EDITOR'S BLOG
IDEAS, EXPERTISE & INSIGHT SHARED
Collaboration the order of the day
by Service Dealer Editor, Steve Gibbs
 
Steve Gibbs

The third Service Dealer Conference to take place at the Oxford Belfry Hotel proved to be a tremendous success yesterday. 


The third Service Dealer Conference to take place at the Oxford Belfry Hotel proved to be a tremendous success yesterday. 

 

It was delightful to hear such positive comments from both dealers and sponsors who had gained valuable insight from the range of speakers and seminar sessions which the day had offered. Also the forum the event provided for dealers to mix with each other and the sponsors to share ideas, knowledge and stories of how the season has panned out for themselves was again much appreciated by all who attended.

 

Dealers from businesses large and small, across the UK heard presentations and joined in with talks and breakout sessions all themed around the event's title, 'The Challenge of Change: Embracing & Adapting to a Changing Market'.

 

Events kicked off with a welcome from Service Dealer's owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke, who also set the positive tone for the day. Duncan told the assembled dealers, "Businesses like yours are the engine room of the UK economy. Despite all this general uncertainty and negativity, our sector, like the majority of SME’s in the UK, is more than surviving.

 

"We mustn’t lose sight of the fact that we do some things very well in the UK and if we can deal with the rapidly changing landscape and technologies, then things might not be too bad after all. That is why we have focussed this year’s conference on change, embracing it as well as the challenges and opportunities it brings."

 

The first of the day's speakers to address the delegates following Duncan was Caroline Drummond MBE, the CEO of LEAF (Linking Enviroment and Farming). Caroline proposed the question to the delegates, "Where does sustainability fit into your business?" She talked about how ideas of sustainability touch everyone's workplace in many ways and that dealers who wanted to do what they can to get a handle on the concept need a balance of traditional and modern techniques.

 

Next up was Jim Wade, Principal of the JCB Academy. As well as explaining the great work that the JCB Academy does, Jim talked about how they go about developing engineers and business leaders of the future. He also talked about how the industry has a responsibility to enthuse these highly qualified young people who are graduating to join their workplaces. He said that representatives of dealers or manufacturers should be enganing with local schools and colleges "to make sure we are selling the positive message about the industry and where careers can lead."

 

The third address of the morning came from David Frieberg VP for Planalytics, Inc. He was considering how companies can avoid chasing last year’s weather and improve the accuracy of their sales forecasts. He said, "We cannot of course control the weather, however its impact can be quantified. It can be measured and it's impact can be managed."

 

A fascinating and timely presentation from Journalist & Ag Supply Consultant, Cedric Porter, came next on the emotive subject of Brexit. Cedric took the angle of how could dealers make the most of opportunities which will undoubtedly come through Brexit. He made it clear though that the time for businesses to prepare was now, as no matter what sort of Brexit we get - be it hard, soft or even no Brexit at all - it will impact all businesses. An opportunity which he saw as a consequence of Brexit is that it'd make us look beyond Europe for our trading partners - most likely to the much more rapidly expanding parts of the world like Asia and Africa.

 

After the lunch break which afforded the dealer delegates the opportunity to both network and browse the Sponsor Showcase stands, there were two Breakout Sessions available to choose from. Dealers could pick which subject was of most interest to their business and join a smaller seminar session which allowed them to really get involved in the debate and put their thoughts and ideas forwards in a group of a less intimidating size.

 

The breakouts available were a session on Communication entitled 'Standing Out from the Crowd' and one on Technology entitled 'Transforming your business with technology'

 

So none of the delegates missed out on any valuable nuggets of information imparted in either session, the two group leaders fed back to the entire conference following the breakouts. Julio Romo, Communications Consultant, Digital and Innovation Strategist, spoke about the Communication session saying his group had been discussing methods designed to promote individuals and their dealerships. Insight was given on how to use digital and social media for dealers to present themselves and get the local community to engage with them. For example Julio said, "Tell stories which your audience can engage with. Be yourself and don't be too corporate. People want to communicate with people."

