We've been busy this week here at Service Dealer Towers, putting the finishing touches to the upcoming copy of your favourite magazine.

It's not for me to say, but I'm sure that an independent assessor would agree that it's another absolutely barnstorming edition of the journal dedicated to the dealer network (their words, not mine).

A theme that has become apparent as we have put the issue together is open days and demonstration events. Within the mag's pages we visit dealerships Turneys and B&B Machinery who have recently staged days of their own for their customers. We also attend a machinery introduction day from supplier PSD Groundscare who recently took the opportunity to introduce dealers to some new offerings.

Elsewhere, we speak to Craig Hoare of Toro UK, who completed their own tour of the country this spring, showing off their new kit to dealers. In a wide-ranging conversation, we ask Craig why in this age of increased digital commutations do they still place value on real-life get-togethers like these? Quite simply, he tells us, "We felt that physical events were the best way to give dealers and end users the opportunity to test these upgrades for themselves."

And that principle will also hold true for dealers staging their own open days for their local customer base. Sammy Denne, Turney Group marketing manager, told my colleague Martin Rickatson after their professional turf machinery demo day, “Feedback from suppliers and customers was overwhelmingly positive, and the day presented a fantastic opportunity for visitors to see and try multiple machines in one space."

But for dealers, I think it's fair to say, that open days can represent even more than simply the opportunity to demonstrate and sell machines. Especially with the nature of our dealer readers' businesses - be those domestic, commercial, or farm machinery focused - there remains something uniquely powerful about bringing people together, face-to-face, at your own premises.

We've had many speakers over the years at our Service Dealer Conference who have spoken about how when customers (and potential customers) step into your showroom, shake your hand, talk to your staff, and see your range up close, they’re not just interacting with products - they’re connecting with your brand.

It's an undeniable truism that people buy from people they trust, and even in this time of TikToks, Reels and Stories, trust is still surely built fastest in person? An open day is a fantastic chance to show customers who you really are: your expertise, your after-sales care, your team’s attitude. These are all things that set you apart from those faceless online bandits.

Open days are also great occasions to build even stronger relationships with your suppliers as most will be more than happy to support their dealers with a presence at these events. We regularly cover dealer organised days where manufactures and suppliers have brought along their own reps, demo stock, or promotional materials. They want their brand in front of end users just as much as you do - and your open day gives them direct access.

And running an in-person event, of course, doesn't mean forgetting about the digital space altogether. You'll be able to generate tons of content for your social channels from the day, for plenty of positive online self-promotion. Also, crucially, you can take the opportunity to gather your attendees' contact information to follow up with them after the fact. You could encourage sign-ups to your mailing list, ask informal questions about what products people are curious about, and simply pay attention to which of your products drew the most attention. All of this can feeds into future marketing, stocking decisions, and event planning.

In a sector that still relies on relationships and hands-on trust, a well-run open day could be one of the most effective tools in the dealer's arsenal to remind customers why buying from a trusted local specialist matters.

If you want to share your recent experiences of running open days, please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Service Dealer's Conference & Awards will take place once again at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-Upon-Avon, on Thursday December 4th 2025.

The latest major industry name to join us in supporting the event dedicated to the dealer network is AriensCo who are a Silver Sponsor.

Sam Lewis, general manager at AriensCo UK, said, "At AriensCo, we know that our dealers are the driving force behind everything we do. Sponsoring the 2025 Service Dealer Conference & Awards is our way of saying thank you -  and showing our commitment to your continued success.

"This event is all about recognising the hard work, expertise, and dedication that you bring to customers every day. We’re proud to stand with you, not just as a supplier, but as a true partner invested in your growth. By supporting events like this, we’re helping build a stronger, more connected dealer community."

Duncan Murray-Clarke, Service Dealer's owner added, "It is fabulous that AriensCo have chosen to be part of our event this year - and we thank them for that. We have so much great content line-up which I am excited to share with everyone soon."

Keep an eye on this Weekly Update and our social channels for updates on this year's theme, guest speakers and workshops.

