It's that time of year when we have the pleasure of unveiling which dealerships are in the running for a Dealer Of The Year award.
It’s always a pleasing day when we can reveal the dealers who are in the running for a Dealer of the Year award.
It’s my privilege to be part of the panel who have the task of considering all the nominated dealerships and as such I am privy to all the customer comments which have been pouring in, praising independent dealers up and down the UK.
And to be fair, ‘pouring’ doesn’t do justice to the sheer scale of comments we have received this year. Deluge is probably better – although what’s bigger than a deluge? Because that wouldn’t be out of place either. It was genuinely quite amazing.
Which must go to show that companies out there are doing something right. Something which is resonating with customers.
So without further ado, we are very pleased today to be able to announce those dealers who are nominated across our core categories of Garden, Professional Turfcare, Farm Machinery, Forestry Equipment, and ATV/Quad.
The team here at Service Dealer would like to offer hearty congratulations and best of luck to the all the nominated dealers who are listed below, purely alphabetically, across all categories -
The Service Dealer Conference & Awards takes place on Thursday November 21st at the DoubleTree by Hilton Oxford Belfry. It’s there following the daytime Conference with its theme of Turning A Profit, that the Dealer Of The Year Awards will be handed out during the evening ceremony.
Following the same successful format as last year, the nominations for the dealerships in the running for an award, have come from both suppliers putting their most valued dealers forward, as well as dealers entering their own businesses.
The assessment process has principally been achieved via feedback from the most important people to a dealer's business - their customers. As previously stated, this year the response from customers has been incredible. And not just in terms of the numbers received, but far more importantly, in the consistently high level of praise which these messages convey.
Going by what we’ve been told by the people who buy your goods and services, expert customer service is in no way going out of fashion in this industry! It’s being appreciated, it’s being noticed and hopefully the word is being spread locally.
This incredible feedback is all taken into very serious consideration by the judging panel, who will also take on board comments from manufacturers and suppliers. Any other awards which may have been bestowed on the dealers during this past year are also thrown into the mix.
Interacting with customers in the online space is also massively important of course, so great care is taken to give due consideration to websites and social media profiles. Customer testimonials acquired from other sources such as Google Reviews, Trustpilot and Yelp, as well as those included on dealers’ own sites, are also all involved in the judging process.
The nominated dealers listed above will be whittled down to a shortlist of three or four finalists per-category with the winner being announced 'Oscars-style' on the evening of the Awards ceremony on November 21st. One of the category winners will also be crowned Overall Dealer Of The Year.
Being announced on the night also, will be awards for individual dealership team members - The Star of the Dealership and The Apprentice of the Year. Service Dealer will also be presenting an Outstanding Contribution Award.
I have to say, it’s all very exciting and extremely heartening to see just what level of esteem dealers around the country are held in by their own customers. I’m sure sometimes it’s very easy to lose sight of this and forget how what you do day-in, day-out, goes down with people entering your place of business.
I can assure you, from what I’ve been reading, your work ethic means an awful lot to your customers.
NEWS
ANDY PASKELL STIHL announces passing of Product Manager
It is with extreme sadness that STIHL GB have announced that following a long and brave battle with cancer, Andy Paskell, STIHL GB Product Manager, passed away on Wednesday 2 October.
It is with extreme sadness that STIHL GB have announced that following a long and brave battle with cancer, Andy Paskell, STIHL GB Product Manager, passed away on Wednesday 2 October.
Andy Paskell - who won STIHL GB's company Timbersports challenge in 2015
Andy joined the STIHL team in 2008 and over the course of his distinguished career, worked across several departments including Sales, Learning and Development, Technical and latterly Marketing.
Robin Lennie, STIHL GB MD remarked “Andy will be sorely missed by all his colleagues at STIHL Great Britain as well as customers and the many professional contacts he worked with.
"He will be remembered for his passion and commitment to the company, his optimistic outlook and most of all his excellent sense of humour.”
