HAPPY NEW YEAR! What will make the headlines in 2018? by Service Dealer Editor, Steve Gibbs
In our first Weekly Update of 2018 we consider what you were most interested in last year - and wonder what the new year could have in store for the industry?
May I presumably be the final person to wish you all a Happy New Year!
It's good to be back with you, bringing you all the news relevant to the independent dealer trade each week. Once again in 2018 you can count on us to be here every Friday, in addition to the bi-monthly paper magazine - the most recent of which you should have hopefully received this week.
One of the items which we're kicking off this new year with today has become a bit of a tradition, where we look back to see which stories our readers were most interested in during the previous year. As you would expect, like the Top Ten we compiled 12 months ago, today's list also veers towards the dramatic. The news items included swing between the very positive (for example revealing the Dealer of the Year award winners) to the outright depressing (the dealer who suffered from card fraud following a break-in).
Also amongst the highest opened stories last year are a couple which more than anything generate a sense of uncertainly amongst dealers - I'm thinking of STIHL's announcement that they would be selling some cordless products through non-traditional servicing dealers and Husqvarna's that they would be piloting a pay-per-use hire-box scheme.
I guess what this does show is that there is a definite appetite out there for information, with people always fascinated about change in its many forms.
As an interesting aside I, like perhaps many of you, choose to subscribe to the American trade association, the OPEI's email newsletter. The final one of 2017 which they sent out did a similar thing to what we're doing today, in that they also collected together the most read stories from their publication during last year.
For those that don't see it, their publication is slightly different to ours in that they tend to collate links to other sources around the web, pointing their readers in the direction of stories that they think will be of interest to them.
To my surprise and delight, the first item on their most read list for 2017 was a link to a story from this Service Dealer Weekly Update! The news item in question was regarding Husqvarna revealing their new professional identity back in May.
Interestingly that particular story doesn't make our top ten most opened. As mentioned it was a different story regarding Husqvarna which seemingly held more interest for our mostly UK-based dealer readership.
Again though, the interest in the theme of change is clear to see. Therefore, Service Dealer intends to keep you up to date throughout the year, covering all that's developing in our industry.
As ever, please keep us informed of anything you feel ourselves and our wider community should be aware of. We are always delighted to hear from our readers. We hope it's that close relationship which keeps us relevant and keeps you interested year-round.
Who knows what the industry has in store for 2018? What might occur which ends up becoming our most opened stories this time next year? It will as ever be a fascinating and unexpected ride. And just maybe, with our optimistic hat on for a moment, it could be a wholly positive story which claims that coveted number one spot next January!
In his third successive promotion, Les Malin has been appointed as the new managing director of Etesia UK with immediate effect.
In his third successive promotion, Les Malin has been appointed as the new managing director of Etesia UK with immediate effect.
L-R: Patrick Vives and Les Malin
After starting his career in the farming industry at the age of 16, Les moved into the groundscare industry in 1993. He joined Etesia UK from Amazone in 2000 as area manager and was appointed general manager in 2006. He quickly became an influential figure within the company and in 2014 he was promoted to operations director - a move which saw him become the company's first ever UK director.
Following the retirement of Etesia SAS president Patrick Vives In December, the board and shareholders unanimously decided to promote Les to the position of managing director.
“Les is someone that we can absolutely rely on so this promotion allows me to take more time out and enjoy retirement,” said Patrick.
Throughout his tenure at Etesia UK, Les has seen the company grow. What started as an unknown company with just one product, Etesia now boasts an extensive dealer network throughout the UK and has added to its portfolio of products after becoming exclusive distributors of Pellenc battery-powered tools in 2010 and the Oeliatec weed control range in 2017.
Les has been instrumental in helping the UK become Etesia’s third largest market behind its homeland France and Germany - which Etesia say is certainly an achievement considering that the company now has a presence in over 40 countries.
Commenting on his promotion Les said: “It’s an achievement and an honour and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to prove myself.
“My aim is to try and help the business continue to grow and show the shareholders that we can do what we need to do and make it work for them.”
Returning to the Oxford Belfrey Hotel this November, the Service Dealer Conference & Awards will once again benefit from Kramp UK as Principal Sponsor.
The date of this year's event has been confirmed as Thursday November 15th.
Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke said, "We are delighted to announce Kramp UK as Principal Sponsors once again for Service Dealer's Conference & Awards.
"This year is the magazine's 30th anniversary and as such we are planning a very special Conference & Awards. To have Kramp UK on board for this is great news."
Des Boyd, Sales Director at Kramp UK said the company was once again very pleased to be sponsoring an event designed specifically for the independent dealer trade. He said, "Both Kramp and the specialist dealer industry which we serve have the same aim - to satisfy the demands of the end-user, efficiently, professionally and profitably."
More details about this year's Service Dealer Conference & Awards will be announced in due course.
Find out which stories were the most read in this Service Dealer Update during the past year.
The Top Ten most read stories during the course of 2017 in this Service Dealer Update have been revealed.
As you would expect it's the most dramatic, attention grabbing stories which once again gained the most views. Some were very positive for the dealer trade, others led to uncertainty, whilst others were downright awful.
