A DELUGE OF POSITIVE FEEDBACK! That's what we've been receiving for the dealer network by Service Dealer Editor, Steve Gibbs
Amazing customer comments in favour of the UK independent dealer network have been flooding in for the Dealer Of The Year awards - but there's still time for your company to be in the running!
It’s a nice feeling being told you’re doing something well.
Whilst we don’t need to be slapped on the back and informed we’re doing a great job after everything we do at work - once in a while it’s genuinely beneficial.
Having a sense of pride in one’s work, knowing that you’re making a worthwhile contribution, undoubtedly spurs us on. Having that acknowledgment can act as a real boost.
And I tell you what, a lot of you reading this today, should feel really boosted! I can say this having been privy to the deluge of positive comments which have been flooding in from your satisfied customers up and down the country, as part of this year’s Dealer Of The Year awards.
For example, naming no names obviously, just a few comments which are indicative of all those we have been receiving include:
Staff are always really friendly and helpful. If you have questions they can help or make suggestions. Definitely using them again and again.
When I went to collect my machines the shop was very busy and everyone pulled together, from front of house to the workshop engineers, to make sure every customer had the best service!
The knowledge, honesty and friendliness of the staff is outstanding. I have visited many times and purchased several machines and parts from this company. Without question this is the best garden machinery stockist in my area. They are so reliable and do not try to sell you products which are not suitable for the job.
Their knowledge is exceptional and customer service always at the highest level. I get the feeling that everyone enjoys working for this company as they are always happy.
Feedback like this is incredible. If you have already entered the Awards, do make sure you are encouraging your customers to visit our website to leave their comments. Because receiving genuine comments, like the above, is not only a pleasure to read, they are invaluable when the judging panel get together to assess all the entries.
And if you haven’t entered yet, what are you waiting for?! The sooner you get involved, the longer you have to collect positive customer comments. Click here to enter.
We genuinely believe that winning industry wide recognition for both dealerships and individuals has multiple positive outcomes.
For a business, winning can help distinguish your company’s offering from a competitor's. It can also demonstrate commitment and be a hint towards growth which is always good for a small business. Also having the certificate on your wall and the logo on your promotional material, reassures customers of quality and credibility. It’s that seal of approval we all feel comforted by. Also staff winning one of our individual awards should really appreciate the recognition and as such their morale and enthusiasm will be boosted.
So entering the Dealer Of The Year Awards, should be something which all our readers should consider - certainly as it’s entirely free!
Also, manufacturers and suppliers, we would like to hear your nominations too. Let us know which dealers constantly perform for you. If you know that you have certain teams who you can rely on to deliver for you, year round, tell us about them!
We are currently taking entries via our website up until September 30th.
As ever we have our core dealer awards in the following categories:
GARDEN MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR
PROFESSIONAL TURFCARE DEALER OF THE YEAR
FARM MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR
FORESTRY EQUIPMENT DEALER OF THE YEAR
ATV / QUAD DEALER OF THE YEAR
We have a healthy spread of nominations across these categories currently - although I’ve been told that the ATV category is a little light on numbers at the moment. So if you're involved in this field, why not think about getting involved this year?
Once your dealership is in the running for the Dealer of the Year awards, we can start collecting the feedback from the most important people to your business - your customers. We will send you a link which you can email to your customers which will take them to a page on our website where they can submit comments in favour of your dealership. We will also provide you with a logo you can add to your own website and a Word document you can print off and hand out at your premises.
As evidenced above, the comments coming in this year, are truly remarkable. I’m sure you all have days (months?!) where you feel under-appreciated and that your hard work isn’t going noticed. Well, we can very easily see from what we’re being told by your customers, that there is such great work taking place out there in the network, which is 100% being noticed and appreciated!
Alongside our main company awards we are also running again our two awards which focus on the contribution of individuals to the dealership's success. Firstly, we're looking for dealers to nominate their Star of the Dealership. This can be a member of staff from the sales, parts, service or support team who have demonstrated exceptional skills, commitment to customer service or any other compelling reason during the 2019 season - and who are deserving of industry recognition.
