First up today, I'd like to point you in the direction of our Digital Special Report that has just been published.

All about the recent Equip exhibition that took place in Louisville, Kentucky, the report gives a real flavour of what the show was like from a UK visitor's perspective. I was lucky enough to attend again this year as part of a fantastic Service Dealer and TurfPro contingent that included dealer Pete McArthur of Strathbogie Forest & Garden and turf professional Danny Lewis, landscape contracts manager at Manchester City FC. 

Throughout the plethora of video content within the report, you can hear these guys' views on the American show, specifically from the point of view of UK professionals in their respective fields, attending for the first time.

Within one of the videos for example, Pete talks about being able to see machinery on show that you're not going to get to experience at events at home. He says, "Potentially some these items could be the next product to sell in the UK. If there was the opportunity to bring some of these things over to the UK, you'd seriously look at that opportunity."

And I think that can sum up the appeal as to why a UK dealer might choose to attend Equip in the future. Of course not every piece of kit seen will be relevant to our shores, but there will be some exhibitors there whose displays stand-out and offer genuine inspiration.

Hopefully a peruse through the Digital Special Report today might get some thoughts percolating amongst our dealer readers, regarding a potential visit to Equip next year.

Recruiting fresh blood

Moving on to some more genuine inspiration, this time from our trade associations, you may have seen that LE-TEC are looking to win the hearts and minds of young people with a new campaign.

Called @wearelandbased, the scheme hopes to inspire a new generation of land-based engineers to enter the sector. A wholly admirable intention, LE-TEC should be applauded for trying something new in this regard.

With this push, LE-TEC are clearly hoping to cut through with the young people they are targeting and potentially introduce them to a whole new industry that they may not even have heard of before. As they say, "When 13-17-year-olds think about their future, chances are land-based engineering doesn’t cross their minds."

There is no doubt that this lack of fresh blood coming through is a real problem felt by dealers and manufacturers alike. For the sake of the future viability of the industry, I'm sure all who are reading this today hope that LE-TEC's multi-platformed campaign gains some real traction amongst the youngsters it's aimed at.

To enter their consciousness whilst they are still at school and considering what options there might be for their future, is a fantastic goal for the scheme. One likes to hope that for those with an affinity for modern, progressive technology and those for whom engineering of any description is beginning to feel appealing - turning those heads towards the land-based industries should be achievable.

In fact, it's vital that it's achievable.

Service Dealer is today launching a Digital Special Report, packed with video coverage of the recent Equip trade show in Louisville, Kentucky - as seen from a UK perspective.

Service Dealer's Equip Digital Special Report

Within its pages you'll be able to watch a series of both bite-sized and feature length videos, all giving a flavour of what the biggest outdoor power equipment trade exhibition in the world can offer the international visitor.

The videos include contributions from our Service Dealer and TurfPro contingent who won competitions staged in our pages by the show's organisers, the OPEI. You can watch what dealer Pete McArthur of Strathbogie Forest & Garden and turf professional Danny Lewis, landscape contracts manager at Manchester City FC each thought of their experiences at the show.

Danny and Pete taking part in an on-stage panel discussion at Equip

You can also watch in full, Pete and Danny taking part in an on-stage panel discussion entitled The Changing Landscape of Outdoor Power Equipment in the US and the UK. Comprising dealers and professionals from both sides of the Atlantic, the debate was chaired by regular Service Dealer columnist Sara Hey of dealer training specialists Bob Clements International, and highlighted where our industries both intersect and diverge.

Elsewhere Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke catches up with a variety of exhibitors that caught our eye across the vast showfloors and editor Steve Gibbs sits down for a chat with the director of the OPEI, Kris Kiser, to discuss the show and the wider U.S industry.

Steve Gibbs talking to the OPEI's Kris Kiser

Steve said, "This Digital Special Report will give our UK-based dealer readers a real sense of what this remarkable show is truly like for visitors arriving from our side of the pond. 

"Certainly the consensus from our contingent who travelled to Louisville this autumn was that if UK dealers could afford the time away from the business for a few days – and of course the travel and accommodation expenses – a trip to Equip is well worth the effort. Not everything seen will make its way to our shores, but there is more than enough there to offer genuine inspiration."

Visit Service Dealer's Equip Digital Special Report.

The Land-based Engineering - Training & Education Committee (LE-TEC) have launched the @wearelandbased campaign.

The industry group that consists of representatives from IAgrE, BAGMA and the AEA says the biggest issue facing the agricultural and outdoor power equipment sectors today is the lack of a newly skilled workforce coming through.

In a statement the group said, "It’s now essential that we attract young talent into the manufacturing and retail base. We must present the industry in a way that inspires future generations, we must speak to them in ways that they understand, we must showcase just exactly what land-based engineering is, and what it has to offer."

