We are very pleased to reveal today which dealerships are in the running to take home a Dealer Of The Year title at this year's Service Dealer Conference & Awards.
We're into the back-end of the season now - a season which I suspect quite a number of dealers will be glad to see the back of!
There have been rough seasons before, and will be again - but as we know, dealers are a resilient bunch. Thoughts now will be turning to next year and how to make that as successful as possible.
To this end, there are a couple of major industry events coming up over the next few weeks which will offer dealers the opportunity to regroup and consider the way ahead.
One of these is the Service Dealer Conference & Awards which takes place on Thursday November 15th at the Oxford Belfry Hotel. As ever, as well as the Conference, the Dealer Of The Year Awards will be handed out during the evening ceremony.
We are very pleased today to be able to announce those dealers who are nominated across our core categories of Garden, Professional Turfcare, Farm Machinery, Forestry Equipment, and ATV/Quad.
Without further ado, hearty congratulations and best of luck to the all the nominated dealers who are listed below purely alphabetically, across all categories -
Like last year the nominations for the dealerships in the running for an award, have come from both suppliers putting their most valued dealers forward, as well as dealers entering their own businesses.
The assessment process has principally been achieved via feedback from the most important people to a dealer's business - their customers. And this year we were overwhelmed by an unprecedented number of customer feedback responses! It really was quite phenomenal the sheer volume we received. Not to mention the incredibly enthusiastic comments and high grades which dealers across the country have been receiving from their customers.
An expert panel now has the unenviable task of assessing all this feedback. As well as the masses of customer comments, the judging panel will also consider the feedback from manufacturers and suppliers, taking into consideration any awards they may have bestowed on their dealers during this past year.
How dealers present themselves to their customers is also be taken very seriously, with websites and social media presences considered. Testimonials from customers from sources such as Google Reviews and Yelp, as well as those included on dealers’ own sites, will also be taken into consideration.
The nominated dealers listed above will be whittled down to a shortlist of three finalists per-category and then the winner announced 'Oscars-style' on the evening of the Awards ceremony on November 15th.
Also being announced on the night will be awards for individual dealership team members - The Star of the Dealership and The Apprentice of the Year. Service Dealer will also be presenting an Outstanding Contribution Award.
It is all gearing up to be great night, celebrating the marvellous work being achieved at dealerships across the UK.
The whole team at Service Dealer offers our warmest congratulations to all the nominated dealerships and we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the Oxford Belfry on 15th November.
Following recent developments, Rochfords say they wanted to get out of the office and visit their customers to talk them through their strategy and new portfolio.
Rochfords have described how their small team set off on Sunday 9th September to embark on a mammoth two week roadshow across the country.
The new format for 2018 was to hold more events, with smaller groups in order to gain valuable discussions and feedback - which Rochfords say they believe is not possible in a traditional large group event.
Donald Young presents the new AL-KO Black Edition tractor
“Obviously our company has seen a big development over the last few months, so it was only right to get out of the office and visit our customers to talk them through our strategy, and new portfolio for the coming season” said Stewart Anderson, managing director.
Over the course of 2 weeks the team held 10 shows in Perth, Penrith, York, Grantham, Chester, Exeter, Newbury, East Sussex, Cambridge and Hereford. Covering over 2000 miles and meeting well over 300 dealers along the way.
Mornings consisted of company presentations, an overview of the recent acquisition, and new product training. Following lunch was a hands on session with the new portfolio for 2019.
“As part of our smaller show strategy we have really focused on new products, as we have some unbelievable additions to our range. Heroes over the roadshow have been the new AL-KO Black Edition tractor, offering a European built premium quality tractor to the consumer for under £2000 - and our new rider range has definitely turned a few heads for its performance and price,” said Mark Rochford, marketing director.
Cordless was a dominant feature at the event, with the future cordless strategy being unveiled, and the complete EnergyFlex range being available to use.
“Dealers have been telling us just how big sales of cordless products in their business have become and the potential is huge. Our EnergyFlex range is one of the most complete in the marketplace, with a selection of hand tools, lawnmowers, scarifiers and more. All the products offer exceptional performance and the feedback has been fantastic on both the products, and the new pricing for the 2019 season,” said Lewis Anderson, new business development manager.
Other products included a completely new range of Mitox chainsaws, with up to 40% more power than the previous generation.
Weibang saw the launch of new 4 wheeled lawnmowers for both domestic and professional use, as well as the 56 PRO BBC roller mower, and a new commercial Sod Cutter from the brand.
