Here at Service Dealer Towers this week, we have putting the finishing touches to the next issue of the magazine, before it heads off to the printers.

Your copy should be with you during the first week of September (and if you're not already a subscriber to the physical edition, you can sign up for free here). Not wishing to blow any of our collective trumpets, but I must say it's a superb publication once again!

There are plenty of dealer and manufacturer articles to get your teeth into, as well as comprehensive reports from some of the early summer industry shows.

Also, as ever, we feature some fascinating opinion pieces from our regular, expert contributors. Sara Hey from BCI in the States talks about the importance of good documentation in dealerships; small business expert Adam Bernstein looks at new tax rules relevant to SMEs; and Jason Nettle of Winchester Garden Machinery, amongst other topical thoughts, considers the important role dealers play in reducing scrappage. All fascinating think pieces.

Staff retention

Elsewhere in the mag our all-knowing, industry-observing, mystery columnist The Sprocket has a say on the F.R. Jones situation and enjoys the start of the new show season. Pertinently, some column inches are also dedicated to discussing the value of staff retention for independent dealerships.

Now it's arguable that staff retention is an area that doesn't get spoken about as much as the recruitment of new staff does - but it is an incredibly important consideration for the heath of a dealer's business.

The Sprocket writes, "Companies need to keep a close eye on their staff and ensure that they are happy and comfortable in their jobs. It costs far less to hang onto a good member of staff than it does to recruit a new one."

This is so true and really shouldn't be underestimated. I did some reading online around the subject and there's plenty of ideas as to exactly why it is so important to keep valued team-members from having their heads turned by a competitor or an alternative sector.

In a niche industry such as ours, colleagues will possess specialised knowledge that clearly takes a lot of time to acquire. When experienced staff members stay with a company, they can pass on this expertise to others who join the dealership, ensuring a consistent level of quality. Another easy win for the business in keeping hold of staff is that long-standing employees will become familiar faces to customers, engendering trust and rapport. These relationships translate into customer loyalty, as your local clientele are more likely to return when they know and trust the staff.

A further benefit is likely to be that employees who have been with a company for a longer period often become more invested in its culture and values. Their belief in the dealership's ethos and their natural desire to see the business thrive, it is said, can positively impact teamwork, morale, and the overall work environment.

So how best to encourage this desired loyalty? Clearly pay and conditions are paramount - but as everyone reading this today with attest to, there isn't a bottomless pit of money to throw at keeping the best people, Therefore it's essential to offer a complete package to employees, to keep them from looking elsewhere.

Business experts talk about notions such as acknowledging and rewarding employee efforts. They advise implementing recognition programs that highlight great performance. Also key can be providing growth opportunities, such as training, workshops, and chances for advancement within the dealership.

Other ideas can include encouraging a healthy work/life balance, looking after staff's mental well-being, encouraging honest feedback and providing opportunities for ongoing learning. Areas such as these go hand-in-hand with fair pay to hopefully keep your key team members satisfied.

But what do you do in your dealership? Do you have any tips that you can pass on to other dealers for keeping colleagues from straying?

Please let us know any techniques you utilise, in the comments below.

With effect from 01 August 2023, Dan Crowe has taken over as managing director of the Kverneland Group UK Ltd, from retiring md Joe Bell. 

Dan Crowe and Joe Bell

Dan Crowe’s career spans over 26 years with the company, and he takes over his new role after 21 years as a product manager, latterly responsible for all feeding and forage equipment.

“I’m looking forward to taking the business forward, and building on what Joe has achieved in his time at the top,” said Dan. “After almost 40 years in the industry - and the last 20 as managing director of the Kverneland Group UK - Joe is taking a well-earned retirement.” 

Joe Bell started his agricultural career with Ferrag in 1984 as financial controller. The business was sold to Kverneland in 1998 and eventually merged with Vicon to form Kverneland Group UK, based at its current location in St Helens, Merseyside.

In that time, Joe has guided the UK operation and its dealer network through many changes including the subsequent take-over in 2012 by Kubota Holdings.

Joe said, “It’s been a tremendous period of change and evolution, and I’m now looking forward to spending more time with my family and grandchildren.”

Coinciding with the change of managing director are a series of team changes that have arisen from internal promotion.

