Events are moving quickly again. More of our readers will have moved up into stricter Tiers this week - and of course dealers in Wales find themselves placed into a 'firebrake' lockdown as of this evening (October 23rd).

Dealers in these affected regions will have once again spent time reading through the ever-changing guidelines to see what they need to do in order to remain compliant. It'll be deja-vu for Welsh dealers who I'm sure will have been looking at the latest business definitions to see what restrictions their company falls under. BAGMA have helpfully summarised the situation for the country in their very useful Coronavirus Hub. It appears that as previously, dealers in Wales are likely to be either classed as an ag retailer or a hardware & DIY store and will thus be permitted to stay open. But as seen with yesterday's confusion over what Welsh supermarkets are allowed to sell from tonight, it's always worth keeping yourself briefed with the most up-to-date information - so do check out BAGMA's site and there's more details from the Welsh government here.

Also with changes announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak yesterday, our SME Digest editor, Adam Bernstein, has been in touch to offer readers an update to his article on the new Job Support Scheme that we published last week - some details of which have now been superseded by Thursday's amendments.

With this constant turmoil we've all experienced this year, it is genuinely all the more impressive how companies in our sector have on the whole, fared well. There will be other retail and service based industries who, one suspects, will be looking on with a mixture admiration and envy.

As Service Dealer has kept in touch with dealers and suppliers throughout 2020, despite everything, word has been that business levels have been on a par or exceeded those of 2019. Of course, there are real and legitimate concerns over what '21 might bring - but hopefully many will have managed to have built some fat into the business these past months.

If you look down the list of news stories in this Weekly Update today, you'll see evidence that good business is continuing to be achieved across the markets that we cover. There are multiple reports of dealers around the country being appointed to represent new franchises. Whenever we feature developments such as these, what we're looking at is dealers pushing their business on into new, uncharted territories. They are hopefully opening up new revenue streams and potential new customer groups in their localities. I always think stories such as these should be looked upon as positive news.

Implications for shows

Also positive today, is the opening of Claas UK's new headquarters and facility for their dealer Manns, in Saxham. A truly impressive achievement, all the more so for completing during the pandemic. Claas should be applauded for their forward thinking and belief in the UK as a base for operations. As Trevor Tyrrell says, they are now one of the largest employers in West Suffolk - which must be a real boost for local people and the local economy.

One quite interesting fact which arises in their announcement about the new building though, is that the design also incorporates a large 'Technoparc' machinery showroom. This, says the manufacturer in their statement, "will be an important alternative to national exhibitions which are at risk due to the pandemic."

We have heard speculation recently, that perhaps some of the big boys won't need to exhibit at industry shows in the future, seeing as how this year they have had to find other means of reaching their end-user customers and dealers. This move by Claas makes it quite explicit that they have plans and means to make sure they have a permanent alternative to attending events if they so choose.

One presumes that organisers of the established exhibitions across our sectors, are taking notice of developments such as this from big-name potential exhibitors. The Claases and John Deeres and AGCOs of this world are big draws for the audiences whom the show organisers want to pull in through their gates. They will surely be wanting to do all they can to make their offerings as enticing as possible to these companies to guarantee they'll want to return once permitted to do so.

This could mean that shows might have to mix up what they are offering. Timings, venues, styles of show could all be up for review in the changed landscape. You feel that to attract back the big exhibitors, and indeed to encourage large numbers of visitors, a fresh approach will need to be sought.

Shows continuing exactly the same as before, sounds like a tricky proposition.

Following three years of construction work, during which time the headquarters site for Claas UK and their dealer Manns of Saxham has been completely redeveloped, their new headquarters building was officially opened last Friday (October 16th 2020) by Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser, chairwoman of supervisory board and chairwoman of shareholders’ committee CLAAS KGaA mbH.

Work on the redevelopment of the site, at the centre of which is a new 33,000m2 state-of-the-art headquarters building, commenced in November 2017. Construction work has been carried out in phases to enable day-to-day work for the 130 people employed on the site to continue with the least possible disruption.

