It's quite an unusual week when an hour of primetime BBC1 is devoted to a specialist lawnmower brand. Perhaps one of our more seasoned readers might recall something similar in the dim and distant past, but I certainly can't think of anything else quite like this week's Inside The Factory.

For the Hayter facility in Hertfordshire to feature so prominently in a mainstream programme, viewed by millions, feels like a significant moment. It's quite the coup for Toro UK clearly, but I feel that for the wider industry and specialist dealers of grass machinery in general, the programme did an awful lot of good.

It seems to me that lawnmowers in mainstream media can often be figures of ridicule. A vehicle used to snigger at so-called nerds who are obsessed with keeping their gardens pristine - or perhaps just an item to represent dullness. But this show took the subject seriously. Treating this historied British success story with respect.

The programme (which if you missed its broadcast is available on iPlayer) took viewers right inside the  manufacturing processes of the Harrier. Context was given around design, engineering and quality control - and we were shown the people behind the products. Crucially, it was a positive, informed portrayal - one that conveyed the manufacture of quality lawnmowers as something worthy of interest, pride and wide attention.

The feel of the programme, with presenters Paddy McGuinness and Cherry Healey maintaining a good natured and light-hearted tone yet at the same time interested and sincere throughout, mattered. It benefited both Hayter and the wider sector.

One of the ongoing challenges for our specialist dealer readers of domestic kit, is explaining the value of quality machinery to an audience that is constantly exposed to cheaper, mass-market alternatives. A television programme such as this will have helped with some of that heavy lifting. By showing what goes into building a premium product - from materials and tolerances to skills and experience - it reinforced the idea that not all machines are created equal.

The show offered a reminder that garden machinery should not be a cheap, disposable commodity. It is highly engineered equipment, designed to perform, last and be supported. Hopefully that message was taken on board by the viewing public who will hear those sentiments echoed in conversations they subsequently have with their own local dealers.

For Toro UK the benefits are obvious. Brand exposure on that scale is invaluable, and the credibility that comes from a thoughtful BBC documentary certainly feels like it should land differently with consumers compared to traditional advertising. It reinforces heritage, quality and trust - all things that dealers rely on when representing a premium brand.

But hopefully the impact doesn’t stop there. I don't think I'm being over the top to think that potentially this kind of coverage could lift the perception of the entire specialist garden machinery sector. It shows that this is an industry rooted in engineering, expertise and pride in the job. It may even spark interest from a new generation, whether that’s future customers or potential recruits who hadn’t previously considered manufacturing or technical roles in this sector. The show even featured a sequence filmed at Wembley Stadium where Cherry was speaking with the head groundsman, illustrating where tools like these are used on a daily basis. Again, this may hopefully open the eyes of viewers to the often unsung end-user roles in the industry that are also struggling to find recruits.

In the next issue of Service Dealer magazine, we will hear from Toro UK's sales and marketing manager, Craig Hoare, who takes us behind the scenes of the shoot. He tells us about the six months of preparation, collaboration and careful planning that took place ahead of time to ensure " . .the programme captured the precision and pride that goes into every machine that leaves our factory." He also talks about the show directing a spotlight onto British engineering and the opportunity that it presents for dealers.

Whilst it was only an hour of television, I do think this week's episode of Inside The Factory was a rare and welcomed moment in the limelight for the industry. Hopefully its message of the value of quality machinery and the talented people behind it, found a receptive audience.

STIHL have announced to their dealer network that this month (February 2026) they are launching a new service for commercial end-users called STIHL Workshop Manager. 

Service Dealer contacted STIHL to ask if this new service means the commercial end-user will circumnavigate their local dealer? STIHL GB’s Head of Marketing, Simon Hewitt, told us, “STIHL Workshop Manager is a solution for professional end users, who already run their own workshops. They will be able to subscribe to controlled access to STIHL resources such as SSC parts lookup, exploded views, workshop information, diagnostics, training and special tools.

“I want to clarify that STIHL Workshop Manager is an information resource. Not an ordering tool.”

Simon continued, “It provides them with access to official parts information to help them order the right part, first time from their STIHL Approved Dealer.”

