This week I made the trip to the Birmingham NEC to attend the Glee exhibition.

I wasn't there for quite as short a visit as those two Russian chaps who visited my hometown of Salisbury back in March, but it wasn't that far off. The show has changed so much over the years since I started working on the magazine back in 2001, that it's difficult to justify more than half a day there.

Once a mainstay of dealers’ calendars, Glee is very much these days an event for garden centres and other domestic gardening retailers.

I have to say though, this year’s show was very impressive in its re-jigged format with a new hall configuration and clearly many more exhibitors than in recent times. As soon as you entered the exhibition it was obviously much, much larger, with plenty of exhibitors pushing the boat out with impressively elaborate and eye-catching stands.

Handy's stand

Making the most of the redesign which encompassed a large central ‘boulevard’, located along which were many of the major players, were Handy. Once again effectively acting as ‘machinery at Glee’, Handy’s stand brought together their brands such as Webb, Handy, Flymo, McCulloch, GreenWorks and Karcher, into one impressive space. Actually comprised of less square meterage than in recent years, through some clever use of stand design, their presence felt bigger and more significant than ever. Handy’s MD, Simon Belcher, was particularly pleased with their location, across from Smart Garden Products who are apparently the country’s biggest growing garden centre supplier – meaning their footfall had benefited wonderfully.

Simon Belcher

I asked Simon why they continue to return to Glee year after year? “This show is always about quality, not about volume,” he said. “The people that we meet here are all good quality buyers. We get all the key buyers right the way through from independents to supermarkets and the mass channels. It’s not a show that’s packed with people, but crucially for us it’s the right people.”

Handy’s tend not be meeting new customers for the very first time at Glee they say, it is mostly people they already know. 

And what are those buyers interested in? “Buyers are talking to us about both machinery and our ranges of accessories," explained Simon. "Also, our presence here gives retailers the opportunity to look at our merchandising solutions too. For example, our wooden Webb mower stands are popular in garden centres. Their style is in-keeping with a lot of what you’ll find in those stores, plus they get the mowers up to head height so they’re easy to view and the boxes tuck in neatly underneath.”

Service Dealer editor Steve Gibbs talking to Simon Belcher

In terms of what products are doing well currently, Simon said GreenWorks has grown massively this past year. “The battery machines we sell are clearly the biggest emerging product category,” he said. One of the new products which had a prime display location on the stand, which is apparently proving extremely popular with retailers and consumers is a new lithium ion pressure washer. “People can’t get enough of this at the moment,” Simon said. 

The new GreenWorks pressure washer which is proving popular

I asked Simon, what with the show having a refresh this year, whether he thought it was worth more specialist dealers returning to check it out – but he wasn’t so sure.

“Only if they’re coming specifically to see us because there’s not much else here for them,” he said. “And to be fair some of the products we’re showing like Flymo, McCulloch, Karcher, these are not the brands that the specialist dealer is buying. They’re buying Webb mowers and the Handy products – but we’ve got eight guys out on the road, calling in to see them, taking those products to them. Frankly they are seeing those new products way ahead of this show. If your area manager is doing a good job, I’d say it’s not really worth the trip for a specialist dealer anymore.

“The only way it really would be is if more machinery people start exhibiting again – which I can’t see happening.

Speaking to Chris Slinger, dealership development manager, at STIHL GB who were also at Glee once again to promote their domestic electric equipment, he agreed that the show wasn’t really for specialist dealers anymore.

“To be honest I think the show has moved on,” he said. “We’ve seen some dealers come through the stand that have some crossover – but it’s mostly just garden centres.”

Chris Slinger

Chris also had praise for the show, which delivered the perfect audience for whom the company were wanting to promote their entry level, cordless machinery. “There is value in us attending this show because of what we’re doing with our domestic range. We are attracting younger customers and increasing awareness of our brand. That ties in with our TV advertising and our continuing sponsorship of Leicester Tigers.

Asked how they assess if Glee had a been a success for the company, Chris said, “We have made some excellent leads here which we’ll follow up. Making further contact with the buyers from the type retailers who attend this show, is superb for the product we’re promoting.”

To be fair, Simon and Chris are completely right in their assessment that Glee isn't really for specialist dealers anymore. Without a doubt it's not what it used to be - but what it has become is a superb show for that specific sector.

I would say the only reason why a specialist dealer might consider returning next year is if they are looking to diversify within their showroom. The array of differing gardening and related products from the huge number of exhibitors is quite staggering.

A wander around the halls for a few hours could perhaps strike previously unconsidered inspiration!

Stanley Black & Decker Inc announced on Wednesday this week that it would buy a minor stake in lawnmower maker MTD Products Inc for $234 million, expanding deeper into the outdoor garden equipment market and adding to its diverse line of products.

