NEW YEAR, NEW START What does 2019 have in store? by Service Dealer Editor, Steve Gibbs
We kick off this year by looking back at what interested you, our readers, during 2018 and hope that 2019 will see a flurry of positive news stories for the UK dealer trade.
Happy new year and welcome to the first edition of Service Dealer Weekly Update of 2019.
It's a pleasure to be back with you today, bringing you all the latest news and developments of interest to the UK independent dealer trade every Friday lunchtime.
The more eagle-eyed amongst you may have noticed that we've continued a bit of a tradition with this first edition of the new year. For a few years now we've devoted a feature in January's inaugural Weekly Update to looking back to see what stories have garnered the most attention during the past year.
As you would imagine it's the more unusual stories which tend to stick out. Unusual in the sense that the news has either come as a big surprise, is particularly joyful, or in some cases can't be described as anything other than downright awful.
If you haven't had a look through yet, I won't spoil anything, suffice it to say, the mixture of subject matter is repeated once again. See if you can guess what story interested you, our readers, the most during 2018?
Moving on to the present, after what I hope was a relaxing break for others too, it's a shame that we have to begin the year today with two stories which can only be described as awfully sad. Firstly, all at Service Dealer would like to pass our sympathies on to the family, friends and colleagues of Clive Pinnock. And secondly, as you may have already read, over the festive period Penn Lawn Mowers fell victim once again to some determined thieves.
Following being broken into twice and suffering multiple card frauds in 2017, the Ringwood dealership was faced with smashed walls and stolen machinery when they popped into work over the Christmas break.
Penn's Dawn Smith asks today, "What more can we do to stop this happening when someone goes to these lengths?"
And what more can they do? They installed CCTV and put in new fences after the previous attacks.
Sadly it's a story which seems all too common. There's no doubt about it, dealerships are targets for criminals. Especially it seems, for handheld machinery which can be easily chucked into the back of a waiting van.
Dawn wanted us to publicise what had happened to them in this Update, in the hope that it may put other dealers on guard. I'm sure you all have your security procedures in place, but it never harms just having a think about these things again - making sure you have the most up-to-date and effective methods at your disposal in use.
In fact if any dealers have any security methods which they are particularly impressed with which they'd like to pass on to others, please feel free to comment under this article.
Hopefully this year, stories such as this won't be as rife in these pages. I much prefer posting positive news and seeing those articles crop up again in our end of year lists.
Who knows, maybe this time next year, we'll all be reading a Top Ten made up of success after success story?!
Ringwood based Penn Lawn Mowers, who suffered two break-ins and multiple credit-card frauds in 2017, were broken into again by thieves over the Christams break.
Dawn Smith of Penn Lawnmowers told Service Dealer, "You would think life couldn’t get much worse - until you pop into work during the festive break to find this!"
Thieves smashed through a wall at Penn Lawn Mowers
Dawn continued, "They managed to bypass the alarm by crawling along the shelving units so the alarm system didn’t pick them up. As you can imagine this is just totally gut wrenching.
"We watched the CCTV footage and from outside they managed to miss the cameras and the fence we installed after 2017's attacks. Upon searching we found a small bridge has been made across the river bank thus being missed by everything. They then took out a wall.
"What more can we do to stop this happening when someone goes to these lengths?"
Dawn explained that virtually all their chainsaws were stolen, including their son's own personal ones.
"Right now all we want to do is sell up and work for someone else with no stress," said Dawn. "To say our Christmas was ruined is a total understatement. What makes things worse is that the police haven’t even bothered to visit to view the CCTV. What hope has anyone of catching these vile people?
"We just want to warn others to be on guard at the moment."
Clive Pinnock, Reesink’s training ambassador who worked for the company for 34 years before retiring in Spring 2018, has sadly passed away following a short battle with cancer.
Clive Pinnock, Reesink’s training ambassador who worked for the company for 34 years before retiring in Spring 2018, has sadly passed away following a short battle with cancer.
Clive Pinnock
Clive will be remembered for achieving a level 4 in the Landbased Technician Accreditation scheme (LTA) in 2016, one of the highest training accolades there is, and growing and shaping the company’s training department into what it is today.
Fondly referred to as a ‘training trailblazer’, he will be much missed says turf equipment aftermarket manager at Reesink, David Jackman.