STIHL further explained to their dealers, “Designed to strengthen dealer relationships and satisfy demand from our large end users, Workshop Manager will increase accuracy, reduce errors and encourage consistent parts ordering through the dealer network. Dealers remain the primary source for machines, spare parts, accessories and Workshop Manager will help to make this more accurate and efficient on the end user’s part when placing their orders with STIHL Approved Dealers.“

This week’s Doe Show, the annual three-day event held at eastern England farm, turf and construction machinery dealer Ernest Doe’s Essex HQ, drew strong crowds and saw some significant new and used sales made, while marking the first outing for a number of new franchises - and a set of new staff appointments.

After 15 years with the dealer business’s primary supplier, CNH, the show was the first event dealer-side for Ernest Doe’s new division head of agricultural and construction sales, Mark Crosby. He joined the business in the autumn as part of a phased succession to take over from Graham Parker, sales director since 2004. Other staff movements include the appointment of a new Framlingham branch manager, Simon Gardner, who joins from Haynes Agricultural, and the extension of Ulting area sales manager Derek Peck’s remit to also oversee Ernest Doe’s viticulture equipment sales.

Meanwhile, adding to recent franchise announcements regarding Ernest Doe’s appointment as a dealer for AVR potato machinery, and for Merlo’s agricultural telehandler range - in addition to its initial deal to sell and support the Italian firm’s construction machines - a further appointment was revealed at the show. Replacing SIP, Ernest Doe now holds the Pöttinger franchise for the Austrian manufacturer’s grassland machinery - the deal does not include Pöttinger’s arable equipment - across the Doe branch network. The firm, which is currently supporting Case Construction equipment users with parts and service following the failure of former dealer Warwick Ward, is also working on a deal for a new excavator partner, following the dissolution of its partnership with Hyundai.

More on the show and company developments will appear in an upcoming issue of Service Dealer magazine.

Following close collaboration over the past two years, and after the retirement of its secretary general, Crispin Dunn-Meynell, the Portable Electric Tool Manufacturers Association (PETMA) has confirmed that responsibility for the Association’s representation and secretariat services have transfered to the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) from 1 February 2026.

Under a detailed Service Level Agreement, the AEA will provide political and technical representation for PETMA, including the full delivery of technical services for member companies and representation of the sector on relevant European and international standards committees, maintaining existing arrangements through nominated representatives from the Association and its member companies.

PETMA says it will retain its own identity, name and logo. They say their role as the sector’s representative body remains a central part of the arrangement, ensuring a clear and authoritative voice for the industry and full control and advocacy for the power tools sector.

Colin Thirlaway, Stanley Black & Decker and chairman of PETMA, said he and the Association’s members are delighted to move forward with this new collaboration, reflecting the strong synergies in technology and innovation between the power tools sector and the outdoor power equipment market represented by the AEA.

Ruth Bailey, chief executive officer of the AEA, said, “It is a great honour to take on the voice of the power tools sector, strengthening both organisations and reflecting the shared issues and challenges facing their respective markets”. 

Theodora Levanti-Rowe, outdoor power economist of the AEA, in taking on her new role as secretariat to PETMA, added that “The confidence placed in the AEA is extremely humbling, and that the Association’s dedication and experience in working with members will play a central role in driving forward PETMA’s interests”.

BIGGA used its annual education conference and trade show, BTME in Harrogate, to announce a series of new initiatives aimed at elevating standards across the game of golf.

The Association has also revealed that across three show days, 4,567 visitors walked through the doors of Harrogate Convention Centre, representing an 8.7% increase on last year. Visitors stayed for an average of 1.60 days, up from 1.56 in 2025.

A new strapline to underpin the association's work was also revealed by BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton - 'We support greenkeepers through education, recognition and community to enhance course quality and to continually elevate the game of golf.' 

"BTME is our championship week and a moment to set out, clearly and confidently, what BIGGA exists to do," said JIm. "Everything we do is rooted in supporting greenkeepers through better education, stronger professional communities and meaningful recognition. When we do that well, standards on the ground improve, course quality rises and the game itself benefits."

Jim outlined a series of developments designed to provide greater long-term support for greenkeepers. Central to that work is a restructured education and training pathway, setting out clear progression from entry level through to course management, underpinned by BIGGA's status as a Lantra Customised Training Provider. 