Interested in sponsorship or delegate tickets? Register your interest here.

Jason Nettle, director of Winchester Garden Machinery, is this year undertaking the challenge of 12 marathons in 12 months for good causes. Here he describes his toughest challenge to date and the importance of taking everything one step at time.

Hi everyone,

A slight delay to this update – it's taken me a while to fully recover and process what was undeniably the toughest challenge yet! I'm thrilled and utterly exhausted to report that I managed to complete the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge in May.

This beast of a marathon, looping out from Weymouth to Durdle Door with a truly staggering 1,153 meters of elevation gain, pushed me to my absolute limits. But I got it done, crossing the finish line in 6 hours and 34 minutes. Given the limited training due to that stubborn plantar fasciitis and the sheer scale of the climbs, I'm incredibly proud of that time. Those walking poles I joked about last time? There were certainly moments I wished I'd brought them!

A huge thank you must also go to this month’s sponsor Husqvarna for their generosity. The remarkable efforts of my wife and friends, who joined me in the challenge this time, truly helped me dig deep when every fibre of my being was screaming at me to stop. It was also a pleasure to see Adam Bennett from Albany Garden Machinery.  A big shout out to Adam for completing the 50km Challenge.

The Jurassic Coast is breathtakingly beautiful, but it truly made me work for those views! Every ascent was a grind, but knowing the vital causes I'm running for kept me putting one foot in front of the other.

This year of marathons continues to be a test of mental fortitude as much as physical endurance. Each marathon brings its own unique pain and lessons, but the determination to raise awareness and funds for Cancer Research UK, Prostate Cancer UK, Naomi House Children’s Hospice and St. Michael's Hospice remains my driving force.

On the mental side of things

Funnily enough, only the other day I was chatting with a group of people who were asking me "why?" and "how?" I could possibly be doing these marathons, especially with the aches and pains. I was actually supporting a friend who's been going through some incredibly tough times mentally, and what I told him really applies to these marathons too: you can only take each step at a time. I've only been able to achieve these gruelling marathons by breaking them down into small, achievable goals. It's not about the daunting 42km ahead; it's about getting to that next lamppost, that next bend, or just putting one more foot in front of the other. That same mindset is so crucial for navigating life's mental challenges too.

How can you help?

• Sponsor me: Please continue to support these incredible charities by donating to my fundraising page. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real difference.
• Cheer me on: Your messages and support are invaluable and keep me going, especially when the going gets tough.
• Get inspired: I hope this crazy journey encourages you to think about your own health and well-being, both physical and mental. Even small steps towards a healthier lifestyle can have a significant impact.

The next one is around the corner . . . they just keep on coming!  Stay tuned for more updates on this ongoing adventure.

Merlo UK has announced the appointment of Vincents as an authorised dealer within their agricultural network, effective 1st June 2025.

Nick Vincent, dealer principal and Craig Parkes, regional sales manager, Merlo UK

Operating from two of their strategically located depots in Fraddon (Cornwall) and Smithaleigh (South Devon) the company will represent the range across South Devon and Cornwall, further strengthening Merlo’s presence in the South West.

Owen Buttle, national sales manager at Merlo UK, said of Vincents, “Their multi-depot footprint, highly capable team, and dedication to customer service make them an ideal partner. This appointment further supports Merlo’s aim to ensure customers across the South West have access to industry-leading telehandlers and expert local support.”

Nick Vincent, dealer principal at Vincent Tractors added, “Merlo is a key piece of our business plan. We want to be the ‘Dealer of Choice in the South West’, and offering a premium range like Merlo - backed by our own premium service – allows us to meet the needs of a broad and growing customer base.”

After nearly five decades of dedicated service, Andy Walker, field support manager at the Howardson Group, is set to retire, marking the end of an era for one of the industry’s most respected figures.

Andy’s journey began in 1976 when, aged just 16, he walked into the SISIS factory on a whim. When asked if he’d been sent from the job centre, he quickly said yes - even though he hadn’t. As luck would have it, the real candidate’s taxi never turned up, and Andy landed a one-month trial. It didn’t take long for him to “cut the mustard,” and he soon secured a permanent role.

