How has the past week been? It seems odd that Easter has been and gone, considering how that's usually such a significant date in the industry's calendar.

The impression which we're getting at Service Dealer, through our contacts and our regular video conference calls, is that perhaps matters have found their levels for the time being (however long that will be?!).

We spoke to manufacturers, business service suppliers and trade associations again this week, with another video call with dealers set up for this coming Wednesday. These sessions are proving so incredibly helpful for us to gain a sense of how the industry is coping and finding its way through this extraordinary time.

I hope I'm right in also saying, that the conversations are helpful for all the participants. Similar to the benefits which attendees gain from the Service Dealer Conference, I get the impression that sharing experiences with peers and colleagues and listening to how friends are coping in these chats, is genuinely helpful.

The session this week allowed Service Dealer to feedback to the industry representatives on the call, some of the issues that we had heard from dealers when we held our conference call with them last week. We raised concerns that some dealers voiced to us about what help might be forthcoming from the manufacturers this season. Also mentioned was how important it was for the network to be kept informed about what plans companies have for both now and going forward.

Another incredibly important subject which was raised again this week was that of furloughing staff. This is a fast-moving area, comprising of details which the government keeps adding to and adapting. So it's incredibly important that dealers keep checking the official guidelines which can be found here - as well as seeking specialist advice where they need it.

To help, our SME Digest editor Adam Bernstein, today presents a summary of how employers might maximise their prospects of a successful claim to the government's scheme, which you can read here.

Also, don't forget that BAGMA have an incredibly useful Coronavirus Hub on their website where they are regularly updating members and non-members alike, on matters such as furloughing plus other support measures which are available.

However complex, yet necessary, it may be to get one's head around the minutia surrounding furloughing, it could prove to be an absolutely vital tool to see many companies through this situation.

One area which cropped in discussion this week for example, where there had been some confusion around the small print of furloughing, was whether an employee who had been furloughed, was able to carry out any paid-work for another company? For example could a worker get some temporary paid work in their local supermarket, or picking fruit in a farmers field?

The answer to this is that yes, you can do paid work for another company other than your own if you are furloughed. The only problem might be, if your contract of employment says you cannot - and then the problem could be with the employer, not the government. The worker wouldn't be contravening the scheme's rules.

Furloughing is without doubt taking place within our sector. Some manufacturers on our call this week had furloughed staff and we know some dealers have already. If you are company that hasn't looked into whether it's right for you yet, it would be worth your while doing so. A strong message coming out of our call was that any business choosing to use the system must not feel any sort of stigma attached to furloughing whatsoever.

Right now it's all about managing the situation which is in front of us and that means utilising all the business tools which are at our disposal.

The portal for applying for furloughing grants is planned to be opened on Monday. The word is that HMRC has been going through pre-launch checks with the system, but of course the real test will be when it goes live. It's so important that once it does launch, that it is able to cope with what will be presumably be a phenomenal demand. After that, it’s vital that it can actually get cash into the accounts of businesses who need it to cover the costs of their staff as soon as possible.

We shall see what happens and Service Dealer would always be interested to hear from our readers if they want to drop us line to let us know what their experiences with the system are.

In some encouraging news, we heard from manufacturers and suppliers that, on the whole, the supply chain has held up pretty well under the circumstances. No significant interruptions were cited, as it seems like the actual manufacturing end of things around the world has kept up to a surprising degree.

Where there have been issues, has not so much been in production, rather in transportation. Locally, driver numbers are understandably down, logistics companies might have fewer lorries out on the road and internationally, bottlenecks can be caused at borders. All situations which are understandable (although perhaps not so much for that persistent customer, phoning for the 29th time today to see if their mower is ready yet!).

Interestingly, what we also heard was that perhaps a few more dealers, who might have initially shut down completely a few weeks ago, have started working in some capacity again. Where the ballpark figure when we last spoke, was that perhaps 70% of OPE dealers were closed, that may well be revised now to around 60% shut.

Again, we were told that dealers with a strong online presence are doing well because the demand is certainly there amongst domestic consumers. There was also talk though, that it was not only dealers with sophisticated e-commerce systems who were finding successful and safe ways of working. Remote ordering via phone, followed up with collection or delivery from a safe distance is taking place it seems.

For dealers who feel that trading in some form is right for their business currently, it was hoped that the strong customer service which is on show, would be remembered by customers once we're out the other side of this. It's hopefully not about a race to the bottom in terms of who's got the lowest prices online, rather it's local businesses serving their customers as best and as safe as they can.

Hopefully what might well come out of all this, is that consumers will value the service they receive from their retailer higher than ever before. There's no denying that right now, we're all getting more used to ordering from home and either having goods delivered or we collect from the premises – and it appears likely that demand for this will continue to thrive in the future.