Also, we're looking for nominations for an Apprentice of the Year. Service Dealer wants to recognise an individual who during the 2019 season has demonstrated the desire, willingness and ability to progress within the dealership and the industry. As we've been concentrating on apprenticeships in the magazine somewhat this year, we'd like to receive as many nominations from our readers as possible for this category - so if you've got an apprentice in your place of work, who you feel is doing a really cracking job for you, please nominate them for consideration.
The Dealer of the Year ceremony takes place once again at the DoubleTree by Hilton Oxford Belfry, on the evening of Thursday November 21st - following on from the Service Dealer Conference.
You can find out all the details about both the Awards and Conference, including ticket booking details by visiting the Service Dealer website.
We'd love to see more of our readers than ever at the event this year - and indeed have a record number of companies and individuals in the running for awards recognition!
Service Dealer has announced that stand-up comic, singer and actor Charlie Baker will make a triumphant return to the evening Awards dinner at November's Service Dealer Awards.
Service Dealer has announced that stand-up comic, singer and actor Charlie Baker will make a triumphant return to the evening Awards dinner at November's Dealer of the Year Awards.
Charlie Baker on stage at the 2018 Dealer Of The Year Awards
The Awards take place on the evening of Thursday 21st November at the Double Tree by Hilton Oxford Belfry, following on from the Service Dealer Conference which takes place during the day.
Charlie hosted the Awards evening for the first time last year, and went down a storm with everyone in attendance. You can watch his set from last year below:
Service Dealer editor Steve Gibbs said, "We are delighted that Charlie will be joining us again. His style of comedy suited the evening perfectly last year so we can't wait to hear what he has in store for us all this November."
As well as being well-known on the stand-up circuit, Charlie has been seen on TV as himself on Never Mind The Buzzcocks, The Rob Brydon Show, Let's Dance For Sport Relief and The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice amongst many other things.
He has also acted in The I.T Crowd, Miranda, Doctor Who and Eastenders - plus appeared in the film The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas.
For more information about the Service Dealer Conference & Awards, including booking details, please visit the Service Dealer website.
Southern Machinery are asking the trade to be on the lookout for two Hustler Zero Turn lawnmowers and a 14ft Ifor Williams trailer stolen from the hard shoulder of the A50 near to junction 4, Derby on Wednesday 14th August.
Philip Tutty of Southern Machinery has been in touch to ask colleagues in the trade to be on the lookout for two Hustler Zero Turn Lawnmowers and a 14ft Ifor Williams trailer stolen from the hard shoulder of the A50 near to junction 4, Derby.
Hustler mowers similar to these were stolen
Philip said, "The incident happened this week on Wednesday 14th August, while the vehicle was waiting to be recovered from the hard shoulder. Thieves uncoupled the trailer with the two Hustler on board.
"We are asking for any information which might help to recover the stolen Hustler Diesel Z 60" RD, Hustler Fastrak SDZ 48" RD and trailer."
This week's WEB ONLY story is that the new facility is described as part of the manufacturer's drive to globalise its R&D structure and will be used to develop mowers and utility vehicles.
One of Cath's main roles will be running the administration for the industry Landbased Training Accreditation Scheme (LTA) which is owned by LE-TEC and administered by BAGMA.
BAGMA have recently welcomed Cath Morris to the team as training and administrative assistant.
Cath Morris
Keith Christian, BAGMA director said, "Cath has a background in leading and development and a Masters in Personnel Management and Business Administration. She brings a wealth of experience to the role in business administration and her experience in learning and development will add valuable support to BAGMA's training offering. She'll also act as a secretary to our many committees and our new president, Peter Arrand.
"One of her main roles will be running the administration for the industry Landbased Training Accreditation Scheme (LTA) which is owned by LE-TEC, the Landbased Training and Education Committee and administered by BAGMA. Cath has come into this role at an exciting time for LTA which will see the LTA scheme being refreshed with added value and communications."
The Association says Stuart's experience will enable him to get involved in their work on technical standards and legislation issues.
The Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) have announced the appointment of Stuart McClimont who has joined the organisation as a Technical and Standards Engineer.
Stuart McClimont
The Association says Stuart’s vast wealth of knowledge and experience in both the agricultural and outdoor power engineering sectors will enable him to get involved in their critical work on technical standards and legislation issues right from the get-go.
Joining from Kubota (UK) Ltd, Stuart previously managed their Tractor Assembly, Inspection and R&D Departments. Within his R&D role Stuart followed legislation for tractor engines, ride on mowers, excavators and side by side products. He has regularly attended the European Garden Machinery Federation’s (EGMF) Technical Committee meetings and was Chairman of their Engine Emissions Working Group. In addition Stuart also represented them on cross industry task forces drafting Engine Emission FAQ documents for OEM’s and Market Surveillance Authorities and, more lately, industry’s proposal for a regulation for Road Circulation of Non-Road Mobile machinery (NRMM).
Stuart will be working alongside the AEA's already very experienced Technical team, covering the breadth of subjects under their remit, including taking on a role in Europe and with BSI from an early stage.
“Having been greatly helped by the AEA’s Technical Department over the years while working for a manufacturer, I look forward to expanding my knowledge by spending 100% of my time on legislative and standards work for the benefit of the members”, commented Stuart.
Henton & Chattell have announced that they will be holding two Dealer Days in October 2019, one in Hampshire and one in Derbyshire.
Henton & Chattell have announced that they will be holding two Dealer Days in October 2019.
The Dealer Days will include the opportunity to get hands-on with brands such as Cobra
The events will be held at the following venues:
Dummer Down Farm, Hampshire - Tuesday 1st October 2019 / 10.30am
Mapperley Farm, Derbyshire - Thursday 3rd October 2019 / 10.30am
The company's marketing manager, Jonathan Mitchell said, "This year's Henton & Chattell Dealer Days will have a strong emphasis on getting 'hands-on' and trying out the latest garden machinery from brands such as Ego, Cobra, Billy Goat, Allett and Murray to name but a few.
"With manufacturers available throughout the day for product demonstrations and general discussion, and a variety of different food and drink on offer, it is sure to be a fun and informative couple of days."
To register online click here or contact your H&C account manager.
Henton & Chattell say places are running out fast so register today.
The wood chipper manufacturer says the option to increase the standard three year warranty up to a total of five years is available across their entire range.
Timberwolf have introduced what they describe as an industry first - a five-year manufacturer’s warranty.
The option to increase the standard three year warranty up to a total of five years is available across the entire Timberwolf range, and can also be applied to older machines still within their original three year warranty period.
Combined with a support network featuring 17 dealers and over 250 Timberwolf trained technicians operating from 38 depots across the country, the company believe this warranty further strengthens their customer support offering.
Guy Marshlain, sales and marketing director at Timberwolf, said, “We work hard to build strong relationships with customers and dealers to ensure our products and services are at the forefront of our industry, offering power, strength and support.
“After speaking with customers, we developed our new warranty option to provide complete peace of mind, extending our warranty cover for longer, so customers can focus on their businesses, safe in the knowledge they won’t be facing unexpected repair costs."
Following its launch at The Arb Show in May, the first batch of EVO 165 woodchippers have recently left the GreenMech factory.
Following its launch at The Arb Show in May, the first batch of EVO 165 woodchippers recently left the GreenMech factory for dealerships across the country.
Jonathan Turner (pictured front) with members of the GreenMech design, engineering, production and sales team as the first batch of EVO 165 chippers leave the factory
The culmination of three years in design, testing and production, the new series is pictured above at despatch with a handful of those who took the machines from concept to completion.
Managing director Jonathan Turner said, “We’ve been overwhelmed by the reaction we’ve received to the new series. It’s been fantastic to see all the hard work come together, with the wealth of new features contributing to our most efficient chipper of this size to date.
"Now that they’re out with our dealers, we’re keen for more potential customers to see just what they can do.”
Glasgow City Council has recently installed two Husqvarna robotic lawn mowers, allowing them to redeploy workers to focus on other important tasks.
