Following on from last week's news that former SAS-solider turned motivational speaker, Robin Horsfall, will be delivering the keynote - the organising team have shared a further name who will be addressing an area we know is of key concern to our dealer readers. Aside from the difficulties in obtaining stock, when we hear from our readers, it's the whole process surrounding recruitment of staff that appears to be a genuine bane to their business-lives.
Where to find new people?; how to attract their attention?; how to make joining the business desirable?; interviewing techniques - and then crucially once someone has been taken on - how to retain them for the long-haul? These are all facets of employing a fresh starter for the dealership that are typically both difficult and stressful.
It's great news therefore, to confirm that the Conference will benefit from hearing from Stuart Goodinson, who is group managing director of De Lacy Executive Recruitment. He will be on hand to share with our dealer delegates his expertise in locating and keeping quality staff members for the dealership.
Stuart tells us today how he believes, " . . it is the right people who in businesses, can make all the difference."
I don't think anyone would dispute that statement. In a tight-knit work environment, such as a specialist dealership, having small teams comprised of exactly the correct mix of individuals couldn't be more important. The problem of course - that I'm sure many reading this today can attest to - is finding these 'right people' in the first place is precisely the problem.
In our upcoming edition of Service Dealer magazine, we feature an interview with a dealer who says something that I think epitomises the feelings of many of our readers. They tell us, "Although we don’t have a high staff turnover, I’m sure other companies in our industry will agree that it is difficult to recruit new staff that have the skills and experience."
In a recent issue another dealer addressed the recruitment problem offering thoughts as to what might be done to change matters for the better. Matthew Mulligan of RVT said, “I think the industry needs to promote the extensive opportunities and varied careers available in our sector more. By marketing this further, offering greater insight to those from outside the industry, this could help in increasing the desirability to come and work in our sector.”
As I expect our expert speaker will point out come November, the difficulties in attracting new blood to a specialist field, is common across many job markets. The land-based machinery industry is by no means unique in this regard. Just for example, I'm well aware that there's much hand-wringing currently in the professional groundsman / greenkeeper world over recruitment. Laurence Gale, the editor of our sister title TurfPro, has written extensively in recent months about how finding the next generation of practitioners is something that needs to be seriously addressed by the sector - and quickly.
Everybody knows it's a problem, but how to fix it is the million dollar question.
So whist there's nothing especially unique about the land-based machinery sector desperately needing new people to join it, what perhaps does have a degree of uniqueness is the approach that must be taken to successfully find these people.
At the Conference this year, Stuart will be able to share with our dealer delegates his years of experience as a specialist recruiter for the industry. He will impart useful, relatable, take-home advice that can be put into practical use back at the business.
There are further announcements to come of more experts who'll also be contributing to the Conference's theme of Sustaining Dealerships, so keep watching this Weekly Update and the magazine for news.
Also if you can, highlight Thursday November 24th in your diary as a day that could provide some genuine assistance for the business.
In our WEB ONLY story, New Holland has announced dealership territory expansions including plans for a new outlet, to cover the area previously held by the closed branch.
A specialist in the field of land-based machinery recruitment will be one of the speakers at November's Service Dealer Conference.
A specialist in the field of land-based machinery recruitment has been confirmed as one of the speakers at November's Service Dealer Conference.
Stuart Goodinson, group managing director of De Lacy Executive Recruitment, will be sharing with our dealer delegates his expertise in regard to finding and retaining quality staff members for the dealership.
Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke said, "We know only too well from conversations we've held with our dealer readers that recruitment and retention of staff is one of the principal concerns out there in the network.
"Stuart will be bringing his years of experience to our Conference, offering practical and actionable advice that dealers can take back to their businesses."
Stuart was born and bred in rural Northumberland. After leaving Seale Hayne, he started his career as an agronomist, selling arable input supplies to farmers in Devon. He then moved on to sales management, sales director, business and project management across the arable, machinery, horticulture and dairy sector. His last role before moving to De Lacy was as country manager UK, Ireland and South Africa for a global animal nutrition business.
Stuart says his passion has always been for people and people development within business. "I am really looking forward to supporting and being part of the Service Dealer Conference & Awards," he confirmed.
