It's an exciting day for us here at Service Dealer, as it is each year when we are able to share with you, our dealer readers, the first key details regarding what's in store at our Conference & Awards.

With the overarching theme of the day already announced as 'Driving Success', the organising team have today confirmed that the keynote speaker will be Ellis Watson, who I'm told in his executive career has turned-around, rebranded, overhauled, reinvigorated, and expanded global businesses from entertainment to transport! Quite the C.V!

Reading his biography, Ellis in his presentations is known for arguing that we should "stop being busy, and start being productive", and believes you can "take some control about the impact you’re going to have". What particularly caught my eye was this description of his style; "With fascinating views on leading through disruption, embracing a change culture, and dealing with the complexities of governance and talent management, Ellis is known as one of the most inspiring, intelligent and entertaining speakers around."

That sounds to me like someone who will resonate with our dealer delegates, and provide plenty for them to take away to apply in their own places of work.

I haven't been told the title yet of Ellis' specific keynote that he will be tailoring just for our audience of dealers, but I'm aware he is renowned for applying his expertise to areas such as business growth and seeking opportunity in the face of adversity.

It strikes me that this notion, of looking for opportunity in trying times, is especially apt for our dealer delegates this year. Every season has its challenges of course, but 2024 feels like it's already thrown plenty at our resourceful readers to cope with - across the ag, commercial and domestic machinery sectors.

We've seen that spate of dealership closures, a shuffling of the brand representation pack, ongoing supply issues, new routes to market and our old friend the weather playing havoc with everyone's plans. So to hear an expert's view regarding how to thrive when the going is tough, seems timely to say the least.

I can't claim to be an expert in business, but doing a bit of reading around the subject it does seem that those that are, often say that adversity can bring out the best in companies by pushing them to innovate and adapt. For the network, it could be argued that the current challenges present a prime opportunity to transform and thrive.

I've read about notions such as embracing digital transformation; enhancing the customer experience; diversifying product ranges; building key strategic partnerships; and focusing on sustainability. From what I can gather, business advice experts would argue dealers can turn obstacles into avenues for long-term success. Obviously these things are easier said than done, but they say with hard work the key lies in recognising the potential within each challenge and manipulating the situation to work for your own circumstances.

So a trip to the Service Dealer Conference this November 28th, to hear exactly what Ellis has to say, seems well worth marking up in your diaries.

But the organising team are not done yet. There are further announcements to be made of more expert speakers and confirmations of what topical subjects the ever-popular breakout sessions will be covering this time around.

Also not forgetting, all the information you will need to enter your dealership or colleagues in the prestigious 2024 Dealer Of The Year competition will be on its way shortly.

So do keep your eyes on this Weekly Update, the magazine and our social channels to keep up to date with all the announcements. 

There's plenty more to come!

The organisers of this year's Service Dealer Conference are pleased to announce this year’s conference keynote speaker as Ellis Watson.

Ellis Watson

An advocate for seeing opportunity in the face of adversity, Ellis believes external challenges should be viewed as a springboard for positive change. 

Ellis’ successful career spans many decades and crosses many industries and is known for revitalising businesses from entertainment to transport. During his previous roles as marketing director at The Sun, CEO of Celador International, MD of Mirror Group Newspapers, Ellis has consistently driven growth and innovation, working to transform the organisations and make them fit for the future. As board member of First Group he turned around the major brand Greyhound and as CEO of Simon Cowell’s Syco Corporation, he propelled The X Factor to international success. Such was Ellis’ success in business, he was even invited to take on the advisory role of Chief Business Advisor to the First Minister of Scotland. 

Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke said, "As a speaker, we are sure that Ellis’ business acumen, coupled with his enthusiasm, frankness and humour will be a big hit with the conference delegates. Experienced in leading business through external shocks and cultural shifts, Ellis will be sharing his valuable insights in how to navigate digital disruptions, inspire passion under pressure and foster authentic company cultures - we look forward to welcoming him to the Service Dealer stage in November."

The theme for this year's Service Dealer Conference is 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

Family-run agriculture and professional turfcare dealership, Masons Kings, has announced the return of Dominic Burt as the company's new general manager. 

L-R: Elliot Prior, turf business manager; Roger Prior, director; Dominic Burt, general manager; and Peter Endacott, agricultural sales consultant

The John Deere dealership based in south-west England says this marks a significant step in its commitment to continuing to deliver exceptional service and innovative solutions to its customers.

Dominic brings over 35 years of experience in the agricultural and machinery industry, which includes many years previously working for the company. The dealership says his knowledge of the industry, combined with a strong track record of driving growth and operational excellence, makes him an ideal fit. They say Dominic’s expertise and vision will be instrumental in guiding the company through its next phase of growth and development.

"We are thrilled to welcome back Dominic back into the Masons Kings family," said Roger Prior, director of Masons Kings. "His wealth of experience and industry knowledge will be invaluable as we continue to expand our product offerings and enhance our customer service. We are confident that Dominic's leadership will help us achieve our ambitious goals."

In his new role, Dominic will oversee all aspects of Masons Kings' operations, including sales, service, and support. He will work closely with the team leaders to ensure that the company continues to meet the evolving needs of its customers while maintaining the high standards of quality and reliability that Masons Kings is known for. Dominic's strong long-standing connections to the agricultural industry, along with his passion to develop and grow the turf division, will be key assets as Masons Kings looks to future-proof the company and maintain its family-run business ethos.

