I remember when I very first started working on Service Dealer, back in 2001, one of the initial words of wisdom that founder of the magazine, Chris Biddle, imparted to me was what a friendly industry this is.

As an inherently nervous young man that set me at my ease and, most importantly, turned out to be completely true. I believe the willingness of this sector’s people and businesses to support one another has continually proven to be one of its most admirable attributes.

We have more evidence of that today as we are delighted to welcome back AL-KO & WEIBANG as principal sponsor of this year’s Service Dealer Conference & Awards. Valued backing from companies such as AL-KO & WEIBANG is hugely important to events like ours, helping to create opportunities for dealers to come together, share ideas and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. In a sector where relationships still matter enormously, that continued support should and never will be taken for granted.

It was also encouraging this week to read about Kubota and Baroness supporting BIGGA’s new mental health initiative. Conversations around wellbeing, stress and mental health were once topics that many (mostly men) did their level best to avoid having. Thankfully, that is no longer the case.

Increasingly, businesses, trade associations, industry leaders and individuals are recognising that looking after their friends, colleagues, and, crucially, themselves, is vital and nothing to in any way feel embarrassed about. We all feel pressures sometimes and there are moments when everything can feel like it’s piling on top of us. When these feelings manifest, they deserve attention - and open discussion.

This is one of the reasons why we recently launched Service Dealer’s digital mental health toolkit for dealers. Curated by our friend, inspirational speaker Nick Elston - who has expanded on his popular breakout session from last year’s Conference - the Forging Ahead module offers all the tools from Nick's mental health playbook and how you can implement them in your day to day and working life. Please do have a look through when you have a moment. It could spark an idea or conversation that proves helpful to you or someone at your dealership.

Press day

Elsewhere this week, another one of our valued Conference & Awards sponsors, EGO, held a press day on a farm near Beaconsfield to introduce their latest range of battery powered tools and robotic options. My colleague on Service Dealer and editor of our sister title, TurfPro, Laurence Gale attended.

He told me the day was structured to maximise interaction, starting with presentations about the brand and products, followed by live demonstration stations where attendees could test the tools, ask questions, and explore the full 2026 lineup of products.

Loz said the highlight for him was the unveiling of the new Aura R2 robot mower range, representing the culmination of five years of research, development, and testing. The company explained that the series is designed to address “evolving customer expectations for smart, wire-free, and highly precise robotic mowing.”

The range includes three models, each identical in size but differentiated by area capacity (1,500 sq.m., 3,000 sq.m., and 6,000 sq.m. respectively). All models incorporate what the company describe as 'advanced navigation technologies'. EGO call this mix of technologies Path IQ, and said that it means "robust, reliable operation even in complex gardens with obstacles, slopes, and variable lighting conditions."

Laurence told me that also on show for the invited press to try out were their enhanced portfolio of cordless lawnmowers including its largest self-propelled mower to date. Other interesting products on demo were the portable power washer and battery powered air compressor, chainsaws and second-generation hedge trimmers. Finally, said Laurence, EGO has developed its first battery featuring advanced tabless cell technology.

You can read more about the day in Laurence’s report that he’ll publish in TurfPro on Monday. For anyone who doesn’t receive those weekly updates aimed at professional turfcare end-users and who’d like to, you can sign up for free to regularly receive Laurence’s sage advice and insightful commentary.

Overall, I think this week has summed up our industry kind of perfectly. Yes, we are all fascinated by new machinery developments and the technological advances that are driving the sector forward - but at the heart of it all, it's the people involved and our interpersonal relationships that makes it truly special.

Service Dealer is delighted to announce that AL-KO & WEIBANG is returning as Principal Sponsor for the second consecutive year of our Conference & Awards.

The prestigious event will take place on Thursday 3rd December 2026 at the Stratford-Upon-Avon Crowne Plaze - with this year's theme announced as Culture - Nature and nurture in business.

Stewart Anderson, managing director, AL-KO & WEIBANG, said, “We are delighted to once again be the principal sponsor of the Service Dealer Conference in 2026. Our dealer network is at the heart of everything we do, and this event provides a valuable opportunity to come together, celebrate that shared culture, and personally thank those who continue to support our journey.

"We will be launching the next phase of AL-KO, Solo by AL-KO, WEIBANG & MITOX's growth strategy in the 2027 season, and look forward to sharing more on this over the coming months.

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

Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke, added, "I am delighted to welcome back AL-KO & WEIBANG as the principal sponsor of the 2026 Service Dealer Conference and Awards. Their commitment to the dealer network is clear, and their support enables us to keep evolving the event year on year.

