Welcome back to your Service Dealer Weekly Update and may I offer you a belated Happy New Year!

I do hope everyone managed to enjoy some time of relaxation and peacefulness over the Christmas period. I imagine with the extreme weather conditions that the country is experiencing this week, our agricultural and commercial machinery dealer readers haven't exactly been able to quietly ease themselves back into the swing of things? One suspects that demands from customers who are using kit in farming and professional settings, have been immediately felt.

January always provides these conditions, of course, so I suspect our readers are hardly surprised. It's also traditionally a busy month due to a couple of major trade shows vying for your time away from the business. For the ag side, it's LAMMA next week at the NEC - and the following week for dealers in the golf and turf sector, BTME takes place in Harrogate. Members of the Service Dealer team will be at both shows, so please do say hi if you see us walking the aisles.

Also traditionally for this first Update after the break, we take a quick look back today at what stories caught our readers' attention during the preceding twelve months? This is always a interesting exercise for me as I research and compile this piece, both from a purely numbers game to see what was opened the most, but more importantly as a means to consider the mood and priorities of the dealer network.

Looking down the list, I think what we can take away from 2025's most read is that it was a year of consolidation and change - which is a bit different to the top stories we presented this time last year. Then, six out of the ten stories concerned dealerships closing their doors for the final time, making for rather downbeat reading. There are a couple entires along those lines in our article today - but literally just the two. Mostly they are about developments and evolutions in the network.

Dealer acquisitions, territory expansions, branch restructures, new appointments and manufacturer partnerships all featured prominently. Compared with some previous years (and most certainly with last year) the list feels less dominated by contraction and more about a sector adapting and, arguably, planning for the long term.

It seems a fair assumption to make that the continued interest by you, our dealer readers, in consolidation and expansion suggests the network is watching closely how others are addressing issues such as succession and future-proofing their operations. If that is indeed the case, then this first issue of 2026 could well feature some top ten stories this time next year as we're packed with news of this kind today.

There are two dealers coming together to focus on a tractor brand, Merlo are expanding their network, Lloyd have become dual-brand dealers, Browns' Kubota coverage has expanded, and Ibbets have taken on a new franchise. All of these stories reflect the on-going evolution that's under way in the network right now.

We at Service Dealer shall of course continue to the cover all industry developments for you throughout the year. We do this via our Weekly Update, the magazine, our social channels, special reports, dealer toolkits and our conference. As we say each year, this is your journal, so please do keep us informed with what is going on at your dealership and in your business. We are guided by you with the stories we cover, so if there's something you feel we should know about, please always feel free to drop me a line. We continually want to feature as many dealer voices as we can. So don't be shy.

We look forward to once again navigating a surprising, exciting and successful year with all of you.

Merlo UK has announced significant changes to its agricultural dealer network, strengthening their presence across large parts of the east, southeast and midlands. 

The company says this strategic development ensures enhanced customer support, improved aftersales service, and greater accessibility to their telehandler range. All new appointments will officially commence on 1st February 2026, and visitors can meet the expanded dealer team on the Merlo stand at the LAMMA Show next week.

Farmstar Ltd joins network

Sam Davies, managing director, Farmstar and Craig Footman, regional sales manager, Merlo UK

Following productive discussions, Merlo UK has confirmed the appointment of Farmstar Ltd, operating from three depots in Marr (South Yorkshire), Brigg (North Lincolnshire), and Market Weighton (East Yorkshire). Farmstar serves one of the UK’s most productive farming regions, encompassing large arable areas alongside livestock and root crop operations.

Formerly representing another telehandler brand for over 20 years, the dealership says they have embraced the opportunities Merlo offers and is eager to introduce the brand to its customers. 

Turney Group expands representation

Dan Coates, operations manager; Phil Bush, managing director; Peter McFerran, aftersales Manager, Turney Group and Craig Parkes, regional sales manager, Merlo UK

Earlier in 2025, Merlo UK appointed Turney Group to represent them from its new depot in Bredon, Gloucestershire. Building on this successful partnership, Turney Group will now extend representation to its other two depots at Princes Risborough (Buckinghamshire) and Middleton Stoney (Oxfordshire).