“By supporting this major redevelopment and impressive new building, both the Claas Group and the Claas family have shown their commitment to Claas dealers, their customers and UK agriculture as a whole, and also to Bury St Edmunds and west Suffolk where we are now one of the largest employers,” said Trevor Tyrrell, senior vice-president (Western Europe & Oceania) for the Claas Group’s Sales and Service division.

The new 16.5 metre-high building, which stands alongside the A14 near Bury St Edmunds, was designed by BCR Infinity Architects of Cambridge and built by R G Carter Ltd. It serves as the headquarters for Claas UK and for their East Anglia dealer Manns. In addition to offices for both companies, the design also incorporates a full height, glass fronted Technopark machinery showroom. The company say this will be an important alternative to national exhibitions which they describe as being "at risk due to the pandemic". Because of this, the company said in a statement that a further field training and demonstration area is also being developed to complete a 'Customer Experience Centre'.

Technoparc

To the rear of the office building is a new 10-bay workshop complex for Manns and a 4,336m2 parts warehouse for Claas UK, that supports its dealers throughout the UK and Ireland.

“The new building vastly improves the experience for customers and visitors from the UK, Ireland and around the world. It also enables Claas and Manns to provide a superb working environment for their employees,” said Trevor Tyrrell. “Customers are welcome to use the new on-site Seasons Restaurant, where 70% of ingredients are locally sourced. The new offices, showrooms, modern parts logistics warehouse and more efficient workshop environment allow us to make far better overall use of the site, which will have an impact on the recruitment and retention of employees, in addition to a considerable improvement in Health and Safety procedures.”

The company says the new building makes use of the latest energy efficient systems in order to minimise its environmental impact. The passive solar design of the building makes full use of its north facing aspect, and features a full height glazed facade, and the building incorporates 2,860m2 of glass. Renewably generated electric power and heating for the whole site is sourced from the neighbouring 1.4MW Symonds Farm AD plant. Power for the electric car charging points on site comes from a photo voltaic solar panel array on the roof generating 112 MWh. A water harvesting system with a total capacity of 30,000 litres serves a specially designed washdown bay for machinery, saving over 1 million litres of water a year.

The new central UK Parts warehouse has streamlined parts handling and replaces five individual buildings. It accommodates over 47,000 line items or 850,000 individual items totalling 700 tonnes, with space to spare for future expansion. For larger items there is now 45 metres of cantilever racking and the amount of bulk racking has been doubled, while a mezzanine area holds 70% of the total contents of the previous warehouse over three levels. All parts are identified and located using a scan and bar code system to help improve pick rate accuracy and efficiency for the 1000 tonnes of parts that pass through the warehouse each year.

The Saxham site is also home to the Claas Academy, which provides training for dealer sales, service and parts staff, in addition to customer operator training. Here the team of 11 staff provide over 4,000 hours of training each year, both on-site but they are also developing remote online training programmes.

Walker UK have announced the appointment of Dennis Barnfield Groundcare, as a new dealer in the north of England.

Robin Loxam of Dennis Barnfield Groundcare

Based on the edge of the Lake District, Dennis Barnfield’s showroom stocks a wide range of groundcare equipment for both professional and domestic users.

Manager at Dennis Barnfield, Robin Loxam said, “I had looked at Walker in the past and always found them to be, fast and effective. We need something new and different to show our customers and Walker ticks those boxes."

Walker UK say they are delighted to be working alongside such a long-established and well-run dealership and look forward to having a presence in an area with such great potential.

Manitou UK Ltd and Thurlow Nunn Standen have announced TNS will become a Manitou Agricultural, Industrial and Construction dealer, effective from 1st January 2021.

L-R: Manitou UK managing director, Mark Ormond with James Thurlow, group managing director for Thurlow Nunn Standen

Manitou UK managing director, Mark Ormond said, “We are delighted to announce that TNS will be our authorised agricultural and construction product dealer in East Anglia as from 1st January 2021. Having worked with TNS before, I have no doubt about the standard of service they will deliver to our mutual customers.”

