What with all the post-GroundsFest coverage, I didn't have time to mention something else special that had also occurred last week.

Clearly a bunch of you noticed, but for those to whom it may have slipped past, the nomination period for our 2025 Dealer Of The Year Awards is now well and truly open!

The organising team tell me that in this first week that you've been able to enter, we've already had some fabulous nominations come through - but we are just getting started. This year we'd love to hear from more of our incredible dealer readers than ever before. So please, don't go hiding your lights under bushels! Let us know what incredible work your dealership and your team has been getting up to these past twelve months.

For 2025 we have categories for dealerships, individual staff members and for the first time, customers! So there's plenty of scope for companies large and small (and medium-sized) to get themselves in the mix for.

Our core machinery specialism awards this year comprise:

• Garden Machinery Dealer of the Year (sponsored by Husqvarna)
• Professional Turfcare Machinery Dealer of the Year (sponsored by Kress)
• Farm Machinery Dealer of the Year (sponsored by Ibcos)

Also for all dealerships we shall once again be looking for the Best New Initiative (sponsored by STIHL).

Each dealership that enters into any machinery category will, of course, be in the running for the prestigious Overall Dealer of the Year prize - which is presented by our Principal Sponsors, who this year are our great friends from AL-KO Weibang.

As well as these company awards, we always enjoy presenting honours to individual team members within the business. It's fabulous to pay tribute to those people who simply make their colleagues' working lives that much better! Prizes for these special people will be given for:

• Star of the Dealership (sponsored by Kubota)
• Leadership Award (sponsored by Toro)
• New Technician of the Year

And new this year, we are also looking for your Customer of the Year (sponsored by EGO). This category is flexible and we're genuinely intrigued as to who our amazing dealer readers will choose to put forward. Your nominees could be a loyal customer who has been coming to your place for years; a person or group who are doing great things within the community; or a person / company that simply make working with them a real joy. We're going to be led by you on this one.

So hopefully there's plenty there for you all to get excited about and thinking what you'd like to find yourselves in the running for. The nomination window is open until Friday 24th October - so don't delay, make sure you get your hat well and truly in the ring so you don't miss out. 

Why enter?

We've spoken about it before, but there's strong reasons why being nominated for - and indeed winning - a trade award such as our Dealer of the Year prizes is so valuable for a small business.

Firstly, it can be a real milestone for an independent dealership. Straight away it sends out a strong message that your business is at the top of its game. Customers get the reassurance that they’re dealing with people who know their stuff - and for anyone considering where to spend their money, an award could be the nudge that tips the balance in your favour.

Then there’s the marketing boost. An award gives you a ready-made story to shout about. Share it on your website, your socials, in your newsletters and even, if you're like me and from the olden days, in printed media! Unlike a paid-for advert, an award can carry that extra credibility - it’s recognition from industry peers, not just self-promotion. And being able to put 'Dealer of the Year' on your signage or in your email footer is a simple way to stand out every single day.

And finally, especially following the season we've experienced, don’t forget the team. Winning an award is a huge morale boost. It shows your staff that the long hours and effort are recognised and appreciated. For an independent, where every person is vital, that sense of pride and acknowledgment can go a long way in building loyalty and keeping spirits high.

So please do head over to our awards entry page on our website. You'll find all the guidance there that you need to make your nomination(s). Remember we want to hear your stories and gain a flavour of what your dealerships are all about.

Good luck and get entering!

Dealers from the UK and around Europe gathered this week at the headquarters of the Formula One team McLaren in Woking, for Stanley Black & Decker's 'International Outdoor Showcase'.

The two day event saw the invited partners hear a series of presentations regarding the company's brands DeWalt, Cub Cadet, Wolf Garten, Black & Decker and Arnold on day one - followed by a raft of hands-on product testing and demonstrations on the second day.

The meeting was kicked off by Becky Cotsworth, the company's vice president and general manager Outdoor EMEA ANZ who welcomed the dealers, saying the company has more products in the outdoor sphere this year than any other. Their focus, she said, was in converting professional end-users across to their electric tools. To do this, she said, they needed to work with the right dealer partners.

Becky said of the event, "This is more than just a product showcase, it's an invitation to join Stanley Black & Decker on our growth journey across the outdoor industry. By working together we can seize new opportunities, deliver exceptional value to you our customers and shape the future of our industry."

Various sector managers then introduced product roadmaps across the company's brands for the next year and beyond - details of which the company only wanted to share with their dealer partners in the room. The overarching theme of it all though, was this sense of the company wishing to convert commercial users to the use of their cordless machinery.

