Welcome back after the Easter break. I do hope the bank holidays were restful for you - or if you chose to open your business on those days, profitable!

Firstly today, it's our sad duty to report on yet another dealership closing its doors for good this spring. Collings Brothers of Abbotsley informed their customers last Thursday that despite the company being solvent, trading conditions have proved too much for them this year. In their statement they cite "high stocking charges" and "a reduction of sales due to the state of the market", as well as staff shortages and difficulties faced since a franchise change was forced upon them as being responsible for their decision to cease trading.

I hate that I'm beginning to sound like a broken record, but our thoughts turn to the staff who will lose their jobs due to this and once again we hope they can find suitable replacement roles within the industry.

Elsewhere today we have a stark reminder of the importance of cyber security for everyone's businesses. What happened to Etesia in France sounds properly awful. I know I get terrified if my steam-powered laptop takes a bit longer than the regular 20 minutes it requires to boot itself up in the morning. The level of paralysis that Etesia's entire system was apparently victim to though, is genuinely frightening.

Thankfully, it sounds like the company is pretty much fully back up and running now. Not that I'm in anyway a tech-dude, but when the attack is of that magnitude I'm not sure there's anything the company could have done to prevent it anyhow? Not when you hear of major, global brands also coming unstuck and succumbing to computer bandits.

So I guess all we can do is continue to be vigilant, suspicious of everything that drops into our inboxes, have firewalls and security protections inserted deep into our USB ports - whilst crossing our fingers that it doesn't happen to us!

Driving success

On to more uplifting news now though, and it's always an exciting time of the year when we are able to begin sharing details about the Service Dealer Conference - and today the theme for this year's event has been confirmed.

Similar to Santa's elves on Boxing Day, the incredible organising team at TAP start planning for the next Conference the very second the previous one ends! And the best way of doing this of course, is by asking our dealer delegates what it is they want from an event dedicated to them.

As Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke says today, based on feedback acquired after November's edition, the theme of Driving Success has as its goal to "provide attendees with key information and actionable takeaways to help drive their business to success in today’s challenging environment. Ultimately, helping today’s dealerships to work smarter, not harder.”

With the Driving Success theme, there is plenty of scope to cover a range of topical subject areas that will be of great concern to our dealer delegates this year. Over the coming weeks and months we will keep you up to speed in this Weekly Update, in the mag and across our social media channels as to what exactly is in store. There will be announcements forthcoming on keynote speakers, seminar sessions and experts in their field who will be imparting knowledge.

Also, we are excited to begin to reveal who our valued sponsors are this year. Without these companies' support, the Conference simply would not be able to offer all that it does.

As well as this of course, details will be released on how your dealership can be in the running for a prestigious Dealer of the Year Award. Everything you need to know will be related later this year - but do start to consider which categories you may wish to enter this time around.

Until then, make sure you have marked up Thursday 28th November 2024, at the Crown Plaza in Stratford-Upon-Avon, as the date in your diary for great learning and superb networking.

We can't wait to see you there!

We’re gearing up for another exhilarating conference this November and are excited to announce this year’s theme - ‘Driving Success’. 

The 2024 event will be building on the success of the 2023 Conference and Awards, which saw an impressive 20% increase in delegates, attracting dealers from across the UK. The event theme will take a closer look at innovations and strategies to support dealership management.   

Featuring keynote speeches from renowned business professionals, customer insights, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities this year’s conference promises to inspire, educate, and equip dealers with the tools and strategies necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

Speaking about the event theme, Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke said, “We are excited to announce Driving Success as this year’s conference theme. Our goal is to provide attendees with key information and actionable takeaways to help drive their business to success in today’s challenging environment. Ultimately, helping today’s dealerships to work smarter, not harder”. 

Each year the Service Dealer team reviews feedback from previous events, working to tailor the event to the needs of delegates and this year is no exception. It is this attention to detail that has established the Service Dealer Conference as the premier event in the industry, attracting dealership owners, managers, and key stakeholders seeking to stay ahead of industry trends and foster business growth. 

The Service Dealer Conference & Awards takes place on Thursday 28th November 2024, once again at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-Upon-Avon.

For more information on how you can be a part of the event and to stay updated on conference news visit our website or follow us on social media @servicedealer

On February 2nd 2024, Etesia SAS in France was the victim of a major cyber-attack, which rendered virtually their entire IT network and server data unavailable.

As a result, the whole operation was effectively shut down from that date when the attack was discovered. This meant that the company lost all IT related services, emails, production, parts distribution, manufacturing etc.

