It's always a proud moment when we launch a new module of our free Service Dealer digital Toolkits, for you, our valued dealer readers - but today's release feels even more special than usual.

Many of you will remember Nick Elston who ran such engaging and valuable workshops at our Conference last December on the subject of mental health. We've had plenty of conversations with those of you who were lucky enough to be in those breakout rooms at Stratford-Upon-Avon, where you've told us that Nick's seminars were the most enjoyable - and indeed most valuable - of the whole day.

Back then he titled his presentation ‘Every storm runs out of rain’, reminding us that work and personal challenges can be used as catalysts for change to forge something better from a situation. Well, he has taken that theme on for us in our latest Toolkit offering, exclusively recording a series of short, inspirational videos for our Service Dealer readers, this time entitled Forging Ahead.

If you've accessed any of our free Toolkits before, your previous log-in will get you in once again. If you haven't  checked out our other offerings, don't worry, you can register quickly today to enjoy Nick's series - plus all our existing modules (including subjects such as A.I, cyber crime, protecting revenue and more).

The videos that Nick has produced for us are short, accessible and designed specifically for people working in our sector. They are practical, straight-talking, and, importantly, easy to dip in and out of when time is tight. Like all our Toolkits and each and every session at our Conference, they are about giving dealers and their teams tools they can actually use.

The series begins with an introduction that sets the tone for what follows - a realistic, honest look at how we navigate pressure, both in business and personally. From there, Nick tackles a number of themes that will resonate with many in our sector.

One of the early messages is a particularly important one: sometimes, even when we are doing our best to support others, whether working with a colleague, leading a team, or helping someone through a personal crisis, outcomes are not fully within our control. In a sector where problem-solving is second nature, that can be a difficult idea to accept, but it is a crucial one.

The videos also address a common misunderstanding around the language we use. The distinction between mental health and mental illness is explored clearly, helping to remove some of the stigma and confusion that still exists, particularly in more traditional, male-dominated environments like our own.

Elsewhere, for those moments when anxiety takes hold, Nick raises the concept of “fact-checking your fear” as a practical takeaway. It is a simple idea, but one that I suspect many will find immediately useful - challenging the assumptions and stories we tell ourselves before they spiral. Nick uses the acronym 'FEAR', meaning “false evidence appearing real”. He explains how we are hardwired to search for danger and how this can reinforce negative thinking patterns. He tells us we should challenge assumptions, ask better questions and lean into curiosity, particularly around topics we do not understand.

Crucially, alongside Nick's advice contained within each of the ten videos, there's also 'three key learning points' stated in the descriptions to reinforce the message he wants us to be taking away. These are clear, concise and memorable - a great way of summarising each lesson.

The series concludes with a video on the concept of marginal gains. Nick encourages us to break big, overwhelming challenges into the smallest possible steps forward. I feel this is a genuinely helpful way to round off what can clearly be a huge, unwieldily topic. If we can find methods to edge ourselves forward, that's a win - and way more healthy than a boom and bust pattern.

Ultimately, the aim of this Toolkit is to support you, your colleagues, and your teams. Because while the industry continues to evolve - with new technologies, new challenges, and new opportunities - one thing remains constant and that's the people at the heart of it.

Taking care of them, and of ourselves, is not a luxury. It is essential.

Check out the Toolkit.

Service Dealer is proud to launch today, the latest volume of our free digital Toolkits for dealers, this time led by inspirational speaker Nick Elston and focusing on mental health.

Following on from Nick's extremely popular Forging Ahead session at the Service Dealer Conference 2025, we are excited to bring you the Forging Ahead - Mental Health Dealer Toolkit, offering all the tools from Nick's mental health playbook and how you can implement them in your day to day and working life.

Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke, said, "Nick has a great ability to connect with his audience about sensitive but important issues. He was extremely popular at last year’s Conference and he has recorded a series of short sessions just for Service Dealer readers. All free in our Toolkit - so sign up today."

If you signed up to our Toolkits before just log-in again to view - otherwise you can sign up for free and access this and all the previous Toolkits, here.

