It's an exciting day at Service Dealer today, because as you may have seen we are announcing the theme for November's conference.

Called Sustaining Dealerships, the event will be addressing a topic that we know is of premium concern to many of our dealer readers - and that's staffing.

We are not simply talking about recruitment here - although that will of course play a major part of the day.The conference will also be looking at crucial areas such as the retention of staff, the continuing motivation of teams, as well as ideas surrounding succession in the dealership.

But not only this. As the conference title suggests, the day will consider just what dealerships need to make sure they can sustain and are still around - and thriving - in 10, 15, 20 years time. The programme will allow for scope for wider discussion on key topics.

I genuinely believe that the talented team at TAP who are putting the event together, couldn't have hit upon a more timely subject to address this year. Other than having a day where everyone swaps tales of hardship regarding how difficult it is getting stock into their stores at the moment, I'm not sure there is an area that so many dealerships currently have genuine concerns over.

Evidence for how much of an issue cultivating the workforce is at the moment can perhaps be seen with just how many companies have already taken up the offer of using Service Dealer's newly launched Jobs service. We only started publicising the facility last week and already there's a considerable number of entries on this Weekly Update and on our website.

You can also see today in the news for example, with the story of the AEA Scholarships being awarded, how everyone with a vested interest in the sector is looking for means to help recruitment into the industry. AEA CEO Ruth Bailey, is quoted in the piece saying “One of the biggest issues the agricultural and outdoor power equipment sectors face today is the accessibility of skills and attracting the next generation."

She goes on to explain how essentially the guiding principal behind the awards - as well as recognising excellence of course - is to help promote and support the industry as it looks to find new talent. The AEA intend for both winners to act as ambassadors for the sector, relaying positive messages through social media and the like regarding how exciting an area this industry can be for anyone to join - a laudable endeavour.

Talking to dealers

We also know first-hand from conversations the magazine is having with dealers, that recruiting and retaining staff is something troubling dealerships of all machinery speciailsms, in all parts of the country. I visited a dealer last week in fact for a feature in an upcoming issue of the mag, who was telling me just how hard it is for them to find quality technicians.

Sentiments such as these were also heard recently in our profile of Hertfordshire Garden Machinery in the magazine. Sales director Edward Wall told me it's never easy to recruit for the dealership "because in this industry there’s very little training and support offered through colleges, universities, or even manufacturers – and I suppose it’s not the sexiest sector to be working in." Edward went on to say, "A lot of trainee mechanics now want to be in the automotive industry, as opposed to coming into lawnmowers and garden tractors. It’s difficult to find the right people and we’re in an aging industry.”

Whilst on the subject of succession, we included a quote last issue from John Rollinson of Cliftons Turf Machinery who spoke about how they had lost dealerships in their locality in recent years because there was no one willing to take them over. "This has meant ," John told us, "that we are much busier, but typically we can't find staff to cope with the extra load."

So anecdotally at least, it does feel like dealerships are struggling in this area. If you have any recent experiences you'd like to share, please feel free to leave any comments below.

The conference organising team is now working hard establishing the right mix of expert speakers and industry members with first-hand experience to impart - making sure the day offers as much practical, actionable help for dealers as possible.

As ever the event will be a blend of keynotes, presentations and smaller breakout seminar sessions that allow dealer delegates to interact with each other and the speakers. I always think these sessions prove especially valuable, with delegates sharing their wisdom and working through concepts together.

If you are able to, do save the date of November 24th 2022 in you diary. If you can spare a day away from the business perhaps this year more than ever, a trip to the conference could offer inspiration that leads to the continued success of your dealership.

This week Service Dealer has made contributions on behalf of the industry to two further organisations who are offering assistance to Ukrainians.

Following our industry partners raising £4000 in April, last week we announced support of Project Linus - and now we have unearthed two further locally-based schemes that we know from personal experience will directly benefit from the industry's generosity. 

Firstly a proportion was given to Animal Couriers who are offering resources to Ukrainian pet owners who are relocating to the UK - and to the UK sponsors of Ukrainian families. 

Pictured above is Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (right) meeting Ray from Animal Couriers at Dover docks on Tuesday this week, who was delivering a refugee family alongside their dog and cat.

Duncan said, "Animal Couriers did this collection free of charge, so we are making a donation out of the Ukrainian fund raised by industry members to support them. They are another organisation showing real kindness."

Also receiving a donation were Trowbridge Homes for UK, who are doing marvellous work with supplies for Ukraine and transporting Ukrainians.

In a statement they said, "We are bringing back refugees on a weekly basis as well as taking supplies out to the Ukrainian border. We are delighted with the donation through Service Dealer magazine and it will really help.

"Many thanks, Simon Beck and Christine Holden."

The Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) have announced the most recent recipients of their AEA Scholarship. 