To find out more about the 2019 package dealers can contact their area sales manager, call 01963 828006, or visit www.rochfordgm.co.uk
The appointment will see all six of Agricar’s depots become official stockists and service support dealers of KUHN’s full range of agricultural machinery.
The appointment, which is effective immediately, will see all six of Agricar’s depots become official stockists and service support dealers of KUHN’s full range of agricultural machinery.
“We are pleased to welcome Agricar as an official KUHN dealer,” explains Sian Pritchard, managing director of KUHN UK. “With 120 staff located at six depots across Scotland they are perfectly placed to provide expert sales and aftersales support to KUHN’s customers in the region. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with all their staff and customers who I know will benefit from their professional approach to customer service.”
Commenting on behalf of Agricar, Derek Johnston, director said, “We are extremely proud to become Kuhn dealers covering from Ayrshire in the west across Central Scotland to Kincardineshire in the East. The addition of the Kuhn brand to the Agricar portfolio means we are now in an even better position to meet the needs of our arable and livestock customers.”
This week's WEB ONLY story is the Can-Am Conquest Tour is returning this autumn bringing their vehicles to farmers and agricultural workers at new auction marts and sales across the country.
According to figures released by the AEA, UK agricultural tractor registrations (over 50hp) in September totaled 968 units.
According to figures released by the AEA, UK agricultural tractor registrations (over 50hp) in September were 2% higher than in the same month last year, at 968 units.
In terms of the year to date figures 9,706 units have been registered which is a +7.2% change compared with January-September 2017.
Stephen Howarth, Agricultural Economist at the AEA said of the September figures, "This followed a small year-on-year fall in August but was less than the 7% growth recorded across the first nine months of the year.
"The 9,706 machines registered in the year to date is the highest figure for the first three quarters of the year since 2014."
To achieve milestone, Ibcos had to demonstrate to HMRC how Gold, its business management software, handles the end-to-end process for the creation and submission of VAT returns.
Ibcos Computers Ltd., the business management software vendor for agricultural, groundcare, and construction dealers, has announced that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has officially recognised it as a software supplier that supports Making Tax Digital for VAT.
To achieve this milestone, Ibcos had to demonstrate to HMRC how Gold, its business management software, handles the end-to-end process for the creation and submission of VAT returns.
“I think this is yet another great example of Ibcos’ forward-thinking nature,” said Collette Convery, the managing director at Ibcos. “We took action as soon as we learned about the Making Tax Digital regulation, to ensure our customers will have the right tools to properly deal with this challenge when the time comes.”
OPICO APPOINT New Strautmann product manager & sales specialist
James Swan will support the OPICO sales team and dealers across the UK on the Strautmann range of machinery.
OPICO has appointed James Swan in a new position as Strautmann product manager and sales specialist.
James will support the OPICO sales team and dealers across the UK, further reinforcing the level of expertise and technical knowledge on the Strautmann range of machinery, including trailed and self-propelled vertical auger diet feeders, forage wagons, and rear discharge muck spreaders.
Commenting, Charles Bedforth, OPICO UK Sales Manager said, "I am delighted to have taken on such an experienced and respected individual. James joins OPICO with a wealth of knowledge across the dairy and livestock sector, most recently at Countrywide. OPICO has been the UK distributor of Strautmann for a little over two years and James’s appointment is testament to the fact that OPICO wants to strengthen our market share in the UK."
On his appointment James said, "This is an exciting move for me. I’m looking forward to immersing myself in all things forage and feeding to support the existing sales team."
James will be based from home in Warwickshire and his contact details are 07903 192377 and email james.swan@opico.co.uk
Local dealer Bartram Mowers will supply the Ransomes Jacobsen machinery at Ipswich Golf Club.
Ipswich Golf Club has signed a fourth five-year exclusive supplier agreement with turf equipment manufacturer, Ransomes Jacobsen - with local dealer, Bartram Mowers supplying the machinery.
L-R: Rob Hayward, export sales manager at Ransomes Jacobsen; Andre Andrade, international sales director at Ransomes Jacobsen; Graham Brumpton, course manager at Ipswich Golf Club, Will Carr, golf sales manager at Ransomes Jacobsen, Kevin Lovelock, director of golf at Ipswich Golf Club.
Commenting at the official signing of the agreement, Ipswich Golf Club’s Course Manager Graham Brumpton said, “We have had a relationship with Ransomes Jacobsen and Bartrams for more than 20 years now. The Ransomes Jacobsen manufacturing facility and the Bartrams depot are just a mile from our course, so that is very convenient. Having said that, the service and the quality of machinery that we receive is truly second to none, which is why we continue to keep our longstanding partnership in place.”
