EDITOR'S BLOG
CHANGE FOR THE BETTER
Service Dealer's Conference & Awards take place next Thursday
by Service Dealer Editor, Steve Gibbs
 
Steve Gibbs

Entitled 'The Challenge Of Change' next week's event promises to deliver an exciting, positive, and timely event for our dealer delegates.

 


We really are in the final countdown now!

 

Arrangements are finalised, speeches are being prepped and trophies polished!  Thursday November 16th next week will see the Service Dealer Conference & Awards take place once again at the Oxford Belfry Hotel.

 

The theme of the Conference this year 'The challenge of change: Embracing and adapting to a changing market’ seems timely and completely on the button for the days we're currently living through. Change is everywhere in our businesses and our lives. And if we don't go with it and embrace all the opportunities it affords, someone else will, leaving us behind.

 

However, the Conference certainly will not be mirroring the prevailing discourse in the media and striking a tone of doom and gloom. Not in the least bit. A concerted effort has been made to look for the positives, to be optimistic and to celebrate what a thriving and vibrant industry this truly is.

 

Service Dealer's owner Duncan Murray-Clarke will be hosting the day once again and he said, "There is no doubt that product technology, manufacturer sales strategy, and the immediacy of Social Media are all moving so quickly at the moment. These elements in their own right, if left unchecked, have the ability to leave us all behind.


Add to that politics, pricing pressures and all the uncertainty the media can amplify and you soon see why some people are feeling a little ‘half empty’.


But what about the opportunities that all this advancement and change could bring? We think that this year’s Conference should be focussing on the challenges that face us and how to plan and prepare to maximise the opportunities that will undoubtedly arise.


There is plenty to discuss and I am delighted with the speaker line up and content this year and I sincerely hope that you can join us.”

 

These speakers who will be sharing their expertise with the conference include professionals from the fields of the environment, education, technology, journalism, communication and dealer development. All will have a unique take on the overall theme of change, all of which will be highly relevant to our dealer delegates.

 

Again this year the conference will be offering a couple of 'breakout sessions' which will allow dealers to pick the subject that holds the most interest for their business, and join a smaller seminar group to debate the area in detail. Don't worry though, no one will miss out on any essential nugget of gold, as the breakout group leaders will report back to the whole conference with the key points raised in the discussion.

 

And of course following on from the conference, in the evening the highly anticipated Dealer Of The Year Awards ceremony will be held - which this year, excitingly, will be broadcast live via Twitter.

 

Once again the standard of nominees was incredibly high, giving the expert judging panel an unenviable task. But decisions had to be made and these will be revealed 'Oscars-style' next Thursday evening.

 

The whole team at Service Dealer is genuinely excited about the programme lined-up for the day. Considerable effort has been put in, pretty much since the end of 2016's event, to make sure this one is even more valuable and even more worthwhile for our dealer delegates. 

 

The team and myself look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible next week. And as ever these things couldn't take place without the superb support from our sponsors, led by principal sponsor Kramp, all of whom we offer our sincere thanks to.

 

If you haven't bought your tickets yet, Monday 13th is the final day you can do so online. After that contact the office on 01491 837 117 for late availability. 

 

The Service Dealer Conference & Awards 2017 is sponsored by:

 

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR:
Kramp

PLANTINUM SPONSOR:
STIHL GB

GOLD SPONSORS
Husqvarna

Catalyst Computer Systems

 

SPONSORS:
Gardencare
Grizzly Tools
Kubota
The Ad Plain
Garden Trader
BAGMA
Ibcos

TICKETS FOR SERVICE DEALER CONFERENCE & AWARDS AVAILABLE ONLINE UNTIL MONDAY
Event takes place next Thursday 16th November
 
Service Dealer Conference & Awards

The final countdown is on to the Service Dealer Conference & Awards which takes place at the Oxford Belfrey Hotel - with ticket sales extended until Monday 13th November.

 


The final countdown is on to the Service Dealer Conference & Awards which takes place on Thursday November 16th at the Oxford Belfrey Hotel - and its the final few days that you can purchase tickets to the dealer event of the year online.

 

Ticket sales online must end Monday 13th November. After this please contact Michelle or Susan in the office for any late availability on 01491 837 117


SERVICE DEALER CONFERENCE


'The Challenge of Change: Embracing & Adapting To A Changing Market'

Make sure you don't miss out on what is set to be the dealer event of the year by booking your place now .


The outline of this year’s Conference has been announced – and it promises to be a fascinating and educational day with more expert speakers that ever before.

You can find out all about our lineup of speakers here.

