Oftentimes in the month of August, like the grass, news stories for our sector tend to dry up a bit. There's never zero to report on in our vibrant industry of course, but in all my years of working for this journal dedicated to the dealer network, there's been a clear pattern of fewer stories around during the mid-summer.

Why that is, I'm not so sure? Whether it's as simple as people are on holiday so therefore not as much happens - that's possible I guess?

But this week however, slap-bang in the centre of what, for many, will be peak-vacation time, that trend is well and truly bucked! And it's interesting (to me at least) that this specific buckage, is several interesting stories all on a similar theme.

We have a bunch of articles today, all relating to dealerships taking on machinery franchises new to themselves - across the ag, grasscare and forestry markets. We hear from businesses all around the country, including Turneys, Dorset Tractors, Wildwood Machinery, Ben Burgess, Sharrocks and Treeline - all of whom are excited to announce their new partnerships.

Heartening to see at any time of year, when dealers make the choice to take on a new marque (as opposed to having it forced upon them) it can be argued that they are focused on looking ahead, investing in growth, and backing their ability to connect with new and existing customers.

There are distinct benefit possibilities from these new franchise signings for dealer, supplier and customer alike. For the dealer, of course, a fresh brand in the showroom brings with it new sales potential and new revenue streams. It’s a chance to tap into different segments of the market, appeal to customers that might not have been reached before, and a possible strengthening of their overall proposition.

For the supplier, it’s an opportunity to work with an experienced, respected business who understands their local community and who have earned the trust of their customers. Whilst for customers themselves, it means greater choice, and perhaps a more complete solution to their needs all under one roof - meaning they hopefully don't have to explore other, rival, retail options.

I think many would also argue that making the informed decision to sign up with a new brand is adding to a dealership's resilience (coincidentally the theme of the Service Dealer Conference this year!). We've seen in recent years the problems faced when supply chains hit bumps in the road. Having an extra franchise in the showroom will hopefully mean reliable options should another manufacturer face issues with supply.

With some different coloured machines in the yard and showroom this will also likely mean a renewed impetus for a business. New marketing campaigns, open days, demonstrations, and training sessions should all be on the cards - all of which can contribute to bringing customers through the door. Also, they should simply bring a boost of enthusiasm, momentum and morale to the dealership team themselves. Being part of something fresh and forward-looking, should always be an exciting prospect.

So the best of luck with your new endeavours to all the dealer teams we feature today. Your new partnerships are a vote of confidence in your own businesses and in the strength and viability of the dealer network as a whole.

Argo Tractors GB has announced the appointment of Dorset Tractors as its authorised McCormick dealer for Dorset, expanding the brand’s commercial footprint in the South West. 

L-R: Sam Percy, director, Dorset Tractors and Richard Haines, commercial director of Argo Tractors GB

Based in Blandford Forum, 20 miles from Bournemouth, Dorset Tractors is a family-run agricultural engineering company with over 40 years’ experience across all aspects of machinery repair. 

“This is a very exciting development for our company,” said Sam Percy, director with Dorset Tractors. 

“We’ve been growing year on year but felt that we could offer something more to our customers while retaining full commitment to our long-established core business: the repair, maintenance and servicing of machinery. 

“Taking on a franchise, which would put us in a position to offer customers the full package of tractor, servicing and staff support, felt like a natural progression in terms of cementing our business within Dorset. This franchise partnership with McCormick is a first for Dorset Tractors, represents a tremendous opportunity for us and it’s one that we intend to make the most of.”  

Richard Haines, commercial director with Argo Tractors GB, says he is thrilled “to welcome Dorset Tractors into the expanding McCormick dealer network.”   

Richard said: "The Percy family’s expertise in farm machinery repair and restoration is well-known throughout the South West. Their long-standing commitment to providing the best customer service makes them an ideal fit for the McCormick brand. We’re confident that their commitment to excellence will showcase our competitive line-up while deepening our commercial roots across the region.” 

Hampshire-based Wildwood Machinery has announced they have continued to extend the range of their product portfolio with a partnership with US manufacturer Dewalt.

