I've heard very similar stories this week from a couple of dealers, based at opposite ends of the UK, of how the season is panning out for their businesses so far.

Like a yo-yo is how one put it. Very much up and down.

I had another tell me that it had been intensely busy in the dealership during the run-up to Easter - then for no obvious reason it tailed off early.

Perhaps with the rainy weather most parts of the country have experienced this week, we'll see some serious grass growth before the summer properly kicks in? Get some momentum going again.

We've said it before, but experienced dealers know there'll be these periods of flux. Weeks where you're rushed off your feet, with the showroom full and the phone never stopping ringing. Only to be chased up by a fallow spell, with few boots through the door and an ominously mute phone. I suppose you could say it's part and parcel of the industry?

When I hear dealers talking, I get an impression of a resigned acceptance of this situation. It's not like changes in the weather come as a surprise living in this country!

One element which I do sense is vitally important to keep spirits and enthusiasm going during periods of both boom and bust, is knowing your business is dealing with great manufacturers and suppliers who you can trust and rely upon to provide you with support and back up at all times of the year.

I met one such dealer this week who seemed to epitomise how this relationship can work at its best. He seemed genuinely happy with his situation, which I have to say, was delightful to see.

Blec, which is now of course under the ownership of Charterhouse Turf Machinery, chose to hold an event for the trade press on Wednesday, to show off their refreshed range of products for sports surface preparations at the premises of their dealer Acorn Tractors, based in Derbyshire.

Julian Simpson, the owner of Acorn, became a Blec dealer in 2016 and I remember the manufacturer introducing him to the press at the BTME show in January '17. Since then I get the impression that Julian has thoroughly relished his experience acting as dealer for the range. And it worked both ways with the manager of the BLEC division, Curtis Allen, jokingly introducing Julian to the assembled press people this week by saying, "Blec don't have favourite dealers, but if we did, Julian would be one!"

Julian explained, "When we were offered the chance to sell Blec under the Charterhouse banner, we leapt at that. It was like a dream come true."

He told us how confident they are as a dealership with the products they sell. He said, "We order the product, we PDI the product, we send it out and we never have problems. The quality of the build is brilliant and it’s just one of those franchises which you simply love to have."

He went on to explain how the machines are a specialist product which require specialist, professional dealers to sell them. "I’m fortunate," Julian said, "with my lads here to have a great team which allows us to count ourselves in that specialist area. Our expertise allows us to sell with success.

"We’re having a great year this year and we had a great year last year."

Julian wasn't only pleased with his Blec relationship. He also talked about how he finds the Iseki franchise a superb combination of products to hold. He said, "Iseki is a dream franchise for us too. I consider ourselves very, very lucky. It’s absolutely brilliant."

Hearing such enthusiasm is so good for the spirits. I realise it's tempting to let all the things which try our patience and throw spanners in the works dominate the discourse, but sometimes it's just refreshing to take a step back and say, do you know what, there's something which is working well - and presumably will only go from strength to strength.

It doesn't take a business expert to surmise that a great and trusted working relationship will lead to mutual benefits for both dealer and supplier.

If both parties are happy it has to make life easier and business better doesn't it?