The first is David Perry, who is replacing Dan Crowe as the product manager responsible for feeding and forage equipment. David started his career at Kverneland in 2014 as a product demonstrator and has been an area sales manager for the last six years.

The second is Simon Wills, who takes on the role of crop care product manager responsible for sprayers, fertiliser spreaders and control terminals. Simon has been with the Kverneland Group since 2012, having started as a product support engineer. His appointment enables existing product manager Graham Owen to focus on seeding equipment.

Dan said: “Our goal is to enhance the product management team, and to continue to build on the successes already achieved in supporting our dealers and our customers. And to be able to do this through internal promotion shows the strength of the team and the depth of product knowledge already in place.”

Service Dealer are pleased to announce that Milwaukee will be joining our Conference & Awards for the first time as a Networking Sponsor.

This year's theme has been announced as Taking Care Of Business and a new venue, the Crowne Plaza at Stratford-Upon-Avon will take on hosting duties - with the date to mark up in your diaries being 30th November 2023. 

Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke  said, "It's such great news that Milwaukee have chosen to join us this year, for our special event supporting the UK dealer network. We know that all who attend will gain so much valuable insight from the day."

Rhys Adams, Milwaukee's national sales manager OPE, added, "Milwaukee is delighted to be a sponsor of the Service Dealer Conference 2023. The conference offers a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our partners.  

"Milwaukee is committed to driving unrivaled performance and productivity to Outdoor Power Equipment professionals through groundbreaking developments in battery-powered technology, motors and electronics. From our roots in the MEP trades, and now with the landscape professional, we are dedicated to provide innovative, trade-focused solutions so users can perform an entire day’s work on one battery system."

Look out for further announcements, including confirmation of seminar and breakout sessions, soon.

Boss ORV have announced that they have been appointed as the sole UK distributor of Faunamaster Seeders.

The units are described as multifunctional seed drills designed for use with an ATV, UTV or tractor. The Faunamaster, which comes from the Danish company Faunaseeds ApS, is said to sow seeds of virtually any size to a depth of up to 80mm. It is suitable for sowing into existing grass fields, wildflower meadows, tilled soil, paddocks or areas where normal planter equipment is too big.

The company says the seeder handles seed in many sizes, from small flower seeds to clover, alfalfa, beans, kale and corn, and can apply fertiliser at the same time as seeding. The capacity of the seedbox is 45 litres and the fertiliser box is 40 litres. 

BOSS ORV, which is also the UK distributor of Corvus Off-Road Vehicles, say they will sell the Faunamaster through specially appointed dealers and their own UK dealer network. It will be shown on the BOSS/Corvus stand at the Groundsfest show at Stoneleigh in September.

DeLaval has appointed Stephen Moore Farm Machinery Ltd as the sole dealer for the east of Northern Ireland, expanding into County Antrim, Down & Armagh with depots in both Coleraine and Lisburn.

Stephen and Alison Moore

The expansion follows Stephen and Alison Moore’s purchase of John Deere dealership Johnston Gilpin & Co Ltd earlier this year. Mrs Moore explains:
 
“We have been a DeLaval dealer since 2011 and a John Deere dealer since 2008. The acquisition of Johnston Gilpin & Co earlier this year has led us to service customers over a wider area. We have always had a strong relationship with DeLaval and we are grateful for the opportunity to expand the brand in this area.”
 
With 50 staff spread over two depots and a team of six on the road, the business say they were well prepared to cover the wider area and service both DeLaval and John Deere customers. Chris Dawson and four technicians are backed up by James McConnell who operates a daily delivery service of consumable parts and chemicals to farms throughout the east of the country.
 
“Many of our John Deere customers are dairy farmers, so it has been a natural expansion for us as a business. DeLaval has supported us with training, and customers know that when they speak to anybody in the team they can ask about machinery or dairy equipment,” says Mrs Moore.
 
DeLaval chose the dealership to improve customer service by establishing a streamlined and consolidated provision in the east of Northern Ireland. Stuart Fulton, DeLaval Country Commercial Manager, Ireland, said, “Stephen and Alison have grown an excellent business with a focus on strong customer relationships and support that mirror DeLaval’s values. Having one point of contact for DeLaval customers in the east of Northern Ireland will help service and provide DeLaval robotics, parlours, equipment and supplies more efficiently.”
 
