Are you back in the swing of late summer / autumn's manufacturer-organised dealer days?

I joined some south-west England Stiga dealers this week at Wincanton Racecouse in Somerset, as part of the company's series of roadshow events that had kicked off on Monday down in Cornwall. As mentioned previously, there are several manufacturers who are running similar events across the country this month. I suspect most dealers reading this today will be attending, or will at least have been invited to, a gathering somewhere during September.

In-person events this autumn, certainly appear to be in the ascendancy compared to the Zooms and Teams which we all have become accustomed to over these 18 months. I'm sure virtual events wont disappear completely - I attended a STIHL one for international trade journalists this week for example - but I guess they will start to be used in support of live events where those are not practical.

For right now, it feels like real-life events are firmly back on the agenda. And I think the industry has missed them. I overheard several conversations with dealers talking amongst themselves at Wincanton, asking each other if they've attended many things like this yet and how it's good to get out and meet suppliers and peers once again.

Speaking to Gary Whitney, Stiga UK's md, he told me he was delighted with how the roadshows had begun and how he had high hopes for how the next couple of weeks would pan out, based on the bookings they had for each venue. He told me that they expected to see as many dealerships across the tour as they would at their traditional 3-day conference - roughly two-thirds of all their dealer partners.

The question presented itself therefore, will these roadshow events stay as a permanent fixture for Stiga?

The company's normal 3-day conference, which like everything else had to be cancelled last year, was always a huge event in the network's autumn calendar. With recent editions taking place at the National Motorcycle Museum near Birmingham's NEC, I've consistently been impressed with just how many of their dealers make the effort to attend.

But will these roadshow events be the preferred format of the future? Gary told me he would let his dealers dictate that to him. As such, all attendees at each stop-off will have a QR code on the reverse of their name badge which they are asked to scan to access a feedback survey. Gary said they would listen to the dealers' thoughts from this to determine if the tour is repeated in subsequent years.

Getting hands-on

What was of utmost importance to Gary, as it will be to all other suppliers who are holding events, is enabling the dealers to get hands-on with the new machines being launched. It was notable that unlike at the conference, Gary wasn't delivering one of his state-of-the-industry type addresses. He told me it was much more important this year to introduce the new machines and then get dealers in seats and hands on handlebars. It's this physical interaction with new kit that has been sorely lacking throughout all of this.

The presentations of the new machines - of which there were plenty - actually took a hybrid form. Stiga sales managers gave brief overviews of each new product, with further detail delivered via a series of demonstration videos. These clips were filmed both as a contingency in case the roadshow couldn't go ahead for any reason, but helpfully also, so they could be shown to the rest of the dealership team back at the premises. Available online, they can be used to keep everyone who didn't get to come along to one of the live events, in the loop regarding what's new.

And what was new? Well, battery machines and plenty of them! There were some petrol models too to be fair, but it was certainly cordless power that was the order of the day. Alongside the line up of electric walk-behinds and handheld items were also new battery powered ride-ons - including the Gyro model, steered by an innovative joystick controller. Also new for Stiga were a couple of robotic mower models - one of which, the Stig A, had the brain power to map the sky to make sure it only cut at times of the day when it knew it was going to receive adequate satellite signal. 

All of these new developments, Stiga were proud to point out, were developed in-house by their own R&D department, and significantly there were plenty of patents for various elements of design and manufacture spread across the ranges. This notion of applying a patent to their own innovations to prevent copyists, appeared to be a policy the manufacturer was keen to pursue.

I suspect dealers attending any manufacturer's event this autumn will come away feeling they've benefited having participated. During Covid, models have been released that dealers were only introduced to via the internet - which is nowhere near the same.

Having new kit explained in person and, crucially, being able to start them up and have a go, is something that I suspect both dealer and manufacturer will have a new found appreciation of this autumn.

Club Car has announced Hunt Forest Group as a new UK distribution partner.

Hunt Forest Group is based in the south of England, with nine branches across five counties, and supplies specialist machinery, parts and services to the professional turf, construction and residential markets. Earlier this year it acquired Smart Agricultural Services to nearly double in size, now employing 180 staff.

The manufacturer says the new partnership will help strengthen their presence in the south and south-west regions of the UK, supplying their golf, commercial and consumer vehicles to a large, diverse customer base. 

Andy Bourke, Club Car’s regional manager UK&I & Nordics, said, “This is a very exciting partnership which will allow Club Car to continue growing across the south of the UK.

“There are more than 120 golf clubs in this region, and having Hunt Forest Group on board will allow Club Car to serve and support this market. Hunt Forest Group is an ambitious organisation that places an emphasis on excellent service and strong relationships, so it’s an excellent fit with Club Car and we look forward to building together.”

