Firstly today, we have exciting news with the announcement of our keynote speaker for December’s Service Dealer Conference. 

Cally Beaton is a broadcaster, business leader, performer and best-selling author. When the organising team told me who they had confirmed for this year, I instantly knew Cally principally as a funny regular guest on Q.I. I think she’s a fabulous signing and will be another in the long line of off-beat choices for our Conference who always seem to kick the day off hitting the right balance of thought-provoking business content, delivered with a light touch. I’m looking forward to hearing her take on company culture, given her stellar C.V of household name corporations whom she has worked with.

Elsewhere today, it’s fantastic to hear from our great friend, founder of the magazine, Chris Biddle. He’s penned a brilliant piece in his signature-style considering “the industry’s constant evolution.” As he always does, Chris has hit the nail on the head talking about how our dealer readers have throughout his (many) years in the sector, always adapted to constant change. I think everyone will enjoy reading his reflective words.

His theme of adaptation and change can be seen in another of our news stories today, with the announcement from Kramp that they are to enter into an e-commerce partnership with their dealers with the aim, in their words, to “transform the spare parts market.”

This a bold statement, but the company’s intention does appear to grapple with an issue that dealers will have faced throughout the lifespan of our magazine.

The company says that today 80% of customers begin their spare parts search online – but that the end purchase may not end up in the tills of traditional dealerships. Now back in the day it wouldn’t have been online competition that our readers would have been battling with, it would have been mass-channel, big box stores. But the principal of the specialist missing out on the sale remains constant. 

In the reality of modern retail, it sounds like Kramp is attempting to combine both worlds. Customers can order parts online with immediate payment and delivery direct from Kramp’s warehouse, while remaining linked to their chosen local dealer for support, technical advice and ongoing relationship-building.

This sounds like a logical move as dealers know customer expectations have changed – with end-users now demanding that same fast, smooth experience they get elsewhere online for every transaction they make.

At the same time, parts departments have traditionally been a crucial touchpoint for dealerships. They keep customers engaged between machinery purchases and often help cement long-term loyalty. To lose that entirely would be quite the blow for ongoing relationships – not to mention financially.

So, what Kramp say they are attempting to achieve is most certainly an interesting move. It’s making dealers integral to customers’ desire for convenient e-commerce, but hopefully without losing those purchasers to faceless, generic online sellers.

But how does it sound to you, our valued dealer readers? Do you feel this move is addressing a pressing issue for your business? Or can it be seen as perhaps moving too much ownership of the customer relationship away from the dealership itself? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

I suppose the challenge that all dealers must reconcile is balancing the customer’s need for digital ease with the personal, face-to-face service and technical expertise that independents have always, rightly, prided themselves on.

That shift in mindset of how end-users, be they professional, agricultural or domestic, make purchases has already happened and indeed, continues to evolve. The question now seems to be less about whether dealers participate in digital, and more about how they remain central to the process.

Whether what Kramp are doing becomes a seismic industry change or an interesting experiment remains to be seen. But it certainly raises worthwhile questions about how the dealer network evolves while still holding onto the vital inter-personal relationships that have always been one of its greatest strengths.

My copy of the latest Service Dealer landed on the doormat on May Day - and made me purr with pleasure and pride. That’s no small feat these days. As ever, it was packed with stories that speak directly to the people in its two-word title, and it set me thinking about how far both the publication and the industry have travelled in nearly four decades.

I’d spent 25 years with a farm and grass machinery dealership before finding myself 'left on the shelf' after a buyout. I still wanted to stay connected to this unsung but endlessly fascinating industry - and I’d always fancied myself as a journalist. So I embraced the old line: ‘those who can, do; those who can’t, write about it’.

In 1988, with Maggie Thatcher in No.10, the economy booming, the average house costing £60,000, I launched Lawn & Garden Equipment, the magazine that would become Service Dealer. From the start, I had three guiding principles: focus on people over products; bring the industry together through events (our first conference was in 1990 with the founder of Kwik-Fit, Sir Tom Farmer as keynote speaker); and ensure that each issue was a little better than the last.

It was the pre-internet age, when research meant a trip to the library and early issues were produced on a Xerox desktop publishing system using floppy disks. There were no mobile phones, fax had only just replaced telex. There was no shortage of material: the famous mower war was in full swing with Flymo v Qualcast (‘it’s a lot less bovver than a hover’) and the rise of DIY superstores was reshaping retail with low prices, seven day trading and vast car parks. Dealers who once owned the market suddenly had to rethink their place in it. Battery power and robotics were still curiosities, but the winds of change were blowing.

