We have a couple of interesting product-based stories for you in today's Weekly Update.

Firstly Irelands Farm Machinery have announced that they are the new distributors for the Energreen range of mowing equipment and they are looking to set up a dealer network for the kit. Elsewhere, there's a tease from AL-KO about their forthcoming range for 2026 which they say received some "phenomenal" feedback at a pair of recent German trade shows.

As ever with machinery developments such as these - and, of course, the myriad of others from all of the industry's suppliers - it just adds to the huge choice available for independent dealers to opt to stock in their yards and showrooms. In fact, what it does bring to mind is that age-old conundrum that all dealers must face, and that's how many brands are too many for one retail space?

I was conversing with a dealer just the other day along these lines. It was robotic mowers specifically that were the focus of the discussion, but I think what they said can apply to all machinery brands. The dealer was convinced that a stripped back offering was a much more sensible route to take when selling this technology. They told me, "When I see other dealers doing 3 or 4 brands of robotics, they are never going to succeed in their sale and service - or with customer experience."

They went on to speak about what they believed makes a successful dealer, telling me, "The secret, I would say, is a clear focus on your brand and product." Implying, I think, that too many brands in a showroom can dilute this concentrated attention.

This is an interesting viewpoint and one I've certainly heard from other dealers in the past. I wonder, in fact, how many reading this today agree wholeheartedly with this standpoint? Is that how you run your business? Does fewer brands mean a better dealership to you?

Equally fascinating would be to know if many fundamentally disagree, and believe in the more the merrier when it comes to holding brands? Is increased choice your secret to success? Please let us know either way in the comments below.

There’s no denying the appeal of being a multi-brand dealership. Offering a range of machines allows you to serve different customer types and budgets, build resilience into your supply chain, and reduce reliance on any single manufacturer.  We saw that starkly illustrated during the Covid years when dealers with all their product eggs in one basket were struggling when the supply taps were turned off. 

So perhaps in recent times, a diversification and widening of brands offered has seen increased appeal for many? However, we've heard over the years at our Conference and from various industry experts that an overpopulated showroom can be a confused and confusing environment for customers. Being faced with a bank of different coloured machines, but no clear recommendation, may not be ideal.

Alongside this, could it also be argued that matters are harder for staff too? Training your sales team and technicians to become true experts in multiple marques is no small task.

I suspect what advocates for fewer brands, like the dealer I spoke to recently, would say is that the answer isn't to pull everything back to just one single manufacturer. Success can be built by offering two or three strong, complementary brands that cater to different segments. The key is to make considered, deliberate choices - with real value being offered to a customer in the simplicity presented to them.

Sometimes more isn't better. I think the dealer I spoke to was telling me there's real strength in knowing what you're good at and what works for your customers. 

But what do you think? Do you agree or do you think there's too much risk involved in relying on just two or three manufacturers?

Please leave your thoughts in the comments below or if you'd prefer, drop me a line.

Service Dealer's Conference & Awards will take place once again at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-Upon-Avon, on Thursday December 4th 2025.

AL-KO WEIBANG's md, Stewart Anderson

We are delighted to announce that joining our event this year, dedicated to the dealer network, will be AL-KO WEIBANG, who we can confirm are our Principal Sponsor.

Stewart Anderson, managing director, said, "We are delighted to be the Principal Sponsor of this year's Service Dealer Conference. Without dealers we would not be where we are today, so the Conference offers us the opportunity to thank them personally.

"We have been building a strong foundation for the next phase of AL-KO, WEIBANG & MITOX's growth in the 2026 season and beyond which will be shared over the coming months.

"We very much look forward to seeing you at the event."

Duncan Murray-Clarke, Service Dealer's owner added, "We couldn't be more pleased that AL-KO WEIBANG are on-board as our Principal Sponsor for 2025. Like us, Stewart and his team, recognise the value of our incredible dealer network and working together, we shall deliver a truly memorable day for our delegates.

"Sharing knowledge, expertise and insight, our Conference is shaping up to be an unmissable event."

This year's Conference theme has been confirmed as Resilience and the keynote address will be delivered by internationally award-winning comedian and highly regarded corporate speaker, Stuart Goldsmith. Keep an eye on this Weekly Update and our social channels for updates on further guest speakers and workshops.