 

Edward Reisner, Managing Director of I.T solutions company Jigsaw24 said that the Technology session had concerned how dealers could begin their journey towards digital transformation. He said it was important when a business is making the transisition to a more digital way of working to start with a small team and make sure that whoever in the company is the most digital-sceptic takes it up first. Work with them and train them so they can become a true advocate for the change for their colleagues.

 

Making a welcome return to the afternoon session from last year was Simon Batty, MD of Maple Associates. His plenary addressed the subject of dealership performance, looking at how delegates might go about recruiting the right staff and winning profitable customers - and how to keep both long-term.

 

Split into two interactive discussion sessions the first asked the delegates to think about growing sales across the whole portfolio through targeting of customers and effective sales management. Simon offered five best-practice tips and a 'how to' guide.


There then followed thoughts on recruiting, developing and retaining staff in a competitive employment market. Simon talked about how to identify and attract the right talent, motivate and engage people and how to develop them properly without losing them. Dealers were encouraged to contribute to the group with their own thoughts on the subject, which led to some lively debate and fascinating insights into how dealerships are run across the country.

 

To begin to round-up the day's thoughts and events a panel debate around the subject 'Embracing and adapting to change' saw Julio Romo, Caroline Drummond, Cedric Porter, Simon Batty and Edward Reisner offer their thoughts on the subject.

 

This was followed by a Question Time-style wrap up of the day, hosted by Service Dealer founder Chris Biddle, which allowed any questions arising from the day's events to be answered. Subjects such as 'can the UK be food sustainable?',  'can you overdo social media?, and 'will increased cordless sales effect workshop profitability?' were tackled by the experts. 

 

Duncan Murray-Clarke concluded the Service Dealer Conference 2017, thanking all the day's contributors and hoping that everyone had enjoying the proceedings, but more importantly will have come away with knowledge that will help them progress their own dealerships.

 

From a personal perspective I'd like to thank the whole team at TAP for superbly organising a fantastic programme of events which ran smoothly and was enjoyed by all. Also I'd like to thank everyone who attended for contributing throughout the day, adding to and opening out the debate. I'm looking forward to next year's 30th Anniversary event already!

 

Finally Service Dealer offers thanks to all the sponsors of this year's event:

 

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

NEWS
DEALER OF THE YEAR WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Presented last night at the Oxford Belfry
 
Pete & Emma McArthur (right) winners of Forestry Equipment Dealer of the Year and Overall Dealer of the Year are joined by Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and Des Boyd Sales Director of principal sponsor Kramp

The winners of the Dealer Of The Year awards were presented with their prizes last night at the glittering awards ceremony.

 


In a glittering ceremony at the Oxford Belfry Hotel last night, the prestigious Service Dealer Awards were presented.

 

The categories and winners were:

 

GARDEN MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

 

Sponsored by Husqvarna. Presenting Award: Ken Brewster, UK Sales & Marketing Director

 

Winner - Garlick Garden Machinery Ltd, Preston

 

Ken Brewster & Chris Garlick

 

The judges said, "Garlick Garden Machinery was established in 2013 by Chris Garlick, then just 21 years old. The dealership is progressive and embraces new technologies like robotic mowers and cordless products. Garlick has good use of Social Media channels and the customer feedback was extremely strong."

 

Finalists – Hertfordshire Garden Machinery Ltd, Bramfield; Green Stripe Garden Machinery Ltd Market Rasen

 

FARM MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

 

Sponsored by Kramp. Presenting Award: James Buchanan, Field Sales Manager

 

Winner - RVW Pugh Ltd, Powys

 

Emma Leah and Mary Evans receive their Award from James Buchanan

 

The judges said, "This family business established in 1978 has grown across its 3 branches. It is well documented that the large machinery sales are still suffering and Pugh’s has been very much bucking the tractor sales trends this year. Pughs is a strong business that attracts sales in a not so typical ag area."

