It’s good to be back with you following our Easter break last week.

How did that traditionally crucial, kick-start to the season fare for your business? I’ve been hearing dealer and manufacturer alike bemoan how this year everything has been incredibly slow to get moving. Dealers who have spent the past few years desperately short of stock, are in some cases now finding themselves stuffed to the rafters with certain products that they simply haven’t been able to shift since taking delivery.

And whilst we can be quick to blame Brexit, the cost-of-living crisis or the war in Ukraine for the lack of consumer purchasing, it’s that old perennial the weather who I think most would lay the blame on for not playing ball. Conditions simply have not been conducive, certainly for domestic customers, to get out into their green spaces and tend their environment.

So how did last weekend work out? I believe most of the country experienced a few lovely warm, sunny days and a couple of constant downpour days. So, a proper mixed bag. Was that what the buying pubich needed to get their machinery out of the shed? Or was it still not quite the right conditions? Let us know how it was for you in the comments below.

Battery disposal

If sales were made to homeowners, chances are that a decent proporion of those were battery-powered machines. Over the last 10 or so years, these cordless products have boomed in popularity with consumers. When we first started talking about them in depth in the pages of our magazine, there was a section of the network who were quite wary of the impact the technology would have on their business. The phrase I remember being used by more than one dealer was that battery tools were the ‘death knell’ for the industry.

I think we’ve moved beyond those kind of views now, with battery machinery an everyday part of a dealership’s offering. However, a problem that has arisen, that as yet no one appears to have a definitive solution for, is what to do with spent batteries at their end of life?

We discussed in this Update a few weeks back, a possible breakthrough in the disposal of batteries that has been discovered by scientists at Linnaeus University in Sweden. However, as it stands, that exists only as a theoretical solution, potentially for some time in the future. 

But what happens now? What are dealers to do with the volume of used batteries being returned to them by customers? Whose responsibility are they for their ultimate safe disposal / recycling? The customer? The dealer? The manufacturer / supplier?

I was contacted by dealer Nigel Barnes of Moggs of Wells (Engineering) Ltd in Shepton Mallet recently who told me he feels the industry needs a definitive statement regarding what should be done with spent lithium-ion batteries.

Nigel said, “Whilst our local vehicle dismantlers are quite happy to take complete machines for scrap and conventional lead-acid batteries, they will not accept lithium-ion batteries. I suspect the local community recycling centre would take the same view, but we don’t go there because we are seen as having commercial waste for disposal.

“This reluctance to accept certain items for recycling will only increase fly-tipping by the unscrupulous, and there is already far too much litter lining roadside verges as it is.”

Nigel continued, saying that his understanding regarding lithium-ion batteries for disposal, is that the manufacturers and importers are ultimately responsible. “I have asked several of our suppliers about this,” Nigel told me, “and generally received a blank look or a wall of silence. 

“If it is in fact the case that the manufacturers and importers are responsible, they should have systems in place for such recycling.”

Understandably Nigel - and I’m sure dealers across the country reading this today - is keen for a conclusive directive, offering guidance as to what is the correct course of action to take.

Nigel also spoke about the procedures involved in sending used batteries back to manufacturers and suppliers to deal with, bearing in mind the hazardous nature of the material and observing the carriers’ health and safety requirements. “There would obviously be a cost to us for such carriage via the courier services,” he said, “of which, as far as I can see, only UPS seem to have any proper hazardous cargo documented procedures.”

Nigel concluded, “From my experience these lithium ion batteries fail quite frequently, so there must be a lot of them out there requiring safe disposal. Let’s take some definite action please, otherwise the waste is only going to turn up on some consumer affairs programme, illegally tipped or buried, and with the consequential bad publicity we can all do without. That’s before considering cobalt poisoning, hydrogen cyanide gas and other life threatening by-products that can emanate from disused lithium ion batteries.”

Strong, wise words from Nigel and I thank him for getting in touch to highlight this issue so eloquently.

I spoke to a manufacturer just recently who told me they had a pile of batteries at their premises, that had been moved around from place to place, endeavouring to keep it safe, whilst they worked out what to do with them. So it’s clearly a real problem for all.

We would appriciate hearing from industry members today with their thoughts and experiences regarding the disposal of used lithium-ion batteries. I’m not sure we’ll have anyone who can offer a definitive answer to the situation, because I’m not sure anyone has one? Which frankly, is a huge problem.

Please feel free to leave your thoughts below this article, or if you’d prefer to share anything anonymously, drop me a line in confidence.

It would be great to build up a picture of the situation out there, which we could then cover in an upcoming issue of Service Dealer magazine.

