I saw a LinkedIn post this week written by good friend of Service Dealer Pete McArthur, dealer principle of Strathbogie Forest & Garden, that got me thinking.

Now Pete always has plenty of fascinating, insightful stuff to say on the state of the industry and the wider dealer network. To be fair, as anyone who has bumped into him at the bar at the Service Dealer Conference or anywhere else will attest, Pete has plenty to say full stop! But this particular post was about a subject that I would suspect many dealers have thoughts on.

Pete was reflecting on how much local shows have changed, saying that they used to be the “heartbeat of rural Scotland”. He talked of busy rings, packed stands, familiar faces and a strong sense of community. But, as he put it, “like everything in our industry, the world has shifted.” He went on to say of these regional events, "Some have lost momentum, some have reinvented themselves, and some are still finding their place in a modern world."

I followed up with Pete to ask what he had experienced on the ground this year, and found his observations thought-provoking.

He told me, “The shows for us and other businesses I’ve chatted with, have all noted the lack of atmosphere and buzz that used to surround the show days.”

Crucially, Pete wasn’t just putting this malaise down to the extreme weather that all parts of the country have experienced this summer. He believes there could be more going on than simply the sun shining too much.

When speaking to the general public, he says the first thing that tends to come up is the cost of entry, followed by the price of food. And I can well believe that these factors can be deal-breakers when it comes to attendance for some punters who will, of course, be faced with rising costs in all aspects of their lives.

But as Pete points out, it’s not just the public who are faced with this inflation, it’s the exhibiting dealers and suppliers too. All aspects of having a presence at show is becoming increasingly expensive. There is the time spent by staff attending, potentially overnight accommodation, transporting vehicles and machinery, delivery and collection, stand set-up and all the other expenses that can quickly add up.

The question must then become whether the return justifies that investment?

But perhaps more than all these elements, there was something that Pete said that struck me as a fundamental problem for the health of show attendance - and that was his concern that enthusiasm in the products themselves appears to be waning.

Pete told me, “Interest levels in products is deteriorating and there is nothing new and groundbreaking to drive interest.” He went on to suggest that increasingly visitors are simply turning up on the stand for a chat. Of course, I’m sure Pete and any dealer would acknowledge that face-to-face contact remains incredibly valuable, considering just how vital on-going relationships are to the dealer business. If these chats aren't turning into a sales opportunity though, presumably question marks will then appear over the viability of continued attendance.

So my question today, to you our valued dealer readers, is can you relate to what Pete is saying? Has the atmosphere been quieter at your local shows? Are visitor numbers down and are the people who are coming on to your stand displaying a lower level of interest or excitement in the machinery options on offer?

If that is indeed the case, that there is a dwindling of customer interest in what's available this season, it does raise an unavoidable thought. Will that consumer apathy be reflected in the big national trade shows we have coming up?

Sure, these large industry events will benefit from scale, more expansive exhibitor line-ups and the ability to attract visitors from much further afield. But presumably they are not immune to rising costs or changing customer behaviour?

So, if Pete’s experience is indicative of a wider public shift, will we see the same lack of buzz reflected in our trade shows this autumn – or can those events still provide the excitement, product interest and footfall that make a show worthwhile for dealers and manufacturers?

Let me know what you think in the comments below or drop me a line.

According to data released by the AEA, as has been the case all year, the number of agricultural tractors registered in the UK in July was higher than during the same month last year.

Agricultural economist at the Association, Stephen Howarth, explained, "The rate of increase was the lowest so far in 2026, though, with 6% more tractors licensed than in July 2025, bringing the monthly total to 934 machines. That level was around 6% below the average for the time of year during the previous five years, in line with the shortfall recorded in the first half of the year."

Registrations for the year to date were still running around 20% higher than in the opening seven months of 2025, totaling 6,889 units, and were also higher than in January to July 2024.

The organisers of GroundsFest have announced that Machinery Nation LIVE is back on 16 and 17 September at Stoneleigh Park with an expanded programme of demonstrations, challenges and interactive experiences.

Throughout both days, visitors can experience a schedule featuring live machinery demonstrations, chainsaw relays, tractor and loader challenges, and an ATV and UTV course.

Visitors will also have the chance to get up close to the latest equipment, speak to industry experts, compare machines side by side and pick up brand  giveaways.

Christopher Bassett, event director of GroundsFest, said, "Machinery Nation LIVE has been a huge success at GroundsFest over the past couple of years. It creates an incredible atmosphere and attracts huge crowds, combining genuine product demonstrations with entertainment that keeps visitors coming back."

Advanced Turf Technology (ATT) say they have strengthened their UK team with the appointment of Jeremy Vincent as sales manager.

John Coleman and Jeremy Vincent

Bringing more than three decades of industry experience to the role, Jeremy will be responsible for promoting both the Infinicut mower range and TMSystem collection of maintenance cassettes, developing customer relationships and supporting the dealer network throughout the UK and Europe. 

A familiar face to many in the professional turf care sector, Jeremy has previously held roles at both dealership and manufacturer level, developing extensive knowledge and experience in machinery sales, dealer management and the unique and exacting requirements of those working in fine turf and sports surface maintenance. Jeremy is also no stranger to ATT's ranges, having previously distributed the products at dealership level.