Andy’s family has established a charity page for anyone wishing to make a donation to Cancer Research in his memory. Click here for more information.
This week saw Kramp celebrate the near completion of their new building with an event which saw the final piece of metal, which had been signed by company representatives, lifted into place.
This week Kramp UK and Ireland celebrated with a topping out ceremony at the location of their new building in Biggleswade.
The event saw the entire UK team travelling five minutes around the corner from their current base, to celebrate the final piece of metal framework being added to the new building, which is due to be ready in early 2020.
The final piece of metal which the team watched being lifted into place held ceremonial significance as it had been signed by a group of company representatives, specially chosen by Kramp.
Members of the Kramp team whose names feature on the final piece of metal to be lifted into place
Names featured on the piece included those of members of the UK and Ireland Management team, Des Boyd, UK Sales Director, along with Darren Parnell and Lydie Thacker. Also included were Kramp Groep COO, Tom Wolterinck and Jason Dyball, UK Assistant Logistics Operations Manager.
Alongside the management team were the names of some long-time serving employees, who were included in the ceremony as a thank you to their time in the business. These comprised Tim Imbrich – who, as the longest serving UK member of staff at 43 years, has seen four warehouse moves during his time with the company – plus Helen King, Mike Lindsey, William Grimshaw, and Claire Richardson.
Attendees at the event heard a series of speeches by key figures involved in the project, including one by James Atkinson of developers Gazeley. Kramp say Gazeley are a leading developer and investor of European logistics warehouses who, along with lead contractor VolkerFitzpatrick (one of the leading engineering and construction companies in the UK), are running the project at Gazely’s G-park Biggleswade site. They are currently working with sub-contractors to finish the building internally.
Also addressing the assembled guests on the day were Kramp’s Tom Wolterinck and Des Boyd.
Des welcomed everyone to the ceremony to mark the highest part of the structure being fixed. He made mention of how they were honoured to have their COO from Kramp Group, Tom Wolterinck in attendance alongside representatives from Gazeley, the main contractor, VolkerFitzpatrick, also some key members of the professional team who had supported them in the project including architects, engineers, planners and cost consultants.
Des Boyd was given the blue spade by Gazeley’s representative James Atkinson
He spoke about the development of the new building and the relationship between the different companies involved. He also gave a special thanks to all those at Kramp who had been involved in the undertaking, for all their hard work to bring the project this far.
“It is significant that Kramp Groep has decided to invest in this new building and in the UK at this uncertain time,” said Des. “This shows we have confidence in the UK market and what we at Kramp UK and Ireland are doing and have achieved over the last few years.
“We have had consistent growth due to the hard work and commitment from our employees in Logistics, Sales, Finance Purchasing, IT, HR and Data and Product management - so amassive thank you to you all.”
Des continued, saying, “We are also committed to staying in Biggleswade. This is because we want to retain the knowledge and skills of our employees here.
“Kramp’s USP is that we have the widest range of agricultural parts and accessories in Europe - this sets us apart from our competitors. Our new building allows us to stock double the number of products than we previously could and ensures better delivery to our customers.”
Des went on to explain how their partnerships with manufacturers have a huge impact on their business and how they will continue to work with partners and suppliers to increase their offering.
Des concluded, “Our route to market and the dynamics of the agricultural industry are changing all the time. We need to be better, faster and more flexible to ensure our continued prosperity.”
This week's WEB ONLY story is that Honda will enter the cordless lawn mower market for the first time for the 2020 season, with the launch of two models, which they say build on their IZY platform.
Service Dealer have announced Hitachi Capital Business Finance as a Networking Sponsor of the 2019 Service Dealer Conference & Awards which takes place next month.
Taking place on Thursday November 21st, the theme for this year's Conference is Turning A Profit.
Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke, said, "We are delighted to welcome Hitachi Capital Business Finance to the conference for the first time.
