A new kid on the turfcare show block held their debut show this week, with GroundsFest taking place at the NAEC Stoneleigh on Wednesday and Thursday.

I will just clarify that I could only attend on Wednesday - when the weather was pretty apocalyptic at times. This clearly had an impact on what was one of the main selling points of the show - a significant outdoor display area for the exhibiting machinery brands.

One of the first things that should be said, is fair play to the organisers for setting up a brand-new show that succeeded in attracting as many exhibitors as they did. It was certainly well-populated across the two halls and three outdoor sections - and not just with machinery companies. They had expanded out into landscaping and (reminiscent of the old IOG shows at Windsor) outdoor play equipment.

The intention was clearly to appeal to a range of commercial customers beyond the turf professionals that the established shows mostly cater for. To further attract these end users, there were a series of seminar theatres and practical demonstrations of machinery maintenance across the two halls.

Due to the weather on Wednesday, it's hard for me to speculate on just how successful all these measures were in finding an audience. There were times when it was pouring down, that the outside area pretty much cleared, leaving just the stand-holders to gather under wildly flapping gazebos for shelter.

The organisers have told me this morning in fact, that on day one they had 3,426 through the door and day two saw 3,085. This, they said, was unique visitors excluding exhibitors.

Speaking with exhibitors, they were certainly willing the show to do well having taken a punt on it during its inaugural year. I heard it repeated by several that they would qualify the show as a success if they were able to make quality contacts with commercial end-users that were unknown to them previously. It will be interesting to hear, now the show is over, whether this has been the case.

Wayne Stone, Simon Hewitt and Paul Hicks on the STIHL stand

Interestingly, I bumped into some representatives of a machinery manufacturer who weren't exhibiting at Stoneleigh this week, but who were there on a recce, checking out the offering. These guys told me they believe that three national trade shows, within months of each other, is simply too many. Budgets and time would not stretch to appearing at all three, so what were they to do?

This struck me as a fair point. I'm not sure that anyone, be they exhibitor, customer or dealer, has ever actually asked for there to be three national shows a year? To see every main brand that customers use, or that dealers partner with, in one place feels unlikely now with this scenario. Who is that benefiting? Other than show organisers.

Speaking of dealers, I didn't personally happen to see all that many in attendance on Wednesday - although a couple of different exhibitors did mention how they were pleased with the numbers they'd had come on to their stands. It would be good to hear how many did make the trip, considering September is an already busy month for our readers, what with all the manufacturer dealer days that traditionally take place this month.

Peter Chaloner on the Cobra stand

One thing I did observe, and this may have been a consequence of the weather, was that in the outdoor demonstration area, there wasn't all that much actually being demonstrated. At the Equip show in Louisville - which it feels like GroundsFest is wanting to take inspiration from, moreso than any UK show - exhibitors outside each have a considerable sized plot of their own in which to mow, cut, dig, chip and chop - and to let visitors do the same. It's a veritable hive of activity and sound. On Wednesday, yes there were a few machines working occasionally, but mostly they were static, lined-up, filling the exhibitors' allocated space. I did at times feel sorry for reps on stands, stood next to lines of machines in the rain, when they could've been doing the same inside, in the dry.

That said, it does of course make undeniable sense to view these machines outside, on the grass. It's their natural environment, much more so than under that odd, orange glow of an exhibition hall's lights. Perhaps with slightly larger plots for each company, both a display area and a worthwhile demo space could be accommodated?

The other significant aspect of GroundsFest that they were using to differentiate themselves from the established UK shows, was the music festival that took place in the evening after the exhibition closed. Again I can't personally comment on its success or otherwise because I had left by then - but there are some clips on the organiser's official social media that perhaps give a sense of it.

Pic from TurfPro's Laurence Gale who stayed for the music

Is staying for an event like this what visitors and exhibitors want after a day on the show site? At Harrogate for example, a thriving social scene happens organically in the pubs and restaurants around the town once the show closes. At the NEC on the other hand, nothing social seems to happen at all (their announcement today in fact, feels like a direct reaction to GroundsFest). So, this festival appears to be the show wanting to generate its own networking buzz. Again perhaps, if the weather was better and this music had been able to take place outdoors, might it have found wider appeal?

