Perhaps overlooked too often when discussing staffing is the notion of team member retention.
Firstly, a reminder that the time available to enter the Dealer Of The Year Awards is rapidly running out.
Dealers and manufacturers have until this coming Monday October 10th at 5pm to get nominations in for businesses and individuals.
It's going to be a great event this year, with expanded categories, so please don't miss out on gaining that recognition that you deserve. The Gala Awards dinner, that follows on from the day's Conference, is always a special night - and this year it could be your company and your people taking home the accolades.
Talking of the Conference, one of the key areas of concentration this year will be issues surrounding staffing in the dealership. One aspect of this subject that might perhaps not always receive as much attention as it should, is the notion of employee retention.
It's understandable that when considering the whole topic of staffing, focus can often be principally drawn to how do we attract candidates to vacant positions? Crucial to the ongoing success of any business though, must be doing all we can to ensure that key team members choose to stay.
I heard from a dealer contact just recently with a tale similar to one that, unfortunately, I've had related to me by several of our readers over the years. This dealership had taken on two apprentices who they had hoped would stick with the business - but alas, both decided to move on to other industries within a short space of time of each other. Finding two young people with an interest in our sector did seem "too good to be true" is how this dealer put it. But surely it shouldn't be?
Another dealer contacted me, exasperated that some recent advice they'd been given by a supplier to keep hold of staff was to basically throw money at the problem. They told me the supplier in essence said that dealers needed to “get our hands in our pockets and employ the best"! Hardly ground-breaking advice to what is a serious issue.
On a related note, I saw the results of a survey last week, that claimed one-third of all employees in the UK, which equates to almost 10 million people, feel undervalued at work. How accurate those figures are and what the veracity of the methods this survey employed to discover that, I can't attest to. What I can believe though is that anyone who feels undervalued at work - and not just financially - is likely to have their attention drawn elsewhere.
I mused a couple of weeks ago in this blog that perhaps an exercise such as entering the Dealer Of The Year Awards, could have the bonus result of a boost to staff morale. If some mutual backslapping were to take place as a consequence of taking a step back and considering everyone's achievements, that's all for the good. Hard work can be at risk of being taken for granted if it isn't acknowledged - which is not a healthy environment in which to work.
It does seem that there are some non-monetary steps that a business can take though, to help towards making sure staff opt to stay. In our upcoming issue of the magazine for example, our SME Digest editor Adam Bernstein, writes an article entitled 'Use stay interviews to understand employees'. In it Adam says that employers can find themselves in a double-bind. "On the one hand they can struggle to recruit, but on the other, they need to prevent good employees leaving," he states. "It makes sense, then, for employers to retain good employees and one tool to do this is to run what is termed a ‘stay interview’." Make sure you read the whole piece in the next mag where Adam explains exactly what this is.
Also at November's Conference, it's been confirmed that one of the workshop sessions, which will be run by specialist recruitment experts Stuart Goodinson and Grace Nugent, will be called 'Great Business or Great People - which is most important?' In it, they say they will work through with our dealer delegates " . .how to find the people your business needs, understand the things that will make them want to work with you and most importantly how to make sure they stay and grow with your business too". Sound advice indeed.
So whilst it may be worrying for business owners in this current climate, that staff might only be on the lookout for the largest pay packet - that might not necessarily be the case. Experts who clearly know way more about these things than I, do seem to have theories and practices that can be actioned in the workplace.
The trick will be finding which best suits your dealership and your staff.
Dealers who want to make sure their business or members of their team are in the mix to receive an honour have until 5pm on Monday 10th October.
Don't miss out because this year the Awards are bigger and better than ever.
Dealerships can put themselves and their staff forward for as many awards as they like - and manufacturers and suppliers are also invited to nominate those members of their network who they feel are deserving of recognition.
This year we are welcoming back our core product dealership categories - as well as retaining some of the special awards we introduced last year.
A judging panel will review all the nominations prior to the Awards Ceremony on the 24th November. All entries for the categories below will be considered by the judging panel for the prestigious Overall Dealer of the Year award (sponsored by Kress).
The Awards will be presented at the Gala Dinner following the Service Dealer Conference that takes place on Thursday 24th November 2022 once again at the Double Tree by Hilton Oxford Belfry Hotel, Thame, Oxfordshire. The theme for this year's Conference is Sustaining Dealerships.
In this week's WEB ONLY story, the business that began in servicing / repairs and trading in used tractors and secondhand machinery, has been building a portfolio of new equipment franchises.
Penrith-based Burrow & Rutter-Armstrong is the latest addition to the McCormick tractor dealer network, as the ARGO Tractors brand fills one of the few remaining gaps in its UK dealer coverage.
