With Plan B coming to an end yesterday, are things starting to feel like they are returning to a normality for you and your dealership?

One thing that wasn't normal of course, was that the BTME exhibition that was meant to happen this week, was postponed. Along with LAMMA also not taking place this month, the industry has once again been denied its early year meet-ups - but unlike last year, at least both have dates in the diary relatively soon.

Other possible evidence that the industry is doing its level best to return to a normal a work pattern, are some reassuringly regular stories in today's Weekly Update. There's an interesting shuffling of the dealer network pack, new roles taken up at manufacturers, new franchises taken on by dealers, and trade shows returning to regular spots.

One can only hope that this trend back towards a less fraught and more settled path for the sector, is something that can continue throughout the year, giving dealerships the stability they so desperately need. We just need the supply chain to sort itself out now!

Winter servicing

An interesting barometer, that we'd like to hear your thoughts on today, that could perhaps be a gauge to just how 'normal' business is for dealers this year compared to last, is winter servicing. We're running our annual short survey on the subject today and we'd be grateful to receive input from as many of our dealer readers as possible.

When we asked you about winter servicing this time last year, we were of course in the midst of another strict lockdown. What we heard back then from dealers who responded was quite a mixed picture. Some were doing as well as they ordinarily would with their winter servicing - but a noticeable proportion of others were clearly feeling the pinch.

We heard from dealers who clearly felt that the restrictions in place at the time were most definitely adversely affecting their workshops. Comments included:

• "The service side is being hit due to the pandemic,"
• "I would say it is the steadiest January in 10 years,"
• "The pandemic is affecting us, as people are sticking to the rules locally and staying at home."
• "My customers think I am closed like many other businesses."

We even had dealers telling us they themselves weren't encouraging winter servicing because of the circumstances, with one saying, "Because of lockdown, I don't think we should be encouraging customers to make 'unnecessary journeys' to bring mowers in for service, so we have not sent out any service reminders this year which is normally very effective."

From what we were told, certainly for some, last year's winter servicing work most definitely took a hit due to the rules in play at the time. But with those barriers mostly removed this year, have you experienced an up-tick in your workshops?

If you have seen any increase in business, have you been able to cope with it as you would ideally like? As most seem to agree, finding new technicians in order to expand capacity is hardly the easiest - plus with the aforementioned supply chain crisis, are you even able to get hold of parts you need to undertake the work?

I've been speaking to a dealer for an article in an upcoming issue of the magazine, who told me, "When we finished for Christmas, we had 50 jobs sat in the workshop that we couldn’t complete, because they were all waiting for spare parts to come in. Shipment and courier issues just meant we couldn’t finish them off."

Does this sound like a familiar scenario to you? If so, please tell us about your experiences today. Indeed whatever you are experiencing at the moment we'd like to hear from you, to help us build a picture of the current situation.

We will be publishing the findings and a selection of your comments in the next issue of Service Dealer magazine. As ever, thanks in advance for your help.

TAKE THE SURVEY

Reesink UK has announced that David Banks has been appointed as their new managing director - with the role becoming effective on 1 February 2022.

David Banks

David joins after nearly seven years with JCB Industry where he was general manager. Described by Reesink as a "sales growth leader and marketing strategist", he has experience and expertise in building product portfolios, developing dealer networks, distribution and routes to market, sales processes and providing group leadership within both OEM and retail across multiple industries.

David, who succeeds David Cole in the role at the helm for Reesink UK, which incorporates responsibility for the Turfcare, Agriculture and e-Vehicles divisions, says, “I see my area of expertise as growing business across multiple sectors. While at JCB as general manager the business grew by 35 percent.” 

He continues: “Coming from an OEM gives a more broad view and I’m looking forward to having an autonomous role, working with Reesink’s dealers, branches and wider teams, building on the fantastic work that has already been done and expanding into different sectors with a continued focus on providing the very latest technologies as part of our key offering.

“It was very clear to me, that by joining Reesink UK, and the wider network of dealers and partners, I’d be working with individuals that pride themselves on delivering industry leading expertise and being true market leaders in their fields.”

David Banks has a three month handover period with David Cole, who leaves the business on 30 April 2022. 