Reuters reported the power tool maker has been expanding its portfolio over the past two years after buying Newell Brands Inc’s tool business, Sears Holdings Corp’s Craftsman brand and a tool unit in Brazil.

The company said it would buy 20 percent of MTD and will have the option to buy the remaining 80 percent of the privately held firm beginning on July 1, 2021.

Stanley Black & Decker's President and CEO James M. Loree said in a statement, "This investment in MTD increases our presence in the $20 billion global lawn and garden market in a financially and operationally prudent way. We have always viewed outdoor products as an attractive growth category for us to expand our presence beyond handheld electric products. This transaction gives us the opportunity to do that with a world class partner. MTD has a first-rate management team, talented employees and a mission, values and commitment to innovation that are very closely aligned with our own, and we are excited to move forward with them."

MTD's Chairman and CEO Robert T. Moll  said, "MTD and Stanley Black & Decker are both proven leaders in our respective industries with iconic brands and world class capabilities. We're both passionate about innovation with complementary businesses. Ultimately, this will give us more resources to bring really exciting products to our consumers."

The transaction, which is expected to close in early 2019, is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. In connection with the transaction, Stanley Black & Decker will appoint two representatives to MTD's 11-member Board of Directors.

Beginning in 2021, should Stanley Black & Decker choose to exercise its right to acquire the remaining 80 percent stake, the companies have agreed to a valuation multiple based on MTD's expected 2018 EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization), with a sharing arrangement for any future EBITDA growth.

Founded in 1932 in Cleveland, MTD makes brands including Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Remington, Robomow, Rover and Wolf-Garten.

Adrian Winnett, has been appointed general manager at AgriArgo UK Ltd, the distributor of Landini, McCormick and Valpadana tractors in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

He succeeds Ray Spinks, who has stepped down from the role after 40 years working in the farm equipment industry.

Adrian Winnett

Adrian Winnett is no stranger to the Argo Tractors product line, having worked as Landini sales manager for seven years before joining the UK arm of implement manufacturer Amazone, where he was appointed general manager in 2009 and then managing director in 2014.

He started his career in the family’s Northamptonshire-based farm machinery dealership, which held the Landini tractor franchise, before joining the Landini sales operation in Britain.

Simeone Morra, Corporate Business Director, Argo Tractors, said: “Adrian brings invaluable experience of managing a successful agricultural equipment distribution company, which combined with his knowledge of our business and the Landini product range, will be a great asset. We welcome him back to the Argo Tractors family.”

Adrian Winnett, who is married with three children, said of his appointment: “I’m very pleased to have this opportunity to work with Argo Tractors again and a product line that has been transformed while I’ve been working elsewhere.

“We face turbulent times in the agricultural machinery industry, with cost, staffing and competition pressures, and also with restructuring in the dealer sector as some manufacturers go ‘full line’ in the hope of securing more business from their dealerships.

“Argo is taking a different path, continuing to specialise in what it does best, producing well-engineered and performance tractors for all sectors, and promoting and supporting independent dealerships free to decide on the products they sell.

“I’m looking forward to steering the AgriArgo business and encouraging more farmers and contractors to consider a Landini or McCormick for their next tractor.”

Commenting on Ray Spinks’ decision to step down, Mr Morra said: “Ray has experienced many roles with us in manufacturing, sales and management, and he was pivotal in the re-introduction of the McCormick brand back in 2001.

“For the past 10 years, he has dedicated his knowledge and experience to the running of AgriArgo UK Ltd and he now deserves some well-earned downtime. On behalf of the Morra family and Argo Tractors, we thank Ray for his contribution and dedication over the years and wish him well for the future.”

The Burdens Group Ltd, suppliers of farm and professional horticultural equipment, has added Bauer irrigation products to an already comprehensive portfolio of machinery for specialist growers.

The dealership will handle the Bauer irrigator range of hose reels, centre pivots, rains guns and sprinkler booms for local customers throughout Lincolnshire, east Nottinghamshire and north Cambridgeshire, as part of an initiative led by Andy Wilson, specialist crop sales manager, who joined Burdens Group two years ago.

Rob Jackson (right) welcomes Burdens Group commercial horticulture specialist Andy Wilson to the Bauer irrigation dealer network in front of a Bauer Rainstar reel

Shaun Taylor, Group Sales Director, said, “With Andy’s knowledge, experience and the location of our headquarters branch at Sutterton plus branches in North Kyme and Wrangle around Boston, and two additional branches in Louth and Brigg following the acquisition of Lincolnshire Motors, we’re very well placed to supply irrigation equipment throughout the Fens, Lincolnshire and beyond with our usual high standard of parts and service support.

“As for having Bauer as our irrigation partner, it was the obvious first choice,” he adds. “Bauer equipment generally and the Rainstar irrigation reel in particular, has an enviable reputation for performance and reliability; it’s the leading manufacturer to look for efficient and durable irrigation kit.”

