I'll start off today, with a little peek behind the curtain of this Service Dealer Weekly Update. As this edition is being sent out, I'm not really here like I am normally.

Usually on a Friday at noon I'm sat at my desk, waving each and every individual email off on their journey into the internet and on to your inboxes - but not this week. Today (yesterday) I have had to set this up in advance (previously), to send automatically for you readers to receive at the regular time in the present (future) from here in the past (now).

Basically, before I get too Back To The Future Part II confused, today as you receive this, myself and Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke are in London, on our way to attend the Independent Publishers Awards. It's exciting for us as the magazine is shortlisted for Business Publication Of The Year, which we are all immensely proud of. In the publishing world, it really is quite a big deal for an niche title such as ours to be slugging it out with some well-known, mainstream publications like Top Gear magazine and Time Out.

In our diverse category we're up against business-to-business magazines for the fire safety, nursing and investment banking sectors - so I have no idea whether we are likely to win or not? If we do, expect of plenty of post-awards triumphant publicity. If we don't, I suspect there will be a quiet, 'it was just an honour being nominated alongside such esteemed company' - said through gritted teeth!

I suspect there will be similar feelings for the dealers at the Dealer Of The Year awards ceremony which is taking place next Thursday. It's less than seven days now until Service Dealer's Conference & Awards - which don't forget is taking place at a new venue this year, the Crowne Plaza, Stratford upon Avon.

The organising and planning going on behind scenes currently, by the amazing people at TAP, is simply off the charts. I'm one of those lucky people who gets to just turn up on the day, along with all the other delegates, to enjoy the fruits of their labour. But I am aware that there are quite phenomenal efforts being put in, to make for a smooth running and highly beneficial day and evening for all.

It really is shaping up to be a special event next week, with so much valuable content on the schedule. You can familiarise yourselves with all the expert speakers here - which now includes a couple of extra additions since we went to press with our last magazine. Everyone involved with Service Dealer is looking forward to welcoming all our dealer delegates next week and of course, the representatives of our sponsors. I know it will once again prove to be a memorable occasion.

Warranty claims

You may have noticed we're running a short survey today on warranty claims that, as ever, we'd very much appreciate our dealer readers' feedback on. We've run a survey on this topic for the past couple of years at this time of year, so it'll be fascinating to see if opinions have changed much these past 12 months.

I believe the first time that we asked for your thoughts on the situation, it came about following a conversation I'd had at the Conference with a dealer. I remember they had voiced some serious concerns they held regarding certain supplying manufacturers and their rates of pay, plus the hoops they made dealers jump though for warranties.

This issue of course, raised its head again just recently via all the comments we received following a dealership saying they were considering giving up their Honda franchise, at least partly due to the way they felt the manufacturer handled warranty claims.

When we asked you last year for your take on the situation, it's fair to say there were some strong views shared. Some examples of your comments included:

• "Not happy at 'subsidising' online retailers where we have not sold a machine but must undertake warranty work on it, having made no profit on the original sale."
• "Manufacturers should pay dealers a realistic hourly rate and throw away the allocated time charts they use."
• "Manufacturers prices are the first thing to increase on parts and machines - but trying to get a fair and responsive warranty labour rate increase is impossible."

So please do take a few moments to update us on how you feel regarding warranty claims this year. Has the fact that dealers are openly discussing the situation meant that anything has improved from your point of view? Or are we, with certainly suppliers, in the same (or worse) place?

We will publish the results and a selection of your comments in the next edition of Service Dealer magazine. Once again, I thank you in advance for your help.

TAKE THE SURVEY.

Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke, spoke with Phil Everett md of BossORV, the UK distributor of the Corvus range of utility vehicles at SALTEX recently, who told us they want to keep the customer's experience as simple as possible.

Phil says, "I think it's important we keep the policy simple and the pricing structure simple - so there are no hidden costs for the consumer."

Watch the full chat below or via Service Dealer's YouTube channel.

Boss ORV have been appointed sole UK distributors for Powerland Agro Tractor Vehicles Pvt. Limited. 

Powerland is the company behind the development and manufacturer of the Tachyon fully electric ATV in Goa, India. 

Boss ORV Managing Director, Phil Everett, said, “I have known Tej Naik and his family for many years and we have been in constant communication over this time. We have watched with great excitement how the business and products have developed. The factory in Goa has become a fully independent facility, manufacturing the complete vehicles in-house, including their own chassis. 

“We took the opportunity to visit their stand at the EICMA event in Milan and seal the deal with a long-term distribution contract. The Tachyon is now the complete fully electric (Li-ion) ATV, which is road legal with tractor homologation and the time is right to launch it into our market.” 

The Naik family say they had, for a long time, harboured the ambition to produce their own automotive vehicles and decided to manufacture ATVs locally to cut down on costs and make the product affordable for Indian customers. Today, the company is rapidly growing with the production of the Tachyon, which is now being exported to South America and the USA.

Tej Naik says, “We’re excited to have Phil Everett and Boss ORV as our exclusive partner for the UK. Phil, with his expertise in the ATV/UTV business for more than 25 years, will definitely help us in scaling up the business and making better products to satisfy the requirements of customers in the off-road market.” 

Powerland say they expect to increase its team size to five hundred employees in the next three years. The Tachyon will be exhibited for the first time in the UK at the Lamma Show 2024 on stand number 6.924.  

Trimax Mowing Systems recently celebrated 25 years of collaboration with four UK dealers.

Long service awards were presented to Tuckwells, Johnston Gilpin and Co., Thomas Sherriff & Co., and Campey Turf Care Systems at this month's SALTEX.

L-R: Trimax CEO Michael Sievwright with Tuckwells' James Gibbon

On receipt of their award, James Gibbon, group sales manager at Tuckwells, said, "The relationship we have with Trimax has always been strong and the brand aligns well to our own values."