Kevin Lovelock, Director of Golf at Ipswich Golf Club said, “I am delighted to continue the close relationship with Ransomes Jacobsen. As a club we are very fortunate to have one of the world’s leading golf course machinery brands in Ipswich and it makes perfect sense for the two of us to work together.”
Ipswich Golf Club have since made a few purchases under the agreement including a Jacobsen LF570 fairway mower, a Turfco WideSpin 1550 topdresser and a Turfco Torrent 2 blower.
“Before signing the agreement and making these purchases, we also looked at other brands and products,” Brumpton continued. “We had demonstrations of different fairway mowers, but the Jacobsen LF570 came out on top. It was a unanimous decision amongst all nine of my staff, that the Jacobsen mower had a far superior quality of cut, and they found the machine the easiest and most comfortable to operate.
“At Ipswich Golf Club we are part of the Natural England Higher Level Stewardship Scheme. The aim of this is to bring the course back to heathland vegetation, as there is a huge decline in heathland areas and golf courses in the UK. We are now seven years into the scheme, and the results are superb. We work closely with STRI, and we are proud of our reputation for environmental sustainability.
“Our relationship with Ransomes Jacobsen is enhanced by our shared values of sustainability."
More than 250 champion ploughmen and women from throughout Great Britain will soon be converging on a small village in Warwickshire to show their skills.
More than 250 champion ploughmen and women from throughout Great Britain will soon be converging on a small village in Warwickshire to show their skills at this year’s British National Ploughing Championships & Country Festival which takes place on October 13th and 14th.
Over 250 acres of farmland next to the village of Austrey, near Atherstone has been loaned by the hosts, William Corbett Farms and John Upperdine and the Championships, traditionally held in a different part of the country each year, will also attract visitors from the north of Scotland to the southern corners of England.
Organisers of the event, the Society of Ploughmen, say the interest in and popularity of ploughing matches is definitely growing each year for both spectators and competitors alike. The British Championships is the finale of local ploughing matches to find the Champions of Great Britain in various categories from ‘world style’ reversible ploughs to a multitude of vintage ploughing classes and probably the biggest crowd puller of all, heavy horses.
However, the event is not just about the ploughing and organisers say you don’t have to have to be an enthusiast to be able to visit the Championships and have an enjoyable day out. Alongside the competitions, there will be an array of trade stands and machinery demonstrations with local and national companies showing the latest equipment. Everything from tractors, trailers and machinery; drainage and irrigation; fuel, tyres, agronomy and precision farming; tractor spares and tools. Then there are the crafts and stalls with everything from garden furniture, basketware, walking sticks, signs, country clothing and hats.
The Great Steam Challenge will also be held over the two days. The Challenge doesn’t take place every year and this is only the 8th Challenge to be held in the past 24 years, so with 25 giant engines taking part, it will be a fantastic sight to see. They will take up around 60 acres of the site and there will be some rare single cylinder engines taking part which date back to the 1860s, not often seen working together.
With static displays of vintage tractors and machinery, the steam, the tractors and horses working in the fields and the most up-to-date tractors and machinery of today, organisers say the visitors will have a unique opportunity not only to see and appreciate the changes in farming over 200 years or so, but to see most of it working. For this reason, children under 11 are given free admission to the Championships as the organisers want them to see and learn about our farming heritage.
The event takes place about 3 miles from the junction of the M42/A42, very close to Twycross Zoo.
Organisers have reported that early bird registration week for Kentucky's 2018 GIE+EXPO (Green Industry & Equipment Expo) was the biggest ever.
Organisers have reported that early bird registration week for Kentucky's 2018 GIE+EXPO (Green Industry & Equipment Expo) was the biggest ever.
More than 3,000 attendees registered the week of September 3, setting a new weekly record and putting overall attendee registration 12% ahead of last year at this time. More than 24,000 participants are projected to be in Louisville October 17-19 for the annual event.
"Every indication points to the 2018 show being bigger than ever been on all fronts," said Warren Sellers, show director. "Participation from all segments of the industry is going strong. Add to that the synergy that's being generated by the new Wednesday format as well as exhibitors who are stepping up participation on the show floor - both indoors and out - and this is shaping up to be our best event yet!"
Other facts about this year's event include:
The servicing dealer registration category is up 12% over last year at this time. The contractor categories are up 11%.
Attendee registration for Hardscape North America, co-located with GIE+EXPO, is currently 11% ahead of last year.