The Bauer appointment comes during a period when The Burdens Group is rejuvenating its presence in the specialist horticulture sector having successfully handled the transition to the New Holland range of tractors and combines and other agricultural products.

Bauer irrigators complement a comprehensive range of specialist equipment for salad, vegetable and other commercial horticulture crops. The range of machinery distributed by Burdens locally, nationally and in Ireland is either imported or manufactured in the UK.

For Bauer, area sales manager Rob Jackson and national sales manager Adrian Tindall are pleased to have Burdens Group on board in an area where the Austrian marque has not been represented locally for some time.

“As an equipment dealer with a strong focus on the specialist crops grown across the Fens and neighbouring areas, we couldn’t wish for a better sales, parts and service support partner,” says Adrian Tindall.

Walker Mowers UK have launched a new finance scheme, working with EFT Finance.

The company says this new scheme makes the purchase of a Walker Mower attractive and affordable with a weekly payment scheme across all the models in their range. Their flagship diesel engine model can now be owned for £95 per week subject to acceptance, with an APR of 5.8%.

A spokesman for Walker Mowers UK told Service Dealer, "We reviewed a number of finance partners to work with, but selected EFT for their national coverage, extensive knowledge of our industry sector and their overall easy to do business with approach.

"A call from a dealer to EFT Finance is all it takes and they will take care of the transaction on behalf of the dealer, speaking with the customer and arranging the paperwork that converts the enquiry into a sale."

SCH Supplies, based in Holbrook in Suffolk, have recently taken on three young apprentices. 

The company say it's due to a very busy summer and increased orders that they have decided to take on more staff.

L-R; Ian, Samuel, Harrison, Morgan, Debbie, Harrison, Andrew

A spokesperson for the company said, "We feel that it’s only fair to give younger people an opportunity to get their careers started in engineering. The apprentices were recommended to us by WS Training of Ipswich, and will be supervised and mentored by them during the duration of the course. They will receive training in various departments, and will gain skills across the entire manufacturing process, from processing raw materials to assembling the finished products.

"Our workshops manufacture a wide variety of machinery, from trailers, leaf suction units, flail mowers and much more. The apprentices will have hands on experience with both petrol and electric engines, and will benefit from the variety of products that they will work on."

SCH say they have had huge success with apprentices in the past, with one of their first apprentices still with the company over 20 years later. It’s due to this success that they have continued to employ local aspiring engineers.

The company say they wish the apprentices all the best of luck in the future and they are proud that the experience and training gained at SCH will help them throughout their careers.

Power Systems Research has estimated that there will be 856,905 Lawn & Garden Tractors produced in the U.S. during 2018.

The Garden Tractor is designed for cutting grass, snow removal and small property cultivation. Garden tractors are similar in size to lawn tractors but are more heavy duty. They can be mounted with a wider array of attachments than lawn tractors. The maximum power is about 23hp. The distinction between a lawn tractor and a garden tractor is often hard to make. Generally, garden tractors are built more solidly, and have stronger frames, larger wheels and heavier transaxles. Garden tractors also can accommodate a wider range of front, belly and rear mounted attachments.

Husqvarna leads in production of Lawn & Garden Tractors in North America with 42% of total units produced. In second position, with combined plant totals, is MTD with 29.5%. Third, also with combined plant totals, is Deere & Co. with 23%.

From 2016-2017 production of Lawn & Garden Tractors in North America (US) decreased a nearly 6.5%. Production is expected to gain almost 10% from 2017-2018. The drop can be credited to unfavorable mowing conditions and the saturation of new products in the market. The forecasted gain can be attributed to the demand for new fuel-efficient models in the market along with the demand for new equipment.

Production is expected increase up to 4% over the next 3-5 years due to the lifespan of this product line that has about a 10-year turnover.

This information comes from two proprietary databases maintained by Power Systems Research: EnginLink™ and OE Link™. The Power Systems Research Product Definitions Guide describes each of the products contained in the PSR databases.

The working machinery event, Grassland & Muck, is moving to a new location in 2020, which organisers believe will give it a fresh new feel for exhibitors and visitors alike.

The triennial event, which in 2017 welcomed over 11,000 visitors and hosted 279 exhibitors across a 190-acre site at Stoneleigh, will be moving to the Ragley Estate near Alcester, Warwickshire.

Andrew Lazenby, Chief Executive, Royal Agricultural Society of England & Innovation for Agriculture; Alan Granger, Chief Executive and Resident Land Agent, Ragley Estates; Hamish Stewart, Farm Manager, Ragley Home Farms; Eva Ross, Strategic Marketing & PR Manager, Yara UK

“The estate is well-located, within easy reach of the M42, M40 and M5, and is renowned for hosting a wide range of events and concerts, including the Game Fair,” explains Andrew Lazenby, chief executive at the Royal Agricultural Society of England.