L-R: Richard Mallinson with James Bastian

Managing director James Bastian, who has overseen Wildwood’s rapid growth since establishing the business in 2022, said, “Dewalt’s landscaping, forestry and outdoor power equipment will fill an important place in our portfolio. Our aim is to be the supplier of choice in southern England for all commercial groundcare equipment - that covers everything from sports turf to large estates. With our expanding product partnerships and outstanding service back-up, we can help land managers to do the very best job."

The manufacturer's landscaping & forestry products are not available on the high street - only through authorised dealers, of which Wildwood Machinery is one of the first in the UK.  

Kuhn Farm Machinery has added Ben Burgess to its specialist big baler centres, offering their SB baler customers improved access to sales, service and back-up at dealer level.

The addition will cover all Ben Burgess depots and is centralised at the Coates outlet. Existing and prospective baler SB customers will now have access to dedicated demonstrator machines, and a demonstrator programme will be running throughout the season. Ben Burgess staff will also receive factory level training from Kuhn to support users throughout the season and optimise the machines for greater performance.

John Hulland, the manufacturer's UK sales manager, says the appointment strengthens the baler network across a key area. “The SB range is aimed at high-capacity contractors and farmers, and Ben Burgess is ideally located to support its larger customers using these machines. Understanding the pressures of harvest and the back-up and service required at a busy time is essential to maximising output.”

Kuhn’s existing large square baler centres include Oliver Landpower at Stratford and Colchester; Robert Davies in Shropshire; Guy Machinery in Lancashire; Hardwick Agricultural in Yorkshire; Johnston Tractors covering Cumbria and Dumfries; and RSM Beare in the south west.

Sharrocks has announced a new partnership with Amazone Groundcare, further expanding its presence across the Midlands.

L-R: Sharrock's sales director, Adrian Dodd and business director, Steve Hanlon

This strategic collaboration with Amazone UK will bring the manufacturer's range of spreaders, mowers, scarifiers, and turf-care solutions to more professionals throughout the region.

As the newly appointed authorised dealer for Staffordshire and Shropshire, Sharrocks will now offer full sales, service, and aftercare support for the groundcare range. 

Adrian Dodd, sales director at Sharrocks, said, "This appointment strengthens our offering across the Midlands and further reinforces our commitment to the region following our recent appointment as the Ransomes Jacobsen dealer for Birmingham and surrounding areas.”

Family-run forestry business Treeline have been appointed as official dealers for the full GreenMech woodchipper range across West, Mid and East Lothian & The Borders of Scotland.

The manufacturer says this announcement aligns their professional portfolio of road tow, pedestrian, tracked and tractor-mounted chippers with Treeline’s three decades of experience supporting forestry operations throughout the South of Scotland.

Founded in 1991, Treeline was established by Gavin Marshall. After recognising a disconnect between forest management and contracting services, Gavin set out to create a company that offered clients a seamless, integrated solution.

In 2019, Nick Marshall expanded the business by introducing the sale of forestry machinery and arboricultural equipment, offering leading brands to customers across Scotland. Treeline say this new arm of the business has continued to grow from strength to strength. 

“We’re thrilled to join the GreenMech dealer network,” confirms Nick. “Their range sets the industry standard for productivity, reliability and safety, giving our broad customer-base access to a quality product that is well suited to all mainstream settings and applications and works well alongside our other franchises.” 

GreenMech sales director David Blackwood, added, “Teaming up with the enthusiastic and experienced team at Treeline is a fantastic step forward for us in this area. Being so firmly rooted in the forestry community and with a fantastic reputation for integrity and in-field expertise, we’re confident GreenMech customers old and new will benefit hugely from the partnership.”

According to figures released by the AEA, registrations of agricultural tractors remained below par in July, with 880 machines recorded during the month, 7% fewer than in the same month last year and around 20% below the average for the time of year. 

The Association pointed out though that the declines were somewhat smaller than those recorded in the first half of the year, with the total of 5,749 registrations for the year to date being 16% lower than in the opening seven months of 2024.

Agricultural economist at the AEA, Stephen Howarth, said, "Farmers appear to be lacking the confidence to invest, due to uncertainty about agricultural policy and national and global economic conditions. Coupled with the difficult financial situation for arable farmers, this is preventing any recovery in the tractor market, despite the strength of milk and livestock prices."

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