A popular addition to the format last year, which shall return this month, are the Breakout Sessions offered to delegates. These allow you to become more deeply involved in subjects that are close to you and your business - becoming part  of the debate in a smaller group.

Click here to book your tickets.

 

NEWS
SERVICE DEALER AWARDS TO BE BROADCAST LIVE
Watch the action via Twitter
 
Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke

Service Dealer is pleased to announce that next Thursday (November 16th), the Dealer Of The Year Awards, plus the introduction to the Conference, will be broadcast live on social media.

 


Service Dealer is pleased to announce that next Thursday (November 16th), the Dealer Of The Year Awards and the introduction to the Conference will be broadcast live on social media.

 

For those that are unable to attend, you will be able to keep up with developments at the Conference, which is entitled The Challenge Of Change, via the hashtag #ServiceDealer17 across @ServiceDealer social media accounts - Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

 

On top of this, we are also very excited to be broadcasting LIVE footage via @ServiceDealer Twitter

 

Tune in at 10am for Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke's opening address to the Conference where he will be welcoming delegates, setting out the agenda and establishing the positive tone for the day.

 

Come the evening, join in with the excitement from 19.40pm when each of the presentations of the Dealer Of The Year Awards will be broadcast live.

 

So if you can't make it to the Oxford Belfry Hotel next Thursday, be sure to tune in for plenty of photos, timely updates and live footage.

 

The Service Dealer Conference & Awards is kindly sponsored by:

 

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR:
Kramp

PLANTINUM SPONSOR:
STIHL GB

GOLD SPONSORS
Husqvarna

Catalyst Computer Systems

 

SPONSORS:
Gardencare
Grizzly Tools
Kubota
The Ad Plain
Garden Trader
BAGMA
Ibcos

LATEST SPONSOR FOR SERVICE DEALER CONFERENCE & AWARDS
Catalyst Computer Systems
 
Catalyst Computer Systems

Catalyst Computer Systems have been announced as a Gold Sponsor of the event which takes place next Thursday, November 16th.

 


Catalyst Computer Systems have been announced as a Gold Sponsor of the Service Dealer Conference and Awards which takes place next Thursday, November 16th at the Oxford Belfry Hotel.

 

Catalyst was founded in 1989. Since then they say they have been continuously developing their software, systems and support services. Their systems are modular and scalable to cover a wide range of businesses. 

 

Catalyst's clients include one man start-up enterprises to multi-site and even multi-national businesses. They offer a very complete, integrated system to administer and manage dealerships.

 

The company has been actively involved in the agricultural and horticultural trades for most of their history and have in depth industry experience, together with supplier relationships and parts and price files. They cover a huge range of business tasks from workshop and field engineers to wholegoods sales. Through shop sales to accounts, web sales and web advertising, prospecting and much more. 

 

Service Dealer would like to thank Catalyst, as well as all the other previously announced event sponsors, comprising:

 

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR:
Kramp

PLANTINUM SPONSOR:
STIHL GB

GOLD SPONSOR
Husqvarna

SPONSORS
:
Gardencare
Grizzly Tools
Kubota
The Ad Plain
Garden Trader
BAGMA
Ibcos

 

 

LISTER WILDER ARE THE UK'S BIGGEST MOVEMBER TEAM
60 members in 'MOW-team'
 
Lister Wilder's Mow-team

Industry machinery specialists Lister Wilder Ltd have been announced as this year’s biggest UK team supporting men's health charity The Movember Foundation.

 


Read more

Industry machinery specialists Lister Wilder Ltd have been announced as this year’s biggest UK team supporting men's health charity The Movember Foundation.

 

Lister Wilder's Mow-team

 

The company, which has depots across the South of the UK, has rallied over 60 members for its Movember ‘MOW-team’, including sales team members, workshop engineers, parts advisers and company directors.

 

The charity drive, where men get sponsored to go without shaving their moustache for the month of November,  is the leading organisation dedicated to changing the face of men's health. The foundation carries out important work to help fight prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and prevent men's mental health conditions and suicide.

 

Team Captain, Groundcare Sales Director Phill Hughes

 

Says Phill Hughes, Groundcare Sales Director at Lister Wilder, and the company’s Movember Team Captain, "We're all excited about the company joining together for such an important cause. For many of us this is the first time we've entered the risky world of facial hair - but we’re experts at helping our customers achieve a good mow, so we're hoping some of us can achieve a good Mo' too.

 

"It’s all about raising as much money as possible for this fantastic charity supporting men’s health."