TNS will have access to the full range of agricultural and industrial products and services across its entire trading area. The company will cover a slightly smaller geographical area for the Manitou construction product range and will be responsible for sales of new machines whilst providing aftersales back-up to existing customers.

“The addition of the Manitou brand is one we are clearly excited about,” explained James Thurlow, TNS managing director, “as it demonstrates the company’s desire to offer a full line product portfolio, which is strategically aligned to our customers developing business needs.”

TNS sales director, Chris Tew explained, “All five TNS sites will promote Manitou’s full range of Agricultural material handlers, although it is still to be agreed if this will be mirrored by the Construction and Industrial product offering. We will now be looking to appoint a Manitou product specialist before the end of 2020 to develop and grow the market share across the Agricultural, Industrial and Construction sectors.”

Adrian Brown, TNS aftersales director explained, “We are in the process of designing our training programmes for the entire TNS service team. Although the appointment does not take effect until 2021, Manitou and TNS are now working together to train employees across sales, service and parts departments, ensuring machine and spare parts knowledge is in place ready for the new year.”

Adrian added, “TNS will also continue to offer full service and parts support to those Merlo customers we have support over the past few years until Merlo UK find a suitable partner in the East of England.”

Service Dealer's SME Digest editor, Adam Bernstein, has been in touch to update readers on last week's Job Support Scheme (JSS) article, sponsored by Kramp - some of the details of which have been superseded following yesterday's announcements by Rishi Sunak.

Adam writes:

From November

In essence, the new scheme will run from 1 November 2020 for six months to the end of April 2021 unless extended. It’s not meant to be as extensive as the CJRS was, but instead, will support "viable" jobs in those businesses that are facing lower than usual demand over winter due to coronavirus.

For staff to be covered by the JSS, they will need – for the first three months at least - to be working for at least 20 percent of their normal hours and be paid by their employer for that time. The government has, however, reserved the right to increase the minimum working hours requirement after the first three months. Unlike the CJRS, firms will be unable to keep staff at home full-time and on furlough to claim financial support towards their wages – staff need to be employed and working.

As for the time an employee is not working (for no more than 80 percent of their normal hours), the government will cover around 62 percent and the employer just 5 percent of the employee's hourly wage. The government's contribution will be capped at £1541.75 per month and will be paid in arrears as a reimbursement to the employer. The employer’s contribution will be capped at £125 per month. Further, the amount paid by the government does not cover Class 1 employer national insurance contributions or any pension contributions - these remain payable by the employer.

Unless the employer is generous, employees will get nothing for the unworked time that the government and employer don’t pay under the JSS rules; they will effectively end up with around 73 percent of their normal wages.

It’s also notable that those who are on zero-hours contracts and irregular hours will be eligible for the JSS. The government says there will be "calculations for those with variable working patterns", but the details aren’t yet available and will follow in time.

Making a claim

To claim for an employee, they must have been on an employer’s PAYE payroll between 6 April 2019 and 23 September 2020. In reality, this means a Real Time Information submission notifying payment to that employee to HMRC must have been made on or before 23 September 2020.

And as for employees who have previously been furloughed, they will have their underlying usual pay and/or hours used to calculate usual wages, not the amount they were paid whilst on furlough. Allied to this, it’s significant that non-participation in the CJRS is not a bar to using the JSS.

Unlike the CJRS, employers will have the flexibility to cycle employees on and off the JSS; they will not need to be working the same hours each month subject to each short time working arrangement covering a minimum seven-day period.

To take advantage of the JSS, larger businesses” will need to pass a financial assessment test first where they’ll have to demonstrate that their turnover is now lower than before coronavirus struck. A larger business is defined by the Treasury as one with 250 or more employees.

Beyond passing this assessment, there is a need for an employer to operate a UK PAYE scheme and have a UK bank account. Claims will need to be made on a monthly basis via the GOV.UK website from 8 December; payments will be a month in arrears after the employer has reported a payment under HMRC’s RTI system.

