It was before my time on the magazine, but I've read in back-issues and heard dealers of a certain vintage speak about the great storm of '87.

I'm aware that it's regarded as a significant milestone in the modern history of the UK dealer network. A period when there was incredible demand on dealers to source equipment to help with the national clear-up of fallen trees etc. From what I can gather, demand and indeed sales spiked like almost never before. Plus I've heard tales of suppliers going above and beyond to make sure their dealers were fully stocked, to be able to meet the requirements from their customers in need.

I was interested therefore, to hear whether the storms of last week (and beyond if you're reading this in Scotland!) had caused something similar for our dealer readers. I've caught up with a selection of retailers around the country this week, some of whom chose to remain anonymous, to hear how the storms impacted on their businesses. As ever though, it would be fantastic to hear from more of you today. So please feel free to share your experiences of Eunice, Franklin and any of the others, in the comments below.

Damage to dealerships

Firstly, I was interested to discover whether any dealers had suffered any storm damage to their own premises. Thankfully no one I spoke to reported anything catastrophic.

Anthony Deacon at MKM Agri for example said, "We had a roller shutter door blow out at our Bury St Edmunds branch which caused some security problems and a pair of broken gates at our Bedford depot, but other than that we got away quite lightly."

James Hayes at Hayes Machinery in South Molton, Devon told me, "Luckily we fared well. A couple trees came down in our yard and unfortunately the next door building to us which is an old style barn, lost some of its roof. The winds were so strong at one point that we had one of the forklifts up against the roller shutter door to ease the pressure."

Another dealer I spoke to said a large canopy which shelters some products from the worst of the weather, got literally uprooted and rolled through the fence behind it - meaning a repair job when the weather allows.

The Isle Of Wight experienced the strongest gusts ever recorded in the country, reaching 122mph at the Needles. Adam Bennett of Albany Garden Machinery at Newport on the island told me they were in direct line to these winds. As well as a rouge trampoline landing in their yard, he said that power failures forced them to close last Friday afternoon.

Because it wasn't of course just physical structures that felt the brunt, infrastructure was effected. On this theme Michael Adamson of F.G Adamson in Swanland, Yorkshire said how they lost their phone system. He said, "We still don’t know the true cause but it seems likely that it was related to storm Eunice causing havoc somewhere in the country where our phone calls are routed through. We didn’t get our telephones back until Monday morning."

Luckily, no one I heard from had anything horrific happen to their premises. Do let us know in the comments below though, what happened to you.

Customer demand

I was also curious as to whether these recent events had led to a noticeable uptick in demand for products - which considering the current issues with supply, could potentially have beeen a real problem.

Interestingly though, a fair few dealers I spoke to told me they had not seen any real increase in customer footfall or demand at all. Some felt that perhaps their areas had missed the worst of the storms, others simply said, no, nothing unusual in-store for this time of year.

I did hear some dealers report runs on certain items though. Generators were cited by one dealer as being particularly requested, but with supplies low. Also chainsaws and associated accessories such as chains and oil had seen good sales.

But I must admit, on the whole I was surprised not hear of any great surge in requests from customers for hard to obtain products. What I did hear though, was plenty of comments from various dealers along the lines that if they had asked their suppliers to quickly help out with emergency supply they doubted they would have been able to help. With all the delays to routine orders it seemed unlikely most thought, that there would be any extra stock available to help out with any unprecedented requests.

Perhaps then, the events of the past week (and longer in Scotland) were not quite as significant as those experienced by the network back in '87? And due to the current situation with supply, thankfully so.

But do let us know today how your dealership has fared. Both in terms of any direct damage to your premises and what your customers have asked of you since.

Opico Ltd has announced the appointment of Charlies Groundcare and Machinery to their Maschio Gaspardo, Opico and HE-VA dealer network.

L-R: Dominic Burt, Maschio product manager; Ross Holloway, dealer principal at Charlies Groundcare; and Nick Rider, territory manager for Opico
 
Based near Welshpool, Charlies Groundcare and Machinery specialises in agricultural, groundcare, turf, golf and forestry machinery and has been serving farmers and the amenity sector throughout mid-Wales and Shropshire for over seventeen years.
 
