It's quite the week for major dealer news stories today!

Firstly there's the development that Henton & Chattel are moving into ag machinery alongside their groundcare business, with the taking on of the Kubota range. Elsewhere PSD say they now have the opportunity to expand their dealer network for Canycom following a visit by senor management from Japan and finally GreenMech are shuffling their dealer pack following changes to their network.

As well as these dealer-centric stories, on the manufacturer side you may have also already read the news about the Small Robot Company turning to crowdfunding following their lead investor pulling out at the 11th hour.

After what I guess must have been quite shock for all involved, it seems that through the enthusiasm of their community of investors, following the call for financial help being put out last week, they are almost at the point of safety for the time being. As of this morning (Friday May 12th 2023) they were at just over £1.4m raised, which is apparently 93% of the £1.5m total required to give them some breathing space to secure another lead investor on reasonable terms.

They say if this funding failed to have been generated, the alternative would have been that all investors would have lost everything and what they describe as the "revolutionary tech we’ve created from scratch" would have ended up not benefiting farmers or the planet.

I suppose what this crowd-raising of quite considerable funds in a such short period of time does prove, is that those amongst the company's supporters who know the world of agriculture intimately, clearly see a definite (and profitable) future for A.I powered technology in the sector - otherwise they wouldn't have stumped up the cash.

A.I in the dealership

Dealers will also know only too well just how much advanced, A.I-led developments are used in all manor of the equipment they sell these days. And not just agricultural machinery dealers either, who are well versed in the leaps and bounds being made in precision agriculture - commercial and domestic specialists alike will be seeing more and more instances in the tools they deal in where automation or data processing for example, is aided by artificial intelligence.

We've heard already this year as an example, from garden machinery dealers who are excited by the prospects that boundaryless robotic lawnmowers could offer to their customers and to their businesses. Also commercial dealers will be seeing more and more of their professional users putting automated equipment to use in settings where previously they would've had to enlist a human member of staff.

So A.I usage is clearly growing quickly in the brains of the machinery sold by our dealer readers. But where else might it eventually impact on their working lives?

Well, to potentially give an indication, I went straight to the robot's mouth and asked an A.I. Into ChatGPT I typed 'How might A.I help independent dealers of outdoor powered machinery?'

Instantly, the system reeled off a list, along with brief explanations of each point, of ways in which it suggested dealers could benefit. These included concepts such as demand forecasting; pricing optimisation; personalised recommendations; predictive maintenance; and process automation amongst others.

One that stood out to me though, as potentially either super helpful or super worrisome, depending on your point of view, was the following:

Virtual assistants and chatbots: AI-powered virtual assistants and chatbots can handle customer inquiries, provide information about products and services, and assist in the sales process. This automation reduces the dealer's workload, improves customer service, and ensures round-the-clock support for potential buyers.

So how does that sound to you, our dealer readers? Would that be a technological advancement that could help you with the smooth running of your business and enhance your customer service offering?

Or does it perhaps diminish your standing as a specialist expert in your field? If an algorithm can offer advice to end users and help sell machines, where does that leave your year's of experience?!

What are your thoughts on the subject? Do you fear The Terminator is on a mission to make you redundant or do you welcome any assistance that has the potential to lighten your workload?

Let us know in the comments below.

On Monday this week (May 8th 2023) PSD Groundscare welcomed representatives of Japanese manufacturer Canycom to their premises in Lancashire.  

L-R: Canycom director of international sales, Mr Yasuhiko Mori; PSD sales coordinator, Lindy Gildert; Canycom president, Mr Yoshimitsu Kaneyuki; PSD managing director, Chris Gibson; PSD Director, Hilary Gibson

Canycom president Mr Yoshimitsu Kaneyuki and director of international sales Mr Yasuhiko Mori were met by PSD managing director Chris Gibson, director Hilary Gibson, sales director Stuart Mercer and many of the team, in their first visit to the UK since launching a partnership with PSD last October.

After an official UK launch at SALTEX, the range of ride on brushcutters has been promoted at dealer events across the UK and to customers with national advertising, with the range due to be showcased again at this year’s event. Since the initial launch both companies say they have been focused on working closely together to ensure they have machines and after-sales back-up to support the UK dealer network and are both pleased with the progress made so far.

Despite it being a public holiday in the UK, when approached by Canycom about the trip, Chris Gibson says he took the necessary steps to make it happen. Chris said, “It was an absolute privilege to welcome both Mr Kaneyuki and Mr Mori to our offices. When we visited them in Japan last October their whole team made us feel incredibly welcome and we were delighted to be able to provide them with the same courtesy. 

Canycom's Mr Yasuhiko Mori and Mr Yoshimitsu Kaneyuki with Chris Gibson

"The visit was a real success as it allowed us the opportunity to update them on the UK business and our further plans for a long-term partnership. We were also delighted to receive confirmation of an additional shipment of machines for the 2023 season that will allow us to both support the existing dealers and continue to grow our dealer network”.