Ed Smales, Hunt Forest Group sales director, said, “We are extremely excited to add Club Car to our portfolio. Club Car will strengthen our position in the professional turf and commercial market, giving us fantastic product power. 

“Coupled with our service and support, we feel this will be a mutually beneficial partnership for not only Hunt Forest and Club Car but also our customer base and the existing Club Car customers.”       

Reekie Ltd, part of the Hamilton Ross Group, has been announced as a newly-appointed official dealer for Bauer’s premium range of crop irrigation equipment.

Rob Jackson (left), Bauer UK and Ireland, with Sam Mercer, Reekie Ltd general manager at Cupar and Perth

The main focus of the new partnership is on the group’s depots at Perth and Cupar, which cover some of the largest potato and vegetable growing areas in Scotland.

Reekie Ltd has already supplied a Bauer Rainstar E31 to a long-standing customer and to underscore its commitment to the new partnership has taken a second E31 into stock and placed a substantial order for critical parts to support future customers for the machines.

Sam Mercer, general manager at Cupar and Perth, said, “We have a long-standing involvement with irrigation equipment and wanted to get back to supplying new irrigators again with a premium brand that would sit well alongside our agricultural machinery franchises.

“In Bauer, we have that premium brand; the company has a well-deserved reputation for its engineering and manufacturing quality, and the performance and durability of its irrigators.”

Rob Jackson of Bauer UK & Ireland said: “We’re delighted to have reached this agreement with Reekie Ltd, an established and well-respected dealership with people in sales, service and parts who know and understand irrigation equipment and the crucial part it plays in growing high-quality, high-value potato and vegetable crops.

“We are already taking orders and securing build slots at the factory for irrigation reels to be delivered in time for next year’s growing season, so it’s important for growers to look ahead and plan their requirements now for next year and beyond.”

In the financial year 2020/2021, Pöttinger say they achieved the highest turnover in their history of EUR 405 million, exceeding the 400 million mark for the first time.

Pöttinger's new assembly plant in St. Georgen (AT)

With an increase of 11 percent compared to the previous year and an export quota of 88 percent, the manufacturer says the key to their success is their 1,929 highly motivated employees, their partnerships with dealerships and the investments in their manufacturing plants.

The company says almost 60 percent of total turnover was achieved in Germany, France, Austria, Poland, Switzerland and Great Britain. Germany with a turnover share of 18 percent and France with 15 percent are again the largest single markets. Sales in both markets remained more or less constant over the past financial year. 

Sales in other overseas territories also developed  positively: Canada with +48 Percent and Australia with +33 percent were the standouts say Pöttinger. 

Gregor Dietachmayr, spokesperson for the management team said, "Even in the difficult financial year 2020/2021, a year that has seen many changes, we have demonstrated our resilience, commitment and determination. We even succeeded in celebrating the anniversary year with a record turnover.

"As a source of innovation with a strong team of highly motivated employees, a very well-developed network of dealerships and with a view to the future and the needs of the market in terms of digitisation, sensor technology, etc., we are ideally equipped for the challenges ahead." 

Merlo UK has further extended its network of agricultural dealers in the east of England by appointing Marst Agri Services of Hadleigh, Suffolk.

L-R: Mark Butcher, Marst Agri, partner; Charlie Lane, network development manager, Merlo UK; Tom Reily, ag apprentice, Marst Agri; Stewart Butcher, Marst Agri, partner

Founded in 2017 by Mark and Stewart Butcher, Marst Agri Services have established a successful business specialising in the servicing and support of Merlo telescopic handlers.

Owen Buttle, national sales manager at Merlo UK said, “Mark and Stewart have both spent a large part of their combined 40 years in the industry working with Merlo products. This makes Marst Agri well positioned to offer excellent advice and support to both existing and prospective Merlo customers."

Marst Agri say they intend to build on their already established strong local reputation for parts and service with sales of new machines. Offering the manufacturer's full range of agricultural telescopic handlers and genuine attachments the dealership are also able to provide Merlo retail finance to support those purchases.

Mark Butcher said, “We will continue to develop the Marst Agri business, all whilst continuing to maintain an excellent level of aftersales service to all customers, both old and new”.

Visitors to the Midlands Machinery Show, 9-10 November 2021 at Newark Showground, Nottinghamshire, will get an exclusive insight into the entire production line at John Deere’s renowned Mannheim factory in Germany, thanks to a live stream.

“Building a modern tractor is extremely complex,” explains Chris Wiltshire, marketing manager at John Deere UK & Ireland. “We have just-in-time production; the cabs and engines are made elsewhere so are scheduled to arrive on the day of build.”
 
