This week, myself and Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke, were privileged to be invited to visit AL-KO and Weibang’s UK home in Wincanton, Somerset. 

We were shown around by head of marketing Kieran Powell and md Stewart Anderson. Stewart will be well-known to many of our dealer readers – and it’s quickly apparent how the company’s dealer-focused culture is shaped by his vision. Also clear is how everyone who works for him shares and respects this vision, giving the company a unique feel.

One obvious example of the operation’s singularity is the facility’s large, airy showroom full of their machines. It looks like a fantastic retail space, but it's not. Instead it's set up for dealers to come visit and see the machines on display. It is in fact the old Rochfords retail space but now repurposed as a place for their dealer partners to experience the equipment. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anything quite the same anywhere else? You might get a display in a distributor’s foyer. But this has the feel of full-on, large showroom - although one that’s set-up just for the trade. There's pretty much an open invitation, says Stewart, for dealers to come and see the space for themselves. And like everywhere in the Wincanton facility, it is immaculately neat and tidy,

Duncan Murray-Clarke with Stewart Anderson

On show here are their key lines, including the AL-KO, Solo By AL-KO, Mitox and Weibang products -for both domestic and commercial customers. Stewart took pride in telling us “If I can't give the dealer a product at a price that they can make money on, I won't bring that product in.” He also confirmed that they will never stop selling the Solo By AL-KO through specialist dealers only. He said how he wants to partner with dealers who will work with them so they can form long-term relationships.

As part of our visit we were shown around the huge, three-part warehouse. This area has its own dedicated staff of course, however everyone who is part of the small team in Wincanton can pitch in when it gets busy. Which it does each afternoon as orders go out the door to dealers around the country.

A refrain we heard repeated from Stewart was, “You will never find me in my bloody office!” We asked many members of staff as we walked around, where he’d be and the answer was always the same. Everywhere except behind his desk!

Stewart has a real sway with the top brass at both AL-KO and Weibang and as such has a direct influence over how the products are made. Stewart, with his engineering background, designs innovations and refinements for the products himself, with these changes then put forward to the manufacturing teams. The ideas, or requirements for a solution, can often come from dealers feeding back to Stewart any comments they’ve had from their end-user customers.

Stewart’s influence can then get these refinements made, all with the ultimate intention of optimum sales potential for the dealers. Every decision that Stewart and the company makes, he said, is designed to help dealers sell more machines.

New prototypes of machines are tested there in Wincanton. In the workshop during our visit this week, we saw work being undertaken to reduce vibrations to extraordinarily low levels on petrol engined mowers. Duncan and I gripped the handlebars ourselves and even to our layman hands, it was clear the levels were impressive.

When any new product arrives Wincanton, Stewart and the team will take it apart entirely, stripping it down to every individual nut and bolt. They do this to both check the quality and to make sure they have every spare part that is required - and will not ship to the network until they are entirely satisfied. This level of attention to detail, says Stewart, is all for the benefit of their dealers.

This is also reflected in their parts department which like everywhere else in the business, works super efficiently. Certainly, for the commercial spare parts, they need to work accurately and quickly as the parts need to be with the dealers and their customers immediately, because as Stewart says, if these guys are not cutting grass they are not making money. If dealers order from Wincanton by three o'clock, there's a next day delivery. And even that can get pushed slightly later as they tend to stack the trucks until they are literally pulling away from the facility. It's all about speed and efficiency. The most frequently ordered spare parts are kept at the front of the parts department with regular data analysis taking place to see which parts are the most fast moving. Shelves will then be rearranged to make sure the most demanded parts are the closest to hand.

Stewart refers to all these aspects of making the business more efficient as simply “customer care”. For example, all the parts are pre-packaged to make sure that when they're being sent out, they can be picked and put on the truck as quickly as possible. “It's all about our systems,” said Stewart. “Other companies may match me on parts, but none of them will beat me.”

Also, he believes that what makes their business run as it does is their people. “All our teammates do their jobs well,” said Stewart. “What we do differently is our accuracy and our attention to detail. It's all about giving great service to our dealers. They are the single most important part of our company and I would like to think that they all believe that we are above all else and straight-up and honest with them.”