L-R: AEA's Gareth Ford; David Goodchild and Tom Edwards the winning BEng / BEng Honours Agricultural Engineering students; & Ruth Bailey, AEA CEO

David Goodchild and Thomas Edwards, both BEng / BEng Honours Agricultural Engineering students in their second year at Harper Adams University, were selected by a panel of industry representatives and experts. They will now both have an opportunity to connect with key industry partners, and to work with them to promote careers in the agricultural and outdoor power equipment sectors. They will also work closely with the AEA to boost awareness of the opportunities and educational routes within the sectors. 

Aiming to promote and support the industry through finding and attracting new talent, the AEA say they will collaborate with David and Thomas to develop social media content that inspires others to consider a career in agricultural engineering. This will focus on not only their time at university, but also during their upcoming placement years within industry. 

On receiving the news of his win, David said, "This has given me an incredible boost and redeemed my confidence in myself as an individual. It has inspired me to continue with commitment and dedication to both my studies and working in the agricultural engineering sector. I am looking forward to forming a close relationship with the AEA as an ambassador and student representative of the association. I have already put the funds to good use, purchasing additional tools that will aid my studies."

Thomas added, "Thank you very much for awarding me your prestigious AEA Scholarship! I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and look forward to working with the AEA over the coming months. The Scholarship funding is already helping me to fund several projects that will enhance my career in Agricultural Engineering."

AEA CEO Ruth Bailey, said, “One of the biggest issues the agricultural and outdoor power equipment sectors face today is the accessibility of skills and attracting the next generation. The scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for an agricultural engineering student of any background to help promote and support the industry as it looks to find new talent and attract others who may wish to look to agricultural engineering as a profession. 

"Both David and Thomas will be perfect Ambassadors for our sector, relaying a great message about how exciting a space this industry can be for anyone of any age or background to join.”

Later this year, the AEA in collaboration with the Land-based Engineering Training & Education Committee (LE-TEC), will be launching a new website to drive awareness of both careers and educational routes within land-based engineering. 

GreenMech have announced a series of updates across their UK dealer network.

The changes will see an extension to the existing territories of Vincent Tractors and Burdens Group, together with the appointment of B&B Tractors to provide new cover to the counties of Derbyshire and Staffordshire and Hopkins Machinery, who join the network as a service support dealer for South Wales.  

Effective immediately, longstanding GreenMech dealers for Cornwall, Vincent Tractors and Plant, will be taking on additional area to accommodate new and existing customers in Devon. The dealers operate out of three depots across Devon and Cornwall - located in Fraddon, Holsworthy and Smithaleigh.

Also expanding their territory is the Burdens Group who, in addition Lincolnshire, will now be covering the counties of Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. 

In order to develop the sales and after sales support across Derbyshire and Staffordshire, GreenMech have appointed agricultural machinery suppliers B&B Tractors. The family-run outfit will be supporting the franchise from their branches in Tideswell and Fauld.

Finally, and completing the re-shuffle, is the appointment of Hopkins Machinery, who will be acting as a service support dealer for South Wales based out of their branch in Wentloog, Newport.  

Sales sirector Martin Lucas commented, “Service is a critical part of the GreenMech offering, meaning we are always reviewing our distribution partners to ensure the very best support for our customers. We are confident that these changes will enhance our aftersales offering and extend our reach to new clients across these counties.” 

Overton UK have announced Ernest Doe Limited as their new dealer in the South East and London areas for the Mean Green electric commercial mowers.

Andy Turbin, sales manager at Ernest Doe said many customers were asking for larger battery powered mowers. "I have followed the Mean Green range since their introduction and after initial demonstrations to the sales team and customers, which provided excellent feedback, I felt that the time was right to move forward."

Stuart Rose of Overton added, "We are pleased to add such a well-respected and professional company to our growing list of dealers throughout the country.”

Quad Bikes R Us owner Kerry Marven was recently joined by representatives from Yamaha UK to officially open her new showroom in Heybridge, Maldon.

Kerry Marven

“We have been in business 18 years and working with Yamaha for 16," explained Kerry. "We moved from our old site in Great Totham to establish bigger premises and become an exclusive Yamaha dealership selling the full range of leisure, sports, and utility ATVs."
 
The new premises, with its new showroom, highlights the full range of Yamaha machines. “We are a family run business, here to help anyone who wants to enjoy these exciting machines," Kerry explained. "We can advise on which are most suitable for their individual needs, and we have a workshop on site to help existing owners with spares and repairs."
 
Yamaha UK say they have worked closely with Kerry to develop the new showroom. “We have had so much support from the Yamaha team, and I feel we have really improved the business by making this move. The showroom looks amazing, and we have really enjoyed welcoming customers old and new,” she adds.
 
Demand for ATVs has risen since the pandemic, says Kerry, adding "Since Covid hit we have noticed a huge interest in the junior machines with parents looking for fun activities at a time when holidays were not possible."

