We have an announcement today for November's Conference, that I personally think might be the most important yet.

It's a subject that can be at once immensely private, but one that it is vital to destigamatise and encourage open discussion around. We're talking mental health. - and specifically the impact that poor mental health amongst ourselves and our colleagues can have on the workplace.

Running a workshop at the Conference will be Abigail Kimber, who is a client development consultant at Mental Health First Aid England. Abigail says she is " . .dedicated to normalising attitudes and behaviours around mental health in all areas of society." Which is a fine ambition to hold.

Any effort to help those who are suffering the terrible, debilitating affects of poor mental health should be applauded. And of course, looking out for signs in those around us who may be struggling is something we could all do with being made more aware of. Once having identified someone who may require our help, knowing what steps to take next is paramount.

As alluded to previously though, I believe the context of Abigail's session at the Conference will be considering why it's crucial to look out for ourselves, friends and teammates not only for an individual's well-being, but also for the wider benefit of the business as a whole.

People who know a lot more about this subject than I do, say that the success of any organisation is deeply intertwined with the well-being of its employees. Mentally healthy staff members are more likely to be engaged and motivated, leading to increased productivity. There is likely to be fewer cases of absenteeism, meaning less strain on colleagues. Happy staff engage more productively with customers. And a workplace that prioritises mental health tends to have lower turnover rates of employees, saving both time and money.

Being conscious of not being mercenary about these matters, but it's true to say business-owners are in business to make profit. There's no shame in that. If a staff member is unwell and suffering, in a small business such as an independent dealership it seems fair to assume there will be a direct correlation to the overall performance of the company. Therefore it must be imperative that help is sought and offered for the betterment of all.

In her presentation Abigail will no doubt look at what we can mean exactly by poor mental health as well as methods a business might employ to support colleagues who are struggling. From doing some quick reading around the subject, engendering a mentally healthy work environment could include ideas such as making sure the dealership fosters an open and non-judgmental culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their concerns. Perhaps counseling services or employee assistance programs could be offered. Always making sure to promote a sensible work / life balance is crucial - as is educating teammates and managers about mental health awareness and how to recognise signs of distress in a colleague.

I must say, I am very much looking forward to hearing exactly what Abigail has to say on the subject come November. I suspect almost everyone reading this today will know a friend, a family member, a work colleague, or even themselves, who has either gone through or is currently experiencing a period of darkness. Having an expert on hand at the Conference, who is experienced in delivering assistance to other industries with similar demographics and pressures to ours, will be a genuinely welcome addition.

Hopefully she will start some conversations which can lead to positive change.

The latest speaker announcement for November's Service Dealer Conference is Abigail Kimber, a client development consultant at Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England.

Abigail Kimber

Abigall says she will be delivering a workshop to help break the stigma on mental health. With the financial impact cited as costing upwards of £33billion per year, she is keen to point out that poor mental health can have a huge impact on a business.

Abigail works with organisations of all sizes, in a wide range of industries, including agriculture, construction and manufacturing. She supports businesses to identify and understand their employee’s mental health needs and create long-lasting solutions.

Focusing on assisting businesses to build and enhance their well-being approaches to create mentally healthier working environments, Abigail helps people to develop the skills to look after their own and others’ well-being. 

"I am dedicated to normalising attitudes and behaviours around mental health in all areas of society," says Abigail.

She now joins the previously announced Sophie Brooks who will be talking about sustainability, branding expert, Daryl Fielding and customer experience specialist, Adrian Swinscoe, who will be sharing their knowledge with our dealer delegates.

Taking place on Thursday 30th November 2023 at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford upon Avon, the theme for this year's event is Taking Care of Business.

E P Barrus has announced the appointment of Graham Knox as its new chief executive officer, following an extensive search process.

Graham Knox

Graham will replace Robert Muir, when he retires from Barrus at the end of December this year, after 33 years with the company.

Barrus says Graham brings a huge amount of relevant experience, having had a successful career in heavy trucks, industrial & marine engines and transmissions. 

Graham started his career as an engineer with a custom builder of trucks and buses. He moved from engineering through after sales service to sales, and then on to senior management positions in engineering companies.

From 4th September this week, Graham will be spending time getting to know Barrus’ customers and teams, prior to starting a more office-based handover. There will be opportunities to meet Graham as he will be visiting various trade shows including SALTEX at the NEC.

Graham said, “I am truly honoured and excited to be joining the team at Barrus. I want to express my gratitude to the board for entrusting me with this role and to Robert Muir for his remarkable 33 years of leadership with the company. Barrus has a rich history and a reputation for excellence in various industries, and I am eager to contribute my experience to develop the company further.

"Over the next few months, I am looking forward to immersing myself in Barrus' operations, meeting our valued customers, getting to know the talented individuals who make this company thrive. I am looking forward to having the time to get to know our customers and stakeholders. My goal is to ensure a seamless transition and to lead Barrus with the same dedication and passion that is the hallmark of the company."

E P Barrus Ltd Chairman, Tara Glen said, "The Board looks forward to Graham building on the phenomenal leadership that Robert Muir has given the company. Robert will continue to lead Barrus until he retires at the end of December this year. With Graham joining us now we are able to manage an orderly handover and give Graham an opportunity to visit many of our customers before he takes over leadership responsibility”.