From visiting this week, it was obvious how the culture at Wincanton is one of calmness, with everyone working together for the good of the company - and as a consequence the good of their dealer partners. 

Thinking about their dealers yet again, Duncan and I were shown a PowerPoint of new products coming for them during this year. What they have aimed to do, we were told, is fill the gaps in their ranges that dealers have requested. There are about 30 new products on their way that dealers will be shown first at GroundsFest, including new petrol mowers, zero-turns, robots and battery powered equipment. These new additions reflect how Stewart has been given everything he requested from the product teams in Germany and China, with kit aimed specifically for the UK market.

Stewart emphasised how the business is built on dealers. “I need products to fill all requirements for our dealers to make them happy,” he said. “I enjoy everything to do with the company, but I like the dealer business the best.”

Stewart even phoned a dealer while we were there, off the cuff, to ask him how he would describe his feelings on the Weibang products and the backup received from Wincanton. The dealer said that he gets what he asks for immediately - but not only that, Stewart’s team will go above and beyond to help him out with elements that he hadn't even considered yet. It's beyond good service, he said. He also confirmed that he doesn’t need to offer discount on the professional Weibang machines and makes good profit on both the wholegoods and the spares.

Stewart concluded our visit, telling us that their company mantra is to not do anything on the cheap for the dealer. “It’s all about giving good service,” he said. “The key is keeping the machines cutting.”

Duncan and I thank Stewart and Kieran for their time this week and look forward to their continued support of the Service Dealer Conference & Awards as our principal sponsor.

Service Dealer can today confirm AriensCo as a Gold sponsor of 2026's Conference & Awards.

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.

Sam Lewis, general manager, said, "The Service Dealer Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the dedication and professionalism of dealers across our industry. At AriensCo, we’re proud to continue our support as a Gold Sponsor for the 2026 event, and to thank our dealers for their continued partnership and support. These awards celebrate the people who go above and beyond for their customers, and we’re delighted to help recognise their achievements."

Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke, added, "We are delighted that AriensCo are returning to our event dedicated to the dealer network once again. We thank them for their continued support and look forward with great enthusiasm to all that the day will entail."

AriensCo and Sam also feature in our continuing 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 more speakers, seminars and content following the announcement of our keynote - plus further announcements of all our valued sponsors.

You can head to our website now to register your interest for delegate tickets or sponsorship opportunities.

Scotland’s Gordons Construction Equipment is opening its seventh location, the first in central Scotland, this summer.

Gordons' directors Ian Brydson and Kevin Fraser accept the keys from previous site owner, Fergus Mitchell, for Gordons' first dedicated construction depot

The new depot for the family-owned plant machinery specialists, which is headquartered at Castle Douglas and has six sites in Carlisle and the South-West of Scotland, will open in Blairgowrie, Perthshire.  

This is part of a triple expansion for Gordons Construction Equipment as it also becomes a licensed dealership for two other well-known machinery brands, Dieci and Bomag. Combined with Develon, which it is has the exclusive dealership for in Scotland, Gordons say this will make them a one-stop shop for digging, material moving, lifting and compaction equipment.

“We are really excited about this next stage,” explains Kevin Fraser, one of four directors of Gordons Construction Equipment. “Dieci and Bomag perfectly complement the Develon offering to give our customers the full spectrum of kit they need for every scale of project, while the Blairgowrie depot will give our customers in the East and North of Scotland a chance to come and see the equipment more conveniently. Importantly, it also means we will be able to offer a prompt service to these regions of Scotland with both parts and engineer support.”  

Formed in 1865 by James Gordon, and bought by the Montgomerie family 100 years ago, Gordons was originally a supplier of agricultural equipment, expanding into construction in 2017. It has since been the exclusive dealership for Develon in Scotland. 
 
The Blairgowrie depot is Gordons’ first construction-only depot with a range of plant machinery for different types of business and projects including house and factory building contractors, landscape gardeners, joiners, waste handling, forestry and peatland restoration. Kevin believes it will also be attractive for farmers looking to buy a digger, telehandler and other equipment for farm and land management. 

 
The Blairgowrie site was bought from Fergus Mitchell, who is retiring, and Gordons Construction Equipment say they look forward to building on the valued reputation and service he built.

