Firstly today, I hope you have spotted that we've extended the deadline by one week for entries into 2024's Dealer Of The Year Awards.

After we sent out a reminder on Wednesday informing that there were only a few days remaining, the organising team were contacted by several dealerships who said they intended to get a nomination up together, but just hadn't been able to yet, due to how busy they'd been. Always ones to listen to our readers, we are now delighted to accept entries up until next week Friday October 25th. But that must be it, I'm afraid. We need the time to carefully read through them all!

So please, if you would like to be in the running for recognition this year, don't miss out! Enter now.

Equip

This week Service Dealer has been representing the UK dealer community at the world's largest outdoor power machinery industry exhibition - Equip in Louisville, Kentucky.

Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke, speaking to Kress's global CEO, Don Gao

Owner of our titles Duncan Murray-Clarke is there with our diarist of the season, dealer Jo Balmer of Balmers GM, plus our video expert David Comiskey.

With Jo in attendance, the team have been gathering and producing content for you our dealer readers, which you will be able to enjoy across all of our outlets. There will be plenty of video material for inclusion in a forthcoming Digital Special Report, our YouTube channel and socials - as well as a written account from Jo which you'll be able to read in an upcoming issue of the magazine.

The through-line for much of this, will be following Jo as a first-time UK dealer visitor to this incredible show. Her experience of the OPEI's event, in her own words, is intended to illustrate just what a trip to Louisville could offer to other UK dealers. The scale of the show is genuinely something to behold. There's so much to see, interact with and enjoy, it's a lot to take in. With Jo's help, we hope to bring you a flavour of what you could expect if you decide to make a trip in subsequent years.

Sara Hey, Bob Clements, Jo Balmer and Duncan Murray-Clarke

One of the exciting activities that Jo took part in this week, was a table discussion with Bob Clements of BCI alongside our American columnist Sara Hey, and Duncan. The session was filmed in full so you'll be able to watch the whole chat soon. Comparing and contrasting the UK and US dealer contemporary experiences, topics covered included new routes to market, the rise (or otherwise) of battery-powered and robotic machinery, trade shows - and so much more.

Duncan commented afterwards, "Thanks to Bob and Sara for taking the time to join us and share their knowledge and insight of the biggest OPE market in the world."

Also a highlight of this week, Duncan sat down for an extended interview with Kris Kiser, President and CEO, of the show's organisers the OPEI. Duncan and Kris enjoyed a wide-ranging talk, covering the development and growth of the Equip show itself - plus they got into where the wider U.S OPE industry finds itself currently and what Kris sees as trends for the future. Again, you'll be able to view their conversation in full soon.

Around the show

As well as these special events, Jo, Duncan and David have been roaming the huge inside machinery exhibition and the even huger outdoor machinery demo areas, in search of stories and developments that will be of direct interest to our UK dealer readers.

Duncan said of the show, "On Wednesday morning the dealer-exclusive preview morning was buzzing - before the crowds were let in at midday, at which point it became super busy. 

"Looking around, to me it became quickly apparent that gas, as they call it, is still huge. The main battery brands are doing well, with STIHL and Husqvarna pushing electric on stands - with everyone speaking of the changes in legislation seen in California which others will be following."

Duncan continued, "From what I could gather the, robotic market has just not taken off yet domestically in USA, but professional users are starting to make in-roads, finding that with recruitment difficulties, having robots undertaking time-consuming mowing tasks can be helpful.

"An interesting concept I did observe came from Yarbo. A robot featuring separate modules such as a snow blower, leaf blower, sprayer as well as grass cutting, plus a tow hitch. It utilises satellites and cameras for object avoidance and even security. I felt this could be a strong evolution of robotic solutions as long as the product quality stacks up against the robots with just a single, core purpose."

