Have you made any positive changes to your business over these past 18 months that you might not have considered, had circumstances not dictated that you must?

Or perhaps these changes were not exactly out of necessity reacting to how the world changed, but more due to the fact that you had the opportunity to take a step back and look at how everything was running?

I heard thoughts along these lines from a couple of dealers this week, who have both won major accolades at past editions of the Service Dealer Awards. Chris Gibson of GGM Groundscare and Pete McArthur of Strathbogie Forest & Garden were talking to Chris Biddle on his Inside Agri-Turf podcast, relating how their businesses have coped over these past 18 months.

Chris Gibson says how this period had most definitely prompted them to make more positive changes than perhaps they otherwise would. He talks about keeping all staff more informed and meeting up more frequently which is both inclusive and helpful for all. 

He also talks about continuing to 'green up' the business where they could, with more use of solar power for example.

Pete also talks about refinements made to their dealership. He says how they were able to identify processes that needed to change for the betterment of the company. He speaks of having a short breather when initially being forced to close their doors, and then going back at it with a renewed vigour.

It's a fascinating chat and one that I'm sure many readers will relate to - so do check it out today.

Value of awards

The conversation also covers how winning an industry award positively effected their dealership. Speaking of which, that brings me nicely to asking if you have entered your business into the Service Dealer Awards yet?! 

As you may have already noticed, time is almost up to get your nominations in. We are keen to hear from as many of our readers as possible, so please do get yourselves involved. You all have a unique story to tell and undoubtedly deserve that recognition that comes with winning.

It was such a shame, but unavoidable, to be forced into canceling the awards and the conference last year. To have them back therefore is such a treat because shining a light on the incredible work achieved by our dealer readers is a genuine thrill and, frankly, what Service Dealer enjoys doing most. 

As a news source we sometimes must turn our attention to subjects which can be difficult, uncomfortable or downbeat. But with the awards, and certainly with the set of categories that have been designed specifically for this year, we have the perfect forum to highlight and celebrate the network's incredible efforts.

And going back to what Chris and Pete are talking about on the podcast, these new awards categories are specifically designed to reflect any changes that have been made within the dealership recently. 

Take the Best New Initiative award for example. This to me is quite a broad category. I'm sure many reading today will be able to think of something they've changed or started afresh that could apply to this award. Have you for example carried out some renovation work, changed a showroom, or diversified into new markets? Or maybe you've focused on new technology in some way? There will be something that you've developed throughout this period that deserves recognition.

Have a look through the awards categories and I'm sure you'll see something there that you can absolutely relate to. Don't be shy in shouting about it either.

Winning a Service Dealer award is not only a fantastic fillip for you and your team, it's a gold-plated marketing opportunity. The PR you can generate via your social channels and local press, plus the national recognition from the industry and your peers, should not be underestimated.

Chris and Pete also talk about this. Chris for instance, not only mentions the huge pride and boost given to the whole team from winning, but also how the award is something else to add to a company's credibility. This might be especially useful with customers who are discovering you for the first time. 

Pete adds that the publicity generated wasn't just confined to within the industry. He said he had customers ringing up and even coming into the premises to congratulate them.

Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke, who is also on the podcast, says it's humbling to think that a Service Dealer Award can have this positive effect and potentially lead to new people entering a dealership or making contact. It is in fact the principal reason why they are run.

So what's the delay? Get entering! You know how good your business is, you know the lengths to which you and your team have gone to not only help the business but also your local community. You also know how smart you have had to work to not just survive, but to thrive. So let us know!

More importantly though, let your customers and potential customers know too.

Good luck and see you for the ceremony in November!

Enter the Awards here.

Today is the final day to make your nominations for the 2021 Service Dealer Awards. 

 
This year’s awards acknowledge the efforts of dealerships and their employees throughout the 2020-21 period. We want to celebrate their efforts in supporting their communities, the wider industry, their customers and their own businesses, during what undoubtedly has been a time like no other.

Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke presenting at the 2019 awards
 
Our categories this year are:

• Most Creative Communications
• Best New Initiative
• Extra Mile Award
• Star of the Dealership
• Apprentice of the Year
• Leadership Award

For dealers

We know it’s hard to shout about your own successes but now more than ever we feel it’s important for you to do so, thanking yourself and your team for their commitment.

It’s especially important to thank those members of staff and your apprentices, who have worked so hard over the last 18 months. And don’t be shy – you can enter as many categories as you like!
 
Nominate yourself and your staff for awards here
 
For manufacturers and service providers

You can nominate your stand out dealers as many times as you like for the categories listed above. If you think someone is deserving of an award, please tell us! We don’t need all of information from you right now, as we can ask the dealership for some extra detail afterwards if needed. We just need to know your reasons for nominating.
 