"They will be a most welcome addition to our line-up of sponsors, all of whom will be on hand during the day to speak to our delegates to find out in what ways they can help dealers to grow their businesses."
For more details about this year's event click here.
Husqvarna have announced their Autonomous Operation plans which will see multiple self-operated robotic mowers powered by their EPOS technology in a professional setting.
Launched at their recent Living City conference in Gothenburg, Husqvarna have announced plans for what they are calling Husqvarna Autonomous Operation for professionals.
The solution, which the company says increases productivity and safety while maintaining large green spaces, consists of multiple self-operated Husqvarna robotic mowers powered by their EPOS technology.
Three pilots are being set up in 2019 to refine the system before an official launch in 2021.
The sorts of places which the manufacturer envisages these machines being used are potentially hazardous sites which can be unsafe or challenging to mow, such as airports and solar parks.
“Built on our 25-year legacy in robotic lawnmowing - Husqvarna Autonomous Operation emphasises our determination to consistently lead through innovation," said Sascha Menges, President, Husqvarna Division. "Robotics and autonomous solutions will play a major role in the future of green space management and Husqvarna Autonomous Operation is just one example of how innovations can improve professional lawn care."
The system uses the new EPOS technology, a high-precision satellite navigation system that provides enhanced real time positioning accuracy, delivering location accuracy of 2-3 centimeters. The technology enables the machine to navigate, within and between work areas, using virtual boundaries.
In its first implementation Husqvarna Autonomous Operation is using the company's new hybrid Rider lawnmowers. In Sweden, Husqvarna Autonomous Operation is currently being tested at Jönköping Airport and Örnsköldsvik Airport, and this fall Husqvarna will expand to include Swedavia Vehicle at Bromma Airport.
To further explore and develop autonomous solutions for airports, the manufacturer has recently invested in Norwegian Yeti Snow Technology, a supplier of self-operated snow removal machines designed specifically for airports. The company believes this opens up the possibility for combined field operation offerings to airports around the world.
The system offers object analysis, and collision avoidance based on information from several independent sensors, utilising cameras, radars and ultrasonic technology. As an additional safety measure, an operator can manoeuvre and override the system, with a hands-on remote control.
“Satellite technology opens up new possibilities for our industry and gives us the opportunity to offer our customers new solutions," said Adam Tengblad, Director of Autonomous Systems at Husqvarna. "This end-to-end solution will further benefit our professional customers by increasing productivity and enabling safe and more efficient green space management in large, hard to reach, areas. Also, the hybrid propulsion used in the pilots can contribute to a decrease in the overall environmental impact for green space management."
The Husqvarna Autonomous Operation system will be operating in further pilot applications during 2020 and be fully available as an end-to-end solution for selected markets by 2021.
Manufacturer has invested in a minority stake in platform designed to provide complete transparency throughout the process chain, from customer consultation through to transport and delivery.
Claas has invested in a minority stake in the new E-Farm.com used machinery online marketing platform - a start up from Hamburg.
The platform is designed to provide complete transparency throughout the process chain, from customer consultation through to transport and delivery.
In an official statement Class said of the platform, "Customers and retailers benefit from the simple processing, which transcends national borders in particular.
"This commitment allows Class to offer retailers the opportunity to open up new markets and customer groups in the future and to professionalise and accelerate the sales process with technological support. This establishes a new marketing opportunity for the agricultural machinery sector that is independent of brands."
Thomas Böck, CEO of Claas, added, "We made a conscious decision to invest in a minority stake in order to maintain the spirit and dynamism of a young start-up. We would like to continue to invest in innovative ideas from the field of agricultural engineering and build up a start-up portfolio in the future."
As part of expansion plans to further develop their agricultural machinery dealership in south Yorkshire, Moore Farm Services has moved to a much larger premises and switched its tractor franchise.