As dealers adapted, so did the magazine. Realising I could no longer be a one man band, I took on a young graduate with a degree in film studies who knocked on my door looking for a chance. More than 25 years later, Steve Gibbs has become a dependable editor with an easy style that suits the industry perfectly.

We later launched Turf Professional for the grounds care sector and Torque for farm machinery dealers, but it became clear that these weren’t separate worlds - just one industry with different specialisms. So, in 2013 we brought them together under a single banner: Service Dealer, with Turf Professional later moving online.

One day, a chance phone call introduced me to Duncan Murray-Clarke, which led to his acquisition of the magazines in 2015. He and his team at Wallingford provided the publishing and marketing expertise I could never have matched as I approached retirement. Under their stewardship, the magazine has grown in confidence and reach, recently adding a new supplement for the Plant Hire & Construction Machinery sector and truly earning its place as the Voice of the Industry.

Today, technology - including AI - has transformed everything. Yet Service Dealer remains a proper magazine: high quality, feel good, rooted in real people, and home to a Conference and Awards night that has become the highlight of the industry year.

Now retired and in my mid 80s, I remain fascinated by the industry’s constant evolution. And I look on with huge pride at what Service Dealer has become - a bright, confident mouthpiece for a sector that continues to punch above its weight.

Long may it continue.

Chris Biddle lives with his wife Trish in Southbourne near Bournemouth, a stone's throw from the sea and handy beach bar. They celebrated their Diamond Wedding last September.

Service Dealer is today excited to announce that our keynote speaker for 2026's Conference is Cally Beaton - a broadcaster, business leader, performer and best-selling author.

Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke said, "I am delighted that we have secured Cally for the keynote session. Cally has to date had an amazing career in the media and entertainment business (both behind and in front of the camera). She is just perfect to talk to us about business and culture during her journey, and her latest career change will no doubt put a smile on peoples’ faces."

Cally's senior management positions at some of the biggest media companies in the world have included being the youngest and only female member of the ITV board. She went on to do a ten-year stint as senior vice president at US studio giant Paramount, responsible for brands including MTV, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central.

She is the host of the hit Namaste Motherf*ckers podcast. Her book of the same name came out in the summer of 2025, immediately becoming an instant Sunday Times Top 10 Bestseller and the number #1 self-improvement title in the UK.

Cally is one of the UK's most sought-after names for corporate, broadcasting and live work. Her keynote will include a focus on organisational culture and the willingness to embrace change, highlighting the importance of people as the foundation of business success and the creation of environments that enable commercial excellence.

The prestigious event will take place on Thursday 3rd December at the Stratford-Upon-Avon Crowne Plaza - with this year's theme announced as Culture - Nature and nurture in business.

You can head to our website now to register your interest for delegate tickets or sponsorship opportunities.

In what the company describe as a "significant move", spare parts supplier, Kramp, is partnering with its dealers to launch a Kramp webshop that it says will supply its customers with everything a farmer needs.

They say it will allow instant account creation and direct card payments for any business for its online assortment, backed by next-day delivery directly from Kramp, all tied in with the customer’s preferred local supplier.

“We know that over 80% of people start the process of looking for spare parts online,” said Leo Copping, field sales manager for Kramp. “Traditionally, they would end up buying that part at their local dealer, but increasingly that purchase is happening online and outside of the agricultural industry. When that happens, there’s no backup or technical support for that purchase.

“Kramp wanted to provide a platform where a farmer can still buy from their dealer whilst having all the benefits of the internet: stock availability, pricing and immediate dispatch from a UK warehouse direct to their address for delivery the following day.”

The firm say they have made two key changes to enable this. Firstly, accounts can be created instantly, whereas previously it would have taken a few days. When setting up the account, users can select their local participating Kramp dealer to affiliate their account with.

The ability to pay with a card facilitates this, adds Leo. Although the affiliated dealer can place the customer on an account if everyone agrees. “This builds the relationship with the local dealer,” he says.

Following a pilot programme running for several months, the company say there is already a wide selection of dealers signed up to the programme for a farmer to choose from, including many OEM dealers and longstanding independent businesses. It provides full UK coverage and allows farmers to choose between delivery or click-and-collect from their dealer’s store.