Nominate here

According to figures released by the AEA, for the first time since October 2020, UK registrations of agricultural tractors (over 50hp) fell below their level a year before in September, by 3%.

However, say the AEA, given that the total for September 2020 was the highest for that month since 2013, this year's total of 1,159 was still a strong performance.

Agricultural economist at the AEA, Stephen Howarth said of the figures, "It was higher than the number of machines registered in September during any of the five years prior to 2020 and was 20% above the average during that period. The total of 9,852 machines registered so far this year is 19% higher than at the same stage last year and 8% above the previous 5-year average.

"This strong performance came despite ongoing disruptions to global supply chains, which are delaying delivery of some machines and meaning lead times for new orders are lengthening. Without this, the number of machines registered in recent months would no doubt have been higher still."

Challenge 2025, the campaign led by battery-powered gardening equipment manufacturer Ego Power Plus, which aims to encourage the adoption of battery-powered tools and move both domestic and professional users away from petrol, has launched the first emissions calculator for gardeners.

In a statement Challenge 2025 said, "While petrol-powered tools have been a familiar fixture for decades, the emissions they produce have largely gone unnoticed. There has been a lack of regulation around petrol-powered outdoor power equipment, with no requirement for manufacturers to test equipment or publish emissions results - something which is a basic requirement in sectors such as the car industry.

"Now, through Challenge 2025, emissions tests have been carried out on some of the UK’s most popular petrol-powered tools for the first time, with common tools shown to produce up to 11x more toxic emissions than cars. With the findings plugged into the new emissions calculator, users can estimate the emissions attributed to their garden tools by inputting their average usage times."

The campaign describe their new emissions calculator as the first of its kind dedicated exclusively to users of petrol-powered garden equipment.

The company's statement continued, "Through supporting domestic and professional gardeners to understand the true impact of petrol tool usage, Challenge 2025 hopes to encourage people to seriously consider battery-powered alternatives moving forward. As highlighted by the recent IPCC report on climate change, it is human activities which are the source of the problem and shifts in everyday behaviour could limit further damage."

Emma Gayler, Ego’s ambassador for Challenge 2025, says: “To create this calculator, we had to start from scratch because there had previously been no emissions testing of petrol-powered tools. So, we surveyed thousands of professional and domestic users and asked councils up and down the country which tools they own and use. From this, we established the most popular petrol tools and put them to the test.

“Because these tools are so freely available, it’s easy to think that they’re perfectly safe to use, but emissions test results suggest that’s not always the case. Some tools produce such high volumes of emissions that testing equipment designed for cars cannot measure it, which means users could be using petrol tools and unknowingly impacting their health and that of those around them, as well as causing damage to the environment.

“The results from these tests were alarming, but by making them accessible through our new emissions calculator, we believe it will help both domestic and professional users to make more informed decisions when it comes to buying their next piece of equipment. By making the switch from petrol to battery, people can reduce their environmental impact without having to compromise on power and performance.”

Allett Mowers’ managing director, Austin Jarrett, stated at Saltex 2019, "We predict we will probably not have any petrol engines within our range by 2025.”

Showing the progress towards this goal, the Allett stand at this year’s SALTEX exhibition promises only battery electric mowers.

At the forefront is a new electric mode that the company is keeping that under wraps until the first morning of the show when it will be revealed on the stand. They will also show it at the ‘Eco Village’ at 12.30pm, where Austin will demonstrate its capabilities and talk about the future of battery power.

Allett says they have seen a real change in sentiment towards battery mowers over the past two years as people realise the benefits, both environmentally and for end users. 

In addition to the new Allett product, they will also be showing for the first time a concept professional greens mowing system with a new Honda battery and motor system that will retro fit existing Honda petrol mowers. Three other models complete Allett’s current battery powered line-up. The Uplift 86 Evolution, launched at Saltex 2019, is a twin blade rotary stadium mower powered by four 82V Lithium-Ion batteries with step-less forward speeds. 

The C34 Evolution is a large area walk-behind battery powered cylinder mower designed for quiet operation in sports stadiums. It features interchangeable cartridges to verticut, rake, aerate and brush as well as mow. Smaller brother of the C34E is the C27E with battery technology and designed for sports stadiums, training grounds and prestige lawns. 

Kverneland dealer JG Paxton & Sons has announced the launch of a new free, direct-to-farm delivery service for original parts to improve support for its customers in the Borders region.

