Just a couple of weeks ago in this blog, I found myself writing about the challenges of working through hot weather. Looking back, I may have been a tad premature!

The temperatures we were talking about then seem really quite pleasant compared with what many parts of the UK have experienced this week. Whether you're in the workshop, out on demonstrations, managing your outdoor space, or simply trying to keep a showroom comfortable for customers and staff alike, if you’re anything like me, you will have had a tough week.

I'd be interested to know how everyone has got on, though. Have you found effective ways of coping with the heat? Have working patterns needed to change? Has customer footfall been affected, either positively or negatively? Feel free to leave a comment below.

One thing that might have perhaps tempted people away from the relative comfort of the dealership during a heatwave is the prospect of seeing some new machinery.

This week saw Hillhead take place under some very warm conditions indeed, with exhibitors and visitors having to contend with soaring temperatures. Judging by the announcements emerging from the event, however, the heat certainly didn't dampen enthusiasm for new product launches.

And Hillhead is just the start for our readers.

Looking through this week's news stories, it's impossible not to notice that we're firmly entering trade show season. We have updates on the forthcoming GroundsFest, details of GLAS returning in Ireland, news of what the organisers promise as a record-breaking edition of EIMA in Bologna, and confirmation that planning is well underway for TurfTech 2026.

For dealers, that represents a considerable menu of opportunities over the coming months.

The question, as always, is whether that's a good thing or whether we're once again entering that perennial, much discussed debate surrounding the number and frequency of trade events available to our sector.

Depending on which part of the industry you operate in, it's possible each and every year to quickly and comprehensively fill your calendar with exhibitions, dealer meetings, open days and manufacturer events.

I guess few would ever argue against having the luxury of choice. Different shows serve different audiences and offer different benefits. Some are ideal for discovering new products, others for strengthening relationships, and some simply provide a valuable opportunity to gauge the mood of the industry.

The reality for any small business, however, is that attendance requires time, money and resources. For independent dealerships it seems highly unlikely that rocking up at every single fixture on the agenda would be doable. 

The same, of course, can be said for your suppling manufacturers, as they too must make choices as to where to spend their budgets to gain to maximum advantage.

That means making some tricky decisions. Which events offer the greatest value? Which are most relevant to your customer base? Which provide the best chance to identify new business opportunities or strengthen existing supplier relationships?

What this will almost inevitably lead to is some events eventually dropping off the calendar altogether as people vote with their feet where to attend (see for example the SAGE show from a couple of years ago). If dealers, manufacturers and end-user visitors consistently favour certain events over others, market forces will dictate that the most popular will strengthen while the others struggle.

So as the exhibition season gathers pace, it'll be fascinating to see where dealer attention is focused. Again, we’ll be interested to hear where you intend to spend your valuable time this season. Let us know.

GLAS, Ireland's trade event for the horticulture, landscape, amenity and sports turf sectors, will return to the National Basketball Arena in Dublin on 16 July.

The one-day exhibition brings together industry professionals to network, view new products and learn about developments affecting the sector.

More than 100 suppliers are expected to exhibit, while features will include the Growers Paddock, the New Plant New Product Awards, Bord Bia's Thinking House and a programme of Learning Theatre presentations.

Topics covered throughout the day will include consumer trends, rising input costs, peat alternatives, labour availability, skills development, sustainability, biodiversity and opportunities in emerging markets.

Eamonn Maguire, of the GLAS team, said, "With the full support of Bord Bia, GLAS offers a unique networking opportunity for both buyers and sellers in Ireland’s horticulture, sportsturf and related industries."

Attendance is free for trade visitors, with pre-registration available to speed up entry on the day.

This week’s Hillhead exhibition near Buxton once again proved to be a major platform for machinery manufacturers to unveil new products, with a host of launches and previews attracting attention from visitors across the quarrying, construction and plant sectors.

Among the highlights was JCB’s preview of what they described as its largest and most productive wheeled loaders to date. The new 480 and 490 models have been developed to meet Stage V and Tier 4 Final emissions standards and offer payloads of 8,000kg and 9,000kg respectively.

