I'd firstly today like to pass on huge thanks from us here at Service Dealer, to Anthony Deacon who spoke to us this week about the closure of his dealership.

We really appreciate Ant being so frank in giving us his side of what will clearly have been a traumatic experience.

He tells us how in the final weeks MKM experienced a turbulent trading period. He says, "Despite best efforts to close and remain solvent I received professional advice and instructed an Insolvency Practitioner to enter the company into voluntary liquidation."

I'm sure all our dealer readers hearing this today will appreciate just how tough this must have been. Ant goes on to explain how he feels now he is towards the other side of it, saying, "For me I now feel free, relieved and no longer under the pressure I have not been able to escape for a very long time."

Again I'm sure readers will sympathise with those emotions that Ant must have been going through whilst in the midst of everything. Those feelings of being overwhelmed by circumstances are alarming. It's in those moments we need family, friends and colleagues to be there for support.

Ant has promised to write something further for our magazine in due course, as he clearly will have plenty in common with many business owners in our sector. "Hopefully I can offer some help and support," he says. We look forward to bringing that to our readership, as we firmly believe personal accounts such as this could prove to be invaluable to dealerships facing similar issues.

Tough out there

We are fully aware from your feedback, that trading conditions are tough for many of our readers at the moment. Pressures are being felt across various facets of the business.

No spoilers ahead of the publication of the next mag, but those of you who responded to our winter servicing survey last week highlighted several factors that are causing headaches so far in 2025. There are those areas that we've come to expect to hear mentioned when we quiz you on matters such as these, like the difficulties in finding enough staff to populate roles within the workshop. But we're also being told, for example, of the struggles to manage customer expectations when the service department is rushed off its feet. As well as these we're also hearing rumblings of sticking points cropping up between some dealerships and their supplying manufacturers.

It's fair to say that the number of plates that dealers must keep spinning in order to keep their business not only afloat, but in profit, is formidable.

We've recently spent a couple of weeks discussing how both the ag and professional turfcare machinery markets have enjoyed successful trade shows in terms of punters through their doors. Whilst encouraging signs for the season ahead, events like these will be just one piece of the puzzle. It won't be as simple an equation as to presume there'll be a bumper sales season due to all those interested professionals pouring over shiny new machines. 

Every dealer reading this today will know they have their work cut out - as they do each and every season. The landscape is clearly changing though, and the issues being faced are not the same as they were ten, or even five, years ago. With the changes in technologies, in routes to market and in customer habits, dealers are facing shifting sands.

So where Service Dealer is able to facilitate our community of dealer readers to come together to share their real-world insights, practical solutions, and a sense of togetherness, that's exactly what we intend to do. And not just for the tough stuff. We are delighted today for example, to bring you news of Jason's successful first marathon (of twelve!!).

We promise to continue to act as an independent space for dealer-to-dealer interaction through our pages, our digital content and our conference.

Just after midnight on 5th February this week, a group of at least 13 offenders ram raided B&B Tractors' Tideswell Depot in Buxton.

In a statement posted to their Facebook page where they have shared CCTV footage of the incident, B&B say, "We’re sharing this to raise awareness among local farms and businesses and urge everyone to stay vigilant in securing your premises and machinery."

You can watch the footage here.

Derbyshire Rural Crime Team have said that a cloned Citroen Relay van was used in the attack, causing extensive structural damage to the building in an effort to gain entry. In a statement the team explained, "The van appeared to have gotten stuck in the doorway and having failed to free the van and gain access, the group fled the scene. They look to be carrying cans of fuel and it is thought that they were targeting quad bikes that would be driven from the scene to be rung and sold on, or used to enable crime elsewhere in the country."

B&B ask if anyone has any information that could assist the investigation, please contact Derbyshire Rural Crime Team using any of the methods below, quoting reference 25*70500. 

• Derbyshire Rural Crim Team Website
• RCT Facebook – send a private message to the Derbyshire Rural Crime Team Facebook page
• X (Twitter)  direct message contact centre via @DerPolContact
• Phone – call on 101
• You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website

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 on how he survived the first...