Nick will be joining us again at our Conference in December looking at Mental Health and Culture in business. You can register your interest for tickets now.

New Holland have announced that twelve of its UK and Ireland dealerships have been recognised with their 2025 Dealer of the Year awards.

The manufacturer says these awards celebrate the success of its national dealer network, highlighting outstanding achievement in performance and total service quality.

The overall Dealer of the Year award winners include:

• Overall UK Dealer of the Year - T H White Ltd
• Republic of Ireland Dealer of the Year - M&S Machinery
• Medium Dealer of the Year - Andrew Symons Ltd
• Small Dealer of the Year - T Alun Jones & Son

Category Dealer of the Year award winners include:

• Tractor Dealer of the Year - T Alun Jones & Son
• Combine Dealer of the Year - Russells Group
• Hay & Forage Dealer of the Year - R. Kennedy & Co (N.I.) Ltd
• Telehandler Dealer of the Year - Lloyd Ltd
• Construction Equipment Dealer of the Year - M&S Machinery
• Parts Dealer of the Year - Colemans Millstreet Ltd
• Customer Experience Dealer of the Year - Russells Group
• Precision Technology Dealer of the Year - Lloyd Ltd

David Rapkins, commercial business unit director for UK and ROI said, "Our dealer network continues to set the benchmark for excellence, and these awards reflect their commitment to providing outstanding service to our customers. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to all the 2025 winners. These achievements highlight the strength, dedication and professionalism of our dealer network.”

Adrian Lovegrove, agricultural division director from Overall UK Dealer of the Year 2025 T H White Ltd, said, “This achievement is testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and to the continued loyalty and support of our valued customers. 

Paudie Slattery, managing director of Republic of Ireland Dealer of the Year 2025 M&S Machinery, explained, “Our team here at M&S Machinery are our best asset. This wouldn’t be possible without them all.”

Andrew Symons, dealer principal of Andrew Symons Ltd, awarded Medium Dealer of the Year 2025 added, “This recognition truly means a great deal to us. It represents decades of consistent hard work, dedication, and commitment from every single member of staff."

Hậf Jones, director of Small Dealer of the Year 2025, T Alun Jones & Son, concluded, "We would like to extend a big thank you to all our staff for their efforts, and to our customers for their continued support.”

Argo Tractors GB recently announced that Richard Haines has decided to accept the position of CEO of McCormick North America, effective July 1, 2026.

The company confirmed that Richard will assume this new role within the organisation on a permanent basis while also retaining some of his responsibilities within Argo GB supporting the company during the transition period and beyond, "ensuring the positive progression continues throughout the dealer network."

The company has now announced that that Jonathan Newton has been appointed as Richard’s successor for Argo Tractors in Great Britain.

In a statement, Argo said, "Jonathan joins the leadership team with a wealth of experience across the agricultural industry, having held multiple roles at various management positions across sales and aftersales. He brings a deep understanding of the sector that will be vital in consolidating and strengthening our market-leading position."

The company also confirmed Jonathan's timeline saying he will start on7th April GB, commence dealer visits during weeks 17 to 21, be fully operational by week 22 .

Emyr Evans Ltd, an established JCB Agriculture dealer with depots in Denbigh and Anglesey, is expanding its coverage south into Mid Wales, it has been announced.

The territory expansion will now see the dealer cover north and mid Powys and the north of Ceredigion.

The announcement comes as the family run business confirms plans to invest in a brand-new depot in the Welshpool area to enhance sales and service support for its expanded customer base.

JCB Agriculture MD John Smith said, “Emyr Evans Ltd is a long standing JCB dealer and we are delighted to be extending the company’s first-class customer service to Mid Wales.”

After five years of educating domestic and professional users on the benefits of battery-powered outdoor power equipment, EGO has now concluded its Challenge 2025 campaign with the release of a new whitepaper.  