As ever though, Service Dealer reported on them week in, week out, bringing you all the news relevant to the UK independent dealer trade - and you can rely on us providing the same service as we see what 2018 has in store for the industry.
Check out Service Dealer Update's most read 2017 stories below:
Ronald Knight, the co-founder of Stamford-based Knight Farm Machinery has received an MBE in the Queen's New Year Honours List.
Ronald Knight, the co-founder of Stamford-based agricultural crop sprayer specialists Knight Farm Machinery has received an MBE in the Queen's New Year Honours List.
Also a Harvesting Machinery Historian, Ron Knight was honoured for his services to Agricultural Engineering Entrepreneurship and Charitable Fundraising.
Ron Knight pictured on Knight Farm Machinery's Facebook page
Farmer's Weekly describes Ron Knight as having a special interest in old harvesters. They say he has "owned a number of old steam engines and frequently demonstrates machinery at working weekends during the summer months."
In a post on their Facebook page, Knight Farm Machinery say that in recent years Ron has "devoted most of his time to restoring vintage combine harvesters and now has one of the largest collections in the UK which includes some very rare machines."
John Wade who ran the Johnson Bros Bourne Ltd dealership in Lincolnshire for almost 40 years and was a former president of BAGMA, died on December 15th 2017.
John Wade who was known to many in the industry, running the Johnson Bros, Bourne Ltd dealership in Lincolnshire for almost 40 years and who held the position of president of BAGMA from 1994-1996, died on December 15th 2017.
John Wade pictured in 1992
John was born in 1928 making him 88 when he passed away.
His son, Paul Wade, Product Specialist at AgriArgo UK, has told Service Dealer that John's funeral will take place on Monday 15th January at 12.45 at Thurlby Methodist Church, near Bourne, Lincolnshire.
Hi-Level's new UK specific catalogue is available and contains over 3,700 items.
Hi-Level, based in Doncaster, have been announced as the new source for replacement parts from Stens in the UK.
Previously Stens parts had been available through Ariens UK.
Stens 2018/2019 Big Blue Book Of Parts
Kai Zissler, Commercial Director UK Operations at Hi-Level said in a statement announcing the change, "The Stens brand has been built on the promise and passion of helping business run better. Businesses which sell and maintain equipment need partners who are parts experts and who understand how parts positively impact their bottom line. Stens help businesses who sell, service or use power equipment find profit in their parts. Hi-Level is prepared to deliver on that same promise, same passion.
"Our new UK specific catalogue is available and contains over 3,700 items. Our stock is in place and we are ready to demonstrate our first-rate service. Backed by a one year parts and labour warranty, we are certain dealers will find competitive pricing and exceptional quality with the Stens product line."
Kai continued, "If you have previously purchased Stens product via Ariens Ltd., please note that your orders will now come from Stens via Hi-Level and not Ariens Ltd. Rest assured, the outstanding quality and exceptional service you have become accustomed to will not change."
Reesink Turfcare’s Scotland service branch in Livingston has expanded with the appointment of a new sales representative, Daniel Tomberry.
Reesink Turfcare’s Scotland service branch in Livingston has expanded with the appointment of a new sales representative, Daniel Tomberry.
Daniel brings over a decade’s experience in sports turf to his sales role at Reesink’s Livingston branch.
Daniel says of his new role: “For years, the idea of having a sales role in the industry has really appealed to me and I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity. This position at Reesink was what I was waiting for.”
Daniel has a broad range of experience in the sports turf industry: “By working my way up from apprentice greenkeeper at a prestigious Scottish golf club to head groundsman at East Dorset Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, I’ve gained a wide range of industry knowledge which I believe will serve me well in this new role.
“This practical knowledge will enable me to relate to customers, understand what they want to achieve, and know which products will best suit their needs.”
Regional manager for Scotland and north England, George MacDonald, explains why he hired Daniel: “Daniel has a great deal of experience in the industry and has worked with Toro machinery for many years. He respects the brand, is professional, articulate and enthusiastic.
“With all of this going for him, I have no doubts that Daniel is going to excel in his new position and be of great help to customers in the south west of Scotland,” George concludes.
JCB Agriculture is celebrating a major milestone by exhibiting a special limited edition 541-70 Agri Pro Loadall at the upcoming LAMMA show.
JCB Agriculture is celebrating a major milestone in its long record of machine design and engineering - the 40th anniversary of the Loadall telescopic handler - by exhibiting a special limited edition 541-70 Agri Pro at the LAMMA show, Peterborough this January.
JCB Loadall 541-70, 40 years special edition
This distinctive machine has a yellow bordered black engine cover, and the rear of the heavy-duty chassis is also painted black, while ‘JCB Loadall 40’ graphics on the boom and engine cover highlight the significance of the special edition.
The same special graphics are also be available on a limited edition version of the new Loadall 560-80 Agri Pro and the high-level specification of both machines includes normally optional bright LED road lights as standard.
JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said, “When we launched the Loadall in 1977, we sold just 64 machines that year but we were very confident that the telescopic handler would grow in popularity simply because it made jobs so much easier on construction sites and on farms.