Thanks in advance for your help.

According to the AEA, UK registrations of agricultural tractors typically peak in March each year, as new registration plates coincide with the start of the fieldwork season and the end of the financial year.

The Association has announced though, that year's peak was particularly high with 2,223 machines registered, 13% more than in the same month last year and over 20% above the seasonal average. 

In fact they say it was the highest monthly figure for registrations for any month since March 2009.

Agricultural economist at the AEA, Stephen Howarth, said, "As well as the usual seasonal factors, the high number of machines recorded this month is an indication that supply chain disruptions continue to ease, allowing manufacturers to catch up with some of the backlog of orders which had built up over the previous two years."

George Nowell has been appointed as Kubota (UK)’s agricultural and groundcare dealer manager for the midlands, north west and Wales.

George Nowell

Now in his fifth year in full-time employment with the company, George first came to Kubota in 2015 after getting in touch as he searched for a three-month summer job following completion of his first year at Harper Adams University. 

The manufacturer says his career path is one that puts the spotlight on opportunities that exist within the company. After leaving school, he took a three-year apprenticeship at Bicton College which saw him working with a tractor dealership in Devon. Eager to immerse himself at manufacturer-level, George set about finding a route into Harper Adams University.

“I always knew what I wanted to do, and earning myself a summer job at Kubota was a move that has helped to create fantastic opportunities for me,” explains George, whose exam results and high grades achieved from an apprenticeship eased his progression into engineering.

“During my degree course, I returned to Kubota for my work placement year as a student,” he says. “My coursework and dissertation let to a project on M7 tractor optimisation, which was focussed on developing dealer and customer knowledge.”

George returned to Kubota after completing his university studies in 2018, taking up his first full-time role. As a service technician providing product support, his early career included a three-month posting to KFM at Dunkerque, France, working in tractor production.

One year later, George took on the role of regional service representative before stepping up to the role of aftersales dealer manager in 2021. He now boosts his career in 2023 as Kubota’s agricultural and groundcare dealer manager for the midlands, north west and Wales a dealer manager.

“I always wanted to work for a tractor manufacturer,” adds George. “It’s great to work for a company that hasn’t yet become a full-liner in agriculture, so I have an opportunity to appreciate how the business is moving forward. And I can be part of this exciting journey.”

Commenting on George’s promotion, Tim Yates said, “This is a great opportunity to showcase our home-grown talent, and it highlights the professional career opportunities that are available in Kubota (UK).”

After 27 years of representing Merlo, Murton-based Yorkshire Handlers announced earlier this year their intention to relinquish the franchise and retire.

L-R: Matt Gledhill, product support specialist, Merlo; Josh Hardwick, partner, Hardwick; Eric Hardwick, md, Hardwick; Jim Chapman, regional sales manager, Merlo

Shaun Groom, general manager of Merlo UK explained, “Yorkshire is a key agricultural county, where Merlo handlers have found favour across a wide range of farming operations. As such, we wanted to be sure to appoint a new dealer that could support those existing Merlo customers effectively, whilst further developing the sales of new Merlo products.

“We are pleased to be able to announce the appointment of Brompton by Sawdon based Hardwick Agricultural Engineers, as the newest member of the Merlo agricultural dealer network.

Joining the Hardwick team from Yorkshire Handlers is experienced technician Dane Robson. Dane will be a familiar face to many customers in area having worked with the products throughout his career.

Managing director of Hardwick Agricultural Engineers, Eric Hardwick, added, “We believe that the Merlo product range perfectly reflects our business ethos of supplying and servicing the highest quality machinery within the Yorkshire area.”

The Claas Group Shareholders' Committee has appointed Jan-Hendrik Mohr as the new CEO with effect from 1 April 2023.

Jan-Hendrik Mohr

The incumbent CEO Thomas Böck had decided to step down and to pursue new endeavors. Shareholders and the Group Executive Board have acknowledged this decision with deep regret. They say they were able to find an experienced successor in Jan-Hendrik Mohr.  
 
Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser, Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of the Claas Group, said, "Jan Hendrik Mohr is highly respected at Claas and in our industry. He knows Claas like no one else and has proven his worth. He shaped the company during his many years in various management positions. Together with his colleagues in the Group Executive Board and all employees, he will build on the successful work of his predecessor and lead Claas boldly into the future."
 
Jan-Hendrik Mohr, a graduate engineer, has been with the Group since 1984 continuously taking on increasing responsibilities. He has been a member of the Group Executive Board since 2008. He is currently responsible for the Business Unit Grain, which he will continue to lead in a personal capacity.

