We teased it a couple of weeks ago, but today is the day when we can officially say that the entry process for 2023's Dealer of the Year competition is well and truly  . . . OPEN!

I hope you have been giving some thought as to which category or categories you and your team members should be in the running for this year. Up for grabs are our core machinery specialism awards for businesses (Farm, Garden, Professional Turfcare, Forestry, ATV/Quad - plus a New Initiative prize). Alongside these are several special categories for outstanding individuals within the dealership (Leadership, Star and New Technician).

The organising team would be delighted if more dealer readers than ever chose to enter themselves for the competition this year. The process is simple and gives everyone an equal chance to shine - so why not get involved?!

As well as dealers putting themselves forward, we're also looking for nominations to come in from third parties on behalf of dealerships and individuals who they know deserve recognition. So come on manufacturers and suppliers, get in touch to tell us who always goes above and beyond for your brand.

I think it's worth reiterating just how valuable it can be, to be presented with an award that reflects your standing in the field in which you specialise.

Firstly, there's the obvious boost to morale and the feeling of immense pride that gaining affirmation from industry peers and colleagues brings. In our working lives it isn't often that we get those public pats-on-the-back that lets everyone know we're on the right track. So when those opportunities do present themselves, grabbing them with both hands surely makes sense?

There are other messages that are conveyed by being able to hang a certificate up on the wall of your premises though. When customers see that your business has been recognised by the wider industry for example, it should instill a confidence in the quality of your products and services. 

Another would be that gaining an industry award sets you apart from the crowd. It signals that your dealership is a cut above and has been acknowledged for the excellence it offers. With a few, might we say less-than-scrupulous, companies out there on the internet, letting everyone know you are legit and have been recognised as such, can only be a good thing.

Other reasons for entering would include that the marketing and PR opportunities coming from winning are gold plated; competing for an industry award such as these encourages self-assessment and continuous improvement within the business; and simply being in the running at the ceremony on the night, is a fantastic networking opportunity to put your dealership out there and in the forefront of industry conversations.

Emphasising the prestige of the awards, is the exceptional support they have gained this year from some of the absolute top manufacturer names in the sector, who have chosen to sponsor the categories. There's no clearer indication of the high-regard that the awards are held in by your suppliers, than their association with the competition.

So do make this edition the one where your dealership turns the spotlight on all the great work you've undertaken across the past twelve months. The starting point to begin your journey can be found here today. Make sure you have a thorough read through of the explanations of all the categories you want to enter first, so you know exactly what the organisers want to receive from you and what the judging panel want to hear.

I think what works well is trying your best to convey a succinct story, that encapsulates what your business and your colleagues are all about. Numbers and pie-charts can say so much, but they can't really reflect the people who are at the heart of every great dealership around the country. It's the efforts of these individuals that Service Dealer looks to celebrate.

It is always a genuine pleasure each year, when I'm privy to the accounts of the innovative, entrepreneurial and inspiring work that our readers are achieving across the network. I look forward to once again having my already high expectations, exceeded!

Get entering!

Service Dealer is today opening the entry process for 2023's Dealer Of The Year Awards.

Below you will find all the links you'll need for dealerships to enter themselves and their staff for as many awards as they like. 

Also, dealerships and individuals can be nominated by any third party who feels they are deserving of recognition. These nominations can come from manufacturers, suppliers, customers, staff members etc.

Entries must be complete and include a 250-word supporting statement and at least one piece of supporting evidence. The awards will be judged taking into account the 12 months prior to the submission date.

Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke said, "When creating entries don’t just think about the facts and figures. Tell us about the individual or business being nominated. What is it that makes them stand out from the crowd?"

More detail on entries can be found by clicking the relevant category links below. Entries must be in by midnight on Monday 16th October.

A judging panel will review all the nominations prior to the Awards Ceremony on the 30th November. All entries for the categories below will be considered by the judging panel for the prestigious Overall Dealer of the Year award (sponsored by Kress).

Garden Machinery Dealer of the Year - sponsored by Husqvarna

Have you gone above and beyond this year to satisfy your domestic customers?

ENTER GARDEN MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

Farm Machinery Dealer of the Year - sponsored by Ibcos

Would your farming customers say you are outstanding in your field?

ENTER FARM MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR

Forestry Equipment Dealer of the Year - sponsored by Societe Generale Equipment Finance

Is your dealership at the top of the tree when it comes to supplying forestry equipment?

ENTER FORESTRY EQUIPMENT DEALER OF THE YEAR

Professional Turfcare Dealer of the Year - sponsored by Toro UK

Is your team firing on all cylinders when it comes to your commercial turfcare customers?

ENTER PROFESSIONAL TURFCARE DEALER OF THE YEAR

ATV/Quad Dealer of the Year - sponsored by Yamaha

Are you the dealership customers turn to for tackling all terrain in the outdoor sector?

