Today's is the first edition of our Weekly Update in a while where we are not featuring news about a dealership collapsing. For the previous three issues we've unfortunately had to include reports on the demise on Suffolk Agri Centre, Balgownie and Collings Brothers.

And we might not be out of the woods yet. I will say we are hearing some further concerning, but unconfirmed, rumblings about other dealerships that are apparently finding themselves in potentially perilous situations this spring. It's a developing situation that we shall continue to monitor, hoping that matters can be resolved with no further closures. But I'll be honest, I'm not holding my breath.

Of the many differing issues that will be causing serious headaches for our dealer readers across the agricultural, commercial and domestic machinery spectrums so far in 2024, there will be one that's common for all. Our old frenemy the weather.

This perennial is a subject that cannot ever be far from the thoughts and conversations of dealers and manufacturers alike. And frankly, of course, one that nothing can be done to control.

But it still must said; goodness me it's been ruddy wet lately!

Which is no laughing matter. There was quite a dramatic article in The Guardian this week that caught my eye, entitled Farmers warn ‘crisis is building’ as record rainfall drastically reduces UK food production. It laid out in stark terms how the "record-breaking rain" we have all experienced lately, has "drastically reduced" the amount of food produced in the UK. It explained how this will lead to a reliance on imports for the country and subsequently how this will hit consumers in the pocket.

What it will also mean for our sector, is direct, knock-on effects experienced by ag machinery dealers. A few weeks ago the AEA in their monthly report on UK tractor registrations, spoke of the "relatively slow start to the year" and how we should have a better picture of the situation so far in 2024 once figures for March, typically the peak month each year, are available. Well we have those today and they are . . . not terrible?

Agricultural economist at the Association, Stephen Howarth, tells us figures seen in March were 13% lower than the exceptionally high figure recorded in the same month last year, but goes on to confirm that it's 4% above the average for the time of year across the previous five years.
 
Stephen says, "The latest figures suggest that, while demand is clearly not as strong as it was in the previous couple of years, there are still plenty of buyers out there for tractors." Which is something positive to hold on to.

In terms of professional end-users, I know my esteemed colleague, Laurence Gale, editor of our sister title TurfPro who has his ear to the commercial groundstafff sector, is saying that these prolonged periods of extreme wet weather are preventing the guys and girls from getting out on to their surfaces and getting on with the maintenance tasks they'd ideally like to at this time of year. The domestic cricket season bowled off for example this week, with squares around the country still saturated.

As as for dealers of domestic machinery, summing up the situation I've seen memes being shared around showing divers in full scuba gear, plunging underwater to check if their lawn needs mowing yet! It's clearly not exactly those perfect spring conditions that all hope for each year.

However, I suppose one argument to all this is, it's the weather! It will change soon enough. The grass will grow and farmers, turf professionals and homeowners will have tasks to complete, for which they will need the services of specialist dealers. It's the same every year.

But is there that nagging feeling that patterns are changing to a worrying degree? And if so, what does this mean for the dealer network going forward?

If you have any thoughts on the subject that you'd like to share, we'd love to hear them. Please let us know in the comments below.

The first two companies who will be supporting November's Service Dealer Conference & Awards have been unveiled.

They are:

Husqvarna UK who are returning as a Gold Sponsor

And Societe Generale Equipment Finance who are also returning as a Gold Sponsor.

Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke said, "We are tremendously excited about how this year's event is taking shape. We are building upon the energy and buzz that was generated at last year's Conference and Awards - and we are determined to keep that momentum building ahead of November.

"It is a delight today to welcome back both Husqvarna and Societe Generale Equipment Finance who have chosen to support our day again, which is dedicated to the dealer network."

Stephen Irvine, head of UK sales at Husqvarna UK Ltd, said, "Husqvarna are very pleased to be sponsoring the Service Dealer Conference and Awards again this year.
 
"The conference and awards are an investment into our industry and we are delighted to be part of this event”.

Steven Davies, head of Agriculture at Societe Generale Equipment Finance, said "Societe Generale Equipment Finance UK (SGEF) is delighted to be a sponsor of the Service Dealer Awards for the third year.
 
