Following a couple of relatively quiet weeks for news, there are several stories in our Weekly Update today that make for significant industry talking points.

Acquisition

Aside from two high profile departures (here and here), there's the dealer news, the likes of which we have become familiar with these past few years, of a larger, multi-branched concern acquiring a smaller, local dealership to add to their fold. With Tuckwells purchasing Tominlinsons, we're told today that all employees and the existing branch location at Buxhall, near Stowmarket, are being retained.

I'm sure some of our readers have their own views on these kinds of developments, but hearing that a dealership is staying open and that skilled individuals are not being lost to the industry, must be seen as good news? Certainly compared to that spate of closures we saw earlier this season.

It's an area of discussion that I can tell you our colleague, Keith Christian, takes up in a major, upcoming article in the next edition of Service Dealer magazine, which is soon to head to the printers. 

I won't spoil what Keith has to say in the full course of his piece, but as a tease and perhaps to get readers thinking, I will just pull out a quote which is pertinent to this subject area of dealers taking over fellow dealers. Keith says, "This is not a sign of a shrinking industry but one of a changing industry where consolidation, merger and acquisition are playing the part of what may be considered succession."

Fascinating food for thought there from Keith, and one that hopefully will lead to further discussion and debate amongst members of the network.

Distribution developments

Elsewhere today, we have three stories regarding new product distribution options for dealers. On the agricultural side of the industry we hear about Maschio Gaspardo UK becoming the official UK importer and distributor of Gregoire Besson products and Carr’s Billington becoming a central distribution hub for Harvest Tec's applicator range. Whilst at the domestic end, Mower Magic tell us they are now one of the first companies to distribute the new robotic mowers from Mammotion Tech.

Developments such as these are always interesting to report, as they add to the options available to independent dealers for what they might choose to stock in their stores. With options ever increasing - for those dealers who want to - hopefully there are enough choices on offer these days, meaning all eggs don't have to be placed in one basket.

We have often heard industry experts advocating diversification in the dealership, for many reasons, but a major one is to help avoid getting into difficulties with stocking levels. 

As all dealers reading this today will remember only too clearly, stock levels were pretty much the sole subject of discussion as we moved through, and out the other side of the pandemic years. Obviously the scarcity of product was an issue that impacted everybody involved in the outdoor power machinery trade. Recently though, we've been hearing dealers speaking about stocking again, albeit from the opposite end of the spectrum.

There are dealers who have spoken to us quite openly about being over-burdened with stock by particular suppliers. With the pendulum having perhaps swung too far in the opposite direction from the days of empty shelves and deserted storerooms, the impression we've picked up on is that some dealers would like to stock more lightly. Almost adopting a just-in-time policy perhaps, when it comes to taking hold of goods.

Is this something you do, or indeed aspire to do, in your dealership? Is it a feasible way of working? Or is it something that's simply not possible with the commitments you have with your supplying manufacturers?

I did recently hear of a dealer who felt obliged to defend themselves against allegations that they were going out of business - allegations that were brought about because their yard wasn't overflowing with stock. Despite it being a deliberate choice made to decrease stocking levels in order to reduce costs, false rumours had started that they were facing hard times and potential closure!

Anyway, is this a situation you can relate to? If you have any thoughts on these subjects today, please do leave a comment below - or drop me a line in confidence if you'd prefer.

Gary Whitney has announced his is leaving his senior role as management consultant at STIGA UK to set up his own business, still within the industry.

Gary Whitney

In a post to LinkedIn yesterday (May 30th 2024) Gary said, "On the 1st of June I start a new adventure setting up and running my own business. I have spent the last 23 years working for STIGA in the UK starting in sales and had the great honour of being the UK Managing Director from 2018 until September 2023.

"I would like to thank all of the friends and colleagues that I have had the pleasure of working with during my time with STIGA and the many valued customers that have supported me with their trust and investment over the years."

Gary confirmed he would be staying within the industry, saying, "I am really pleased to say that my new adventure will keep me firmly in the STIGA family as my new business Smart Lawns Ltd will sell and install STIGA robot mowers and will maintain large lawns using the fantastic STIGA robot mower range locally to where I live."