With a depot on the outskirts of the town of Welshpool, Charlies say they are ideally positioned to grow the franchises in their area and beyond.
 
Commenting Charles Bedforth, sales director for Opico said, “We couldn’t be more delighted that Charlies Groundcare has chosen to sell and support our three brands. Charlies Groundcare and Machinery is a well-known business in the area, with a hard-earned reputation for quality and honest, family values.”
 
Ross Holloway, dealer principal for Charlies Groundcare added, “We’re fired up and ready go with both service and sales training, so that we can get stuck in to demonstrating, selling and supporting the range.”

Bobcat has appointed A&M Group, with headquarters in Bridgend, as the company’s new authorised dealer for South, West and Mid Wales.

A&M Group is now responsible for sales and service in this region for the manufacturer's entire range of loaders, mini-excavators, telehandlers, light compaction and attachments.

Newport-based Border Bobcat, the previous dealer for the area, is now specialising in the company's skid-steer, compact track, compact wheel and small articulated loader ranges for the counties of Powys and Gwent.

Andrew Wolton, the new district manager for Bobcat for the UK South area, said, "I look forward to working closely with A&M Group and we are confident that they will be as successful as a full-liner for the entire Bobcat range as they have been selling the Bobcat agricultural telehandler range in Wales over the last few years.”        

As part of developments in taking on the dealership, A&M Group has purchased two plots on the Brackla Industrial Estate in Bridgend, one of which will form the location for the company’s new headquarters. The new facilities in Bridgend complement the existing operations in St Clears in Carmarthenshire, from where A&M Group serves the west of Wales.

James Atherton, business manager at A&M Group, said, “We intend to build on the substantial success we have had with the Bobcat agricultural telehandler range in our area. In 2021 alone, we sold over 60 new Bobcat telehandlers to farmers across the region, converting many of them to the Bobcat brand for the first time.

“Our extensive experience in the construction market will be key in meeting our goals. To support the new dealership, we are making substantial investments in our premises in Bridgend, including the construction of our new headquarters building. To meet demand from the growing construction market and other industries in this part of Wales, we have initially ordered over 210 new Bobcat machines.”

After investing more than 20 years of research and development, Toro have announced it has started field testing of its GeoLink Solutions Autonomous Fairway Mower.

The technology was previewed at the recent 2022 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in San Diego.

The manufacturer says the autonomous mower aims to alleviate the issues of labour shortages and budget constraints experienced by customers in the golf industry. They believe greenkeepers will be able to increase productivity and get more consistent results.

During the initial placement period in 2022, Toro say they will work with selected sites to test the technology. The test units will be closely monitored to better understand the operational benefits realised by golf customers, and Toro will believe they will gain valuable insight as the technology is optimised.

“As technology continues to evolve, the future of Toro’s autonomous product offerings is limitless,” Toro product marketing manager Josh Kravik said. “Our initial placement activities in 2022 will help us identify applications in which today’s technology can perform to the levels expected by our customers and where further development and additional capabilities are required.”

Following the the first-ever Polaris Camp held last year, Polaris Britain has announced that the event will be returning for 2022.

Moving location to Duns, Scotland, from 2-4 September, Polaris Camp is a three-day off-road event dedicated to Polaris ATV and SXS machines. Initially introduced to support the launch of Club Polaris for sport and leisure customers in the UK, the first edition of Polaris Camp welcomed over 100 riders to Bodrhyddan Hall, North Wales. This year the manufacturer says the event moves across the Scottish border, bringing with it a new variety of trails and scenery to explore.

This camp will be organised in conjunction with local Polaris dealer in Scotland, Reiver Garage Services. Expanding their customer offering to include the Polaris sport and leisure line-up in 2020, Reiver Garage Services is no stranger to off-roading, with its owner, Dale Robertson, being a keen rally driver for many years, competing in numerous Scottish and British championships.