For the servicing dealer, with those prized utilities which an online-only business will never have – expertise and a workshop - it seems that further integration of internet offerings with a traditional bricks and mortar business, will be the blend required for the post-covid age.

Dealership, Ripon Farm Services, have commissioned a video to highlight their efforts which they are undertaking during the COVID-19 crisis.

The intention of the clip is for it to be shared with their customers and local communities to explain what measures they are taking during this current situation.

James Daysh, marketing and operations at Ripon said, "The video helps showcase what some local businesses are doing to keep the nation's farming going and to keep food on the nation's table.

"The clip explains some of the changes our business has put in place and reinforces the importance of UK farming and how we, as well as many others, recognise this and have worked to ensure they can keep going.

"Our primary goal is to reach audiences with a message that we understand the importance of farming but steps must be taken to ensure safety during this period for all concerned."

The Agricultural Engineers Association has announced the appointment of their new President-Elect for 2020-2021, Les Malin.

Les is managing director of Etesia UK and has been an active member of the AEA for over 14 years.

For the first time in their very long history the AEA has appointed a President- Elect. The position is designated until such a time as the usual investiture of the President, a nomination from the AEA Board of Directors, which is normally ratified at the Annual General Meeting, can take place. Sadly, this year’s AGM had to be postponed due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

Les commented on the alternative course of action, “First of all I would like to thank the AEA Board of Directors for nominating me to be the next President of the AEA and as President-Elect in the interim period. It is indeed against a backdrop of very uncertain and difficult times. With COVID 19 now having taken over from Brexit as the focus of everyone in the UK, the work of the AEA has to adapt like many other businesses and groups."

As President-Elect of the AEA Les’ role will be to lead the Board of Directors, while the farm equipment and outdoor power equipment councils and specialist groups on manufacturing, training and education, chemical applications, sprayer testing, service management and all-terrain vehicles focus on current issues and initiatives.

Ruth Bailey, CEO and Director General of the AEA said, “It is indeed very strange times. We are delighted however, to have Les as our President-Elect and welcome his knowledge and experience within the industry to guide us through.”

Les’ early background is rooted in agriculture, where in his early years he worked on a mixed farm and would also use the farm equipment for contracting jobs. He then started his own contracting business in his 20’s. In the mid 1990’s he made his move to outdoor power equipment as area manager for Polaris, after which he worked at Amazone Grounds Care before finally moving to Etesia as an ASM, then general manager and finally managing director.

Les has many years of experience both within agriculture and the outdoor power equipment sector and said of the future, “This virus has shown us more than ever that technology has to be the key forward for all of us, we have to embrace the future.

"Forget the past and show our customers that we can offer expertise, money saving machinery, environmentally efficient solutions be it robotics in agricultural or the outdoor power sectors. We as an industry must embrace these modern methods to safeguard our futures and entice the younger generation into a sector of employment that few people leave if they actively engage in its culture and history.

"Stay safe, listen to the government and the advice of the NHS. It is for the safety of all of us and our families.”

Les’ full inaugural speech can be found via the AEA website here.

Returning to the Double Tree by Hilton Oxford Belfry this November, the Service Dealer Conference & Awards will benefit once again from BAGMA as Networking Sponsor.

The date of this year's event has been confirmed as Thursday November 19th 2020.

The BAGMA team at 2019's Service Dealer Conference. L-R: Keith Christian, Brian Sangster & Richard Jenkins

Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke said, "We are delighted that BAGMA have once again chosen to support Service Dealer's Conference & Awards this year.

"Plans are well advanced for this November's event and having BAGMA join us is great news."

Keith Christian, director of BAGMA said, "As the only UK Dealer Trade Organisation BAGMA are delighted to once again be sponsoring and attending the Service Dealer Conference and Awards Dinner.

"The event provides a great opportunity for like minded people from industry to get together and recognise the successful and unique industry they work in."

More details about this year's Service Dealer Conference & Awards will be announced in due course.

Martin Lishman have announced a new collaboration with Billericay Farm Services (BFS) to supply exclusively to the amenity market their Air Bubble Jet Nozzles.

From left to right Mark Stanbridge and Simon Nichols of BFS mark the union with Martin Lishman Ltd with Ian Clayton-Bailey and Joel Capper

This partnership means that Martin Lishman can now supply any of their sprayers already fitted with BFS air induction nozzles but also provide spares packs of each nozzle type, with the aim of providing the amenity market with a choice of highly rated nozzles.

Manufactured in Britain, these precision made LERAP 3 star rated nozzles are suitable for most sprayers including VLV, HV applications and knapsacks.

Ten nozzle variations are available with application rates ranging from 20 - 905 litres per hectare.

Simon Nichols, director of Billericay Farm Services said; “With a firm hand in the agricultural market, selling into amenity is a new adventure for us. Our new established partnership with Martin Lishman will help combine the knowledge of our products and their industry experience to offer new and existing amenity customers our high-quality sprayer nozzles.”