According to figures just releases by the AEA, the number of agricultural tractors registered in the UK in August was 14% lower than a year before.

At 714 machines, the monthly figure was also slightly below the seasonal average, for the third month in a row.

Agricultural economist at the AEA, Stephen Howarth, said, "August is always a relatively slow month for registrations, with farmers occupied with other activities, and this year's stop-start harvest may have had an impact on the figure."

In more positive news though, registrations for the year to date are still over 4% (360 machines) higher than in the opening eight months of 2022 - totaling 8588 units so far this year.

"This year's total was also 3% above the five-year average," added Stephen Howarth.

The dealer organisers of the recent Gammies Live event have reported that the day went successfully.

All pics from Gammies Live courtesy of Ray Kelly Photography

Lucky with sunshine on the day, they had over 400 attendees with plenty of people willing to get hands-on and experience the equipment.

Sophie Elder, who handles marketing for Gammies, told Service Dealer, "We had a great mix of people from businesses to councils to domestic machinery users - with many attendees commenting on how well the event was laid out.

"We had over 25 different manufacturers with us on the day demonstrating equipment, chatting with visitors, and a few hosted seminars discussing their latest machinery and technology for commercial users."

Sophie continued, "Following the event we received emails from attendees, as well as phone calls from customers, discussing what they thought of the event. We were delighted with comments such as 'fantastic show'; 'a brilliant day for us all'; 'very enjoyable'; and 'excellent food'!"

Tillage-Live takes place next week on Thursday 14th September 2023 from 8am-3pm at W H Corbett, Cottage Lane, Norton-Juxta-Twycross, CV9 3QH. 

Organised by the AEA on behalf of industry exhibitors, the Association says there are an "exceptional" number of exhibitors taking part this year across both the working demonstration plots, and the static exhibition area.

There is an addition to the demonstration arena this year with the introduction of an inter-row hoeing demonstration on both 50cm and 75cm row widths.

In other changes, there has been the introduction of a band of cover crops on four of the 2ha demonstration plots, in addition to the cover crop demonstration arena.

The knowledge trail focusses on soil health, cover crops, responsible fertiliser use, and correct tyre setting and use for soil protection, provided by NIAB, Agrovista, NFU Arable, Bridgestone and Kings Crops. Completing the trail also qualifies for BASIS/NRoSO points.

Simon Brown, MD of Amazone Ltd, long-term exhibitor and member chair of the Tillage-Live committee said, “No-one should miss the opportunity to visit Tillage-Live Live because, as the Government looks to farming to reduce its carbon footprint, the way we manage soils is becoming increasingly in the spotlight and the right choice of machinery can play its part in helping to improve soil health, stimulate soil biology as well as being used to combat disease and weed pressures.

"In my view, Tillage-Live offers growers that rare opportunity to see a wide spectrum of crop establishment equipment actually on a tractor and working in the field and so, having been able to get an idea of what that bit of kit might do, a visit to Tillage-Live can then lead to a demonstration at home with a view to changing establishment methods."

Phoenix Sports and Leisure Club has secured £200,000 worth of new Toro equipment in the club’s first ever lease deal with local dealer Cheshire Turf Machinery. 

Mark Smith, head greenkeeper at Phoenix Sports and Leisure Club

The multi-sport complex located in Rotherham houses golf courses, football pitches, bowling greens and more and when the time came to replace its existing fleet to be used across all its playing surfaces, they decided that a lease package was the most cost-effective solution.

Mark Smith, head greenkeeper, who manages a team of six, explained, “Leasing is something that is new to us as a club. Until now we’ve bought outright, when we’ve needed things. This was the first time we’ve decided to just clear the cutting fleet and start again, which we’ve been able to do with the lease package.

"Normally we wouldn’t be able to replace all of the machines in one go, so you end up having equipment that is 10 years old and when you start having problems with it you have to argue your case for a new machine. With a lease package, that’s not really the case. When the lease is up, it’s accepted you replace it.”

Mark continued, “When it came time to choose a new fleet, it was between the two big brands. The price point of the lease deal was a huge reason behind why we chose Toro, but so was the fact that we’re so familiar with the brand and everyone on the team knows how to use them so not as much training was needed, we could get them straight on the turf."

The deal was brought about through Tony Dodson from Cheshire Turf Machinery who is also a member of Phoenix Sports and Leisure Club. He said, “It’s great seeing Toro out on the course, and knowing the quality of the machines it’s a pleasure ensuring my club is in good hands.”

Our 2020 Summer research showed that on average, each Garden Trader dealer will be sent 114 new customers (or people with a buying intention walking through your door) per year.  This works out at 83p for each new customer. A subscription rate designed to be all inclusive delivering unrivalled online results.  

This site was purpose-built just for skilled servicing ground care dealers by the team that bring you Service Dealer Magazine. It is easy and quick to register and costs just £96 + VAT per year for a full listing.  As this dealer site is designed to promote the UK dealer network, all revenues in 2022 will continue to be reinvested into promoting the site online and so supporting the dealer network.

Join the country’s only independent specialist website, created by the team that bring you Service Dealer. Join our subscribed Garden Trader dealers now by clicking on “Register Dealership” and let's fight back against the zero value retailers.

Map of dealerships registered with Garden Trader

FIND OUT MORE