Canycom president Mr Yoshimitsu Kaneyuki added, “We would like to thank Chris and his team for making our trip possible and such a warm welcome. We made our visit to gain a better understanding of the UK market and we return to Japan confident that with PSD we can work together as one team to ensure a successful long-term partnership. We are two nations but we believe we can be a good family”. 

The British agricultural robotics startup, the Small Robot Company (SMC), has turned to crowdfunding after its lead investor pulled out at the 11th hour.

Without immediate funding SMC were at risk of not being able to pay wages at the end of the month and entering administration.

Last week the company issued a statement to their community of investors saying, "We have been unable to close our investment with a lead VC investor. They like our tech, our team, but find agriculture too risky.

"They can't see the big picture. We can and we know our community does too.

"With no financial runway left, our farmer led mission is at risk of ending. This would be a huge blow to our farmers, our planet and the UK position as an Agtech leader."

Since the statement went out, SMC say the support from their shareholder base for keeping their mission alive has been "incredible". They are now over 90% of the way to raising to the £1.5million they said they need to give themselves a ". . .long enough a runway to secure another lead investor on reasonable terms."

They have further targets of £3m where they say they can launch their first pilot franchises where they believe they can start to make progress again - and £4m which they say would position themselves for the next phase of growth.

In an interview with Ag Funder News on Wednesday this week, SRC’s CMO Sarra Mander is quoted as saying that the company has a "high degree of confidence” that it’s “through the danger zone”.

A reshuffle of the GreenMech dealer network has seen the introduction of a number of new sales, service and parts partners in important areas across the country.

Full distribution arrangements have been reached with Ross McTurk Engineering, Silvestria and Griffin Machinery Solutions, while MKM Agriculture will now be providing after-sales support to customers in Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire and Hunts Engineering covering customer support across Oxfordshire. 

Ross McTurk Engineering, from their depot at Felixkirk Airfield near Thirsk, will be offering sales and support across the manufacturer's portfolio to those operating in and around Yorkshire, County Durham and the area south of the Tyne in Tyne and Wear. 

Picking up the baton for Cheshire, Merseyside and North Wales is Silvestria - owned and operated by an experienced tree surgeon. Together with sales, the company will also be offering tailored servicing and parts support. 

Completing the trio of new full-line dealerships is Griffin Machinery Solutions (GMS). The dealership will be adding GreenMech woodchippers to the list of machinery available for hire, sales, service and repair to their extensive customer base across Hertfordshire, Essex, Middlesex and the area north of the Thames in Greater London. 

Two new supporting dealers have also been announced by the manufacturer.

Bedfordshire’s MKM Agriculture will be providing parts and servicing to those in the surrounding counties of Northants and Buckinghamshire, while Hunts Engineering will be looking after customers in Oxfordshire from their depot in South Warwickshire.  

GreenMech's sales director Martin Lucas, said, “As a brand, we pride ourselves on offering not just quality products, but industry-leading after-sales support to our customers both old and new.

"In this reshuffle, we are delighted to welcome a wealth of knowledge and experience into the network, that will ensure we can continue to deliver the top level of service that people have come to expect when they purchase a GreenMech product.” 

Service Dealer understands these appointments are to replace county areas previously covered by Balmers, Lloyds, Turners and George Browns. 

Kubota (UK) has appointed Will Barker as agricultural and groundcare dealer manager for the East Midlands and Eastern Counties.

Will Barker

Will is described by the manufacturer as passionate about farming and machinery, and comes from a family-owned dairy farm in Buckinghamshire, which operates two Kubota tractors and a utility vehicle, supplied by local dealer George Browns.

“Coming into the tractor business as a former end-user, I have an appreciation of what customers expect from their relationships with dealers,” explains Will. “And this is a great opportunity to introduce more customers to the ambitions and capabilities of Kubota agricultural and groundcare machinery.”

As part of his university education, Will joined Kubota’s marketing department as a placement student, providing him with a taste of the tractor manufacturing business. On graduating from Harper Adam University with a degree in business management and marketing, he headed to New Zealand to widen his practical experience by working with an agricultural contractor.

Returning to the family farm for a two-year period, Will realised that his future in the industry was beyond the farm gates. He joined the marketing department of an industrial lighting company to gain supply chain and distribution experience, before returning to Kubota earlier this year as a regional dealer manager.

“Agriculture is where my heart is, and I really enjoyed my placement period with Kubota,” adds Will. “I just needed to wait for the right opening to present itself."

Speaking about Will’s appointment as a dealer manager, Kubota’s agricultural and groundcare sales manager Tim Yates said, “Will’s youthful energy provides us with a great opportunity to continue supporting dealers as they continue to build on the growth already achieved in agricultural and groundcare markets across the East Midlands and Eastern Counties.”

According to figures released by the AEA, registrations of agricultural tractors (over 50hp) were once again higher than last year in April.

Agricultural economist at the Association, Stephen Howarth, explained, "At 1,280 machines, the monthly figure was 11% up on April 2022 and the highest total for the time of year since 2019 as manufacturers continue to work through the backlog of orders which built up last year due to supply chain disruption."

