We have a new name to add to the line-up of expert speakers for this year’s Service Dealer Conference today, and I think our latest addition promises to deliver a particularly thought-provoking session for our valued dealer delegates.

Colonel Julian Salusbury, formerly of the Welsh Guards, will be joining us on December 3rd to explore a subject that feels especially relevant to anyone running a small business: the importance of character in leadership.

Now, I would not be so bold as to preempt what Colonel Salusbury might have to say, but his background certainly suggests he’ll have plenty of experience to draw upon. Having served as an Army officer for more than 27 years, his career has taken him on operations in Northern Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan and the wider Middle East, alongside roles in training, ceremonial duties and senior staff positions within the Ministry of Defence.

All of which is, of course, an entirely different working environment to the one most of our dealer readers operate in day to day (even if some reading this might perhaps describe certain customer or supplier interactions as minor skirmishes!) However, I have no doubt that there are some interesting and direct parallels to be drawn.

Because while the exact circumstances might be worlds apart, the fundamentals of leadership aren't necessarily so different. How do you build trust in the people around you? What happens when plans go awry, pressure mounts or things simply don't go as you'd hoped? And how do your own actions influence the way your team responds?

These are questions that will likely be familiar to anyone who has run a dealership, particularly in a year when trading conditions have presented plenty of obstacles of their own.

Colonel Salusbury has said his session, entitled The Importance of Character in Leadership, will examine how character is built when things are going well, revealed when things go wrong and strengthened by the way we respond. Drawing on his experience in defence, he'll explore the everyday behaviours that help build trust, as well as how adversity and disappointment can help shape better leaders.

It sounds like the type of session that the organisers of the Service Dealer Conference always seem to get right. Pulling in someone from a sector outside of our own, but whose experiences (in this case of leadership) can leave delegates with plenty of useful food for thought for their own businesses long after they've left the Conference.

And this is just one element what’s planned for December. The theme this year is Culture; specifically, the culture created within dealerships, why it matters and how it can influence everything from staff engagement and customer relationships to a company’s ability to adapt and succeed.

Alongside Colonel Salusbury's Insight Session, we've got a range of fascinating speakers and breakout sessions lined up. You can find out more about the programme and the other speakers on the Service Dealer website.

So, if you haven't already made plans to join us, do make sure you're there on December 3rd. The Conference is a great opportunity to step away from the day-to-day demands of the business, share experiences with fellow dealers and take home ideas that could make a genuine difference.

And one other thing, don't forget there is still time to get involved in this year's Dealer of the Year Awards. Nominations are open until October 24th, and whether you enter your business or nominate a staff member who deserves recognition, we'd love to hear from you.

We look forward to seeing you in December!

Organisers of December's Service Dealer Conference have confirmed that Colonel Julian Salusbury (late Welsh Guards) will be presenting an Insight Session for our dealer delegates.

Colonel Salusbury has served as an Army officer for over 27 years. Commissioned in 1999 after a year at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, he has deployed on operations, conducted State Ceremonial and Public Duties in London and delivered training. His operational experience includes tours in Northern Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan and the broader Middle East, with both his Regiment and Coalition forces.

He also commanded the Yorkshire Officers’ Training Regiment from 2018-2021. As a staff officer, he has had roles at Army HQ, the Permanent Joint HQ and in the Ministry of Defence, Whitehall. He has recently completed the Global Strategy Programme at the Royal College of Defence Studies and is now back in the Ministry of Defence, Whitehall.

Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke, said, “Colonel Salusbury’s career speaks for itself. I heard him talk back in the Summer and I know his approach and messages will be so interesting to our dealer audience and compliment what is such a strong speaker line up. We are delighted he is joining us.”

At the Service Dealer Conference Colonel Salusbury will be delivering an Insight Session entitled, The Importance of Character in Leadership.

He will consider how character is built when things are going well, revealed when things go wrong, and strengthened by how we respond. Drawing on his experience across defence, Colonel Salusbury will explore the everyday behaviours that build trust, and how adversity and disappointment can shape us into better leaders.

You can find out more about the Service Dealer Conference & Awards on our website.

John Deere say that apprentices on their agriculture, turf and parts engineering programmes are completing their training at a rate well above the national average. 

The manufacturer says more than 90% of those who start their course go on to successfully complete it, compared with around 60% nationally.

The level of achievement is also high with 74% of apprentices receiving a merit or distinction from their End Point Assessment (EPA) – the final, independent evaluation that an apprentice must pass to prove they are fully competent in their job role. 

A merit or distinction is only awarded to those who score 75% or above, which is broadly equivalent to an A grade at A-level. 

On top of this, say Deere, every apprentice completing the programme has passed their EPA for the fourth consecutive year.