Interested in sponsorship or delegate tickets? Register your interest here.

Jason Nettle, director of Winchester Garden Machinery, is this year undertaking the challenge of 12 marathons in 12 months for good causes. Here he sums up the first six months of his incredible journey and looks forward to the next!

Hi everyone,
 
Can you believe it? We've officially reached the halfway point of my "12 Marathons in 12 Months" challenge! Six marathons down, six more to go. It feels like both an eternity and a blink since that first 43.33km trek from Liss to Romsey Road. It’s been an incredible, at times excruciating, but ultimately deeply rewarding journey so far.
 
This past Father's Day, I tackled the Hampshire Hoppit Marathon. My preparation was, shall we say, ‘non-existent’. Celebrating a close friend's 50th birthday into the early hours of Sunday morning, complete with plenty of dancing, probably wasn't the ideal pre-race strategy! Feeling the alcohol literally working its way out of my system, coupled with surprisingly high temperatures and 692m of elevation gain, made it another brutal 5 hours and 59 minutes. Yet, I got it done.

 
Each of these marathons has presented its own unique brand of challenge and pain:

• Liss to Romsey Road (43.33km, 5:58:22, 589m elevation): The inaugural run, a real eye-opener to the task ahead.
• BIGMUD Marathon (27.5 miles, 7:04:00, 1,158m elevation): Lived up to its name with relentless mud and hills – a true test of mental grit.
• Phoenix Walton on Thames Marathon (8 laps, 7:04:00): A repetitive but poignant reminder of battling through discomfort, akin to the cycles of treatment many endure.
• Southampton ABP Marathon (4:55:00): A tough one with minimal training due to a busy work schedule and lingering plantar fasciitis.
• Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge (43.28km, 6:34:00, 1,153m elevation): Brutal climbs and stunning views, reminding me of breaking huge tasks into manageable steps.
• Hampshire Hoppit (5:59:00, 692m elevation): An emotional Father's Day finish, fuelled by sheer determination despite the celebrations beforehand.

Beyond the Miles: Health and Mindset

This challenge is about so much more than just running. It's a loud and clear wake-up call for men's health. We often shy away from health services, dismiss symptoms, and prioritise everything else over our own well-being. My own experiences, from getting a simple PSA test to realising the value of self-check FIT tests, reinforce the critical need for proactive health management.
 
I've learned that pushing through these marathons, especially with injuries and minimal training, requires a powerful mental game. It's about breaking down daunting tasks into achievable steps. This mindset isn't just for running; it's vital for navigating life's mental health challenges too. My pain is temporary and self-inflicted; it pales in comparison to the daily struggles many face with serious illnesses or mental health battles. That perspective keeps me going.
 
A Huge Thank You to Our Incredible Sponsors!

Reaching this halfway point has been possible only with the phenomenal support I've received. A massive, heartfelt thank you to all the companies who have already stepped up to sponsor a marathon or have simply donated to the cause:

Milwaukee Power Tools
Toro UK
Hayter
AriensCo UK
STIHL GB
EP Barrus
Husqvarna
ISEKI UK & Ireland

The generosity shown by our industry, my friends, family and so many others has been invaluable, not just in boosting the fundraising total, but in providing immense motivation for me to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
 
We're Nearly There!
 
When I started this, I set an ambitious fundraising target of £10,000. I am absolutely thrilled to announce that, as of today, we have already raised an incredible £8,000! We are so close to hitting that target, and every single penny makes a tangible difference to the four fantastic charities: Cancer Research UK, Prostate Cancer UK, Naomi House Children’s Hospice and St. Michael's Hospice.

How you can help us cross the finish line (both literally and financially!):

• Sponsor me: Please consider donating to my fundraising page. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to our goal and supports vital work.
• Cheer me on: Your messages and encouragement are a huge boost, especially when the going gets tough.
• Get inspired: Let's all prioritize our health and well-being. Even small steps towards a healthier lifestyle can have a significant impact.

Thank you all for following this crazy journey. The next six marathons await, and I'm determined to make every step count!

GLAS 2025, Ireland’s trade show for the garden, landscape, amenity, and sportsturf sectors returns July 17, free for all trade visitors - with organisers claiming this year's is "poised to be the most dynamic edition yet."

This year’s show features over 100 industry suppliers showcasing the latest innovations and solutions across the sector.