They went on to explain, "Land-based engineering covers a whole breadth of sectors. It covers agriculture, forestry, horticulture, and groundscare, and in each of these sectors there is a significant requirement for talented individuals to join the industry. LE-TEC is set to shine a light on the world of land-based engineering, from information sources to educational and career pathways, through to the jobs you can do and ambassadors who can help you.

"When 13-17-year-olds think about their future, chances are land-based engineering doesn’t cross their minds."

Ruth Bailey, CEO of the AEA, explained the reasoning behind the new campaign, saying, “Recruitment, as with many industries has been difficult for us for many years. Our industry is an absolute gem but one that is little-known outside of the industry. This campaign brings the industry together and gives a collective voice to help share and promote what we as an industry have offer to a wider audience. It is aimed at 13-17 year olds and pulls together a whole array of careers information, from an educational stand-point showing the qualifications you can achieve, to some of the amazing new technologies that you could be working with, and, of course, highlighting the jobs and companies that could be open to you as a youngster just about to start your career. It’s really exciting!”

The website and links provide a hub of information, aimed at those looking at their career choices. It also provides information for teachers and parents and opens up the world of opportunity that is land-based engineering for anyone with engineering on their radar. 

LE-TEC say the whole website is packed full of information, technicians’ videos and industry champions, and it will be promoted as widely as possible through a strong marketing and social media campaign: @wearelandbased on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram.

A launch animation video can be viewed below

Service Dealer are delighted to announce that over £3,500 was raised at the recent Dealer Of The Year Awards gala ceremony, in aid of Safe Fields For Ukraine - the crowdfunder established to raise money to help develop equipment for the disposal of landmines.

Jonathan Elwes who spoke on the night of the Awards, and who is driving the campaign, said, "I am so grateful for all the attendees of the Service Dealer Awards for their tremendous support for Safe Fields for Ukraine."

You can watch below a video shown at the ceremony, explaining the crowdfunder.

Initially Safe Fields Ukraine are helping to raise funds for a prototype, on completion of the project, the working prototype will be gifted to the Ukrainian government and put to work.

You can learn more about the initiative on their Crowdfunder page.

Husqvarna has announced the appointment of two new team members to its national sales division to support its authorised dealer network in the UK.
 
The two new area business managers are Francesca Bosley, who will service the south of the country and Joe Walsh, who will support the North West and Wales regions. The manufacturer says both join with a wealth of experience from similar roles.
 
In a statement Husqvarna said, "In their new roles as area business managers, the two new recruits will be responsible for managing the authorised dealer network in their regions, forming meaningful relationships and helping to grow the individual dealerships. They will also support growing the Husqvarna brand through various activities including price promotions, as well as the organisation of pre-season orders, road shows, conferences and product demos."

Francesca Bosley, area business manager South 
 
Francesca (Francesca.Bosley@husqvarnagroup.com) joins the company with 16 years of experience in field sales across various industries, including 11 years at paint and wallpaper manufacturer, Farrow and Ball. 
 
Speaking on her new role, Francesca said, “This is a great next step in my career and I am looking forward to supporting my dealers to maximise their sales of Husqvarna equipment and accessories, helping promote our quality products and getting to know the people and businesses that I am now responsible for as an area business manager. Although I am new to the world of forest and garden machinery, I am excited to further my product knowledge training and get stuck in on supporting our dealer network next year.”

Joe Walsh, area business manager North West & Wales
 
With a background in the steel construction trade and over nine years of experience, Joe joins Husqvarna following over four years at HILTI as an account manager, as well as two years working for an electrical wholesaler.
 
Joe (Joe.Walsh@husqvarnagroup.com) said, “I am looking forward to putting my experience into practice at Husqvarna in my new role as area business manager, taking on any challenges that come my way and using my knowledge to support my dealers in the North West and Wales.”
 
The company says both Francesca and Joe have been making their way around their dealers to introduce themselves as their new main contact and to answer any questions dealers may have. Husqvarna say dealers in both Francesca and Joe’s areas are encouraged to reach out to their new area business manager if they require support and they will be happy to assist.

Coming in a busy year following the transition to New Holland, along with expanding their JCB & Kuhn territories, RVT have announced that Matt Mulligan has been promoted into the role of managing director.

Originating from Lancashire and being brought up on the family farm, RVT say Matt is no stranger to the trials and tribulations of the agricultural industry. As a Harper Adams graduate Matt worked for 12 years for JCB both in the UK and abroad.

Having joined the dealership six years ago and held roles as sales manager, depot manager, operations director and now managing director, Matt says he will take RVT into its next exciting phase.

Matt says he will focus not only on developing internal talent but on meeting and exceeding customer expectations along with providing a service to customers that RVT has built its reputation on for decades.