Designed for heavy-duty applications including quarrying, waste handling, ports and construction, the loaders are powered by a 250kW Cummins X12 diesel engine delivering up to 1,695Nm of torque. Both models feature a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) as standard, aimed at maximising productivity while reducing fuel consumption.

JCB says the machines combine the breakout force associated with traditional Z-bar loader designs with the visibility and precision of a tool carrier arrangement, thanks to a patented loader arm design. Standard and high-lift arm options are available, with maximum pin heights of up to 5,000mm.

Operators benefit from JCB’s latest UX interface, centred around a 10-inch touchscreen display, alongside programmable electro-hydraulic controls and a range of optional technologies including onboard weighing, object detection and auto-greasing systems.

The launch was one of many new machine introductions at Hillhead 2026, underlining the event’s continued importance as a showcase for the latest developments in plant and equipment technology. We will feature more information in an upcoming edition of Service Dealer magazine.

Organisers of GroundsFest have confirmed that one of their most popular attractions is set to return this year, with lawn mower racing taking place across both days of the event.

    
Sponsored by Kramp UK and organised by the West Midlands Lawn Mower Racing Association (WMLMRA), the competition will see competitors battle it out on a custom-built track in a bid to lift the second-ever GroundsFest Cup.

Adding a new dimension to the racing this year will be the inclusion of the junior section of the West Midlands Lawn Mower Racing Association, giving younger racers the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of the GroundsFest audience.

The racing will take place at timed intervals throughout both days of the show.

GroundsFest marketing director, Chris Bennett, said, "The lawn mower racing was a huge hit with visitors last year and created a real buzz around the showground. It's one of those features that perfectly captures the spirit of GroundsFest - fun, engaging and bringing people together. We're delighted to welcome the West Midlands Lawn Mower Racing Association back and grateful to Kramp UK for their continued support."

Organisers of EIMA International 2026 say this year's exhibition is on course to be the largest in the event's history, with record exhibitor demand and expanded exhibition space planned for November's show in Bologna.

Speaking at the FederUnacoma annual assembly, general manager Simona Rapastella revealed that 1,800 exhibitors have already been confirmed for the agricultural machinery exhibition, with more than 100 additional companies currently on a waiting list.

The show, which takes place from 10-14 November 2026, will expand beyond its traditional footprint, with the Maserati Area being used for the first time alongside a new permanent Hall 35 and three temporary halls. Organisers estimate that more than 60,000 machinery and technology exhibits will be on display.

Attendance at the previous EIMA in 2024 reached a record 350,000 visitors, and organisers expect delegates from 150 countries this year. Official trade delegations from 90 countries have already been confirmed.

The exhibition will also place a strong emphasis on emerging technologies, including digitalisation and robotics, while a new competition recognising stand design will be introduced alongside the event's existing innovation awards.

The organisers of TurfTech 2026 say the event is set to be the biggest edition yet, with growing industry support, increasing visitor numbers, and an expanded line-up of partners ahead of this year's event on 1 and 2 October at the American Express Stadium in Brighton.

The show says it expects to attract grounds teams, industry experts, manufacturers, and suppliers from across the continent "for two days of insight, innovation, networking, and knowledge sharing."

In a statement, the organisers explained, "At its heart, TurfTech shines a spotlight on the professionals who make elite sports possible. By bringing together grounds teams from leading clubs alongside the companies driving innovation in turf management, the event creates a platform where achievements can be recognised, ideas exchanged, and valuable industry connections formed."

The event has grown significantly since its launch. The inaugural TurfTech welcomed 170 attendees, rising to 320 the following year. This October, organisers say approximately 470 industry professionals are expected to attend.

Supporting industry partners include machinery suppliers Infinicut, Wessex International and Howardson Group, alongside a line-up of professional turf care companies.

Visitors can expect an extensive educational programme featuring 23 presentations delivered by respected names in sports turf management. The sessions will cover key topics facing the industry today, from emerging technologies and innovation to practical experiences from leading grounds teams operating at the highest level of the game.

Organisers say the aim of the event is to create an environment where professionals can focus entirely on learning, networking, and engaging with their peers.

A team of 13 walkers and 3 support crew from Tallis Amos Group (TAG), has successfully completed the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge, raising over £10,800 for We Are Farming Minds, the charity supporting mental health and wellbeing in farming communities.