From humble beginnings on the shop floor, Andy’s ambition quickly became apparent. A chance conversation with a manager at a nearby engineering site led to an opportunity in the design engineering department, where Andy thrived. While working full-time, he also completed a five-year engineering course at Stockport Technology College and was later promoted to department manager.

In 1983, Andy took a new path into sales – a move that would define much of his career. After twelve years, he stepped into the role of product evaluation manager, using his deep technical knowledge to test and refine new equipment before it went to market. By 2009, he had taken on the title of field support manager - a role in which he became a true ambassador for both the Dennis and SISIS brands.

When SISIS was acquired by the Howardson Group in 2011, Andy welcomed the change. “It was the best thing that could have happened,” he said. 

Andy’s career has taken him across the globe - from the UK’s bowling greens to Premier League football stadiums, and everywhere in between. He’s delivered product demonstrations, led mower seminars, and worked with clients from grassroots clubs to government ministers. He's visited every continent – highlights include a visit to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and a memorable trip to Alcatraz during a stateside demo tour.

One of his proudest achievements was working closely with Manchester City FC. As a lifelong City fan, being part of that project was a personal and professional highlight. “It was a lot of back and forth, a lot of tweaking and testing, but we got there. They ordered over 20 machines.”

Beyond the travel and product launches, it’s the people that have made the journey worthwhile. “It’s a lovely industry to work in,” Andy reflected. “You meet such a range – from people at local bowling greens to heads of sports facilities all over the world. And I’ve been lucky to work with some great colleagues who’ve become lifelong friends.”

The Howardson Group say Andy leaves behind an incredible legacy – 49 years, countless miles travelled, and a lasting impact on turf care both at home and abroad. 

“I never dreaded going to work. That’s the truth of it. I’ve had a blast.”

Husqvarna have teamed up with 'innovation scale-up', Wazoku, on a new initiative to collect ideas that tackle the rising threat of invasive species in recreational landscapes such as parks and golf courses.

Called The Husqvarna Ideation Challenge 2025 - Smart Solutions for Combating Invasive Species, the competition invites students based across Europe to design sustainable tools that help manage the threats posed by invasive species. With global biodiversity under increasing pressure, Husqvarna say they are seeking ideas that use technologies such as AI, IoT, and robotics to detect, control, and prevent the spread of invasive organisms.

The winner will receive a prize of €5,000, while up to three finalists will be invited to Husqvarna’s global R&D headquarters in Sweden for a consultation with industry experts.

Submissions are open until 10 June 2025. Participants must submit a written proposal that outlines "their vision, proposed solution, sustainability considerations, and potential for scalability and real-world impact." T

“This is an incredible opportunity for students across Europe to work on a real-world environmental challenge and to make their mark as innovators,” said Marianna Canino, director of customer success - EMEA, Wazoku."

Returning to the Royal Three Counties Show, Malvern is the British Timbersports Championship, which will be held over three days from 13 - 15 June.

Britain’s best wood-chopping athletes will go head-to-head for a chance to claim the British title and represent their country on the world stage. 
 
Organisers say the competition for places is so strong that anyone who didn’t finish in the top six in 2024 will need to fight for their place in the Pro qualifier event that takes place on Friday 13 June. Athletes will need to take on all six Timbersports disciplines, including the Underhand Chop, the Stock Saw, the Standing Block Chop, the Single Buck, the Springboard and the Hot Saw in order to prove they have what it takes to compete with the best British athletes. 
 
Once the qualification event has separated the best from the rest, the stage will be set for the Pro Championship on Saturday 14 June. Viewers can follow all the action on STIHL's YouTube livestream, or in person at the Royal Three Counties showground. 

Our 2020 Summer research showed 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 2022 will continue to be reinvested into promoting the site online and so supporting the dealer network.

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.

Map of dealerships registered with Garden Trader

FIND OUT MORE