It's a big day here at Service Dealer Towers (remote) because, as you may have already read, the second module of the free digital Dealer Toolkit is launching today.

I'd like to make it clear up front, that I'm not blowing my own trumpet here -  I personally have had nothing to do with its creation! Thus I feel perfectly justified in pointing our just what a fantastic resource it truly is. I was lucky enough to sit in on the Zoom meetings where the content was discussed - but it was simply my pleasure to sit back and listen to the experts break it down.

The fantastic end product that developed out of those initial sessions, you can now begin to explore today. It was brought to you in collaboration between the media agency team at TAP (who own Service Dealer) and the amazing panel of dealers who the magazine has partnered with on this project.

It is this hand-in-hand collaboration that, I think, is absolutely fundamental to the success of this free resource. It takes the media-savvy, technical know-how of agency professionals who can present in-depth material clearly and concisely - and marries that with the first-hand, expert knowledge from our industry specialists.

And what a group of specialists it is, who gave their time and years of experience to this module. They all contributed with the intention of sharing their thoughts and ideas to act as help, assistance or inspiration to fellow dealers.

You can read a breakdown of who comprised the dealer panel here. Suffice it to say, they represent some of the most progressive dealerships around the country, large and small, specialising in domestic, professional turfcare and agricultural machinery.

Their business acumen, gained from years of practical experience at the sharp end of the industry, has been cunningly extracted from them and presented in an easily digestible online tool. As you'd expect, there's a great mixture of bite-sized chunks to read and plenty of snappy videos to watch.

Protecting your revenue

The module kicking off today - following on from last year's digital focus - is primarily concerned with protecting your revenue.

This subject couldn't be more timely, seeing how we are just at the start of what is clearly going to be an incredibly important season. We all know what everyone has gone through this past year. It's been tough and it's been hard work - but hopefully we're genuinely seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. For the first time there feels like there might be some real optimism out there. Dealers will want to be tapping into this in a big way.

In order to give your business its best opportunity, there's nothing wrong with looking for a little help and support. And who better to listen to than experienced peers and colleagues who have been navigating their way through similar circumstances as you?

What struck me when I sat in on the group discussions where the content for this module was being worked through, was just how open all the contributing dealers were. No one was guarded, trying to hide their special formula. There were no agendas or rivalries on show. People were incredibly willing to share information about what had worked, or crucially hadn't worked, for their businesses.

When discussing diversification for example, we heard tales of trial and error and the difficulties inherent in finding new products to stock in your dealership. Items that you might imagine would be a good fit to a servicing dealer like barbecues or bicycles, just couldn't be made to work by some we were told. Hard questions need to be asked of your business when you're looking to spread your product offering - and our experts offered us some fine insights into this thought process. Practical tips that you can take advantage of in your own dealership.

We understand of course, that no two independent dealers in our sector are the same. What works for one, might be completely inappropriate for another. But the value of listening to colleagues and taking what is relevant and then adapting and applying that to your own business, shouldn't be underestimated.

The Dealer Toolkit unashamedly wears its intention on its sleeve. It wants to help dealers thrive. It wants to do what it can to keep dealerships trading and profitable through these difficult times. It's a non-profit enterprise, simply there to offer as much assistance as possible. It is generously supported in this endeavour by Kramp UK.

So please do check it out today. You never know, there might be that one crucial nugget which sparks that lightbulb moment!

Euromec, the Market Harborough-based supplier of industrial cleaning and ground maintenance equipment, is expanding its product range after signing a new supply deal with Honda.

The deal will see Euromec become a supplier for some of Honda UK’s lawnmowers, tractors, and robotic mowers, as well a range of accessories including brushcutters, tillers, blowers and hedgetrimmers.

Peter Crewe, chairman of Euromec said, “We are delighted to have secured this new deal with Honda. It takes Euromec’s ground maintenance capabilities to a whole new level and ensures our customers can choose from an exciting range of quality machines."