Moore’s has almost doubled its business following the Johnston Gilpin & Co acquisition. This has contributed to the team offering a 24-hour service commitment to DeLaval customers for all aspects of milking management from depots in Coleraine and Lisburn.

According to figures released by the AEA, the number of agricultural tractors (over 50hp) being registered in the UK remains above last year's level.

In July, 1097 machines were recorded, 13% more than in the same month of 2022.

However, as agricultural economist at the Association, Stephen Howarth explained, "Registrations a year ago were unusually low and the monthly figures have dropped below the seasonal average over the last couple of months."

Stephen continued, "July's figure was 8% below the five-year average for August between 2017 and 2021. Nevertheless, the total of 7,874 machines for the year to date was still 4% above average (and 7% higher than in January to July 2022)."

Pitched against Toro distributors from across the globe, Reesink has been awarded by Toro the International Outstanding Sales Achievement award for 2022.

From left: Jon Mooney, sales director at the Toro Company, presents Jon Cole divisional business manager - turfcare, at Reesink Turfcare and Alastair Rowell, managing director of Reesink UK with the Toro 2022 International Outstanding Sales Achievement Award

In order to qualify for the award, distributors must have exhibited excellence in sales growth, a positive market share trend, and win rate - which includes new projects, large fleet replacements, and renovations. They must have participated in relationship building activities and delivered solid industry support.

Reesink Turfcare were judged to have succeeded on every level in demonstrating these core components.

Jon Cole, divisional business manager for Reesink Turfcare, said, “To be considered for this award at all is an honour, and to win it is a massive achievement for our sales team and dealer partners. 

“The number of machines we’ve managed to get into clubs, even amid the challenges of industry wide shortages, speaks for itself and is testament to the hard work our sales team and dealer partners put into building those relationships with our customer base. Over the past year we’ve seen more and more clubs invest in electric models and increasing numbers turning red as they look to invest in quality machines. I cannot emphasise enough just how thankful we are to all our customers for their patience and understanding in what have been, and remain, extremely challenging circumstances.

“Our aim is always to set the customer up with the right machines for their course, and deliver to them a product that is going to perform, and last a very long time. This sales achievement award is a reflection of those values and the passion Reesink and our partners share in delivering quality equipment.”

Yamaha has recruited Chris Embleton as their new area sales manager for northern England and Scotland.

Chris Embleton

Chris has joined Yamaha from golf retailer, American Golf, and will work with the brand’s dealer network to manage a portfolio of ATV, side-by-side, golf cars and other lightweight utility vehicles.

Chris said, “Joining Yamaha is a great opportunity to work with an excellent dealer network and portfolio of products. I have been an end user of recreational and utility vehicles for many years, so to join a leading brand and work throughout the north is a perfect fit for me.”
 
Chris says he has hit the ground running and is already forming relationships with new and existing dealers. He has become the main point of contact for enquiries in the north, working alongside Carl Stuart who manages the south.
 
“Carl and the Yamaha Power Products team have welcomed me with open arms and together we are looking forward to further growing our dealer network and supporting our existing dealers,” he said.

The Mountfield team say they were pleased to recently donate mowers and gardening tools to the team at Children's Hospice South West (CHSW), who work tirelessly to bring hospice care and joy to children and young people living with life-limiting conditions.

Gary Hatch (left), maintenance manager at Little Bridge House with members of the team

For more than 30 years Children's Hospice South West has been providing care and support for children, young people and their families from the point of diagnosis or recognition of a life-limiting condition and beyond. The team are dedicated to making the most of short and precious lives through the provision of the best possible care at each of their 3 hospices. 

The gardens and grounds are an integral part of enriching lives of the children and their whole family, and Mountfield say they were over the moon to have helped with a donation of three mowers and a selection of gardening tools.

Gary Hatch (seen on the left of the picture), maintenance manager at Little Bridge House said, “This is a very kind and generous donation by Mountfield, and we are delighted that Children’s Hospice South West were thought of for this wonderful gift. A lot of our current gardening equipment has seen many years of good use, so some new lawnmowers, a blower/vac and a brushcutter will make a big difference. We pride ourselves that the grounds to each of our hospices are always kept to a high standard, so that the children, young people and their families can really relax and enjoy the gardens when staying with us.”

