Vario Plus (V+) transmissions on new machines such as the MLT635-140 V+ and MLT 635-130 PS+.

The manufacturer says that feedback from dealer personnel who attended, indicates that the event has given the confidence and greater practical knowledge to better impart the advantages of the NewAg range to potential customers. Andrew Waddington, Managing Director of Doncaster-based  dealer Farmstar Ltd, said, “This has been the best Manitou training that I have been to in the last 20 years.”

Case IH and The Climate Corporation, a subsidiary of Monsanto Company, have announced a new partnership that will extend and develop a portfolio of data sharing capabilities to help farmers with real-time agronomic visualisation and decision-making solutions.

Case IH will provide customers two-way data connectivity between the AFS Connect™ precision farming platform and The Climate Corporation’s Climate FieldView™ digital agriculture platform.

“This agreement further integrates agronomy and precision farming for Case IH customers,” said Case IH Brand President, Andreas Klauser. “With this partnership, Case IH will deliver the very best in agronomic data visualisation and machine data decision-making and support tools. Having access to this information throughout the growing season will drive productivity and profitability for our customers.

“For more than 20 years, AFS has stood for open architecture to facilitate field operations and give flexibility in sharing and applying data. We are pleased to continue this commitment with an evolving solution set to meet our customer’s needs.”

The company says this partnership offers Case IH customers unique functionality with real-time machine and field data, including agronomic prescriptions, which can be both received and transmitted to Climate FieldView using the AFS Connect platform. To date, this integration with Climate FieldView provides one of the most extensive data sets available. Case believe this additional level of real-time data connectivity will enable agribusinesses to fine tune field operations to further enhance their in-field productivity and efficiency across their existing machinery fleets.

“Case IH customers using Climate FieldView and the new features enabled by Case IH machine data within this partnership will have new opportunities for field efficiency and productivity from their data,” says Robert Zemenchik, Case IH AFS Global Product Manager. “This partnership advances our longstanding data-based focus on agronomy and machine optimisation for the Case IH brand and its customers.”

In addition to the in-field benefits, this partnership foresees further development to provide dealers offering Climate FieldView additional tools to proactively support their customers. Both companies are working to enable farmers the ability to share real-time machine information with their local dealer, in order for them to receive support even more quickly.

Customers who use Climate FieldView, provided through Case IH dealers, can look forward to additional features within their Climate FieldView Cab application throughout the course of 2018.

Agricultural machinery manufacturer Claydon has appointed an exports manager to head the company’s export sales team, which reports to commercial director, Spencer Claydon.

The company says, with a pioneering attitude to developing new markets, an ability to identify opportunities for new products, an excellent understanding of agriculture, including soils, cropping and agronomic practices throughout the world, plus hands-on experience of demonstrating products and developing dealer networks, Simon Revell is ideally qualified for the position.

“I have known Jeff Claydon for many years and watched his company grow progressively, both in the UK and overseas,” Simon said. “During that time, it has earned an excellent reputation with customers, distributors and dealers for the quality of its products and the integrity with which it does business. I am delighted to be working for this progressive UK-based family business, which has a very knowledgeable, highly-motivated team who provide farmers with agronomically and financially sustainable crop establishment solutions, as well as supplying dealers with excellent products to develop and strengthen their businesses.”

Spencer Claydon said, “We are delighted to have Simon on-board. His immense practical experience and expertise of working with farmers, dealers and distributors will be a real asset to our business in further developing existing markets and opening up new opportunities.”

Enjoying a long career in the agricultural machinery industry Simon's most recent role was as a member of the Simba Board where, following the company’s acquisition by Great Plains, he was given additional responsibilities for developing sales of UK products in overseas markets.

Husqvarna has launched two new pre-mixed alkylate fuels, Husqvarna XP Power 2 and Husqvarna Power 4, which they say are made with forestry experts and green space professionals in mind.

The company says with efficient combustion and low levels of harmful substances, users get more machine performance and higher work efficiency.

Husqvarna XP Power 2 is an alkylate fuel pre-mixed with XP two-stroke oil, which has been specially formulated for engine cleanliness. This is due to more efficient combustion which keeps engine components clean, so machines will run smoother and more reliably and engine lifetime is maximised.

The XP Power 2 is a Verified Engine Formula (VEF), which is a Husqvarna verification program that provides improved durability for the company's engines. VEF is a series of tests made to ensure fuel mix and engines complement each other, so, say Husqvarna, their machines will be in the best condition to deliver maximum power output and last longer.

Lower amounts of harmful substances in the alkylate fuel - as compared to other kinds of regular petrol - means less harmful exhaust emissions, creating an improved working environment that lets professionals work safer for longer, which in turn increases productivity.