Exhibitor participation is up with about 1,000 total GIE+EXPO and HNA exhibits, indoors and out. 18% are new exhibitors.
The Outdoor Demonstration Area will cover more than 20 acres.
More new product introductions are expected, with over 120 products in the New Products Spotlight and 21 exhibitors hosting press conferences.
It's World Smile Day today and dealers have been sending us their best, most cheesy grins to get into the spirit and spread a bit of joy!
It's World Smile Day today and dealers have been sending us their best, most cheesy grins to get into the spirit and spread a bit of joy!
World Smile Day is celebrated on the first Friday in the month of October every year. The idea of was coined and initiated by Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Worcester, Massachusetts who is known to have created the famous Smiley Face design in 1963. The World's first World Smile Day was held in the year 1999 and has been held annually since.
After Harvey died in 2001, the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation was created to honour his name and memory, with the slogan "improving this world, one smile at a time."
Last week we asked our readers to send us snaps of themselves and their teams, to lighten mood on all the negativity which is around at the moment.
Enjoy!
Hayes Garden Machinery - "'King of Bears' as opposed to 'King of Quads'"
Strathbogie Saw Service - "“What makes your customers smile when they are in your dealership? Could be Bob, Cameron, Emma or Pete but probably Daisy the dog!!”
Briants Of Risborough - Chris Starling, "My workshop stitched me up and decided I should be in the shot, while they took the photo!"
Briants Of Risborough - The ladies in the office, L-R: Michelle, Sadie, Diane and Bex (md)
Briants Of Risborough - Olly, StihlTechnician, with his hat!
Scamblers of Bourn - The family management team: L-R: Daniel, Rosemary, Ed and Tony
Barbara Green at Lawncare Garden Machinery Ltd in Wallingford
Stephen Cload at Lawncare Garden Machinery Ltd in Wallingford
And finally, some of the team at Lister Wilder in Wallingford . . .
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The Husqvarna 550 XP® petrol chainsaw is designed with tree care professionals and skilled land owners in mind, a true all round professional chainsaw.
The Husqvarna 550 XP® petrol chainsaw is designed with tree care professionals and skilled land owners in mind, a true all round professional chainsaw.
In addition to its ground breaking slimline design and 50cc chainsaw engine, this professional and commercial chainsaw is loaded with innovative solutions for efficient, convenient operation. Features such as X-Torq X-Torq® give more power when required whilst using 20% less duel and up to 75% less emissions. Autotune ensures that the engine is always running at optimal performance using automatic engine setting by automatically adjusting the carburettor. This means no extra adjustments for different fuels, altitude, humidity, temperature and clogged air filter.
As part of the Husqvarna Autumn Promotion Husqvarna are offering FREE Bar, Chain and XP 2 Stroke Oil with every 550XP 15” Chainsaw.
For more information about the Husqvarna autumn promotion, contact your Area Business Manager.
After making its successful debut last year, the SALTEX Innovation Award is back for 2018 and visitors will get the chance to see every entry at the show.
SALTEX plays host to the most technologically advanced-equipment showcase in grounds management. After making its successful debut last year, the SALTEX Innovation Award is back for 2018 and visitors will get the chance to see every entry at the show.
Here is a snapshot of some of the exciting entries:
Sherriff Amenity – PrecisionPro; a dedicated spots turf app designed to help users measure, calibrate and apply granular products.
Lantra - Integrated Weed Management is the latest training course added to Lantra’s Pest & Weed Management suite of training and qualifications.
Trimax Mowing Systems - the Snake S2; a rotary, roller mower designed for sports turf and golf courses.
Trimax Mowing Systems - the QuikLIFT; a new feature for the PegasusS4 which allows all three decks to be lifted with the blades still engaged.
Trimax Mowing Systems - the LocTEK; a patent pending stubless roller bearing system for increased retention, bearing life and replacement ease.
PSD Groundscare - ELIET Turfaway 600; with a 60 cm-wide cutter the Turfaway 600 has been designed for major lawn renovation that requires complete reconstruction.
PSD Groundscare – TS Industrie GS/Puma Tracked Remote Controlled Shredder is a remote controlled tracked green waste shredder.
Net World Sports - FORZA Alu110 Football Goals; are available in eight sizes and can be purchased as both freestanding and socketed.
Reesink Turfcare - Toro Outcross 9060; a super-duty utility vehicle, designed specifically to simplify the groundsman’s day-to-day turf maintenance jobs.
Reesink Turfcare - Toro Groundsmaster 1200; a robust pull-behind rotary mower for sports and groundscare turf maintenance applications.