CEO-designate Jan-Hendrik Mohr said, "I look forward to continuing our success story together with my colleagues in the Group Executive Board and all employees. Claas stands for a high level of technological expertise, products that excite and a corporate culture that unites us. We think long-term and have a clear vision: to make our customers the best in their field." 

New Holland and Bennamann’s “Energy Independent Net Zero Farming Circular Solution” has won the Net Zero Circular Solution Award in the 2023 AD and Biogas Industry Awards at the World Biogas Expo in Birmingham, UK. 

The awards, organised by ADBA (Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association) and WBA (World Biogas Association), were created to celebrate and honour the contribution to excellence and innovation in the biogas industry and is hosted alongside the World Biogas Summit and Expo 2023, on the first night of the event. 

The core technology suite receiving the award has been developed by Bennamann and enables farms to fully capture, process and use the fugitive emissions from their livestock manure slurry, turning an agricultural waste into biomethane as well as a range of off-take by-products, including biofertiliser and bio-CO2. By using these technologies on a farm, the resulting outputs can significantly reduce the site’s carbon footprint and, additionally, be distributed locally to help establish net zero outcomes more broadly. 

New Holland’s contribution comes with the T6.180 Methane Power Tractor, running on 100% Methane Electro Command Transmission – which is still the only methane fuelled tractor in the market. 

The manufacturer says the tractor's behaviour and performance are at same level as diesel, with overall emission levels of 80% less than a diesel tractor when running on fossil gas. 

Thanks to the Bennamann and New Holland solution the “energy independent farm” is a reality: utilising waste and biomass to produce fuel not only for electrical power generation and heat provision, but also fuelling vehicles, is now the basis of a future in which farmers can maximise productivity while reducing their carbon footprint and establishing energy independence. 

Fugitive methane is very damaging as a greenhouse gas and contributes significantly to climate change. In fact, it is far more damaging than carbon dioxide (CO2), having over 80 times the impact in the first 20 years of its lifetime in the atmosphere. 

With the help of a Bennamann’s system, farmers can turn their agricultural waste into fuel and a possible additional revenue stream, by selling it to customers off-site or supplying surplus electrical power to the grid. 

In addition, by using biomethane to fuel the tractor, farmers are able to achieve a negative carbon footprint, which is one of the biggest challenges for farms today.

An employee from The GGM Group recently swapped his work boots for dance shoes, to raise money for Bolton Hospice as part of a prestigious dancing competition.

Gary Taylor and Jacqui Brown

Gary Taylor, a key member of the after sales team, along with his partner Jacqui Brown, were one of 20 couples to take part in Strictly Learn to Dance which took place at Bolton Stadium on 31st March.

The pair, who have no previous dancing experience, followed a gruelling 12-week programme, spending many hours learning some classic dance routines.

Their efforts culminated in an event attended by over 700 people and in total raised over £50,000 for Bolton Hospice, with Gary and Jacqui supported by friends, family and colleagues from the GGM team as they took part in the Salsa and the Foxtrot.

Gary said, “Jacqui has always wanted to take part in this event and so when the opportunity arose it was too good an opportunity to miss. Neither of us have ever danced before and to say we were nervous was an understatement - but the atmosphere on the night was electric, and the immense support we have had definitely spurred us on.”

Bolton Hospice is close to the heart of both Gary and Jacqui, having supported two of their friends through the end of their illnesses, and they wanted to give something back to this fantastic cause.

Chris Gibson, GGM managing director said, “The team and I are hugely proud of what Gary and Jacqui have achieved for this wonderful cause. We know from staff Christmas parties that they have some great moves on the dancefloor - but to do this in front of 700 people is a completely different level and takes real guts.”

“It’s a key part of our ethos at The GGM Group to give something back to the local community, last year raising over £10,000 for our company charities. We’re delighted to support Gary and Bolton Hospice in this great event and to match the amount they had raised themselves ahead of the event”. 

Donations can still be made here.

For a limited time, Foley Professional Grinders are now available from stock! This is the perfect opportunity for anyone looking to purchase a professional grinder right now.

661 Bedknife Grinder

Prosport UK Ltd with the help and support of Foley Company have just taken delivery of several containers full of Foley Grinders and accessories. 

A number are already allocated for pre-existing orders but if you are considering replacing/buying a grinder in the next year or so, this could be the ideal time to bring that purchase forward while stocks last.  

Take advantage of available budgets especially when other equipment is so difficult to source in the current climate.