"Service Dealer’s focus on driving success aligns closely with SGEF’s commitment to build together with our clients and partners a successful future through innovative and meaningful finance solutions."

The theme for this year's Service Dealer Conference has been announced as Driving Success and it will take place, along with the Dealer Of The Year Awards, once again at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-Upon-Avon on Thursday 28th November 2024.

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

Mark Earles of Makita UK, was appointed President of the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) at their AGM in central London this week.

Mark Earles

In his address to the conference Mark discussed the importance of information and expertise, “in times which are fluid, and where our industry is seeing big changes.” He emphasised that the knowledge and experience found within the AEA is vital for businesses and their performance. 

He went on to discuss the work of the AEA, from specialist staff covering statistics, technical and market information, to working with key stakeholders and Government departments who deliver key policies which have a great impact on business. He emphasised the importance of consultation and finding amicable solutions. 

He also highlighted the AEA’s key role in promoting the sector and ensuring it is able to attract the skilled workforce needed to work on the exciting and rapidly changing technology in machinery. The We Are Land-based Engineering campaign, launched just over a year ago, has been a “phenomenal success” and is already starting to make a difference, he said.

Joining Makita 29 years ago, Mark's current role within the company is market surveillance and business development, with responsibilities in Europe, where he chairs and vice chairs market-based and technical committees at the European Garden Machinery Federation (EGMF). The AEA says his wealth of industry knowledge covers some of the most critical areas of development for the sector, including the rise of new technologies and the implications of national regulation on the global manufacturing process. 

After chairing the AEA’s Outdoor Power Equipment Council for two years and its Training & Education Committee for four, Mark was elected President by fellow members of the AEA Board of Directors.

“Being asked to be President of the AEA has to be one of the proudest moments in my career. My first meeting with the AEA was in 2015 and latterly serving as chair of the Outdoor Power Equipment Council and Board member for the last 2 years has truly been a delight.”

His speech considered some of the significant issues facing the sector as a whole and he stressed how critical it is for members to engage and be involved. He cited examples of how, under his direction, Makita has been a great supporter of the We Are Land-based Engineering campaign. As President over the next 12 months, he looks forward to developing this initiative even further, along with the two newly reviewed Land based Engineering apprenticeships.

He also emphasised how the AEA is working with BAGMA, which he said was presenting a more attractive offer to their members. This included securing a partnership with TROY as a Global Buying Group service provider for BAGMA.

AriensCo has announced the promotion of Sam Lewis to the position of general manager of AriensCo UK.

L-R: Jochen Schneider, executive vice president EMEAA, AriensCo; Sam Lewis, general manager, AriensCo UK; Nicholas Ariens, president and COO of Ariens Company

Sam, who previously served as the UK sales manager, has now taken on an expanded leadership role within the organisation, effective from April 1st.

The company says Sam brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record of success to his new role. During his tenure as the UK sales manager, he played a pivotal role in driving sales growth, expanding market share, and building strong relationships with customers and partners across the region. 

In his new capacity as general manager, Sam will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of AriensCo's business in the UK, including sales, distribution, and customer service. 

Jochen Schneider, executive vice president EMEAA at AriensCo, said, "Sam has demonstrated outstanding leadership, vision, and dedication throughout his tenure with the company. His promotion is a testament to his exceptional contributions and the trust we have in his ability to lead AriensCo UK to new heights of success."

Sam added, "I am honoured and excited to take on the role of general manager at AriensCo UK. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the company and our valued customers in this new capacity. I look forward to leading our talented team as we strive for excellence and drive continued growth in the UK market."

According to figures released by the AEA, the number of agricultural tractors (over 50hp) registered in the UK in March was 1,939. 

Agricultural economist at the Association, Stephen Howarth, said of the figure, "That is 13% lower than the exceptionally high figure recorded in March 2023 but is 4% above the average for the time of year in the previous five years."

He continued, "That means that, although the total of 2,891 machines for the year to date is 14% lower than in the opening three months of last year, it is only 5% down on the average for January to March in recent years."

Stephen concluded, saying, "The latest figures suggest that, while demand is clearly not as strong as it was in the previous couple of years, there are still plenty of buyers out there for tractors."