John Deere branch training manager, Allan Cochran, explained, “Achieving a 91% programme achievement rate is something we are extremely proud of, particularly when considering where the national average stands.

“To see almost three-quarters of our Level 3 apprentices achieving a merit or distinction shows they are not only completing the course, but performing at the very highest level.

“These results are a fantastic reflection of the commitment shown by our apprentices, their dealers and mentors, and everyone involved in delivering the programme.

“We would like to congratulate every apprentice who has reached this milestone and thank the dealers, mentors and training staff who have played such an important part in their success.”

Frankie Allen MBE, who will be speaking at the Service Dealer Conference on December 3rd - who already held the titles of Paralympic Gold Medalist, 4x World Champion, 4x European Champion and current World Record holder on the GB Paralympic Rowing Team - has now topped the rankings of row2k's annual list of the Top 5 Para Rowers in the World.

Frankie said, "I was incredibly surprised and honoured to find out that I had been ranked number one para rower in the world! 

"It is a huge privilege to be a small part of the community of incredible para rowers who continue to drive the sport forward. I am incredibly proud to be a part of it, and very grateful to everyone whose support has helped me get to this point. 

"A massive credit has to go to the athletes that have come before me, and those alongside me in the team, who have continually driven the standard on and I feel honoured to be able to carry a little part of that forward.

"Thank you row2k for the recognition, and to everyone who has been a part of the journey so far."

Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke, added, "Frankie Allen MBE has achieved so much already and we are delighted she will be joining us at Service Dealer Conference in a couple of months as one of our guest speakers. Huge congratulations Frankie, number one in the world! See you on 3rd December."

At our Conference Frankie will talk about the importance of culture and how a team can work towards the same end goal even when its individual members have very different motivations and reasons for being there. A relevant message for any dealership team.

Visit our website for more details about the Service Dealer Conference & Awards.

According to data released by the AEA registrations of agricultural tractors in the UK returned to year-on-year growth in September.

The Association said the 1,033 machines recorded during the month was 11% more than at the same time last year, although it was still a little below the five-year average for the time of year.

Agricultural economist at the AEA, Stephen Howarth, explained, "Compared with 2025, the growth rate has slowed as the year has progressed. Only 7% more tractors were registered in the third quarter of 2026 than 12 months before; in the first half of the year, the market increased by 22%. Nevertheless, the number of tractors registered this year has already reached 95% of last year's total, with three months of 2026 remaining."

Stephen continued, "The number of tractors registered in the last 12 months (October 2025 - September 2024) topped 10,000 machines for the first time since the year ending in February 2025. That is still towards the bottom end of the range seen historically, though, indicating that the recovery remains slow and partial, with confidence remaining low across UK farming."

Dan Palmer has been welcomed back to Ernest Doe as their groundcare general manager, based at Ulting.

Dan first joined the dealership in 1999 in domestic horticultural sales. He went on to help grow their golf buggy business and later worked in agricultural sales at their Colchester branch. Since leaving Ernest Doe, Dan has worked as an area manager for New Holland and, most recently, as a national sales manager covering golf buggies, utility vehicles and quad bikes.

Ernest Doe say Dan returns with a wealth of experience and knowledge across groundcare, golf equipment and machinery sales. In a statement on their LinkedIn, the company said, "We’re excited about the future of our groundcare department and look forward to seeing it develop under Dan’s leadership."

Designed for professional use, STIHL has launched the new BRA 600 battery-operated backpack blower, with maximum blowing force for clearing large areas. 

The new battery-powered machine provides high air speed, with a maximum blowing force of up to 35 newtons, available throughout the entire tool’s operating time, making it ideal for removing heavy, wet leaves quickly and efficiently. 

Users can also regulate the required blowing force by selecting one of the tool’s three levels using its digital control, with an additional boost mode available to achieve the machine’s maximum power.

Built to reduce strain over prolonged use, the BRA 600 has a comfortable carrying system which distributes the weight of the machine across your shoulders and hips, allowing for maximum comfort.

With STIHL’s Noise Reduction System built in, the machine offers reduced noise as well as a tuned sound to make it less intrusive when used in public areas, allowing professional users to work productively at all times of day. 

As STIHL’s first 72 V professional machine, the BRA 600 can draw energy simultaneously from new ALLPRO System batteries – leading the STIHL battery range. However, STIHL’s AP 500 S battery system will also achieve efficient levels of power. 

Complete with an LED display, which details the mode the device is working in and battery charge levels, the tool can also be incorporated into STIHL’s Connected digital fleet management system.

The Connected system provides a detailed overview of all relevant machine data and provides the option to reduce the tool’s power remotely via the STIHL Connected app.  To facilitate use in the rain, the BRA 600 is IPX4-certified.

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.

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