There is still time to make considerable savings on Chainsaws, Log Splitters, Leaf Blowers and Shredders + lots more as part of our Autumn Dealer Promotion. Dealers can benefit from increased margins on orders placed before 31st August 2023.

Over 70 garden machinery products have been included in Handy’s Autumn Garden machinery promotion. 

Autumn is a busy time of year as gardeners across the nation step up and start to prepare for the dominant Winter months ahead. Having the right Autumn gardening machinery in stock is essential to meet customer needs and provide valuable sales opportunities.  

 
With the arrival of Autumn comes the bane of the season for many gardeners, clearing fallen leaves. To make light work of this task, garden blowers/vacuums are essential pieces of garden equipment. Handy has special offers on blowers and combined Vacuum/Blowers that also shred debris into a compostable mulch, across its Greenworks cordless, The Handy and Q Garden electric, Mccullough and Webb petrol models. There is a wide range to choose from to suit all budgets.

 
Autumn is also the time of year you’re most likely to hear chainsaws in the garden, as trees and light shrubs get pruned to help keep them healthy and in good shape for the months ahead. To make light work of this challenging job, Handy has a comprehensive range of chainsaws and logs splitters available.

 
When it comes to getting rid of all those leaves and branches after pruning back those trees and shrubs, a garden shredder is ideal.  Included in Handy’s Autumn offers is The Handy Electric Impact Shredder with Box and Detachable Hopper.
 .

Email sales@handys.co.uk to request the digital brochure or visit www.handyonline.co.uk/blog/news/plan-ahead-our-autumn-promotions 

About Handy 

Since the company's creation in 1938, Handy has grown to become one of the UK’s largest independent garden machinery wholesale distributors and manufacturers, supplying specialist dealers, large national retailers, garden centres and mail order companies, from its purpose-built 70,000ft Swindon site which is home to more than 45 full-time staff. As the UK-appointed distributor for Greenworks and Cramer cordless equipment, Handy is at the forefront of leading battery technology, whilst its successful traditional brands - including Webb, The Handy and Q Garden - support a one-stop solution to all its customers’ garden equipment needs. To this day, Handy remains a family-owned British business. Its experience, expert knowledge and dedicated customer service – which includes carrying over 70,000 spare part lines - have enabled it to build a team driven by high performance and family values. 

Handy Brands:

Trade 
handys.co.uk
cramertools.com 

E-commerce 
webbgardenpower.co.uk 
thehandy.co.uk 
qgardenrange.co.uk 
greenworkstools.co.uk 

Adam Butler, Director for Baroness UK, said, "We are extremely pleased to be already working with Agrimetal having sold more than 40 rollers within the first year. We are now extremely excited to be complementing our range with the robust and powerful Agrimetal blowers to include the very well-priced and powerful 27HP TB-270.

"We already produce market leading cutting technology for a wide range of mowing equipment but now have added another fantastic product to our ever-growing portfolio, to be sold and supported via our extensive dealer network.

"Like the rollers, they will also be coming into the U.K. sprayed in the fantastic Baroness red.”

To find out more and book a demo with your local dealer, visit: www.baronessuk.com 

https://www.baronessuk.com/product/turbine-blower-tb-270/

Some of the fantastic features include:

Remote control
The weather resistant wireless remote system provides no-delay throttle and chute control at your fingertips.
 

Enclosed Turbine Air Intake
Our enclosed Turbine air intake provides minimal intrusion of debris within the turbine chamber.

Muffler
Our large muffler reduces noise. The exhaust manifold is 1/8” larger in diameter compared to some of the competition. This improvement prevents the engine from overheating to prolonged life. The exhaust system is completely covered with a metal mesh for added safety.
 

Steel Fenders
Our fenders are constructed of steel with exclusive impact resistant bumpers to re-enforce the overall structure.
 

Large fuel tank
The 24L fuel tank allows you to get more done between fill ups
 

90° air Nozzle
The 90-degree air nozzle is made of a composite material with an exclusive oblong shape outlet.

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.

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