The way people are consuming products has been evolving.

Whether it’s leasing cars and not buying - or maybe even just paying-as-you-go from a city car app – consumer habits are changing. And we have been seeing this behaviour also apply to the groundscare and outdoor power equipment market.

Plant and equipment hire is on the increase with many dealers evolving to include this in their offering - at a time when we see the domestic machinery market being turned on its head with battery technology and some manufacturers pushing alternative routes to market. In addition, we are seeing areas of the agricultural machinery sector facing huge problems with the current trading conditions.

Plantworx this week

So we are therefore evolving Service Dealer to include these future areas of opportunity for the UK and Ireland dealer network. We have seen a lot of overlap into construction with some of the larger dealerships in our readership, especially those in agriculture. And of course, many of the products can serve both agriculture, construction and plant hire - like higher end power tools to mini diggers, telehandlers and skid steer type equipment.

A new construction machinery & plant hire section, edited by industry specialist Dan Gilkes, will sit within Service Dealer magazine and the Weekly Update from the start of November. The rest of the magazine will be “business as usual”, with the DNA of Service Dealer remaining fully intact and fully independent - servicing all of the outdoor power equipment sector, from lawnmowers through to combine harvesters.

This further evolution of Service Dealer demonstrates a continued commitment to our industry and investment in our skilled dealer network. Because in these fast-moving times, we can’t afford to stay still. So, if there is anyone in your dealership who works in these areas and doesn't currently receive Service Dealer magazine or the Weekly Update email, then please forward them the subscribe link at https://www.servicedealer.co.uk/subscribe

Duncan Murray-Clarke

Publisher

We are working away here at Service Dealer Towers, putting together the next issue of your favourite magazine for the independent dealer network - which as you may have already read, is getting even bigger and ever better!

As Duncan explains here, the magazine when you next receive it will now include a dedicated section for construction machinery and plant hire. We know from our dealership visits and conversations that many of our readers are already in this sector - and I'm sure that many more will be interested in hearing about the potential that diversifying into a new, yet related, market could offer to their business.

So do look out for the new section when the mag hits your desks at the beginning of November. The pages will be overseen by expert construction and plant journalist, Dan Gilkes, so you will be in great hands. Dan knows his stuff and has spent this week at the Plantworx exhibition (pictured) - so expect plenty of coverage from that show to kick things off.

Nikki from our Service Dealer team has been there with Dan this week, meeting the great and good of the construction equipment world. She told me that there was a super positive vibe at the show, mentioning how it was a busy, productive few days with loads of new kit on display. She said that from her conversations it appeared that there's plenty of manufacturers out there who are interested in getting their machinery into new dealerships in different areas of the country - so it sounds like there will be plenty to interest our readers. 

So, if there is anyone in your dealership who works in these areas and doesn't currently receive Service Dealer magazine or the Weekly Update email, then please forward them the subscribe link at https://www.servicedealer.co.uk/subscribe

How has the season been for you?

The mag that will introduce our new section will be cover dated November / December '25 (I know! Where has the year gone?!) As is traditional for the issue that will be on the tables when we get to our Conference, we like to reflect how our dealer readers have viewed the preceding season with the results of our Autumn Survey. 

Last year when we asked you how 2024 had been for your business, the general view that we heard back from those who responded was that machinery sales were down, but any shortfall had been made up via busy workshops.

But I wonder, is that a similar situation this year? Anecdotally dealers have told us that turfcare machinery sales have certainly been sluggish - and we've heard from the AEA all year just how low registrations of agricultural tractors have been each month.

However, in terms of workshops compensating for sales downturns, has that panned out the same? We have heard from some dealers that due to the unfavourable weather conditions, their service departments have not seen quite the same levels of activity this year. We've been told that customers simply have not been using their machinery as much and therefore not bringing it in for a service. Does that ring true for your dealership?

As ever with these surveys, we don't want to concentrate wholly on the negatives though. We are keenly interested to hear where your business has found success this past year. We know how resilient and resourceful our dealer readers are, so please tell us about it. Have you taken on a new franchise? Moved into hire? Found that robotics is opening new avenues for you? Whatever you have been pleased with this year, we would very much like to hear about it in our extended comments section of the survey.