The weather of course, was always going to be a coin-toss at the end of September. A week earlier and it would've been warm, bright sunshine throughout. As it was, Wednesday was pretty hard going.

The larger question is what happens now? In the short-term will we see any tangible difference at SALTEX in a few week's time? Will numbers be down due to punters thinking, 'I've only just visited a show like this?'

More significantly in the longer-term with GroundsFest continuing, what impact will this disrupter have on the national industry show scene?  Have they just tossed a hand-grenade into the sector that will have a greater, fundamental effect on the year's calendar of events?

I personally cannot envisage a scenario where either of the established trade associations ever give up running their own, independent show. The value to themselves as industry organisations and not private enterprises, just seems too great. But who knows?!

What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Turning the capital green, Merlo UK took on central London last week to celebrate their 30th Anniversary.

Three Merlo telehandlers greeted guests at the grand entrance

Greeting those arriving at the venue, the Renaissance St Pancras Hotel, was a Merlo telehandler trio consisting of current and historic models. A fully electric 2023 eWorker 25.5-90, was flanked by the recently restored classic 30-year-old P60.10XS and a current model MultiFarmer 44.9 telehandler.

Almost 130 attendees from the UK dealer network, industry associations and invited guests were joined by members of both Merlo UK & Merlo Group staff. The evening kicked off with a reception in the gothic themed upper rooms of the hotel seeing speeches from Paolo Merlo, President and Massimo Biei, business manager of Merlo Group alongside Shaun Groom, general manager of Merlo UK reflecting on the past 30 successful years of operations in the UK.

Paolo Merlo

The guests were able to visit the Gallery Room which saw 30 years’ worth of memories come to life. A company timeline display, photo montages and archival video footage dating back as far as 1993 offered a fascinating review of the brand's development in the UK.

Following dinner, a number of awards were presented to dealers that had notched up significant periods of service with the Merlo franchise.

Hansom Hall

Among the awards presented by Paolo Merlo were two for 30 years as a Merlo dealer, West Wales dealer Brodyr Evans Bros and Devon based CR Willcocks, picking up the honours both having been with Merlo UK since its inception.

The final award of the evening was quite unique in that it went to an individual who had been selling Merlo since 1988 (prior to the founding of Merlo UK). Jeff Jones now of North Yorkshire based Brian Robinson Machinery received an award for 35 continuous years of Merlo sales. Jeff sold new in 1993 the now fully restored P60.10XS model, on display that evening in front of the hotel.

Reflecting on the evening Shaun Groom, said, “It has been great to be able to acknowledge in style all those present and that have gone before us in the last 30 years in bringing Merlo UK to where it is today. Whether be that as a customer, dealer, colleague or industry partner we are truly grateful for the support. Here is to the next 30 years!” 

The entry process for 2023's Dealer Of The Year Awards is now underway.

Dealerships can enter on their own behalf or be nominated by customers, suppliers, or another third party - but entries must be complete and include a 250-word supporting statement and at least one piece of supporting evidence. The awards will be judged taking into account the 12 months prior to the submission date.

More detail on entries can be found by clicking the relevant category links below. Entries must be in by midnight on Monday 16th October.

A judging panel will review all the nominations prior to the Awards Ceremony on the 30th November. All entries for the categories below will be considered by the judging panel for the prestigious Overall Dealer of the Year award (sponsored by Kress).

Garden Machinery Dealer of the Year - sponsored by Husqvarna

Have you gone above and beyond this year to satisfy your domestic customers?

ENTER GARDEN MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

Farm Machinery Dealer of the Year - sponsored by Ibcos

Would your farming customers say you are outstanding in your field?

ENTER FARM MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

Forestry Equipment Dealer of the Year - sponsored by Societe Generale Equipment Finance

Is your dealership at the top of the tree when it comes to supplying forestry equipment?

ENTER FORESTRY EQUIPMENT DEALER OF THE YEAR

Professional Turfcare Dealer of the Year - sponsored by Toro UK

Is your team firing on all cylinders when it comes to your commercial turfcare customers?

ENTER PROFESSIONAL TURFCARE DEALER OF THE YEAR

ATV/Quad Dealer of the Year - sponsored by Yamaha

Are you the dealership customers turn to for tackling all terrain in the outdoor sector?