 

FinalistsBurdens Group, Sutterton; B&B Tractors, Warsop

 

FORESTRY EQUIPMENT DEALER OF THE YEAR

 

Sponsored by STIHL GB. Presenting Award: Steve Parkin, National Sales Manager.

 

Winner - Strathbogie Forest & Garden Limited, Aberdeenshire

 

Pete & Emma McArthur with Steve Parkin

 

The judges said, "Following on from a purpose built new showroom and website in 2016, Strathbogie offer a variety of quality manufacturers. Pete and the team combine traditional knowledge whilst embracing change by leading the way in robotic mower sales. They stick to selling on quality and not on price and to cap all that the customer feedback was superb."


Finalists - Gustharts, Seaton Burn; Forest and Arb, Winchester

 

PROFESSIONAL TURFCARE DEALER OF THE YEAR

 

Sponsored by TurfPro. Presenting Award: Steve Gibbs, Editor of Service Dealer & TurfPro

 

Winner - George Browns Ltd, Leighton Buzzard

 

Kevin McConnell, Derrick Pratt and Andrew Brown with Steve Gibbs

 

The judges said, "George Browns has demonstrated long term consistency with regular improvements. They stock a great variety of products, message well through Social Media and have obtained some great customer feedback this year."


Finalists - Balmers GM Ltd, Wakefield; Thomas Sherriff & Co Ltd, Jedburgh

 

ATV / QUAD DEALER OF THE YEAR

 

Sponsored by Catalyst Computer Systems. Presenting Award Mike Cameron, Systems Sales Manager

 

Winner - Stratton ATV Ltd, Perth

 

Mike Cameron and Craig Wainwright-Fisher

 

The judges said, "Stratton show a good understanding of multiple markets and tailored solutions within the ATV sector. As a relatively new company they have a neat showroom, perform well and are respected locally."


Finalist - Congleton Garden Machinery Ltd, Congleton

 

STAR OF THE DEALERSHIP

 

Sponsored by Garden Trader. Presenting Award: Ron Miller, Dealer Communications Manager

 

Winner - Tony Ralph, Ripon Farm Services Ltd, (Service manager at the Ottringham branch)

 

Ron Miller with Tony Ralph

 

The judges said, "As a Service Manager, Tony has a key role to play. His very quick career progression within such a well-respected dealership speaks volumes about his great customer service and sales skills. The customer feedback reinforces this and when he takes a well-earned holiday he is often asked after by customers. This is the type of service that separates our industry out from the cheaper alternatives."


Finalists - Brian Mitchell, Cyril Johnston & Co Ltd, (Head of Retail Sales); Justin Thomas, Arwel's Agri Services Ltd, (Parts Manager)

 

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

 

Sponsored by Bagma. Presenting Award: Brian Sangster, President of BAGMA

 

Winner - Grant Roberts, Cornwall Farm Machinery Ltd

 

Brian Sangster with Andrew Herring, Account Manager at Kramp who accepted the award on behalf of the absent Grant Roberts

 

The judges said, "When we think of apprentices, we think of the service side of the dealership but Grant Roberts was the recipient of the John Deere Parts Tech Apprentice of the Year awarded by John Deere officials at their visitor centre in Mannheim, German this summer. Grant is also a finalist in the 2017 Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards."

 

Finalists - Rhydian Davies, Arwel's Agri Services Ltd; Lewis Harrison, Russells Group

 

OVERALL DEALER OF THE YEAR

 

Sponsored by Kramp. Presenting Award: Des Boyd, Sales Director

 

WinnerStrathbogie Forest & Garden Limited

 

Duncan Murray-Clarke and Des Boyd join Pete & Emma McArthur to celebrate their Overall Dealer of the Year win

 

The judges said, "Pete McArthur and his team are held in high regard by their principal suppliers – and in offering an unrivalled back-up service they don’t discount wildly to match on-line pricing. Their product knowledge is second-to-none and they support a top-notch website. In our view they are worthy winners."

