Well, I'm beginning to feel a bit less sad this morning. My despondency following the events in Moscow on Wednesday night meant I was thoroughly miserable all day yesterday.

I found it difficult to concentrate, I didn't want to talk to anyone, or watch any news reports, I had a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach and was quite simply well and truly down in the dumps. I should not be allowed to watch football.

Anyway, I went out for a walk late afternoon yesterday to clear my head and to attempt to gain some enjoyment from this summer weather.

As I was walking around town though, one can't fail to notice how all the grass where I'm based in Salisbury, is utterly scorched (from the sun I must stress, as opposed to any nefarious toxic substances!).

I've been hearing concern expressed from dealers and industry members about how this current heatwave is adversely affecting their businesses. It's one thing to have good weather to allow people to get out and enjoy maintaining their gardens - it's another when it gets to extremes. One dealer/distributor said to me this week, "l think the industry is suffering a bit with this prolonged dry spell."

I've heard others talk of the lack of grass growth meaning no or very few mowers are being sold. Some are saying servicing is holding up, but others are appearing to find their workshops a lot quieter than they would be ordinarily. Chris Biddle says he remembers being a dealer during the summer of 1976 and no-one coming though their doors for 3 months!

So how will these conditions which we've been experiencing this year impact on the season as whole? Will there be enough in the front and back ends to make a it a decent one for dealers?

It's interesting to hear from Cub Cadet today, who have been running their mowing survey, stating that the 2018 lawnmowing season started over three weeks later than it did in 2017. Is that an occurrence which dealers also felt the effects of? Cub Cadet do point out that March this year was the wettest since 1981, followed up by a mini-heatwave in April, causing a growth spurt in the grass. Does that mean that any slow-down which dealers might be experiencing currently, will be mitigated by early season strength?

Discussing the results of their findings, Phil Noble, sales and technical manager for Cub Cadet UK, said in a statement, “Sales discussions within the industry suggested that the season had started later this year so it’s interesting to see this reiterated by our survey data. There have been many contributing factors and it’s not entirely surprising that people started mowing later when you consider the extreme and varied weather we had earlier in the year with the Beast from the East followed by an unusually warm April combined with lots of rainfall.

“The weather was really varied - if we didn’t know what the weather was doing, it’s not surprising that the grass didn’t! We now wait for the data from the close of the survey later in the year to see if the whole season has shifted.”

And that will be interesting to see - whether sales will last later into the year meaning that this current dry spell won't have done too much damage to the year.

But how are you finding the season currently in your dealership? Have the conditions affected you, or are things pretty much as normal? If sales of mowers are down, what other areas of the business are you concentrating on?

Also, as well as the weather, do you find events like the World Cup which effect the national mood quite dramatically, have an impact on your business?

Let us know in the comments below. It'll be great to hear some good news if anyone has some, to help cheer me up!

Over 50 dealers and industry representatives attended a full day workshop outlining the new Trailblazer Apprenticeship standards at Pershore College on Tuesday 10 July 2018.

The meeting, chaired by Alastair Taylor, (CEO IAgrE) was organised by LE-TEC (Landbased Engineering Training and Education Committee Ltd), the umbrella organisation set up by the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA), British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA) and the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE).

Alastair Taylor

Industry consultant David Kirschner set the scene by outlining the obstacles that the industry had encountered since the publication of the Richard Report in 2012 which set out changes to the Apprenticeship framework. “Responsibility has passed through four different Government departments and five Ministers responsible for Apprenticeships,” he said. “Since 2013 when we first got involved there have been numerous forced amendments and rewrites until we got final approval for industry specific standards this year – all at a cost of more than £60,000 to LE-TEC.

David Kirschner

“There are now two Land-based Engineering approved Trailblazer apprenticeships, Level 2 LBSE ‘Service Engineer’ Apprentice (18 – 24 months) and Level 3 LBSE ‘Technician’ Apprentice (36 – 48 months). All you need to know about each Trailblazer is outlined in two documents, The Apprenticeship Standard and The Apprenticeship Assessment Plan. All Standards and Assessment Plans have had to be approved and published by the Institute For Apprenticeships (IfA) otherwise no apprenticeship.”

All Trailblazer apprenticeship documents can be viewed on the IfA website.

Presenting a practical view on the challenges that face dealers, Glen Nash, Service Support Manager at the Turney Group said, “There’s a lack of skilled people to recruit so we’ve gone the route of ‘grow your own’ not only in the industry but also in our way of doing things as well, to get the right culture and mindset. We try to take on apprentices most years but if there are no good candidates, we don’t. The art is to screen candidates very carefully – and far too often we find that basic understanding of Maths and English is not as good as it should be.