As part of expansion plans to further develop their agricultural machinery dealership in south Yorkshire, Moore Farm Services has switched its tractor franchise back to McCormick.
The change-over coincides with a move to much larger premises providing more space for new and used machinery storage, four times as much workshop space and a bigger parts store and shop for David and Liz Moore’s business at Harworth near Doncaster.
Liz and David Moore
“It’s a very busy but exciting time for us,” says Liz Moore. “Our business has grown significantly since taking on Amazone in 2012 and then Krone in 2016, and the move to premises five times larger than our previous ones should future-proof our needs for the next 10 years or so.”
Ben Agar, Argo Tractors sales director for the UK and Ireland said: “We’re very pleased to have a dealership of the calibre of Moore Farm Services as part of our national independent dealer network once again.”
David and Liz Moore first set up shop as Moore Farm Services in 2010, drawing on their practical hands-on farming background to set high standards for customer service and building on David’s experience working as a test and development engineer when McCormick tractors were built in Doncaster.
“McCormick products were the bedrock of the business at first but later we were tempted to switch to a different make that we thought would meet particular customer requirements,” says David Moore.
“Since then, we’ve seen the McCormick range transformed with the introduction of more powerful models, CVT transmissions and other modern technologies, which is just what many arable farmers in our area wanted.
“So we’re now back with a McCormick range that offers very modern, very capable and very appealing tractors, especially at the top end,” he says.
Liz Moore believes the business is also now better placed to uphold the high standards of customer service they strive for due to McCormick manufacturer Argo Tractors holding a substantial stock of parts at its UK branch to complement dealer stocks.
“Instead of having to wait for overseas shipments," Liz said, "we can get urgent parts from Argo Tractors in the UK - and having their base here at Harworth just a few hundred metres from our own premises is obviously a great advantage!”
The workshop team of two full-time technicians plus David will continue to service and repair the tractors supplied in recent years, while David’s knowledge of the older McCormick ‘Doncaster’ products serves him well with farms still operating those tractors in the area.
“But we’re looking forward to introducing our customers to the current, more advanced McCormick products and have been responding to requests for demonstrations,” says Liz Moore. “We’re anticipating a busy and very positive experience with McCormick once again.”
Clive started with the Ferris and Wright brands whilst working at IPU Group, before transferring to the T H White Group when the distribution of the brands was taken over in 2016.
Machinery Imports General Manager, Clive Carter, bid a fond farewell to his team recently, as he departed the business after 13 years.
Clive Carter with the Certificate of Commendation at the 2019 Royal Highland Show
Described by the business as making a significant contribution during his ‘bakers dozen’ tenure, Clive started with the Ferris and Wright brands whilst working at IPU Group, before transferring to the T H White Group when the distribution of the brands was taken over in 2016.
Over the past 3 years as general manager at Machinery Imports, the company says Clive has steered the team through both the booming and more challenging seasons, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience of the industry, and offering a relentless wit that has kept the team laughing no matter what.
Head of Machinery Imports, Bill Johnston, commented, “Clive will be missed by all of the Machinery Imports team. We wish him the very best of luck and are confident he will make a success of all his future endeavours.
“In departing the business, Clive leaves it in a strong position, with a positive year behind us so far in 2019 and extensive plans for further growth over the coming months and years.”
Whilst Clive is no longer a member of the organisation, he remains a highly respected and well liked ‘unofficial team member’, with the team arranging a fitting send off for him recently. At the event Clive was presented with an engraved statuette of a Spitfire fighter aircraft amongst other gifts – a thoughtful souvenir relating to one of Clive’s many interests.
Clive Carter (2nd left) with the Machinery Imports sales team
Bill concludes, "With an ever expanding and high-quality dealer network, a team of experienced and hard-working colleagues in Machinery Imports, and superior quality machinery brands, we continue to strive forward.”
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As the days shorten the focus slowly shifts from the showroom to the workshop, Husqvarna has a range of tools and services that allow you to be prepared in advance of the Winter service season.