Kerry says she still has aspirations for the business in the future. “I have a fantastic team here and I would like to see that grow so that we can one day open the first Yamaha superstore in the South East,” she concluded.

Makita UK is celebrating 50 years of trading in the UK.

With over 100 years of heritage, 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of Makita’s first UK office. For half a century, the company say they have forged a strong presence in the UK with a national network of distributors and merchant partners, as well as investment into four purpose-built factory service centres and training facilities throughout the UK.

Makita's Tongwell offices
 
Kevin Brannigan, marketing manager at Makita said, “We are delighted to be marking our 50th year of trading in the UK. We are incredibly proud of what we have been able to achieve since 1972 - and the vast array of cordless products and new technologies that we can offer tradespeople to aid their productivity and efficiency on site.”
 
To mark its 50th anniversary, the company say they will be announcing a number of promotions and product launches throughout the year.
 

Dorset machinery dealer Highwood has been appointed by Claydon to sell and support its range of Opti-Till crop establishment products.

L-R: Dan Waterman (Highwood), Mike Bywater (Claydon) and Nick Green (Highwood)

Based on the Grove Trading Estate in Dorchester, where it has operated since 2001 and now employs 15 staff, Highwood is a main dealer for Kubota and sells a range of agricultural, ground care and garden machinery. 

Nick Green, the company’s operations director said of the new products, "The fact that they can work in all situations is very important because across our trading area we have a wide range of farming customers and soil types range from those with a very high flint content to clay and sand. 

"Our customers have responded very positively to the news that we have taken on the Claydon franchise. Soon after announcing it we received our first order, for a 3m Claydon Hybrid mounted drill."

Rob Dunk, Claydon’s UK and Ireland sales manager, added, “We are delighted to welcome Highwood to the rapidly growing network of enthusiastic, professional Claydon dealers who are at the heart of our strategy to make Opti-Till products available to customers throughout the country and ensure that they are fully supported.

"Highwood’s appointment is a positive development for existing and potential Claydon owners in Dorset and the surrounding areas.”

The British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA) have announced the appointment of Stephanie Young to the position of marketing executive based at their head office in Peterborough.

Stephanie Young

Stephanie said, “I’m very excited to be joining the team, This is a great time for BAGMA and I’m looking forward to being able to use my skills and experience to help develop and grow the organisation”.

Keith Christian, BAGMA’s director added, "I am delighted we have been able to add Stephanie to the BAGMA team at a time when her skills and knowledge can be used for the benefit of BAGMA and it’s members."

Stephanie will be at the Royal Highland Show near Edinburgh on 23rd - 26th June on the BAGMA stand.

The 80V cordless range of lawnmowers from Cobra packs double the punch, with twin 40V Lithium-ion batteries delivering 80 volts of pure cutting power. 

Cobra has the UK’s largest range of powered lawnmowers and is constantly expanding its range and developing its products to further its position as the expert in the lawncare market. The 80V range is the latest extension of this, with its three models being packed with innovative features and technology. 

The three mowers in the range offer 17”, 20” and 21” cutting widths, generous run times and even rear rollers on the 17 and 20” models for a traditional, striped finish. Each machine is powered by two 5Ah 40V Lithium-ion batteries that drive the 80V brushless motors. The Cobra 40V Lithium-ion technology means the mowers are always ready to use, will hold charge capacity and have no memory effect. 

The RM43SP80V is the most compact of the three, with a 17” cutting width, and it is a great all-rounder, with a 50 minute run time. It is self-propelled, so it’s ideal for sloping gardens and has seven different cutting heights ranging from 17mm for a super low finish, up to 75mm for tackling longer grass. The mower also benefits from a 50 litre grass bag to hold more cutting for a longer time between bag emptying. Its rear roller means that a professional, striped finish can be created too. 

The RM51SP80V keeps all of the impressive features of the RM43SP80V, including a steel rear roller, but increases the width to 20” and the grass bag to 70 litres. With the ability to run for up to 45 minutes between charges, the mower can complete medium to large sized lawns in one run. 

The final, and largest, mower in the range is the Which? Best Buy MX51S80V. Again, the mower features a self-propelled drive system to allow for ease of use, and has a 20” cutting width and a running time of 55 minutes. This model benefits from a mulching function, allowing the grass to be recycled by finely cutting and re-cutting the clippings. As the clippings decompose, nutrients and fertilisers are returned to the soil meaning grass can be cut and fertilised at the same time – creating a healthy, green lawn. 

Peter Chaloner, managing director of Cobra, said: “The 80V range sets a new standard for battery powered garden machinery, providing more power and convenience than ever before. Cobra prides itself on being at the forefront of innovation to help people maintain their gardens with the minimum of effort, and this range is the epitome of that.” 

Each of the models comes complete with two 40V 5Ah Lithium-ion batteries and two Fast Chargers. The 40v batteries are compatible with Cobra grass trimmers, chainsaws, hedge cutters and garden vacs. 

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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