Richard Coleby, national sales manager at Polaris Britain, said, “Polaris Camp is the perfect event for off-road enthusiasts. Once again, we plan on catering for every type of rider by making the most of the beautiful Scottish countryside with group ride-outs, letting riders push their vehicles to the limits with high-adrenaline riding courses and not forgetting the opportunities for kids to get involved too.

"With Reiver’s local knowledge and enthusiasm for adrenaline, it’s sure to be another unforgettable edition.”

Husqvarna Group has been recognised as a Global Supplier Engagement Leader by CDP, a nonprofit organisation that runs the global environmental disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states, and regions.

Several thousand companies have disclosed their data in the CDP's Supplier Engagement Rating system (SER). The system evaluates supplier engagement practices with the aim of reducing emissions in global supply chains. Out of all companies participating, the top 8% are being named Supplier Engagement Leaders, 2021.

"We are proud of the progress we are making and the recognition from CDP. Our engagement in the CDP Supply Chain program has further improved our insight and capabilities in supply chain CO₂ impacts, delivering the results we needed to meet our targets", says Calle Medin, VP sustainability.

Husqvarna Group say they aim to cut the absolute CO₂  emissions across the value chain by 35% before 2025 while profitably growing the business. CDP evaluates supplier engagement by looking at governance, targets, scope three emissions, and value chain engagement. The scores in the CDP rating system are widely used to drive investment and procurement decisions towards a zero-carbon, sustainable and resilient economy.

Sonya Bhonsle, global head of value chains & regional director corporations, CDP, said, "Our data shows that companies currently have blinkers on when it comes to assessing their indirect impacts and engaging with suppliers to reduce them. Companies must act urgently to cascade action and manage environmental impacts throughout their supply chains to scale the level of action to secure a 1.5°C future. Many congratulations to the 400+ companies earning a place on CDP's 2021 Supplier Engagement Leaderboard.

"As a Supplier Engagement Leader, Husqvarna Group is a trailblazer driving the transition towards a sustainable net-zero future."

The organisers of the LAMMA exhibition have announced a competition open to all who register for a ticket to the show.

The prize is a two night stay at the Genting Hotel, which is close by to the Birmingham NEC where the show is due to take place on the 4th and 5th of May,

A spokesperson for the event said, "Seeing as we had to hit the pause button on LAMMA earlier this year, we thought it would be only right to make the Spring edition of the show a bigger day out."

Visitors need to register for their ticket and use the code ROOM10 to be in with a chance to win the two-night stay for the 3-4 May 2022.

Competitive Salary + Company Van + Continual Training Provided + Competitive Holiday Days + Progression + Overtime Available + latest hardware and software systems.

Have you got a good knowledge and understanding of Groundcare & Agricultural Machinery, want to join ‘Professional Turfcare Dealer of the Year 2017’, receive excellent training, and maximise your earnings?

George Browns established in 1830 is a family owned and run business that is currently the UK’s largest Kubota Tractor & groundcare dealer. Also specialising in the Sale, Hire, Parts and Service of many other leading groundcare & agricultural machinery manufacturers such as Baroness and Trimax, from 7 branches based in South & Mid England.

Due to expansion, we currently require an experienced Service Technician, primarily focusing on professional groundcare products, with the addition of agricultural machinery, where we can provide supported training to develop the new employee to their full potential, at our Leighton Buzzard branch. Ideally with previous experience in servicing groundcare/farming machinery. 

Main responsibilities would include:

• Repairs, servicing, and maintenance on groundcare machinery with the ability to also service & maintain Agricultural products.
• Build and complete pre-delivery inspection of sold machinery
• Complete work on machinery to the highest quality
• Complete work orders through a computerised system
• Maintain a clean and organised workstation, work van.

To be considered for this role candidates will require:

• A positive outlook with a ‘can do’ attitude
• Good understanding of the groundcare machinery industry
• Knowledge and experience of, professional, agricultural, domestic products

Location: Grovebury Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 4UX

Pay: £Competitive

Contact: Gary Coad - careers@georgebrowns.co.uk - 01525 216393

Overton (UK) Limited are seeking a sales manager for the ALTOZ tracked and Mean Green electric mowers for Northern England.

