We have a couple of exciting announcements to share with you today, from here at Service Dealer Towers.

Firstly, the team behind Service Dealer are proud to confirm that Machinery Dealer Diversity is now up and running. A new scheme designed to promote the dealer network running across multiple digital platforms, our social media whizz, Annie Winn, who is generating oodles of content, tells us today, "Our mission is to encourage diversity within the machinery dealership network, whilst educating and creating connections for both industry professionals and the general public about the vast opportunities within this sector."

To me, this sounds like a tremendous initiative as we all know just how tough it is for dealerships to attract the attention of new recruits. If this scheme is able, as it intends, to reach the eyes, ears and importantly, the screens, of people who may not have thought of the dealer sector as a career path - or indeed, never even knew there was such a thing as a dealer network - then it will be succeeding.

We all know that our industry skews towards the older, white, male demographic. That's simply a truism. But if MDD can breakthrough and perhaps find a wider pool of people to draw upon, who may be interested to learn that there are people like them who've chosen to build a successful career for themselves in this field, then that's surely a positive?

Because it's not about ticking boxes or filling quotas, as we were once accused of when this group was first discussed! For a dealership to look outside its traditional recruitment cohort, if that is not proving fruitful, is surely just common sense?

To embrace diversity is move that could benefit dealers in numerous ways. It doesn't seem controversial to suggest that a diverse workforce could bring fresh ideas, improve customer relations, boost employee morale, and enhance adaptability in what is an increasingly competitive marketplace. 

So best of luck to Annie and all the tremendous dealers that are already supporting the group. We'll follow their progress with interest.

AI in the dealership

Also today, the organisers of November's Service Dealer Conference have confirmed the next of the event's ever-popular workshop sessions.

Following on from the previously announced seminar on how to protect your dealership from cyber-crime, the next breakout will also consider another up-to-the-minute issue of interest to dealers. Neil Wilkins, a marketing consultant and mentor, will be taking our dealer delegates through how the use of AI can aid your business. He says he will debunk myths and give real-world examples of how the developing technology can be utilised by small businesses.

I don't know about you, but it sounds like this session will be a real eye-opener for me, as someone whose knowledge of how AI works, comes mostly from The Terminator. I'm happy to admit that the 1984 film probably doesn't offer myself the most accurate understanding of the tools available to dealers today and what they can achieve for companies in our sector. To be fair, I doubt they involve time travel and the killing of unborn resistance leaders.

Having done a bit of reading, it turns out that benefits could include areas such as, and I quote, "enhancing inventory management, improving customer engagement, personalising marketing, streamlining operations, and enabling data-driven decision-making." Phew! All areas I'm sure dealers would be interested in discovering what help is available.

So once again, this sounds like another session in an already packed day, not to be missed! We look forward to seeing you there next month.

The organisers of November's Service Dealer Conference have announced the latest breakout workshop.

Neil Wilkins, marketing consultant and mentor, will be delivering a practical and engaging workshop exploring AI applications, demonstrating the tools and techniques that deliver measurable business value.

Dispelling AI myths (both opportunities and dangers), Neil will be addressing common misconceptions about AI, emphasising its potential and limitations - while offering real-world examples of its uses and abuses.

Taking a closer look at AI in practice and explaining how AI tools operate and can integrate into daily business activities, Neil will show delegates how AI can be applied to different job roles and tasks. From its use in research, through marketing, to prospecting and sales, Neil will be defining the benefits in the real world.  

Delegates will receive a practical, hands-on demonstration and leave with the concrete steps dealerships can take to start or further their AI journey.

The Service Dealer Conference takes place on Thursday 28th November 2024 at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford upon Avon. The theme for this year's event is Driving Success.

The entry process for 2024's Dealer Of The Year Awards continues for two more weeks.

Below you will find all the links you'll need for dealerships to enter themselves and their staff for as many awards as they like. 

Also, dealerships and individuals can be nominated by any third party who feels they are deserving of recognition. These nominations can come from manufacturers, suppliers, customers, staff members etc.

Entries must be complete and include a 250-word supporting statement and at least one piece of supporting evidence. The awards will be judged taking into account the 12 months prior to the submission date.

Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke said, "We want to hear from as many of our amazing dealer readers as possible this year. We especially want to hear the human stories behind the business - not just the facts and figures."

More detail on entries can be found by clicking the relevant category links below. Entries must be in by midnight on Friday 18th October 2024.

A judging panel will review all the nominations prior to the Awards Ceremony on the 28th November. All entries for the categories below will be considered by the judging panel for the prestigious Overall Dealer of the Year award (sponsored by Kress).