About a third of the production line is automated, with robots building the transmissions and people doing the rest, including assembling the chassis and adding the engine, transmission and cab. “Visitors will be able to see how we build and test our tractors, with commentary and close-up views which you wouldn’t even get at an in-person visit,” says Chris. “We will demonstrate everything from the making of bare components to building the transmission, final assembly, testing, and rolling off the production line.”
 
Visitors will also be able to ask questions, and can see the final results in person by visiting John Deere dealers Ben Burgess, Ripon Farm Services and Doubleday, who will be exhibiting at the event. There will also be live demonstrations of large agricultural equipment, ground care machinery and, new this year, green power.
 
“We are so looking forward to holding a physical event,” says show organiser Elizabeth Halsall. “There is sure to be a great vibe, with so many live demonstrations of cutting-edge tractors and equipment, as well as drones, robots and electric vehicles.”
 
The seminar programme will feature technical talks from experts in farm efficiencies, new technology and future farming systems. The NFU will also be holding its Environment Conference at the show, tying in with the UN Climate Change Conference and featuring live streams from Glasgow.

Organisers say a live podcast with industry influencers and a social media lounge will be available for visitors to experience at GIE+EXPO, which takes place in Louisville, Kentucky, October 20-22.

New this year, Influencer LIVE Powered by Kohler is a live-audience podcast where organisers say attendees can interact, laugh and learn from some top names in the U.S industry’s community. The event, set for Friday, October 22, 8:00 - 9:30 AM, is hosted by Naylor Taliaferro, Paul Jamison and Caleb Auman. Featured guests include Allyn Hane, Jason Creel, Shawn and Savanaha Spencer and Kory Ballard. The event is free with trade show registration.

After launching in 2019, the ECHO Means Business Social Media Lounge returns to the show floor in a new, bigger and more central location. Decked out with sofas and massage chairs for relaxing and tables set up for quiet meetings, organisers say it’s a place to meet up with colleagues, suppliers and friends. Other highlights in the lounge include:

• A series of live interviews with industry pros and exhibitors will happen throughout the three days. Attendees can stop by to listen or tune in online.
• Complimentary WiFi codes will be given every half hour for those looking to share their own photos or videos on social media.
• Prize drawings and swag bags
• Beer and popcorn will be served in the lounge Wednesday beginning at 5:30 PM during the welcome reception on the show floor.

Click here for more information and registration.

Cub Cadet is delighted to be once again sponsoring a cross-country fence at the Blenheim Horse Trials taking place from 16th to 19th September at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.

Cub Cadet are also long-standing sponsors of three-day eventer, William Fox-Pitt MBE

The fence will have two of the company's most popular machines on display, the XT2 QR106 lawn tractor and the XZ5 L137 zero-turn.

Cub Cadet also say they are proud to be a long-standing sponsor of William Fox-Pitt MBE, one of the most successful three-day event riders ever, who uses their range to keep his Dorset yard well groomed. Fox-Pitt has been world number one four times and is eleven-times British number one. He will be riding Grafennacht at Blenheim.

"We are pleased to be sponsoring a fence again at such a high-profile event as Blenheim Horse Trials," said Tara Glen, chairman of the Cub Cadet UK distributor. "It is great to be back here supporting William Fox-Pitt MBE as he competes in the event and we wish him all the best."

We are pleased to announce a vacancy for Grounds Care Field Support in the Grounds Care Team reporting to the Grounds Care Development Manager, this role is field based and will cover the South of England. 

In this role you will be responsible for supporting the sales development and growth of iMow and grounds care product range in the field through:

• Working in conjunction with the Field Sales Team
• Supporting our dealer network through providing education and installation
• Maintenance of long term relationships with the dealer network and key end users
• Maximising all iMow and grounds care product opportunities

About you:

You will be active and energetic with enthusiasm for practical roles and outdoor activities, happy to work on your own as well as part of a team. You’ll have:

• Knowledge and experience of grounds care and maintenance
• Basic technical grounds care product experience
• An understanding of and interest in technological grass cutting innovation and robotics
• Demonstrate a passion for technology
• Ability to impact and influence
• Team player
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships
• Independent self-starter with good self-organisational and presentation skills
• Ability to problem solve and persuade through strong positive communication
• Drive and ambition to deliver first class customer service
• Knowledge of health and safety
• Clean Driving License (A company van will be provided)

Why STIHL?

STIHL has consistently been the world's top-selling chainsaw brand since 1971! STIHL is a global leader in outdoor power tools with a reputation for manufacturing excellence, innovation and outstanding customer service. 

What STIHL can offer

• Competitive salary
• Contributory pension plan
• 25 days holiday per annum
• Staff discount on STIHL products

For further information about this opportunity or to apply please contact HR@stihl.co.uk

Closing date: 30th September 2021.