David Taylor

Called Paxtons Borders Direct, the family-run dealership says they are looking to boost aftersales service and efficiency for its Kverneland customers, by improving access to a greater volume of parts stock, centrally located at its Alnwick depot.

The delivery service has been established in response to the recent closure of Paxons' Swinton Mill branch near Coldstream, which had proved no longer cost-effective to keep open. 

The daily delivery service will be provided by area parts and machinery salesman David Taylor, using a double-cab pickup truck. For bulky parts and extensive orders that could exceed the pickup truck’s load capacity, the service will be further enhanced using a trailer. 

“We’re really pleased to be able to offer a reliable, efficient solution for new and existing customers in the Borders region,” explained Paxton’s managing director Peter Tallentire. “This direct-to-farm service has the advantage of saving customers valuable time travelling to and from our Alnwick depot for non-urgent parts.”

Customers ordering Kverneland parts through the centralised stock at Alnwick before the close of business hours will receive an on-farm delivery the next day. Mr Tallentire says that emergency parts deliveries can be dispatched by courier, though charges may apply for an express, same-day delivery service.

“Paxtons’ Kverneland parts manager Brian Straughan will co-ordinate orders and prepare parts ready for dispatch,” he said. “Our aim is to provide a more efficient supply of Kverneland parts to the Borders region, while continuing to deliver excellent customer service for all our customers.

“Machine servicing will continue to be handled through our Alnwick depot, where our service manager Neil Tiplady is currently based. Neil and his team will continue to deliver first-class service and back-up for our customers. And Borders area salesman David Edgar will continue to look after machinery sales in the region.”

Staffordshire-based JCB say they remained profitable in 2020 despite the severe impact of the pandemic on its global manufacturing operations.

Last year sales turnover fell to £3.1 billion (2019: £4.2 billion), while machine sales decreased to 74,590 (2019: 92,216). Earnings on an EBITDA basis stood at £228 million (2019: £414 million). 

JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald said, “In March 2020, £1 billion worth of orders disappeared overnight with the onset of Covid-19 and JCB was forced to close its 21 manufacturing plants around the world for around two months.

"Despite the severe impact on its business, JCB remained profitable in 2020 as it has done for the past 76 years. The turnaround in 2021 has been dramatic: we are sitting here now in September with four times the usual order bank we had in normal times two to three years ago. As a result, we are ramping up production to levels we have not had before. I have never seen anything like it in my career.”

JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said, “The past is the past and, while 2020 was undoubtedly one of the most difficult years in our history, our focus is now very firmly on the future. We continue to lead the way in zero emissions technology, particularly with the development of the construction equipment industry’s first internal combustion engine powered by hydrogen, which is already being tested in JCB machines. This is a great British breakthrough and we will be producing these engines by the end of next year.”

Peasmarsh, Surrey based dealership Honey Brothers, have once again joined forces with The Pink Ribbon Foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The business is selling a limited edition pink t-shirt throughout the month of October so customers can show their support.

10% of each sale will go towards the Pink Ribbon Foundation say Honey Brothers.

The bright pink 100% cotton t-shirt features a white printed ribbon to the front and the Honey Bros logo to the rear.

Toro U.K. Limited manufacturer of Lawnmowers and Turf Equipment. Established in 1946 as Hayter Limited the company has been actively promoting and distributing Garden and Grounds Care machinery for over 75 years. We are looking to recruit for the position of Technical Service Representative for the U.K. We require an individual with a passion for the industry and who wants to work as part of our successful EMEA Customer Care team. Reporting to the UK Service Manager, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with market leading brands and products.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Technical Service Representative will be responsible for:

• Technical Support on Hayter and Toro Consumer, Landscape Contractor and, Siteworks System products primarily in the U.K.
• Technical Support on new technologies and products as they are launched.
• Receiving and responding in a timely manner to incoming dealer, service provider, mass retail and end user technical communications (telephone, email etc.).
• Serves as the technical product expert for dealers, customers and other departments within Toro.
• Assisting in creating and presenting training materials.
• Able to work safely and efficiently in a workshop.
• Able to carry out fault diagnosis and repair on products.
• Maintaining the highest levels of customer satisfaction.
• Working as part of the EMEA Customer Care team.
• Will need to live in a convenient location as this position will be based at our Spellbrook location.

SPECIFICATIONS

The Technical Service Representative will possess the following:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work well in a team-based environment.
• Ability to be flexible and work well under pressure.
• Have drive, commitment and enthusiasm.
• Have an eye for detail.
• Possess sound analytical and numerical skills.
• Sound understanding of combustion engine, hydraulics and electrics / electronics technology.
• Strong technical skills in PC and mobile operating systems and applications.
• Have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to work effectively across different business functions.
• Must be self motivated and able to work autonomously.
• Work requires the level of educational development normally acquired through completion of a degree in a technical field.