The Cumbrian dealership was founded in late 2019 by Jordan Rutter-Armstrong and Daniel Burrow. Serving farmers and others in the agricultural community across the Eden Valley, the business began not only in servicing and repairs, but also trading in used/ex-hire tractors and secondhand machinery, and building a portfolio of new equipment franchises including McHale round balers and forage equipment, Trioliet mixer wagons, Polaris ATVs, Smyth trailers and Major tankers and mowers.
“Adding our first tractor franchise to the list of machinery lines we already retail was a natural next step for our business,” says Jordan, who focuses on machinery sales and service, while Daniel oversees UTV/ATV sales/service. Both are backed by a fully-equipped workshop and a team of skilled and experienced technicians.
“‘We saw McCormick as an excellent addition to our product portfolio, completing our range of franchises.’’
Ben Agar, business development director at ARGO Tractors UK & Ireland, says he is pleased to have a young and hungry new dealership on the books to cover an important grassland area.
“We know there is significant untapped potential for McCormick sales across Cumbria, and I’m certain we have signed the best possible team in the area to take on the franchise and fulfil it.
"Burrow & Rutter-Armstrong have got off to a great start since signing with us, and we are looking forward to supporting them and their customers over the coming years.”
A sponsorship deal has been signed with two players of the rugby club from the men's and women's sides respectively.
STIGA have announced that they have signed a sponsorship deal with two players of the Exeter Chiefs rugby club from the men's and women's sides respectively.
With their head office based also in Devon, the manufacturer will be the official sponsor of Jonny Gray and Georgie Grimes and say they are looking forward to working together with them this season.
Jonny Gray
Scottish International, Jonny Gray joined the Chiefs in 2020 and plays alongside his teammate from Scotland, Stuart Hogg. In 2015 he was named captain of the Glasgow Warriors at the age of 21.
Georgie Grimes
Georgie Grimes started with rugby at 12 years old in Spain. After studying at Hartpury College in the UK, and playing in the Premier 15s side Gloucester-Hartpury, she joined the Exeter Chiefs in 2020. Georgie has also recently debuted for the England U20s.
Amanda Kincaid of STIGA said, “We are very happy to announce our sponsorship of Jonny Gray and Georgie Grimes. We cannot wait to watch these two exciting players this season and to know that we have helped them in some way through our support."
The company say they will be sharing more news about Jonny and Georgie and their collaboration with them throughout the rugby season.
New recruit joins with almost 30 years of experience in the agricultural machinery industry.
Stocks Ag has appointed David Blackwood to head up their sales team, both in the UK and across the globe.
David Blackwood
David joins Stocks with almost 30 years of experience in the agricultural machinery industry. A native of Northern Ireland, David grew up on a dairy farm and started out as a graduate engineer at the old Massey Ferguson tractor factory in Coventry.
Following AGCO’s acquisition, David worked for the multinational in many areas of the agricultural business - from sales, support, after-market as well as in distribution development across the world, spending five years at the Massey Ferguson Asia Pacific office in Singapore and six years in AGCO’s regional office in Melbourne Australia. Most recently David worked for the Fella and former Lely Welger factories as export business development manager.
"David brings a wealth of experience to Stocks", said James Woolway, managing director. "I am confident he will lead the sales team here in the UK, as well as develop our export business - we are lucky to have him."
David added, “I have come across Stocks Ag products in many parts of the world, from dual wheels in peat applications in Indonesia, to seeders in the far north of Japan, making this an irresistible opportunity. Stocks is well positioned to build on an excellent reputation and I am excited to be part of the new growth phase both in the UK and the rest of the world.”
Company announces packages including a five-year term that now offers up to 6,000-hours of protection.
Kubota (UK) Ltd have announced that they have extended their range of Kubota Care tractor warranty packages to include a five-year term that now offers up to 6,000-hours of protection.
The company says this latest option provides an additional 1,000 hours of cover over and above the previous maximum Kubota Care term of five years/5,000 hours.
Available on M6-002 and M7-003 models, this latest warranty extension can be selected up to 30 days following the installation date of the new tractor purchase.
Tim Yates, Kubota (UK)’s agricultural and ground care sales manager said, "We’ve offered a five year/5,000-hour warranty option across the M-series for a few years, but we’ve recognised that M6-002 and M7-003 models are those that are likely to be worked longer and harder. And this has led to the extension of our existing five year/5,000-hour package to a five year/6,000-hour option.”
Kubota Care is an extended warranty scheme that is backed by Kubota, and is not a third-party insurance policy. As such, Kubota Care does not require customers to pay an excess for any warranty claims that may arise.
In addition, any unused Kubota Care warranty is also transferrable with the tractor when supported by a full service history from the Kubota dealer network.