This week Gary will be completing my his service to the company doing exactly what he says he loves doing, working with the team from Doyles at the Bloom show in Dublin selling STIGA.

Mower Magic have announced that they have expanded their robotic mower portfolio with exclusive UK distribution of Mammotion Tech.

The company say that they are one of the first to distribute Mammotion Tech as part of the manufacturer's global expansion
 
Olivia Hipworth, sales and marketing manager at Mower Magic said, "The introduction of the Luba Series by Mammotion offers our customers a wireless solution with straight line, uniform mowing and will be a great addition to our current range of robotic mowers."

She continued, "The Luba 2 achieves the holy grail of robotic mowing with its groundbreaking wireless technology, featuring an advanced RTK signal combined with twin 3D vision cameras and advanced AI. This innovative combination allows the Luba 2 to seamlessly continue mowing under tree canopies and alongside large buildings, areas where other robotic mowers typically struggle due to signal loss."
 

Olivia added, "The addition of the Luba series gives us one of the widest ranges of robotic mowing solutions in the UK and this will be available for dealers as well as for customers both online and in our Lincoln showroom."

Maschio Gaspardo UK and Gregoire Besson have announced a partnership in the UK, with Maschio Gaspardo UK becoming the official importer and distributor of Gregoire Besson products.

Gregoire Besson products have not had a UK importer for some time. The two companies say this strategic collaboration now aims to provide UK dealers and farmers with a comprehensive range of agricultural machinery and services. 

Maschio say they will will consolidate and expand the brand in the UK, enabling it to build relationships with past and new dealers, ensuring the availability of machines and parts

In a statement the partnership said, "UK farmers and dealers will benefit from an extensive array of high-quality products, thanks to this strategic partnership. This will enable customers to access a wider portfolio from two quality brands offering vast knowledge and heritage, enhancing productivity and efficiency in the UK farming sector."

The statement continued, "By utilising the Maschio Gaspardo UK warehouse and service team in Lincoln, Gregoire Besson commits to providing excellent service and ensuring a seamless supply of machines and parts. This strategic location will facilitate prompt and efficient support, reinforcing the commitment to meet the needs of the English farming community."

The official launch of this collaboration will take place on June 1, 2024, and will be showcased at the upcoming Cereals 2024 exhibition.

CNH Industrial has announced that it has accepted Derek Neilson's request to leave the company later this year to pursue a new entrepreneurial project outside of the sector, after 25 years of dedicated service.

Derek Neilson

During his career with CNH the manufacturer says Derek has held a range of leadership positions, making major contributions to manufacturing, the former commercial vehicles division, the EMEA region, also serving for a time as interim CEO. For the past six years he has overseen the transformation of CNH’s agricultural business and its accompanying record performance.

The company sais Derek has developed a strong team that will continue to place the needs of agricultural customers at the center of their business as they continue the development of the next generation of digitally enabled products.

Suzanne Heywood, Chair of CNH said, “On behalf of the entire company, I would like to thank Derek for his years of unstinting dedication to CNH. His commitment to the development of outstanding, customer-focused products and his championing of constant improvement have been critical to the success of our continuing transformation. The entire CNH team wishes him every success with his future plans.”

Bale preservative application specialist Harvest Tec has announced that it is to directly distribute its Baler's Choice preservative and advanced applicator range via its own dedicated UK and European sales and service network.

The change in distribution arrangement has been made, say the Wisconsin based company, to enable them to have direct control over the sales and service of its products. Harvest Tec have announced they will be working with Carr's Billington, who will act as a central distribution hub, to ensure prompt availability of applicator systems after sale and a rapid supply of spare parts.

Carr's Billington will hold both applicator units and spare parts for dispatch to all other Harvest Tec UK dealerships.

For simplicity and clarity, all applicator systems will in future be branded and supplied under the Harvest Tec name. Previously for the UK market they were marketed by OEM brand, such as Crop Saver, Thirty Plus or Hayboss, which the company believe complicated stocking and parts supply. By branding all applicators under the Harvest Tec name, the manufacturer says this will aid both applicator and spare parts availability, and help reduce cost.