Since that date Etesia France has been working to rebuild a new, secure computer network enabling the company to gradually restart their activities.

Les Malin, Etesia UK managing director, said in a communication to their dealer network, "Although Etesia UK is not directly part of Etesia France, we do share many facilities via our joint owners, the Societe Elmar Wolf Groupe.

"So, this cyber-attack meant we also lost our IT systems, emails, and links to the CRM systems. To keep contact with our dealers and end users, we set up a temporary email address which helped tremendously."

Les continued, "After a few weeks of inactivity, we are happy to be able to announce that Etesia SAS has restarted its sales activities at a normal level, and is able again to deliver all orders to their customers, which is very important at a time when the green space maintenance season is starting up again.

"We would like to reassure our distributors and end-users that we have over 10 million euro of finished products in stock in France ready for shipment, which will enable us to process all orders already in-hand, and even more important, all production activities have also resumed last, and Etesia France will be able to return to near-normal activity by early April, a much faster turnaround than anyone expected.

"To date we have supplied everything that has been required by our dealers here in the UK and we are expecting more machinery to arrive and spare parts stocks have also been received. Which means here in the UK it's business as usual.

"I am sure we will experience some further disruption and no doubt shortages at some times, but we will continue to work with our French colleagues and move forward through what is a difficult time for all."

Masons Kings, a well-known, family-run agricultural and turf machinery dealership, that operates across the South West, recently marked four decades of steadfast service to the industry and to domestic customers.

John Deere visited the dealership to present an award to recognise the accomplishment of providing products and services for 40 years. The day reflected on the company’s history and the challenges they have overcome in a dynamic agricultural and turf landscape.

Established in 1984 as a John Deere dealership situated initially at Harcombe Cross Petrol Station, Chudleigh, the company has evolved and grown remarkably over the years.

In 2009, Masons merged with Kings. The company says this strategic merger not only solidified their position in the market but also marked the addition of the Exebridge depot to their expanding portfolio.  

Fast forward to 2024, and Masons Kings now has depots located in Devon, Somerset, and Cornwall. The company boasts a team of over 120 staff and a turnover of £48 million. 

The dealership attributes their success to the early adoption of technology, a commitment to quality products and services, and prioritising in keeping their team well-informed and fostering enduring relationships with new and existing customers.

Roger Prior, owner & director at Masons Kings is quoted on their website saying, “Masons Kings remain committed to their steadfast motto: “Providing Premium Support For Premium Products.” This commitment not only reflects our past achievements but serves as a guiding principle for future endeavours in serving and supporting the needs of our valued customers and the community.”

The second edition of the The Scots Turf Show took place recently. Organisers said they saw over 700 visitors and over 60 companies exhibiting, which demonstrated growth and a platform for the future.

The aim of this show, they said, was to build on the success of the previous year by offering more stands and educational opportunities for visitors to explore at Hamilton Park Racecourse. An increase in the number of exhibitors from 16 to 64 ensured a diverse range of products from industry names such as Campey Turf Care, AllGrass, Dennis, SIS Pitches, and John Deere.

Organisers said the growing stand count, set to increase again for the third event, has proven Scotland’s desire for a dedicated show, and Scots Turf Founding Committee member Richard Heywood is ready to continue the growth.

“It was fantastic to see such a broad selection of visitors from all aspects of our industry, and the feedback we received from everyone we asked was incredibly positive,” he said.

“We were blown away and delighted with the response we received from companies wanting to exhibit. Our target in year two was to attract 30 businesses. In reality, we ended up attracting over 60, with a waiting list of ten more, and I think that shows the positive impact we’re having in Scotland. 

“I’d say this is our first proper year as a ‘trade show,’ and we were very much encouraged by seeing over 700 visitors coming through the gates, with around 500 arriving in the first hour. 

“It really shows an appetite for something like this in Scotland, and we will be looking to grow year upon year, helping to establish this once again as an event that you need to put in your diary.”

Updates on Scots Turf 2025 are promised for throughout the year, including initiatives to support Scottish charitable causes. While demand for stands is high, companies are invited to apply for next year.

Husqvarna Group have announced that they have signed an agreement with Rivulis Irrigation to acquire ETwater, a smart irrigation management solution for the commercial market in North America.

As part of Orbit within the Gardena Division, Husqvarna say ETwater will become the nucleus for a newly formed unit, dedicated to "providing solutions for enterprise customers".