An open day will be arranged in September to welcome local businesses and the community to see the new Blairgowrie depot

GGM Group has announced the celebration of a remarkable milestone: 50 years of partnership with Kubota. 

Chris, Hilary, Thomas and Andrew Gibson

Since the partnership began in 1976, GGM Group and Kubota have worked side by side to deliver equipment and support to customers nationwide. Built on mutual trust and aligned values, they say the relationship has grown into one of the most respected and longstanding distributor-manufacturer partnerships in the sector.

Henry Bredin, division Manager kubota commented, "Reaching 50 years in partnership with GGM Group is a testament to the strength of our shared vision and the dedication of both businesses over the decades. GGM has consistently represented the Kubota brand with professionalism, expertise, and a deep understanding of customer needs. We are proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited for what lies ahead."

Chris Gibson, managing director GGM Group, added, "This milestone is not just about longevity, it’s about relationships. My father was always driven by new ideas. When he purchased the Ramsbottom business at Kirkham in 1976, he set out to find a product that would transform the way horticultural growers operated in glasshouses. Following discussions with John Croft, Kubota’s sales agent at the time, he became the first dealer to sign up, and that marked the beginning of the compact tractor business in the UK.

"As a family, we are incredibly proud of the foresight he showed. It’s remarkable to think that five decades have passed since we sold our first Kubota B6000. I believe his entrepreneurial spirit continues to guide us today, as we constantly look for new opportunities to evolve our product offering and deliver the highest level of service to our customers."

As GGM Group celebrates its history, it also looks firmly to the future with the introduction of the next generation of leadership: Andrew and Thomas Gibson. Representing the continuation of a family-led business, both bring fresh perspectives, energy, and a commitment to upholding the values that have defined the company for decades.

Andrew Gibson said "Growing up around the business, Kubota has always been part of our story. It’s an honour to step into this next chapter and continue building on such a strong foundation. We’re focused on innovation, sustainability, and ensuring we continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers."

Thomas Gibson added, "This partnership has stood the test of time because of its authenticity and shared purpose. As we look ahead, we’re excited to play our part in shaping the future of GGM Group while strengthening our relationship with Kubota and our customers, supported by outstanding customer service and support that stands as a testament to the whole team at GGM.”

The milestone will be recognised and celebrated at two dedicated customer events in June, providing an opportunity to thank customers and showcase the strength of the partnership. The 50-year anniversary will also be highlighted throughout the show season, with a strong presence across key industry events. As part of the celebrations, a customer competition is being launched to find the oldest Kubota machine still in operation today.#

Chris Gibson concluded, “Fifty years is an incredible milestone, but we see it as just the beginning of the next chapter, together with Kubota, our team, and our customers, we look forward to continuing this journey."

According to data released by the AEA, after a strong peak in March, the number of agricultural tractors being registered in the UK remained relatively high into April with 1,105 machines recorded during the month.

That was 12% more than in the same month last year and close to the seasonal average over the previous five years. This brought the total for the year to date to nearly 4,100, almost 800 (28%) more than in the opening four months of 2025.

Agricultural economist at the Association, Stephen Howarth explained, "Most of the machines registered during March and April are likely to have been ordered before the start of the conflict in the Middle East. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether the rising costs and increased uncertainty farmers are experiencing as a result of the war will have any impact on registrations as the year progresses."

Pallisers of Hereford has announced the addition of the Nugent Trailers range to its product portfolio.

As an official dealer, Pallisers will now supply the complete Nugent lineup, including its livestock boxes, sheep trailers, flatbed trailers, and utility ranges. This partnership marks a significant expansion for Pallisers they say, ensuring that farmers and commercial businesses across the region have access to a range of towing solutions.

Camilla Palliser, director at Pallisers of Hereford, said, "At our core, we have always been about providing our customers with machinery that is built to last and backed by exceptional service. Nugent’s commitment to engineering excellence and durability mirrors our own values perfectly.

"Adding its full range of trailers to our yard allows us to offer a truly complete solution to our customers, whether they are moving livestock or hauling heavy equipment. We can’t wait to get these trailers out into the fields of Herefordshire."