No redundancies

The whole point of the JSS is to keep employees on the payroll. This means that in contrast to the CJRS, employees on the JSS cannot be made redundant or given notice of redundancy whilst their employer is using the scheme. To an extent, this was also the case under the CJRS, but the JSS has made this patently clear. And those employers that keep staff on the books until 31 January 2021 will be able to claim £1000 per head under the Job Retention Bonus that will be paid in February 2021.

It’s quite clear that the CJRS has been misused and attacked by the criminally minded. As a result, HMRC will be checking all claims and payments may be withheld or demanded back if incorrect or fraudulent information was used. HMRC will be informing employees directly of any claims made on their behalf and one of the requirements for claiming under the JSS is the need for employers to agree new short-time working arrangements with their staff – in writing – which HMRC may ask to have sight of. Further, names of businesses using the scheme will be published.

Employees will be able to check if their employer has made a claim relating to them via their Personal Tax Account; to do this they’ll have to sign up on GOV.UK.

In summary

The JSS is clearly evolving and may well change again in the future. Either way, the government does appear to be listening even if some suggest that it’s slow to respond. As to whether the JSS will keep employees on the payroll, only time will tell.

Kuhn Farm Machinery has appointed Guy Machinery Limited as an official stockist and service support dealer.

Based in Gisburn, Lancashire, the dealership will stock Kuhn's full range of agricultural equipment and be part of their new network of Square Baler Centres.

Established in 2005 at Skipton Auction Mart, the business has built a strong reputation in the sales of new and used trailers, agricultural vehicles and machinery, ATVs, loaders and handlers. 

“We’re honoured and delighted to be taking on the Kuhn franchise,” says managing director Graham Guy. “KUHN’s range is extensive and will fit very well alongside our existing franchises."

Commenting on the appointment, Kuhn UK managing director Siân Pritchard said Guy Machinery had all the attributes required to forge a successful partnership.

She said, “Our businesses share a commitment to specialist training and customer service, which are increasingly important in our technology-led industry.

“We look forward to a long and successful relationship working with the Guy Machinery team and their customers.”

Essex-based dealer Hosplant Sales Ltd has joined the Pottinger UK dealer network.

L-R: Shaun Groom and Stephen Passam of Pottinger UK with Aaron Graves, Adrian Mays and Gary Mold of Hosplant Sales Ltd

“Since their foundation some 15 years ago Hosplant have built an enviable reputation for first class customer service and support,” said Shaun Groom, general manager at Pottinger UK. “It’s clear to us that the ethos at Hosplant is very much in tune with that of us here at Pottinger”.

Aaron Graves, Hosplant agricultural sales director added, “We are very excited to be able to offer our customers Pottinger machinery to compliment the range of Kubota Tractors that we currently supply. The Pottinger brand allows us to offer a full range of attachments to meet all the needs of the farming community in our region.”

Based at Kelty in Fife, J. Low Agri Services has been appointed by Claydon Drills to handle the sale and service of the full range of their Opti-Till products in Stirlingshire, Fife, and Perthshire.

Jimmy Low

Established by agricultural engineer Jimmy Low in 2002, the company moved to its current premises on the Kelty Industrial Park in 2015. A main dealer for Case IH, together with many other well-known agricultural machinery brands, J. Low Agri Services provides an all-round agricultural service to customers in an area which extends from Forfar in the north and Crieff in the west to just south of Edinburgh. Currently employing eight staff, it is continuing to thrive and grow.

“Taking on the Claydon franchise is an exciting and timely development for our business because many farmers are looking to improve soil health and reduce production costs, of which crop establishment is a major part,” Jimmy Low said. “During a visit to the Claydon factory and farm in Suffolk just before harvest the enthusiasm and commitment of the staff were very apparent. We were also able to see the high standards to which Claydon products are manufactured and the excellent crops which the Opti-Till System produces.