The growth rate for the year to date was similar, with 4,634 machines registered over the first four months of 2023, 10% more than in the same period last year.

Martin Lishman Ltd, specialists in agricultural and amenity equipment, have appointed Liam Geddis as their new sales manager for the south of England.

L-R: Joel Capper md of Martin Lishman with Liam Geddis

The company says Liam joins from a successful career in sales, with a proven track record of building strong relationships with clients. They say he is committed to delivering outstanding customer service and ensuring that customers receive the best possible experience.

“Liam will be responsible for managing our sales operations in the south of England,” explained Joel Capper, managing director for Martin Lishman Ltd. “He joins myself and northern area sales manager Tom Pickering to reinforce the sales team.

"With his wealth of experience and expertise, we are confident that Liam will provide exceptional service to our customers."

Organisers of the SALTEX trade show say they are on track to have one of their biggest years yet as exhibitor demand sees the floor plan for 2023 increase by 20 percent to accommodate bookings. 

The Grounds Management Association have confirmed early bird bookings are up ten percent from the 2022 show and there’s a 12 percent increase in exhibitor numbers with 6000 sqm of hall space already sold. 

Sarah Cunningham, director of commercial and events at the GMA, who has been joined on the sales team by Jill Rodham, said, “Thanks to the early interest in the show the footprint has been increased by 3000 sqm to accommodate the extra demand for space from exhibitors, making it 20 percent bigger than the 2022 show. And plans are well underway for this year’s event with visitor registration due to open in early June.” 

The GMA put this early success down to returning exhibitors and an influx of new exhibitors.

Sarah continued, "To be in the 77th year of a show and still commanding this level of commitment from the sectors we represent, is proof that the show is as relevant now as it ever was.

“I think people appreciate this is a show which contributes significantly to the growth and success of the industry. SALTEX and the Grounds Management Association work hand in hand - SALTEX is powered by the GMA and in turn SALTEX feeds into the GMA's extensive work in supporting, and raising the profile of, the groundscare industry in all its guises.”

The show takes place at Birmingham NEC on 1-2 November 2023.

Climate change and environmental concerns are accelerating the shift away from fossil fuels and towards more sustainable business practice. In grounds maintenance, Toro® is leading the way with the launch of a powerful new range of battery powered equipment, contributing towards a more sustainable business efficiency for professionals.

Calling on 100 years of expertise and engineering excellence, Toro’s new range combines our proven mowing equipment with pioneering battery technology to deliver like-for-like performance with our petrol or diesel equivalent. Easy to maintain and cost-effective to run, they can also lower the total cost of ownership and contribute to greater business efficiency.

POWERING POSITIVE CHANGE

Sustainability has never been a buzzword or box-ticking exercise at Toro – it’s embedded in our thinking. Fully aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, we have a dual focus: on improving the beauty, productivity and sustainability of the land, and on helping our customers work more efficiently and effectively. Our acceleration towards a battery-powered future is central to this long-term commitment. Reducing carbon emissions in our operations, while powering professionals to work smarter means a positive change for everyone.

WHY GO ELECTRIC?

For some of your customers, making the switch from fuel to battery-powered can seem daunting and expensive initially. This is why Toro has created it’s TCO calculator, contractors can calculate their operational ROI (return on investment) and see over time the positive impact this investment has made not only financially but also to the environment around them with up to 3x reduction in noise and no engine exhaust emissions while being welcomed virtually everywhere and at any time of the day, giving them the freedom to work extended hours – or at times that suit your customer.  

THE POWER BEHIND THE CHARGE 

For years, our cordless range of residential equipment has been powered by Toro’s pioneering battery technology. We’ve built up insight, expertise and experience – and now we’ve applied it all to the professional market, adding extra power and features to give your customer the performance they need to get the job done. 

Designed to run quieter and cooler than ever, Toro’s Flex-Force and HyperCell® batteries offer more power, comfort and superior service life. Plus they’ve been rigorously put through their paces where it matters most – in the hands of professionals in the field. So wherever your customer is working, whatever the project, they can be confident that our products can give them the run-time and torque they need to supercharge the day.

MEET THE NEW BATTERY-POWERED RANGE

Naturally we’ve taken inspiration from our industry-leading petrol models, so you can expect the same high standards of innovation, efficiency and engineering expertise. You can also expect the same features, including MyRide and Horizon Technology as well as the Recycling and TURBO FORCE® decks. And whether you choose a ride-on, stand-on or walk-behind model, you can be confident it’ll provide electrifying performance and superior control all day, every day. Because at Toro, we believe embracing change shouldn’t mean leaving anything behind – and that’s fitting for a range of mowers with zero engine exhaust emissions.

Our full range can be found here. So join us today in leading the charge towards a more sustainable future.

For more information on Toro, please visit www.toro.com/en-gb or to become a dealer of Toro U.K. Limited, please email our sales team today.

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