 

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AWARD

 

Presented by Chris and Trish Biddle

 

Winner – David Kirschner

 

Chris and Trish Biddle with David Kirschner

 

Chris Biddle said, "David has spent a lifetime in the landbased engineering industry, principally in service support. He was Service Manager at Renault Tractors, transferring to CLASS UK when the German company acquired the brand.


"In 2007, David was closely involved in the creation of the industry LTA Scheme (Landbased Technicians Accreditation) which was launched to a packed house at the Motor Heritage Museum.


"In recent years he has been a Consultant to our industry’s Landbased Engineering Training and Education Committee (LE-TEC), and heavily involved in the implementation of the Government’s new Trailblazer Apprenticeship Scheme.

 

"David himself is the embodiment of an engineering miracle, his heart controlled by sophisticated remote monitoring, but that has not held him back from being one of the most effective ambassadors this industry has ever seen."

 

UK FIRST FOR STIHL TIMBERSPORTS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Taking place in Liverpool next October
 
STIHL TIMBERSPORTS

The very best logger sports athletes from all over the world will compete at the Echo Arena Liverpool on 19th and 20th October 2018.

 


The 2017 STIHL TIMBERSPORTS World Championships, which took place in Lillehammer on 3 & 4 November, concluded with the exciting announcement that next year's Championship will take place at the Echo Arena Liverpool on 19th and 20th October 2018.

 

 

Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, Lord Mayor of Liverpool, was presented with a wooden plaque by Wolfgang Zahn, Head of Research and Development on the STIHL Advisory Board, in the official handover at the finale of this year’s championships.


The STIHL TIMBERSPORTS World Championship sees the best athletes from across the globe compete in a series of woodchopping challenges utilising axes and saws. The sport was founded in 1985, and includes six different disciplines - the Underhand Chop, the Stock Saw, the Standing Block Chop, the Single Buck, the Springboard and the Hot Saw.

 

Over 5,500 spectators attended this year’s event in Norway, with millions worldwide tuning in to the action on TV. STIHL TIMBERSPORTS is in fact recognised as one of the longest running shows on ESPN.


Athletes from over 20 nations will be battling it out in Liverpool next year for the Individual and Team titles. In the team event on Friday 19th October, the national teams will compete against each other in a knockout system, where the disciplines of Stock Saw, Underhand Chop, Single Buck and Standing Block Chop are completed by four athletes in a relay.

 

The world's top twelve athletes will then compete against one another in all six disciplines as part of the individual competition on Saturday 20th October. In each discipline the competitor is awarded points according to their achieved time, with the athlete achieving the highest number of points declared the Individual World Champion.


2018 will be the first time that the World Championship will be hosted in the UK, with ‘Team GB’ looking to make the most of the home advantage, whilst the 2017 individual winner Jason Wynyard and team competition winners New Zealand will be hoping to retain their titles.


Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, Lord Mayor of Liverpool said, “We are delighted to be hosting next year’s Championships at the Echo Arena Liverpool and it is a privilege to showcase a sport that is watched by millions of people worldwide. I have been in Lillehammer all weekend and the atmosphere at both the team and individual events was electric. It is like nothing I have seen before, and is a fantastic sporting spectacle.”


Simon Hewitt, Head of Marketing from STIHL added, “The popularity of the sport in the UK is growing exponentially, therefore the UK is an obvious choice to host the next World Championship event. We are thrilled that Liverpool will be hosting as they are incredibly passionate about their sport and we know the city will give a warm welcome to the athletes travelling from all over the world to compete. A STIHL TIMBERSPORTS live event really is a fantastic experience and we look forward to introducing the Original Extreme Sport and these world class athletes to a whole new audience.”

MAKITA OPEN NEW FACTORY SERVICE CENTRE & TRAINING ACADEMY
Located in Glasgow
 
Makita Service Centre, Glasgow

Makita UK has opened their first regional Factory Service Centre & Training Academy in Glasgow’s Govan commercial district.