As the days shorten the focus slowly shifts from the showroom to the workshop, Husqvarna has a range of tools and services that allow you to be prepared in advance of the Winter service season.
With the shift from Petrol to battery the service requirements change as does the hardware required. Conventional petrol products provide a well-known channel for service revenue, however Battery and Robotic products can lead dealers to be left concerned about future service revenue potential.
Battery and Robotic products present new opportunities for service revenue. Generally servicing is less strenuous meaning less lifting and moving of heavy items, machines can be serviced on an oil free work bench at an ergonomic working height. The introduction of computers for diagnostic and software updates introduces a contemporary method of servicing that can be more appealing when attracting new members of workshop staff.
Husqvarna provides dealers with a number of tools that support the service revenue potential of battery and robotic products. Enabling Authorised Husqvarna Dealers to add value to the service that is offered to the customer, the tools also allow improvements in workshop productivity and efficiency.
The Husqvarna Common Service Tool (Battery Series) and Husqvarna AutoCheck (Husqvarna Automower®) are computer based tools that enables routine product functionality and sensor tests, fault diagnosis as well as product software updates on Husqvarna Battery Series machines and batteries and Husqvarna Automower® robotic mowers. It also allows access to machine operating history and enables service notes to be recorded or future reference.
What is included in Battery Series and Husqvarna Automower® servicing?
Cleaning
Electronic diagnostics
Safety function tests
Product function tests
Software updates
Replace wearing components
Sharpening cutting equipment
All of this can be done more efficiently when comparing against conventional machines thus reducing that servicing bottle neck that can often occur. The service time per machine is often less, which can increase the workshop output per day along with revenue per day.
Husqvarna Automower® robotic mowers are also available with an extended warranty totalling 3 years. For this to be activated the machine must be installed and serviced annually by an Authorised Husqvarna dealer, this drives periodic service revenue as well as profitable revenue from product installation.
To support Husqvarna Automower® growth and the service potential this brings, Husqvarna has introduced a new Automower® workbench. This has been specially developed for the servicing of all models within the range and designed to improve service efficiency. The workbench is supplied with switch box and charging noses and the work surface has inbuilt wiring loops enabling electronic tests to be carried out without the need for the models charging station. The workbench also has a moveable support arm for a laptop computer as well as drawers and tool storage for all relevant tools.
To maintain the high quality customer experience, Husqvarna Welcome Packs are supplied with each Husqvarna Automower®. The pack contents includes a service book, detailing the checks carried out during service whilst recording a detailed service history. The book also highlights the importance of servicing and also acts as a point of contact between the customer and dealer.
To maximise the instore experience for customers and to make your service offer more visible, Husqvarna provide a service menu. The board is designed to be located on a wall in a prominent position and lists the work covered for each product type, the menu as well as including conventional product types such as chainsaws and Riders also includes Battery Series and Automower®.
To ensure the highest level of service throughout the Husqvarna Dealer network, Husqvarna offer annual service training to all dealers, focusing on Battery Series and Automower®.
For more information on both ranges, please contact your local Area Business Manager.
Uni-power have recently been appointed a UK Distributor for Kawasaki Engines.
Uni-power have recently been appointed a UK Distributor for Kawasaki Engines.
To complement our other Official Dealerships, we are very proud to announce the addition of Kawasaki Engines, which are used in a wide range of applications across many industries.
As well as supplying the complete range of Kawasaki Engines & Parts, we also offer full Service & Warranty back-up support via our dedicated Service Division.
A Stock Order of popular Parts/Engines is now on route to us & your Trade Discount Sheet is available for download on our Website; Kawasaki Parts will be available in our Webcart shortly.
We look forward to receiving & processing your Kawasaki Parts/Engine Enquiries & Orders from today onwards.
uni-power say the ordering period is from 1st October 2019 to 31st January 2020.
