With the warm weather that has continued from the Easter break into this upcoming long weekend, I assume our grass machinery dealer readers are hoping to see their customers out in force.
 
Conditions have been favourable for the public to get outside and enjoy their own gardens or their local parks and public green spaces. Importantly, I assume the whole industry is keen to see all these grassed areas well-maintained by some top quality, recently purchased or serviced, mowing equipment (of whichever colour your dealership favours).
 
However, we have just entered that time of year once again where there is a high-profile, national campaign that is actively encouraging both home owners and local authorities to mothball their lawnmower for four weeks - if not more.
 
Plantlife's No Mow May, which is now in its seventh year, has without a doubt gained significant momentum since inception. Its title is genius. It is both memorable and its aims instantly understandable to anybody hearing it for the first time (of which, there can't be many!). A quick Google reveals just how wide its reach is proving this year across all media, with articles and filmed pieces appearing across local and national newspapers, on television, in vlogs and blogs and over social media.
 
With all this attention focused upon not mowing, it inevitably raises the question for our dealer readers, do you notice any tangible impact on your business when this campaign kicks off each year? Does your showroom feel quieter? Is your web traffic down? Crucially, do you feel your profits are in anyway adversely affected? Please share any of your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Knowing our readers though, I suspect there are ways of turning what might initially appear as a challenging month into an opportunity. Through their ingenuity, I'm sure dealers can embrace the sentiment whilst turning the interest in the grassed environment that the campaign generates, to their advantage. Because there's little doubt that vast swathes of the buying pubic will rightly agree with No Mow May's aims of increasing biodiversity and protecting pollinators (whether not cutting the grass for a month is the best way of achieving that, however, is another argument).

Perhaps an approach might be, rather than placing the dealership in direct opposition to the notion of pausing mowing regimes, is instead to act as a valuable ally in environmentally responsible grass cutting? Rather than interpreting the month as a strict, all-or-nothing commitment, show that there can be room for nuance. It can be explained to customers that whilst it's good practice to leave parts of the lawn left untouched for wildlife, other areas like borders and walkways can remain neatly trimmed. This approach might appeal to homeowners who want to support pollinators but still value a tidy, usable garden. A similar argument can apply to local authority customers in charge of parks and the like.

May might also be an opportune moment to pivot marketing efforts from sales to servicing and maintenance. Equally though, messaging could shift to the wider range of equipment you offer. Strimmers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws and brushcutters can all be promoted as tools that support environmentally friendly, sustainable outdoor care.

And then, thinking ahead to the start of next month, perhaps some kind of drive to re-engage customers with the idea of mowing could be implemented? Talking with your community about how to manage longer grass safely after a month of growth could forge some valuable bonds. It can be one of those moments where dealers get to show off the specialist credentials that separate them from the mass channel retailers. 

But you'll know better than I, and you will have had first-hand experience of the campaign as it has built over these past few years. So please let us know today, is it something you engage with your customers about? Do you change your social media communications to acknowledge that it's happening? My guess is that if you do, it could really work in your favour, adding to your reputation as the local, go-to, trustworthy expert. Let us know 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.

We can confirm today that the latest company to commit their sponsorship support to our event dedicated to the dealer network is EGO, who will again be joining us a Gold Sponsor.

David Mortimer, regional sales manager UK & Ireland for EGO, said, "It’s a real pleasure for EGO Power Plus to support the Service Dealer Conference & Awards once again as a Gold Sponsor. This event plays a crucial role in uniting our industry - creating space for dealers and manufacturers to share knowledge, explore new opportunities, and champion best practice.

"At EGO, we’re committed to empowering our dealer network with the tools, technology, and innovation they need to thrive. Being part of an event that recognises excellence and drives continuous improvement across the sector is something we’re incredibly proud of."

Duncan Murray-Clarke, Service Dealer's owner added, "We are so pleased to be welcoming back our friends at EGO. We would like to thank them for supporting our event - which is shaping up to be another incredibly valuable day for our dealer delegates."

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.

A Government decision this week to change the law has given hydrogen powered tractors and machinery the green light to be driven on UK roads.

A hydrogen JCB digger drives over Westminster Bridge past the Houses of Parliament
 
Lilian Greenwood MP,  Minister for the Future of Roads, signed a statutory instrument allowing hydrogen powered agricultural and construction machinery to use the public highway from April 29th 2025.
 
Following the news, JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford - who instigated a £100 million project to develop a hydrogen combustion engine to power their machines - hailed the news as “historic”.  Lord Bamford’s reaction came as a hydrogen powered JCB digger was driven around London’s roads to mark the momentous announcement – calling in at the Department for Transport to meet the Minister who made the legislative change happen.
 
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said, “Today shows once again we are on the side of British business, as we now allow hydrogen-powered diggers and tractors to be legally driven on UK roads for the first time. We’re supporting the UK's Plan for Change by working closely with brilliant British companies like JCB to harness the opportunities of the net zero transition, driving innovation and creating jobs to put money in the pockets of hardworking people and secure our future.”
 
Lord Bamford said, “The JCB team has done amazing work to develop a hydrogen combustion engine. It has already been given resounding backing from our customers who have been evaluating the technology; they say it is simple to use and performs as well as diesel counterparts. We are delighted that the Government has now endorsed the use of hydrogen in machinery. There has been a lot of work to get to this point. It is truly a historic day for JCB and a milestone moment for the use of hydrogen as a zero-carbon fuel in the construction and agricultural machinery industries. We now have the legislation that allows hydrogen powered machines to drive on the road between sites and between farms.”
 