Jason Nettle and his business partner, Amy Nocetti

Hi everyone,
 
Just a quick follow-up five days after completing the first leg of my 12 Marathon challenge!
 
While still a little sore, I'm happy to report that I survived the 43.33km (26.92 miles) trek from our Liss branch, via our Fair Lane head office, and up to our Romsey Road showroom. Clocking in at 5 hours, 58 minutes, and 22 seconds, it was a tough but rewarding experience. That 589m of elevation gain definitely made itself felt. A massive thank you to my business partner, Amy Nocetti, for joining me and providing much-needed support along the way. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Milwaukee Tools UK for their generous donation and support of this first run - it means the world to me and the charities. Their sponsorship of this first leg was a huge boost.

 
For those who are just catching up, I'm taking on 12 marathons in 12 months to raise money for four incredible charities: Cancer Research UK, Prostate Cancer UK, Naomi House Children’s Hospice and St. Michael's Hospice. This challenge is also about raising awareness of men's health and encouraging everyone, especially those in the garden machinery industry, to prioritise their well-being.
 
Looking back on the run, the distance was definitely daunting, and those hills. . . ouch! But it really solidified the reality of this challenge, and more significantly, the importance of the cause. Knowing that the funds raised will support such worthy organisations kept me going, even when my legs were screaming.
 
My next challenge is the BigMud Marathon in Horndean, a challenging trail run through the beautiful South Downs National Park. I'm already starting to prepare mentally (and physically) to climb a total elevation of 1196m. It's going to be another tough one, but I'm looking forward to it!
 
Over the coming months, I'll continue to share updates on my training, the highs and lows of each marathon, and some tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I’ll also be highlighting the fantastic work of the charities I'm supporting.
 
So, how can you help?

• Sponsor me: Every penny counts. You can donate directly to my fundraising page.
• Cheer me on: Whether it's at the side of a course or from the comfort of your armchair, your support will be invaluable.
• Get inspired: Use my challenge as a motivator to get more active yourself. Maybe start with a brisk walk around the block, ditch the lift and take the stairs or join me!

This is a marathon, not a sprint (pun intended!), and I know there will be tough times ahead. But I'm committed to crossing that finish line every single time. Thanks again for all your support so far, and please stay tuned for the next update!

Well-known as a Kubota machinery dealer, George Browns Ltd, is adding Deutz-Fahr to its list of farm equipment franchises.

The dealership says the move is designed to underscore its commitment to farming and expand its product offering to match the needs of large-scale arable farmers and contractors who operate high-output equipment of the type available from Browns’ other suppliers. Three of George Browns’ branches, stretching across territory from London to Birmingham, are covered by the agreement with Deutz-Fahr parent business SDF UK, and the company’s existing franchises are unaffected. 

According to Steve Brown, the firm’s managing director, pairing with Deutz-Fahr underlines George Browns’ intention to grow its agricultural business and strengthen its support for its farmer customers. 

“Our other franchises offer our customers four-cylinder tractors of 170hp and below, plus a full line of implements, but as the latter includes a wide selection of high-output equipment suited to high-horsepower six-cylinder tractors, we had been considering options that would give us access to the sector above 200hp, and serve our region’s large arable farms in particular,” says Steve.

“The Deutz-Fahr range is an ideal fit, giving us models with twice the maximum power output we currently offer, at up to 340hp with the Deutz-Fahr 9 Series. With the top-end 6 Series models, plus the 7 Series and the 8 series, we also gain a strong suite of six-cylinder models in the important 200-300hp bracket, enabling us to provide the power farmers and contractors need in a key sector of the market across our region of mid-England, and complementing our top-end arable and forage equipment offerings. We can also offer a wider choice to customers seeking tractors below 200hp.”

The appointment marks the first time for a number of years that Deutz-Fahr tractors have been marketed through a multi-branch dealer in the UK, points out Steve, a factor he believes underscores both parties’ trust and ambition in the agreement.