ENTER ATV/QUAD DEALER OF THE YEAR

New Technician of the Year - sponsored by Kubota

Technicians are the staff who keep the wheels turning - this is your chance to highlight someone in their first four years of the role.

ENTER NEW TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR

Star of the Dealership - sponsored by EGO

Do you have a staff member who’s made an exceptional contribution to the business?

ENTER STAR OF THE DEALERSHIP

Best New Initiative - sponsored by STIHL

Have you implemented something new - be it a fresh idea, some renovation, diversification, or branching out with new tech, let us know!

ENTER BEST NEW INITIATIVE

Leadership Award - Sponsored by AGCO

Does your dealership benefit from a great team leader who leads from the front and acts as a great example to all?

ENTER LEADERSHIP AWARD

The Awards will be presented at the Gala Dinner following the Service Dealer Conference that takes place on Thursday 30th November 2023 at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford upon Avon, the theme for this year's event is Taking Care of Business.

SALTEX organisers say they know from post-show feedback that networking was the second biggest highlight for visitors attending the 2022 show and with that in mind are launching The Clubhouse - what they describe as a "relaxed, licensed, social space" for 2023 on the show floor.  

Organisers say the area will feature a bar, relaxed seating options and a private area called The Trophy Room which can be booked for pre-arranged meetups.

Sarah Cunningham, director of commercial and events at the GMA, said, “Creating a space where visitors and exhibitors can relax, unwind and build connections with old friends and new colleagues has been a priority following visitor and exhibitor feedback from the last two shows. Crucially, we wanted to create a space that means attendees can sit down and catch-up without having to leave the show floor.

“The Clubhouse will cater to these desires perfectly, offering attendees a comfortable place to sit down and a bar where they can purchase drinks and food at competitive prices. The Clubhouse is all about maximising the visitors’ experience and bringing the industry closer together.”

As a space for groups to host dedicated meet-ups, the GMA say they are working with a number of grounds management communities to host members’ meetings in The Trophy Room with more details promised for the weeks leading up to the show.

Briggs & Stratton has announced the appointment of Joe Liotine as chief executive officer, effective August 29, 2023.

Joe Liotine

Joe joins the manufacturer after serving 18 years in senior roles at Whirlpool Corporation most recently as President and chief operating officer where he led the Global KitchenAid business, had global responsibility for product development, R&D, sourcing, and IT.

Joe said, “I am delighted to be joining Briggs & Stratton and look forward to working closely with the talented Briggs’ team to provide market leading products and services to our customers and to drive the continued growth and success of Briggs & Stratton.

"Briggs & Stratton has over 110 years of experience, is trusted by millions of people around the world and is backed by the largest service network in the industry. It is ideally placed to take advantage of the multiple market opportunities and I am delighted to be leading this great business at this exciting time.”

Organisers of this year’s Midlands Machinery Show say growing interest in agricultural sustainability is reflected in the range of exhibitors booked for the event held on November 8-9 at the Newark Showground.

Also, for the fourth successive year, the event will be hosting the NFU’s East Midlands Environment Conference on the first day.

The ‘green’ theme will be reflected with exhibits including electric vehicles, minimum tillage and precision application technology, nutrient and water management, energy generation, waste reduction, and monetising carbon and biodiversity net gain.
 
For example, say the organisers, camera-guided mechanical weeders - a technology attracting increased interest - will be on display on the Keith Rennie Machinery stand this year. 
  
Also making its debut at the show is CSX Carbon, which will be demonstrating how farmers can access natural capital markets while receiving a fair financial return for environmental land management practices.

Renewable energy is another way farm businesses can cut energy use and costs. Darren Wells from Lincs Solar Solutions reports a dramatic increase in enquiries for solar PV over the past 12 months due to energy price rises. “However, this also means customers are experiencing a shorter return on investment as a result,” he says.
 
“We’ll be on hand at the show to discuss how panels on agricultural and domestic roofs can significantly reduce energy bills – and also outline the finances and logistics around large ground-mounted installations.”

Bobcat say their employees and members of its leadership team around the globe have been celebrating the company’s support of nearly 100 organisations and municipalities through volunteer efforts to benefit the places where their employees live and work.

 
On 12th September 2023, more than 1000 employees in 12 countries participated in company-organised projects, volunteering thousands of combined hours.