Versatile Equipment Ltd has been appointed by Bobcat as the company’s new authorised dealer for the counties of Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire in the UK.

This continues the recent expansion of the company’s Bobcat dealership in East Anglia and now into the East Midlands region, adding the three new counties to Norfolk and Suffolk that Versatile took over in the second half of 2023.    

Lee Chater, managing director, and co-owner of Versatile Equipment, said, “We are delighted to expand our responsibility for the Bobcat brand into Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire. Last year, we opened a brand new depot based at Willow Grove Farm in Lakenheath, when we took on Suffolk and Norfolk for Bobcat. Located only six miles from the Cambridgeshire border, our Lakenheath operation is ideally situated and has the personnel in place to serve the additional areas.”    

As well as the new areas in East Anglia and the East Midlands, Versatile Equipment has been the authorised Bobcat dealer for Greater London, Essex, West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent and Surrey for the last three years. 

John Christofides, regional sales director for Bobcat EMEA, added, “We have been very impressed with the investments in facilities and manpower that Versatile Equipment has made at the new branch in Lakenheath, which offer excellent storage, service and showroom space as well as ample external areas.”

Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) has expanded its network development team in the UK with the appointment of off-road specialist Richard Gregg as network development advisor UK and Ireland for the Can-Am off-road and Sea-Doo brands.

The manufacturer says the appointment will enable them to continue to optimise its dealer programme, while growing its share of the recreational and utility markets. 

Richard has a wealth of experience in the off-road sector having spent the last four years as BRP’s district commercial manager for the UK and Ireland where he managed the Can-Am off-road dealer network in Northern England and Scotland.

Anita Gobbo, BRP regional commercial manager UK, Italy, Ireland and Spain, said, “We are prioritising the growth of our UK and Irish dealer networks and are delighted that Richard Gregg will be spearheading this expansion. Richard is well known in both the recreational and utility sectors and his knowledge and contacts will enable him to hit the ground running.

"His experience working with dealers in his previous role will also help him cherry pick the very best dealers that will be an asset to the brands they take on. His passion for BRP will provide new dealers with insights into the breadth of products available to them and the benefits their addition will bring to their businesses in the short, medium and long term.”

New Holland is celebrating 60 years since the opening of its tractor factory in Basildon, England, with the unveiling of a celebration edition tractor and the strengthening of the plant’s role as the brand’s Alternative Fuels Centre of Excellence, alongside its position as its global tractor production facility.

The celebration edition T7.300 tractor that has been unveiled features graphics that celebrate the era in which the Basildon factory was founded, taking inspiration from the 1960s. Created by CNH Centro Stile, the anniversary edition’s livery is inspired by the colours and patterns of ‘Swinging ‘60s’ London, with psychedelic shapes characterised by vivid and fluid colours of blue, yellow, maroon and pink around New Holland’s leaf logo in bright yellow on the hood. The tractor, of which only one unit will be produced, was unveiled this week at the Basildon 60th anniversary celebratory event on Tuesday (April 9th), and will now be showcased at exhibitions throughout 2024.

The company have also announced that the latest developments at Basildon include significant investment in its role as the New Holland Alternative Fuels Centre of Excellence. In 2006, the firm declared its ambition to be the ‘Clean Energy Leader’ in the tractor sector, and in 2021 put into production at Basildon the industry’s first tractor of its type, the T6.180 Methane Power LNG, to be joined later this year by the T7.270 Methane Power CNG. These developments make possible the Energy Independent Farm, allowing biomethane captured from waste farming products such as livestock manures to be used as fuel.

Carlo Lambro, New Holland brand president  said, “We are proud to celebrate 60 years of our plant in Basildon, that well represents the evolution of the New Holland brand, from a manufacturer of agricultural machinery to a company that advances sophisticated software technology for agriculture, fostering the brand leadership on a global level. Today Basildon is a hub for innovation, where we produce tractors that are exported worldwide, and a Centre of Excellence for Alternative Fuels, where our T6.180 Methane Power tractor is produced. 

“As the only volume tractor producer in the UK, we are also very proud of our workforce here, with their skills, dedication and commitment. It’s a milestone for the whole company and for everyone who works or has worked in the plant.”