It would be fantastic if you were able to spare a few moments to let us know how things have been for your dealership, by taking the survey today. We shall report the results and feature as many of your comments as we can in the upcoming (expanded!) issue of Service Dealer magazine.

Thanks in advance for your help.

TAKE THE SURVEY

Young people starting their careers in agricultural engineering are being invited to apply for a £500 Midlands Agricultural Engineering Apprenticeship Award.

The award is run by the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (NNAS), in association with the Midlands Machinery Show, and provides a £500 bursary, paid in two instalments, to apprentices aged 17–25 to help with training and career development.

To qualify, applicants must be working for an agricultural engineering business, studying at an academic institution, and employed by a company exhibiting at this year’s Midlands Machinery Show.

William Vines from Chandlers Farm Equipment in Spilsby, Lincolnshire, was one successful applicant who was presented with his award in 2024. He said, “I applied for the award because I felt like it was a really good way to bring in new apprentices to the industry.

“The £500 is massively helpful. It’s expensive to buy tools nowadays, tools that you do need in order to do your job better and more efficiently. It’s definitely worthwhile getting involved and applying for the award.”

Simon Eccleston, Chief Executive of NNAS, said, “We’re very proud of our long-standing initiative which shines a spotlight on young engineers at the very start of their careers.

“Apprentices are vital to the future of agricultural engineering. They bring energy, fresh thinking and new skills into businesses at a time when machinery performance, efficiency and productivity has never been more important to businesses.

“This award not only gives them recognition, but also provides practical financial support to help them invest in tools, training or resources that will set them up for the long term.”

The winners will be announced at the Midlands Machinery Show on Wednesday 19 November 2025, when the event returns in a new one-day format at Newark Showground.

Application forms and full entry criteria are available at www.midlandsmachineryshow.com with the deadline for submissions set for Friday 10 October 2025.

Jason Nettle, director of Winchester Garden Machinery, is this year undertaking the challenge of 12 marathons in 12 months for good causes. Here he updates us on a monumental effort and how the toll is well and truly starting to take.

Hi everyone,

The September chaos is finally over, and I can officially report that the BigSky Trail Marathon in Fordingbridge is DONE! Despite the last-minute panic over my booking, I made it to the start line and ultimately, the finish line.

The final stats for this monumental effort were 43.89km (27.27 miles) in 6 hours, 34 minutes, and 47 seconds. Honestly, those numbers don't tell the half of it - this is truly is starting to take its toll on my body.

The day started in typical fashion for this challenge: badly. I managed to completely crook my neck on the morning of the run, giving me an immediate handicap. The only highlight was a fantastic surprise - bumping into an old college friend right on the start line!

From there, it was a rapid descent. True to form, my Achilles started playing up at the 15km mark (I count in kilometres; they come around much quicker than miles!). From that point on, it was a matter of digging deep and just soldiering on. I finished the race carrying a massive blood blister under my left foot and a painful blister-on-a-blister on my right heel. I was officially in trouble.

If a face tells a thousand stories, mine on the day was a tragic novel. At every food and drink station, the volunteers would ask, "Are you okay?" or "How are you feeling?" Other runners would pass by, offering the usual positive praise, until I hit the 3km-to-go mark. That’s when a kind gentleman strolled up beside me and, without missing a beat, simply said: "Just to inform you, you’re the last one."

Reality hit, possibly. Maybe running isn't my thing? Probably not. But quitting definitely isn’t.

I am immensely grateful to STIGA UK for their patience and generous sponsorship of this month’s chaotic challenge. Your belief keeps me going, even when I'm the last man walking!

Three more marathons to go . . . I need your help!

The physical pain is getting worse, but the 'why' is stronger than ever. We're now just three marathons away from completing this crazy, year-long challenge.

We've already smashed the initial target of £10,000 and are working hard toward our new goal of £12,000 for Cancer Research UK, Prostate Cancer UK, Naomi House Children’s Hospice and St. Michael's Hospice.