“It was very sad news to hear that Clive had passed away following a short battle with cancer. Clive played a big part in helping the training department grow to the size it is today and he always got on well with our dealers and customers, helping them achieve the very best from the machinery that he knew so much about.”
He continues, “When Clive turned 65, he still had passion and a love of the product and the people that he worked with, so he became more involved in training, he had a genuine interest in cutting edge technology and helping to train others. Anyone who attended a technical training course at St. Neots would have come across Clive and his enthusiasm for the products. He will be sorely missed by all, especially those at Reesink Turfcare.”
Over the years, Clive left a big impression on those he worked with, inspiring others with his passion for learning and sharing his knowledge. This enthusiasm is remembered by Reesink managing director, David Cole.
“I have known and worked with Clive off and on since the early 90s, and over that time have always fed off his infectious enthusiasm for engineering and the opportunities in agriculture and turfcare,” David says.
“Over his career he channelled that enthusiasm into giving generously of his knowledge to everyone he came across and in doing so improved the technical ability and understanding of many greenkeepers, groundsman and technicians, as well as influencing the career path of some. That generosity, with his experience and sharing what he knew, was a real loss to Reesink, the Toro brand and the wider industry when Clive retired last year and should be reflected upon with the sad news of his passing.”
Having made such an impact in the industry and those around him, Clive is truly irreplaceable. However, his legacy remains in the form of all those he’s trained. Reesink’s condolences are with Clive’s family.
With this week's WEB ONLY story find out what were the 10 most read stories in Service Dealer's Weekly Update during the tumultuous year that was 2018.
New Holland Agriculture will distribute the brand launched by CNH Industrial, focused exclusively on aftermarket precision farming technology solutions.
New Holland Agriculture has announced that it will distribute the AGXTEND brand launched by CNH Industrial, focused exclusively on aftermarket precision farming technology solutions.
The company describe AGXTEND as providing "exclusive productivity-enhancing precision farming technologies, which will be of benefit throughout the entire cropping cycle."
They say AGXTEND is the first brand specialising in emerging precision farming and ISOBUS solutions in the agricultural industry to provide customers with comprehensive access to a range of "breakthrough and dynamic precision farming solutions from strategic partner companies, shortening their time to market, and facilitating wide scale adoption."
New Holland will distribute AGXTEND products and services through its dealer network. A phased rollout is foreseen throughout the first quarter of 2019 across the entire EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Region and a full suite of services will be available, comprising pre-purchase assistance, training and ongoing support services.
The company says the AGXTEND range of products can be fully integrated into New Holland Agriculture’s existing PLM precision farming platforms. They are part of a larger range extension program aimed at improving customers’ precision, productivity and profits through technology and advanced farming practices.
The five new launches comprise:
CropXplorer - "The most advanced sensor in the market"
SoilXplorer - "Discover the full potential of your soils"
NIR sensor - "The crop NIR sensor that can be mounted everywhere"
Xpower - "The environment-friendly electro-herbicide"
FarmXtend App – "The smart multi-sensor weather application"
In a statement a spokesperson for New Holland said, "These AGXTEND products have the potential to significantly enhance the sustainability of agribusinesses through the resultant reduction in fuel consumption as well as the targeting of and eventual reduction in both fertiliser and crop protection productions.
"Furthermore, the commercialisation of innovative zero-chemical weed control through the precision use of electric pulses will substantially reduce a farm’s environmental impact."
Taking place as an indoor show for the first time its history next week, amongst the attractions LAMMA '19 will see the return of the Farm Safety Zone.
Taking place as an indoor show for the first time its history next week, amongst the attractions LAMMA '19 will see the return of the Farm Safety Zone.
Sponsored by Safety Revolution, technical consultants from the company will be on hand to answer questions about reducing risks and managing site safety to bring down the shocking number of injuries and fatalities that are still happening year on year in the agricultural sector.
In addition, across the two days of the show, leading figures in estate/farm management, agricultural finance, farming press and other divisions of agri-business will take to the Safety Revolution stage to share their knowledge and experience in running a safer business.