Available to order at Trade Prices! Powered by the Briggs & Stratton Engine.

Webb WER18HW4 Supreme 46cm (18″) Self-Propelled 4 Swing Tip Blade Petrol Lawnmower 

RRP £409.99   

SSP £399.99 

An Ideal Petrol Lawnmower for Medium to Extensive Lawns 

The Webb WER18HW4 Supreme 46cm (18″) Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower is the ideal choice for maintaining medium to extensive lawns. With its substantial 46cm cutting width, large 65-litre grass bag capacity, and self-propelled drive, it covers larger areas with minimal effort. Featuring an eight-stage height of cut range, this mower allows you to achieve your desired finish effortlessly. Powered by the Briggs & Stratton 500e engine, known for its low-emission performance and superior fuel economy, this mower ensures efficient and eco-friendly operation. 

NEW for 2024 is the 4-Swing Tip Blade system that enhances cutting efficiency while significantly reducing the risk of blade damage. If the mower encounters a solid object, the blades at the end move back, reducing the impact force. 

Features & Benefits

• Easy-start, smooth and robust 500e series™ Briggs & Stratton engine 
• Self-propelled 
• 46cm cutting width 
• 8 cutting heights 
• 4 in 1 function – collection, mulch, rear discharge, side discharge.
• New for 2024! 4 swing tip blades 
• 65 Litre collection bag  
• Large ball bearing back wheels 
• Wash port 
• Peace of mind – 3-year warranty

Webb WER21HW4 Supreme 53cm (21″) Self-Propelled 4 Swing Tip Blade Petrol Lawn Mower 

RRP £519.99 

SSP £489.99

Largest Petrol Lawnmower in the ‘Supreme’ Range 

Meet the Webb WER21HW4 Supreme 53cm (21″) Self Propelled 4 Swing Tip Blade Petrol Lawn Mower, the largest in Webb’s Supreme range, designed for superior performance and durability. Powered by a robust Briggs & Stratton 725EXI engine, this mower boasts a durable steel cutter deck and cutting-edge features built to withstand the rigours of lawn care. With its innovative 4-in-1 function, including collection, mulching, rear discharge, and side discharge, you have versatile options to manage clippings according to your preference. 

NEW for 2024 is the 4-Swing Tip Blade system that enhances cutting efficiency while significantly reducing the risk of blade damage. If the mower encounters a solid object, the blades at the end move back, reducing the impact force. 

Features & Benefits  

• Easy-start, smooth and robust 725exi engine  163cc Briggs & Stratton 
• 53cm cutting width 
• Self-propelled 
• 4 in 1 function – collection, mulch, rear discharge, side discharge.
• New for 2024! 4 swing tip blades – ensuring no damage if an object is hit.
• 8 cutting heights 
• 4 ways to dispose of clippings – grass cuttings can be collected, side or rear discharged, mulched 
• 65-litre generous collection 
• Large ball bearing back wheels 
• Wash port 
• Peace of mind – 3-year warranty  

STOCK AVAILABLE - ORDER AT TRADE PRICES  

New stockist? Please REGISTER HERE or contact Sales@handys.co.uk or call: 01793 333220 

Handy Customer - To place your order, please get in touch with Handy’s Sales Team via email: Sales@handys.co.uk or call: 01793 333220   

About Handy  

Since 1938 Handy has grown to become one of the UK’s largest independent garden machinery wholesale distributors and manufacturers, supplying specialist dealers, large national retailers, garden centres and mail order companies, from its purpose-built 70,000ft Swindon site which is home to more than 45 full-time staff.  

Handy has developed some of the UK’s leading machinery brands including Webb, The Handy and Q Garden. These distinct brands stand as a testament to the company’s creative and manufacturing prowess.  

As the UK-appointed distributor for the Greenworks brand cordless equipment, Handy is at the forefront of leading battery technology offering a full complement of cordless equipment. 

To this day, Handy remains a family-owned British business.  Its experience, expert knowledge and dedicated customer service – which includes carrying over 10,000 spare part lines - have enabled it to build a team driven by high performance and family values. 