Field based role – Lincolnshire / Cambridgeshire / Leicestershire with extensive travel throughout Midlands/South of England.

Are you an innovative, hands-on person who thrives on providing an excellent service? If you’re looking to join a talented Merchandising team then come and be part of our Dealership Development team. We work closely with our Field Sales team, delivering excellent customer service to our network of Dealers. You will be able to build relationships and deliver solutions for our customers, bringing our STIHL retail experiences to life.

STIHL is currently recruiting a Retail Merchandiser, to support our Dealership Development Team. This role is home-based, with extensive travel. Due to the geography of our customer base, you will ideally be based in the Lincolnshire area or surrounding counties (Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, South Yorkshire). In this role you will help us to deliver STIHL’s market leading retail strategy and grow the STIHL brand through innovative display solutions.

Why STIHL?

STIHL has consistently been the world's top-selling chainsaw brand since 1971! STIHL is a global leader in outdoor power tools with a reputation for manufacturing excellence, innovation and outstanding customer service. We are committed to working in partnership with our servicing dealer network to enhance the STIHL brand and to develop the business through marketing, effective merchandising and product displays in store. 

Your role

Every member of the Dealership Development team is an integral part of everything STIHL delivers, and you will be no exception. Reporting to the Dealership Development Project Manager, your role will involve travelling extensively throughout the country to install or modify STIHL’s retail display system in our Dealer’s retail outlets.

• Visiting dealers to construct and update shop systems
• Advising on prime positioning of STIHL displays
• Installing new STIHL shop systems or modifying existing displays to optimize the retail opportunity.
• Improving merchandising to be more visually appealing to customers
• Assisting with training dealers in the demonstration and effective sale of products
• Identifying new sales opportunities
• Building strong relationships with dealers

About you

You will be active and energetic with enthusiasm for practical roles and outdoor activities, happy to work on your own as well as part of a team. You will have a clean driving license and will be willing to travel extensively with frequent nights away. A Company Vehicle (van) is provided for business use in this role.

You will be dynamic and have previous experience of working in a retail, events or marketing environment where you have gained hands-on knowledge of shop layouts, product promotion and setting up displays. Using your creative flair, you will have the dexterity to install and merchandise displays. You will have confidence to generate ideas and concepts to the merchandising team as well as influence your customers. You will have a passion for customer service and strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to problem solve. You will thrive in a practical hands-on role.

What STIHL can offer

• Competitive salary
• Contributory pension plan
• 25 days holiday per annum
• Staff discount on STIHL product

For further information about this opportunity or to apply please contact HR@stihl.co.uk

Closing date: 30th September 2021.

Visit the Kentucky Exposition Center, between the 20-22nd October 2021, to take part in GIE+EXPO’s:

• 4,000sqft hands-on Drone Zone
• UTV Test Track for driving and comparing the latest vehicles on real terrain
• Remote Pilot Certification Course
• Arborist demos and classroom courses
• Keynote presentation from Admiral James Stavridis
• Free dealer workshops by Bob Clements International, as well as much more… 

Visit gie-expo.com to find out more.

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 TRAIL TAMER® HD, designed for the most arduous ATV / UTV & SxS machines operating in extreme environments. 

Using ITP’s extensive knowledge, cutting edge design and engineering expertise, the TRAIL TAMER® HD has been created to offer the perfect balance of traction, braking, stability and control for UTV’s being used in all forms of environments.

Extensively tested in the field, the TRAIL TAMER® HD uses tread features that includes a square shoulder design to ensure lateral stability under heavy payloads & enhanced puncture and impact resistance, whilst the intermediate pattern design offers traction and braking on multiple terrains. The 8ply rated, x-ply carcass offers rigidity and stability when operating in high load applications whilst also offering a smooth ride when used on hard surfaces, coupled with “E” marking for full EU road homologation. Available in 280/60-10 (23x11.00-10) for the extremely popular range of Kawasaki Mule UTV vehicles, the TRAIL TAMER® HD are arriving with Tyre-Line soon.

The constantly growing and evolving ATV / UTV machinery market is an area that Tyre-Line have vast knowledge and experience in, both from its Aftermarket sales division and its O.E. supply side, having partnered over the past 30 years with many of today’s biggest manufactures including John Deere, Kubota, Logic & Toro.

For further information on the TRAIL TAMER® HD & the complete range of ITP products, or to see how they can help you with your ATV / UTV & SxS tyre requirements, 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.

Join the country’s only independent specialist website, created by the team that bring you Service Dealer. Join our subscribed Garden Trader dealers now by clicking on “Register Dealership” and let's fight back against the zero value retailers.

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