Overton UK’s products are innovative, niche and market leaders within their field. We have been established since 1992 and have based our business on continuous product development and strong client relationships. Working with our clients and their needs, we ensure excellent customer service.

We are now looking to expand our team and we have an opening for an enthusiastic, focused and self-motivated individual who will work as part of our sales team. The successful candidate will develop sales within the industry of our ‘exclusive’ ALTOZ Tracked Mowers, the established Mean Green commercial electric mowers plus other brands. The role is to cover an area from Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire up to the Scottish borders.  

Main Purpose of Job:

• Sales development of our products from the following areas - Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire to the Scottish borders.
• To recruit and train new dealers.
• To increase existing dealer sales.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Effectively manage a given territory and grow sales.
• Feedback relevant market data, buyer behaviour, market trends, and business opportunities to senior management.  Keeping up to date with competitor ranges activities and developments.
• Assist in preparing and agreeing annual and monthly sales forecasts.
• Establish and maintain regular contact with dealers and to work closely to provide them with the necessary support.
• Plan all visits, including appointments with key accounts minimum one week in advance.
• Carrying out demonstrations and presentations to dealers and customers.
• Attend national and regional trade shows.
• Travel within the territory with some hotel stays as travel could include remote locations and corporate functions. Occasional weekend and/or evening work may be required to support dealer/business events.

Main Experience & Skills Required:

• Proven sales track record within the Groundcare Industry is an advantage.
• Must be a team player.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are required to establish effective business relationships with internal and external partners.
• Ability to effectively engage at all levels in the sales process.
• Strong organizational, planning, communication and negotiation skills are essential.
• Full clean driving license covering categories B+E Full UK driving licence. A towing (B&E) category would be advantageous.
• Ideally live in a convenient location inside the territory.

Other Information:

• The position reports directly to the Sales Director and is responsible for business growth across the area, to be able to achieve pre-determined sales levels.
• Competitive salary with commission, company vehicle and benefits package available dependent on experience.
• Full training will be given on the machinery and systems that are used within Overton (UK).

Applications:

Interested applicants should apply in writing by sending their CV and covering letter to: 
Guy Overton at guy@overtonukltd.com

Deadline: 4th March 2022

The new STIHL MSA 300 is the most powerful cordless chainsaw in the AP System. Suitable for felling, cross-cutting, snedding and processing, the MSA 300 offers forestry professionals, arborists and landscapers plenty of power for taking on larger cutting tasks. 

Powered by the new AP 500 S battery, the MSA 300 is recommended with a 16” Light 04 guide bar and .325” RS Pro chain for fast cutting. The recommended cutting attachments are identical to the popular MS 261 C-M, with a maximum recommended guide bar length of 18”.   

The MSA 300 is compact, well balanced and features STIHL’s anti-vibration system for comfortable working over long durations. Other features include a captive nut on the sprocket cover, an adjustable oil pump, durable die-cast magnesium components and an air filter to aid effective air cooling.  

Also featured in this model is an LED digital display for active user notifications, showing the operating mode in use, the status of the chain brake position, the on/off status and even temperature warnings to prevent overheating. 

Three operating modes limit the maximum chain speed, helping to match the performance to the task at hand and extend the battery run-time. Eco mode limits the chain speed to 24 m/s and is ideal for cutting smaller logs, while the highest performing mode features a 30 m/s chain speed ideal for felling cuts and fast working.

The MSA 300 is compatible with the STIHL Smart Connector 2 A, plugging directly into the control module to collect valuable data such as run-time and operating speed history. This data syncs to the user's smartphone and informs the user exactly when maintenance tasks should be completed, improving efficiency and helping to reduce machine downtime. 

For more information on STIHL’s new MSA 300 or its range of professional cordless tools, please visit www.stihl.co.uk. 

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