New low-cut deck was trailed over a two-month period in late spring and early summer.
Husqvarna have announced the launch of its new low-cut deck for the golf market, enabling their Ceora to manage more areas of the golf course.
The new robot wth the low-cut deck was recently trailed at Worcestershire Golf Club over a two-month period in late spring and early summer. The comany says this gave the parkland golf course a chance to experience the mowing results for themselves with, as they put it, "impressive results".
Hannah Cooper, professional segment manager at Husqvarna UK said, "With the new low cutting deck, we hope that more golf courses are able to offer players great golf experiences whilst reducing cost, noise, and CO2 direct exhaust emissions without compromising the turf quality."
The manufacturer says the new 43L cutting deck, will be able to mow an area of up to three regular-sized fairways every day and night. However, they continue, the new cutting deck is not limited to mowing fairways. With an electric cutting height adjustment system, the same robotic mower can operate fairways, semi-rough and rough, as well as other golf areas, at cutting heights from 10 to 60mm.
The new 43L cutting deck will go on sale in the first quarter of 2023.
It was back in 1969 when the company's first sprayer made its debut onto the market.
It was back in 1969 when the first Amazone sprayer made its debut onto the market - and now the 75,000th model off of the company's production line has been delivered to farmers and contractors, Robert Davidson & Son Ltd of Peldon in Essex.
L-R: Simon Brown, managing director, Amazone Ltd; James Faulkner & Robert Davidson, Robert Davidson & Son; Rupert Batho, territory manager, Amazone Ltd; Tim Osbourne, R.W. Crawford Ltd
Robert Davidson says they have been using an Amazone Pantera 4502 sprayer since 2015, but have recently chosen to upgrade to a brand new Pantera 4504 - which just happens to be a major milestone model in Amazone's history.
"We are delighted to take delivery of such an iconic machine", said Robert Davidson, the third generation and on the farm since the early 1970’s.
"The out-going model has done sterling service and, although we looked at what else was on the market, its narrow road width, 50kph road speed and improved suspension makes it ideal for our further away contract farms - plus the service support from Amazone and local dealer, R.W. Crawford contributed to our continuation with the Amazone brand.
‘Hopefully in a few years’ time," Robert concluded, "when we are ready for the next one, we will get the 100,000th machine."
Tyre-Line are pleased to announce that they will be showcasing the Revolutionary Michelin X Tweel Airless Turf tyres at this year’s SALTEX exhibition.
Tyre-Line are pleased to announce that they will be showcasing the Revolutionary Michelin X Tweel Airless Turf tyres at this year’s SALTEX exhibition.
The Michelin X Tweel is a single unit, replacing the existing tyre and wheel assembly with a No Maintenance, No Compromise & No Downtime tyre and wheel assembly. Michelin Tweels require no complex mounting equipment and once fitted require no inflation pressure maintenance. They provide a consistent hub height ensuring an even cut, excellent lateral stability on hillsides and sloped terrain along with excellent operator comfort even when navigating curbs and other bumps with unique energy transfer within the Polyresin spokes help to reduce the “bounce” associated with pneumatic tyres while providing improved handling.
The Michelin X Tweel Turf uses a multi-directional tread design optimized to minimize turf damage while providing excellent traction and a long service life thanks to high performance compounds and an efficient contact patch designed to give 2-3 times the wear life of the equivalent pneumatic tyre at equal tread depth.. Zero-degree, radial belts (under the tread) and a proprietary design provide great lateral stiffness whilst resisting damage and absorbing impacts. A heavy gauge steel hub designed to fit a variety of popular makes and models of Zero Turn mower is used, coupled with high strength, poly-resin spokes that are designed to carry the load and absorb impacts, help dampen the ride and provide a unique energy transfer that reduces pneumatic bounce.
With No Downtime & No Maintenance the Michelin X Tweel Turf is the ultimate option for both professional and commercial mower users as well as heavy use residential mowers.
The Michelin X Tweel Turf is only one part of the Michelin Tweel lineup, with versions also available for ATV/UTV, Skid Steer and Golf Buggies.
The Michelin X Tweel Turf is available to order now, with fitments for a wide range of makes and models of Zero Turn machines directly from Tyre-Line’s Aftermarket division.
Visit Stand D082 at this year’s SALTEX show at the NEC, Birmingham on 2nd & 3rd November for further information or contact the team on 01458 250350, aftermarket@tyreline.com
With over 400 brands showcasing products in three halls, across two days, at one location, SALTEX is a must-attend event for everybody operating in, or supplying to, the groundscare sector.
Now in its 76th year, Europe’s largest sports amenities and landscaping trade exhibition, SALTEX, will be held at Birmingham’s NEC over two days on 2-3 November.