Johnson Gilpin's Ricky Neil with Michael Sievwright

Ricky Neill, group sales manager at Johnston Gilpin and Co., agreed, saying, "The last 25 years have been an absolute pleasure. Trimax have an excellent range of products which are backed up by a very knowledgeable team."

Harry Pattinson, outlet manager at Thomas Sherriff & Co., said, "Our 25-year collaboration has not only weathered the changing landscapes of business but has also thrived, evolving into a robust and enduring alliance. This award is a testament to the trust, shared vision and collective efforts that have defined our relationship."

Richard Campey and Michael Sievwright

Whilst for Julia Campey, managing director at Campey Turf Care Systems, the 25-year award was ". . a humbling acknowledgement of the partnership we've built over 25 years and our shared commitment to providing exceptional machinery to the turf industry."

Caroline Shaw, global brand manager at Trimax told the four dealers, "We would like to extend the deepest gratitude for your commitment and passion for the Trimax brand."

An induction ceremony held at John Deere’s UK headquarters recently marked the start of the journey to becoming qualified technicians for 86 young apprentices.

Since its inception, the company’s programme has started the careers of more than 1,200 young people, setting them on a course to grow their experience and expertise across the dealership network and the John Deere brand. 

The 2023 intake will complete their apprenticeships - provided by ProVQ - in either Ag Tech, Parts Tech, Turf Tech. The latest cohort also includes those working for the Wirtgen Group, which is the John Deere-owned business specialising in road construction machinery, and learners from John Deere’s Forestry division. 

Arthur Haynes and Savannah Brown

Arthur Haynes is one of the apprentices who has joined the programme. The 16-year-old works at Masons Kings’ Exbridge outlet in Devon and was inspired to pursue working in agriculture after moving to the county from the Midlands.

“When we moved to a house which also had horse stabling, there was a lot of equipment around such as tractors which has always interested me,” Arthur said.

He found out about the apprenticeship programme after seeing a Facebook post from Masons Kings and began working with the dealer.

“I’m working on foragers, attending call outs to service and maintain maize headers as well as carrying out pre-delivery inspections on machines. It’s absolutely brilliant – really interesting to learn about this kit which is changing all the time. I can’t wait for the rest of the apprenticeship programme. It looks great.”

Another 16-year-old just embarking on the ag-tech apprenticeship programme is Savannah Brown. Savannah is not from a farming background but says that this is not a barrier for her.

“Where I come from in the Scottish Borders, I socialise a lot with farmers and countryside people,” she said. “I was going to train to become a farrier but then I had some work experience at a Thomas Sherriff outlet and realised I wanted to work with engines and technology.

“The apprenticeship looks like a brilliant opportunity - a good mix of practical and classroom learning at the training centre when we’re away. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

John Deere branch training manager Allan Cochran said, “In the three decades our esteemed apprenticeship has run we have produced many cohorts of talented individuals who have gone on to have exciting careers across the John Deere dealership network.

“Our aim with the apprenticeship programme is to help young people make their first step on the career ladder, and to nurture and mould those with the skills and desire to work in our industry.

Allan concluded, “Our apprentices will learn the valuable knowledge and skills for them to work their way into a career anywhere across John Deere’s worldwide dealership network.”

TR Machinery has appointed Martyn Gardner as sales director for their Fendt business.

Martyn Gardner

Martyn has a wealth of experience in the agricultural sector, starting his career at Rea Valley Tractors as an agri student. He then moved to the family farm, where he farmed and did contracting work. Martyn then started his first sales role in 2006 at TR Machinery’s sister company, RVW Pugh. For the last 11 years Martyn has worked at Standen Engineering as sales manager, and later sales director. He will be responsible for not just the Fendt brand but all other machinery brands held by TR Machinery. 

Robert Pugh, group chairman for RVW Pugh, said, “Martyn’s wealth of knowledge of the agricultural industry and first hand knowledge of farming and contracting gives him the knowledge to be able to put our customers needs at the forefront of our business”. 

Emma Pugh, managing director for RVW Pugh Ltd said “We welcome Martyn back to the RVW Pugh and TR Machinery family, we are very much looking forward to working with him again.”

Martyn Gardner said, “I am so pleased to be joining the TR Machinery team, I know the great reputation TR Machinery and RVW Pugh have in the Mid Wales, Shropshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire areas, and look forward to meeting the loyal customer base it has. My knowledge and experience in different forms throughout the industry will allow me to help each individual customer with their specific needs.”

Deere & Company have announced that Deanna Kovar has taken over as their new President of Worldwide Agriculture and Turf, Small Ag and Turf, and Regions 1 and 2, which include the company’s presence in Asia, Africa, and Europe. She replaces Mark von Pentz who is retiring.

Deanna Kovar

In this role, Deanna will be responsible for the overall management and performance of the company’s Small Ag and Turf business, as well as John Deere’s performance in these markets. She previously served as vice president, Production and Precision Ag since 2020.

Deanna joined Deere in 2000 and spent most of her career in positions in channel and product management. The manufacturer says she has developed an extensive background in precision technologies, beginning with her move in 2010 to the company’s Intelligent Solutions Group as manager of portfolio management. Later positions included division sales manager, director, Production & Precision Ag Marketing, and director, Global Operator Stations. 

“Deanna and her team will play an instrumental role in advancing our smart industrial strategy to deliver enhanced customer value in the Small Ag and Turf markets, as well as in Regions 1 & 2,” said John May, chief executive officer for Deere & Company. “Her deep customer understanding, professional background in channel and product management, keen business insights, and record of consistent success make Deanna well-qualified for her new role.” 

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