 


Makita UK has opened their first regional Factory Service Centre (FSC) & Training Academy in Glasgow’s Govan commercial district to support the rapidly expanding market penetration of their professional power tool range in Scotland and Northern England.

 

 

The Factory Service Centre & Training Academy covers nearly 1000m³ on South Street in the G14 area and delivers technical repairs and maintenance services for the full range of Makita products, including all mains and cordless construction machines, and the rapidly expanding range of grounds care tools, including petrol engine products.


Makita say training is a cornerstone of their marketing success ensuring that both authorised distributors and operators are fully conversant with the power tools, how to obtain the best performance from the machines and how to maintain them for efficiency and productivity. Makita offers a full itinerary of training courses covering the  product range. A key course: The Correct and Safe Use of Handheld Power Tools is a City & Guilds accredited course which offers either a user certificate or instructor certificate upon successful completion of the course.

 


The theory element of courses is held in a lecture theatre, followed by the essential hands-on practical work which is carried out in specially adapted and fully equipped training workshops. Courses, including Health & Safety related and Correct Use, are of 1 - 2 days duration. Any CITB certificated courses, which may include a combination of in-house and on-site training, relate to Abrasive Wheel training; an instructor’s course or user course. Gas Nailer user training, chainsaw cross cutting and service courses, are also available.


“We are receiving a very warm welcome from all sectors of the power tool industry in this part of the world,” reports Norman Dodds. “I foresee that we will need to increase our staff and in particular our training personnel as demand grows from both employers and operators who can now benefit from this convenient location.”

MACHINE OF THE YEAR WIN FOR CASE IH
Maxxum Multicontroller with ActiveDrive 8 transmission
 
 Maxxum Multicontroller with ActiveDrive 8 transmission

Award judged by a panel of European agricultural magazine editors, presented at Agritechnica in Hanover this week.

 


Case Case IH’s new ActiveDrive 8 version of its latest Maxxum Multicontroller tractor range has been awarded the Machine of the Year title for 2018.

 

Maxxum Multicontroller with ActiveDrive 8 transmission

 

Judged by a panel of European agricultural magazine editors, the accolade has been given in recognition of the performance and cost-saving benefits the new transmission and other range developments bring to this tractor market segment.

The Machine of the Year award, one of the key events on the Agritechnica agenda, is judged by journalists from international agricultural publications. The journalists make their overall selection from 14 categories ranging tractors and other self-propelled equipment to implements. The winners of each category are then revealed in mid-November, before the overall MOTY winner selected is revealed at Agritechnica.

An entry into the MOTY ‘mid-class’ tractor bracket, the latest Maxxum Multicontroller models feature a new semi-powershift transmission offering eight powershift steps in each of three ranges. Named ActiveDrive 8, it joins the existing four-speed semi-powershift and continuously-variable transmission options available on Maxxum tractors, which respectively have been renamed as ActiveDrive 4 and CVXDrive. ActiveDrive 8 provides a total of 24 speeds in both forward and reverse. The transmission incorporates a number of features designed to make the tractor more efficient and the driver more relaxed. A creeper version is optional available for special applications.

 

Receiving the award, left to right: Christian Huber: Vice-President Tractor Product Management Case IH; Andreas Klauser: Brand President Case IH; Thierry Panadero: Vice-President and General Manager EMEA Case IH

“We are delighted to win the Machine of the Year award,” said Andreas Klauser, Case IH brand president.

“With ever-higher input costs meaning economy is increasingly important to today’s farmers, it is good to have recognition of the fact every business has different requirements, and that, while a simple powershift or a CVT may be what farms at either end of the spectrum are seeking, a more advanced semi-powershift is what some require. That is what we have sought to provide with ActiveDrive 8 versions of the Maxxum Multicontroller range.”