Highlights for 2025 include:

Bord Bia Thinking House & Learning Theatre - Expert-led sessions on key industry themes, from market trends and peat alternatives to talent retention in a competitive labour market.

New Product & New Plant Awards + Supplier of the Year - Innovation takes centre stage as GLAS recognises standout products, breakthrough plant varieties, and top-performing suppliers.

Expanded outdoor area - The outdoor zone gets a significant boost this year, with a larger Machinery Park, live demonstrations, Grower’s Paddock, and more space for hands-on experiences and networking in an open-air environment.

Trade attendees can pre-register online to receive a badge in advance, ensuring fast-track entry on the day, as attendance is free for all trade visitors.

AL-KO Gardentech has announced the launch of what it describes as its most extensive product range to date for the 2026 season.

Featuring a broad spectrum of new additions across the AL-KO and Solo by AL-KO brands, the company says the new offering represents a major milestone in their long-term growth strategy.

Stewart Anderson, managing director of AL-KO Gardentech UK commented, "The future has never looked brighter for the AL-KO brand. With the introduction of several pivotal new products, we are equipping our dealer network with a more competitive and profitable range than ever before.

"The feedback at Demopark and Spoga + Gafa in Germany was nothing short of phenomenal, and we are excited to showcase the new lineup to our UK partners at Groundsfest later this year.”

Among the introductions is an all new entry-level tractor platform, designed to complement the existing Comfort and Premium series. The Easy range includes two new models: a 92cm side discharge and an 86cm rear collect variant, both powered by AL-KO’s 452cc PRO 450 engine. 

The petrol lawnmower category is being strengthened with the launch of the new Easy range - featuring steel deck models from 42cm to 51cm.

Enhancements will also be seen in the robotic to the Robolinho range. New RTK models enable precise virtual boundary mowing, while a retrofit kit extends this capability to existing units already in the market. Furthermore an entirely new Vision platform will be added.

On Friday 20th June 2025, a determined team from the Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS) Melton branch successfully completed an 11-mile rowing challenge along the River Deben, raising £31,543 in aid of Dementia UK.

Originally planned as a three-man rowing challenge, TNS say the event quickly turned into a more memorable and somewhat unpredictable endeavour. Setting off from Felixstowe Ferry, the team’s goal was to row to HMS Vale at Melton Boatyard. However, shortly after departure, it became apparent that the boat was taking on water due to a slow leak. What began as 'Three Men in a Boat' became four, with one team member bailing water for the entire journey to ensure the boat remained afloat.

The team consisted of Ben Hockley, Simon Pink and John Drake on the oars, with Adrian Brown serving as coxswain and keeping the boat afloat. 

L-R back row; Simon Pink and Ben Hockley. Front row: James Thurlow, Adrian Brown and John Drake

Speaking after the challenge, Simon Pink, service manager at TNS Melton, commented, "It was a physically demanding but incredibly rewarding experience. Despite the challenges on the day, we stayed focused and completed the row. We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our sponsors and those who supported us and proud to have raised £31,543 for Dementia UK.”

The River Deben challenge forms part of the Thurlow Nunn Group’s wider initiative to raise £150,000 in support of Dementia UK, as the company celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025. The fundraising campaign is held in memory of the late Chairman, Mr John Thurlow, and his wife, Mrs Peggy Thurlow, both of whom sadly passed away in 2024.

SALTEX 2025, which takes place at the NEC Birmingham on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 November 2025, has announced this year's theme as ‘Power Up Your Performance’.

Organisers say the theme "captures SALTEX’s ambition to energise the sector from smart technology and new skills to expert advice and opportunities to grow."

Sarah Hunter, head of events at the Grounds Management Association, confirmed, “The 2025 theme, ‘Power Up Your Performance’, captures the ambition behind everything we’ve got planned for SALTEX 2025. We’re introducing fresh features and new thinking to create even more value for visitors and exhibitors. It’s shaped by what the industry’s told us it needs, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the NEC.”

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, added, “SALTEX is built around the needs of the industry, and this year’s show reflects exactly that. From grassroots to elite level, every detail of the 2025 show has been shaped by the real-world needs of groundspeople today. And what makes SALTEX truly unique is that all revenue is reinvested directly into supporting the sector.”

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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