One of the subjects that comes up in conversations with you, our valued dealer readers, regularly and one that many of our expert speakers have touched upon over the years at our Conference, is the question of brand representation.

It's a discussion that takes place amongst dealers themselves whenever there is an opportunity to get together and judging by what we’re hearing with dealers around the country, it’s one that shows no sign of going away anytime soon.

There is clearly a continuing appetite among dealers to refresh or expand their showroom offering when opportunities arise - or when changes to a manufacturer’s distribution strategy leave them with little choice. Just look at the news stories we run each week in this Update. It will be an unusual edition where we do not run at least one article about a dealer somewhere joining a new network. Today it’s Ark ATV becoming a dealer for Aodes, while both FH & J Alviti and Vincents have added TP Chippers to their portfolios. Announcements of this kind are far from unusual. 

The attraction of new brands is clear enough. Each fresh marque potentially opens the door to new customers, new market segments and additional revenue streams. A dealer serving a broad and diverse customer base may understandably want to offer a broad and diverse range of products. Not every customer walks through your doors looking for the same solution.

However, there is another school of thought, and it is one we have heard articulated passionately by some highly successful dealers over the years. Their view is that fewer can often mean more.

Rather than representing a long list of manufacturers, there are those dealers who prefer to focus on a carefully selected group of brands. The reasoning is straightforward. Sales staff become experts. Workshop technicians can concentrate on a more manageable range of machinery. Parts inventory becomes simpler to control. Marketing messages become clearer. And perhaps most importantly, customers are presented with a more focused proposition.

There is certainly a logic to that approach. Walk into a showroom displaying dozens of brands and product lines and there is a risk that choice can become overwhelming. We’ve heard the phrase many times, usually used in a disparaging way, of certain businesses ‘collecting brands’. Customers may appreciate options, but too many choices can sometimes create confusion rather than confidence.

However, the counterargument to this is also compelling.

The events of recent years demonstrated just how vulnerable supply chains can be. During the Covid years especially, dealers heavily reliant on one or two manufacturers occasionally found themselves exposed when stock availability became an issue. Those with a broader portfolio often had alternatives available, allowing them to continue meeting customer demand.

Equally, customer preferences evolve. New entrants arrive. Technologies change. Product categories that barely existed a few years ago can suddenly become major sales opportunities. Dealers who are willing to add carefully selected brands may be better positioned to respond to those shifts.

As with most debates, perhaps a safe option lies somewhere in the middle. Is a fair argument that a dealership needs enough brands to offer genuine choice and protect itself from market fluctuations, but not so many that it loses focus, expertise or a clear identity? 

The only people who can answer that with any authority, is you, the dealer. How many brands do you represent today compared with five or ten years ago? Have you deliberately reduced the number, or are you continuing to expand? Is there such a thing as too much choice, or is a broad portfolio now essential in today's market?

It's a perennial debate within the industry, and we'd be interested to hear where you stand. Please leave your comments below, or feel free to drop me a line.

GGM Group recently held two successful Customer Innovation Events held at its Knottingley Service Centre and Leigh Sports Village.

The events brought together customers and manufacturers for what GGM described as two days of innovation, networking and equipment demonstrations.

The events provided customers with an opportunity to engage directly with manufacturers, gaining first-hand insight into the latest developments in grounds maintenance, turf care and associated technologies. Attendees were able to explore new equipment, discuss emerging industry trends and discover practical solutions to industry challenges, designed to enhance operational efficiency and performance.

The company says the strong attendance from customers across the arboriculture, sports turf, local authority, contractor and amenity sectors highlighted the growing demand for innovation and collaboration within the industry. 

Chris Gibson, GGM managing director, said, "The positive feedback we received from attendees reinforces the importance of these events in helping customers make informed decisions and stay ahead of industry developments."

Chris continued, "The events also provided a fitting opportunity to celebrate our remarkable 50-year partnership with Kubota, a milestone that reflects the strength of our relationship, shared values and commitment to delivering exceptional products, service and support to customers across the industry."

Agricultural and groundcare parts distributor Spaldings is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.

Staff at Spaldings

The company was founded in Lincolnshire in 1956 by Ernest and Godfrey Spalding, initially producing wooden-handled tools including brushes, scythes and hoes. During the 1960s, the business was acquired by a group of local farmers and expanded its focus towards agricultural parts distribution, growing its presence across Yorkshire and East Anglia.

Delivering to a farm in the 70s

Today, Spaldings describes itself as a leading distributor of tillage aftermarket equipment across the UK and Ireland, while also supplying products to the professional groundcare sector.

Commenting on the milestone, Dave Fox, non-executive chairman at Spaldings, said “As we reach this significant milestone, we’re not just looking back - we’re looking forward. Our customers have trusted us for seven decades because we’ve never stopped evolving. That commitment to progress is what continues to drive us today.”

The company went on to say its SPL Ultra range reflects its continued investment in product development and customer-focused solutions for modern farming and land management applications.

Paul Bray, CEO and director at Spaldings, said the range demonstrates how the business is combining its heritage with ongoing innovation to support farmers and land managers.

Spaldings said it remains committed to supporting the agricultural and groundcare sectors as it enters its eighth decade of trading.

TP Chippers have announced further expansion of their UK dealer network with the appointment of FH & J Alviti and Vincents.