Ordering Period: from 1st October 2019 to 31st January 2020
Delivery Period: as soon as majority of items on each order are available from stock
Extended Credit Terms: no payment until 31st March 2020 FOC carriage for Parts to standard UK locations (Other areas charged @ cost) Oil Products/Engines/Transmissions-standard carriage terms apply Minimum Parts Order Value: £500.00rrp combined for all products (No minimum Engine/Transmission order value) Multiple orders can be placed-clearly marked "Pre-Season/Winter Stock" Orders can be placed via our Webcart, we will apply the additional discount prior to processing
Briggs & Stratton Parts & Engines Special NET priced Excel Order Form & PDF Brochure (Including the most popular Parts & Engines) Up to -25% off our usual Trade NET Prices (1st October 2019 £RRP list applies)
Hatz / Honda / Kohler / Kubota / Lombardini / Yanmar / Kawasaki Parts & Engines Extra 5% Parts Discount on top of our usual Trade Terms (0% discount parts excluded) Additional 5% Discount off our usual Trade NET Engine Prices NB: All Special Terms Accounts will receive their usual Discounts/NET Prices
Hydro-Gear / Peerless / Tuff Torq Parts & Transmissions Extra 5% Parts Discount on top of our usual Trade Terms (0% discount parts excluded) Additional 5% Discount off our usual Trade NET Transmission Prices NB: All Special Terms Accounts will receive their usual Discounts/NET Prices
Honda / Kubota / Murray / Simplicity / Snapper Machinery Parts Extra 5% Parts Discount on top of our usual Trade Terms (0% discount parts excluded) NB: All Special Terms Accounts will receive their usual Discounts/NET Prices
For a free demonstration contact Evopos on Tel: 01202 795900
For a free demonstration contact Evopos on Tel: 01202 795900
Evopos UK Ltd are the producer of the Dealer management software which service dealers are taking a serious look at. This all-in-one solution with friendly and effective telephone support may be worth checking out, if you are a new service dealer or are currently unsatisfied with your current system.
The latest version includes quick and easy point of sale software, comprehensive stock control, workshop organiser, hire contract module, accounting package and state of the art automated SMS and email marketing, all of these features are available in specifically designed dealer packages.
"What makes Evopos streets ahead of its competitors?" asks Denis Bullen (MD). "Evopos is perfect for the Service Industry; everything about the customer is tracked, sales of parts, whole goods and all vital contact information."
Denis Bullen, Evopos md
Denis continues, "The workshop module is of particular interest to most service dealers. Evopos will fulfil the main three requirements that make any busy workshop successful.
1. Easy to use; this minimises mistakes making sure correct time is billed for and all the information is correct.
2. Maximises sales and repeat custom using the excellent time management and service reminder tools built into Evopos.
3. Helps to provide the very best customer service; by providing engineers and salesman with all the necessary information to make the job or the sale as easy for the customer as it as easy for you.
"As far as I can see the workshop process is fairly straight forward
Step one: Book the job in, providing the customer with details regarding the job.
Step two: Book parts and labour to the job.(Evopos will automatically remind the customer to drop the machine off and when the job is finished, let the customer know when to pick it up via an SMS text or email alert.)
Set three: Produce a professional looking invoice for when the customer picks up their machine.
"A comprehensive history is retained within the Evopos system. For example for each machine you can see who has previously owned it and what work it has had done to it.
"Evopos offers a very competitive pricing structure, where costs are kept to a minimum. A standard dealer package can cost as little as £75.00 per month, there are no hidden extras. If you are concerned about losing your old customer database, this shouldn't be a problem. The helpful support team can convert most databases into workable Evopos data at no extra charge.
"Evopos is a low cost way to help make your business more controllable and profitable. It's a total business management solution."
Whether you are a new start-up or run an existing business, why not contact Evopos and arrange a no obligation free demo and see what Evopos can do for your business.