Machines that Euromec say they will be supplying include the HF 2417 tractor, the larger HF 2625 tractor, the latest Izy models and a range of core push and self-propelled lawnmowers.

 
“Whatever, the requirement, customers can be assured we have the right Honda machine for their needs,” added Peter. “We’re very excited about this deal and we think our customers will be as well.”

This appointment by Honda UK follows the manufacturer cutting around a quarter of their network last year.

A total of 27 young service technicians have formally graduated from the latest John Deere Ag Tech, Parts Tech and Turf Tech advanced apprenticeship programmes, which are run in partnership with national training provider ProVQ (see below for full details).

With no prospect of holding the traditional graduation ceremony in 2020 attended by the students, their parents and dealer representatives, John Deere’s training team came up with an alternative plan. Each graduate had their own individual ceremony at their employing dealership, where they were presented with a specially created hamper and their graduation certificate.

As well as the hamper there were additional prizes awarded to four top apprentices. The Tech Apprentice of the Year award went to Matthew McPherson from John Deere Forestry, Carlisle who received a crystal plaque and an iPad.

Matthew McPherson, Tech Apprentice of the Year

The runners-up were William Anderson of J&S Montgomery, Beith and William Smith of Tallis Amos Group, Bibury, who each received high street vouchers worth £250.

Parts Tech Apprentice of the Year was awarded to Corey Pilcher from Farol, Midhurst, who received a crystal plaque and an iPad.

These annual awards are based on the trainees’ consistently high standards of work, both at their dealerships and at the training centre, over the three years of the apprenticeship.

“Successfully completing an apprenticeship is an achievement that deserves proper recognition and we were determined that these graduates should not miss out,” says John Deere Limited training centre manager Allan Cochran.

“Once we settled on hampers we decided to make up these special prizes ourselves. Sourcing produce near to our Langar headquarters enabled us to help support local businesses during the pandemic. We used the John Deere overnight parts distribution network to deliver the hampers and certificates to the sponsoring dealers, so that all the graduates could be presented with their awards on the same day.”

Tech Apprentice of the Year Matthew McPherson was the first trainee from John Deere Forestry to join the apprenticeship scheme in 2016. A combination of workshop and in-the-field training enabled Matthew to progress very quickly to the role of field service engineer, a position he has held since 2018.

John Deere’s three-year Ag Tech and Turf Tech and two-year Parts Tech apprenticeships involve students being trained in engineering, electronics, hydraulics, diagnostics, communication skills, computing, sales and marketing. The programmes lead to IMI Level 2 & 3 Diplomas in Landbased Engineering and Vehicle Parts Competence, and registration at LTA Intermediate level in the industry’s Landbased Training Accreditation scheme.

In subsequent years qualified technicians undergo further education and adult training within the John Deere University programme, on a career path that can ultimately lead to the highest possible LTA Master Technician accreditation.

New student intakes are in September each year; apprentices need to be resident in the UK, sponsored by a John Deere dealer and aged 16 or over. The standard programmes include on-the-job training and assessment as well as eight weeks each year at the John Deere Apprentice Training Centre, when possible. Further details of the various programmes can be found here.

Top row, left to right 

• William Anderson, J&S Montgomery, Beith, Ag Tech Apprentice runner-up
• Ryan Bird, P Tuckwell, Great Dunmow, Ag Tech
• Oliver Blackwell, Ripon Farm Services, Keighley, Parts Tech
• Louis Cooper, Ben Burgess, Beeston, Ag Tech
• Harry Donaldson, Thomas Sherriff, Haddington, Ag Tech
• Kai Emerson, MacGregor Industrial Supplies, Inverness, Parts Tech
• Nick Garrod, Ben Burgess, Coates, Parts Tech