“Farmers are understandably cautious given the current political and economic uncertainty, but we feel that Claydon will prove a popular addition to our range because of the numerous benefits which the Opti-Till System provides. As part of our commitment to the brand we have already invested in a 3m Claydon Hybrid drill and carried out several on-farm demonstrations for potential customers.”

Claydon’s Sales Manager for the UK and Ireland, Rob Dunk, added, “We are delighted to welcome J Low Agri Services as a Claydon dealer. The company’s appointment represents a further significant step forwards in offering our products through a network of carefully selected, enthusiastic, professional dealers."

Kubota UK has presented its local community sports club with a new tractor to raise pitch standards.

L-R: Richard Thorpe, director of rugby, Chinnor RFC; Rob Edwards, marketing manager Kubota UK Ltd; Brian Taylor, voluntary groundsman, Chinnor RFC; Simon Vickers, chairman Chinnor RFC; Alex Dymott, Kubota and John Nicholson, voluntary groundsman Chinnor RFC

Chinnor Rugby Football Club's ground near Thame, Oxfordshire, which is on Kubota UK’s doorstep, has become a hub for the whole community with wide participation in rugby from the youth to the Kites women’s team and a first XV doing well in English National League 1. The 10 acre ground features four pitches.

“We’re a not-for-profit organisation so we’re reliant on our partners for support and have had a fantastic relationship with Kubota for many years,” explains chairman Simon Vickers.

“The pitches are used almost every day, with Sunday traditionally the the big day for youth rugby and without revenue from fixtures which are currently on hold, Kubota’s backing is even more important.”

In September, Kubota presented the club with a new M4062 utility tractor.

“It’s a bit smaller than its predecessor, and the lighter footprint makes it ideal for work on the pitches,” explained Simon. “We’ve also ordered a new mulching mower and turf renovation implement, so we are going to be able to repair the pitches after play and present them in first class condition for the next session.”

He points out that grounds maintenance is carried out by the ‘Friday Club’, an enthusiastic team of volunteers.

“Ease of use and reliability are of the utmost importance, and we know that Kubota is just down the road if we have any queries," said Simon

“In such difficult times it’s important to still be able to enjoy sport - our community touch rugby sessions on a Friday have been extremely popular, and were also launching walking rugby. Our goal is to give back to the local community, and Kubota is a very important part of that.”

A new career opportunity has arisen for an Agricultural Mechanic / Fitter to join a highly successful farming business in Herefordshire. You will have full responsibility for maintaining a diverse range of farm machinery and a large farm vehicle fleet. This role will suit an ambitious individual who is looking for a new challenge in a busy and diverse environment.

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated, self-starter who can prioritise and schedule maintenance programmes and be responsive to the needs of the everyday farm business. Expertise in all types of agricultural machinery is essential.

Assistance is provided with a self-employed mechanic to support you.

The Role & Responsibilities:

• Implementation of repairs, servicing and breakdowns
• Fabricate parts or components, as necessary
• Ensuring that all work/maintenance is recorded and carried out in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures
• Road testing vehicles and carrying out necessary inspections (MOT preparation)
• Schedule maintenance periods for all vehicle & mechanical equipment and maintain appropriate records
• Assist with necessary compliance audits
• Comply with HSE requirements

Candidate Requirements:

• Proven experience working on a broad range of farm vehicles and machinery is essential
• Good communication skills with the ability to build a strong rapport with all departments across the farm
• Self-motivated and able to work off own initiative
• Full UK driving licence

Remuneration:

A negotiable salary is on offer dependent on experience, plus a company vehicle

Please email your CV and covering letter to amandalatham@delacyexecutive.co.uk

For more information and an informal confidential discussion please call:

Amanda Latham on DDI: 01885 485524 Mobile: 07730 218934

Thank you.

De Lacy Executive will upload your CV to our database and retain some data about you in order to process your application. More information about our processing activities can be found at www.delacyexecutive.co.uk/privacypolicy. Please be assured that all contact is treated in complete confidence and your details will not be passed to a third party without your prior permission.