Alongside education, BIGGA is modernising its membership offer to better reflect the way clubs and facilities now operate. This includes the introduction of more flexible membership options, expanded welfare support, and a strengthened approach to professional recognition. 

As part of that, BIGGA has reached agreement with STRI Group to manage the Golf Environment Awards, ensuring environmental excellence is fully integrated into its awards programme and continues to be recognised as a core component of modern course management.

ScotGrass has announced the launch of its new slurry demonstration zone for the 2026 show - described by the organisers as "a dynamic and interactive space dedicated to showcasing the very best in slurry application, handling and nutrient-management technologies."

 
Taking place on Wednesday 13th May at Slacks Farm in Lochmaben, Dumfries and Galloway and responding to farmer demand for practical insights into slurry best practice and technology, organisers say the slurry demonstration zone will offer live, real-time demonstrations that place innovation and efficiency front and centre. Visitors will have the chance to see the latest solutions in action under genuine working conditions enabling better understanding of performance, precision and nutrient stewardship on a working dairy farm.

Adjacent to the silage clamps, and the farms slurry storage, the demo fields will show visitors separation, pumping and application technologies, in real-time on farm conditions.

Kayleigh Holden, ScotGrass event organiser said, “With sustainability and nutrient management at the heart of modern farming, this new feature at ScotGrass will not only compliment the rest of the show but it will also give manufacturers a platform to bring their innovations out of static displays and into the field, allowing demonstrators and attendees to directly compare technologies, learn from experts and discuss real-world applications."

STIHL has expanded its hedge-trimmer line-up with the launch of new high-performance long-reach models, the HLA 150 B and the HLA 140 K-B and B. Designed for demanding landscaping applications, the new machines deliver powerful battery performance for trimming tall hedges safely and efficiently from ground level.

The HLA 150 B’s telescopic shaft allows the user to adjust its length between 207-332cm without the need for additional tools, providing greater flexibility when working at height. This enables efficient maintenance of tall and wide hedges, bushes, and shrubs. Its double-sided, double-edged blades also allows users to achieve a clean cut and rapid progress for maximum productivity, even when working with overgrown hedges or tough material. The tool’s cutter bar can be adjusted between 145 degrees, allowing professionals to trim the top, sides and bottom of hedges easily.  

The HLA 140 models’ fixed length shafts are designed to provide stability and control for flexible working at low, mid, and high levels, with the added benefit of keeping the cutting attachment away from the user. The shorter, fixed shaft HLA 140 K-B offers a length of 214cm, while the longer fixed shaft model, the HLA 140 B has an overall length of 245cm. 

Thanks to their battery operation, the machines’ powerful motors are exceptionally quiet during use, making them ideal for work in noise-sensitive environments. In addition, their anti-lock function prevents the jamming of blades to maintain consistent cutting performance, while their robust design, including metal mesh air-filters, ensure a long-service life for professional use. 

Powered by EC motors, the tools’ blades are capable of rapid acceleration, helping users to get the best cutting performance. Both models are also easily regulated continuously using their throttle lever, with 3 blade speed settings to choose from with the simple press of a button. This means thicker branches can be cut effectively at lower blade speeds with high torque, while their high-speed modes produce a cleaner and neater cut when trimming finer leaved hedges and shrubs. 

All models are equipped with a HMI Advance Plus module with Bluetooth and STIHL Connected to support digital fleet management. Each tool also displays its operating mode on a LED control panel. Designed to meet the requirements of professional users, their battery housing compartments are robust, and the placement of all components mean they offer excellent balance for prolonged user comfort, while the tools‘ IPX 4-rating makes them safe for use in wet conditions. 

STIHL also offer a range of accessories to help users get the best out of their tools. With the new HLA range, the X-Treem HL/HT shoulder harness combines with the X-Flex Forestry belt to take the weight of the machine and allows the user to focus on guidance and accurate cutting. The battery can also be placed in an external AP battery holster on the belt to save weight. 

The 2026 additions arrive as STIHL celebrates its 100th anniversary. Since 1926, STIHL has defined the global standard for battery and petrol-powered forestry, landscaping, and residential gardening equipment for professional and domestic users.

For more information on STIHL products, visit www.stihl.co.uk or contact your nearest STIHL Approved Dealer.

Find out more about STIHL’s historic milestone, here: https://100.stihl.com. 

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