This expansion reinforces Turney’s commitment to delivering premium machinery backed by exceptional service.

Ernest Doe adds Merlo agricultural franchise

Graham Parker, sales director Ernest Doe and Owen Buttle, national sales manager, Merlo UK

Just five months after taking on Merlo’s construction franchise, with a strong network across 19 depots in East Anglia, South Lincolnshire, and South-East England, Ernest Doe brings decades of experience and a reputation for quality and customer care. Adding Merlo telehandlers to its agricultural line-up reflects Ernest Doe’s recognition of growing demand for high-performance handling solutions.

Owen Buttle, national sales manager at Merlo UK, said, “These appointments represent an exciting step forward for Merlo UK. By partnering with respected, customer-focused dealers like Farmstar, Turney Group, and Ernest Doe, we are ensuring farmers across key regions have access to Merlo’s innovative telehandlers and outstanding aftersales support.”

Case IH has announced a strategic expansion of its dealer network in the North of England.

George Lloyd

Effective as of 1st January 2026, Lloyd Ltd has officially added the Case IH brand to its operations at the Carlisle and Penrith depots.

By becoming a dual-branded dealer alongside New Holland, the dealership says it will provide farmers across Cumbria with a comprehensive "one-stop" solution for CNH’s agricultural machinery brands.

David Rapkins, CNH business director UK & ROI, said, “We are excited to see Lloyd Ltd represent both New Holland and Case IH at their Carlisle and Penrith depots. This dual-brand approach is a key part of our strategy to offer Cumbrian farmers greater choice and localised support. Lloyd Ltd has a proven track record of excellence, and by bringing the Case IH brand into these key hubs, we are ensuring our customers receive the highest level of technical expertise and parts availability. We look forward to a successful future and a strengthened long-term partnership with the Lloyd team.”

George Lloyd, managing director of Lloyd Ltd, added, “Integrating Case IH alongside New Holland at our Carlisle and Penrith depots is an important step in ensuring we meet the diverse needs of farmers in the region. We recognise the deep loyalty of Case IH customers across Cumbria and are looking forward to supporting them with a full suite of sales, service, and parts. This expansion reflects the strength of our partnership with CNH, and we are eager to begin working with Case IH’s customers throughout the region.”

Throughout 2025 the Service Dealer Weekly Update arrived with you, our valued dealer readers, each and every Friday bang on noon (mostly!).

We continued our brief to deliver you all the news relevant to your business - covering the exciting, sad, unusual, shocking and uplifting.

As has become traditional in our first Weekly Update back after the Christmas and New Year break, we today present the ten stories that received the most opens during the past 12 months.

So without further ado, in ascending order, here's what you read the most in 2025:

 
10.
MKM COMPLETE CLOSURE IN LIQUIDATION - 7th February 2025

Anthony Deacon spoke to Service Dealer about completing the closure of his dealership in liquidation, saying "Despite best efforts to close and remain solvent I received professional advice and instructed an Insolvency Practitioner to enter the company into voluntary liquidation."

9.
RVT OWNERS ALERT ADMINISTRATORS - 22nd August 2025

Burton-based Dunstall Holdings who owned dealers Rea Valley Tractors and Teme Valley Tractors, posted a notice of intention to appoint administrators via law firm Eversheds Sutherland.

8.
DOE ANNOUNCE CHANGES TO BRANCH STRUCTURE - 10th October 2025

Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd announced a series of changes which they said were designed to "strengthen its coverage, improve operational efficiency, and provide customers across Essex with greater flexibility and choice."

7.
THREE NEW DEALERS APPOINTED - 3rd January 2025

Boss ORV announced the appointment of three new dealers for Corvus Off-Road Vehicles - Used 4 Turf, DJS Hydraulics Agricultural & Plant Repairs and Chantry Engineers.

6.
TOP DEALERS AWARDED - 28th February 2025

New Holland announced the winners of their 2024 UK and Ireland Dealer of the Year Awards, which they say celebrated the accomplishments of their dealer network across UK and Ireland.