With over 400 brands showcasing products in three halls, across two days, at one location, SALTEX is a must-attend event for everybody operating in, or supplying to, the groundscare sector.
At SALTEX you can:
Listen and learn from industry thought leaders
See over 400 brands all in one place
Stay up to date with the latest product innovations
Further your career with free advice and guidance
Connect with industry suppliers and partners
Get expert advice on your specific turf challenges
Network with national and international peers
Celebrate achievements at the GMA Industry Awards
What’s On?
In addition to learning about new products, services, and suppliers to the industry from home and abroad, SALTEX also has an extensive programme of events and learning opportunities.
Learning LIVE
The Learning LIVE schedule this year has been extended to over 30 sessions, with additional papers attacking the key issues for the grounds care industry of pay, career development, recruitment and retention, how to negotiate in the workplace and how to find out about the millions of pounds of grant funding available from sports clubs. But what’s at the heart of Learning LIVE and this year’s show is sustainability and the environment.
Those managing and maintaining sports turf and green spaces are already having to deal with the impact of climate change and industry suppliers are doing their best to innovate and help grounds people minimise the impact of droughts and floods. The session on reducing the impact of future water restrictions on golf and sports turf, for example, with Owen Turpin from the Environment Agency, Tony Hanson from Environmental Solutions International and Robin Price from Anglian Water discussing the water charter and how to deal with it will provide valuable practical advice.
There’s something for most sports surfaces from some of the best in the business. For rugby, Catherine Hall (Premiership Rugby), Dr David James (Labosport) and Dan Prest (GMA) talk about raising Premiership Rugby pitch standards. For cricket, Gary Barwell (Edgbaston Stadium), Karl McDermott (Lord's) and Steve Birks (Nottinghamshire CCC) discuss how new cricket formats impact on the modern-day grounds manager. Tennis is covered off by Neil Stubley (Wimbledon) who presents the All England Tennis and Croquet Club’s court expansion project.
But all top-level surfaces start somewhere – at grassroots level – and Rob Sullivan presents the Football Foundation's strategic ambitions to improve grass pitch quality and Chris Smith tackles the funding process to improve pitches. Perhaps there’s a role for hybrid pitches in the community – Dr Richard Earl (TGMS) reveals data findings from the Sport England hybrid pitch pilot for community use in London’s Regents Park.
The full seminar line up is available online at saltex.org.uk, but whether it’s elite sports grounds attendees are interested in or a strategy for grassroots football, Learning LIVE has it covered and provides the opportunity to build knowledge and stay ahead of the game.
Eco Village
The whole concept of the Eco Village is to showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices in grounds care and consider what is a sustainable piece of machinery – what’s the impact on the environment and how does it help achieve neutrality? The Eco Village features a programme of daily demonstrations of cutting-edge sustainable technology, offering visitors an opportunity of seeing several products in action. Plus, industry experts will offer advice on green technology and how it could benefit current working practices.
GMA Industry Awards
The GMA Industry Awards hosted by the BBC’s Mark Clemmit, are back for the 12th year. It’s so important to celebrate the achievements of individuals and teams operating in grounds management and is key to positive workforce development. With 18 awards and an evening to celebrate everyone nominated, it’s a ringing endorsement to the good work and talented people in the industry. Tickets to the event can be purchased at saltex.org.uk
So, whether working in educational establishments, community facilities, on private estates, or in sports clubs at grassroot, amateur, or professional level, if you’re passionate about keeping green spaces and playing surfaces safe, accessible, and sustainable, and you’re keen to stay ahead of the game in the grounds care industry, then SALTEX is the show for you. Register for your free ticket here:
“In 2021, there was a buzz and real enthusiasm for business: deals were being struck, demos were being organised, there were lots of new launches across the halls and I expect more of the same in 2022.” Geoff Webb, CEO for GMA, SALTEX organisers.
So don’t miss out, REGISTER NOW for #SALTEX2022 #AheadofTheGame
That’s the philosophy of Garden Trader and we have maintained our affordable annual subscription at £96 for the whole year. This equates to 26p per day and an average of just 83p for every potential customer the site delivers to dealers. Garden Trader has 160 skilled dealers subscribed up and down the UK and they are all benefiting from the 1m+ dealer search impressions the site generates each year. People want to buy from people and this highly targeted website is delivering quality leads to subscribed dealers for just 26p per day.
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.
The role requires a strong communicator with the drive and selling ability to create a strong dealer network that meets and exceeds the requirements of the retail customer.
ADVERTISE YOUR JOBS HERE Amazing success rates!
Advertise your recruitment needs on Serivce Dealer Weekly Update and reach our targeted audience of recipients every week.
