It's our job today to feature some unfortunate news regarding dealerships RVT and Teme Valley Tractors, whose owners have released a statement that gives notice of intention to appoint an administrator - due to "challenges currently facing the group."

Whilst undeniably concerning, we should bare in mind of course that the official statement says that as things stand, they are not currently in administration. 

The move this week, they say, is to help find the "best route forward for the future of the business." I'm sure all reading this today would wish them success with that and hope that whatever the outcome, talented dealership staff are not lost to the industry.

Our lead news this week does feel somewhat in contrast to last Friday, when we talking about the number of dealerships who were looking at the growth potential of signing up with new machinery franchises. Speaking of which, I received an insightful reply to my Summer Signing Frenzy blog, by our friend, former diarist of the season, Pete McArthur of Strathbogie Forest & Garden. He offered an important perspective on what we were discussing. 

Pete said -

"Interesting Steve, great to take on another brand / franchise but quite often with this brings an even bigger headache . . . staffing up!

I think we could all agree that staff is a key factor in being able to sell & service another brand / franchise and one of the biggest challenges we face is recruitment.

The internet is a great place to sell multiple brands but bricks & mortar will always be the specialist until AI catches up . . . and that's closer than you think! (Possibly another topic 'How will AI help or hinder our businesses?')"

Thanks Pete. This is indeed a fair and timely reminder from the front lines, that staffing remains a genuine concern for dealers around the country. It is absolutely encouraging to see so many dealerships announcing fresh partnerships but it is never as simple as merely placing another badge above the door. The resourcing of people looms large and, as Pete points out, is the "key factor".

We have spoken about recruitment in our pages and at our Conference many times over the years. I'm sure everyone reading this today would agree that both skilled technicians or enthusiastic candidates willing to learn, are in short supply. Salespeople with product knowledge are also increasingly hard to find we are told, and many businesses are facing the double-whammy of an aging workforce and hardships in attracting younger talent. Bringing on a new franchise isn’t just about stocking machines - it’s 100% about ensuring you have the expertise on hand to sell, service and support them.

I suppose the ideal scenario for a dealership is to balance investment in products with equal investment in staff. However, saying this and achieving it - I'm absolutely willing to concede - are two very different things. 

There clearly are some young people out there who want to join our industry and find success in their roles - as evidenced today by the news from WeAreLandbased about the winning technicians. The LE-TEC organised scheme is doing all they can to promote and explain what a career in this sector can offer to youngsters starting out. Our dealer readers who are looking to fill roles in their businesses, must be hoping they are lucky enough to find someone like the three motivated winners highlighted today.

Finally, Pete mentioned the use of AI in dealerships and how there's more for us to talk about on that subject. Well, Pete, look out for the upcoming issue of Service Dealer magazine, that has an exciting announcement about a new session planned for December's Conference!

Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd has been appointed as an authorised dealer for AVR, a Belgian manufacturer specialising in potato machinery.

L-R: Graham Parker, Ernest Doe sales director; Andy Starbuck, UK country manager AVR; Shane Johnson, UK field service manager AVR; Tom Clark, Ernest Doe Sutterton branch & sales manager

AVR offers a complete range of equipment for potato growers – including cultivators, planters, ridgers, toppers, trailed and self-propelled harvesters, and in-store handling solutions.

Graham Parker, sales director at Ernest Doe, said, "This partnership strengthens our vegetable machinery range and ensures our customers have access to high-quality, cost-effective equipment, backed by the service and support they expect from Ernest Doe."

Andrew Starbuck, country manager UK, AVR, added, "Partnering with Ernest Doe & Sons is an important step in strengthening AVR’s presence in the UK. Their extensive branch network, experienced sales teams, and strong aftersales support make them the ideal partner to deliver our machinery to potato growers throughout the Ernest Doe trading area."

While the Sutterton and Littleport branches will lead AVR machinery sales, the brand will be available across the full Ernest Doe branch network. The company says they now have a Puma self-propelled four-row harvester ready for demonstration this season.

We Are Land-based Engineering, which is run by the Land-based Engineering - Training and Education Committee (LE-TEC Ltd), has announced the winners of the Land-based Engineering Technician of the Year Award 2025.