Cobra has announced the launch of two new lawn tractors powered by Loncin V-Twin engines into the range for 2024. These collection and side discharge models have been added to the already comprehensive line-up which features models aimed at helping those with larger lawns to mow with ease and comfort, at an affordable price. 

The range starts with two rider models. These have a particular focus on manoeuvrability, allowing gardeners to flow and mow around the gardens, taking into account garden beds, curved edges and obstacles such as trees, patios and planting schemes as well as any other intricacies that make UK gardens so unique.

The two compact LT62 rider models each have a 24” cutting width and comfortable seat. Being smaller, these models have great manoeuvrability coupled with a 75cm turning radius. The LT62 is available with either manual or hydrostatic automatic gear change transmission, with the latter offering smoother usage and even greater manoeuvrability.

For larger gardens and paddocks to mow, there are now eight ride-on tractors available. With cutting widths ranging from 33” up to 42”, and choices again being manual and hydrostatic gear changing, as well as a twin cutting blade and the option to collect the cuttings, release them back to the ground or turn them to mulch. They also offer enhanced comfort with an ergonomically designed padded seat, easy electric key starting and new for 2024 V-Twin Loncin engines.

In launching the new ride-on mowers, Henton & Chattell has tapped into its 1500+ dealer network and utilised the companies’ unique position in the industry to gain an understanding of what customers want and ensure that the products are expertly based exactly on the needs of UK gardeners. 

Discussing the lawn tractor range, Peter Chaloner, managing director of Henton & Chattell, commented: “We’re so excited for this next chapter for Cobra. We’ve been developing the new range of ride-on mowers for some time now and it’s a significant step in the brand’s history. We can’t wait to hear what customers think of them! We have further plans to keep expanding Cobra over time with more products already planned for the year. To support this and accommodate our growth plans, we have also doubled our warehousing facilities in Nottingham which will also help us to ensure that we continue to create business opportunities for our dealers.”

For more information on Cobra visit: www.cobragarden.co.uk 

or to become a Cobra dealer, please contact Andy Marvin on: 07771 581 296 or call our sales team: 0115 986 6646 today.
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The new Workshop Scheduler comes with a variety of features that aim to simplify yet enhance the way you work. These minimise duplicate effort, promote intuitive working, and help you save time on simple tasks.

With real-time updates, you can manage your business better and smarter. This will not only improve your relationship with your customers and build trust through the accurate updates you provide them with, but it will also allow you to improve the relationship with your engineers by being able to better manage their workload.

With the various timeline views such as day, week, and month, you can easily track what is happening and when. The increased visibility and icon changes that show you the different statuses of a job will improve efficiency.

Workshop Scheduler reduces the need to repeat tasks. For example, the copy and paste feature enables you to easily copy a schedule and paste it to another day, time, or engineer. The un-scheduled task list allows you to re-schedule tasks at a time that suits you without having to create new tasks each time. These all reduce the need to start from scratch for every new job.

Whether your engineer is taking time off for holiday, training, or an illness, you can easily block out time for engineers without assigning them to a specific job. This will ensure that their available hours and days to work are accurate and up to date.

Advanced filtering lets you find the information you need in the quickest way possible. Filter by customer, item, model description, address, job status, invoice type and more!

With the new Workshop Scheduler fully integrated with Ibcos Gold and Ibcos Gold Service, managing your day-to-day tasks couldn’t get simpler!
For more information visit our page to view our info sheets, watch our promo video, and review our training material, click here.

To hear from our sales team and to begin your Workshop Scheduler journey, contact us at +44 (0) 1202 714200 or email sales@ibcos.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.  

This site was purpose-built just for skilled servicing ground care dealers by the team that bring you Service Dealer Magazine. It is easy and quick to register and costs just £96 + VAT per year for a full listing.  As this dealer site is designed to promote the UK dealer network, all revenues in 2022 will continue to be reinvested into promoting the site online and so supporting the dealer network.

Join the country’s only independent specialist website, created by the team that bring you Service Dealer. Join our subscribed Garden Trader dealers now by clicking on “Register Dealership” and let's fight back against the zero value retailers.

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