The TAG Three Peaks team at the bottom of Ben Nevis

The team began their mountaineering marathon at 5:30pm on Sunday June 14th by tackling Ben Nevis in Scotland. After conquering the UK’s highest mountain, they pressed on to Scafell Pike in the Lake District early the following morning, before completing their final challenge at Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in Wales, crossing the finish line at 5:10pm on Monday - with just 20 minutes to spare under the 24-hour time limit.

Sam Stables, co-founder of We Are Farming Minds, who joined the team on the walk, said, “It’s been inspiring to see the dedication and determination of the Tallis Amos team. The funds raised will make a real difference to farmers and their families who are struggling with their mental health. With our support line, counselling services, and community programmes, we’re committed to breaking the stigma around mental health in agriculture. Events like this show that the farming community is united in supporting one another.”

Matt Thompson, operations director of Tallis Amos Group, added, “We Are Farming Minds is a charity close to our hearts. Mental health in the farming sector is a serious issue, and we’re proud to support their vital work. Our team came together to take on this challenge, and the response from supporters has been overwhelming."

You can still support the team’s fundraising efforts here.

Cobra is proud to expand its 2026 tractor range, bringing together powerful performance, innovative features, and exceptional versatility to suit gardens and grounds of all sizes. Whether you’re maintaining a compact lawn or tackling expansive terrain, the Cobra line-up offers a solution designed for efficiency, comfort, and precision.

At the heart of the range is a strong focus on choice. Cobra’s lawn tractors and riders are available in multiple configurations, including compact lawn riders for tight access areas, rear-collection tractors for a clean, professional finish, and side-discharge models built for fast, efficient mowing on larger lawns. Each category is engineered to deliver dependable performance with intuitive controls and excellent manoeuvrability.

New for 2026, Cobra is expanding the range with the introduction of the LT74HRL 29" lawn rider, alongside an all-new Zero Turn (ZT) line-up, including both stand-on and zero-turn ride-on models. The LT74HRL offers an ideal balance of compact design and cutting capability, making it perfect for homeowners who need agility in tighter spaces without compromising on performance. Meanwhile, the new Zero Turn range is built for maximum productivity and precision, making it an excellent choice for larger properties, commercial environments, and users who demand speed and manoeuvrability.

Cobra’s 2026 range is built around powerful and reliable engines, including high-performance OHV units and advanced V-Twin options, delivering smooth, consistent power with excellent fuel efficiency and durability. Cutting performance is equally impressive, with a choice of deck sizes to suit everything from narrow spaces to large open lawns, along with adjustable heights and twin-blade systems for a clean, even finish.

Versatility is a core strength, with many models offering rear collection, side discharge, and mulching functions, plus added features like tow hitch points and mulch kits for increased practicality. Comfort and ease of use are also prioritised, with hydrostatic transmissions for effortless control, ergonomic seating, and intuitive layouts. Selected models include LED headlights and modern dashboards for enhanced visibility and operator convenience.
For larger or more demanding areas, Cobra’s V-Twin tractors provide higher torque, quieter operation, and greater efficiency, while compact riders remain ideal for navigating tighter spaces without sacrificing 

Peter Chaloner, Managing Director of Cobra Tractors, commented:

"We are incredibly excited to launch this expanded range for the 2026 season. Our team has worked hard to develop machines that not only deliver outstanding performance and cutting-edge features but also enhance the overall mowing experience. With the addition of new riders and our Zero Turn range, we are offering more choice than ever before. Whether you have a compact garden or a larger area to maintain, there is a Cobra machine perfectly suited to your needs. We’re confident this new line-up will make lawn care more efficient, enjoyable, and rewarding for our customers."

Overall, the 2026 Cobra tractor range combines new innovation with proven performance. With the addition of new rider and Zero Turn models, alongside an already comprehensive line-up, Cobra continues to offer high-quality machines designed to make lawn care more efficient, versatile, and enjoyable.

For more information on Cobra visit: www.cobragarden.co.uk or to become a Cobra dealer, please contact Andy Marvin on: 07771 581 296 or call our sales team: 0115 986 6646 today.

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