Safety Revolution technical consultants, in association with Agrifac UK, will also give live demonstrations of safety checks and risk assessments as well as reviewing innovations in farm safety wear on the Agrifac UK stand (Hall 9, Stand 9.520).
LAMMA '19, which continues to offer free entry and car parking, promises to cover all sectors of the farming industry under one roof. Organisers say the 11 halls at the NEC are set to host more than 700 exhibitors.
Visitors need to register and print out their badge before arrival.
New senior roles in the Agriculture & Turf Division for Dennis Docherty and Christoph Wigger.
John Deere has announced an important change to its European senior management team, effective from 1st January 2019.
Dennis Docherty has been appointed vice-president, agriculture & turf sales and marketing for Europe, North Africa and the Near & Middle East. He succeeds Christoph Wigger, who has been appointed vice-president, global crop care platform for Deere’s worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division.
Since Denny Docherty joined John Deere in 1998 he has held numerous roles with increasing responsibilities in sales, strategic planning and marketing for both key divisions of Deere & Company, Construction & Forestry and Agriculture & Turf.
In his most recent role as director, ag & turf global marketing, Denny has overseen global planning focused on an innovative product and production system portfolio. The most prominent products launched under his leadership include the new 5R Series, 6230R & 6250R, 8400R and 9RX Series tractors, in response to European customer requirements.
In his new role, Christoph Wigger will focus on expanding the company’s crop care portfolio with special emphasis on precision agriculture. Chris will also define growth strategies for recently acquired companies such as PLA, Mazzotti and King Agro, and drive the introduction of Blue River’s precision farming technology.
Chris Wigger joined John Deere in 1991 and has held several roles of growing responsibility in sales and marketing. For the past 11 years he has led the successful transformation of John Deere’s sales & marketing organisation as well as the Dealer of Tomorrow strategy in Europe, the CIS, North Africa and the Near & Middle East.
With seven depots throughout Lincolnshire, Leicestershire & Bedfordshire, Chandlers Farm Equipment have recently been appointed dealers for Manitou telehandlers and lifting equipment.
With seven depots throughout Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Bedfordshire and the surrounding area, Chandlers Farm Equipment have been appointed dealers for Manitou telehandlers and lifting equipment as of the start of 2019.
A spokesperson for Chandlers said, "With excellent service support, comprehensive warranty options and sales of more than 4000 machines in the UK in 2018, we are very proud to have been awarded this excellent franchise."
Established in 1958, Manitou exclusively produce materials handling equipment.
The Chandlers team will be on hand at the LAMMA show next week to talk through the range and arrange demonstrations.
Dennis and SISIS will be showcasing their equipment at the 2019 Sports Turf Managers Association Conference and Exhibition which takes place January 22 -25 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Dennis and SISIS say they are continuing to fly the flag for British turf maintenance equipment, with many of their machines being used by a large number of turf managers in the States. The British manufacturers have been regular exhibitors at the annual STMA Conference and Exhibition and have reported great success over recent years.
When the 30th STMA Conference and Exhibition takes place January 22 -25 in Phoenix, Arizona, the companies say they will be looking forward to continuing this trend as they introduce new products to existing and new customers.
One of which will be the newly launched Dennis PRO 34R rotary mower. The company says this 34” machine has been designed to help turf managers achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance and desired playing surface.
It is suitable for sports pitches producing the ‘Dennis Stripes’ while the powerful vacuum flow collects debris. The angle of the cutting deck and twin blades can be easily adjusted using a single ‘click adjuster’ ensuring the mower is suitable for changing conditions.
The PRO 34R features 5 forward and 1 reverse selection for speed of operation, a front brush for standing grasses upright and a 2 section cast aluminium rear roller.
Visitors to the Dennis and SISIS stand will also be able to see the new SVR 1500 synthetic turf cleaner which is the latest product to be added to the Syn-Pro range.
The SVR 1500 deep turf cleaner is a tractor mounted system that removes not only large debris from the infill but also finer dust particles before returning the ‘cleaned’ infill back to the surface.
Designed for use on either sand or rubber filled surfaces, the SVR 1500 is suitable for deep cleaning and aiding de-compaction. Operators will notice that this process allows water to permeate through, which can help to reduce bacteria, algae and moss and minimise the risk of player injury.