5.
DEALERSHIP EXPANDS AFTER RETIREMENT OF NEIGHBOURING DEALER - 28th March 2025

RSM Beare, JCB’s agricultural dealer covering east Cornwall and mid- to south Devon, expanded its operations to cover all of Cornwall with the addition of the former Truro Farm Machinery depot and staff following the retirement of TFM owner Bob Jones.

4.
HENTON & CHATTELL CONFIRM OFFICIAL ACQUISITION - 25th July 2025

Henton and Chattell confirmed they had officially taken over the Newark branch from Farmstar Ltd, marking the next stage in their ambitious growth strategy.

3.
KUBOTA EXPAND THREE DEALERSHIPS' AREAS - 21st March 2025

Kubota (UK) Ltd implemented a series of changes to three of its dealer sales areas - expanding the territories of Hopkins Machinery, Pallisers of Hereford and Lister Wilder.

2.
TWO MAJOR TRACTOR MAKERS FORM PARTNERSHIP - 14th February 2025

AGCO Corporation and SDF signed a supply agreement that they said would offer farmers a streamlined low-mid range horsepower tractor portfolio for AGCO’s Massey Ferguson brand.

1.
HENTON & CHATTELL BUY SITE FROM FELLOW DEALER - 24th January 2025

Henton and Chattell announced that it had signed Heads of Terms to acquire the Newark depot from Farmstar Ltd which would allow them to enhance their operations and strengthen its position as a dealer in agricultural, groundcare, and garden machinery.

Kubota (UK) Ltd has announced an extension to George Browns Ltd operating area at its Dunmow, Essex depot, for their agricultural and ground care portfolio.

Effective as of 1st January 2026, the additional area sees Brown’s coverage extend to the east, taking in Colchester and beyond, reaching the coast at Harwich before sweeping south to Maldon.

“The extension of George Browns area in Essex provides comprehensive coverage for customers throughout these areas,” said Henry Bredin, general manager of Kubota (UK)’s agricultural and ground care machinery business.

“Creating this larger area for George Browns will provide on-going support to existing customers operating in these areas, in addition to delivering sales, service and aftercare for Kubota’s agricultural and ground care portfolio.”

To further enhance its operations, George Browns has been through a period of consolidation to protect the future of its business, part of which has enabled remote working, team well-being and enhanced communication - all of which has a focus on delivering first class customer care.

“We have invested heavily in service and support, putting a greater emphasis on field-based operations that can better look after new and existing customers across this additional area,” said Steve Brown, managing director of George Browns. “From our four depots, we are now operating with 25 technicians, four apprentices and over 20 fully-equipped service vans.

“It is our goal to increase the support for the entire area we operate in, with dedicated sales and service personnel, along with manufacturer-backed knowledge for the Kubota portfolio that we currently sell,” he said.

McCormick has strengthened its UK dealer network with the appointment of Ibbetts, the well-established groundcare and agricultural machinery specialists based in St Neots, Cambridgeshire since 1851. 

Richard Haines and Tim Ibbett

The manufacturer says the partnership marks an important step in expanding their support network across  the region, providing customers with access to their full range of tractors, from compact models through to high-horsepower machine parts, alongside genuine parts, servicing, and technical support.

With a strong reputation for customer care and expertise built over generations, Ibbetts has built a long-standing reputation for quality products, and takes pride in offering excellent service across Cambridgeshire and the surrounding counties. The addition of McCormick tractors further enhances the dealership’s offering.

“We are delighted to welcome Ibbetts into the McCormick Tractors network,” said Richard Haines, commercial director of Argo Tractors GB. “Their 175 years of expertise, and commitment to customer care make them an ideal partner for the McCormick brand as we continue to grow our presence in the region.”  

Tim Ibbett, managing director, added, “Joining the McCormick dealer family is an exciting step for us. McCormick’s product range, reliability, and focus on supporting customers aligns perfectly with our values."

The new dealership agreement is effective immediately, with McCormick tractors now available through the Ibbetts showroom.

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