Second row, left to right

• Edward Green, P Tuckwell, Maulden, Ag Tech    
• Luke Haggaty, Hunt Forest Group, Tilshead, Ag Tech
• Jake Hillier, Hunt Forest Group, Chilbolton, Ag Tech
• Tom Hunter, Rea Valley Tractors, Sudbury, Ag Tech
• Samuel Johns, Cornwall Farm Machinery, Ludgvan, Ag Tech
• Nathanael Kendall, Balmers GM Ltd, Burnley, Turf Tech
• Adam Leckenby, Ripon Farm Services, Malton, Ag Tech

Third row, left to right

• Matthew McPherson, John Deere Forestry, Carlisle, Ag Tech Apprentice of the Year
• Warren Matthews, P Tuckwell, Maulden, Parts Tech
• Zoe Parker, Doubleday, King’s Lynn, Ag Tech
• Fraser Paton, Netherton Tractors, Turriff, Ag Tech
• Corey Pilcher, Farol, Midhurst, Parts Tech Apprentice of the Year
• Sean Rickwood, Ben Burgess, Newmarket, Ag Tech
• William Smith, Tallis Amos Group, Bibury, Ag Tech Apprentice Runner-up

Bottom row, left to right

• Harvey Spells, Ben Burgess, Aylsham, Ag Tech
• Jake Stacey, Smallridge Bros Ltd, Callington, Parts Tech
• Callum Stanton, Farol, Midhurst, Ag Tech
• Jasmine Thackray, Ripon Farm Services, Ripon, Parts Tech
• Tom Wagg, Ben Burgess, Norwich, Ag Tech
• Garry Young, Thomas Sherriff, Stow, Ag Tech

It has been announced that Lister Wilder have signed an agreement with Bomford Turner to supply machines throughout all their depots.

This new collaboration follows on from Lister Wilder's recent announcement of their full-line Kubota business.

Phill Hughes, sales director at Lister Wilder said, “The Bomford Turner name is well known through the agricultural industry and a 'go to' brand for many
farming customers. Their reach mower manufacturing dates back to the 1940s, which happens to be the same decade that our business was formed! Add to that their dedication to customer support and our two companies really do share aligned values and history.

"This partnership is a great addition to our machinery line up, and will undoubtedly benefit our customers as we look to the future."

Etesia UK have welcomed Border Chainsaw and Lawnmower Services to its dealer network.

Based in Earlston, Scotland, the dealership was founded in 1974 by the Cowe family. The business stayed within the family until January 2019 when it was acquired by Pearsons of Duns Ltd.

It was at this point that the experienced Allen Whellans was appointed as groundcare division manager in a bid to increase the company’s commercial offering. 

“In a previous role, I worked with dealers and end-users who had a large fleet of Etesia pedestrian mowers. They always commented on how good they were.” he said. “It is that knowledge of knowing what the mowers are capable of doing that confirmed that I wanted to work with Etesia.”

Allen continued, “Etesia is very much focused on working with dealers as opposed to online discounting. Customers want support and back-up; they want to be able to speak to someone and they want to demo the mowers.

"Border Chainsaw and Lawnmower Services and Etesia have the same ethos - we want to work together for the customer – and that is the sort of partnership we are looking for.”

With immediate effect, the range of Etesia pedestrian mowers will be available from the dealership throughout the Lothians and the Scottish Borders. 

“The Borders are lush areas and there is always lots of thick wet grass," said Allen. "The fact that that operators can get out and cut in all conditions, even in the rain, is going to be fantastic for our customers.

“These Etesia mowers just go that extra mile and therefore I am confident that they are going to significantly grow our attraction to commercial customers.”

Merlo UK has added a new dealership on the Isle of Wight offering both agricultural and construction products from their range.

L-R: Robin Cooch, MUK parts manager; Luke Stubbings, Stubbings Bros sales manager; Andy Stubbings, director Stubbings Bros; Owen Buttle, MUK national sales manager

Established in 1983, Stubbings Bros Ltd are a family run company with a highly experienced team of eight staff, specialising in providing machinery and parts sales, plus service support.