 

 

Anyone wishing to donate to the team's charity page can find them at https://moteam.co/lister-wilder-ltd?mc=1

MASSEY FERGUSON TO LIVESTREAM AGRITECHNICA EVENTS
This Sunday, November 12th
 
MF 2370 Ultra High Density Baler will mkae its debut at Agritechnica

Ahead of its line-up and debuts at Agritechnica 2017, Massey Ferguson will introduce a new Livestream to allow those unable to attend the event, a taste of their stand.

 


Ahead of its line-up and debuts at Agritechnica 2017, Massey Ferguson will be introducing a new Livestream to give customers unable to attend the event, a platform to experience the Massey Ferguson stand.

 

MF 2370 Ultra High Density Baler

The streams will take place during the first day of the show, Sunday November 12, and will consist of four different events as seen below

8.00 AM GMT: IDEAL from Massey Ferguson Launch
1.30 PM GMT: Vine and Fruit Zone Products and MF Services
2.30 PM GMT: Livestock and Dairy Zone Products and MF Services
4.30 PM GMT: Arable Zone Products and MF Services

Details will be sent out via various channels and platforms and via www.masseyferguson.com/live.

 

Visit www.masseyferguson.com/Agritechnica2017 and https://ideal.masseyferguson.com

PRICE TURFCARE USE SALTEX TO FIND NEW DEALERS
Show worked well for them
 
Price Turfcare's SALTEX stand

Price Turfcare say their first visit to SALTEX last week proved to be a very positive experience.

 


Price Turfcare have said that their first visit to SALTEX last week proved to be a very positive experience.

 

Price Turfcare's SALTEX stand

 

Managing Director, Rupert Price said, “One of our aims at SALTEX was to look for new dealer partners and this worked well for us. There are several companies interested which will need exploring further over the next couple of months."

 

Rupert continued, “As a start-up business which has only been in existence since the beginning of the year, our first visit to SALTEX was a very positive experience.

 

“Our stand was next to one of the IOG theatres, which ensured plenty of footfall, before and after each presentation, but having said that, it was very consistent throughout the two days.

 

“The Ventrac tractor was extremely popular with visitors and we had some great leads, which will keep us very busy in the run-up to Christmas. However, I was very pleased, and mildly surprised, at the level of interest in the Ryan brand. We only took it on in July and will be the sole importers from January 2018, but the brand obviously has a very loyal following across the UK. The equipment is compact and easy to operate and for landscaping contractors who concentrate on maintaining domestic gardens, it appears to be the machinery of choice.

 

"I think I can safely say that SALTEX ticked all the boxes.”

GIE-EXPO 2017 BREAKS RECORDS
Show topped last three year's attendance and exhibitors
 
GIE-EXPO

GIE+EXPO which took place in Louisville, Kentucky recently, has been named the 10th largest trade show in North America by Trade Show Executive magazine.

 


Continuing its upward trajectory, the 2017 Green Industry & Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO), which took place October 18-20 at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville, Kentucky, was another record-breaking event.

 

 

Organisers say the show topped the last three year's records in both attendance and exhibitors. More than 24,000 people from around the world represented a 7 percent increase over 2016. And, with an indoor footprint equal to 47 White Houses, exhibit space grew 9 percent. In fact, GIE+EXPO was recently named the 10th largest show in North America by Trade Show Executive magazine.

 

Over the last four years, GIE+EXPO averaged a 12 percent increase in total attendance. In 2017, lawn and landscape pros registrants were up 12 percent over 2016 -making an average increase of 15 percent over last four years. Lawn and garden centre registrations were up 27 percent, and distributor registrations were up 12 percent over 2016.

 

The show continues to draw new attendees as 34 percent of dealer/retailer registrants, and 44 percent of lawn and landscape pros were first-timers. Both dealer/retailer, and lawn and landscape companies sent an average of at least two employees.

 

There were over 1,005 exhibits indoors and out at GIE+EXPO and the co-located Hardscape North America (HNA), including 226 new exhibitors. The indoor show floor was 50,000 square feet larger than 2016. The outdoor demonstration area covered 20 acres and attendees had two full days to test equipment.

 

Dealer Day, Wednesday, October 18, provided focused education - basic and advanced tech training - and facilitated one-on-one time so exhibitors and dealers/distributors could network, and discuss pricing and products. Dealership consultant Bob Clements' People, Process, Profit Boot Camp drew an average of 160 attendees to each of its three sessions.

 

The Dealer Keynote Luncheon, sponsored by Gravely and STIHL, drew over 400 participants to hear noted economist Alan Beaulieu discuss emerging economic trends and how to take advantage of them.