ENTER ATV/QUAD DEALER OF THE YEAR

New Technician of the Year - sponsored by Kubota

Technicians are the staff who keep the wheels turning - this is your chance to highlight someone in their first four years of the role.

ENTER NEW TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR

Star of the Dealership - sponsored by EGO

Do you have a staff member who’s made an exceptional contribution to the business?

ENTER STAR OF THE DEALERSHIP

Best New Initiative - sponsored by STIHL

Have you implemented something new - be it a fresh idea, some renovation, diversification, or branching out with new tech, let us know!

ENTER BEST NEW INITIATIVE

Leadership Award - Sponsored by AGCO

Does your dealership benefit from a great team leader who leads from the front and acts as a great example to all?

ENTER LEADERSHIP AWARD

The Awards will be presented at the Gala Dinner following the Service Dealer Conference that takes place on Thursday 30th November 2023 at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford upon Avon, the theme for this year's event is Taking Care of Business.

STIHL held an international press conference at their headquarters in Waiblingen, Germany on Wednesday this week, where they announced a downturn in revenue.

STIHL Brand World in Waiblingen, Germany

Service Dealer attended the event that saw trade press from around the world gather to hear Michael Traub, chairman of the STIHL executive board say that the past eight months have "proven challenging" for the STIHL Group.

He confirmed that the company had generated revenue of 3.84 billion euros in the period from January to August 2023, which is a decline of 1.5% year on year. He also announced that the company's workforce had decreased by 0.5% to 20,311 employees worldwide as of August 31.

Michael Traub said, "After several years of strong growth, our markets find themselves in a period of temporary consolidation in 2023." He explained this downturn as being a consequence of consumers not spending as much on their homes and gardens as they were during the Covid years. He also cited the high energy costs hitting both themselves and their customers, as another factor affecting revenue levels.

He went to on say though that the company is looking to the future with confidence. "We have ambitious growth plans and continue to invest a great deal in our business," he said, "especially in batteries - the technology of the future - and in our global manufacturing and sales network."

Inside Brand World

As part of this growth, the company have announced that they are to build its own EC (electronically commutated) motor plant for professional battery-operated products in Waiblingen. This will be the first time the company has manufactured their own EC motors in-house, which they said will ensure that the motors are a better match for their products as a whole. The facility will initially focus on producing these components solely for the pro tools and is set to start in 2025. The total investment was said to amount to roughly 17 million euros.

The meeting this week also afforded the company the opportunity to show off to the gathered press their new Brand World - a three-story exhibition space measuring just over 1,500 square meters. The modern, interactive facility highlights both the company's history and the development of its products - as well on focusing on the power and importance of forests around the globe. It's an impressive facility that will be both open to public and used to bring groups of STIHL's dealers and guests together.

Demo of new professional battery-powered brushcutter

We will have some more information from the meeting including what was said regarding their global dealer network and new products launched, in the upcoming edition of Service Dealer magazine.

Organisers of the Landscape show that was due to take place at the NEC, Birmingham on the 27th & 28th of September and was going to feature Service Dealer and TurfPro's Laurence Gale as a guest speaker, have announced that the event has been "postponed".

A statement appeared on their website this week that read:

"After extensive consideration, we have decided to postpone the Show. We pride ourselves on providing a valuable event for the industry, and would never want to put on an event that falls short. We hope that rescheduling the Show to Spring 2024 will enable us to gain a range of new and exciting exhibitors who would have otherwise not have been able to participate this September.

"We intend to transfer all planned features and events, such as the popular SGD Soirée and the Student Discovery Day to our newly organised dates. We hope to have your support in providing the best event that we can.  

"This decision has not been taken lightly and we understand the inconvenience it may cause to all of you who have been looking forward to this event. We believe it is essential to take a step back at this moment in order to deliver our exhibitors and visitors the event we have promised.

"Please expect further updates as we make important decisions in the days ahead. In the meantime, we thank you for your patience and understanding as we make new arrangements. Your continued support is vital to the success of our exhibition, and we are determined to find the best path forward."

Reesink’s purchasing, sales processing, service and training team have won Toro’s International Aftermarket Achievement Award for 2022. 

John Mooney, commercial products area Manager - UK, Ireland and Middle East at The Toro Company presents Reesink UK’s managing director Alastair Rowell and operations manager David Jackman, with the Toro 2022 International Aftermarket Achievement Award

This news follows the recent announcement that Reesink had won Toro's International Outstanding Sales Achievement prize.

Up against fellow Toro distributors, Reesink say they impressed on an international scale with its dedication to aftermarket care.