David Cole says of David Banks’ appointment: “A key part of our recruitment process was to find a personality that would be a good fit with our business management team and employees, and David ticked those boxes. 

“As important was to look for an ‘entrepreneurial’ approach which is key to a distribution business representing different OEM brands across different market segments. David’s varied business experience to date should make that a good fit too. Finally, in any handover David will develop his own approach to taking the business forward, of course, but it was important that the incoming leader shared our values of integrity, professionalism and passion in all business activity.”

Stiga UK have announced the new appointment of Jack Brown as national sales manager - whilst at the same time Gary Philpott has joined the team as a territory manager for the southwest.

Jack Brown (above) initially joined Stiga (GGP) in 2015 as a territory manager, originally covering the East Midlands and East Anglia. In 2018 the area was expanded to incorporate Worcestershire, Shropshire, Warwickshire and Birmingham. 

Jack has been involved in the lawn and garden business for 18 years, starting off as a Saturday boy whilst at school, working for a local dealership. After finishing full time education, he joined as a member of the workshop team. After three years Jack was appointed as the service manager leading the team. During this time he also became heavily involved in robotics, selling, installing, and servicing, which lead him to take over the sales department a few years after for all garden machinery.  

Jack said, “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many great people along the way and forging lasting relationships. I look forward to meeting more of our customers on a national scale over the coming months and years.”

With over 27 years working in the outdoor power industry, Gary Philpott (above) meanwhile has an immense amount of technical knowledge and experience.

Gary joined Husqvarna back in 1995 as a technical support/warranty administrator which evolved into both technical and sales management roles over the next 24 years. After leaving Husqvarna in December 2018 Gary set up a business installing robotic lawnmowers. Whilst this was successful, he was asked to join Anglo American Oil Company (selling ASPEN) as an area sales manager which he took up.  Unfortunately, this was just before Covid, and the role ended abruptly in August 2020.

Getting back in to work Gary joined a local tree surgery company, saying, “Being involved in the trade from the other side of the fence was a fantastic viewpoint.”

On his new appointment though, Gary added, “I’m really excited by this role in what will likely be a challenging year ahead. Additionally, Stiga has its sights set on being a major player in the robotic lawnmower market with its current range of 5 models for the UK.”

Iseki UK & Ireland has announced the appointment of Andrew Donnachie as its new regional sales manager covering northern England, Isle of Man, Scotland and the island of Ireland. 

Andrew Donnachie

Andrew has joined Iseki UK with 10 years’ experience in the groundcare sector having previously worked for machinery dealer Thomas Sherriff & Co in Scotland.  He brings with himself a wealth of experience across all sectors within the groundcare industry.  Having started work in engineering at Thomas Sherriff & Co for the first 6 years, Andrew has a high level of technical knowledge and experience. This was followed by the last 4 years working in commercial machinery sales covering groundcare customers from the Lothians up to Edinburgh.  

Andrew’s role will be to support the dealers in his area with advice and demonstrations, ensuring the customer purchases the best product for their needs.7

Commenting on the new role Andrew said, “Having been aware of Iseki’s reputation for high quality, well-built machinery I am excited to be representing the company, I am looking forward to building good working relationships and helping the dealers with their customers.” 

Managing director, David Withers added, “I am delighted to have Andrew join us, the territory that he is taking over has seen huge growth over the last few years with sales in 2021 that were 75% higher than in 2017. We believe we can continue to grow at this rate and think Andrew will help drive this growth and get to our goal of doubling sales volumes within a 5 year period.”

Polaris has appointed Sharrocks Ltd as an authorised dealer for the Northwest and Midlands.

Supplying agricultural groundcare and construction machinery, Sharrocks now stocks the full Polaris utility line-up, including the Ranger, Sportsman and Youth, as well as genuine parts and accessories. They also operate a full demo and hire fleet of which the Polaris line-up is now a part of.

Originally opening almost 60 years ago, Sharrocks now run as a full-service dealer, including sales, parts and services, and specialise in supplying professional users such as universities, authorities and contractors. Looking to expand their offering, they say Polaris seemed like the perfect fit.

James Sharrock, managing director explained, “Polaris appeared to be a natural progression for us when looking to expand the range of ATVs and UTVs that we offer, especially with their level of dealer support throughout these difficult times, as well as their development of electric vehicles which we know to be a highly lucrative market.” 