Leo continued, “We believe the benefits Kramp’s webshop offers, together with its dealers, can’t be matched by the global e-commerce giants, which only stock about 20% of Kramp’s assortment. What we have created with our dealers offers the convenience they provide, but with the relationships and service levels we have always delivered. We have people you can speak to for help or a local depot you can visit.

“Our dealer inclusive e-commerce model is unique. It accounts for the entire supply chain, working towards solving the problem of quickly getting the right part to a business that needs it."

Kubota (UK) Ltd is adding to its agricultural and groundcare dealer network with the appointment of Hughes Agri Oswestry with immediate effect.

L-R: Hughes Agri business partners Tim Hughes, Herbert Jones, Iwan Ellis, Gary Price, Dave Swannick and Joe Piggott

The Shropshire-based dealer will strengthen coverage throughout the north of the county, and the north/mid-Wales border region. 

Henry Bredin, division manager of Kubota (UK)’s agricultural and ground care machinery business, said, “The appointment of Hughes Agri as a full-line Kubota tractor dealer will provide on-going support to existing customers operating in these areas, in addition to delivering sales, service and aftercare for Kubota’s agricultural and groundcare product portfolio.”

Established in April 2025 as a spares and repairs business following the closure of the family-run Hughes Bros operation, Hughes Agri Oswestry has continued to provide after sales service, spares and warranty support for existing Kubota customers in the area.

Run by a co-operative of six equal partners and employing two additional members of staff, the firm has been structured to make the most of each partner’s individual strengths, as dealer principal Tim Hughes explained.

“This really is a team business that continues to grow, while remaining totally focussed on looking after customers - both new and existing,” he said. “We have some very experienced partners in the business with their own specialist areas, and one was previously a Kubota apprentice. All have prior experience of a dealership business and the Kubota brand, and we all share a common vision, direction and customer-led focus.”

Tim concluded, “It’s certainly an exciting time for us, as we push forward with a new business venture backed up by a very experienced and knowledgeable team."

Marking the start of a new career chapter, David Timms has announced via LinkedIn that he has joined Kress UK and Ireland as the commercial business manager (South). 

David said in his post that he is thoroughly looking forward to meeting new and existing customers. He went on to write, "Reasons for the change? The industry’s rapid daily growing acceptance for smaller autonomous solutions coupled with the ability to supply superior 60v handheld solutions with incredibly short charge times. Ticking environmental boxes and solving many of the industry’s growing challenges."

Welcoming David to his new post, the company's sales director, Tony Macer, added, "Welcome to Kress, David. Exciting times ahead - great to have you part of a team that’s genuinely changing the game in commercial landscaping and sports turf."

Opico has appointed Hazel Cooper as marketing manager.

Hazel takes responsibility for delivering all aspects of marketing content for the Opico brands and at sister company Stocks Ag. 

The company says Hazel brings a valuable insight to the role, having previously worked within an agricultural dealership, giving her an understanding of the needs of farmers, contractors and other machinery buyers. Her agricultural knowledge is complimented by more than 10 years of marketing experience, gained in a different industry, working for a manufacturer where she successfully delivered B2B and B2C marketing strategies, brand development, and  product-launch campaigns. 

Hazel said, “I’m delighted to be joining Opico. Since moving to Lincolnshire and stepping into the agricultural sector three years ago, I’ve developed a real passion for the industry. My time working within a dealership gave me invaluable insight into the day-to-day realities faced by farmers and contractors, and I’m excited to bring that understanding, along with my marketing experience, to support the continued growth of Opico’s brands and the Stocks Ag portfolio.” 

STIGA has been recognised with three honours at the iF Design Award 2026, with its latest robotic mowing technologies and digital platform receiving accolades across multiple categories.

The awards were presented to the company's autonomous robot mower range featuring Vista Technology, the APX Pro professional robotic mower, and the STIGA.GO App. The iF Design Award is regarded as a global benchmark for product and digital design, attracting more than 10,000 entries from 68 countries this year.

Both the autonomous robot mowers and the APX Pro were recognised in the Product Design and Garden categories. The robot mower range incorporates the manufacturer'’s proprietary Vista Technology, an AI-driven camera system designed to enable real-time obstacle detection and navigation. The range includes eight models, covering working areas from 600m² to 14,000m².