ATT managing director John Coleman said, “We’re delighted to welcome Jeremy to the team. His understanding of both our product and the market will be a valuable addition as we continue to develop our business and strengthen relationships with customers and dealers both at home and further afield.” 

Jeremy added, “With the recent reacquisition of the company back to its original ownership, it’s an exciting time to be coming on board and I’m very pleased to be back working alongside John Coleman and the rest of the ATT team. 

“I look forward to getting out and meeting owners and operators old and new over the coming weeks, and catching up with lots of familiar faces on our stand at SALTEX this November.”  

Following its debut at last year's show, The Workshop will return to SALTEX 2026, once again delivering hands-on machinery guidance to grounds professionals and volunteers looking to get the very best from their equipment.

Located in the same position on the show floor as last year, organisers the GMA say The Workshop will provide visitors with live expert advice and interactive Q&A sessions focused on machinery maintenance and performance optimisation.

Sessions will be led by Tom Stidder who has 28 years' experience in turf care and has worked across every level of the industry, from workshop technician through to senior technical training and consultancy roles with leading turf machinery manufacturers.

Now an independent trainer and advisor, Tom works with prestigious organisations including The Football Association (FA), the All England Club, The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and football clubs around the world.

Tom will be supported by Tom Spencer, who began his career in 2011 as a machinery technician with a major John Deere dealership where he worked across the full range of John Deere equipment before specialising in professional sports turf machinery, providing both technical support and servicing expertise.

Since 2022, he has operated independently, delivering technical advice, training and support to the likes of The FA and the Grounds Management Assocation (GMA). He also provides technical support and product training for Ventrac equipment on behalf of Price Turfcare.

Each day, visitors will have the opportunity to attend a series of focused 30-minute sessions, followed by a 30-minute Q&A.

As part of the enhanced programme for 2026, a dedicated SALTEX meet-up for mechanics will also take place. The informal gathering will provide an opportunity for mechanics and workshop professionals to discuss common challenges.

SALTEX takes place at the NEC Birmingham on 11-12 November 2026.

Briggs & Stratton has announced the appointment of Jamie Bailey as the company's new business development manager for electrification, leading Briggs & Stratton’s electrification strategy across EMEA.

Jamie steps into the role following five years of within the company, having progressed from service technician within the UK market to regional technical service leader for Central Europe, later expanding his responsibilities to include Southern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India.

In his new position, Jamie will lead efforts to support and accelerate Briggs & Stratton and Vanguard Battery Systems’ electrification initiatives across the EMEA region. The company says he will help identify new business opportunities, strengthen customer relationships and support the growth of their evolving power solutions portfolio as it progresses its transition towards electrification and new technologies.

Philipp Deubel, senior director of sales EMEA, said, “Jamie brings a rare combination of technical expertise, commercial awareness and strong customer relationships to this role. He understands both our products and our markets extremely well, which will enable him to play an important role in supercharging our growth and electrification ambitions across EMEA.”

Commenting on his appointment, Jamie Bailey said, “Electrification is a fast-moving and important area for our industry, and I’m looking forward to working closely with our customers, partners and teams across EMEA.”

STIHL has unveiled its new ALLPRO battery system, a next-generation professional battery platform designed to deliver more power, faster charging and increased flexibility for forestry, landscaping and groundcare professionals.

Developed to support demanding day-to-day applications, the ALLPRO system represents a major step forward in STIHL’s battery technology offering for professional users. The new system opens up more opportunities for professionals to transition from petrol-powered equipment to battery alternatives, while remaining compatible with STIHL’s existing AP battery system, including more than 80 tools.

At the heart of the ALLPRO range is a new generation of high-performance batteries engineered to provide increased power output, longer running times and significantly longer service life, while maintaining the robust durability expected from STIHL products. 

The system also introduces ultra-fast charging capabilities. When paired with the appropriate STIHL mobile fast charger, batteries can be charged to 80 per cent capacity in just nine minutes, helping to minimise downtime and maximise productivity on-site.

The launch of ALLPRO forms part of STIHL’s wider battery transformation strategy, opening up many fields of application where customers previously had to rely on combustion-powered equipment. STIHL continues to invest heavily in battery innovation technology, underscoring its ambition to position itself as a leading provider of outdoor power equipment in the battery segment.   

Paul Hicks, Product Manager at STIHL GB, said: “The launch of the ALLPRO battery system marks a significant milestone for STIHL and for our professional customers. ALLPRO has been developed to deliver the levels of power, durability and performance professionals demand, while also supporting the ongoing transition towards battery-powered equipment across forestry, arboriculture, landscaping and construction applications.

“By combining our experience in professional outdoor power equipment with decades of battery expertise, ALLPRO provides professionals with a system that can handle even the most demanding working environments.”

STIHL’s extensive network of Approved Dealers across Great Britain will be fully trained in ALLPRO battery technology via online and nationwide face-to-face events over the coming weeks. The STIHL Approved Dealer network will continue to help all customers choose the best tools, batteries and charge management solutions to suit their needs.

For more information on the new ALLPRO battery system, visit www.stihl.co.uk. 

The latest independent 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.

Since the site launched over 7 years ago, it has raised the profile of listed dealers to well over half a million potential customers and as the site is designed to promote the UK dealer network, all revenues have continued 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.

Map of dealerships registered with Garden Trader

FIND OUT MORE