The XP Oil is biodegradable, meaning it is able to decompose into renewable raw and natural materials, resulting in a reduced environmental footprint.

Husqvarna Power 4 is an alkylate petrol that the company says burns more effectively as compared to regular petrol when combusted, as it contains low levels of harmful substances.

Husqvarna says this keeps parts cleaner and reduces deposits left in the engine, which aids in optimising a machine’s lifespan. With improved combustion, the need for servicing the machine is minimised, which in turn reduces downtime. This gives users a more reliable engine and machine operation, resulting in increased productivity.

With Power 4 alkylate fuel, the company says quality of the fuel does not deteriorate, meaning the fuel can be stored for years and still work as normal. This means that the fuel will be ready to use even after seasonal storage, so professionals will not need to worry about delays in engines starting or buying new fuel each time. 

Midlands based Emak UK Ltd., manufacturers of the Efco and Bertolini garden machinery ranges, have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to join their team.

The successful candidate will be an extremely self driven, energetic individual with a proactive and positive attitude. Applicants should possess a proven track record of selling and demonstrating garden machinery either within a Dealership or a similar field based role.

An excellent remuneration package is available to include competitive salary, bonus scheme, company vehicle, Ipad and mobile phone.

If you are confident you have the skills to fulfil this role successfully please email your CV to Neil Turner at nturner@emak.co.uk

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

We are excited and proud to introduce Hi-Level as your new source for replacement parts from Stens in the UK. Known as a global supplier of quality replacement and original parts and accessories for the outdoor power equipment, hire, rental and golf industries, Stens has proudly been serving the industry for over 47 years.

The Stens brand has been built on the promise and passion of Helping Business Run Better ®. Businesses which sell and maintain equipment need partners who are parts experts and who understand how parts positively impact their bottom line. Stens is that partner. We help businesses who sell, service or use power equipment find profit in their parts. We will find the right part for the right application at the right time. Hi-Level is prepared to deliver on that same promise, same passion.

Our new UK specific catalogue is available and contains over 3,700 items. We are confident you will find it is the best in the industry, comprised of close to 1,000 pages and unmatched in its ease-of-use.

Our stock is in place and we are ready to demonstrate our first-rate service. Backed by a one-year parts and labour warranty, we are certain you will find competitive pricing and exceptional quality with the Stens product line.

If you have previously purchased Stens product via Ariens UK ltd, please note that your orders will now come from Stens via Hi-Level and not Ariens UK Ltd. Rest assured, the outstanding quality and exceptional service you have become accustomed to will not change. To assure a no-risk policy when dealing with Stens and Hi-Level, should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact one of the team members at Hi-Level.

In closing, we would like to thank you for previously purchasing Stens products from Ariens UK Ltd. We appreciate your business and look forward to continuing a profitable partnership.

If you are interested in setting up a trade account today, just simply click the link and fill in the application form!

Once complete return the form via email or post to the address provided below.

2018 is off to an exciting start for Gardencare, the UK based garden machinery supplier, as they launch a brand new lawn mower range for the 2018 season. The LMX range is now available for purchase throughout all the UK & Ireland.

With nine new lawn mowers in the range for 2018, seven of these feature Gardencare’s self-drive system, all powered by Briggs & Stratton engine and two of which feature a push propel system allowing fantastic control around smaller sized lawns.

New Design. Familiar Feel.
With a brand new design, the LMX range brings a fresh look and feel to Gardencare’s much loved ‘LM’ range, without effecting the high quality and reliability that the brand has become renowned by both dealers and customers for. Gardencare describe the range as a ‘Familiar feel with important upgraded features to take our much loved lawn mower range to the next level of operater ease of use and subtle changes to perfect the finish on your lawn.’

LMX Range- What’s new?
The new LMX range not only benefits from high grade steel used on the chassis of all the models in the range (excluding the LMX53SPA which features an aluminum chassis) to make them highly resistant to damage from everyday use, but also brings some great new upgrades to the line too. Quick release handles have been included on all the models to make them convenient to store after use, a Briggs & Stratton engine provides reliable, plentiful power to each machine and the handle bars have been adapted with soft ergonomic plastic to reduce vibration and operator fatigue. Additionally, some models also feature Gardencare’s ‘To The Edge’ cut which allows a true cut, right to the edge of wheels due to the extended deck width and a durable front bumper which doubles as a handle for easily carrying the machine when necessary.

The entire LMX Range is available to order for your showroom from www.cyriljohnstontrade.co.uk or by calling the contact center on +44(0)2890 811 265.