Ronan O’Neill, Nugent sales manager, added, “With a strong reputation for quality and customer service, Pallisers are a natural fit for the Nugent brand and our commitment to delivering premium, reliable trailers.

"We look forward to a successful partnership and supporting their continued growth as part of the Nugent dealer network.”

Machinery dealerships generate vast amounts of data every day across sales, parts, workshop and finance. Until now, much of that value has remained hidden, locked inside reports, spreadsheets, or reviewed weeks after decisions were already made.

Ibcos Gold Analytics now puts that information to work.

Designed specifically for dealership environments, Gold Analytics visualises complex operational data in clear, interactive dashboards that show how your business is performing right now - not just at month end. It gives managers instant visibility into performance, highlights emerging issues early, and enables confident decision making based on facts rather than assumptions.

Turn information into action

Gold Analytics has been built around the reality of running a dealership: multiple departments, tight margins, stock pressures and cash flow challenges. With live, visual insight, dealers can quickly answer critical questions:

• Where are margins being lost?
• Which departments or branches need attention?
• Where is cash tied up in stock, WIP or overdue debt?

By seeing trends as they develop, dealerships can intervene sooner and continuously optimise performance.

Clear visibility where it matters most

Gold Analytics gives dealerships a single, visual view across performance, profitability and cash flow - all in one place. Instead of waiting for reports to be compiled or checked, leaders can instantly see where the business is performing well and where attention is needed whenever they wish.

By bringing sales, parts, workshop and finance data together visually, Gold Analytics helps dealers:

• Identify margin leakage early, before it compounds
• Spot slow moving stock and rising WIP before they impact cash flow
• Understand which trends need action, and which can be left alone
• Compare performance consistently across departments or sites
• Replace manual spreadsheets with a single, trusted view of the truth

The result is earlier intervention, better prioritisation, and more control over day to day performance, without increasing reporting effort.

Insight that drives action

Gold Analytics doesn’t introduce complexity - it removes it. By turning live dealership data into clear, interactive dashboards, it allows experienced managers to focus on what matters most: running a profitable, well controlled business.

Rather than replacing judgement, Gold Analytics strengthens it, providing timely insight that supports better decisions, sharper conversations and stronger results.

For machinery dealers looking to improve profitability, cash flow and operational control, Gold Analytics turns data into a genuine competitive advantage using the information you already have.

Gold Analytics is available now.

Call us on 01202 714200 or email sales@ibcos.co.uk to get started.

STIHL has launched a high-performance, battery-powered cut-off machine for hardscaping and construction professionals. The TSA 350, with 14”/350mm cutting wheel, is the latest addition to STIHL’s AP System range. 

The machine provides a power output of 3.3kW, delivering a performance comparable to the petrol-powered TS 420. Boasting a virtually wear-free EC motor, the machine also delivers a high torque, ideal for professional applications. 

Built for optimised handling, the TSA 350 is compact and low weight for smooth operation and precise guidance. With its 350mm cutting disc, the machine accurately cuts through mineral and metal materials to depths of 125mm. Featuring an adjustable magnesium guard and offering low-noise and low-vibrations, the tool offers an excellent user experience. 

The TSA 350 is recommended for use with STIHL’s AP 500 S battery. Starting at the touch of a button, this provides enough power for up-to 20 minutes in typical applications. Its electronic control system ensures consistent cutting power throughout the battery’s run-time. Thanks to its battery operation, the TSA 350 is particularly suited to indoor cutting tasks or situations where the simplicity of a battery machine excels. 

In addition, its coasting break, with recuperation function, feeds the energy generated during braking, back into its batteries, for maximum efficiency and productivity. This also means the cutting wheel comes to a stop in less than four seconds after use. 

The TSA 350’s magnetic filter protects the machine from the particles generated during metal cutting operation and cools its motor efficiently, enabling a high-performance and long service life. 

Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, the TSA 350 is IPX4 rated, making it safe to use in wet conditions. 

For more information on the STIHL TSA 350, visit www.stihl.co.uk. 

The latest independent 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.

Since the site launched over 7 years ago, it has raised the profile of listed dealers to well over half a million potential customers and as the site is designed to promote the UK dealer network, all revenues have continued 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.

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