The organisers say this award recognises the next generation of engineering talent driving innovation and excellence across the land-based sector in the UK. With record-breaking entries received, technicians across the country were nominated by their peers, colleagues, employers and lecturers to this year’s awards, answering questions set by the We Are Land-based Engineering panel.

1st Place -

Alfie Holstead, representing Grimme UK, has been awarded 1st place. Nominated by his lecturer at Reaseheath College, Alfie stood out for his exceptional technical ability, dedication to continuous learning, and passion for agricultural engineering. His achievement highlights the vital role of apprenticeships and education in shaping the future of the industry. Alfie was awarded a Kubota Tool Box as his prize. Alfie commented, "I was already over the moon to hear I’d won 1st place, but to find out what my prize was, it’s incredible. Thank you to those involved in the judging process and to Kubota UK for the prize”.

2nd Place -

Taking 2nd place is Joe Sweetmore of B&B Tractors, whose nomination came from his service manager. Joe impressed the judges with his level of hands-on expertise, excellent problem-solving skills, and commitment to delivering high-quality service in a fast-paced environment. Joe was awarded a Makita UK Radio for coming second place.

3rd Place -

3rd place was awarded to Anna Welland of Rea Valley Tractors, nominated by her lecturer at Writtle College. Anna’s strong academic performance, practical aptitude, and enthusiasm for the sector made her a standout candidate and a role model for aspiring technicians. Anna received a Makita UK Tool Kit for coming third in the competition, this will be invaluable to her career moving forward.

Charlie Nicklin, CEO of Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) said, “As judges it was a challenge to get to our three winners from the fantastic array of entries we had this year. The three technicians chosen are a credit to their employers and have individually shone through for a variety of reasons, including technical ability, commitment and passion in their roles. They are all great ambassadors for our industry and will hopefully inspire others going forward”.

Gareth Ford of the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) added, “These three outstanding technicians showcase the skills, talent, and dedication that our industry has to offer. Their achievements reflect the strength of our training providers, employers, and the wider land-based engineering community.”

Nick Darking, general manager of BAGMA, concluded, "The calibre of the entrants we saw in this year’s Land-Based Engineering Technician of the Year was outstanding, filling myself and my fellow competition judges with pride and optimism for the new talent emerging across the board.” 

Colin Harding and Medwyn Evans from RVW Pugh Ltd were both presented with the prestigious Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s (RWAS) long service medal. 

Colin Harding and Medwyn Evans

Both Colin and Medwyn were presented with their awards at the Royal Welsh Show in July. This much coveted medal is awarded to individuals who have served over 40 years consecutively in the agricultural industry with no more than 3 employers. 

Colin was awarded for 49 years, and Medwyn 47 years, totaling 96 years combined experience in the agricultural dealership industry. Both are very well known and respected members of the RVW Pugh team at the head office in Churchstoke.

Both Colin and Medwyn started their careers within an agricultural dealership environment back in the 1970s at Shukers, a Massey Ferguson dealer. Medwyn joined RVW Pugh as parts manager in 2000 from Willis Brothers, the previous Massey Ferguson dealer for the area. Pughs say he can still recite most filter parts numbers across the decades from memory! 

Colin joined RVW Pugh as area sales rep in 2007 after the closure of FH Burgess. He has been a familiar face at Oswestry and Welshpool markets and local shows over the years, always ready to share an anecdote from the industry. 

Andrew Purnell, sales director for RVW Pugh Ltd, who nominated them both for their awards said, "Colin and Medwyn have a wealth of knowledge and are well liked by both customers and staff throughout the area. I’m very pleased that they have been recognised for their service to the agricultural industry, and are an inspiration to us all."

Robert Pugh commented on the award recognition, saying, "It has been a pleasure to work with Colin and Medwyn. They have seen the industry, and indeed our business, navigate huge change over the last 20 years alone. They are both incredibly loyal staff members, committed to the organisation and good fun at the Christmas parties!"

Merlo S.p.A. has acquired the remaining shares of Merlo Deutschland GmbH from the Clewing family, giving the Italian manufacturer 100% ownership of its German subsidiary.

L-R: Henrich Clewing, managing director, Merlo Deutschland GmbH and Paolo Merlo, CEO, Merlo Group

The move marks the next step in a 33-year partnership between the Merlo and Clewing families, building on decades of shared success in the German market.