“As an organisation, we aim to create positive social impact to enhance the communities where we live and work, as well as benefit our neighbours,” said Scott Park, Doosan Bobcat CEO. “Our community engagement initiatives are a company tradition, and over the years, we have supported hundreds of organisations with thousands of volunteer hours all with the goal of creating a better tomorrow.”

In Dobris in the Czech Republic for example, where Doosan Bobcat's headquarters for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) are located, 179 executives and employees participated in activities including a city and forest clean-up project; bush and tree planting; fence painting and preparing a surface for a children’s playground. Volunteers used a fleet of Bobcat equipment including skid-steer, compact track and wheel loaders with various attachments to help in the projects.

Projects varied across all 15 of Bobcat’s EMEA business sites and involved 407 employees serving a combined total of 949 hours on behalf of their local communities. Their tasks included recycling projects, litter picking and a wildflower meadow restoration project, as well as various donation projects such as blood donation, food donations for charity organisations and money donations to fund local fire brigades. 

The Kress KC500.9 Commercial backpack blower is one of the most powerful available on the market today, and can clearly demonstrate the advantages and control that is possible from battery powered technology.

This high performing machine can provide 306 km/h air speed and 1,529 m3/h which equates to 35N of air force to rival any high performing petrol-powered blowers. There is a 4-step speed control and a throttle controlled power level to enable accurate airspeed control during operation. Whilst the cruise control function allows the users finger to have a rest when cleaning up large areas. With revolutionary Kress CyberSystem batteries and Kress-built commercial-grade brushless motors, the blower provides superior power levels, longer runtime, and extended lifespan.

The machine has its own built in ergonomic and fully adjustable harness to suit all body types and sizes from small to large, which improves users’ comfort and lessens fatigue. Plus with an IPX4 waterproof rating, there are no concerns about finishing the job, even the wet conditions of the autumn season will not cause it any issues and you can continue to work.

The noise produced by the KC500.9 is perhaps the biggest difference between battery powered and petrol-powered blowers. Thanks to the Kress silent technology, there is no issue disturbing customers & bystanders, or even having a conversation with a coworker.

At a distance of 15m this machine produces only 62dB, which allows users to still be able to speak clearly whilst the blower is working. Popular petrol-powered blowers produce noise levels of 75dB and above at 15m, so in effect more than 3 times as loud. The Kress Commercial blower has been designed with a unique inner structure and surface to reduce noise levels. This is unique and a first with this type of machine. 

Welcome to the post-petrol era.

A game-changer in every way, Kress is leading the charge with a breakthrough innovation in battery-powered technology, built to deliver the performance and power of petrol.

Learn more: kress.com/en-gb/

STIHL has an extensive range of cordless and petrol blowers, offering professional users high performance and enhanced efficiency. 

With a blowing force of 26 newton, STIHL’s new BGA 300 cordless backpack blower is the most powerful in the STIHL cordless range and features a high air speed to ensure even wet, heavy autumn leaves can be cleared quickly and efficiently. The new cordless blower is powered using STIHL’s professional AP System AR 2000 L or AR 3000 L backpack batteries. 

Thanks to the STIHL Noise Reduction System, the BGA 300 produces fewer high pitch frequencies often associated with cordless blowers, meaning operation is much more pleasant and less intrusive for bystanders. Thanks to this, the BGA 300 is well suited for use in noise-sensitive areas such as schools, parks or around public amenities. 

Those keen on petrol power, STIHL’s BR 800 C-E produces a blowing force of 41N and the 80cc STIHL 4-MIX® engine runs on a fuel-oil mix just like a 2-stroke model and offers the benefits without the compromises of 4-stroke power. The STIHL 4-MIX® engine provides fast acceleration, more power, added torque, and lower noise during operation to complete jobs quickly and more easily. In addition, the engine offers reduced emissions and increased fuel efficiency.
 
To make getting up and running even easier, the BR 800 C-E is designed with a convenient starting system featured on the side of the machine, allowing users to start the blower while wearing it. The simplified starting system also features an automatic choke reset and a switch position on the control handle that is always ‘ON’, ensuring that the professional user can start the BR 800 C-E with ease.

For more information on STIHL’s range of blowers, please visit www.stihl.co.uk. 

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