Traditionally offering utility vehicles & golf buggies, Sharrocks will also introduce recreational vehicles to their line-up, including the RZR. The Company will also campaign a race prepared RZR Turbo S in the 2022 British SXS Racing Championship sponsored by Polaris Britain.

Campey Turf Care Systems has appointed 15 new dealers across the Middle East and Pan-Asia as part of their new rationalised international dealer network.

Campey on tour in the UAE December 2021

This new initiative is being led by Campey export sales manager Nick Brown. The company say the move to expand the international dealer network to 32 has been made to give customers a personalised experience from country to country and ensure they are being advised by professionals who understand their needs.

Nick explains: “We’ve put in 15 new distributors since July of 2020 with more to come, and we’ve enhanced the sales channel. We haven’t taken anything away. I’ve looked at areas where we haven’t had representation and put a distributor in to work the market instead of just leaving it to one individual who lives in the UK to understand all the different cultures and scenarios.”

Nick continued, “I think after spending 18 months at home looking after the export region for the business, going back in front of customers is great for us because it is what Campey does best.

 “I hope as we visit more people in different countries, we can offer a different perspective and deliver practical alternatives with innovative, reliable products. Campeys great customer service will continue to make a difference in these new markets.”

The organisers of the Landscape Show 2022 say they intend to bring more exhibitors, more visitors and more features than ever before to Hall 3 at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on the 28th and 29th September.

This year Landscape will introduce brand new features, including a Student Showcase by London College of Garden Design, and an additional program of ‘How to’ Seminars alongside their program of 40 CPD accredited sessions for anyone in the industry.

Back again is the Pecha Kucha 20x20, Meet the Designer, Best In Show Competition and Women in the Industry event, this year to run in conjunction with #Yes She Can. This year the design competition, will be supported by the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust.

Visit the show's website to register for free entry, 

New Holland Agriculture announced this week that it will be official sponsor of the Giro d’Italia 2022.

The brand will accompany the world’s best cyclists on the roads around and beyond Italy as they tackle the 21 stages of the first Grand Tour of the year.

Sean Lennon, vice president Europe New Holland Ag said, “We are very excited about this sponsorship. New Holland is known for its widespread network and close relationship with its customers, and with this collaboration, during the three weeks of the Giro d’Italia, we will be alongside the many fans and rural communities who follow the competition with passion. We will join them on the roads around the country, supporting together the best cyclists in the world as they make their way in the cities and across the countryside.

The Giro d’Italia is one of the prestigious annual three-week-long Grand Tours and is usually the first to be run in the year, followed by the Tour de France and the Vuelta de España. Now in its 105th year, it made its debut in 1909. The 2022 edition is set to start in Budapest on May 6 and continue in Hungary for the first three stages before heading for Italy. The Italian Grand Tour will finish on 29 May, when the riders will have completed the 21 stages.

Carlo Lambro, New Holland brand president, added, “Through this collaboration with a sporting event that has such an extensive following across the
world, with many fans in the farming communities, the New Holland brand will achieve great visibility for the innovation, advanced technology and performance it offers to customers.”

In the run up to the Giro d’Italia, New Holland say they will invite its customers, dealers and employees to participate in a programme of initiatives and communication activities linked to the event.

Due to continued growth an opportunity has arisen for an experienced Field Service Engineer to join the World’s leading supplier of Turf technology to the golf and turf care industry.

Bernhard’s brand reputation is firmly built on its commitment to product training and support and a customer focused approach is pivotal to this role. You will be required to attend Golf Courses and Sports Grounds all over the UK to service, commission and repair our products.

As this role is field based you would need to be comfortable with driving a company van and staying away from home on a regular basis, occasional travel outside the UK may also be necessary.

You will also be expected to support R&D in designing and improving existing product and subsystems as part of Bernhard’s commitment to continuous improvement.

Summary of main responsibilities

Travel to current and prospective customer locations in the UK, and global as required.

On site installation and commissioning of products.

On site visits for problem solving to maintain and repair our products.

Provide remote support on technical issues for global customers from first contact to resolution.

Fault diagnosis for electrical and mechanical issues.