Lilian Greenwood signed the statutory instrument in early April to pave the way for an amendment to the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 to enable the road use of hydrogen-fuelled non-road mobile machinery. The change in legislation came into force on April 29th. Other hydrogen powered vehicles, including cars, buses and trucks were already permitted by law to use UK roads, but hydrogen-fuelled construction and agricultural machinery could not - until this week.
 
JCB say they have invested more than £100 million to produce a range of super-efficient zero-emission hydrogen engines. The company has been operating prototype hydrogen-powered Loadall telescopic handlers, backhoe loaders and generators on sites near Birmingham and is now testing a range of equipment in partnership with rental companies and contractors across the UK.

EGO Power+ has revealed that many UK local authorities are still using petrol-powered tools in Clean Air Zones, despite public commitments to reduce emissions.

EGO Pro X battery powered brushcutter

The findings come from a series of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests sent by the manufacturer of battery-powered outdoor powered machinery to 40 councils operating such zones, including several London boroughs.

The research uncovered that councils like Birmingham City and others in London continue to rely entirely on petrol-powered outdoor tools such as leaf blowers and hedge trimmers - some of which can emit significantly more harmful gases than modern cars. Independent emissions testing commissioned by EGO and Millbrook showed that certain petrol tools can emit up to 11 times more carbon monoxide and four times more nitrogen oxide than a Ford Fiesta.

While a few councils are making strides - with Kensington and Chelsea now using 100% battery-powered tools, and Sheffield and Brent at 85% and 90% battery adoption respectively - the majority, according to EGO's findings, have yet to transition.

“Our research set out to determine whether councils promoting clean air through low-emission zones are also addressing the less-visible pollutants used in maintaining public spaces,” said Vince Brauns, product director at EGO Power+. “The results show a clear gap between clean air commitments and actual practice.”

EGO say they continue to support councils in switching to cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable alternatives - a move also backed by the UK’s Climate Change Committee.

Etesia UK recently welcomed dealers from across the UK and Ireland to a dealer day at Primrose Hill Farm in Oxfordshire.

Attendees gathered to explore the manufacturer's latest product innovations, gain industry insights, and connect with key figures in the sector.

A highlight of the day was the official UK launch of the Pellenc Essential range. In addition, four new models were unveiled in the ET Lander range.

Attendees were also given an exclusive preview of new battery and flail products, which are set to be officially launched at GroundsFest this September. 

The dealer day featured a line-up of speakers that included:

• Thomas Meyher, President of Etesia SAS, highlighted the company’s global vision and ongoing commitment to innovation.
• Leo Copping, Kramp, discussed Etesia’s partnership with Kramp and the importance of efficient parts stocking.
• Matt Fasham, AEA, delivered a session on the safe handling and storage of batteries.
• Nick Darking, BAGMA, outlined the benefits of BAGMA membership and its relevance to dealers.
• Andy Stafferton, spoke about working capital finance and stocking plans, helping dealers navigate financial considerations.

Attendees were split into three groups and rotated between three stations, allowing them to experience a variety of interactive sessions. 

Scott Reynolds of dealers RT Machinery who attended said, “The new products that we’ve seen today have been an eye-opener. A huge amount of our customers are talking about battery products every single day and are introducing them into their businesses. It has been a really good event - a great balance between indoor presentations and hands-on demonstrations.”

Irish dairy farmer, Michael Guinan has won the use of a Merlo Multifarmer telescopic handler for an entire year - thanks to a prize draw he entered on a whim after spotting it on the Agriland website last September.

The winning Guinan Family - L:R, Concepta, Michael and Kevin Guinan

The competition, launched in partnership with Merlo during the National Ploughing Championships last September, was open to farmers across the Republic of Ireland. Running from September through November, it attracted over 30,000 entries with Michael’s name drawn at random at the end of last year. The prize offers a full year’s use - or up to 1,000 operating hours - of the machine. 

Michael farms in County Offaly alongside his wife, Concepta and son, Kevin, continuing a proud Guinan family tradition that spans four generations. He says he plans to put the machine through its paces almost immediately, with the first big job being to power harrow in preparation for maize drilling at the end of April.

The machine was supplied by new Merlo Ireland dealer, FJS Plant Hire of Co. Kildare. The manufacturer's dedicated dealer network was launched last year following the establishment of their new subsidiary in Ireland. The dealer network ensures that customers across Ireland receive the highest level of local support for all sales, parts, and service requirements.

A team from Howardson Group is preparing to take on the National Three Peaks Challenge in memory of their much-missed colleague, Joe Emery, who sadly passed away in July last year.

The challenge will see the team scaling the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours, all in support of the British Heart Foundation.

The company says Joe was a cherished member of the Howardson Group family, working in the warehouse and factory. Known as a true “gentle giant,” Joe was deeply respected and admired by all who knew him.

He was a well-known figure in the cricketing world, always cheerful, kind, and willing to lend a helping hand.

His hardworking and honest nature made him an integral part of the team, and his intelligence shone through as a member of the winning quiz team at Howardson’s 2024 event.

Joining the Howardson team for the challenge are Mark Willerton, sales manager from Russell Groundcare, and Paul Thompson, head groundsperson at Derby County FC.

Together, they will be guided by Mountain Bear Adventures as they take on this demanding journey.

Taking place on the 5th and 6th of June, the National Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing a total of 3,064 meters over 23 miles, with a gruelling 462 miles of driving between peaks. The mountains they will tackle are:

• Ben Nevis (Scotland) - 1,345m
• Scafell Pike (England) - 978m
• Snowdon (Wales) - 1,085m

To support the team and donate to the cause, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/howardson-3peakchallenge

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