“This decision is part of a history built on trust, common values and a shared vision, ensuring full operational continuity,” said Paolo Merlo, CEO of the Merlo Group. “Like Henrich Clewing, I believe this new structure will strengthen the brand’s presence and support long-term growth.”

Henrich Clewing will remain as managing director of Merlo Deutschland GmbH, leading a team of 50 employees. The Clewing family will also continue to hold an operational role in the business.

Merlo says the full acquisition will allow it to engage more directly with German customers, offering more personalised, timely and effective support. 

Cobra is powering into the future with its most comprehensive cordless range yet – the Cobra 40VX system. 

Combining high-performance lawn mowers with a full suite of handheld garden tools, the 40VX platform offers a complete, low-maintenance alternative to petrol, all powered by a single interchangeable battery.

As the shift to battery-powered garden machinery accelerates, the 40VX range gives dealers a timely opportunity to meet demand with a premium, professional-grade system designed specifically for UK gardens.

Building on Cobra’s Legacy of Excellence

The 40VX range is the latest evolution of Cobra's commitment to delivering robust, high-performance garden machinery. With a solid reputation in both petrol and battery-powered garden machinery,  the 40VX range not only builds on Cobra's established expertise in the battery-powered sector but takes it to the next level with even more powerful and efficient solutions for a broader range of garden sizes and needs.

The result is a series of high-performance, low-maintenance, and environmentally-friendly tools that offer all the power of traditional petrol machines, but with quieter operation, fewer emissions, and minimal upkeep. Each mower in the 40VX series is designed to provide the same quality, durability, and user-friendly features Cobra’s petrol models are known for, but with the added convenience of cordless power. 

The range’s advanced lithium-ion batteries ensure extended runtimes and faster charging times, meaning users can complete their garden tasks without compromising on performance. With features like robust steel decks, high-lift blades for better grass collection, and mulching capabilities for a cleaner, more sustainable finish, the 40VX range represents Cobra's continued innovation in the garden machinery market.

Complete Cordless Coverage: Mowers and More

At the heart of the 40VX system is the new MX series of battery-powered lawn mowers. Designed to cover a broad range of garden sizes and user needs, the range includes:

• MX3440VX – A compact 13.5" (34cm) mower for tight spaces and smaller gardens
• MX3840VX – A 15" (38cm) model offering lightweight manoeuvrability with added coverage
• MX4140VX – A 16" (41cm) mower ideal for small to medium lawns
• MX4340VX – A 17" (43cm) option offering greater reach and cutting capacity
• MX460S40VX – A self-propelled 18" (46cm) mower for effortless mowing over larger areas
• MX51S40VX – The flagship model, a self-propelled 20" (51cm) mower for maximum efficiency on expansive lawns

Coming later in 2025: Three new rear roller models, ranging from 16" to 20", will be added to the 40VX range. With both push and self-propelled options, they’re perfect for achieving a traditional striped lawn finish.

The mowers feature robust steel decks, high-lift blades for improved grass collection, and mulching capabilities for a cleaner, more sustainable finish.

In addition to mowers, Cobra has also introduced a range of handheld tools, including:

• GT35040VX Grass Trimmer – Lightweight and precise, perfect for edging and tight corners.
• LB55040VX Leaf Blower – High-speed airflow for efficient garden clean-up
• HT55040VX Hedge Trimmer – Dual-action blades for clean, sharp cuts on hedges and shrubs.
• CS35040VX Chainsaw – Compact but powerful, designed for pruning and log cutting with reduced vibration and noise.
• MT40VX Multi Tool Kit – Versatile multi-tool kit including Power-Head, Pruner and Articulating Hedgetrimmer.
• A range Multi-Tool Attachments – Hedgetrimmer, Pruner, Lawn Edger, Brushcutter, Grass Trimmer.

Interchangeable Power. Endless Possibilities.

One of the key advantages of the 40VX battery system is its interchangeability across the entire range of Cobra mowers and handheld tools. This allows users to seamlessly switch between their lawnmower, trimmer, blower, hedge cutter, and chainsaw using the same reliable power source — maximising efficiency and reducing downtime.

Cobra is continuing to build on the 40VX platform with even more tools set to launch soon. These additions reinforce Cobra’s position at the forefront of cordless garden innovation, providing customers with a comprehensive range that meets all their maintenance needs.

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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