Director of Ludlow-based FH & J Alviti, Dave Alviti, said, "Partnering with TP Woodchippers is a natural fit for us - their reputation for quality and ease of use aligns perfectly with our mission. We have invested in a diverse range of machines to supplement our existing hire fleet giving our customers across the West Midlands and Mid Wales access to the very latest in woodchipper technology.” 

Also joining the TP network to cover Southwest England and the Channel Islands are Vincents. “TP is a fantastic fit within our existing portfolio, continuing our ethos of providing premium products that deliver good reliability and robust in-field performance," said Vincents director Alec Vincent. “With such a large and versatile range, TP offers something for everyone, with products well matched to our tractor offering and providing fantastic quality and choice to our established arboricultural customer base throughout Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset.”

Phil Edmondson, TP’s UK sales manager added, “We’re delighted to be partnering with dealers across the country that will not only offer outstanding sales and aftersales support, but will also help us to simplify parts supply to ensure our customers receive a truly superior and memorable experience. We’re fully focussed on improving dealer accessibility and operator peace of mind, not only constructing a large nationwide demo fleet but also introducing new extended warranties of up to five years on the full TP range.”

Boss ORV has announced the appointment of Ark ATVs as an Aodes off-road vehicle dealer.

Ark ATV Ltd has been a family-owned and operated business since 1997. They have over 80 years of experience supplying farmers and other workers with high-quality ATVs, quad bikes, and attachments. 

“We’re delighted to have this new additional dealer coverage in the South-West region of England,” said Boss managing director, Phil Everett. “This is an exciting appointment with Ark ATVs joining the Aodes dealer network.

"We have worked with the Ark ATV team previously and fully understand the professional and quality-driven approach Rob Blomfield-Richards delivers, and now with the added support of James Westwood you can understand our excitement with the appointment.”
 
Ark ATVs added that their team is made up of experienced ATV engineers and technicians who pride themselves on their extensive knowledge. This is backed by their dedication to providing customers with the best possible service and support. 

For a fifth year in a row, Equip Exposition, the international equipment, landscape, outdoor living exposition, has sold out its available exhibit space at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC). OPEI owns and manages the show, which will be held October 20-23, 2026.

“We have 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space, including the Outdoor Demo Yard. Every inch of the Kentucky Exposition Center that can be used for exhibit space is now sold,” says Kris Kiser, President & CEO of OPEI. “That translates to more than a square mile of exhibits, or the equivalent of 20 football fields. There are thousands of products and services that can help landscapers, contractors and dealers expand and better their business.”

For a flavour of the show, UK dealers and professionals can watch plenty of video content in Service Dealer's Digital Special Report, published following last year's event.

Kris noted that due to high demand to participate in the show, the Equip staff continually work with KEC officials to re-imagine space and are creative about ways to add value for attendees. Last year they opened up Freedom Hall to exhibit sales for the first time. In 2025, Equip also moved and expanded the UTV Test Track to deliver an even better experience for attendees.

“Equip is epic, and people are excited to be at the show and part of this dynamic industry. This is the place where innovators roll out new products and talk about where this industry is headed. It’s where landscape contractors try out new equipment and meet the people who design and make it,” says Kiser. 

Organisers say there are still plenty of tickets left for attendees, who can register for the early bird price of $30 until September 10, 2026. Ticket prices go to $60 on September 11th and to $120 on October 20th. 

Last year Equip broke attendance records, attracting nearly 30,000 registrants to the KEC. The show will begin a two-city rotation in 2029, with Equip being held in Orlando that year and thereafter biannually. Equip Expo will return to Louisville in 2030.

Wildwood Machinery say they will be showcasing state of the art ground and turfcare machinery and technology at their second Open Day, being held at East Horton Golf Club on Wednesday 1 July. 

James Bastian

Visitors will also be able to check out the company’s brand-new HQ, workshops and showroom, which now form part of the East Horton complex.

The dealerships says that business grew steadily throughout 2025, necessitating the increase in showroom and workshop space.

Managing director James Bastian, said, “Last year’s Open Day was attended by groundcare professionals and buyers from across Southern England, and we had some absolutely stunning kit on display. Groundcare machinery is evolving at such a pace right now, so we’re looking forward to showcasing some of the biggest brands in the business, as well as our own new and improved HQ.”

The Wildwood Machinery Open Day is open to all groundcare professionals and buyers, and runs from 10-4pm with food served all day, and the opportunity for attendees to enjoy a free round of golf at East Horton on the day.

James Bastian said. “The Open Day is our opportunity to thank our partners, suppliers, staff and customers. It will be an environment where groundcare pros can put some really innovative machinery through its paces, do some business but also relax and have some fun.

“We’re very lucky that East Horton Golf Club is a core part of our family business and is the perfect venue for this type of event.”

Manufacturers showcasing their wares will include: Aspen, DeWalt, Echo Robotics, Gambetti Amenity & Golf, Infinicut, Iseki, Jacobsen, Ransomes, Raymo, Rovimo, Stogger, Sunseeker and Wessex International, as well as the latest additions to Wildwood Machinery’s expanding portfolio obrands, Bio-Circle, FJ Dynamics, Hustler and Kress.

“Last year, the whole environment had a lovely vibe about it. We had great support from our partners and manufacturers, and our customers turned out in force,” says James. “There’s a lot happening in the industry, and a lot happening at Wildwood Machinery, and so we’re looking forward to seeing everyone on 1 July.”

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