Martin Lishman say they are thrilled to be able to add the full range to their spare parts portfolio which will allow them to provide groundsmen with everything they need in one transaction. With an online portal coming soon, allowing customers to purchase sprayer parts online, the company say they are entering a new chapter for themselves in eCommerce.

Martin Lishman’s sales director Ian Clayton-Bailey said, “With our amenity sprayer division growing stronger each year, we feel that offering our customers high quality parts such as BFS nozzles shows we have put thought into the after sale of our sprayers”.

Despite the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic, Claas say the flow of parts throughout their World Parts Logistics Centre in Germany through to dealers remains unhindered.

In the UK and Ireland, the parts supply system has now been further boosted according to the company, by the opening of the new Claas UK parts warehouse at Saxham, which is part of the second phase of the redevelopment of the UK headquarters.

Previously housed in 5 separate buildings, all the current 870,000 items can now be stored under one roof with plenty of room to spare for future expansion.

All parts are identified and located using a scan and bar code system and a new ‘Serpentine’ row system has been installed to provide improved pick rate accuracy and efficiency.

For greater efficiency and increased flow of parts through the building, the ‘Goods In’ area is 60% larger than before, the ‘Packing’ area has been doubled, and ‘Dispatch’ is 40% bigger.

The secure customs area for airfreight to Ireland has also been doubled.

Kubota Corporation has announced that it has invested in an Indian tractor manufacturer, Escorts Limited (EL).

Through this investment, Kubota say they intend to increase its presence in India - the world’s largest tractor market - as well as its commitment to the competitive tractor market.

The tractor market in India is one of the world’s largest in terms of unit sales and Kubota expects it to expand further. In 2008, Kubota established Kubota Agricultural Machinery India Pvt. Ltd. as a foothold in the Indian market.

At present, local manufacturers are playing key roles there, and the company says they are all enhancing partnerships with foreign-affiliated manufacturers. In February 2019, Kubota established a joint-venture tractor manufacturing company with EL and mass production is due to start this July.

The competitive tractors which currently form the core of the Indian tractor market, are gaining popularity in other markets around the world, say Kubota. The manufacturer hopes to expand its global reach in those model markets by tapping into EL’s parts procurement networks and capability to reduce cost.

The total amount of investment which is expected to come from Kubota will be approximately 16 billion yen.

After going through the necessary procedures and subject to receipt of requisite approvals, the investment is likely to be completed by June 2020.

Going forward, Kubota aims to establish a joint research and development centre with EL to develop products that are optimised for the local market and shorten the development period.

President of the OPEI, Kris Kiser, has released a statement to assure and update visitors and exhibitors on what’s happening with the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute and their international tradeshow, GIE+EXPO.

Kris said, "While we continue to take prudent measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our OPEI family by working remotely and rotating through the office, and practicing social distancing, our plans for the association and GIE+EXPO are moving forward. GIE+EXPO is still currently scheduled to take place this October 21-23 in Louisville, Kentucky, our home for the last 38 years.

"GIE+EXPO sales remain strong. We fully expect our nation will soon turn a critical corner in dealing with this pandemic and be back in business. In the meantime, we remain active and working with our partners to help the industry address the challenges facing it now and in the future – including moving forward with plans for our tradeshow."

Kris continued, "The tradeshow is a massive undertaking, and overall, the 2020 show looks strong. Forty new exhibitors have signed on, and we have several new opportunities for attendees this year, including expanded in-tree arborist training in Freedom Hall, hands-on drone sessions, and a UTV test track.

"We are also planning a robust schedule of education programming with our partners, featuring an expanded slate of technology sessions and business-focused programming, as well as education for hardscaping, snow and ice management, irrigation, landscape lighting, and more."

Registration for the show is now open at www.gie-expo.com, where the full schedule of education programming can also be viewed.

Also, there is still time to enter Service Dealer and the OPEI's competition for one lucky dealer and their guest to visit the show in October.

The season was dominated by the sad news of the sudden death of Bryan Peachey, General Manager of Briggs & Stratton UK at the age of 62. Bryan collapsed and died in the B&S offices in Romford on 7 June 2006. The news sent shock-waves around the industry for its suddenness and for cutting short the life of one of the most respected and highly-regarded members of our industry.  The packed parish church at Saffron Walden was filled with folk from across the industry, players and officials of his beloved Saffron Walden Rugby Club and fellow drinkers from his local, the Bell Inn. Kim Macfie paid a heartfelt tribute "First, Bryan was a friend rather than a business colleague" and Fred Stratton who attended from the US said “I’m not here today because Bryan headed our UK operation for many years, I’m here because of Bryan himself, one of the nicest, most genuine people you could ever hope to meet”. 