Bryant Henningfeld, sales manager for Harvest Tec Inc said, "Harvest Tec is excited to transition our UK distribution of applicators and moisture sensors working with Carr’s Billington to allow us to better serve the UK dealer network and provide on-time delivery to customer requests.

"We are committed to serving the livestock and equine markets by extending operator baling time as well as producing superior quality hay and straw, and this new distribution model will provide superior product availability and precision application equipment in order to achieve that."

Organisers of November's Service Dealer Conference & Awards have today announced another company who will be supporting the event.

EGO are returning, once again as a GOLD Sponsor.

Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke said, "We are looking forward to welcoming back dealers from around the country who will be able to hear from our line-up of expert speakers, hand-picked for their insight and relevance to the network.

"We will also be delighted to welcome back our friends from EGO, who we thank for their invaluable support once again."

Steve Roskell, marketing director, added, "We are delighted to once again be sponsoring an award at this prestigious industry event.

"We’re looking forward to coming together with our dealer network in celebrating their hard work and achievements."

The theme for this year's Service Dealer Conference has been announced as Driving Success and it will take place, along with the Dealer Of The Year Awards, once again at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-Upon-Avon on Thursday 28th November 2024.

For more information on how you can be a part of the event and to stay updated on conference news visit our website or follow us on social media @servicedealer

The GGM Group took on the Manchester 10k in the name of their company charity last weekend, raising funds for their wider commitment to The North West Air Ambulance.

The five-strong team took part in the AJ BELL Great Manchester Run, generating over 70% of their £10000 target.

The GGM Group selected North West Air Ambulance as their group charity for 2024, and employees are taking part in many different activities to raise vital funds for this worthy cause. The charity exists to bring the hospital to patients with a vision to fly the most advanced medical crew and equipment to people when and where most needed. It is entirely funded by charitable donations. The charity is currently attempting to raise £12 million to coincide with their 25th birthday year.

Rebekah Bullen Calderbank from the charity said, “The Great Manchester Run is a fantastic event for us, and this year was our biggest yet with over 100 runners. We are so grateful for all the support from GGM and for taking part in the event. It was great to see them on the day, at our stand in the charity village. They have raised an incredible amount so far which will help us continue saving lives across the North West”.  

Chris Gibson, managing director of The GGM Group completed the challenge. He said. “The Manchester 10k was a great event and I am very proud of all of the team. I personally hadn’t run in over 40 years and a year ago decided that the 10k would be my target. I was really pleased to  cross the finish line in 1 hour 16 minutes, with the support of a great team.

“It was great that a number of our team and families took the time to come into Manchester to support the runners.

“It’s a key part of our ethos at GGM Group to give something back to the community and we are delighted to be working with the North West Air Ambulance this year. We’d like to extend a huge thank you to all our suppliers, customers, families and friends who’ve generously donated in support of our efforts."

You can support GGM in their charity efforts here.

The upcoming Royal Three Counties Show, Malvern, taking place from 14-16 June 2024, sees the return of STIHL Timbersports.

Justine Narusa

Three days of competition will see Britain’s top athletes compete against each other for the British crown, as well as the opportunity to represent their country at world level. 

The sponsors say competition for places in the British Pro Championship taking place on Saturday 15 June is so high that the first ever qualifier will take place the Friday before. The top six athletes from 2023’s Championship have earned automatic qualification, whilst the remaining athletes from last year’s competition will go head-to-head with newcomers to decide who will take the final spots in the main event. 

There are also 12 rookies (athletes under 25) competing in the British Rookie Championship and 11 women vying for victory in the British Women’s Championship on Sunday 16 June. 

Jack Morris

Fresh from finishing sixth at the World Rookie Championship in Milan, Jack Morris will be the one to beat in the Rookie Championship. In the British Women’s Championship, it’s all to play for this year, with previous champions Justine Narusa (2023 winner) and Zoe Penlington (2022 winner) returning as well as some exciting new talent looking to shake things up. Whilst the Pro Championship will be another hard-fought battle, but Glen Penlington will be hoping to hold off his rivals to make it a hat-trick of national titles, after he won in 2022 and 2023.

Tickets are available from the show website. The Pro, Women’s and Rookie Championships will also be livestreamed via the STIHL Timbersports YouTube channel. 

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