"I'm excited to meet new people, learn more about the great businesses in this sector and share knowledge about how it is the right people who in businesses, can make all the difference."
Taking place on Thursday 24th November 2022 once again at the Double Tree by Hilton Oxford Belfry Hotel, Thame, Oxfordshire, the theme for this year's Service Dealer Conference is Sustaining Dealerships.
Additional details, including further speakers, will be announced soon.
Dealership says new build is intended to support further growth and expansion into new markets.
Blackburn-based dealership Stuart Taylor International have completed the construction of a new purpose built premises, two miles from their existing site.
The company's Sarah Taylor said, "Since launch in 2003 the business has outgrown the existing building, resulting in the requirement for more space and all staff will be based on the new site”.
Tommy Taylor added, “We have enjoyed an excellent last two years trading across our broad groundcare and agricultural equipment product range and we are confident the new build will now support further growth and expansion into new markets.”
The manufacturer says the new appointment highlights their continued investment in operations and will help continue to grow its commercial presence throughout the region.
AriensCo has announced the appointment of Brad Stiles as its new vice president of sales for EMEAA.
Brad Stiles
In a statement the company said that Brad, who has been with them for over 11 years, brings, " . . unparalleled expertise that will help drive AriensCo’s sales throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa while also ensuring continued growth in Asia Pacific and across UK business activities."
They went on to say, "The new appointment highlights AriensCo’s continued investment in its operations and will help AriensCo continue to grow its commercial presence throughout EMEAA. This includes the acquisition of German professional mower manufacturer, AS-Motor, appointing Jochen Schneider as Executive Vice President of EMEAA and moving its CE zero-turn mower production to Oxford, United Kingdom."
Brad, whose father worked for the company for over 25 years, vacates his previous position of director of sales and ,arketing for EMEAA - which he was promoted to in 2020. It was in this post, the company says, that he demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the Ariens business in the UK, including the key differences between the UK, European and US markets, built lasting relationships within the EMEAA distributor networks and helped customers achieve their goals.
“Brad continues to be the driving force behind AriensCo’s remarkable growth throughout EMEAA,” said Jochen Schneider, executive vice president of EMEAA. “Having worked at AriensCo for over a decade he not only embodies our family values but is best placed to ensure our customers get the products and support they depend on.”
Brad, who will report to Jochen Schneider, said, “For over a decade I have witnessed AriensCo’s fast paced growth and now, in this new position, I can play an even greater role in keeping up that momentum. From strengthening current markets to reaching new ones, these truly are exciting times for AriensCo and all its customers, present and future.”
Regional sales managers in Germany, France and UK along with the export sales teams from EMEAA will report into Brad.
New agricultural robot has been awarded a gold medal and the Dr Alban Davies Trophy.
FarmDroid has been awarded a gold medal and the Dr Alban Davies Trophy at the Royal Welsh show.
Nick Rider
The award was presented to Opico territory manager, Nick Rider last month and was for a 'new machine, implement or device which is likely to be of most benefit to Welsh farming’.
James Woolway, managing director of Opico which imports and distributes FarmDroid in the UK, said, “We couldn’t be more proud that FarmDroid has been recognised by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society and has been presented with this prestigious award. It is a unique, fully autonomous solar powered robot, capable of precision drilling and weeding a wide variety of agricultural and horticultural crops."
He continued, “Whilst it’s early days for Opico, we’re coming to the UK market with a product that is already successfully tried and tested, with over 250 machines in use around Europe. The timing couldn’t be better with rising energy costs, labour issues and environmental factors at the forefront of UK farmers’ minds, as FarmDroid can provide solutions to many of these problems.
"Opico has the distribution network, parts and technical teams to support FarmDroid throughout Wales and the whole of the UK and this award endorses the ground-breaking product we have committed to.”
You can read more about FarmDroid in an article by Service Dealer's agricultural machinery editor, Martin Rickatson, in the upcoming September / October 2022 edition of the magazine.
According to figures released by the AEA, the number of agricultural tractors registered last month was still suffering from supply chain issues.
According to figures released by the AEA, the number of agricultural tractors registered in the UK was once again below both a year before and the seasonal average in July.