Glasgow Botanic Gardens is the latest high profile UK location to introduce Husqvarna Automower to its maintenance process.
The Gardens, located in the West End of Glasgow and managed by Glasgow City Council, cover 50 acres and is renowned internationally for its architecturally outstanding glasshouse, tropical plant collections and rose gardens. To add to the already impressive location, Glasgow City Council has recently installed two robotic lawn mowers, to ensure beautiful results are delivered to the Garden’s lawns all year round.
Husqvarna Automower at Glasgow Botanic Gardens
The battery-powered robotic lawnmowers work throughout the night, from 10pm to 10am, and are quiet enough to mow lawns without disturbing anyone. The council say the results are already impressing many, with lawns looking well-kept as a result of the machines working for 12 hours each night and even throughout rainy weather. The grass has maintained a consistent length and the quality has significantly improved.
Assistant group manager at Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Gavin Jackson, said, “I’m a big fan of Husqvarna Automower due to its green credentials. The battery-powered lawnmowers produce no direct harmful emissions and are near silent, which is ideal as Glasgow City Council are proactively working towards low emission zones and to reduce usage of loud machines in public spaces, with a commitment to be an environmentally-friendly city.”
The council say that use of the robot mowers has freed up time for grounds staff at Glasgow Botanic Gardens, redeploying workers to focus on other important, tasks that the area requires to maintain its beauty - and the machines have also given grounds staff time to interact with people who visit the Gardens. They also say use of the mowers has also helped save on fuel and fertilisers as a result of them being cost effective to operate.
UK Manager - Husqvarna Professional, Kevin Ashmore, commented, “Glasgow is another UK city with strong focus on its green & sustainable credentials coupled with a thirst for looking at future technologies to reach its goals. After hearing about the Automower success in Edinburgh they were keen to try it themselves at a high quality public site. They are doing a great and high quality job for both the city and visitors alike.”
Husqvarna has a growing list of commercial installations across the UK, maintaining popular green spaces, ranging from municipalities (Edinburgh, London & Glasgow), botanic gardens, multi-national headquarters, stately homes, sports facilities, zoos and educational establishments.
Nick Bragg of Frogmary Green Farm has officially completed his 3,000-mile challenge across Canada in just 30 days to raise awareness and funds for the welfare charity.
Nick at Inukshuk Momnument where his challenge ended
Nick has cycled 3,000 miles across Canada in just 30 days to raise awareness and funds for the welfare charity, The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I).
Nick and his trusty bicycle made it across 3 time zones and 4 provinces, through the mountainous terrain of the Rockies, and finally finished at the Inukshuk monument on the Vancouver waterfront.
Nick was accompanied by his wife Claire, plus siblings Ashley and Adele Martin of Adele Martin PT. With a background in cycling, AMPT provided Nick with the best challenge specific training and advice needed to complete his cycle across Canada safely. Ashley joined Nick at the start of the challenge for 3 weeks until Adele tagged in to tackle the Rockies.
Despite getting slightly lost, Nick and Ashley set off from Montreal Olympic stadium on the 21st of June. They faced strong headwinds for most of the journey and temperatures soared to 30 degrees. Claire followed close behind in their motorhome, with food, clean clothes and plenty of water.
The last 1000 miles was by no means the easiest, said Nick, as the mountainous Rockies loomed before them. On their steepest day, they faced a 3,982ft climb to the Bombi summit and then a 5,036ft climb to Paylson summit, meaning they had climbed a total of 9,018ft. Despite being the hardest section of their challenge, the splendour of the Rockies kept them moving and they were always looking forward to the next breath-taking view.
On day 30, Nick and Adele triumphantly arrived at the Inukshuk monument in English bay on the Vancouver Waterfront.
Nick says the challenge has flown by unbelievably quickly and he feels pleasantly surprised at what he has achieved, plus immensely grateful for all the support from friends and family. He thanked Fendt UK & Ireland, and Compass Tractors, as well as DraperVENT as their main sponsors, saying their support had been invaluable, not just to the Cycling Challenge but as partners to his farm.
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