If there is one characteristic that consistently stands out across the independent dealer network, it's a determination to keep moving forward.

This week's news provides two excellent examples. One dealer is literally breaking ground on a significant new branch. Another is investing in new technology to broaden the services it can offer and attract new customers. Different businesses, different approaches, but the same underlying philosophy of never standing still.

At a time when challenges facing the machinery industry are manifold, these are exactly the stories we at Service Dealer enjoy sharing.

Now of course, we don’t shy away from addressing the fact that conditions remain difficult for dealers in several sectors. The latest AEA agricultural tractor registration figures elsewhere in today’s Update for example, illustrate the continuing pressures affecting farm machinery sales. Margins remain tight, customers are cautious and uncertainty continues to influence purchasing decisions.

Yet, despite all that, from what we are hearing, some dealers are choosing to invest rather than retreat.

Sometimes that means expanding premises, as Vincents is doing with its new purpose-built depot. Other times it can mean investing in skills, technology or workshop capability, like Thurlow Nunn Standen is doing with their decision to place significant investment in multi-brand diagnostic equipment. 

I would argue that whilst these two particular dealerships are undertaking quite different forms of expansion, what seems to be the common thread between the stories - and others we run like them - is confidence.

Now this isn't blind, reckless optimism, but rather a deliberate confidence that comes from knowing your customers, understanding your local market and recognising opportunities when they appear. All with an eye on futureproofing the dealership.

One of the great strengths of the independent dealer network has always been its entrepreneurial spirit. Decisions can often be made quickly. Businesses can adapt and they can diversify. From what you, our valued dealer readers tell us, your businesses can pivot into sectors that are performing well while continuing to support your traditional, long-standing customers.

Simply being able to change things up doesn't guarantee success, of course. That requires plenty of hard work, dedication and effort. But what it does mean is that you have the freedom to shape your own future rather than simply waiting for circumstances to improve.

That market awareness is something we've reported on repeatedly over the years. Whether it's dealers embracing robotics, expanding into battery-powered equipment, widening your offering into plant hire and construction machinery or developing entirely new services, there is a remarkable willingness within our readership to evolve alongside the markets they serve.

As we head towards another busy show season, there will be no shortage of fresh ideas on display. New products, new technologies and perhaps even entirely new sectors could provide the spark for the next opportunity. Whether you're visiting GroundsFest, SALTEX, APF or another event over the coming months, I’m sure our readers will be keeping their eyes peeled for that new avenue that might just suit their business.

And if that visit does lead to a new investment or a re-alignment of your focus, we would genuinely like to hear about it.

Service Dealer has always been your journal. While we'll continue to report honestly on the challenges facing the industry, we take just as much pleasure in celebrating the ambition, ingenuity and determination that exists throughout the dealer network.

So if you're expanding, diversifying, investing or trying something new, keep us informed. They're exactly the kinds of stories our readers enjoy because they remind us all that, even in difficult markets, growth can still be on the agenda.

Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS) have announced that farmers running mixed machinery fleets can now take advantage of discounted servicing and repairs through their expanded TNS Plus programme, following a £24,000 investment in multi-brand diagnostic technology.

TNS's Fakenham workshop

TNS Plus servicing and repair programme was originally launched in November 2025 to provide discounted maintenance for older, out-of-warranty AGCO tractors and machinery. Following strong uptake from farmers across East Anglia, TNS say they have identified the opportunity to broaden the scheme to include all machinery makes and models.

The investment in multi-brand and multi-system diagnostic technology now enables them to offer discounted servicing and repairs across a range of manufacturers, including John Deere, New Holland, Claas, Kubota and other brands, in addition to AGCO equipment.

With the scheme, machinery aged 10 years or older qualifies for up to 30% off labour and parts, while equipment aged between six and 10 years receives 20% off labour and parts. The discounts apply regardless of manufacturer.

Adam Cuttridge, head of service and branch operations at TNS, said, “Farmers are under real financial pressure right now, and replacing machinery is simply not an option for many. Keeping older equipment running reliably and cost-effectively is what this programme is all about. It has been great to see so many new faces coming through the door as a result of this initiative. Around a third of those using the scheme are farmers we have not worked with before, or not for a long while. That tells us there is a real appetite for this kind of support, and extending it to all makes and models should open the door to even more."

The Construction Equipment Association (CEA) has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding with Enginuity to strengthen support for SMEs across the engineering and manufacturing supply chain.

The partnership will see the organisations work together to help ensure industry needs are reflected in national skills policy, with a focus on construction equipment manufacturers and their supply chains.

Through Enginuity's Policy Centre for Supply Chain and SMEs, the CEA will contribute industry insight to support research, policy development and workforce planning. The collaboration will also cover apprenticeships, future skills requirements and initiatives aimed at addressing skills shortages.

CEA chief executive Viki Bell said, "“Skills remain one of the biggest issues facing our members, particularly SMEs that are already dealing with day-to-day pressures around recruitment, retention, productivity and business confidence.
 
