Are stories of consolidation in the network appearing in our news feed simply business evolution or a sign of something more?
Firstly today, a warm welcome to the industry for a young whippersnapper, making his way in the sector.
I do hope that (checks notes), Service Dealer Lifetime Contribution Award Winner, David Withers, finds his feet in his new role as co-owner and company chairman at ATT! Seriously though, it's fantastic for the industry that David's wisdom, knowledge and skills will continue be felt in the specialist groundcare machinery market. We look forward to catching up with him at all the shows and exhibitions throughout the year!
Elsewhere in our news today, we include another story of consolidation in the dealer network. Following on from the development we covered last week of Mike Garwood Ltd of Alton, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight becoming part of Haynes Agricultural Ltd, we feature a similar story taking place in different part of the country. We feature the news that Hamilton Ross Group has agreed Heads of Terms to acquire Ancroft Tractors Ltd, with the transaction expected to complete on 31 March 2026, subject to final agreements.
We've seen stories such as these quite regularly in our news pages over the past couple of years. Inevitably it raises the question as to whether this is a trend specific to our readership of independent machinery dealers, or simply a natural evolution that would be seen in any sector?
I suspect for some readers, the word 'consolidation' itself might sound uncomfortable or ring alarm bells? The strength of our sector has always been its independence - family-run or owner-managed businesses rooted in their communities, built on long-standing customer relationships and hard-earned reputations. The idea of that landscape changing might perhaps cause a nervousness?
One likes to hope though, that for some smaller operators - particularly those facing succession questions - joining forces with a larger neighbour can represent a sensible and positive move. It can secure continuity for staff, stability for customers and value for the owner. From what we can gather from the official notices we've received from recent examples we've covered, these deals do not appear to be distress sales but carefully considered decisions.
From the buyer’s perspective, there will be multiple positives. Expansion can bring economies of scale, greater buying power and a broader geographic footprint. It can strengthen relationships with suppliers, facilitate new partnerships with brands not held previously (meaning an expanded customer base) and spread overheads more effectively.
Customers themselves may see little difference in the short term other than a name change above the door - especially in circumstances where all original staff are kept on. In the longer term, they may benefit from stronger parts support, more specialist technicians and improved facilities. A larger group can often justify investment in areas that would be harder for a smaller, standalone dealer to fund.
I suppose for those smaller dealerships that still remain, it may be daunting finding themselves in locales alongside much larger grouped enterprises. However, smaller doesn't necessarily mean a business is at a disadvantage. This is when those traditional traits of our dealer readers kick in - agility, personal service and strong community ties. There will remain a real value in being local, accessible and relationship-driven.
But what do you think? Is consolidation inevitable, or is there still plenty of room for thriving small independents? Are we at the beginning of a sustained period of moves such as these in the independent dealer network, or are recent deals isolated cases?
Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below - or feel free to drop me a line in confidence if you'd prefer.
The 'recently retired' David Withers says he is looking forward to this new role and continuing to play his part in the industry.
Following the announcement that Advanced Turf Technology (ATT) has been reacquired by original founder John Coleman, the company has revealed a strengthening of its leadership team with the appointment of the 'recently retired' and winner of Service Dealer's Lifetime Contribution Award 2025, David Withers.
John Coleman and David Withers
A well-recognised name and face of the groundcare industry, David will be bringing decades of knowledge and experience to a new role as co-owner and company chairman.
David’s career began as an equipment demonstrator for Redexim before embarking a 25-year tenure with Jacobsen where he held a number of senior leadership roles including six years as President. The last eight years has seen David spearhead the Iseki UK & Ireland business, where his proven ability to develop brands and drive sustainable growth saw the company more than double its sales.
ATT say his deep understanding of professional turf machinery, manufacturing and brand development makes him a valuable addition to their strategic team at a pivotal point in its evolution.
“David’s experience, insights and leadership credentials within the sector cannot be denied,” said ATT managing director John Coleman. “His support and guidance will be instrumental to establishing our new manufacturing facility, re-invigorating the Inficut and TMSystem brands back to their position as leaders in the marketplace and driving the business forward, both at home and further afield, as we embark on this next chapter.”
David added, “I am delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside John and the team as we re-establish Infinicut as the go-to mower for golf and sports turf applications around the world. I am looking forward to this new role and continuing to play my part in this fantastic industry of ours!"
The prestigious event will take place on Thursday 3rd December at the Stratford-Upon-Avon Crowne Plaze - with this year's theme announced as Culture - Nature and nurture in business.
Simon Hewitt, head of marketing at STIHL GB, said, "We are excited to be sponsoring the Service Dealer Awards once again in 2026. Last year's event was a fantastic opportunity to connect with so many of our valued customers and we’re looking forward to another inspiring and rewarding event this year."
Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke, added, "We are so pleased to welcome back our friends at STIHL GB to our Conference & Awards. They have backed our event over many years with great enthusiasm and we thank them for their continued support."
STIHL GB are also today kicking off a new Service Dealer video series, where all our sponsors from last year's Conference & Awards tell us why they choose to support the industry event of the year - and what's on the agenda for them.
Keep an eye on this Weekly Update, the magazine and our social channels for further updates regarding speakers, seminars and content - plus further announcements of all our valued sponsors.
Prize presented in recognition of outstanding contribution to combating rural, agricultural, and construction-related crime across the UK.
The Rob Oliver Award 2025 has been presented to the National Construction and Agricultural Theft Team (NCATT) in recognition of its outstanding contribution to combating rural, agricultural, and construction-related crime across the UK.
