Over the past couple of years, Service Dealer has covered developments in AI extensively, always with an eye not to just explore what it's capable of, but how it might actually be useful to dealers in their day-to-day businesses.

With this in mind, our clever technical experts have now added a new, free digital Dealer Toolkit to our website, looking specifically at the emerging idea of AI agents in dealerships.

The module follows on from the popular sessions presented by Neil Wilkins at our last two Service Dealer Conferences, but takes the subject a step further. Rather than simply looking at how dealers can use AI tools, it considers what a more fully developed AI agent, capable of operating autonomously and continuously, might bring to a dealership in practical terms.

Now, if you’re anything like me when hearing ideas like this and your brain immediately goes to a Terminator-in-the-police-station-style clearout of all humans in the dealership, let me reassure you that isn’t the case.

Instead, what struck me as I worked my way through the new module is that there’s an interesting parallel with the way robotic mowing has been discussed in the professional turfcare sector.

When robotic mowers first began to gain traction in commercial applications, it was understandable that some practitioners might have looked at the technology and worried for the security of their job.

But the argument put forward by manufacturers, and one that seems to have become widely accepted amongst turf professionals, is that robots can take care of the repetitive, time-consuming and relatively mundane work, allowing skilled individuals to concentrate on the jobs where their expertise really matters.

And I feel there’s a similar argument here for AI agents in dealerships.

Rather than replacing the people who make a dealership such a successful and unique proposition, might an AI agent take care of some of the more run-of-the-mill, labour-intensive tasks that consume valuable time? And, by doing so, could they allow the people in the business to spend more time doing what they do best? Focusing on those age-old specialist dealership USPs of supporting customers, solving problems, selling, servicing and using their expert knowledge?

That’s the notion that this new toolkit introduces.

The module starts by explaining what an AI agent actually is, and how it differs from simply using another AI tool. It then looks at the concept of an agent-based dealership, and what that kind of setup could potentially look like in practice.

From there, it explores AI automation and the types of tasks that could potentially be delegated, before considering the wider business value. One of the interesting propositions here is whether dealers could use smart, data-driven responsiveness to strengthen the very thing that differentiates them from large online retailers: personal, human service.

There’s also practical guidance on prompting best practice, looking at how prompts can become an ongoing dialogue in which you refine, challenge and instruct AI much as you would a member of your team. The final section explores smart prompting, recognising that, just like briefing a good member of staff, getting the best from AI is something that improves with practice.

So, even if you’re not sure what AI can hold for your dealership why not take a look? As I believe many of our dealer delegates found who attended our Conference sessions, you may discover a nugget that sparks an interest, or an idea that could be adapted to suit your own circumstances.

And, as an added bonus, you’ll get to watch a video of Duncan having a chat with a CGI dude!

Surely that’s worth a few minutes of your day?

Service Dealer has launched a new free digital Dealer Toolkit module exploring how the emerging technology of AI agents could potentially be used within independent dealerships.

The new module follows the popular AI sessions presented by Neil Wilkins at the last two Service Dealer Conferences, but takes the subject a step further by looking beyond individual AI tools and considering how autonomous AI agents could assist with everyday dealership operations.

Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke said of the new module, "It’s incredibly difficult for a smaller business to navigate all the changes that are happening so rapidly. I am delighted that we are adding a second AI module to our Toolkit, helping the machinery dealer community to stay on top of this important topic and make sensible business decisions.

“This Toolkit is a free resource to support the dealer community and we will continue to evolve the content. So please do register.”

The Toolkit considers what an agent-based dealership could look like, how AI automation might be used to handle repetitive and time-consuming tasks, and the potential business value of combining smart, data-driven responsiveness with the personal service that remains a key strength of independent dealers.

The new free Dealer Toolkit is available now on the Service Dealer website. If you've accessed a Toolkit before, use your same log-in, or if visiting for the first time you can register for free.

Select Plant Hire has further strengthened its long-standing relationship with JCB with a £5 million investment in new equipment - which they say reinforces their commitment to supporting major UK construction projects with modern, high-performance machinery.

L-R: Warren Wilkinson, business stream leader - Plant and Power Solutions, Select Plant Hire and James Atley, sales director, Greenshields JCB

Part of the Laing O'Rourke Group, Select Plant Hire is one of the UK's leading providers of plant, equipment and accommodation services, supporting major infrastructure, building and engineering projects across the country.

The latest order, supplied through dealer Greenshields JCB, includes 370X tracked excavators, 245XR reduced tailswing excavators,145XR reduced tailswing excavators, 9T dual-drive site dumpers, and Loadall telescopic handlers.

The machines have been selected to support a wide range of construction applications and will further enhance Select Plant Hire's ability to support a growing number of major UK projects.

Business stream leader - plant and power solutions, Select Plant Hire, Warren Wilkinson said, “Investing in our fleet is critical to ensuring we can continue to support our current clients and expand our pipeline with modern, reliable and high-performing plant. This order reflects our confidence in the pipeline ahead and the strength of our long-standing relationship with JCB and Greenshields JCB. Their product quality, innovation and service support give us the confidence to keep investing in equipment that delivers for our projects and customers."