"I am excited to be returning to Masons Kings and lead such a talented team," Dominic said. "Masons Kings has a long-standing reputation for excellence, and I look forward to contributing to its ongoing success. Together, we will strive to deliver the best possible solutions and support to our customers."

It has also been confirmed that Peter Endacott, who has played a vital role in the company, will remain with Masons Kings to help with the transition and focus on his selling role.

Kubota Corporation and French start-up technology firm UV Boosting have announced a partnership to jointly promote innovation with sustainable solutions for the viticulture industry. 

UV Boosting has developed a patented solution for stimulating a plant’s natural defences, through the use of UV-C light flashes. The company says this allows growers to reduce their reliance on fungicides and minimise damage caused by pathogens and other abiotic stresses such as spring frost or drought. UV Boosting’s UV-C light flash technology is crop agnostic and the existing implement portfolio can be extended into other crops.

Kubota say they plan to tackle global challenges, such as environmental regulations, climate impacts, and labour shortages, by expanding community-focused operations and offering "integrated solutions and technological advancements for customers".

Daria Batukhtina, strategic business development manager at Kubota Innovation Center Europe, said; “Increasing regulatory restrictions and environmental concerns are enabling a need for alternatives to minimise chemical inputs in speciality crops. This pilot program with several growers and dealers is a part of Kubota’s strategy to create an eco-system which allows innovation to evolve, through partnerships with external businesses such as AgTech start-ups, agricultural producers, research institutes and universities.”

The pilot program is taking place in Brescia, Italy, and Anjou, France. The participating dealers will manage and support UV Boosting’s technology, and collate customer feedback. 

According to experts, UV light solutions secure the yield for organic, biodynamic or conventional wine growers. Growers will apply four to seven treatments during the season to evaluate the technology impact on yield results, in addition to the overall effectiveness on tree health. 

CC Powell, dealer of machinery for the vegetable and potato industry in North East Scotland, has been appointed to sell and service Stanhay’s precision vegetable drills.

Chris Powell of CC Powell and Chris Fletcher of Stanhey

Managing director of Stanhay, Chris Fletcher, sees the deal as a further step in growing its domestic business. 

“Stanhay is thrilled to have a dealer of CC Powell’s standing in an important vegetable growing area,” says Chris Fletcher. “As well as growing our sales and market share, having a link with some of the most innovative growers in the country will help us test and refine our new developments as we bring them to market.”

Chris Powell, managing director of CC Powell Ltd added, "We are a dealer that concentrates our focus on root crops. The Stanhay product range adds to our existing portfolio without conflicting with any of our existing suppliers."

Chris continued, “Carrot growers are always looking for new and exciting machinery. Stanhay has a product range at least as good as any other manufacturer, and they have the options and flexibility to do things, especially as a UK company.”

STIGA have announced that they have donated a number of products to Eastleigh Community Garden through their We Care That You Care campaign.

Julie de Bono (treasurer), Mark Campbell, Ben Giles (committee member) and Tina Campbell (Chair)

Eastleigh Community Garden is a small urban garden created on a former basketball court. Its aim is to create a joyful space for the local community and to deliver all the positive benefits that the dedicated volunteers tirelessly work for.

Tina Campbell, Chair of Eastleigh Community Garden said, “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this fabulous equipment and to become one of the Stiga 90. It will not only help us keep the community garden itself well maintained, but it will help us to help the wider Eastleigh community too by establishing a library of things that local residents can benefit from.”

Products donated by STIGA and sister brand Mountfield were aSC 100e pruner; MM2605 5-in1 multi-tool; SP53 mower and a MBL 270V blower.

CNH has announced a new collaboration with Oxfam to support two social projects in Africa:

• The Sumud Project in Tunisia is focused on micro, small, and medium sized farms.
• The Social Factory Initiative in South Africa is dedicated to creating a new model for plastic recycling and social inclusion.

Sumud (the Arabic word for ‘resilience’) is a three-year initiative to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Tunisia, specifically in the governorates of Sfax, Mahdia, Siliana, and Tozeur.

The project will help implement resilience and development plans for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as social enterprises, particularly those led by young people, women, or people with disabilities in the agricultural, tourism, and artisanal sectors. In the agricultural sector, it aims to support some 1,000 people in the most vulnerable Tunisian communities.

CNH and Oxfam Italy will provide financial, technical, and training support to develop innovative crisis-management strategies for these businesses.

As a member of the Advisory Committee, CNH will actively participate in the project selection phase of agricultural enterprises and will subsequently provide its expertise and technology, as well as training and coaching programs to support participants- development and promote the socio-economic integration of young people and women.

"The participation in the SUMUD project represents our commitment to building a more inclusive and prosperous future for everyone," said Carlo Alberto Sisto, President, EMEA at CNH. "Putting our expertise, technology, and training capabilities at the service of the most vulnerable communities sees us sustainably advance the noble work of farmers to develop innovative strategies that strengthen their resilience." 

Oxfam’s Social Factory project is based in the South African city of Ekurhuleni where the organisation established a waste management program in 2009. The project is focused on collaboration between partners to develop skills and create new jobs in waste collection and to integrate informal waste pickers into the municipal waste management system, with a view to safeguarding both people and the environment.

Between 60,000 and 200,000 waste collectors in South Africa - predominantly women - carry out their work under challenging conditions with significant gender inequalities. The Social Factory Project aims to help 1,200 people directly and improve living conditions for over 300,000 people and households.

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