ETwater is servicing customers in the U.S ranging from municipalities, commercial facilities, and campuses to large residential communities with water management solutions. A spokesperson said, "Both Orbit’s and ETwater’s systems integrate data science and predictive analytics about weather and other environmental variables to automatically create and program site-optimised irrigation schedules."
 
Pär Åström, President Gardena Division added, “Husqvarna Group has a leading position in residential watering in North America, and adding ETwater’s strong team and proven technology combined with our B-Hyve capability gives us the opportunity to expand our commercial offering in the North American market."

The organisers of spoga+gafa are reporting a high level of internationality among the exhibitors and 14 almost fully-booked exhibition halls for 16 to 18 June.

With around 96 percent of the exhibition space booked and a high rebooking rate, spoga+gafa say they are carrying on the success of last year.

With over 1,850 exhibitors from 58 countries, the global trade fair say they already recorded an increase in both the number of intercontinental exhibitors and in the exhibiting companies from Europe and the DACH region in 2023. Figures that will also be achieved again in 2024. Particularly the share of companies from Europe and North America has increased significantly compared to last year, they say.

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In the face of the challenging circumstances that prevail within the industry, Stefan Lohrberg, Director of spoga+gafa, considers the booking status of the garden lifestyle trade fair to be an important, positive sign. "With their clear commitment to spoga+gafa the companies are sending out a strong signal in spite of the in some cases challenging market conditions. spoga+gafa is the industry's most important meeting point and opens up new and unique business opportunities - ultimately the entire green industry profits from a successful spoga+gafa."

This year's key theme for the show is "Responsible Gardens". International experts will address the theme in lectures and, in addition, an event programme with special areas like the "Boulevard of Ideas", the "POS Green Solution Islands", the Outdoor Lifestyle Trend Show" and theme-based tours will also take place

The Lawn Association has announced a new collaboration with the University of Oxford to spearhead a new venture in sustainable lawn care training. 

Lauded for their meticulously manicured lawns, the University of Oxford has sustainability at the forefront of its environmental concerns. The institution is turning to The Lawn Association to chart the future of eco-friendly lawn maintenance.

David Hedges-Gower, chairman of The Lawn Association, highlighted the critical need for a shift in mindset regarding traditional lawn care practices, saying "Most people are led down the path of sports-turf thinking, which often results in the use of grass species prone to failure, necessitating frequent over-seeding.

"This unsustainable approach not only harms the environment but also drains resources. The future lies in green and sustainable lawn care practices, which prioritise the use of appropriate grass species, doesn’t use polymer-coated fertilisers, and eliminates the need for pesticides."

The Lawn Association say this collaborative endeavour between themselves and the University of Oxford signifies a collective dedication to fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability in lawn care practices. By embracing these progressive principles, they say, both institutions stand as trailblazers in propelling the adoption of environmentally responsible measures that not only benefit the environment but also elevate the aesthetic allure and durability of green landscapes.

Boost your sales opportunities on selected products each month from Webb Garden Power, The Handy and Greenworks Tools. 

The Dealer Promotions Calendar demonstrates Handy’s ongoing commitment to providing retailers with competitively priced products.  Offering fully funded monthly promotions with improved margins and discounts, retailers can benefit from cost savings across a wide selection of gardening and DIY products from well-known brands such as Webb, Greenworks Tools and Handy. 

April Promotions 

Click here for April 2024 Dealer Monthly Promotions.  

Webb Garden Power  

British brand Webb stands for quality, superior Build, simplicity of operation and designed to perform. All Webb products are built with practicality in mind. They are easy to use and easy to maintain, with a wide range so that your customer will always find a machine to suit their needs. 

Whether it’s cutting the lawn, clearing the weeds, or trimming the hedges, you can trust Webb to make light work of the toughest gardening jobs and give the perfect results to be proud of. 

The Handy

The Handy offers a range of affordable and reliable garden and DIY tools that include petrol-powered devices as well as those powered by electricity or simple hand-operated tools. Whether it’s for DIY, tilling, moving, clearing, logging, cutting, shredding, sawing, spraying, spreading or rolling. 

Greenworks 

The Greenworks cordless range includes options suitable for any size garden, small or big, and they’re all light and simple to use, as well as easy to store. Plus, because the batteries can be shared across a range of power tools, they are flexible and economical too. 

Promotions 

Click here for April 2024 Dealer Monthly Promotions.  

For more information about the Dealer Monthly Promotions including trade pricing, please contact your local Handy Sales Manager or contact the Sales Desk via telephone at 01793 333220  - email sales@handys.co.uk website: www.handys.co.uk 

Our 2020 Summer 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.  

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