JCB Global Major Accounts MD Steve Fox said: “This is a fantastic order and a strong reflection of the partnership we have built together. Ultimately, it comes down to two things: the quality of JCB’s machines and the strength of our after sales support."

Double A are celebrating 30 years of supplying equipment to the Scottish groundcare industry this summer.

Sandy Armit, managing director, with a Groundsman 345HD and John Deere 2775 E-Cut

The dealership says the first franchise they acquired was the Groundsman Aerator range, and Sandy Armit, now Double A Managing Director, says he spent many days demonstrating this pedestrian machine to golf courses and bowling clubs across Scotland.

The company grew steadily in the late ’90s, adding Lastec mowers and Timberwolf woodchippers to its range before being appointed as John Deere turf equipment dealers for Fife, Clackmannanshire and Tayside in 1999.

The company built its headquarters in Cupar, Fife, in 2001 and, from there, has steadily grown to become John Deere’s largest independent turf equipment dealer in the UK, employing 56 staff across three outlets in Scotland.

Double A are also main dealers for some of the top brands in the groundcare industry, still selling Groundsman, Lastec and Timberwolf - but say they are very much looking to the future at the same time.

Sandy Armit explained, "As technology becomes increasingly integrated into machinery, Double A continues to evolve. Technological advances help greenkeepers and grounds teams manage their facilities more effectively, maximising the efficiency of people, machines and chemicals, while Double A’s sales, support and technical teams continually develop our expertise to ensure customers get the most output from their machinery and technology."

Baroness have announced the appointment of Pecks into their UK dealer network. With immediate effect, customers across East Anglia will be able to access the full Baroness mower and maintenance range – alongside expert advice and support - from Peck’s three depots in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

L-R: James Grimwood (aftersales director) and Jeremy Birkenshaw (groundcare sales and service manager)

Celebrating 180 years in business in 2026, G&J Peck Ltd offer an extensive range of agricultural machinery and, more recently, a growing groundcare portfolio.

Peck’s managing director, Jon Wareing, said, “The move complements our existing premium franchises and widens the range of quality turf solutions for professional end users.

“We have been working on an expansion of our groundcare business and Baroness is central in this plan for the future. We have undergone full sales and service training, taken delivery of a range of demonstration machinery and are now very much looking forward to hitting the ground running, supporting new and existing Baroness customers over the coming weeks and months.”

Adam Butler, sales director at Baroness UK added, “As our customer base continues to expand, it’s essential that we strengthen our dealer network with businesses that share our values and dedication to service.

“While we are extremely proud of the quality, performance and reliability of the Baroness product range, we firmly believe that outstanding machinery must be supported by equally outstanding aftersales care and technical expertise. Pecks has built an excellent reputation for customer service, product knowledge and professionalism, making them an ideal partner.”

John Deere’s six decades of business in the UK and Ireland will be marked with a special class at this year’s Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show.

John Deere 4020 

 
Dozens of exhibits from across the UK will compete to draw the eyes of judges who will single out the best John Deere in Show on Saturday 7 November. 

Organisers say that visitors will also get to see the evolution of the brand’s most popular models with the manufacturer's own 4020 from 1966 being shown alongside a modern-day 6 Series, which was only launched in June. 

Among those hoping to take home the coveted John Deere title is Lockerbie collector Danny Key, who will travel more than 300 miles with a selection of tractors from his growing collection. He will be joined by friend and fellow enthusiast David Kerr, whose painstakingly restored John Deere 3120 claimed the Best John Deere in Show award last year.

Chris Wiltshire, John Deere’s tactical marketing manager, said, “Our 60th anniversary in the UK and Ireland is a huge milestone for the business. So much has changed in agriculture over that time, so Newark will be a perfect place to bring all that history together.” 

GroundsFest 2026 is set to bring the biggest collection of brands ever seen at a UK trade event for the groundscare and landscaping industry, with more than 500 brands confirmed to appear across the two-day event.

Taking place on 16 and 17 September at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, GroundsFest offers visitors the chance to discover the latest machinery, equipment, products and services from leading names across the industry, all in one place and across more than 40,000sqm of exhibition space.

But GroundsFest is about more than simply looking at products. Visitors can get hands-on with the latest machinery through the extensive outdoor demonstration areas, giving them the opportunity to see equipment working in real conditions and, in many cases, try it for themselves.

Inside the halls, hundreds of exhibitors will be showcasing everything from turf and landscaping products to machinery, tools, technology, irrigation, seed, arboriculture and business services. With more than 500 brands represented, there will be plenty to discover whether you are looking for the latest innovations, comparing products or simply keeping up to date with what is new across the industry.

The event also features a packed programme of free education and CPD opportunities, with expert-led sessions covering some of the key issues currently facing the industry. Visitors can also experience Machinery Nation LIVE, the Landscape Zone supported by BALI and a range of other attractions.

And when the working day is done, GroundsFest has a festival atmosphere to enjoy, with live music on the Wednesday evening.

Best of all, GroundsFest is completely free to attend, with free parking included.

With more brands, more machinery and more opportunities to discover what is next for the industry, GroundsFest 2026 is an event not to be missed.

Register for your free ticket now at www.groundsfest.com

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