Elsewhere Duncan told me the keynote sponsored by Kress was delivered by Kevin O’Connor from TVs 'This Old House'. Duncan said, "Kevin spoke about progression, leading in with the comment he hears a lot. 'They don’t make 'em like they used to.' To which he replies, 'Thank god!'.  His gist, of course, was to keep moving on and that embracing the future is honouring the past."

Duncan also informed me that some of his filmed interviews included senior figures from Yarbo, Husqvarna, Milwaukee, Echo, Kress and a man who broke the land-speed record in a lawnmower on some salt flats!

He summed up the team's week in Louisville, saying, "Once again it has been a privilege to cover this unique show."

David and Duncan filming another interview in the huge outside demo area

So do make sure you keep an eye out for all the in-depth coverage of Equip that we have coming up. Service Dealer shall be producing a whole Digital Special Report that will compile all our videos into one handy package for you to peruse at your leisure in the next few weeks. Plus, as I said, more will be coming your way via the magazine and all our social channels.

In the meantime, for any UK dealers considering a trip over to Equip in the future, Jo summed up her feelings of her inaugural visit, saying, "The sheer scale and professionalism of the show has been eye opening. Thank you Kentucky and I'll be back."

This week Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke, accompanied by our diarist of the season, Jo Balmer of Balmers GM, traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, USA to visit the world's largest trade show for the outdoor powered machinery industry, Equip.

Below you can watch a highlights reel of their visit, ahead of a full Digital Special Report to be published soon - which will be packed with interviews and insight from the show.

Watch below or on Service Dealer's YouTube channel.

The entry process for 2024's Dealer Of The Year Awards has been granted an extension of one week - with the final date for nominations now Friday October 25th 2024.

Explaining the decision behind the extension, Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke, said, "We have been receiving some great award nominations for this year’s awards - which we thank you all for. It is clear though that some dealerships are still not quite out of a busy patch. So as these awards are very much to celebrate excellence in the dealer network, we have decided to extend the deadline by a week to ease the pressure. Please note we cannot extend this further."

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.

Bernhard and Company has made two new senior hires with the appointment of Lee Wade as new chief operating officer and Vitor Gomes as the company’s new production manager.

Victor Gomes and Lee Wade

As new COO, Wade will oversee the company's operational functions, including manufacturing, engineering, HR, and customer care. With more than 20 years of operational experience, Wade is a versatile senior leader with a strong track record in managing multi-skilled teams and implementing lean manufacturing practices.

Wade said,“This is a truly exciting opportunity to be working with a brand that has achieved such global success and is so synonymous with its industry. A key part of my role will be to help guide the senior team as we look to capitalise on what has been a hugely successful year for the company and help shape what the future looks like at Bernhard.”

Gomes is joining Bernhard’s senior management team as production manager. Gomes brings with him a wealth of manufacturing experience, particularly in resource allocation, production scheduling, and workflow management.

Gomes added, “I’m delighted to join Bernhard and Company. I can’t wait to really dive into the intricacies of the production cycle for our various machines and products, finding new ways to add efficiencies and enhance what is already a fantastic team and operation.”

The two new additions to the leadership team will be based at the company’s production facility in Haverhill, Suffolk.

An advanced guidance system developed for New Holland T4 FNV specialty tractors has won a Technical Innovation award in the scheme run in advance of November’s EIMA International farm machinery exhibition. 

Developed to help address the lack of skilled operators faced by many specialty crop producers, and ease the workloads of such growers and their staff, Advanced Vision Assisted Guidance is LiDAR-based, and manages steering movements both in the rows and at row ends, in addition to rear implement control. As a result, say the manufacturer, it is effective in situations where GPS-based systems are not a solution. They say benefits include increased safety and comfort from reduced operator fatigue, enabling closer attention to be given to machine operation. 

New Holland says the system is based purely on LIDAR sensor technology, using simultaneous localisation and mapping algorithms, and with no GPS element there is no risk of errors and incidents resulting from any loss of GPS signal caused by factors such as canopy coverage, netting, nearby greenhouses, or valley slopes. It is also able to recognise row ends and incorporates a path planner to perform headland turns, with different path shapes available. A collision check mechanism means that if the headland does not have the required characteristics, the system will advise the operator, avoiding possible collisions with trees/plants or other objects.