One of the oldest and best known names in the garden machinery industry, Allen Power Equipment,  appointed administrators to wind up the company in October 2006, after failing to find a buyer for the business. The company could trace its roots back to 1868 when the Oxford Steam Plough Company became John Allen and Sons. It’s hallmark product was the Allen Scythe, first built in 1935 and in continuous production until 1973.  At the time of its collapse, Allen made own-brand hover mowers, aerator and aerators (formerly Bob Andrews and Walkover), and also distributed IBEA Mowers. It’s long-held franchise for National Mowers had moved to IPU, with the maker being acquired by Ariens later in 2006.

Tecumseh closed its engine manufacturing plant in Turin in January 2006, just four weeks after inviting all its key customers and the press to the ice hockey tournament of the 2006 Winter Olympics its home town of Turin where it would launch a brand new range of engines. Tecumseh Europe went into liquidation with the loss of 375 jobs, with subsidiary Staines-based Tecumseh UK coming under the control of the administrator. Almost three years later, in December 2008, Tecumseh closed its small engine manufacturing facility in the United States.

2006 IN BRIEF:

In February, it was announced that the 2006 Royal Smithfield Show was to be cancelled after major manufacturers pulled out. The final show had been in December 2004.

Dublin-based Farm and Garden Machinery acquired Claymore Grass Machinery from the Reekie Group

AGCO announced that it was linking up with mower maker MTD to build a complete range of grass machinery to be marketed under the Massey-Ferguson label.

Briggs and Stratton take over the UK distribution of Snapper Products from Saxon Industries

Stihl UK announce that they are to take a tough line on internet trading, with MD Martyn Thomas saying “It is not appropriate for the distribution of Stihl or Viking products”

Ian Jones resigns as Director General of BAGMA

Hampshire dealer, Carter of Swanwick announced the return to the UK for the Shanks brand name for a ride-on made in Italy by Gianni Ferrari

PLM Power Products had moved its operation from Staffordshire to Tiverton in Devon, only for new owner Roger Purssglove to announcer a further relocation to Exeter.

After its spin-off from the Electrolux Group, Husqvarna took almost UK 200 dealers to the Costa del Sol for a three-day jamboree which included demos, blow football with leaf blowers, and bucking broncos

An industry golf day held at the Windmill Village Hotel and Golf Course, Coventry raised over £4000 for gardening charity Thrive.

HEADLINE OF THE YEAR (AS SPOTTED BY Jim Green)

This week, friend of Service Dealer, comedian and broadcaster Charlie Baker caught up with BBC Countryfile’s Adam Henson who some of you will remember spoke at our conference a few years ago.

During the interview for the “Why are Farmers So Smelly?” series on EatFarmNow, we spotted a dealer shout out in the footage and you can view the clip below.

Adam’s full interview can be seen next week on EFN. You can catch episode 2 with Will Evans today.

And keep listening to the end as we think Duncan might have got a little carried away, telling Charlie that he's been bestowed with a royal title! 

As reported in the Evening Standard, Husqvarna Automower® has been deployed at the Tower of London to ensure the capital’s oldest lawns are well maintained as we head in to spring.

The first battery powered machine was installed last year, and due to its success, its fleet was expanded earlier this year to include three new residents.

Purchased by The Tower of London’s Ground’s maintenance contractor, Ground Control, two Husqvarna Automower® have been installed on the lawns surrounding the castle moat, and will be deployed each morning, come rain or shine.

Husqvarna Automower® 535 AWD has also been installed on the lawn of the White Tower and will work throughout the night to avoid disturbing the resident ravens. The AI-enabled robotic mower has been designed with all-wheel drive and can manage rough terrain and slopes with an incline of up to 70%.

Made in the UK, the robotic mowers will replace the ride-on diesel mowers previously used by Ground Control.

They will provide head gardener, David Williams, with a more environmentally friendly way of keeping the prestigious lawns in outstanding condition and contributes to Ground Control’s Green strategy of 50% of all of hand tools being battery operated by 2025.

They also produce less noise than regular mowers and have the ability to work day or night, rain or shine. The machines are environmentally friendly and are controlled via the Husqvarna Fleet Services and Connect app.

Husqvarna UK Professional Manager, Kevin Ashmore said: “It’s fantastic for us to showcase Husqvarna Automower® at such a prestigious and prominent attraction in our country’s capital. Lee Squires, David and his team will see huge benefits from the installation, not only environmental but in time saving, allowing his team to spend their time on other tasks.”

To mark the installation, the Tower of London has challenged followers to name their new resident. To put your suggestion forward, visit the Tower of London’s Twitter page.

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It is easy and quick to register and costs just £96 + VAT per year to be listed and all revenues in 2020 will be reinvested into promoting the site online.

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