T H White Machinery Imports - Spider X Line; a new remote-controlled slope mower which can climb slopes of up to 40 degrees independently.
T H White Machinery Imports - Ferris 400S; a zero-turn mower with a 48 inch cutting width developed for light commercial or large domestic mowing customers.
Allett Mowers - c34 Evolution; a new electric, large area, walk-behind cylinder mower with inter-changeable cartridges.
McConnel – ROBOCUT; an all-terrain remote-control work platform that boosts safety, productivity and efficiency.
Bulldog Tools - Mini Shovels; two brand new shovels (a square mouth version and a round mouth version) that are lightweight and very easy to carry in any transport.
Helping Hand Environmental - Street Boss; a multi-functional sustainable litter collection system which allows the operative to undertake a range of cleansing tasks.
Briggs & Stratton UK - Vanguard 200 engine; a commercial grade air-cooled petrol engine designed from the ground up which delivers significant performance enhancements.
Evopos – Evopos; a modern dealer management system providing stock control, EPOS, workshop, whole goods control, accounts, CRM, Ebay, Web and e-commerce modules.
Etesia UK - Pellenc ULiB 1200 battery; lightweight and offers increased autonomy of up to 20% – up to five hours of work with the most energy-consuming Pellenc tools in the range.
Hayter/Toro - ProStripe 560; a professional walk-behind rear-roller rotary mower, designed primarily for sports playing surfaces, to cut and collect grass, or to remove debris and divots.
EGO - POWERLOAD™ Line Trimmer; a new line trimmer with a fully automatic line re-loading system.
Block Blitz - Paving Sand; to keep paving joints clean and deter weeds and moss.
Block Blitz - Big Blitz; a jumbo dust pan and brush which is oversized, light-weight and super strong.
Block Blitz - Block Blitz Shield; new paving treatment which protects new and recently laid paved surfaces.
A panel of expert judges will select the winning product and the winners will be announced on the first day of SALTEX at a ceremony to be held on the show floor in the all new Innovation Hub.
SALTEX 2018 is free to attend. To register your attendance and beat the queues visit www.iogsaltex.com
For a free demonstration contact Evopos on Tel: 01202 795900
For a free demonstration contact Evopos on Tel: 01202 795900
Evopos UK Ltd are the producer of the Dealer management software which service dealers are taking a serious look at. This all-in-one solution with friendly and effective telephone support may be worth checking out, if you are a new service dealer or are currently unsatisfied with your current system.
The latest version includes quick and easy point of sale software, comprehensive stock control, workshop organiser, hire contract module, accounting package and state of the art automated SMS and email marketing, all of these features are available in specifically designed dealer packages.
"What makes Evopos streets ahead of its competitors?" asks Denis Bullen (MD). "Evopos is perfect for the Service Industry; everything about the customer is tracked, sales of parts, whole goods and all vital contact information."
Denis Bullen, Evopos md
Denis continues, "The workshop module is of particular interest to most service dealers. Evopos will fulfil the main three requirements that make any busy workshop successful.
1. Easy to use; this minimises mistakes making sure correct time is billed for and all the information is correct.
2. Maximises sales and repeat custom using the excellent time management and service reminder tools built into Evopos.
3. Helps to provide the very best customer service; by providing engineers and salesman with all the necessary information to make the job or the sale as easy for the customer as it as easy for you.
"As far as I can see the workshop process is fairly straight forward
Step one: Book the job in, providing the customer with details regarding the job.
Step two: Book parts and labour to the job.(Evopos will automatically remind the customer to drop the machine off and when the job is finished, let the customer know when to pick it up via an SMS text or email alert.)
Set three: Produce a professional looking invoice for when the customer picks up their machine.
"A comprehensive history is retained within the Evopos system. For example for each machine you can see who has previously owned it and what work it has had done to it.
"Evopos offers a very competitive pricing structure, where costs are kept to a minimum. A standard dealer package can cost as little as £75.00 per month, there are no hidden extras. If you are concerned about losing your old customer database, this shouldn't be a problem. The helpful support team can convert most databases into workable Evopos data at no extra charge.
"Evopos is a low cost way to help make your business more controllable and profitable. It's a total business management solution."
Whether you are a new start-up or run an existing business, why not contact Evopos and arrange a no obligation free demo and see what Evopos can do for your business.
Contact them direct on telephone: 01202 795900 or register online at Evopos.com and they will call you.
The momentum is gathering pace as over 190 UK dealers have now subscribed. 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.
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 190+ subscribed Garden Trader dealers now by clicking on “Register Dealership”.