Charles Stephenson, London office director at JCB, Chris Piggott, detective sergeant, NCATT and his wider NCATT team - award presented by Roy Kerr, JCB group service director
The award is named in honour of Rob Oliver MBE, former Chief Executive of the Construction Equipment Association (CEA). During his tenure, Rob Oliver was instrumental in designing and launching the CESAR Security Marking and Registration Scheme, which has since grown into the world's largest registration scheme of its kind. Today, most of the UK’s construction plant and agricultural machinery is protected by CESAR.
Rob Oliver retired as chief executive of the CEA in 2021 and was awarded an MBE in King Charles III’s 2022 New Year Honours, in recognition of his services to the industry.
The Rob Oliver Award is presented annually to an individual, police team, or organisation that has made an exceptional contribution to tackling rural crime. Previous recipients include rural crime teams from Thames Valley Police, Lancashire Police, Derbyshire Police, and Cheshire Police.
For the first time since the award’s inception, the 2025 accolade has been presented to a dedicated national police team. Formed in 2023 as a six-person unit, NCATT has already had a powerful, sustained impact on agricultural and construction crime nationwide. Working in close partnership with police forces across the UK, the team supports local rural crime units in addressing regional issues, while its national remit enables a clearer and more informed understanding of the scale and nature of organised criminal activity affecting the sector.
Andy Huddleston, head of unit at NCATT, said, “To receive the Rob Oliver Award is a tremendous honour for the entire team. This recognition reflects the commitment and professionalism of our small team and the impact they can have when working with similarly dedicated teams across the country. Rural, agricultural, and construction crime has a significant impact on communities and businesses, and this award reinforces the importance of a coordinated national response to tackling organised criminality.”
The award was formally presented at JCB Headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire. As part of the occasion, the NCATT team were given a tour of one of JCB’s production lines, followed by a celebratory lunch hosted by Charles Stephenson, London Office Director at JCB. The award was presented by Roy Kerr, JCB group service director.
Dealer says the changes allow them to deliver their same high-quality service to even more customers across the region.
Merlo UK has confirmed the expansion of dealer territories for Southwest dealer Vincents, effective 1st March 2026.
Owen Buttle, national saes manager, Merlo UK; Nick Vincent, managing director, Dexter Ball, sales construction manager, Craig Boxall, area sales manager, Vincents; Mike Rich, construction sales manager, Merlo UK
Already an authorised agricultural dealer from their Fraddon and Smithaleigh depots since June 2025, Vincents will now represent the Merlo agricultural product range across all four of their branches - Fraddon (Cornwall), Smithaleigh (South Devon), Holsworthy (North Devon), and Wellington (Somerset).
In addition, Vincents will become the authorised construction dealer for Devon.
The manufacturer has also confirmed that Kellands Plant Sales will continue to represent them in Cornwall, ensuring continuity of service for construction customers from their Camelford depot.
Owen Buttle, national sales manager at Merlo UK, said, “Vincents has demonstrated exceptional commitment and capability since joining the Merlo network. Their expansion to full agricultural coverage across all four depots, paired with their appointment as construction dealer for Devon, reinforces our shared ambition to deliver outstanding customer service, product expertise, and local availability."
Nick Vincent, dealer principal at Vincents, said, “Over the past eight months we’ve seen fantastic customer response to the Merlo range, and expanding our agricultural coverage, alongside taking on the construction franchise, allows us to deliver that same high-quality service to even more customers across the region.
"Strategically, this development will strengthen our long-term vision to become the ‘Dealer of Choice in the Southwest’. Working with premium brands, including Merlo, continues to be a vital part of that strategy.”
This collaboration expands the manufacturer's dealer network in the UK, focused on Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire areas.
Under the new agreement, Redlynch Agricultural Engineering, a respected multi-brand agricultural machinery dealership, will now represent GreenTec’s full range of professional hedge cutters, quadsaws, rotary mowers and other hydraulic attachments to customers throughout southwest England.
Josh Allen, UK sales manager at GreenTec, said, “Selecting a dealer is about more than distribution, it’s about shared values. Redlynch has deep industry experience, strong customer relationships, and a commitment to service excellence which makes them an ideal partner as we continue to grow our presence in the UK market.”
Paul Cooke, sales team manager at Redlynch Agricultural Engineering, added, “We’re excited to add GreenTec’s innovative machinery into our offering. Their high-quality solutions complement our existing brands and help us serve our customers with even more choice and capability.”
Key responsibilities will be to manage and work with the UK agricultural dealer network.
Will Fowler has been appointed as Opico territory manager for the East of England & Stocks-Ag product manager.
Coming from the Opico sister company Stocks-Ag, Will, will work across the full product offering from; Opico, HE-VA, Stocks-AG, Alpego, Ovlac and Farmdroid. His key responsibilities will be to manage and work with the UK agricultural dealer network, as well as support farmers directly to offer solutions to their enquiries.
Upon joining the company, Will explained, “Machinery is my passion. This opportunity at Opico has given me the chance to work for a well-known British importer, who are at a really exciting stage in their history - including the 60-year anniversary this year. Having worked at dealerships for a number of years, I was familiar with Opico’s wide product offering but I was pleased to be working with such innovative products, such as the Alpego Inversa and the Farmdroid FD20, both making waves in their respective fields!”
Robbie Polson, OPICO commercial director commented “Will’s practical knowledge and experience of agricultural machinery is a true credit to him. Will is very passionate about offering first-class support. Since joining the company, he has proven himself as a great asset to the sales team."
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