MORE MO MOW ACTION!
Lister Wilder lend support to The Rich Brothers of BBC Garden Rescue
 
BBC Garden Rescue presenters The Rich Brothers

Presenters have traveled around six counties in two days, mowing huge moustaches into fields using a Kubota G23 in a bid to raise much needed funds.

 


As reported on Service Dealer Update last week, Lister Wilder Ltd has been announced as this year’s biggest UK ‘MOW-team’ supporting The Movember Foundation, with more than 60 members of staff donning great moustaches to raise funds for the men’s health charity.

 

With fundraising continuing throughout the month of November, Lister Wilder are encouraging friends, family and work colleagues to support this worthy cause.

 

BBC Garden Rescue presenters The Rich Brothers

As part of the ‘MOWvember movement’, Lister Wilder has also lent its support to The Rich Brothers, of BBC Garden Rescue, Movember campaign that has seen them travel around six counties in two days, mowing huge moustaches into fields in a bid to raise much needed funds.

To support the brothers in their task, Lister Wilder has donated Kubota’s G23 ride-on-mower, with Harry and David Rich utilising its agility and minimal turning radius to groom the perfect moustache.

 

Phill Hughes, Groundcare Sales Director at Lister Wilder and the company’s Movember Team Captain, commented: “We're all very excited about being announced as the biggest “MOW-team’ to be supporting The Movember Foundation, as well as assisting the Rich Brothers."

 

To donate and keep up to date with Lister Wilder’s Movember ‘MOW-team’ progress, visit its Movember fundraising page here: https://moteam.co/lister-wilder-ltd?mc=1

You can see The Rich Brothers Movember campaign and the Kubota G23 ride-on mower in action here

NEW HEAD OF OPERATIONS FOR STIHL GB
To oversee its end-to-end supply chain
 
Paul Brennan

Supply chain expert, Paul Brennan joins STIHL GB with a wealth of experience in leading supply chain and logistics projects in the UK and overseas.

 


STIHL GB has appointed a new Head of Operations to oversee its end-to-end supply chain.

As a supply chain expert, Paul Brennan joins the company with a wealth of experience in leading supply chain and logistics projects in the UK and overseas in both fast-moving consumer goods and retail. During his career, Paul has held positions at organisations such as Quaker Oats, L’Oréal, Allied Bakeries, B&Q and Woolworths.

Paul has also worked with STIHL previously on a consultancy basis, project managing a £1.3m warehouse investment that doubled throughput, as well as delivering a STIHL Group initiative into the GB business, implementing a new IT platform both internally and into the dealer network. Paul has been Head of Operations on an interim basis for the past year.

Paul’s broad commercial experience includes Project and Change Management, Customer Services, and Operations. In addition, Paul is a member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and has a BA (Hons) in Economics.

Robin Lennie, Managing Director at STIHL GB, said: “We are delighted to have Paul joining the STIHL GB senior management team. With so many challenges ahead, such as the growth of battery technology, developing new routes to market and a new building project, this is a very exciting time to be joining the business and I wish Paul all the best as he begins his STIHL career.”

MASSEY FERGUSON SUPPORT HARPER ADAMS STUDENTS
For a second year
 
Harper Adams Student Union

Manufacturer's support for HASU will include sponsorship of the 2018 Ploughing Match weekend as well as the rugby, football, hockey, netball and rowing teams.

 


Massey Ferguson is extending its key sponsorship of Harper Adams University Students’ Union (HASU) for a second year.

 



The company's support for HASU will include sponsorship of the 2018 Ploughing Match weekend as well as the rugby, football, hockey, netball and rowing teams.

 

Massey Ferguson agricultural equipment was well to the fore at the Freshers’ Registration Day where new students were invited to enter a selfie competition alongside the tractors, with the winner receiving £100 of MF merchandise.

“We’ve had a great year with HASU and had no hesitation in renewing our sponsorship agreement,” says Lindsay Haddon, Massey Ferguson Advertising and Sales Promotion Manager. “Harper Adams is a key centre of learning for the agricultural sector and the Students’ Union is at the heart of the University, playing a significant role in ensuring students make the best of their time there academically and socially. Massey Ferguson is delighted to be able to support these farmers and agriculturalists of the future in all their endeavours.”