Below are the categories available for dealers to enter themselves, or be nominated by a third party.

Garden Machinery Dealer of the Year - sponsored by Husqvarna

Have you gone above and beyond this year to satisfy your domestic customers?

ENTER GARDEN MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

Farm Machinery Dealer of the Year - sponsored by Ibcos

Would your farming customers say you are outstanding in your field?

ENTER FARM MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

Forestry Equipment Dealer of the Year - sponsored by Societe Generale Equipment Finance

Is your dealership at the top of the tree when it comes to supplying forestry equipment?

ENTER FORESTRY EQUIPMENT DEALER OF THE YEAR

Professional Turfcare Dealer of the Year - sponsored by Toro UK

Is your team firing on all cylinders when it comes to your commercial turfcare customers?

ENTER PROFESSIONAL TURFCARE DEALER OF THE YEAR

ATV/Quad Dealer of the Year - sponsored by Yamaha

Are you the dealership customers turn to for tackling all terrain in the outdoor sector?

ENTER ATV/QUAD DEALER OF THE YEAR

New Technician of the Year - sponsored by Kubota

Technicians are the staff who keep the wheels turning - this is your chance to highlight someone in their first four years of the role.

ENTER NEW TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR

Star of the Dealership - sponsored by EGO

Do you have a staff member who’s made an exceptional contribution to the business?

ENTER STAR OF THE DEALERSHIP

Best New Initiative - sponsored by STIHL

Have you implemented something new - be it a fresh idea, some renovation, diversification, or branching out with new tech, let us know!

ENTER BEST NEW INITIATIVE

Leadership Award - Sponsored by AGCO

Does your dealership benefit from a great team leader who leads from the front and acts as a great example to all?

ENTER LEADERSHIP AWARD

The Awards will be presented at the Gala Dinner following the Service Dealer Conference that takes place on Thursday 28th November 2024 at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford upon Avon. The theme for this year's event is Driving Success.

This November, Cooks Midlands celebrates a significant milestone as Ryan Yorke marks his 25th anniversary with the dealership. 

Darren Cook, managing director of Cooks Midlands and Ryan Yorke

Over the past quarter of a century, Ryan has played a key role in shaping the company’s success. His dedication and expertise have earned him deep respect from colleagues and customers. 

Ryan is also Cooks Midlands' go-to expert when it comes to Merlo telehandlers. Over the years, he has built an extensive knowledge of the machines and is one of the few engineers in the UK with significant hands-on experience with the manufacturer's ROTO series. As a trained specialist, Ryan’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed - Merlo UK recently sent him a box of merchandise in recognition of his 25 years of outstanding support for their machines.

Reflecting on his time with Cooks Midlands, Ryan says he has witnessed the company evolve from a small business with just three employees into the thriving dealership it is today with 25 staff. “The biggest change I've seen is how we’ve grown over the years,” Ryan said. “When I first joined, it was a tight-knit team of just a few of us. Now, we’ve expanded so much, and it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come.”

In recognition of his commitment and long service, Cooks Midlands rcently thanked Ryan with the presentation of a limited edition Bremont timepiece.
 
Darren Cook, managing director of Cooks Midlands, summed up, saying “Ryan was our first employee, as my apprentice, and he has been with us through many changes - through the growth and challenges. He’s also been our go-to guy for anything Merlo. He’s more than just a key player; he’s part of the family, and I couldn’t imagine Cooks Midlands without him.”

True Track Software has announced that they are launching their cloud-based Dealer Management System to the groundscare and agricultural sectors.

Graeme Wylie, the company's creative director, said, "Our origins lie deeply within the motorcycle Industry, where we have thrived by cultivating robust relationships with customers, key brands, and manufacturers.

"We are now turning our attention to the groundscare and agricultural sectors, preparing to unveil our premier Dealer Management System, Pyramid, at Saltex 2024 and Lamma 2025. Although these new sectors present a learning curve, we are confident that our strategic approach and business principles will lead to success. We aim to offer dealers an alternative DMS solution, and a dedicated partner focused on customer-centric development and integration to enhance workflow efficiency and profitability."

Campey Turf Care Systems has announced that they are a finalist in the Global Star category in the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) Excellence Awards.

 
The GMCC Excellence Awards are described as showcasing and celebrating business achievements and resilience, highlighting businesses, leaders and teams who have demonstrated success within their industries and communities in Greater Manchester.
 
Campey's place as a finalist was secured due to its history, progress, and innovation in the global turf market. Campey Turf Care Systems was established in 1986 by Richard Campey and has provided sports turf professionals with machinery for 38 years.
 