Michael Hampton, parts manager at Reesink Turfcare, said, “Winning this award puts into perspective all the hard work that goes into taking care of our customers beyond the initial purchase period. Part of what makes Toro machines so great are their long lifespans and helping customers to get the most out of their investments is always our aim.”

To achieve this award, distributors needed to have demonstrated superior parts business growth, which includes three main factors: exceeding parts sales goals, attaining high parts fill-rates, and successfully executing parts promotions. The distributor has to complete product reworks - repairing products in accordance with Toro’s inventory standards - in a timely manner and achieve excellence in service training too.

Michael continued, “It’s vital that our customers know the importance of using genuine parts in their machines so that they can run to the best of their ability. Part of this is educating them through our team’s expertise and promotions.

Lee Rowbotham, service manager at Reesink UK adds, “Our training courses and ReeAssure maintenance plans are also key components of our aftermarket offerings. In particular, the Turfcare Mechanics course has gone a long way to equip customers with the fundamentals they need to service and maintain their Toro machines, while the ReeAssure scheme provides customers with manufacturer’s routine maintenance and scheduled servicing, giving that extra peace of mind. I think that’s what sets Reesink apart, that extra bit of attention afforded to all of our customers even down the line.

"Being recognised for that and winning this award means a lot to Reesink and especially to our incredibly hardworking aftermarket team - it’s a real honour.”

Organisers of the Equip Exhibition trade show that takes place in Louisville, Kentucky from October 17 to 20, say this year's 40th Anniversary event will be better than ever.

Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which owns Equip said, "If you don’t come this year, you’ll have missed something. Landscape contractor attendance is up by 39 percent over last year, which is a record, and dealer registration is up by 10 percent. This shows the relevance and importance of Expo."

Kris added, “With California now moving to full implementation of their combustion engine equipment ban, this year, look for extensive new offerings by manufacturers to comply with these new and upcoming regulations. Over 40 manufacturers are putting new products in the New Product Showcase.” 
 
Every year, Equip say they invest in and commits to making the user experience unique in response to the industry’s needs, demands and market changes. 
 
“It will be the same show you’ve always loved - just better,” Kris says. “This year, we’ve invested in an expanded UTV Track, will have our first-ever, stadium-sized, free concert at the Yum! Center, expanded education for our Hispanic industry members and more."

Some of the highlights this year include:

New education and training sessions to help landscape contractors and dealers make more money and grow. Sessions focus on topics like growing and managing your business for greater profits, hiring and retaining key employees, and new technology.  
 
Arena concert with Third Eye Blind. This free concert, open to all Expo registrants and their guests and friends, will be held on Thursday night, October 19, at the KFC Yum! Center. 
  
30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard. Equipment manufacturers show off the newest equipment and attendees can “try it before they buy it.” It’s a place to mow, mulch, cut, dig, drive, and test the latest outdoor power equipment in the industry. 
 
Expanded UTV Test Track. More than a dozen new UTVs from 10 manufacturers can be through their paces 
 
Inaugural Women’s Leadership Reception. More than 200 women in the industry are slated to attend the first-ever Women’s Reception on Thursday evening.
 
Tree climbing workshops.Climbing technique sessions on a live tree in Freedom Hall give an up close and personal look at better tree care. 
  
Keynote address. Hear polar explorer Ben Saunders share his journeys which include 12 major expeditions covering just over 4,500 miles (7,250km) on foot in the high Arctic, Greenland and Antarctica since 2001. 

Bobcat are celebrating 60 years of their telehandler manufacturing factory in Pontchâteau, France.

The construction of the present-day Pontchâteau plant commenced in 1963 with the facility specialising in off-road dumpers and forklifts.

Today, the factory produces telescopic handlers, which commenced in the early 1980s under the Sambron brand and was then acquired by the Fayat Group. Under the new ownership, Sambron became FDI Sambron and introduced hydrostatic telescopic handlers. In 2000, FDI Sambron was acquired by American corporation, Ingersoll-Rand, which also owned the Bobcat brand. Consequently, FDI Sambron transformed into Bobcat France. In 2007, Bobcat was acquired by the South Korean group, Doosan, and continues to operate as part of the Doosan Bobcat EMEA company.

In 2023, the French factory achieved a significant milestone, when it manufactured its 111,000th machine. Out of this figure, around 30,000 of the machines have been telehandlers carrying the Bobcat signature logo and typical white and orange colours.

Philippe Marescot, Pontchâteau factory manager at Doosan Bobcat EMEA said, “Our current telehandler line-up consists of 14 models in five platforms, with key markets in agriculture, construction and rental. Managing such a comprehensive portfolio is only possible thanks to our experienced engineering team, which is running all the European operations and contributing to global telehandler development activities. The majority of our production, over 80%, is targeted for export."