“Despite operating four depots, though, we remain very much a family business, with family ownership and management. We span a wide geographical area, and have reshaped our business of late into a ‘new style’ George Browns, focusing on our four depots at Chesham in Buckinghamshire, Daventry in Northamptonshire, Dunmow in Essex and our newest site at Witney in Oxfordshire, but we don’t consider ourselves a ‘super dealer’ in terms of philosophy, or in the way such businesses are often dictated to in which franchises they can hold. Each branch is managed on the same family basis. Farmers, contractors and other customers depend on us for the personal service and support expected from a family business in which all our team are invested."

Graham Barnwell, SDF UK country manager, added, “The addition of a company of George Browns’ standing is a clear illustration of our intentions to bolster Deutz-Fahr’s UK dealer network and build on our market share progress, in spite of the tough times being faced by the industry."

The Toro Company has announced that Richard Walne has been named managing director of the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region for its International Business. 

In his new role, Richard will have leadership responsibility for the company’s equipment and water businesses in the region.

Richard’s career at The Toro Company spans 45 years, during which he has held various roles across the International Business. His journey with Toro began as a technical representative in Europe and from there he has had responsibilities around the world. He held senior marketing and product development roles in the United States. He then transitioned to the Asia Pacific, Australia and China (APAC) region, ultimately serving as managing director, APAC, a position he had held since 2000. 

Amy Dahl, vice president, International at The Toro Company said, “Richard's industry knowledge and impressive career at The Toro Company have been nothing short of exceptional. His contributions have significantly shaped our international business across the globe, and his dedication to our customers and teams is unparalleled. We are thrilled that Richard is moving into this role and are confident that he will help expand our market leadership and accelerate growth in this region moving forward.”

Richard will relocate to the United Kingdom over the next few months, marking a return to where he first began his career with The Toro Company

Crawfords Group has announced that it has been appointed as an authorised dealer for Indespension trailers across its sales territory, covering Essex, East Hertfordshire, Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and in addition East Berkshire.

L-R: Paul Bonar, Indespension sales & marketing director and Wes Crawford, Crawfords Group managing director

“Paul Bonar, sales & marketing director at Indespension, said, "We’re delighted to welcome the Crawfords Group as part of our UK dealership network. Their reputation of providing exceptional customer service and support compliments Indespension’s manufacturing ethos of producing best-in-class trailers to meet the demands of industrial sectors. We look forward to supporting their teams in building a successful partnership.”

Nunzio Rio, group sales director at Crawfords Group added, "We are excited to add Indespension to our portfolio of trusted brands. Indespension’s reputation for high-quality trailers aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering exceptional products and service to our customers. We look forward to supporting farmers, contractors, and businesses across our territory with this excellent range of trailers."

The organisers of the GroundsFest trade show have announced a new initiative: the GroundsFest Academy, which they say has been designed to provide free education for anyone working in groundscare and landscaping.

They say that by reinvesting profits from GroundsFest back into the industry, the Academy aims to " . .boost education, nurture talent, and help bridge critical skills gaps."

In their official statement, the organisers say the Academy will take the form of " . .free educational days taking place at various accessible locations across the UK."

They explain, "The GroundsFest Academy offers a unique blend of theoretical and hands-on practical education, covering a wide range of essential topics. In its first year, the Academy will focus on key subjects such as drainage and irrigation, machinery maintenance, synthetic surfaces, line marking, and end-of-season renovations. These topics are just a taster of what the Academy has planned, with even more areas of expertise to be covered.

Participants will not only gain insights from some of the most knowledgeable professionals in the field but will also earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points and certification, further enhancing their credentials and career prospects."

Organisers say they have teamed up with sports turf lecturer, Bradley Tennant, to lead the delivery of the Academy. Bradley brings years of industry experience and a passion for education.

GroundsFest say thay more information on their Academy, including session dates and locations, will be announced soon along with a dedicated education and training portal.

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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