Carlo Lambro, brand president of New Holland said: "We are honoured to receive this EIMA Technical Innovation award for a development which represents a clear step toward further automation of integrated tractors and implements to support our farmers. It underlines our commitment to investing in and advancing automation technology, and our continuous efforts in research and development, aimed at supporting farmers’ everyday work."

The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) is asking contractors and farmers why they wouldn’t wear an ATV helmet?

Jill Hewitt, NAAC chief executive

In a follow-up to the #WearItandShareIt campaign when the NAAC invited social media users to photos of themselves wearing a helmet, this new campaign asks why anyone would now not wear a helmet and emphasises there really are #noexcuses.

Shockingly, say the NAAC, since April 2024 there have been five deaths linked to a sit-astride ATV (aka a quad bike). Other serious and life-changing incidents are happening all the time, they say. Yet there is still resistance to wearing a helmet.

The NAAC is raising the question why anyone would choose to ride a sit-astride ATV, or deliberately send a worker or family member out on a job, with no helmet knowing there is a real and proven risk of loss of life, which could be reduced by using a helmet.

Commenting Jill Hewitt, NAAC chief executive said, “We have seen an increase in quad bike deaths this year and it baffles me how our industry still considers this is a risk worth taking. Whether on flat or sloping land, incidents can always happen, and we need to be clear that it is a legal requirement to wear a helmet at work. More important though, if you wear a helmet, you are more likely to survive if you come off.”

HSE has confirmed if there is an incident and someone was not wearing a helmet, this will be a key part of the investigation and could result in enforcement, including prosecution. Enforcement action will also be taken if an inspector sees someone working without a helmet on farm. 

Of course, say the NAAC, simply wearing a helmet will not keep everyone fully protected and it is vitally important to ensure that anyone riding an ATV is competent and trained to handle the machine. Training is crucial because it covers essential active riding techniques necessary for the safe operation of the ATV.

Henton & Chattell proudly hosted its highly anticipated Trade Open Days on October 8th and 9th at the picturesque Morley Hayes Golf Club, attracting over 300 industry professionals and dealers eager to explore the latest innovations in garden machinery.

The two-day event showcased a comprehensive range of cutting-edge equipment from renowned brands including Cobra, Ego, Billy Goat, Kubota and Baroness to name but a few, providing attendees with the unique opportunity to engage directly with the machinery and experience there capabilities firsthand.

Peter Chaloner, Managing Director of Henton & Chattell, emphasised the significance of the event: “These days are invaluable for our dealers, allowing them to try the latest garden machinery in a hands-on environment. It’s essential for us to build strong relationships within the industry and ensure that our customers are well-equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed.”

The over 300 customers took advantage of exclusive demonstrations and expert insights, deepening their understanding of the latest technological advancements and product offerings. The event also facilitated networking opportunities, enabling attendees to connect with industry peers and discuss trends and innovations shaping the garden machinery, groundscare, Golf & Ag sectors.

Dealers reported having a fantastic day at the event, highlighting the invaluable time spent demoing the new machinery. Cobra made a significant impact by launching three new tractors equipped with V-Twin engines, set to be available in 2025. EGO also showcased an impressive lineup, featuring 17 new products, including the 21” LM2236E-SP lawnmower and the LBX1000 Pro-X Blower—the most powerful handheld battery blower on the market. 

This hands-on experience allowed dealers to fully appreciate the features and benefits of the latest innovations, enhancing their understanding and confidence in the equipment they will be promoting to customers.

Henton & Chattell looks forward to continuing with these important industry events and further building strong relationships with manufacturers and valued dealers in the future.

For more information about Henton & Chattell and their range of products, please visit www.hcuk.co

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