"The theme and line up is so strong this year and I am really looking forward to welcoming you all on 3rd December."

AL-KO & WEIBANG and Stewart also feature in our continuing Service Dealer video series, where all our sponsors from last year's Conference & Awards tell us why they choose to support the industry event of the year - and what's on the agenda for them.

Keep an eye on this Weekly Update, the magazine and our social channels for further updates regarding speakers, seminars and content - plus further announcements of all our valued sponsors.

You can head to our website now to register your interest for delegate tickets or sponsorship opportunities.

New Holland has announced updates to its ROI dealer network following the closure of Cavanagh’s of Fermoy.

The manufacturer says these changes ensure all their customers across the region will continue to receive comprehensive sales and service support from well-established main dealers. The changes, effective immediately, are as follows:

• Murphy Motors will expand their territory to cover the entirety of Waterford County, supported from their Glenmore depot.
• MC & S Agri Sales will expand south to cover the Southern area of Cork County, supported by both their Bandon and Ballincollig depots.
• Colemans Millstreet will expand their territory to cover the Northern area of Cork County. Support for this area will be provided by their Millstreet and Mallow depots.

David Rapkins, commercial business unit director for UK and ROI said, “This expansion signals an important step forward for these three dealers, highlighting their shared commitment to delivering continued support to New Holland customers. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the entire team who worked at Cavanagh’s of Fermoy, for their longstanding service and commitment to the brand over the years”.

The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has announced Baroness UK and Kubota (UK) Ltd as headline sponsors of its Mental Health First Aid Programme (MHFAP).

Developed they say, in response to the well-documented pressures faced by greenkeepers and turf professionals, the programme delivers accredited training designed to equip members with the skills to recognise and respond to mental health challenges in themselves and others.

BIGGA say that long hours, seasonal demands, and often isolated working environments mean those employed in turf management can be at increased risk. 

Through the MHFAP, the association is aiming to continue building a network of trained Mental Health First Aiders across the industry, while helping to create more supportive and resilient workplaces.

The programme centres on two-day, in-person courses delivered to members across BIGGA's five regions, supported by ongoing guidance and follow-up communication to ensure lasting impact beyond the classroom.

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said the support would play a key role in strengthening an already important area of the association's work.

"Through this programme, we are providing practical, accredited training that gives people the confidence to recognise when something is wrong and to step in with the right support at the right time," he said.

"The backing of Baroness and Kubota allows us to extend that support further, ensuring more members across our regions can access this training and help us build a stronger, more connected network of Mental Health First Aiders within the industry. This will make the industry a better place for all," said Jim.

"Supporting BIGGA's Mental Health First Aid programme reflects our commitment not only to the turf industry, but to the people within it," said Baroness UK sales director Adam Butler. "Mental wellbeing is just as important as physical safety so we're delighted to be able to play our part in providing the tools and awareness needed to support turf managers across the UK."

Charlotte McFarland, tactical marketing executive for Kubota (UK) Ltd, added, "Partnering with BIGGA on this initiative allows us to play a meaningful role in promoting mental health awareness and ensuring those in the industry know they are not alone."

Redexim UK has strengthened its team with the appointment of Jeremy Vincent, a highly respected figure within the groundscare industry.

With more than three decades of experience, Jeremy brings a wealth of knowledge spanning engineering, sales and customer support. His career began as an apprentice at a John Deere dealership in 1988, before progressing through a variety of roles which ultimately led him into the groundscare sector.

Jeremy spent 16 years working with an importer, where he developed his sales expertise representing a range of machinery including Trilo products, before going on to work directly with Trilo for a decade across the UK, Ireland and beyond.

Now joining Redexim UK, Jeremy will take on responsibility for sales across the southern region, supporting dealers, attending demonstrations, and working closely with customers to deliver the company’s range of natural and synthetic turf maintenance equipment.

Speaking about his new role, Jeremy said, “Ideally, I wanted to stay with a manufacturer, and Redexim really stood out. They are market leaders and their product range speaks for itself. I’ve worked with the equipment before and was always impressed.”

He added: “I’m the sort of person who enjoys being hands-on with machinery, and Redexim’s portfolio really appeals to me. There’s a strong reputation behind the brand and that makes a big difference when you’re out speaking to customers.”

Well known and widely respected across the industry, Jeremy’s appointment has been warmly received by colleagues and contacts alike.

“I’ve had so many kind messages since the news got out,” he said. “It does make you realise what a great industry this is. Everyone is supportive, and it’s genuinely a nice sector to be part of.”