Also available to view on the stand will be the SISIS Javelin Aer-Aid 1500 tractor mounted vertical action aerator, the SISIS SSS1000 tractor mounted sweeper and the Dennis G860 cylinder mower.
A greenkeeper who spends his spare time supporting the homeless and another who saved the life of a golfer who suffered a heart attack on the course are among the finalists.
A greenkeeper who spends his spare time supporting the homeless and another who saved the life of a golfer who suffered a heart attack on the course are among the finalists of the brand new BIGGA Awards 2019.
The BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) returns this January, with more than 5,000 turf managers, greenkeepers, golf club owners and industry decision makers expected to visit the Harrogate Convention Centre to engage with the new incarnation of the event.
One of the highlights of the exhibition will be the BIGGA Welcome Celebration sponsored by Jacobsen, where the winners of the prestigious BIGGA Awards will be revealed.
Hosted by Naga Munchetty and supported by some of the industry’s leading names, the awards recognise the year’s outstanding performances from association members.
The finalists of the BIGGA Awards 2019 are:
Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year sponsored by Rigby Taylor
Stewart Duff and the team at Gullane Golf Club for preparing and maintaining the course during the Aberdeen Standard Investments Men’s and Ladies Scottish Opens 2018
Craig Earnshaw and the team at Harleyford Golf Club for preparing and maintaining the course during The Matchroom Sport Championship on the PGA EuroPro Tour.
Matthew Wharton CGCS MG and the team at Carolina Golf Club for preparing and maintaining the course during the 2018 United States Mid-Amateur Championship just a week after the club was hit by Tropical Storm Florence
Outstanding Contribution of the Year sponsored by Jacobsen
Jack Percival, Chipstead Golf Club, for work with the homeless
Amanda Dorans, Dundonald Links, for volunteering in greenkeeping and ecology
Carl Flavell, Hickleton Golf Club, for his efforts in saving the life of a golfer who collapsed on the golf course
Greenkeeping Project of the Year sponsored by Baroness
Ian Brown and the team at Skipton Golf Club for the renovation of the course
Sean McLean and the team at Princes Golf Club for the renovation of the Himalaya course
Stuart Imeson of Dunstanburgh Castle for the Bunker Camp initiative while also stepping up to the manager role at the club
BIGGA Chief Executive Officer Jim Croxton said, “This year we’ve undertaken a complete restructure of BTME with new halls, new innovative ways to get involved with the exhibition and an expansion of Continue to Learn, our world class education programme.
“In addition to that, we’ve also refreshed our awards categories for the BIGGA Awards, which grow in popularity each year. We believe the new categories better provide more opportunities to recognise those BIGGA members who have done incredible work throughout the previous year.
“I’m delighted that we received an excellent set of nominations from all over the country and beyond. Each of the nine finalists would be extremely worthy winners of the awards.
“Congratulations to each of the nine finalists and I look forward to seeing them all at the BIGGA Welcome Celebration in Harrogate.”
BTME runs from Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 January 2019 and the expanded show will see an increase in available exhibition space of around 25% on 2018. There will be a range of new initiatives, such as Golf Course Construction Live, a New Products Area and a Member Wellbeing Area.
A vast array of the latest machinery, equipment and services will be on show in a professional, comfortable indoor venue that enjoys great links with the rest of the UK.
A vast array of the latest machinery, equipment and services will be on show in a professional, comfortable indoor venue that enjoys great links with the rest of the UK, making visiting LAMMA easier than ever - don't forget to register for your free ticket in advance to beat the queues.
Central Spares have launched two of their biggest pre-season campaigns to date, on pre-season orders for Briggs & Stratton parts and the very popular Gardencare machinery range.
Central Spares have launched two of their biggest pre-season campaigns to date, offering some of the best terms in the industry on pre-season orders for Briggs & Stratton parts and the very popular Gardencare machinery range.
Customers can benefit from some of the most competitive prices available as well as enjoying additional benefits, such as extended payment terms, free delivery and gifts, plus locked in pricing. Grant Aubrey, Central Spares General Manager says “This seasons’ terms are our best ever and have been received exceptionally well. We are urging any customers who have not yet done so to check out our terms and sign up for these deals before the window closes. Don’t be put off by large amounts of stock or big bills to pay as there are options for staggered delivery and delayed payment to help you. By qualifying for the Briggs locked pricing means you will guarantee yourself security and save money all year. This reliability in such an uncertain time for all businesses means one less supply issue to worry about.”