“Formalising our relationship with Enginuity gives us a stronger route to make sure the views of construction equipment employers are heard where it matters. Our members have first-hand knowledge of the skills gaps affecting the sector, and this partnership gives us a practical way to feed that insight into policy, research and future skills planning.
 
“This is about making sure support for engineering and manufacturing SMEs is based on real employer need, not assumptions. By working with Enginuity, we can help connect our members with useful programmes, research and policy work that supports the long-term strength of the supply chain.”

Ann Watson MBE, chief executive officer of Enginuity, said, “Working with the CEA gives Enginuity direct access to valuable employer insight from an important part of the UK engineering and manufacturing supply chain. SMEs are central to the sector’s strength, and this partnership will help ensure their needs are better understood and reflected in future skills policy and support.” 

The AEA has released agricultural tractor registration data for June, the final month of the first half of 2026, and say the numbers continued the trend seen earlier in the year, with figures higher than at the same time last year but below the seasonal average.

 A total of 999 machines was logged during the month, 17% more than in June 2025 but 8% below the average for the time of year over the previous five years. That brought the total for the first half of 2026 to 5,955, which was up by nearly a quarter, compared with the equivalent period last year, and also higher than the total in the first half of 2024.

Agricultural economist at the Association, Stephen Howarth, said of the numbers, "While that represents a welcome recovery from the very low level of registrations recorded in 2025, it is still 5% below the recent average. Given that farmer confidence remains low and input costs have increased in recent months, the recovery remains fragile and gains could yet slow down in the second half of the year."

Redexim has strengthened its dealer network with the appointment of Jenkins Garden Machinery, bringing the company's range of turf maintenance equipment to customers across South West Wales.

Based in Carmarthenshire, Jenkins Garden Machinery is a family-run business with deep roots in the industry. Established 16 years ago by Howell Jenkins, alongside his wife Glynis and sons Emyr and Gareth, the company has evolved from its domestic machinery origins into a respected supplier of commercial equipment for sports turf professionals, contractors and local authorities.

Today, the business employs a dedicated team of specialists and has built a reputation for expert advice, strong customer relationships and exceptional after-sales support.

Managing director Emyr Jenkins believes the partnership with Redexim is a natural fit.

"We're very focused on selling the right machine to the right people," he said. "There are businesses out there that will sell whatever is in stock or whatever generates the biggest margin, but that's not how we operate. We take the time to understand what the customer actually needs and recommend the machine that's right for them and their budget.”

The opportunity to become a Redexim dealer arose after Jenkins Garden Machinery received enquiries for specialist turf maintenance equipment. Initial discussions quickly developed into a dealer partnership when the manufacturer began seeking representation in the region.

The addition of the portfolio fills an important gap in Jenkins' offering, enabling the company to provide customers with a complete range of turf maintenance solutions.

"There was a gap in our portfolio for these types of machines and Redexim fills that perfectly," said Emyr. 

Summing up what the partnership means for customers, Emyr said, "They're getting a quality product from a quality company, with the local after-sales support they're used to receiving from us."

One of the sprayer sector’s most familiar faces has joined the Knight Farm Machinery and Agroma UK sprayer businesses, in a move that they say further strengthens their two brands’ dealer recruitment drive and sales growth in agricultural, orchard/vineyard and specialist sprayers.

Peter Wiles joins the companies after 30 years with the UK subsidiary of a major international sprayer manufacturer. Knight Farm Machinery manufactures mounted, trailed and self-propelled sprayers at its factory in South Luffenham, Rutland, while Agroma UK is a joint venture import and distribution business formed between the companies to extend the sprayer options available to customers in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Although Peter will support sales across the UK, his primary focus will be the Midlands and southern and eastern counties, where recent dealer appointments have been made, including Chandlers Farm Equipment and Anglia Sprayers. 

“Of the options available when I sought a new role in the sprayer sector, the opportunity to join Knight Farm Machinery and Agroma UK was by far the most appealing,” says Peter.  

Paul Harrison, responsible for sales and marketing at Knight Farm Machinery and Agroma UK, added, “I’m sure Peter will bring new perspectives into the Knight and Agroma teams, and I know that his wide recognition within the industry will be of great benefit in underscoring how serious we are in our commitment to building our network and our sales across both brands.”

Anglo American Oil Company (AAOC), UK distributors for Aspen Fuel, have extended their warmest congratulations to David Goose on the occasion of his well-deserved retirement.

During his 8 years with the company, AAOC say David proved to be an invaluable member of the team. He played a crucial role in establishing and growing the Aspen dealer network across the northern territory before going on to oversee the entire UK dealer network - a testament to both his dedication and the trust placed in him by the business.

Prior to joining Anglo American Oil Company, David enjoyed a distinguished 30-year career at Schiller Groundscare, where he was responsible for managing the Mantis, Classen and Little Wonder brands across the UK.
 
Axel Hildebrand, business development manager at AAOC said, "David's wealth of experience, industry knowledge and commitment to building strong dealer relationships will be greatly missed by colleagues and partners alike. We wish him a long, happy and thoroughly enjoyable retirement."

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