"I look forward to building on the solid foundation Rea Valley Tractors already delivers our customers," Matt said, "driving growth and customer satisfaction now and into the future."

The long established Irish family dealership Kellys has been awarded with the Claas UK ‘Dealer of the Year’ award for 2022.

Maurice Kelly (right), being presented with the Claas ‘Dealer of the Year’ award for 2022 by Trevor Tyrrell, senior vice-president (Western Europe & Oceania) and Claas UK CEO

The manufacturer says the award recognises the high overall level of performance by the company in three key areas: finance, dealer performance and customer feedback.

Based at Borris in Co. Carlow, Ireland with a second branch at Abbeyleix in Co. Laois, Kellys was established in 1957 and has been a Claas dealer for many years, serving the Midlands of Ireland from the Irish Sea across to the Atlantic.

In making the award, the judging team not only assesses a dealership’s overall performance, but the performance of each of its individual branches. The award also reflects the results of the customer feedback survey.

The announcement and presentation of the ‘Dealer of the Year’ award to Maurice Kelly, was made at the Claas Dealer Council meeting, held recently at the company's UK headquarters at Saxham, Suffolk.

One of the finest golf courses in the UK has made a significant investment in its future with the purchase of a fleet of machines to support the greenkeeping team. 

Dealer Masons Kings representatives David Barnes (left) and Elliot Prior (right) with Trevorse Golf Club Course Manager Neil Ivamy

Trevose Golf and Country Club, near Padstow in Cornwall, is currently 66th in the coveted top 100 rankings and prides itself on the presentation and playability of the par-72 Championship links, nine-hole Peter Aliss designed Headland course, and neighbouring nine-hole Short Course. 

Course Manager, Neil Ivamy, and his staff are responsible for maintaining the high standards set at the club, which has a rich history since being founded in 1925. 

A recent deal struck with John Deere dealer Masons Kings has seen a new fleet of 10 machines including mowers, utility vehicles and a compact tractor which have been added to the club’s machinery shed.  

The new kit represents a change of manufacturer for Neil’s team, but he says they are very happy with their decision. 

“It has always been important to us to use the best machinery and equipment for our course,” Neil said. 

“We chose the John Deere range as it was a proven and high-quality product and we have received excellent support - not just through the purchase process, but also through their proactiveness and machinery training.

“Having a local dealer and support staff who are always available to help us with any questions or queries has been invaluable and the service team has been excellent in providing any product support requirements.

“The feedback we have been getting from players and staff has been excellent and having a local dealer that supports us like Masons Kings have has been fantastic in our transition to John Deere.”

Trevose’s team now runs a 9009A wide area mower, a 4066R compact tractor, a TS Gator and three HPX-815E Gators. The club’s greens and tees are now cut with four 2750E E-cut triplex mowers. 

At this time of year landscape tidying and garden clearance is a big job. Available in the UK via Henton & Chattell, Hansa Chippers are the ideal tools for this job. 

Established in the 1980s, Hansa specialises in the design and manufacture of high-quality brush chipping and shredding equipment. The family run company, based in New Zealand, has a strong heritage combined with constant evolution and innovation, with a focus on sustainable growth.  

As trees and hedges are pruned back, they can create messy piles of debris that are often used to create smoky, polluting bonfires. Family run company, Hansa, is dedicated to changing this practice, by offering an alternative solution. Instead of building climate-damaging fires, Hansa sees chipping as a cleaner, greener way of getting rid of waste. By using a chipper, green waste can be transformed into valuable mulch that can be used in beds and around tree bases. This recycled material helps to retain moisture and suppress weeds while it breaks down and provides nutrients to plants as it decomposes. 

Hansa prides itself on the ethos of “providing the best chipping experience”. Whether being used in a garden at home, by a landscaper, professional arborist or other commercial user, Hansa chippers are all designed to make tough work enjoyable. It’s about getting the job done in the most efficient way. 

The domestic gardener can choose between electric and petrol options with the C3E and the C4, both weighing up 70kg making them perfect for home usage and storage. The C7 is the most popular model and, with a 6.5hp petrol engine, is ideal for those with larger gardens. For landscapers the C13, with a 13hp engine, easy engagement system and efficient self-feeding action, makes light work of large jobs. 

For large-scale, commercial applications there is the C21 and the C27. Both are extremely robust and have heavy-duty cutting disks that meet the rigorous requirements of heavy branches and bushy foliage. The C27 has a 360-degree turntable that allows feeding from any direction.

For more information on Hansa chippers visit: www.hansaproducts.com/gb/

or to become a Hansa dealer, please contact Andy Marvin on: 07771 581 296 or call our sales team: 0115 986 6646 today.

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