We have a great new video to share with you all today, that I think dealers of grass machinery will find most interesting.

Filmed back at this year's BTME in Harrogate but hot off the editing press by David Comiskey, TAP's Video Wizard (his official title), the short film sees Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke, speaking with Husqvarna's Automower specialist, Niklas Broberg.

Many dealer readers will know Niklas, but for those who are unfamiliar he has been based over here from his native Sweden for seven years, but is just about to return home. When he arrived in the UK he came armed with a wealth of knowledge about robotic mowing solutions - plus an important mission. He was tasked by his company with convincing not only the end-user customers, but crucially, the dealer network, that these machines were a viable option for the maintenance of grassed areas. 

He had an extra job to perform for the network, though, on top of simply proving that the machines could be effective - and that was to convince dealers of their profitability.

Niklas tells us, "When I came to the UK, it was almost a challenge to just speak to people about robotic mowers." He goes to on point out that seven years ago Husqvarna were selling around 40,000 robotic units a year in Sweden, compared to just 3,000 units in the UK. Whilst in terms of the network, he recalls how no dealers thought there was any money in doing service work on robotic mowers. He would would tell them about dealers in Sweden doing hundreds of services every year, to incredulous ears!

In the video Niklas speaks of how a shift was needed in the public's perception of the machines. Buyers needed to be aware of how the technology would be beneficial to their needs, and therefore demand that their local dealer were stockists. Once this began to gather momentum a few years ago, things really started to change.

Excitingly for dealers, Niklas today tells us that he views the UK robotic mower market as "the greatest opportunity in Europe." His belief of this stems from both the uptake by domestic users and, most importantly, from the burgeoning professional market - especially the UK's significant golfing sector.

The interview is certainly a fascinating watch and one that I suspect could give dealers of any robotic mower brand a good feeling that they are involved with a product that's clearly on an upward trajectory.

It does feel to me, just through speaking to our dealer readers, that recent seasons have seen a real spurt of enthusiasm for the technology. This year in fact, we've had conversations that have specifically cited the newer wireless models as being a real game changer in the minds of consumers. So much so in fact, that several dealers have claimed these have made the boundary-wire-guided models almost obsolete overnight.

But what are your dealership's thoughts on the technology? Cast your mind back seven years - how keen were you to dedicate floor space in your showroom to robots? Did you view them as a highly niche, somewhat quirky purchase? And where are you now? Are they an integral offering that you view with even greater further potential? Or are they not a product that suits your business and your customers?

It would be fantastic to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Service Dealer's Conference & Awards will take place once again at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-Upon-Avon, on Thursday December 4th 2025.

Today we are pleased to confirm that returning to support our event dedicated to the dealer network, for the fourth year in a row, is Kress who are joining us as a Gold Sponsor.

Tony Macer, Kress sales director for the UK & Ireland, said, "Kress is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the Service Dealer Conference & Awards, and to be sponsoring this prestigious event for the fourth consecutive year. Our dealer-first policy remains at the heart of everything we do, and we're honoured to support the entrepreneurial spirit and dedication of our dealer partners who consistently deliver outstanding knowledge and service to their customers.

"As Kress continues to experience remarkable growth, we want to thank our dealer partners for their unwavering support. We hope you're all having a fantastic season so far. Our commitment to delivering market-leading innovation year after year ensures that our dealers continue to benefit from strong margins and profitability.

"Together, we are building a stronger and more vibrant community that benefits everyone involved. We look forward to celebrating with you all at the Service Dealer Conference & Awards in December."

Duncan Murray-Clarke, Service Dealer's owner added, "We are delighted to be welcoming back our great friends at Kress to our Conference & Awards. We thank them for their continued support of an event that is truly dedicated to offering our dealer delegates quality, thought-provoking content."

Keep an eye on this Weekly Update and our social channels for updates on this year's theme, guest speakers and workshops.

Interested in sponsorship or delegate tickets? Register your interest here.

Upon his return to his native Sweden after seven years working in the UK, Husqvarna's Automower specialist Niklas Broberg tells Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke that the UK robotic mowing market holds "the greatest opportunity in Europe".

Watch below or via Service Dealer's YouTube channel.

Kuhn Farm Machinery has strengthened its dealer network in the north of England with the appointment of Clapham Agricultural Engineering Limited as a full product line dealership.

L-R: Ed Clapham, Clapham Agricultural, and Karl Ridsdale, ASM for Northern England at Kuhn

Clapham Agricultural is run by Ed and Debbie Clapham and the manufacturer says the move reinforces their presence in a key grassland and livestock region. From the dealership’s base at Ripponden, near Halifax, West Yorkshire, Ed said he’s excited to grow the brand across his area.

“Kuhn machinery is well-respected and popular, and I think there’s great potential to get more machines onto farms."