The pain is temporary, but the funds we raise create lasting change. Please dig deep and sponsor me today. Let's make every painful, last-place step count.

Briggs & Stratton has announced the appointment of Philipp Deubel as senior director of sales EMEA.

Philipp will report directly to Sjoerd Van de Velde, managing director EMEA, and join the European Leadership Team. He brings more than 15 years of international sales management and key account experience to the role. Most recently, he held a leading global sales position in the off-highway sector at a steel wheel manufacturer, with responsibility for major accounts in the agriculture and construction machinery markets.

Working from the Netherlands and Germany, the company says he will play a key role in strengthening partnerships with customers across EMEA and in supporting the company’s ambition to expand its market presence in the region. They say his responsibilities will include driving growth across the company’s brands such as Briggs & Stratton and Vanguard engines, Billy Goat, Ferris, Simplicity, and Snapper.

Philipp said, “I am delighted to be joining Briggs & Stratton and to work with such an outstanding sales team. It is inspiring to collaborate with such a strong network of customers and partners, and I look forward to helping our team build momentum and deliver even greater success across EMEA - not only for Briggs & Stratton, but also for the customers and partners we serve.”

Howardson Group has appointed Scott Reynolds as key account manager, bringing over a decade of experience in the turfcare industry and an extensive knowledge of professional grounds maintenance products.

Scott Reynolds

Scott began his career in turfcare nearly twelve years ago at RT Machinery Ltd, progressing through roles including area sales representative, area sales manager, sales manager and most recently general manager. During the pandemic he also managed the after-sales and parts department, gaining valuable operational insight to complement his strong background in sales, demonstrations and customer support.

Commenting on his appointment, Scott said of Dennis, "The brand is strong, demand is high and with new electric mowers and other innovations coming through, it’s a very exciting time to be joining the business.”

As key account manager, Scott will work closely with colleagues, dealers and end-users to drive sales across the group’s three brands: Dennis, SISIS (including Syn-Pro) and Hunter Grinders. His focus will be on strengthening dealer relationships and supporting sales growth across the diverse customer base.

David Williamson, commercial director at Howardson Group, added, “We’re thrilled to welcome Scott to the team. His extensive experience, combined with strong relationships with dealers and customers, makes him a perfect fit for the key account manager role."

Organisers of SALTEX, the GMA have confirmed that rugby legend, media personality and best-selling author James Haskell will take centre stage as this year's keynote address - and then later will be doing a DJ set in the Clubhouse bar.

At the NEC, Birmingham on 12-13 November 2025, the GMA say James will be drawing on his career as one of England’s most recognisable rugby players and his journey from elite sport to the media and business worlds. They say he will share on:

Resilience & Discipline

How elite athletes build resilience, discipline and mental toughness - skills that translate to leading teams and managing high-performance grounds

Teamwork & Communication

Lessons in teamwork and communication that enhance collaboration across crews and departments, just like on the rugby pitch

Adaptability & Wellbeing

Why staying adaptable and prioritising wellbeing helps grounds teams thrive in fast-moving, high-stakes environments

Insights & Anecdotes

Stories from James’ career - with nods to the role of expertly maintained pitches in supporting peak performance

The latest independent research showed that on average, each Garden Trader dealer will be sent 114 new customers (or people with a buying intention walking through your door) per year.  This works out at 83p for each new customer. A subscription rate designed to be all inclusive delivering unrivalled online results.  

This site was purpose-built just for skilled servicing ground care dealers by the team that bring you Service Dealer Magazine. It is easy and quick to register and costs just £96 + VAT per year for a full listing.

Since the site launched over 7 years ago, it has raised the profile of listed dealers to well over half a million potential customers and as the site is designed to promote the UK dealer network, all revenues have continued to be reinvested into promoting the site online and so supporting the dealer network.

Join the country’s only independent specialist website, created by the team that bring you Service Dealer. Join our subscribed Garden Trader dealers now by clicking on “Register Dealership” and let's fight back against the zero value retailers.

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