 

As a result of the show's continued growth, a new format will be implemented in 2018, allowing contractors an extra day on the show floor. Show dates are October 17-19. The indoor show floor will open exclusively for dealers, retailers and the media at noon on Wednesday. Then, beginning at 3pm and continuing Thursday and Friday, the entire industry will be invited to visit the exhibits. The outdoor demonstration area will be open Thursday and Friday.

 

"GIE+EXPO continues to grow in size, as well as in its reputation, as the industry's gathering place," said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute. "We've heard the contractors asking for an additional day to visit exhibits and demo equipment. So, in 2018, we're giving them access to the show floor on Wednesday."

TYM EXPANDS SALES TEAM
With appointment for the North
 
John Addy

Reesink Turfcare has appointed John Addy to its TYM tractors team as northern regional sales manager.

 


Reesink Turfcare has appointed John Addy to its TYM tractors team as northern regional sales manager.

 

This appointment is, says Steve Haynes, TYM sales manager, part of a strategy to accelerate growth of the TYM business in the UK. John has vast sales experience in the sector, having worked at dealer level for some time, not only in the groundscare market, but also working with construction equipment sales.

 

Steven says, “John has experience in all the key areas important for this role, he has a good understanding of the tractor market and a proven track record for sales having worked within the dealer network for some time. It’s this knowledge of working with dealers that makes John ideal for the role and our plans to grow the TYM dealer network and further strengthen and support the relationships that already exist.”

 

Concluding the news from the brand is that Scott Turner, who had previously held the position of TYM product specialist takes responsibility for sales in the south.

 

Steven says, “Scott moves from his role of TYM product manager where he used to work with all dealers across the UK to now focusing on dealers in the south. This new structure focusses on the skills of two individuals who are tractor specialists. By splitting the sales area between the two guys we can now fully focus our efforts on the day to day tractor activity and developing our dealer network to further grow the TYM business in the UK.

 

NEW SERVICE & TECHNICAL TRAINING MANAGER
Supporting Landini and McCormick dealers
 
 John Jackson

An after-sales service specialist with extensive manufacturer and dealer experience has joined the team at AgriArgo UK Ltd.

 


An after-sales service specialist with extensive manufacturer and dealer experience has joined the team at AgriArgo UK Ltd, the distributor of Landini, McCormick and Valpadana tractors in the UK and Ireland.

 

John Jackson

 

John Jackson has been appointed national service manager to oversee all aspects of dealer after-sales back-up; he also takes on the role of technical training manager with responsibility for delivering an expanded programme of training courses for dealer service technicians.

 

“John has joined us with a great deal of experience under his belt from working for several large dealerships carrying front-line agricultural tractor and machinery franchises,” says Ray Spinks, general manager and sales director. “That experience will be invaluable in helping our dealers support their customers by providing in-depth technical advice and information, and ensuring our own field service personnel are equipped to back-up the dealer service teams.”

 

John Jackson has been involved with tractors and machinery all his working life, having earned agricultural engineering qualifications at Bishop Burton College, Beverley, East Yorkshire before starting his career as a workshop and field-based service and repair technician, gaining experience with a number of leading tractor makes.

 

He then saw the demands of after-sales service from a manufacturer’s perspective as an area service manager before returning to the dealer arena to oversee service operations at two multi-branch dealerships.

 

AgriArgo is increasing the number of workshop technician training courses held at the company’s base in Harworth near Doncaster to reduce the time and cost involved in dealers sending their staff to courses held at the Argo Tractors headquarters in northern Italy.

 

Ray Spinks says: “Competence and confidence in the use of diagnostics tools and a sound understanding of the mechanical, electronic and hydraulic functions on modern Landini and McCormick tractors are essential for dealers to deliver proper support to their customers. Having seen things from both sides of our industry, I’m sure John’s clear understanding of technical support needs will be a great asset to the AgriArgo business.”

DEALER RAISES £5250 FOR RABI
Gwili Jones held special celebration marking 70 years in business
 
Pictured in the Cambrian News L-R: Malcolm Thomas MBE (RABI national chair), Frances Jones (RABI Ceredigion chair), Nigel and Sian Davies of Gwili Jones, Noel and Maifis Morgan (Joint RABI Carmarthenshire chairs)

Family-run dealership, with branches in Lampeter, Ceredigion, and Peniel, Carmarthenshire, raised funds through a tractor run, auction, raffle and donations.

 


Dealers Gwili Jones have held a special celebration to mark their 70th year in business.

 

Pictured in the Cambrian News L-R: Malcolm Thomas MBE (RABI national chair), Frances Jones (RABI Ceredigion chair), Nigel and Sian Davies of Gwili Jones, Noel and Maifis Morgan (Joint RABI Carmarthenshire chairs)

 

Local paper the Cambrian News reported that the family-run dealership, with branches in Lampeter, Ceredigion, and Peniel, Carmarthenshire, has raised £5,250 for farming charity RABI with the proceeds of a tractor run, auction, raffle and donations.