Becky summed up the company's philosophy saying they desire to get the best products into their customers' hands and to do that they need to work with the best dealers - driving traffic into their stores through increased marketing. She invited their dealers to join them on their "electrification train", concluding that "the time is now."

Jason Nettle, director of Winchester Garden Machinery, is this year undertaking the challenge of 12 marathons in 12 months for good causes. Here he updates us as his panic is over, with a last-minute replacement marathon set for this weekend!

Hi everyone,

The marathon drama is officially over! I’m relieved (and slightly terrified) to confirm that I’m all set for this weekend's BigSky Marathon in Fordingbridge. My monumental foul-up with the New Forest Marathon booking is behind me and I’m ready to take on the stunning New Forest National Park in another way.

The description for this one sounds incredible, if a little daunting: "The Classic Element Trail Series, BigSky starts just after sunrise from the spectacular viewpoint at Hyde Common, one of the highest points in the New Forest National Park. As dawn becomes day and your race begins, you’ll set off under a dome of Southern England sky, with views that stretch from horizon to horizon. You’ll navigate wide open plains and winding forest trails and be in awe of the abundant wildlife roaming free."

I'm incredibly grateful to STIGA UK for sticking with me through the chaos and sponsoring this month's run. Your support means the world, especially with all the pressure that’s mounting right now.

The fear of injury is a constant presence. I've pushed through plantar fasciitis, lost a few toenails, battled constant aches and I just hope my body holds out until December. After this weekend, I’ll only have three more marathons to go. To put that in perspective, this time last year, I was doing a couple of 5K runs a week, with my best time being half an hour. This whole crazy challenge was just a thought in my head.

People have asked me if this challenge has changed me and what I've learned. My answer is a firm "yes."

What I've learned on the long road

This journey has taught me a simple but powerful lesson: you don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.

I'm not a natural runner, and I started this challenge with minimal fitness and a mountain of self-doubt. Every marathon has been a lesson in turning a daunting goal into a series of achievable steps. It’s a mindset I've learned to apply to every part of my life - whether it's dealing with a tough work season or facing personal challenges. So, as I prepare to hit the trail this weekend, I'm not focused on setting any records. I'm focused on the next step, the next mile, and the next fundraising milestone.

This journey is also about a bigger conversation, specifically about men's health. We are notoriously bad at talking about our health, whether it’s a physical ache or a mental struggle. We often push through, ignore the warning signs and pretend everything is fine. This challenge, with all its physical pain and mental grind, has forced me to listen to my body and face my own limitations head-on. It's a small way of raising awareness for the kind of battles men often fight in silence.

The miles I'm putting in are also part of a larger mission to raise awareness for men's health. I've realised how similar training for a marathon is to maintaining a healthy lifestyle as you age. It’s not just about the physical exercise; it's about the bigger picture - prioritising sleep, forming healthy habits, staying hydrated and nurturing your mental well-being.

As men, we often find it hard to talk about our well-being, whether it’s a physical concern relating to our reproductive or urinary health or a mental health struggle. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, and yet many of us don't talk about the symptoms or get regular check-ups. The same goes for mental health - far too many men suffer in silence.

This challenge is my way of showing that it’s okay to be vulnerable, to struggle, and to ask for help.

Your support fuels every step

I can’t do this alone. Your generosity has already helped me smash my initial fundraising goal of £10,000, and we’re well on our way to the new target of £12,000. 

Every donation, no matter how small, makes a genuine difference to Cancer Research UK, Prostate Cancer UK, Naomi House Children’s Hospice and St. Michael's Hospice.

Please, click here and sponsor me today. Let's turn my determination into tangible help for those who truly need it.

Thank you.

E P Barrus Ltd has announced changes to its board, marking a new chapter in the company’s history.

After more than three decades of service, Andrew Feilden will retire from his position on the board, effective 30 September 2025.

This date marks exactly 31 years since Andrew first joined the board. During his tenure, which included serving as Chairman, the company says Andrew was instrumental in advancing their mission and upholding its values. In a statement they said, "His steadfast leadership and commitment have left a lasting legacy on the company."

The company has confirmed that Andrew will continue to serve as a member of the EPB Holdings Ltd Board and will remain in his role as a trustee. They say his ongoing guidance and experience will continue to benefit the broader organisation.

Meanwhile, E P Barrus Ltd has welcomed Kiki Glen to its board as a non-executive director, effective 1 August 2025.

The company says Kiki brings a wealth of expertise, with an early career in corporate finance at a major US investment bank before retraining as a teacher and subsequently as a Therapeutic Counsellor. She also serves as a governor of Headington School, Oxford.

In a statement the company said, "Kiki’s diverse experience and fresh perspectives will be invaluable as Barrus enters a new phase of growth and innovation."