Richard Campey says he detected an untapped market need. He realised that a specialist supplier of high-quality, purpose-built equipment could enable turf managers to meet the increased demands placed on modern sports turf surfaces.
 
What initially started out as a business offering sports turf maintenance work within the North West of the United Kingdom has now grown to be one of the UK's leading independent distributors. Machinery is available from 54 dealers throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and the USA. Campey continues to strengthen its international presence by establishing Campey Australia and new dealer networks around the world.
 
In a statement, the company said, "Irrespective of the region, Campey Turf Care Systems is not just about providing industry-leading machinery. The company is equally invested in education. It has conducted numerous European roadshows and demo days worldwide, offering country-specific training to esteemed professionals and volunteers, thereby consistently elevating the standard of play."
  
The winners of the GMCC Excellence Awards 2024 will be announced on October 11th at Manchester's Albert Hall.

Machinery auctioneers Cheffins has said that as the machinery market continues to be challenging for manufacturers and dealers alike, the trade for high-quality, second-hand equipment sold at auction continues unaffected. 

The company say that they sold more than £8.5m worth of machinery in September.
 
Three high-profile auctions took place during the month. The dispersal of Peter Crosswell Agricultural Ltd, a business that farmed over 4,000ha near Winchester, included three Class Lexion 8800 combines. Two of these machines ended up selling to a single bidder for a combined cost of £600,000. Another prominent dispersal for Dalham Estates Ltd in Suffolk, further highlighted the demand for good-quality secondhand combines. A 2018 New Holland CR9.90 sold for £137,000, while a slightly older 2013 New Holland CR9080 made £65,000. Oliver Godfrey, director and head of machinery auction division at Cheffins, says the recent combine trade has shown the appeal of purchasing excellent examples of high-value machines at auction.
 
“Cheffins has brought six combines to the market in the last two weeks, and sold them all, with a collective sale total of £1,154,000. This is an excellent result as an oversupply of machines into the UK, and a significant reduction in farmed area due to the Sustainable Farming Incentive, means there could have been less demand."
 
Tractors were in high demand at both sales and prices for four John Deere 6250Rs ranged from £76,000 for a 2019 model with over 5,000 hours, to a 2022 tractor with 3,228 hours reaching £91,500. A sought-after 2009 New Holland T9050, offering 450hp and had been on the same farm since new, was subject to some competitive bidding from an online buyer but eventually made £77,000. Three identical New Holland T7.230 machines, with varying workloads of 6,000-7,000 hours, made between £45,500 and £51,500 each. In Suffolk, a 2011 Cat Challenger MT765C made £79,500, closely followed by a 2013 Case Quadtrac 550 that reached £78,000 and a 2019 JCB Fastrac 4220 that finished at £63,500.
 
Top prices were also paid at both sales for an excellent selection of implements. One of three 2021 Horsch Sprinter 6ST drills reached £65,000, followed by a trio of 30m Chafer Sentry trailed sprayers, with a 2022 model making £50,000, and a 2014 Vaderstad TopDown 700 finding a home for £34,000. Oliver says September has seen new buyers turning to auctions.
 
“The agricultural machinery market is facing some acute challenges, and this has led to a widening demographic of buyers including more farmers and contractors, but also UK dealers and exporters. Throughout September, Cheffins has offered over 300 tractors to the market via onsite dispersals and our monthly Cambridge Machinery Auction, with export continuing to be a popular destination for secondhand UK machines. We have distributed machinery to over 30 different countries this year and have the experience and connections to deal with the paperwork and phytosanitary requirements now we are outside the EU.”

Ibcos is pleased to announce the release of Gold eSign, a web-based tool to capture electronic signatures on contracts, documents, and forms. This customisable new solution has an easy-to-use interface that can be accessed from anywhere, allowing you to create and send documents for signing and get confirmations fast. With Gold eSign, users can invite one or multiple signers, control the sequence of the signers, import CSV files for bulk signing, and upload various documents. Users can also carry out secured signing sessions by adding password protection, send and share documents anytime and store them securely within the system.

Initiatives Manager, Steven Brown said, “We understand through the results of our recent surveys and customer visits that many of our customers are looking for digital solutions that simplify the process of capturing signatures on documents such as contracts and forms.

"We are excited to announce that we now offer this functionality through our new initiative, Gold eSign, which provides you with a simple web-based tool, that allows you to upload and customise documents before sending them to your customers for electronically signing.”

To allow all customers to experience the benefits of Gold eSign, customers can take advantage of a 1-month free trial of Gold eSign, by completing this form. For more information on how Gold eSign will save you time and money, click here.

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