“The concept soon took off and the faith we put in the telescopic handler four decades ago has been repaid. It’s wonderful to celebrate 40 years of success of the Loadall with production hitting historic levels.
“I’d like to congratulate everyone around the world who has contributed to this success over the past 40 years. We must now look forward to the next 40 years and build on what has been achieved so far.”
Employers are now able to nominate the Engineering Council as the provider of quality assurance (known as External Quality Assurance or EQA) for engineering-related Trailblazer Apprenticeships.
From 2 January 2018, employers are now able to nominate the Engineering Council as the provider of quality assurance (known as External Quality Assurance or EQA) for engineering-related Trailblazer Apprenticeships.
This has been agreed by the Engineering Council’s Board, following a successful trial in autumn 2017. The Institute for Apprenticeships (IfA) website sets out the quality assurance requirements for apprenticeships and how these will ensure quality, consistency and credibility.
The Engineering Council supports the alignment of Trailblazer Apprenticeships with professional registration and welcomes the IfA’s guidance that ‘Apprenticeship standards must link to professional registration where this exists at that level in the occupation’. The engineering profession has embraced the opportunity afforded by this new approach to apprenticeships to raise standards and to encourage professional registration. The Engineering Council says that at a time when engineering skills have never been more valued and sought after - as being crucial to the UK’s future economic success - it is critical that we reinforce not only the value of engineering but the trust that society has in the knowledge, skills and commitment of professional registered engineers and technicians.
The Engineering Council say they are the most appropriate body to carry out this quality assurance for engineering-related apprenticeships, because they currently license thirty five professional engineering institutions to carry out the assessment of individuals seeking registration, in accordance with required Engineering Council standards and prescribed processes. These standards apply across the profession, regardless of sector or discipline, making the Engineering Council the sole UK body that can assure consistency and quality of assessment of professional standards across the professional engineering institutions.
In line with the Engineering Council’s role and remit, its quality assurance activity will be limited to professional competence. It will work in partnership so that other elements of the assessment, such as occupational competence, are quality assured by bodies with that expertise.
Employers interested in nominating the Engineering Council as their quality assurance provider for will find more details on their website on how to make a request and what information is required.
The Engineering Council will review this quality assurance activity after 12 months, and may choose to modify its approach.
The very patient and skilled winner of Service Dealer's Christmas Panda game has been announced!
The very patient and skilled winner of Service Dealer's Christmas Panda game has been announced!
A brand new Echo Dot will be winging its way to Zoe Jones, Service Administrator at Oakley's Groundcare based at Cound, near Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
Zoe was the lucky one picked out of the hat from all the players who managed to master the (very frustrating and far too difficult*) game and reach level 15.
Very well done Zoe from all the team at Service Dealer!
If you'd still like to play the game just for fun click here.
* editor's opinion
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Husqvarna, the world leading producer of forest, park and garden equipment is moving into the world of pressure washers, with four new products coming to the UK in 2018.
Husqvarna, the world leading producer of forest, park and garden equipment is moving into the world of pressure washers, with four new products coming to the UK in 2018.
The products will range in specifications and price, with 100, 200, 300 and 400 series models being launched. The range is designed to target occasional domestic use through to part-time use and capitalises on a popular market segment. The move into high pressure washers reinforces Husqvarna’s commitment to providing Authorised Husqvarna dealer network a solution for all aspects of outdoor maintenance. The new range enables Authorised Husqvarna dealers the opportunity to earn additional revenue in a new segment for the brand whilst reinforcing relations with their customer base. Dealers are able to offer existing Husqvarna users, and new customers alike, the widest portfolio of outdoor power products on the market all from one Brand.
The new range includes four new products: the PW125, PW235R, PW350 and PW450, with different levels of pressure and additional features on the more advanced models.
Every product in the range has a number of features and benefits as standard;
A long and flexible hose enables a large working area for fast cleaning with less movement of the machine
Swivel coupling prevents hose tangling, adds comfort and makes it easier to store.
A metal pump is fitted to increase reliability and for a long lifetime of the machine.
Quick connect allows for fast set up and lets you change accessories with ease
Lightweight with on board storage for accessories, power cord and pressure hose and wheels allowing easy manoeuvrability when using the machine and effective, compact storage.
This means a range of products that are high-performing with maximum pressure, precision and minimal water use, for improved efficiency. The pressure washers are easy to use, robust and reliable, which leads to enjoyable working conditions and perfect results. Each model is well-designed with the user in mind and has a number of features to reflect this.
There is also a full range of easily interchangeable accessories such as a foam sprayer, rotating brushes and surface cleaners to simplify a number of cleaning jobs including; vehicles, garden furniture, walls and hard surfaced areas.
The more advanced models have added features such as; inbuilt detergent compartments, remote pressure controls and induction motors.
UK Category Manager - Machinery, Andrew Lees said “We are excited to be bringing a high specification range of high pressure washers to the market in 2018. This further reinforces our commitment to the Authorised Husqvarna dealer network, providing them with all the tools they need to maximise revenue potential whilst allowing them to offer the widest portfolio of products on the market.”
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.