Interested candidates please forward CV and cover letter to martin.holden@toro.com

Closing date for applications is Friday 29th October 2021.

Nestled in the heart of Sherwood Forest lies Nottingham & District Gun Club. Offering lessons, shooting memberships, events, and more, the Gun Club requires picture-perfect grounds, all year round. With a restricted amount of time to mow, fears of theft, and the limitations of shared equipment, the Club turned to B&B Tractors and Husqvarna Automower®, to help assist with their challenges.

Carl Smith, Owner at Nottingham & District Gun Club, discussed the switch to Automower®: “When we discussed the idea of turning to robotic mowing, it quickly became evident that it would be the smart thing to do, and Husqvarna Automower® stood out as the obvious choice. The Club has always had the challenge of maintaining the grounds when clients are there, which means limited hours in which to do so. Time is the most precious thing that the ground staff has, but with limited hours to work in, it’s never something we’ve had surplus of.

“Trying to keep the layout tidy has always been a challenge we’ve faced, with dandelions and daisies becoming a particular issue in the past. As quick as we’d be at removing them, the quicker they’d be at growing. We knew we needed an innovative solution, and so purchased Automower® 550.”

Automower® works day or night, in rain or shine

Carl continued: “Shortly after our Automower® was installed, it wasn’t long until we were seeing the fruits of its labour. Being able to mow day or night, in rain or shine, our layouts looked better than ever. The dandelions and daisies were also no longer an issue, as Automower® keeps the grass at a short length. Just as we need it.”
 
Saving the team many hours to spend on other tasks

“One of the best things about Automower® is that it never gets ill, doesn’t need any holidays, and can work day or night, in any weather condition. With minimal input needed, the risk of damage is minimal, which has eased my worries about breakages significantly. In addition, the amount of time it has saved our team is incredible and allows us to spend more hours on tasks that require more skill and precision.”

“I have to admit, I was initially sceptical whether the Automower® would be able to deliver all that it promised, but it has certainly proved its worth. In the future we look forward to expanding our Automower® range and taking further advantage of Husqvarna’s innovation.”
 
For more information on Husqvarna Automower®, visit: 
https://www.husqvarna.com/uk/products/robotic-lawn-mowers/

Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on 3 and 4 November, SALTEX 2021 will be celebrating its 75th anniversary in style.

The show will feature over 400 brands including some of the biggest names in groundscare.

NEW from Tyre-Line & ITP comes the Duaracity® tyre, designed for use on ATV/UTV & SxS machines being used on multiple surfaces including paved roads, tarmac, worksites and off road areas. 

Using ITP’s extensive knowledge of the ATV/UTV market, along with cutting edge design and engineering expertise, the Duracity® has been created to offer the perfect balance of stability and control when used on hard surface, whilst still providing ample traction when used off road.

Extensively tested in the field, the Duaracity® features a continuous centre contact patch which provides stability on-road whilst the large spacing between the shoulder lugs, coupled with a deep tread depth provides ample traction when required off-road. A multiple pitch, directional tread design with siping promotes a quiet, smooth ride both on and off road whilst the rounded shoulder gives an improved steering response over conventional road tyres. With reinforced belting, 6ply rating & radial construction all adding to the impressive list of features, the Duaracity® is built for use on the most demanding of both worksite and farm use ATV/UTV machines. Ideally suited for vehicles operating with high load carrying capacity’s, the Duaracity® is available in both 205/80R12 (25x8.00R12) and 255/65R12 (25x10.00R12) with “E” marking for full EU road homologation and are available now.

Tyre-Line will be showcasing the new Duaracity® tyre at next months SALTEX show at the NEC, Birmingham on the 3rd & 4th November, along with a host of other Carlisle & ITP products including the full range of Carlisle Groundscare tyres for Lawn, Garden & Golf applications. Why not pay them a visit at the show or you can contact the Tyre-Line Aftermarket team on – 01458 250350 aftermarket@tyreline.com

Our Summer research shows that on average, each Garden Trader dealer will be sent 114 new customers (or people with a buying intention walking through your door) per year.  This works out at 83p for each new customer. A subscription rate designed to be all inclusive delivering unrivalled online results.

This site was purpose-built just for skilled servicing ground care dealers by the team that bring you Service Dealer Magazine. It is easy and quick to register and costs just £96 + VAT per year for a full listing.  As this dealer site is designed to promote the UK dealer network, all revenues in 2021 will be reinvested into promoting the site online.

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