Glen Nash

“We often ask them to bring in photos and details of any engineering projects they have done at home or in their spare time, that often provides a good indication of their natural talents. But sometimes it’s the simple things that hinder progress for instance we like to send apprentices away to college on ‘block release courses’ but we’ve had cases where they are ‘home-birds’ and miss Mum’s cooking too much!

“We have no hesitation on sending apprentices on manufacturers courses, which are usually reserved for trained technicians, but if they’ve got potential then it’s a great way of furthering their education”.

Glen said that the pay rates they offered at Turney Group were rarely a block to recruitment. “We are in the Thames Valley, a region of high employment, but we’ve benchmarked our pay grades against other similar industries and we found that we compared very favourably, so money is rarely an issue.

“We also use the National Apprenticeship Service website to recruit, which has proved be to be very useful from time to time.”

Finally he said, “Accept apprentices will make mistakes, they will break things, but the important thing is to provide full support – and don’t send them home unhappy if you can help it!”

The meeting also featured presentations from Mark Eden, Interim Director of Workbased Learning for Warwickshire Colleges who provide a trainer provider view, an explanation of End Point Assessments from Sally Green of City & Guilds who was supported by Steve Walker from Ofqual on External Quality Assurance protocols

Just 200 of the prestigious City & Guilds Medals for Excellence are awarded worldwide each year to students, lecturers and City & Guilds staff in recognition of exceptional work. They recognise not only excellent results but also reflect a true journey of progression throughout their qualification.

This year, two representatives of the landbased engineering sector, Luke Hill of Ernest Doe and Matt Davis of Kubota UK, have been awarded Medals of Excellence. Both have gained Level 2 Diplomas in Work-based Landbased Engineering (Groundcare) at the same college, Evesham College (part of the Warwickshire Colleges Group).

The medals were presented at Pershore College on 10 July 2018 during a special workshop on Apprenticeship Standards in Landbased Engineering organised by LE-TEC (Landbased Engineering Training and Education Committee Ltd).

Sally Green, City & Guilds Development Manager said, “It is very rare that two winners of our annual Medals for Excellence should come from the same industry sector, let alone the same college.”

Luke Hill (second left) pictured with Sally Green (City & Guilds) and Mark Eden (Warwickshire Colleges)

Luke Hill joined Ernest Doe, Bedington branch three years ago from school. Barry Prior, Groundscare Service Manager at Bedington said, “This is a thoroughly well-deserved Award. Although quietly spoken, Luke is a popular member of our team, absorbs information very well and has shown a tremendous willingness to learn. He is sure to make a first-rate fully-qualified technician”.

Matt Davis (right) pictured with (l to r) Martin Tyler (Kubota), Sally Green (City & Guilds) and Mike Bywater (Kubota)

Matt Davis originally went to University to study criminology with a view to joining the police. However, during his course he became somewhat unconvinced with his career choice and decided to look at alternative options. His father, Neil, is Service Director at Kubota dealership Lister Wilder Reading and he spent a few months in the dealership before taking up the offer of an apprenticeship in Kubota's Service and Training department.

Commenting, Matt said " I am extremely proud to have won this Award which recognises the hard work I've put into my Level 2 qualification. I've really enjoyed my experience as an apprentice and would like to express my thanks and gratitude to my tutor at Pershore, Darren Layton, for his expert guidance, teaching and passion for landbased service engineering. Being an apprentice has given me the foundation for a long and successful career - and the opportunity to be earning whilst learning." 

Returning to the Oxford Belfrey Hotel this November, the Service Dealer Conference & Awards will once again benefit from Catalyst Computer Systems as a Gold Sponsor.

Catalyst Computer System's Mike Cameron (left) presents the ATV/Quad Dealer Of the Year award to Craig Wainwright-Fisher of Stratton ATV at the 2017 ceremony

Jeff Kingsbury-Smith, Managing Director of Catalyst Computer Systems said, "We are delighted to be able to continue our sponsorship of the Service Dealer Conference & Awards. It is always a great opportunity to meet with our industry friends and partners.

"'Your success is our priority' is our simple message to all dealers. That is why we are proud to sponsor the 'Star of the Dealership', an award which reminds us all that every member of the team has a role to play in delivering success."

Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke, said, "We are very pleased to be welcoming back Catalyst Computer Systems as a Gold Sponsor. This year's event is shaping up to be something quite special, so we are delighted they are on board."

The Conference's title this year has been confirmed as 'To 2048: Insights For Our Industry - Helping You To Prosper Over The Next 30 years' and it takes place on Thursday 15th November 2018.

You can discover all the info on the Conference & Awards, including details on the speakers, how to nominate your dealership for an award, who all are other sponsors are and how to book your tickets at the Service Dealer website.