Please note that this advertisement is not a job description and you should satisfy yourself about the full details at interview.

De Lacy Executive is an Approved member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, which promotes high standards in recruitment practice, and is registered with the Information Commissioners Office. De Lacy Executive complies with all relevant data protection legislation.

American specialist tyre brand Carlisle, is one of the most popular and respected brands in the ATV / UTV market. With O.E. fitments on famous names such as John Deere, Polaris, Can-Am, Argo, Logic and many others, it is clear to see why so many users continue to fit Carlisle tyres for their replacement and aftermarket needs.

With an ever-expanding product range and sizes starting at just 6” rim size, Carlisle’s ATV / UTV tyre range boasts well known pattern names including Trail Wolf, Knobby, A.C.T., Turf Tamer, Badlands, Versa Trail XTR and HD Field Track to name but a few, but their most popular patterns by far are the often copied, but never bettered AT489 and All Trail patterns.

Chosen by multiple O.E.M’s around the world as the go-to fitment option’s, the AT489 & All Trail range of tyres come in sizes and specifications to suit almost every make and model of ATV / UTV machine on the market including John Deere Gator’s, Polaris Ranger’s & Sportsman’s, Can-Am Outlander’s & Traxter’s, Kubota RTV’s and many, many more.

With its directional, semi tractive tread design, the Carlisle AT489 is the perfect choice for machinery being used both off road and on hard surfaces where traction is required. Superior shock absorption, light weight construction and a pattern that allows easy steering means the AT489 is the perfect choice for both heavier UTV machines and smaller ATV’s a like. Many sizes incorporate Metric sizing, High Inflation / High Load Capacity and “E” marking, meaning that they are fully Road Legal for UK Road Homologated vehicles. Popular sizes include 25x8.00-12 (205/80-12), 25x10.00-12 (255/65-12), 25x11.00-12 (280/60-12), 24x9.50-10 (240/75-10), 24x10.50-10 (290/65-10) & 24x12.00-10 (305/60-10).

The Carlisle All Trail is the professionals choice for machines being used on both hard and delicate surfaces. The non-directional tread offers a smooth ride experience while delivering predictable and stable grip levels. The specially developed rubber compound delivers exceptional wear and extended tyre life on tarmac, pavements and hard packed soil conditions whilst being gentle enough to be used over turf and other delicate surfaces. As with the AT489’s, many sizes also incorporate Metric sizing and “E” marking for UK Road Homologation along with High Inflation / High Load Capacities. Popular sizes include 24x9.50-10 (240/75-10), 24x10.50-10 (290/65-10), 25x9.00-12 (230/70-12), 27x9.00-14 & 27x11.00-14.

The full range of AT489 & All Trail tyres, along with the complete Carlisle range of tyres, wheels and accessories are available from the UK Official Carlisle Distributor Tyre-Line. Contact the Tyre-Line Aftermarket team today for more info or to see how they can help you with your ATV/UTV tyre requirements and how to apply for their B2B ordering system – 01458 250350 aftermarket@tyreline.com

Extra Special Discount £RRP -45%.

FOC carriage to STD UK locations (Remote/offshore locations-STD carriage terms apply).

Offer valid until 30th November 2020.

To view the offer, please login to our website and go to Downloads and then to Uni-Power Parts Offers

Ordering Period: from 19th October 2020 to 29th January 2021.

Delivery: 2020 or January 2021 (See payment terms)

Payment Terms: 2020 delivery = standard terms / January 2021 delivery = payment by 30th April 2021

Minimum Parts Order Value: 250.00net. (Engine orders must be accompanied with a parts order)

FOC carriage (parts & engines) to STD UK locations (Remote/offshore locations-STD carriage terms apply).

Download the order form to place your order via our website www.uni-power.co.uk-  Other formats not accepted.

Or request via info@uni-power.co.uk / 01371 875331.

Please send your completed order form to info@uni-power.co.uk

Our Summer research indicates 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 each customer.  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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