Speaking of the appointment, Karl Ridsdale, Kuhn’s area sales manager for northern England, said, “I’ve known Ed for several years and his dedication to providing a first-class service, with particular focus on aftersales, fits well with Kuhn's vision for its dealer network. The area Clapham Agricultural will cover is predominately livestock, so our product range will dovetail nicely with what farmers are requiring.”

JCB have announced that they have passed another significant milestone on its hydrogen technology development programme after securing the first full EU type-approval of its hydrogen engine for use in non-road mobile machinery.

This means that JCB’s hydrogen engine has been approved for sale and for use in machines and third-party OEM equipment in each of the 27 EU member states, and all other territories recognising EU type-approvals (e.g. EEA and EFTA territories). The EU type-approval certificate has been issued in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/1628 and certifies JCB’s hydrogen combustion engine to prevailing EU Stage V emissions norms. The EU type-approval follows earlier landmark rulings by licensing authorities in nine countries in mainland Europe allowing the engine to be used commercially in machines in those countries under ‘new technology’ provisions.

JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford, who has led the company’s hydrogen engine project, said, “This is another very significant moment for JCB’s hydrogen programme, It was not so long ago that some said that it was ‘game over’ for the internal combustion engine in Europe. For JCB to have secured full EU type-approval is proof positive that the combustion engine does indeed have a promising future in pursuit of a net zero world if hydrogen, a zero CO2 fuel, is used instead of fossil fuels.”

Lord Bamford added: “I could not be more delighted for the JCB team that put so much work into getting us to this stage. Now our focus will be on bringing our hydrogen technology to market. JCB’s customers are patiently waiting for our hydrogen-powered equipment to make a difference on their job sites. They won’t have much longer to wait.”

GB approval was granted rapidly, initially for the ‘new-technology’, and now as full type-approval.

JCB has already produced more than 130 evaluation engines which are powering backhoe loaders, Loadall telescopic handlers and generator sets. Real world pre-launch testing of JCB’s hydrogen equipment is now at an advanced stage and said to be "progressing well."

The first ever GroundsFest Academy event took place recently, as delegates from across the industry gathered for a free day of hands-on education at DLF UK’s facility.

The organisers said with a schedule of insightful sessions and interactive learning, the event marked the beginning of a new era in accessible, high-quality training for the grounds care and landscaping sectors.

The day kicked off with a welcome reception and a full introduction to DLF and the hosts for the day, followed by a series of educational activities including seed and grass plant identification, germination tests, and a pre-germination session. After a tour of the DLF site, the afternoon was dedicated to sowing, aftercare and maintenance techniques, rounded off with a recap and open Q&A.

Organisers said each session was designed to give attendees practical skills and a deeper understanding of seed science. 

David Newell, deputy head groundsman at Reading FC, praised the event saying, “You never know what to expect from a new event but it has been really educational. It’s different to anything you get anywhere else - learning all about the different varieties of seed, what they do and why they do it, has been fantastic. The wildflower seeding talk was very educational too. Our football club wants to start doing that, so hopefully I can take that back and give something back to Reading FC.”

Mike Green, a volunteer groundsman at Winterborne Cricket Club, represented the grassroots level of the industry and found the day equally rewarding. He said, “Free educational days like this are a massive help for volunteers like me. I picked up loads of useful info, spoke to people working in sports turf, and just found the day incredibly beneficial. It’s been a really successful day for me.”

Bradley Tennant, director of education for GroundsFest Academy, said, “There’s a big skills gap in the industry, and the GroundsFest Academy has been created to help address that. Whether someone is new to the sector or has decades of experience, these events are designed to support ongoing development. Seeing everyone smiling, learning and sharing knowledge today has been incredible - and it’s just the beginning.”

Organisers say this was the first of many free educational events from the GroundsFest Academy, with future events already planned.

A familiar face has returns to Stocks Ag as Andrew Wright is welcomed back to the business’ applicator technical sales team.  

David Goodale and Andrew Wright on David’s final day

Andrew previously spent nearly two decades with Stocks, building a wealth of product knowledge and forging strong relationships across the agricultural UK dealer network, with OEM customers and international distribution partners. The company say his return brings valuable experience back to a company at an exciting juncture.

Andrew said, “I’m pleased to be back. There have been some new products launched since I’ve been away and we have another major launch taking place at Cereals in June, so it’s an exciting time to be involved again.” 

Andrew steps into the role previously held by David Goodale, who has decided to announce his retirement after 27 years of service at Stocks. In his time, say the company, David has been a source of profound knowledge, his expertise, hard work and dedication have been instrumental in the company’s success.  

Everyone at Stocks Ag wishes David a long, happy and well-earned retirement.

On David’s final day, Stocks Ag sales manager Sean Stanfield said, “It was important for us to recognise David’s service on his last day. He’s very well respected amongst the team here, around our dealers and amongst those further afield. From everyone at Stocks, we wish him nothing but the best as he sets off on a new chapter in life.”

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