Gardencare machinery range, update - Grant continues, “We have been blown away with the level of interest by dealers in this well known and solid domestic machinery range. From speaking to customers, the things they like are the visual appeal, build quality and small detail such as GT transmissions on mowers and the brilliant butterfly heads supplied with brushcutters and multi-tools. An area we underestimated is the popularity of the Kawasaki options which are fantastically priced against its rivals, whilst retaining good margins for our customers. Our mission is to be a dealer only brand and keep out of the big retailers. Please support our dealer only strategy by considering our pre-season offer. The offer can be viewed in our current Winter Promotions or contact us for a copy – 01202 882000 or sales@centralspares.co.uk
Thank you for your business and Seasons Greetings from the entire team @Central Spares.
For a free demonstration contact Evopos on Tel: 01202 795900
For a free demonstration contact Evopos on Tel: 01202 795900
Evopos UK Ltd are the producer of the Dealer management software which service dealers are taking a serious look at. This all-in-one solution with friendly and effective telephone support may be worth checking out, if you are a new service dealer or are currently unsatisfied with your current system.
The latest version includes quick and easy point of sale software, comprehensive stock control, workshop organiser, hire contract module, accounting package and state of the art automated SMS and email marketing, all of these features are available in specifically designed dealer packages.
"What makes Evopos streets ahead of its competitors?" asks Denis Bullen (MD). "Evopos is perfect for the Service Industry; everything about the customer is tracked, sales of parts, whole goods and all vital contact information."
Denis Bullen, Evopos md
Denis continues, "The workshop module is of particular interest to most service dealers. Evopos will fulfil the main three requirements that make any busy workshop successful.
1. Easy to use; this minimises mistakes making sure correct time is billed for and all the information is correct.
2. Maximises sales and repeat custom using the excellent time management and service reminder tools built into Evopos.
3. Helps to provide the very best customer service; by providing engineers and salesman with all the necessary information to make the job or the sale as easy for the customer as it as easy for you.
"As far as I can see the workshop process is fairly straight forward
Step one: Book the job in, providing the customer with details regarding the job.
Step two: Book parts and labour to the job.(Evopos will automatically remind the customer to drop the machine off and when the job is finished, let the customer know when to pick it up via an SMS text or email alert.)
Set three: Produce a professional looking invoice for when the customer picks up their machine.
"A comprehensive history is retained within the Evopos system. For example for each machine you can see who has previously owned it and what work it has had done to it.
"Evopos offers a very competitive pricing structure, where costs are kept to a minimum. A standard dealer package can cost as little as £75.00 per month, there are no hidden extras. If you are concerned about losing your old customer database, this shouldn't be a problem. The helpful support team can convert most databases into workable Evopos data at no extra charge.
"Evopos is a low cost way to help make your business more controllable and profitable. It's a total business management solution."
Whether you are a new start-up or run an existing business, why not contact Evopos and arrange a no obligation free demo and see what Evopos can do for your business.
Contact them direct on telephone: 01202 795900 or register online at Evopos.com and they will call you.
With strong traffic numbers - the momentum continues. In our launch phase, on average Garden Trader delivered 560 users who were actively looking to make a purchase (product or service) to individual dealer profile pages. The majority of these also clicked through to individual dealer web sites - so very warm leads. Not bad in a tough year. All subscribed dealers can check their listing's analytics just by logging in. Garden Trader delivers amazing value for just £1.84 per week and we don't believe any other form of highly targeted digital promotion can rival this. Better still, it is promoting our highly skilled dealer network in the UK and helping fight discount based zero value online retailers and DIY stores.
Garden Trader is a product and dealer search website/directory only for specialist garden machinery dealers in the UK. It has been designed to support and promote our dealer industry to consumers who are specifically searching for garden machinery products and services.
It costs just £96 + VAT per year to be listed and all revenues in 2019 will be reinvested into promoting the site online.
Join the country’s only independent specialist website, created by the team that bring you Service Dealer. Join our 190+ subscribed Garden Trader dealers now by clicking on “Register Dealership”.