Summarising years of research and awareness activity, the whitepaper also includes research from industry trade body, the European Garden Machinery Federation (EGMF). EGO says the data shows that between 2019 and 2024, the percentage of petrol-powered equipment in use across Europe fell from 36% to 24%. In contrast, electric cordless equipment almost doubled in use, rising from 28% to 48%. 

This is mirrored exactly in sales of new equipment, with electric cordless rising from 33% to 58%, and petrol falling from 40% to 26%.  

Drawing on five years of campaign insights, field data, and market research, the whitepaper also explores results from emissions, noise and vibration testing from independent testing specialists, and evaluates whether EGO’s vision to establish battery power as the principal power source for outdoor power equipment, was reached.  

Vince Brauns, group product director, for EGO, said, “Our latest whitepaper shows clearly that our Challenge 2025 vision for battery power had a clear and significant impact on the industry. When we began the campaign, battery power was seen as a compromise. Users who had used petrol for decades; could not believe that this new technology could give them the power, performance or runtime that they were accustomed to, and all without the strong fumes, loud noise or high vibrations. With misconceptions at their highest, we decided that it was time to show users the impact that using petrol tools was having on themselves and the environment around them.” 

Challenge 2025 was launched in 2020 with one goal in mind: to educate and empower change in domestic and professional outdoor power equipment users to make battery the principal power source and leave petrol in the past. The hope was that by educating users about the advantages of using battery-powered outdoor power equipment, EGO could dispel misconceptions, reduce emissions and noise pollution, and increase user comfort and safety.  

Vince Brauns continued, “The campaign has enabled us to advocate for battery power in both the UK and European markets and has ultimately helped to reposition battery-powered tools from a niche alternative to a staple choice. While there is still a minority who will choose petrol-power over battery-power, due to the data-backed information we have shared over the past five years, the conversation has fundamentally changed.”  

The whitepaper, The Final Report: Battery-power, now charging ahead, is available to download here.

Massey Ferguson has agreed a partnership with buying cooperative Fram Farmers to provide members with exclusive discounts on a range of new MF tractors - following Fram's previous arrangement with CASE IH coming to an end.

Ben Prouse, MF area sales manager, shaking hands with Gordon Cummings, GFI strategic partnership manager, Fram Farmers, alongside members of Fram Farmers and Massey Ferguson

Based in Framlingham, Suffolk, Fram Farmers has been running for over 60 years and is the oldest farmers’ cooperative in the UK. It supports nearly 1600 farm businesses, across 39 counties, with input purchasing, grain marketing and administrative works.

The partnership will allow all members access to an exclusive discount when buying MF tractors through Fram Farmers, on top of any central MF finance offers. The discounts will be available on any Beauvais-built MF tractors, which start with the MF 5M, inclusive of all models up to the flagship, MF 9S.

Speaking on behalf of Massey Ferguson, Ben Prouse, area sales manager, said, “This provides MF with greater coverage across the country and increases brand awareness with farmers that might not have considered MF tractors in the past. Sometimes it’s worth looking at what else the market can offer and we’re hoping this affiliation will do just that. We’re delighted to be partners with Fram and deliver savings for their members.”

Darren Bantick, head of machinery and building materials at Fram Farmers added, “Our relationship of 25 years with another brand recently ended and we approached Massey as we felt its product range would be a great fit for all our members. MF has an extensive UK dealer network and is a respected and reliable brand with a good warranty package.

“A key point for interested farmers is that the discount is applicable to invoice price, which means the full spec of the machine is considered, and not just the base unit price. Enquiries must come through Fram Farmers first with the discount applied at quoting and not after. Our customer base is split between livestock and arable, so the MF range is an ideal fit.”

More John Deere dealers have signed the Armed Forces Covenant in support of service leavers who can resettle into roles within the agriculture and turf industries. 

Dealers and John Deere staff at the signing event

At a ceremony held at the National Transition Event at Silverstone Circuit, Hunt Forest Group and Ripon Farm Services added their names to the covenant, which had already been adopted by Ben Burgess and Tallis Amos Group, as well as John Deere itself. 

Signatories pledge to ensure that those who serve, or have served, in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly and should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services.