Wildwood Machinery and the Hampshire FA have announced an exclusive partnership, with the Winchester-based groundcare business set to provide all grounds maintenance machinery and equipment and service back-up. 

Managing director James Bastian says, “This is a moment of real pride for us as a Hampshire-based business. We really feel the prestige of working with the Hampshire FA, who are serial winners of Awards from the Grounds Management Association.”

Isabella Pearson, commercial manager at Hampshire FA, said, “Wildwood Machinery has already brought vital specialist support and expertise to our network of unsung heroes - the groundskeepers and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain playing surfaces across the county.

“State-of-the-art groundcare equipment and reliable service are so valuable to grassroots and league football clubs. This exclusive partnership is a key part of our objective of raising the standards of playing surfaces across the county”. 

James Bastian added, “The Hampshire FA Partner Network does great work with the sporting community, investing hundreds of thousands of pounds in grassroots football, acting as a hub for the county’s business community, and connecting a wide range of local organisations.

“We are also helping community clubs unlock vital funding for groundcare equipment by supporting them with applications to the Football Foundation,” explained James. “Funding applications can be quite demanding for grassroots clubs, and so we’re very happy to bring our own resources and expertise to the task.”

As part of the agreement Wildwood Machinery offers a reduced hourly labour rate for groundcare machinery servicing and maintenance, and discounted prices on groundcare equipment purchases.

AL-KO Gardentech is proud to announce the launch of its latest innovations, the all new ZT 18-107-6 A zero turn mower and the R 74.5 Li battery rider to further compliment the range.

Stewart Anderson, Managing Director of AL-KO Gardentech UK commented -

“The new zero turn and battery rider are something we have been missing over recent years. As part of our continued growth strategy, we can now offer a quality ride-on product at every pricepoint and category. Following our launch at Groundsfest both products received exceptional feedback and form part of our strongest ride-on lineup to date.”

The ZT 18-107.6 A features a powerful AL-KO PRO 600 V-Twin engine and 107cm heavy duty fabricated steel deck with high performance mulching and side discharge functions. Operator comfort is enhanced by a premium high back cushioned seat, arm rests and fully adjustable drive levers. As with all new AL-KO tractors the zero turn features LED lights and an integrated tow bar.

The second addition to the ride-on family is the R 74.5 Li battery rider, powered by the AL-KO 36V platform the rider can mow for up to 60 minutes on a charge (6 x 8Ah batteries) and navigate tight turns thanks to the geared steering with tight turning circle. The 74cm cutter deck features twin blades for high performance collection and a 130L collector. For maintenance and storage the rider can be placed in an upright position, and as part of the 36V platform the batteries can be used in any of the 36V range of tools. The rider kit includes 4 x 8.0Ah batteries and charger. 

As with all AL-KO tractors, the zero turn and rider feature a comprehensive 5 year warranty (subject to annual service) and full spare parts support with the majority of parts available for next day delivery.

Solo by AL-KO ZT 18-107.6 A
Art. No. AK127821
RRP £4,499.00

Type - Side Discharge / Mulch
Cutting Width - 107cm / 42”
Engine - AL-KO PRO 600 V-Twin (586cc)
Transmission - Hydrostatic (Dual Lever Control)
Cutting Height - 13 stage 25-102mm
Max Speed - 11km/h (5km/h reverse)
Tow Hitch - Yes

Solo by AL-KO R 74.5 Li 36V
Art. No. AK127783
RRP £3,249.00

Type - Rear Collect
Cutting Width - 74cm / 29”
Battery - 36V (Kit includes 4 x 8.0Ah & Charger)
Battery Slots - 6
Transmission - E-Drive (Foot Pedal)
Cutting Height - 6 stage 30-80mm
Collector - 130 Litre
LED Display - Yes

The introduction of the new models, alongside additional new products in petrol lawnmower, tractor, robotic lawnmower and battery categories, highlights AL-KO’s strong commitment to innovation, dealer success, and customer satisfaction. These developments position the brand for sustained growth in 2026 and beyond.

For more information visit the AL-KO consumer site at www.alko-garden.uk, or the dealer portal at www.gardentech-dealer.co.uk. To become an AL-KO stockist call us on 01963 828006 or speak to your local area sales manager.

South West - Bonnie Rallison - 07970 494982
West Midlands & Wales - Alexandra Winters - 07710 442751
South East - Ben Gold - 07725 816565
Northern England & Scotland - James Hill - 07970 174051

AL-KO Gardentech UK, Wincanton Business Park, Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 9RS

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