Root cause analysis of problems.

Systematically log calls and outcomes.

Report issues and trends encountered in the field into the R&D process.

Support R&D in designing and improving existing product and subsystems as part of continuous improvement.

To carry out other tasks and duties within the factory as required from time to time.

To always represent and act in the interests of the company.

Key Requirements

• Ideally qualified in machinery engineering or equivalent experience to a high standard.
• Experience in using Bernhard griding machinery
• Industry experience would be beneficial.
• A systematic approach to fault finding and the ability to use a multi-meter to diagnose electrical faults
• Good PC skills are essential, and you will be expected to work with existing CRM and document management tools to be able to systematically log calls and outcomes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage time effectively, prioritise and oversee multiple projects.

Whilst the role will involve travel within the UK and occasional global travel, our manufacturing and customer care facility is based Haverhill, near Cambridge, so you will be expected to work with the office team at this location when not in the field.

Closing date: 28th February 2022

To apply for the position or find out more, please email a covering letter and résumé to recruitment@bernhard.co.uk

About the Company

Bernhard is a Queens Award winning manufacturer of maintenance equipment to the golf and turf industry worldwide, helping customers achieve world class playing surfaces. Recognised as the leading supplier of Turf technology, the Company has a global presence within its niche markets and a heritage dating back over 150 years.

Job purpose

Emak Group is one of the leading players at the world level, offering innovative solutions for gardening, agriculture, forestry, and industry.

We manufacture and distribute machines, components, and accessories of high technological value, designed to render the activity of our customers easier and more efficient.

Within the organization of Emak UK Ltd. based in Birmingham, part of Emak Group, We are looking to recruit a crucial role for our organization: a Commercial Sales Office Manager who will directly report to the UK General Manager.

Duties and responsibilities

• Manage the ordering process of Spare parts and Machinery accordingly to the sales planning and manufacturing plant to guarantee a proper level of stock.
• Organizing shipments inbound with manufacturers and suppliers.
• Liaising with customers managing telephone calls, order processing, and technical advice.
• Managing Price Lists – Producing and updating regularly also on SAP portal
• Supporting dealer network by providing a best in class customer service.
• Managing machine stock’ level in the warehouse.
• Preparing weekly commercial report by using excel formulas and functions
• Support the Dealers with product technical information in connection with the Service team

Requirements

Excellent communication, organizational and time management skills.
Ability to work well in a team-based environment.
Proactive approach, verbal and written communication skills.
Availability to move within UK territory for short business trips.
Must be self-motivated and able to work autonomously.

Interested candidates can forward CV and cover letter to recruiting@emak.co.uk within 10th February, 2022.

STIHL has launched a new professional clearing saw that boasts a faster-cutting speed and optimised gearbox, offering landscaping professionals and groundskeepers greater performance and a larger cutting diameter, to tackle the toughest clearing jobs. 

The new FS 411 C-EM is lightweight and powerful, with an optimised gearbox where the gear ratio has been modified to suit a larger cutting diameter of 520 mm, allowing professionals to quickly cover larger cutting areas with ease. For added durability, the gearbox includes an updated main bearing and an additional labyrinth seal for improved lubrication.

With user comfort in mind, STIHL’s FS 411 C-EM includes an updated ergonomic handle tube and improved guard enabling clearer visibility of the attachment whilst providing comfortable use for longer. Work with the new clearing saw can be done efficiently and precisely due to its powerful performance and increased cutting diameter.

Like the previous FS 410 C-EM, the FS 411 C-EM has a 4-point anti-vibration system, ErgoStart for easy starting and tool-free handle adjustment. This new model is also quieter and can be used with a wider range of STIHL cutting attachments such as circular saw blades, line heads, a shredder blade or brush knives.  

Ignition timing and fuel metering are precisely controlled using the STIHL M-Tronic 3.0 electronic engine management system. External factors such as temperature, altitude and fuel quality are also taken into account by M-Tronic 3.0, resulting in consistent engine performance, efficient fuel usage and excellent acceleration. 

The FS 411 C-EM is one of a series of new and improved brushcutters STIHL will be launching this year, all with wider cutting widths, improved gear head and lower vibrations. 

For more information on STIHL’s range of clearing saws, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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