The move complements John Deere’s Military Hiring Programme, which offers service leavers new career opportunities to work on machinery used by farmers and turf professionals. 

“We are passionate about finding a way to give back to those who have served our country,” said Allan Cochran, John Deere branch training manager.

Ripon Farm Services 
“We are incredibly proud to support people transitioning from military service into new careers with us,” said Phil Gregg, director of Ripon Farm Services. “Service leaders bring exceptional skills, dedication, and technical expertise that align perfectly with the needs of our industry, and our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant reflects our belief that they deserve clear, meaningful pathways into civilian employment."

Hunt Forest Group 
“It was a privilege to represent Hunt Forest Group on the John Deere UK stand at the recent military hiring event at Silverstone,” said Nick Hill, group service manager at Hunt Forest Group. “We were especially encouraged by the strong interest in technician roles from individuals bringing exceptional experience and technical discipline from their military careers.”

Tallis Amos Group
“After signing the Armed Forces Covenant more than a year ago, Tallis Amos Group continues to reap the benefits of offering resettlement pathways to service leavers who are often ready-made for our business,” said Guy Bunting, recruitment coordinator at Tallis Amos Group. “We are proud to offer opportunities to service leavers that include training and development further aiding their transition into civilian life.”

Ben Burgess
“Signing the Armed Forces Covenant reflects our core values as a business,” says Ben Turner, managing director at Ben Burgess. “We’re proud to support those who serve and have served, and we’re fortunate to have veterans already working across Ben Burgess whose skills and experience make a real difference every day.”

Launching in early 2026, the Cobra Fortis Stadium 34 sets a new benchmark in professional turf care, joined by the new Cobra ZT Series to further expand Cobra’s product portfolio.

The Stadium 34 has been engineered for stadiums, training grounds and elite sports pitches, where precision and reliability are essential for world-class playing surfaces. First previewed in 2025, the Stadium 34 impressed turf professionals with its 34-inch cutting cylinder, robust build and ergonomic design, delivering the perfectly even, tournament-ready finish that professional sport demands.

Power and Versatility

The Stadium 34 will be available in two versions: a Honda-powered petrol model for proven performance, and an EGO battery-powered model offering the same 34” cut with reduced noise, zero emissions at the point of use and lower running costs - ideal for stadiums where sustainability and noise control are priorities.

It also works with the full range of Fortis Stadium 34 lawncare cartridges, so groundskeepers can carry out jobs such as aeration, scarification, verticutting and brushing with a single machine - keeping pitches in peak condition all year round.

Comfort and Innovation

For extended mowing sessions, the optional Trailed Premium Seat allows operators to cover large pitches with reduced fatigue while maintaining complete control.

“We’re incredibly proud to reveal the Fortis Stadium 34,” said Peter Chaloner, Managing Director at Cobra Garden. “This cylinder lawnmower has been developed in close collaboration with professional grounds teams and is designed to raise the standard of turf care for stadiums and sports pitches. With a choice of Honda petrol or EGO battery power, cartridge versatility and the Trailed Premium Seat, it gives stadium groundskeepers everything they need to achieve world-class playing surfaces.”

The New Cobra ZT Series – Stand-On and Zero-Turn Ride-Ons

Alongside the Fortis Stadium 34, Cobra will be launching in 2026 the new Cobra ZT Series, which includes stand-on and zero-turn ride-on mowers.

Designed for large estates and commercial properties, the ZT Series combines precision control, power and productivity, offering mowing solutions for demanding conditions.

The ZT Series also features a high-quality engineered 3-in-1 combi-deck that gives operators the freedom to adapt to every mowing condition. Each model can be configured by the dealer for rear discharge, side discharge, or mulching (with the included mulch blades fitted). Whether fast, efficient clearance or a finely mulched finish is required, the ZT Series’ precision-engineered cutting decks delivers outstanding performance and a premium results every time.

For more information on Cobra, visit: www.cobragarden.co.uk 

To become a Cobra dealer, please contact Andy Marvin on 07771 581 296 or call our sales team.

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