Agricultural economist at the Association, Stephen Howarth, said, "Supply chain challenges, which are leading to extended lead times, continue to constrain the number of machines being registered. The monthly total of 973 machines was just 5% fewer than in July 2021 but was 17% below the average seen in the previous five years."
The AEA confirmed the number of tractors registered in the year to date reached 7,393, 6% down on January to July 2021 but still slightly above the average for that part of the year.
Bob Clements International will be running a series of sessions on hiring, parts department management, future-proofing, and pricing.
The Equip Exposition, which takes place in Louisville, Kentucky from October 18th-21st, say they have partnered with Bob Clements International to put on a series of sessions for dealer attendees on hiring, parts department management, future-proofing, and pricing best practices.
A spokesperson for the show said, "With inflation at record highs, supply chains still roiling, and labour an ongoing challenge, Equip Exposition offers the best education for dealers who want to expand their business."
The sessions that Bob Clements International will be running are:
Tyre-Line O.E. Ltd, UK distributor for Carlisle & ITP Tyres, Wheels & Accessories are proud to announce the expansion of the extremely successful and popular ATV/UTV & SxS tyre – The ITP Mud Lite II.
Tyre-Line O.E. Ltd, UK distributor for Carlisle & ITP Tyres, Wheels & Accessories are proud to announce the expansion of the extremely successful and popular ATV/UTV & SxS tyre – The ITP Mud Lite II.
The expanded range of Mud Lite II tyres features high traction pattern design coupled with high inflation pressure / high load capacity and European road legal “E” marking making them the perfect choice for todays high horsepower UTV machines. New sizes include 235/80-12 (27x9.00-12) & 280/70-12 (27x11.00-12) for fitment to the new, very popular Polaris Ranger models.
“The original Mud Lite tyre, one of the most popular tyres in ITP’s pattern line-up, was designed for ATVs prior to the introduction of utility and side-by-side vehicles,” stated Jacqui Jones, Tyre-Line Aftermarket Manager. “The new Mud Lite II offers the same proven performance as the original, but has been optimized in both profile and design for use with modern UTV & SXS vehicles.
The multi-purpose Mud Lite II’s new tread design mixes specially designed lug patterns in strategic locations on the carcass to create sure-footed traction in the mud as well as stability and comfort on loose and hard surfaces. To provide a smooth ride, ITP engineers designed Mud Lite II tyres with a variable open-lug tread design to enhance traction over a variety of surfaces.
To minimize tyre flex, increase support and reduce wear, the Mud Lite II tyre has unique “tendons” that connect and stretch between the tyre’s lugs. The centreline dimpled, v-shaped lugs enhance traction, while the lug height and positioning makes for an incredibly smooth ride on hard packed surfaces. The new multi-terrain Mud Lite II carries a robust 6-ply rating and the lug height varies from 3⁄4-inch to 1 1/8- inch, depending on the tyre size. The tyre’s shoulder also features an enhanced tread treatment for added sidewall protection and grip.
Dimpled centre lugs and a re-engineered pattern provide massive forward traction in loose surfaces, especially mud. This tread design improves bite and enhances the tyre’s self- cleaning capabilities. The tyre’s shoulder features an innovative mud breaker tread design to channel debris and reduce the dreaded horsepower-robbing suction drag in muddy terrain.
Available in sizes ranging from 23” to 30” diameters and to fit 12” & 14” wheel rim sizes, the Mud Lite II covers the majority of today’s most popular vehicle fitments.
Contact Tyre-Line’s Aftermarket team for more information on 01458 250350 or aftermarket@tyreline.com
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With FR Jones and Son Ltd growing and an exciting expansion into the Midlands, we now have a vacancy for a Workshop Technician to work alongside the Branch Manager and Store Representative at our Redditch branch.
With FR Jones and Son Ltd growing and an exciting expansion into the Midlands, we now have a vacancy for a Store Representative to work alongside the Branch Manager and Technician at our Redditch branch.
With FR Jones and Son Ltd growing and an exciting expansion into the Midlands, we now have a vacancy for a Branch Manager to take ownership of the store and workshop and bring it to life with a fresh look and feel.
An opportunity for an experienced Business Development professional to join a highly reputable manufacturer and supplier of DIY, garden power equipment and outdoor products.
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