The tractor run was held at Hafod, Peniel in Carmarthenshire on Sunday September 24 with 151 tractors taking part.


Guests enjoyed a hog roast after the run and were also entertained by Côr Tonic. A raffle and auction on the day boosted funds further.


The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution supports farming people of all ages in financial need. The Cambrian News says that over the last ten years, more than £1m has been paid out in the counties of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire.

AND FINALLY . . .
Pregnant dog survives being run over by huge forage harvester!
 
Winnie with owner Josh Sibley and the forage harvester she went under pictured in The Bridport & Lyme Regis News. Pic: BNPS

Border Collie Winnie and her unborn pups, saved by being squashed into the soft ground.

 


It was reported this week that a pregnant sheepdog had a miracle escape after she was run over by a 15-tonne Claas forage harvester - and survived because she was squashed into the soft mud.

 

Winnie with owner Josh Sibley and the forage harvester she went under pictured in The Birdport & Lyme Regis News. Pic: BNPS

 

The Bridport & Lyme Regis News says shepherd Josh Sibley feared the worst when Winnie, a Border Collie, chased a rabbit under the forager harvester.

 

While the rabbit made it out the other side Winnie went under the 4ft wide rear wheel of the machine.

 

Luckily, because the ground was so soft Winnie was pinned down into the mud rather than being crushed to death by the tyre.

 

When the tractor rolled away Winnie got up and bolted, leaving behind a dog-shaped hole imprinted in the ground. She collapsed moments later due to two popped lungs and a fractured pelvis.

 

Winnie was rushed to a vets and after a tense five days of treatment costing £3,000 she pulled through and was allowed home.

 

A scan of her stomach a few days later found the three-year-old dog's pups had also survived the ordeal.

 

Josh told the local paper, "The whole time she was at the vets I thought any minute I would get a phone call that she's not made it.

 

"We had agreed with the vets we weren't really worried about the puppies, we thought she would lose them, we just wanted to get her through it.

 

"We waited about ten days and then the vet scanned Winnie's stomach. She could tell straight away they were fine, hearts beating and they looked bigger than the last scan.

 

"We couldn't believe it, it was like a second miracle.

 

"Winnie is on maternity leave now, she's doing very well but she still needs to rest."

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Sponsored Product Announcements
THE MEYER BLASTER
Spread with confidence
 
Meyer Blaster

The Meyer Blaster Spreader is the perfect winter companion for your tow-bar.

 


When you need to control the flow of any material, the Meyer Blaster is the tailgate spreader for you. Compatible with pickup trucks with a two-inch receiver or tractors with a three-point hitch.

 


The Blaster augers have been developed specifically for the types of salt we get here in the UK, so you can be sure to spread with confidence.

 

Blaster spreaders feature a ½ HP direct-drive motor, the most powerful motor available today. The direct-drive system links the motor directly to the auger, creating up to 75% more auger power to easily grind through large chunks of material and provide an even material spread pattern even through the toughest conditions.


One-touch operation provides total and easy control over Blaster spreaders. The illuminated in-cab controller (patent pending) includes an on/off switch, blast mode which provides an on-command 70 amp surge, and a vibrate mode. Regulate the spinner speed with variable speed controller. The spinner even stops automatically when the brake is applied, so no material is wasted at a stop light.

 

 

For More information please visit our website http://meyerproducts.co.uk/meyer-spreader-blaster-350S-750S.htm


Contact Kersten Site maintenance equipment on 0118 9869 253 or by email; info@kerstenuk.com to organise a demonstration or for more information.

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SUPPORTING THE 2017 SERVICE DEALER CONFERENCE & AWARDS
Thanks to our sponsors
 
Service Dealer Conference & Awards

The following companies are kindly sponsoring the 2017 Service Dealer Conference & Awards which takes place at the Oxford Belfry Hotel on Thursday November 16th

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR:
Kramp

PLANTINUM SPONSOR:
STIHL GB

GOLD SPONSORS
Husqvarna

Catalyst Computer Systems

 

SPONSORS:
Gardencare
Grizzly Tools
Kubota
The Ad Plain
Garden Trader
BAGMA
Ibcos


The following organisations have confirmed their sponsorship of the 2017 Service Dealer Conference and Awards. We’d like to welcome them on board and thank them for their support and input. 

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR


PLATINUM SPONSOR




GOLD SPONSORS


 



SPONSORS















Want to become a sponsor? Email: julie@theadplain.com

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