Employment has seen significant growth alongside production, with the workforce more than doubling to 420 employees in the last 10 years. The Mayor of Pontchâteau, Danielle Cornet, recognises the factory's significance as a major regional employer, with over 50% of employees residing within a 20 km radius, and offering diverse job opportunities ranging from manufacturing to executive roles, administration and Research & Development.

Philippe Marescot concludes, "Over the past decade, significant investments, amounting to approximately 30 million EUR, have been made in human resources, research and development and facility enhancements. These structural investments have strengthened the Pontchâteau factory’s capacity to meet market demands and maintain a growth trajectory aligned with market needs."

The countdown is on and it’s time to get ready for the most anticipated event of the year. GroundsFest is set to be the largest, annual, free must-attend event for grounds staff, greenkeepers, machinery dealers, landscapers, gardeners, local authorities, estate managers and contractors.

Taking place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 20 – 21 September, here is a snapshot of what attendees can look forward to.

Hundreds of brands and demonstrations

Hundreds of brands will be on display, and you will be able to see a wide range of products in action. The event will give you the opportunity to not only see a wide range of machinery in action but get up close and personal with it.

Practical training sessions

The programme will feature free hands-on, training sessions on a range of groundscare topics including line marking, pedestrian mowers, ride-on mowers, handheld machinery, and the calibration and use of knapsack sprayers and boom sprayers. 

Free education and CPD points

With five seminar theatres, outdoor practical sessions, and an abundance of land-based education providers in attendance, GroundsFest is set to have the largest display of educational opportunities ever seen at a groundscare event.   

BAGMA (British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association) will also be offering advice about its specific industry training courses, and We Are Land-Based Engineering has a stand to provide information on a career in land-based engineering.

The Landscape Zone

The Landscape Zone will spotlight the latest outdoor environment technologies, solutions and innovations and will be a must-attend event for landscape architects, local authority landscaping professionals, garden designers, landscape contractors, interior designers, facilities managers and many more. 

Live music festival

After an action-packed day at GroundsFest, unwind and continue networking with live music, and sumptuous street food. There will be great selection of DJ’s and live bands taking to the stage and there will also be beer tents and drink stalls. The festival will start at 5pm on the first day of GroundsFest.  

Free on-site parking and free shuttle buses

Stoneleigh Park has thousands of free on-site parking spaces. Free shuttle buses will also be available after the festival to take attendees back to their accommodation in Kenilworth, Leamington Spa and Coventry.

Register for free at groundsfest.com. 

You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views.  

Michelin® & UK agents Tyre-Line are pleased to announce the expansion of fitment availability for the Michelin® X® Tweel® Turf range of Airless, Radial tyres for ZTR mowers. 

The Michelin® X® Tweel® Turf is a single unit, replacing the existing tyre and wheel assembly with a No Maintenance, No Compromise & No Downtime tyre and wheel assembly. Tweel’s® require no complex mounting equipment and once fitted require no inflation pressure maintenance. They provide a consistent hub height ensuring an even cut, excellent lateral stability on hillsides and sloped terrain along with excellent operator comfort even when navigating curbs and other bumps with unique energy transfer within the Polyresin spokes help to reduce the “bounce” associated with pneumatic tyres while providing improved handling.

The Michelin® X® Tweel® Turf uses a multi-directional tread design optimized to minimize turf damage while providing excellent traction and a long service life thanks to high performance compounds and an efficient contact patch designed to give 2-3 times the wear life of the equivalent pneumatic tyre at equal tread depth. Zero-degree, radial belts (under the tread) and a proprietary design provide great lateral stiffness whilst resisting damage and absorbing impacts. A heavy gauge steel hub designed to fit a variety of popular makes and models of Zero Turn mower is used, coupled with high strength, poly-resin spokes that are designed to carry the load and absorb impacts, help dampen the ride and provide a unique energy transfer that reduces pneumatic bounce.

Front, castor wheels are also catered for with both smooth and rib pattern fitments, complete with an integrated metal centre hub fitted with OEM quality, sealed bearings and fitting adaptors for multiple machinery models and types.

With No Downtime & No Maintenance the Michelin® X® Tweel® Turf is the ultimate option for both professional and commercial mower users as well as heavy use residential mowers. Now available in an expanded range of vehicle fitments for most of today’s biggest brands including Ariens, Bobcat, Cub Cadet, Ferris, John Deere, Kioti, Kubota, Mean Green, Scag, Toro, Ventrac and many more.

The X® Tweel® Turf is only one part of the Michelin® Tweel® lineup, with versions also available for ATV/UTV, Skid Steer and Golf Buggies.

The Michelin® X® Tweel® range is available to order now from UK agent Tyre-Line Ltd. Contact their Aftermarket team on 01458 250350, aftermarket@tyreline.com or visit their website at www.tyreline.com for further information.

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