Models available from stock are: 

• Accu-Pro 633 Touch (Reel Grinder) c/w lift-table and AccuTouch 3 control. 
• The introductory level Accu-Sharp 618 (Reel & Bed-Knife Grinder) c/w electric hoist. 
• All Accu-Pro Bed-Knife grinder models, including the fully automatic 673, semi-automatic 672 & the semi-automatic 661 models. 

Also available is the new Powerlift 900 lift-table/workstation.

673 Bedknife Grinder

For more information or to reserve a machine please get in touch with Ian Robson on 07779270501 or email prosportukltd@gmail.com

Henton & Chattell has announced the launch of its new ride-on tractors as part of its Cobra range. This comes as part of the 10-year anniversary of Cobra and is the biggest innovation for the brand yet.

This significant investment in Cobra marks the next chapter for the brand, reiterates its success over 10 years and bolsters its position in the marketplace as one of the leading garden machinery brands.

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. 

As such, the range has models for both domestic and professional markets so creates ample opportunities for dealers for both sales and servicing. 

Discussing the new range expansion, 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.”

The ride-on mower line-up features eight models, all 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 six 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 and easy electric key starting.

For further information about Cobra, please visit www.cobragarden.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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FGM Claymore is a leading distributor of professional and consumer outdoor power equipment with a well-established network of specialist dealers throughout the UK. 

We are seeking an experienced sales representative to join our Sales Team. The role will cover the North and Central England area and will report into the Sales Director. The successful applicant should be enthusiastic and self-motivated with a proven track record in the Outdoor Power Equipment Industry, capable of building new relationships and maintaining our current base of both professional and consumer accounts.

Remuneration and benefits package will be commensurate with the position and experience of the successful candidate. 

Please write in confidence with CV to:

Neil Turner, FGM Claymore
Waterloo Ind. Estate, Waterloo Road,
Bidford-on-Avon, Warwickshire, B50 4JH

Tel: 01789 490177

Email: neilt@fgmclaymore.co.uk

Title: Marketing Specialist
Reports to: Sales Director
Based at: Ipswich, Suffolk
Hours: 39 Hours per week 

Job purpose:

Manage all elements of the Marketing activity of the company including, advertising, events, POS, website, digital marketing and social media. Identify areas for sales growth and opportunities to promote the brand, ensure value for money and meaningful brand positioning.

Key responsibilities and accountabilities:

• Plan and implement a strategic multi-platform marketing campaign to promote ISEKI and increase turnover, supporting targets set for the sales team.
• Manage the marketing budget ensuring maximum publicity to drive sales and increase market share.
• Identify, organise and manage a calendar of events to promote the business within the sports and turf sector, ranging from Press days, dealer meetings, live demo events to shows and exhibitions.  
• Promote the business through local and nationwide media, producing creative writing and PR for digital and traditional publications. Arrange PR visits with customers to help promote the reputation of the ISEKI and support local dealers.
• Produce all the marketing materials and promotional pieces for the full product range from design and content through to print including adverts, POS and literature.
• Manage all aspects of social media, creating engaging content through video and photography then analyse for effectiveness.
• Continuously develop and update the websites using wordpress to increase SEO optimization alongside a thorough digital marketing strategy.
• Support local dealerships with marketing in their areas, helping to identify ways in which they can develop the ISEKI brand to drive sales locally.
• Source, identify and order suitable promotional items.
• Build relationships with industry associations and partners to help promote the ISEKI brand and increase awareness, working collaboratively for all to benefit.  

Required skills and qualifications:

• Proven success in developing and executing marketing plans and campaigns
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong project management, multitasking, and decision-making skills
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in marketing, business, or related field
• Proficiency with online marketing SEO and social media strategy
• Adobe Indesign and video editing working knowledge
• Wordpress working knowledge
• Willingness to travel across the UK for shows and events

To apply contact: sales@iseki.co.uk

Horticultural / garden machinery mechanic wanted.

Based in Ledbury workshop, including some Saturday mornings.

Job involves repairs and servicing of machines, serving customers, some delivery and collection driving. Company van will be available during work hours for any collections/deliveries. Working on 2, 4 stroke machines and diesel machines.

Reasonable rates of pay, dependent on experience.

Experience working on garden machinery would be preferred but not essential.

Training would be available for the right candidate.

Full UK driving license essential.

References will be required and proven prior mechanic experience is a must.

Must have worked as a mechanic for a substantial amount of time.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: £10.00-£14.00 per hour depending on experience

Benefits:

• Flexible working hours
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount
• Flexitime
• On-site parking
• Store discount
• Schedule:
• 8 hour shift
• Flexitime

Contact : Chris O’Neil

Email : ledburygm@gmail.com

Tel : 01531 636926