Owen Buttle, national sales manager at Merlo UK said, “This new appointment signals the commitment from Merlo UK to develop sales and service support for the Merlo products on the Isle of Wight. Together in partnership with Stubbings Bros Ltd with their local and extensive experience in the industry existing and new users of Merlo products can be assured of excellent service."

Luke Stubbings added, “We believe this adds another well established, respected and reliable brand to our current product offering of Kubota Agriculture, Groundcare and Construction equipment. With a strong product and an experienced team of staff we believe we can offer the complete supply and aftercare package that our customers expect.

"We are pleased that Merlo UK decided to approach us with regards to taking on the franchise and look forward to a long and prosperous partnership.” 

Club Car has appointed Campey Turf Care Systems as a UK dealer for its commercial range.

Andy Bourke, Club Car’s regional manager UK&I & Nordics, says that Campeys have "..built an excellent reputation not only for supplying innovative and reliable turf care products but also having strong customer relationships and superb aftersales service.

“We see this as an exciting partnership that will allow us to continue to deliver value to our customers and accelerate growth in the UK. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with Campey Turf Care Systems.”

Lee Morgado, director of Campey Turf Care Systems, said, “Club Car brings a natural synergy with our existing product lines and we look forward to working closely with them to develop the current customer base and grow the UK market."

Manitou Group is launching a new spare parts brand with the objective of simplifying the offering for the end user while reducing the group's environmental impact.

 
What was previously two XPRT spare part brands (for Gehl and MustangbyManitou equipment) and Manitou (for machines of the same brand) will now be brought together under one brand, 'Manitou Group Parts.'

With this single brand, the group says it hopes to make it easier for users to search for spare parts while optimising order preparation with the same packaging for all parts.

Valérie Mougin, customer experience project manager for spare parts, said, “Manitou Group Parts is the result of the streamlining of our spare parts brand. Our goal is to improve the legibility of our brand. This project fits perfectly within our CSR approach: we redesigned the packages with our suppliers in order to limit our consumption of raw materials and reduce costs. We are using less ink on the boxes and less plastic for the packaging, and all of the boxes we use are certified 100% recyclable.”

The Manitou Group Parts brand will group all 500,000 part references listed in the catalog. Nearly 200 employees are working to prepare more than 9,000 package lines shipped every day from 9 logistics centers in France, Italy, Russia, USA, Brazil, Singapore, India and South Africa. 

In 2021 Jacobsen celebrates 100-years in the turf industry. 

In a statement the company said that whilst recognising the company's milestones and achievements over a century is important, their focus on the future has never been stronger. They say this is evidenced with the recent relocation of manufacturing to the Turf Care Center of Excellence in Ipswich, England.

Eclipse 360 ELiTE

The company says the production of the first HR800 wide area rotary mower in Ipswich signals a start to their 100-year celebrations, with more new products launching in 2021 and their renewed pledge to product quality. Due to face-to-face activities being at a minimum right now, the company plan to launch several new online experiences this year, including a brand new standalone Jacobsen website.

Vice president of Turf Simon Rainger explained, "As we move into our second century, we have a vast amount of exciting news and content to share including the launch of the new standalone Jacobsen website, and the introduction of the Eclipse 360 ELiTE and AR530.

"These are both very exciting products for us, and especially the Eclipse 360 ELiTE which is continuing our proud tradition of manufacturing battery powered machinery, but taking a big step forward using the latest lithium-ion technology.

"These machines and other events throughout the year will help us celebrate 100 years of Jacobsen, but I think it is important to recognise the profound impact Covid-19 has had on 2020 from a personal and business perspective and recognise how well the Jacobsen team, and entire turf industry, has adapted and continued to operate."

The Jacobsen 100-year celebrations began in earnest at the end of January with the new website's launch, which brings new and current Jacobsen products to life.

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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