The APX Pro, aimed at professional users maintaining large green spaces such as parks and sports facilities, combines battery power with autonomous operation. The company says it integrates multiple technologies including GPS-RTK, LiDAR, ultrasonic sensors and gyroscope systems, alongside their Active Guidance System, to support navigation across complex terrains.

In the digital category, the STIGA.GO App received recognition in Branding & Communication Design and Apps/Software. The platform provides remote management of their mower range, enabling functions such as setup, zone configuration, monitoring and predictive maintenance.

STIGA said the triple award highlights their continued investment in autonomous and connected technologies, as well as focus on combining functionality with design across both hardware and software.

AL-KO Gardentech is proud to announce the launch of its new entry level EASY petrol lawnmower range, complimenting the trusted high-performance COMFORT and PREMIUM ranges to offer a tailored solution for every customer, at every price point.

Stewart Anderson, Managing Director of AL-KO Gardentech UK commented -

“The new EASY petrol lawnmowers are something we have been missing over recent years. As part of our growth strategy, we can now offer a quality petrol lawnmower platform at every pricepoint. Since initial shipments were delivered, we have had an exceptional response from dealers regarding the quality and minimal buildtime, with additional stock landing next week.”

The EASY range includes five new models with a 42cm push and self propelled, a 46cm push and self propelled, and finally the 51cm self propelled. All models feature 3 in 1 function (including mulch plug) and 46 and 51cm models also feature side discharge for 4 in 1 function. All models are powered by premium AL-KO/Loncin engines and feature central height adjustment and large fabric collectors.

The EASY models feature a comprehensive 3 year warranty (subject to annual service) and full spare parts support with the majority of parts available for next day delivery.

SOLO by AL-KO EASY 4216 P-A
Art. No. AK127813
RRP £225.00

Deck - Steel
Cutting Width - 41cm / 16”
Engine - AL-KO PRO 125 QSS (123cc)
Drive - Push
Cutting Height - 7 stage 25-75mm
Collector - 50 Litre
Mulching - Yes
Side Discharge - No

SOLO by AL-KO EASY 4216 SP-A
Art. No. AK127814
RRP £269.00

Deck - Steel
Cutting Width - 41cm / 16”
Engine - AL-KO PRO 125 QSS (123cc)
Drive - Self Propelled
Cutting Height - 7 stage 25-75mm
Collector - 50 Litre
Mulching - Yes
Side Discharge - No

SOLO by AL-KO EASY 4716 P-A
Art. No. AK127815
RRP £275.00

Deck - Steel
Cutting Width - 46cm / 18”
Engine - AL-KO PRO 125 QSS (123cc)
Drive - Push
Cutting Height - 7 stage 25-75mm
Collector - 65 Litre
Mulching - Yes
Side Discharge - Yes

SOLO by AL-KO EASY 4716 SP-A
Art. No. AK127816
RRP £325.00

Deck - Steel
Cutting Width - 46cm / 18”
Engine - AL-KO PRO 145 QSS (139cc)
Drive - Self Propelled
Cutting Height - 7 stage 25-75mm
Collector - 65 Litre
Mulching - Yes
Side Discharge - Yes

SOLO by AL-KO EASY 5216 SP-A
Art. No. AK127817
RRP £389.00

Deck - Steel
Cutting Width - 51cm / 20”
Engine - AL-KO PRO 170 QSS (166cc)
Drive - Self Propelled
Cutting Height - 7 stage 25-75mm
Collector - 65 Litre
Mulching - Yes
Side Discharge - Yes

The introduction of the new EASY mower platform, alongside additional new products in rider, tractor, robotic lawnmower and battery categories, highlights AL-KO’s strong commitment to innovation, dealer success, and customer satisfaction. These developments position the brand for sustained growth in 2026 and beyond.

For more information visit the AL-KO consumer site at www.alko-garden.uk, or the dealer portal at www.gardentech-dealer.co.uk. To become an AL-KO stockist call us on 01963 828006 or speak to your local area sales manager.

South West - Bonnie Rallison - 07970 494982
West Midlands & Wales - Alexandra Winters - 07710 442751
South East - Ben Gold - 07725 816565
Northern England & Scotland - James Hill - 07970 174051

AL-KO Gardentech UK, Wincanton Business Park, Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 9RS

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