Organisers of the new-look Midlands Machinery Show have promised live machinery demonstrations, driving experiences and business-focused talks will run alongside exhibitor halls at the event that will take place at the Newark Showground on Wednesday 19 November.

Now in its eleventh year, the show’s organisers have designed a one-day format, which they say will create an environment for time-pressured visitors to "make connections, see products first hand, and get the inside line on the issues currently affecting farming."

The Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (NNAS) organises the event in order to support its charitable objectives to promote, celebrate and champion agriculture across the Midlands region.

NNAS CEO Simon Eccleston said, “With our new format we have had the opportunity to create an event which really focuses in on what farmers want. It’s a chance to speak to experts and see the new product innovations that are coming to market while retaining that social and networking aspect to the show that we know is hugely valued.

“We are anticipating the traditional two days’ footfall will be condensed into the one-day format, and we want visitors to attend to see the full breadth of what the show has to offer.”

Farmers will be able to meet major machinery dealers, parts suppliers and engineering specialists, while also connecting with business consultants, service providers across energy, construction and water, and innovative agri-tech companies shaping the sector’s future.

A highlight of the 2025 event will be the NFU’s Environment Conference, which will share insights on the issues of the day, and update attendees on key areas of agricultural policy.

Alongside the exhibition halls, visitors can enjoy a range of features such as the 4x4 driving course and a programme in the demonstration ring. New for 2025 is a UTV driving experience to test out the latest all-terrain machines.

Reesink UK has announced the appointment of Alastair Black as its new technical support and training manager, taking over from Lee Rowbotham who has become the company’s new Geolink and digital specialist.

The company says Alastair officially stepped into the role on June 30, bringing with him more than eight years’ experience of working with them, as well as "a track record of technical excellence and strong relationships across the dealer network."

Since joining the company in January 2017 as technical support for the North of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, his work has included close collaboration with Reesink’s direct branch business in Scotland and one of the company’s largest accounts, St Andrews Links. Alastair has also supported multiple British Open Championships, including the 2025 tournament at Royal Portrush.

Commenting on his experience, Alastair said, “I’ve been fortunate to work with some incredible people, clubs and events over the years. The stakes are high in those environments, but that’s what drives you to perform at your best. You quickly learn that whether a customer buys one machine or 100, they deserve the same level of care, attention and respect.”

In his new position, Alastair will be responsible for overseeing technical training across Reesink UK’s network, for both internal teams and dealer partners.

He will continue to provide guidance on complex technical cases and to support his previous region until a successor is chosen, ensuring a smooth transition for customers and partners.

“What excites me most is developing the training side of the business,” he added. “There’s such a shortage of skilled technicians in our industry, and building a dedicated training hub will give us the chance to support our dealers and customers in a way that really strengthens the whole sector.”

Built for Stadiums and Elite Pitches

Cobra has announced the upcoming launch of the Fortis Stadium 34, the largest and most advanced cylinder lawnmower in the Fortis range. Launching in Spring 2026, it has been engineered for stadiums, training grounds and elite sports pitches, where precision and reliability are essential for world-class playing surfaces.

First previewed at GroundsFest 2025, the Stadium 34 impressed turf professionals with its 34-inch cutting cylinder, robust build and ergonomic design, delivering the perfectly even, tournament-ready finish that professional sport demands.

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Power and Versatility

The Stadium 34 will be available in two versions: a Honda-powered petrol model for proven performance, and an EGO battery-powered model offering the same 34” cut with reduced noise, zero emissions at the point of use and lower running costs – ideal for stadiums where sustainability and noise control are priorities.

It also works with the full range of Fortis lawncare cartridges, so groundskeepers can carry out jobs such as aeration, scarification, verticutting and brushing with a single machine – keeping pitches in peak condition all year round.

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Comfort and Innovation

For extended mowing sessions, the optional Trailed Premium Seat allows operators to cover large pitches with reduced fatigue while maintaining complete control.

“We’re incredibly proud to reveal the Fortis Stadium 34,” said Peter Chaloner, Managing Director at Cobra Garden. “This cylinder lawnmower has been developed in close collaboration with professional grounds teams and is designed to raise the standard of turf care for stadiums and sports pitches. With a choice of Honda petrol or EGO battery power, cartridge versatility and the Trailed Premium Seat, it gives stadium groundskeepers everything they need to achieve world-class playing surfaces.”

Launching in Spring 2026, the Cobra Fortis Stadium 34 sets a new benchmark in professional turf care. 

For more information on Cobra visit: www.cobragarden.co.uk or to become a Cobra dealer, please contact Andy Marvin on: 07771 581 296 or call our sales team: 0115 986 6646 today.

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