Contact them direct on telephone: 01202 795900 or register online at Evopos.com and they will call you.
A number of key industry experts will be uniting to collaboratively tackle the biggest issues facing the groundscare environment at SALTEX 2019, which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham on October 30 and 31.
A number of key industry experts will be uniting to collaboratively tackle the biggest issues facing the groundscare environment at SALTEX 2019, which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham on October 30 and 31.
Learning LIVE, SALTEX’s all-encompassing and free-to-attend education programme will take place in four dedicated seminar theatres with presentations and panel debates running from 10am through to 3.30pm each day of the show.
Learning LIVE 2019 to tackle industry issues at SALTEX 2019
Featuring over 50 CPD accredited seminars involving more than 100 expert speakers, the programme has been developed by leading industry partners and influencers to provide support, insight and real solutions to key industry issues.
Learning LIVE will kickstart with ‘Creating Champions’ telling the story of grounds staff’s contribution to this summer’s biggest weekend of sporting success. A spectacular line-up, including Neil Stubley (AELTC, Wimbledon) and Karl McDermott (Lord’s), will explain how to deliver exceptional surfaces for the world’s most prestigious sports events.
Findings from the IOG’s recent research document Groundsmanship – Sports’ Vital Profession will be presented by the IOG’s CEO Geoff Webb and consultant research lead, Carol Doran. Meanwhile, football grounds personnel can enjoy a rare opportunity to sit in on the ‘Tottenham Hotspur FC Experience’ seminar. Head groundsman Gary Lee reveals how the state-of-the art 62,000-capacity stadium pitches were built.
From Premiership to grassroots groundsmanship, there’s something for everyone at Learning LIVE. Pitch advisors from the IOG-led Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme (GaNTIP) will be presenting case studies of successful pitch improvements, and also offering advice on how to secure funding.
In the ‘Class Acts’ seminar Ian Avery (Sutton Valence School) explores how independent schools can balance internal and external demands on their pitches. Ian will focus on costings, timings and benefits to the school, plus the problems, and solutions, of quick turnarounds on multi-sport pitches. Giles Roberts (St Peter’s School), Lee Marshallsay (Charterhouse) and Danny Beckley (Harrow School) will also be discussing best practices to help your pitches stand out in a competitive market.
Recent regulations relating to plant protection products (PPP) have had a significant impact on turf management, and Learning LIVE attendees can expect to find answers in a seminar entitled ‘Pesticide 2020 and Beyond’. With a number of widely used insecticides, fungicides and herbicides having been withdrawn in recent times, Dr Colin Mumford (Bayer) will be on hand to explain the current status of PPP, what PPP are being withdrawn or introduced, and how to get optimum results from them.
Cricket grounds personnel can find out about ongoing research carried out by First Class Counties and England’s Centre of Excellence, and an elite panel, featuring Andy McKay (Sussex CCC) Gary Barwell (Warwickshire CCC) and Will Relf (Loughborough University), will be explaining how hybrid pitches in cricket are learning lessons from football. Industry legend Chris Wood, the ECB’s international pitches consultant, is set to captivate the audience with his stories as he looks back through his career in ‘A Lifetime in Groundsmanship’.
Elsewhere, climatologist Jim Dale is presenting ‘Managing Climate Change’ to ensure turf professionals stay one step ahead; ICL’s Dr Andy Owen and PhD student at Royal Holloway University, Tamsin Williams, offer an insight into their four-year research project on the effects of seaweed products on turf grass plant parasitic nematodes; industry consultant Peter Corbett discusses ‘Life Without Propiconazole’; and Question Time with the Amenity Forum will no doubt spark a lively debate around the use of pesticides and their alternatives.
This is just a snapshot of sessions available at this year’s show. Go to www.iogsaltex.com where you will soon be able to check out the full programme, register your visit to SALTEX and book into your preferred sessions to avoid the queues.
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