We report on more consequences for our industry today, as a direct result of the pandemic.

Firstly the story that Handy are closing their retail store in Swindon, after having a presence in the Wiltshire town for 82 years, is sad news.

Chairman Simon Belcher explains to Service Dealer that the move was necessary so they can concentrate fully on the wholesale side of their business, as the brands which they deal in are seeing tremendous growth. He also gave an interview to their local paper this week, the Swindon Advertiser, where he said, "The issue with the retail business is that it’s very staff-hungry but only makes money three months of the year."

He went on to be quoted, "If the profit is split over 12 months of the year, it’s more manageable to cope with this situation. But when you only make the money in three months of the year it’s like having lockdown all year."

The move towards closure and redundancies is such a genuine shame for the company and its employees. It brings into focus just how important it is for dealerships of all sizes to find ways to remain profitable year round and not just in the height of the selling season. In years like this (not that 2020 is in anyway common!) areas of the dealership like the parts department and in particular the workshop, play such a vital role in keeping a business viable.

We can only hope that this is not the beginning of reporting on more stories like this.

Online sales have proven an incredibly useful tool for many dealers so far this year, but the continuation of a thriving bricks and mortar servicing dealer network, is fundamental to the industry. Manufacturers and suppliers know this, so one hopes that any support that dealers currently require, is available and ongoing.

It is also unfortunate today to be reporting on further industry event cancellations. For what I think is the first time for our sector, we're bringing you news of the ruinous touch of covid stretching into 2021. 

BIGGA calling off January's BTME turf machinery exhibition this early is a bold move. The Association clearly believes that a major, well attended indoors exhibition and educational event, early in the new year, is simply too risky to continue planning for. Those halls, bars and restaurants in north Yorkshire certainly do get busy with turf professionals every January. As well as the stands and the classrooms at Harrogate, the social-side of BTME is an integral part of its DNA which sees attendees return year on year. I'm sure clarity this early for exhibitors and attendees alike is appreciated.

Also, one feels a move such as this was always a possibility whilst a NHS Nightingale hospital remains in place at the Harrogate Convention Centre.

Inevitably, attention will now shift to whether the GMA's SALTEX exhibition will be in a position to take place in March - bearing in mind of course that the NEC also still houses a Nightingale.

BIGGA's talk of planning for a 'festival of turf' somewhere outdoors in the summer of 2021 is interesting. There are of course reasons why our two main turf machinery exhibitions take place indoors, but I've always felt that if you explained to someone with no connection to the industry that the two biggest shows featuring outdoor power equipment in this country, take place inside, they wouldn't believe you.

Perhaps a racecourse in Windsor could be considered?!

Seriously though, if the right venue can be found and BIGGA can gain support from exhibitors and visitors, that could be quite an exciting development.

Elsewhere today, as well as AgriScot's November cancellation, we also hear from Croptec who seem confident their event for the same month will go ahead. We of course wish them well with their plans, but as with everything at the moment, it would seem prudent to keep plans to visit fluid.

Sadly, anticipating change and disruption to anything and everything is something that we must get used to living with for the foreseeable future.