Gordon ‘Monty’ Davies retired from Gwynedd-based dealership Major Owen Ltd. last month, having begun working for them in October 1989.

His role involved managing sales of ground and turf care machinery across the North coast of North Wales, Chester, and the Wirral. Over the next few decades Monty helped to shape Major Owen Ltd. into the company as it’s known today.

Monty’s specialist knowledge ranged from Kubota ground care machinery, small agri tractors and utility vehicles to professional turf care machinery such as Dennis and SISIS.

This range allowed him to identify the needs of caravan and camping parks, contractors, and sports venues to mention a few, whilst delivering the highest standard of customer service.

Monty said, "Major Owen Ltd. was part of my daily round when I was working for Walker Engineering and the only place I’d be offered a cup of tea. I knew I wanted to work for this company!”

Andy Jones, MD for Major Owen Ltd. said, “Monty will be sorely missed not just by us but the customers and manufacturers alike. He was a big asset to our company with a wide knowledge base for ground and turf care machinery. We wish Monty all the best in his retirement.”

Major Owen Ltd. have since appointed Andy Camwell as Monty’s Replacement. Andy will be working along the North coast of Wales as well as Anglesey. He is contactable on 07770 886000 or on andy.camwell@majorowen.co.uk

Dealers from throughout the UK were recently invited to a multi-location specialist event where they got to be part of a new product launch from AS Motor.

Wolfgang Klaiver, AS Motor Product Manager, presenting the new AS 1040 Yak

The company from Bühlertann, Germany who specialise in machines for demanding terrain such as extreme inclines, high grass and dense growth were launching the new AS 1040 Yak 4WD Ride-On Flail Mower. The company says the unit combines the cutting performance of a flail mower with the climbing ability and comfort of an AS 4WD ride-on mower. They boast the professional AS 1040 YAK mulches dense growth on demanding terrain with ease.

Wolfgang Klaiver showing the 1040 Yak in action

The recent two day event was an opportunity to bring dealers up to speed with the latest developments from the German manufacturer's range and to demonstrate their determination to be the leading player in this market.

Stuart Mercer, PSD Groundscare sales director said, "We’ve had two very productive days where we’ve brought our dealers up to speed with the latest developments at AS Motor. The launch of the NEW AS 1040 YAK is a welcomed addition to the range and was extremely well received.

"We know the capabilities of the extensive range of machinery from AS Motor, but it was great that that our dealers got the opportunity to see first-hand what the machines are capable of.

"Although we have a strong dealer presence throughout the UK, there are still some areas where we have limited coverage and we are looking for new dealers to come on board and we would ask any interested parties to get in contact.”

Torsten Schick, AS Motor head of international sales, demonstrates some of the pedestrian mowers to the assembled dealers

Scamblers of Bourn, Cambridge. have welcomed on board Bartram Mowers as their latest dealer to take on the Grasshopper franchise, covering the Suffolk area.

Adrian Kersey and Martyn Keeling of Bartram Mowers

Adrian Kersey of Bartrams said, "We have dealt with Scamblers for many years and are pleased to be selling the Grasshopper range of diesel and petrol zero turns and upfronts.

"We decided to take on the franchise after exhibiting at the Suffolk Show and receiving a very positive response from both contractors and councils. We now look forward to promoting the products around the Suffolk area."

Ibcos Computers Ltd has announced that James Buchanan will be taking charge of its sales team as the new sales director.

James has occupied various leadership positions throughout his lengthy career including positions with Associated British Ports and the Home Retail Group. For the past six and a half years, he’s been working for Kramp UK - first, as the internal sales manager responsible for product and customer specialists, and then in a national role, which involved looking after account managers, alongside business solutions and retail consultants.

One of his proudest achievements was implementing several key process improvements at Kramp UK, which significantly enhanced the customer experience. To achieve that, he restructured and recruited a professional external sales team and developed a 'customer-first' sales strategy.

“I am looking forward to applying my sales knowledge at Ibcos to further develop the services it provides to its customers,” said James. “After all, Ibcos is an exciting company with a lot to offer to its dealer network. I relish the opportunity to learn more about the software industry and develop a sales strategy that will help grow Ibcos’ customer base and do more business with its existing customers in the UK and Ireland.”

AGCO have announced the strategic decision that the production of Lely branded green harvest machinery will come to an end in March 2020, in the German factories Wolfenbüttel and Waldstetten.

The company says the new production sites for round balers in Wolfenbüttel and for loader wagons in Waldstetten are currently operating at full stretch for the current Lely brand and for the AGCO full line brands Fendt and Massey Ferguson (MF). After presenting the new round baler and loader wagon ranges at Agritechnica in November 2017, the order intake and demand for Fendt and MF machinery have developed significantly faster than initially expected according to AGCO.