Charlotte Garbutt, HASU President said, “The SU team is very much looking forward to working with Massey Ferguson and we are very grateful for the support from such a reputable and highly regarded company within the sector."

KRONE CELEBRATE 40 YEARS
Of round baler production
 
The redesigned bale turner turns the bale on to its end during ejection. The addition of a jockey wheel helps the sward during operation.

Krone is celebrating 40 years of round baler production with its standard range of Comprima round balers receiving a number of upgrades.

 


Krone is celebrating 40 years of round baler production with its standard range of Comprima round balers receiving a number of upgrades.

 

The redesigned bale turner turns the bale on to its end during ejection. The addition of a jockey wheel helps the sward during operation.

 

The company says a modern fresh look has been achieved using a new design of cover and panel as well as a new lighting system, including LED work lights, for giving better visibility. Comprima balers are available as a single or tandem axle with a choice of brakes and tyres and all models are ISOBus compatible.

 

The Comprima Combi Wrappers now have a new design of bale turner encompassing a jockey wheel, which helps to protect the sward. The bale turner turns the round bale on to its flat end for easier handling and transport. For a more reliable operation mechanical switches have been replaced with ultrasonic ones, which indicate when the bale is safely on the wrapping table, allowing the twin satellite wrapper to start the wrapping cycle.

 

All Comprima models have the option of a peripheral film wrap instead of net wrap. The company says this can increase silage quality as the film helps hold the bale in shape, eliminating air pockets, thus reducing mould and spoilage. Disposing of the crop packaging is easier too as only one recycling container is needed for film, as opposed to one for film and one for net.

 

 

The Comprima range consists of seven models, including fixed (F), semi variable (F) and variable (V) chambers, with or without wrappers (CF / CV). Chamber diameters are available from 1.25m to 2.05m and there is a choice of feeder rotor or 17 or 26 knife cutting units (XC).

ETESIA LAUNCH BATTERY SPECIAL OFFER
Customers can save up to 50% on Pellenc
 
Rasion

Etesia UK has announced a special offer which will can see customers save up to 50% of the purchase price of the ULiB1100 battery.

 


Etesia UK, the distributor of Pellenc battery-powered tools in the UK and Ireland, has announced a special offer which will can see customers save up to 50% of the purchase price of the ULiB1100 battery.

 

 

With 1440 minutes of use on a single charge, this battery is available on commercial tools including hedgecutters, blowers, strimmers and pedestrian mowers.

 

From now until to 31st March 2018, when purchased with one tool, customers will receive 10% discount on the purchase price of the battery. When two tools are purchased, customers will receive 20% discount on the battery. Three tools = 30% discount on the battery, four tools = 40% discount on the battery and 5 tools = 50% discount on the battery.

 

Pellenc supply tools and a range of batteries which are IP54 water rated and carry a full three-year commercial warranty.

DEMO DAYS HELD BY DOOSON & BOBCAT
Nearly 800 visitors attend over two weeks
 
Bobcat Demo Day

Doosan and Bobcat dealers and customers from around 30 countries across Europe, Middle East and Africa region, travelled to Czech Republic to be part of occasion.

 


Nearly 800 visitors attended the Doosan Bobcat Demo Days event over two weeks in October.

 

Doosan and Bobcat dealers and customers from around 30 countries across the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, travelled to the Czech Republic to be part of the occasion.

 

 

The company says the success of the Demo Days can be explained by the concept itself: it is a unique opportunity for dealers to invite their customers and prospects to try out the full range of both Doosan and Bobcat machines in working conditions, that also gives them the opportunity to talk to product specialists and demonstrators from Doosan Bobcat.

 

The event is closely monitored by the company, with surveys conducted to gather insights from customers and dealers alike, to ensure they have the best possible experience at Demo Days.