After discontinuing the production of mowers, tedders and hay rakes from Lely in April 2018, AGCO will also stop the production of Lely branded round balers and loader wagons in March 2020.

“We are very pleased to see that the AGCO full line strategy with the major brands, Fendt and MF, takes effect. With the decision to end the production of green harvest machinery from Lely, we provide clarity on the market in good time”, said Dr. Rob Smith, Senior Vice President and General Manager for the AGCO Region Europe and Middle East (EME).

Furthermore Dr. Smith announces substantial investments in the product development and expansion of the production sites in Feucht, Waldstetten and Wolfenbüttel.

Woodhall Spa Golf Club, has signed its fourth five-year exclusivity agreement with Reesink Turfcare and Toro.

Sam Rhodes, courses manager for 12 years and at the Lincolnshire club for 23 years, says it was the complete package offered by Reesink that sealed the deal: “The machinery is obviously a very important aspect to the deal, but it’s one element in a very big package. We signed on again for everything Reesink offers, but especially the back-up and service. We’ve really enjoyed building a relationship with Fineturf Machinery, the new dealer for the area, too, which played a part in the decision.”

L-R: Reesink’s Nigel Lovatt and Trevor Chard, Woodhall Spa’s general manager Richard Latham, sales manager for Fineturf Machinery Tom Moor and Woodhall Spa’s courses manager Sam Rhodes.

The deal coincides with the club’s three-year restoration project to return the course back to its original heathland appearance. Leading architect Tom Doak is overseeing the project, which has become known as being one of the biggest in-house renovation projects in the UK.

Sam says: “Working alongside Natural England we’ve removed a large number of trees to allow the site to regenerate and restore the course to its original heathland state. Not only is this important work to maintain our course as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, but the removal of some vegetation and scrub will open up the course and provide new strategy for the players, who in recent years were having to play around the encroaching trees.”

With these site changes come new requirements from the machinery maintaining the course, as Sam explains: “Things are different with this order. Because we have different requirements now with regards to the finish and feel we’re after, we’ve moved away from rotary mowers, opting for cylinder mowers instead. The Reelmaster 3100-D will be one of our main workhorses. The DPA cutting units were a real draw as they hold adjustments well and will give us the tightness of cut around the heathland landscape.”

Joining the RM3100-D in the order are two Workman GTX utility vehicles, a Greensmaster 3250-D, Reelmaster 5010-H, TriFlex Hybrid 3420 and a Groundsmaster 4300-D, the only rotary mower.

Sam explains some of the reasons why he went for this selection: “We’ve been using the Toro TriFlex 3420 for some time and it’s performed so well and given us such fantastic results that I had 100 percent confidence in choosing hybrids again with the TriFlex 3420 and the RM5010-H. What’s interesting about the RM5010-H is how maintenance-friendly it is. The maintenance team often comments on how well it stays on cut, and it’s making us big savings on fuel.”

Also included within the renovation work is the repositioning of some tees which the GR3250-D is now tasked with looking after.

Sam went on to explain: “In this project we’ve reopened old bunkers, reshaped many of the existing ones and built new ones. We’ve always been renowned for our bunkers and this work ensures we maintain that reputation. The project as a whole will ensure we retain our status as one of the ‘Top 100 courses in the world’, and the decision to stick with Toro for another five years ensures we will maintain the course, in its refreshed form, to the standards for which we’ve been known for the last 15 years.”

Sam concluded, “When you undertake such a big project as this, which spans years and is all-encompassing, it really is vital to have the right back-up and support, and the reassurance that there is always someone on the end of the phone should you need them. It’s a partnership of many elements and there’s no question that Reesink and Fineturf are the best choices to partner us on this journey.”

Are you interested in working for a national distributor of specialist groundscare and woodland equipment?

Covering the West Midlands & Wales areas, we are looking for an enthusiastic, focused and self-motivated individual. You’ll work as part of our UK sales team developing product ranges from AS Motor, Eliet, Koppl & TS Industrie with a primary focus of developing an extensive network of dealers and hire companies.

We are looking for a candidate with a well rounded experience of selling, preferably from a capital equipment background, with a sound knowledge of the UK Groundscare and Hire Equipment markets being a distinct advantage.

Sales presentation, communication skills combined with strong organisational and planning abilities along with the ability to identify sales opportunities are essential.

Competitive salary and benefits package available.

For further information please visit our website:

www.psdgroundscare.co.uk/news/post/job-opportunity.html or for more information please contact:

Scott Grieve Tel: 01282 856813 Email: scott@psdgroundscare.com and quote BDM0718

Deadline: 30th July 2018

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