 

 

The venue for Demo Days is the Doosan Bobcat Campus at Dobříš, close to the capital city of Prague. This is a unique operation among the company’s facilities around the world, combining a manufacturing plant, innovation centre and a training centre on the same site.

 

It is also the development point of new machines and technology including the Doosan Portable Power range, prototyping and pre-production and the delivery of training for dealers and customers in EMEA.

 

 

As the home of the Doosan Bobcat Training Center and with the opportunities it offers for customers to tour the manufacturing plant, where over 80% of Doosan Bobcat compact machines destined for markets in EMEA are produced, the Dobříš campus is described as an unrivalled venue for an event like Demo Days by the company.

 

Opened in 2007 and recently expanded in 2015, the 6000 m2 Training Center provides training for the entire portfolio of Doosan and Bobcat products, with the aim of encouraging business growth through the development of professional skills across the business, offering training of dealer management, salesforces, service staff and aftermarket teams as well as employees at Doosan Bobcat.

 

 

At Demo Days, the external space is maximised to give customers plenty of room to drive and operate even the largest machines from the Doosan range, including crawler and wheeled excavators, wheel loaders and articulated dump trucks.

 

As well as the complete range of Doosan machines, Demo Days offers customers the full line-up of the latest products under the Bobcat brand, including skid-steer and compact track loaders, compact excavators, telehandlers and a host of attachments for use with these machines.

JOBS
CHANDLERS FARM EQUIPMENT
Ground Care, Compact Tractor and Horticultural Sales Person
 
Chandlers Farm Equipment

Chandelrs Farm Equipment have a vacany for a new role at their expanding Shefford depot, near Bedford, with the creation of a new dedicated Ground Care Machinery Showroom.

 


 

We have a vacancy for an experienced Ground Care, Compact Tractor and Horticultural Sales Person.

 

This will be a new role at our expanding Shefford depot, near Bedford, with the creation of a new dedicated Ground Care Machinery Showroom. The right candidate will have sales experience supplying leading makes of compact tractors, implements and machinery in the Home Counties area to Country Estates, local authorities, landscape contractors, arborists and other users of compact machinery.

 

The new role will involve supplying Massey Ferguson compact tractors, Fendt and Valtra tractors up to 100hp to the municipal and ground care sectors, along with supplying machinery and equipment from the following leading makes of compact equipment: Timberwolf chippers, Stihl, Kersten, Honda Lawn & Garden, Yamaha ATV, Tomlin implements, Logic, Wessex, Balfor log processing equipment and Team sprayers.

 

Chandlers are a leading AGCO Five Star dealer with an existing Ground Care and Horticultural division, currently operating from Belton, Spilsby, Holbeach and Barnack providing professional sales, parts and service to the Ground Care market.

 

The successful candidate will have a passion for the Ground Care industry, with a full driving licence, and the self-motivation to work alone or as part of the existing Sales Team at the Shefford depot.

 

In return we offer an attractive package, with company vehicle and ongoing franchise training.

 

If you would like to apply please email hr@chandlersfe.co.uk, or write to the HR Officer, Chandlers (Farm Equipment) Limited, Belton, Grantham, Lincs NG32 2LX.

 

Alternatively call 07970 121095 for further information. All applications are treated in strictest confidence.

GHS LIMITED
Area Manager – South East Region
 
GHS LIMITED

As part of our continued growth, we are seeking to recruit an area manager to cover the South East Region.

 


 

Area Manager – South East Region
Competitive Salary
Company Car / Car Allowance, Laptop, Tablet, Phone and Pension.

As part of our continued growth, we are seeking to recruit an area manager to cover the South East Region.

Duties will include maintaining and developing the existing customers in this key region whilst expanding the customer base.

We are looking for an enthusiastic sales professional. The ideal candidate should have some experience within the garden machinery or small plant hire industries.
A clean driving licence and a good working knowledge of MS Office.

Please send your CV and covering letter to brian@gardenhirespares.com

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