“Grassland & Muck has been held at Stoneleigh for over 30 years, and has become an extremely valued event for farmers across the UK,” he adds. “Some 94% of visitors rated their visit in 2017 as good or excellent, with 60% planning to make changes to their business as a result of their visit.”

The HS2 rail development left the event looking for a new site last year, and Lord Hertford - a long-time supporter of RASE - offered the Ragley Estate as an alternative. “It is a perfect fit; as it is only 30 minutes from the old site the Grandstand Stoneleigh Events team can continue to lead the way and develop the event to meet farmers’ needs,” says Mr Lazenby.

The 2020 event - partnered with Yara - will take place on 20-21 May, with the 200-acre site due to be drilled at the end of August 2019 ready for the spring cutting season in 2020. “Farmers will be able to see everything from new grass varieties to the latest grass and muck machinery in real time demonstrations,” says Eva Ross, strategic marketing and PR manager at Yara.

The Ragley Estate comprises 4000 acres of arable land alongside a sheep enterprise, butchery, sawmill and 1000 acres of managed broadleaf woodland. “This year has been a particularly difficult one for grass growth,” says farm manager Hamish Stewart. “But we have really seen the differences that reseeding with the latest grass varieties make, both to our sheep performance and following arable crops. We are delighted to host the Grassland & Muck Event and look forward to welcoming farmers and contractors from across the UK.”

A career change in his early 40s has led to trainee greenkeeper Gregg Hood winning SRUC Elmwood’s annual John Deere HNC Student of the Year Award, sponsored by John Deere and Scottish turf dealer Double A.

Award winner Gregg Hood (left) with Sandy Armit, managing director of sponsoring John Deere dealer Double A

Gregg was selected for his conscientious and enthusiastic approach to his programme of studies during the 2017/2018 academic year.

Born and bred in Glasgow, Gregg had a successful career as a qualified accountant and then a mortgage broker before making the jump into greenkeeping at the age of 42. “It was one of those life changing decisions that I just had to make,” he says. “I had thought for a couple of years that it was time for a change. I’ve always loved my golf, and thought it was a great environment to work in. I was also interested in how golf courses are put together, how they’re looked after and made to look so good.

“My partner Lisa was very supportive, so I finally left work in June 2017 and applied to the SRUC, having been in contact with Elmwood’s greenkeeping coordinator Mike Clark for a year or so before that. We agreed that the HNC in Golf Course Management would be the best entry level course for me, combined with volunteering on a golf course to get some practical experience.”

That golf course turned out to be St Andrews Links, where Gregg started volunteering two days a week from September 2017, about two weeks after starting the course. “It’s been fantastic, and course manager Kevin Muir and his team couldn’t have been more helpful. Everyone’s been very happy to give me the benefit of their time and knowledge, so it’s been an absolutely brilliant opportunity.

“Going in I was obviously a little apprehensive about my age, but both Mike and Kevin said if you show a good attitude and you’re there to learn, then as long as you can do the work and be a part of the team, there are no issues. I haven’t given it another thought since.

“I’ve never been part of anything like this before, certainly not in accountancy, where there’s always that element of competition, even when you’re working in a team. The only competition on a golf course is to improve your skills and make yourself a better greenkeeper. People at St Andrews Links and the college are really impressive, and all round I’ve found it to be a very encouraging environment to work in – I’m still very excited by it all.

“I’m now a BIGGA member and contracted at St Andrews Links until November 2018, and if a permanent position became available then I’d definitely apply. If not then I might try a warm weather grass course abroad over the winter months. Ultimately I would like to hone my skills and get more experience, including tournaments at other courses.”

Course tutor Paul Miller, who is based at SRUC’s Elmwood campus in Cupar, Fife, adds: “Gregg’s decision to change career was made after a great deal of research, preparation and consideration of all the implications. This thoroughness of preparation soon became evident in his course work, which he produced most conscientiously and to a very high standard right from day one – his commitment to making the most of the learning opportunity was impressive.

“Quickly realising that he would also need to build up his practical skills and his industry networking, Gregg volunteered to work at St Andrews Links, again demonstrating his enthusiasm and willingness to learn in that environment as well as in the classroom. He also applied for and was successful in gaining an R&A Greenkeeping Scholarship through SRUC.

“Having also secured a seasonal position on St Andrews Links, Gregg’s development continues apace. We all look forward to watching his growth in the industry and the contribution that he will make to greenkeeping as his career progresses.”

Are you looking for a new rewarding and challenging opportunity working with Henton and Chattell, a market leading distributor?

This role involves developing our key brands, through demonstrations and engaging customers in exciting new product ranges. You will work closely with specialist dealers, ground care contractors and local authorities.

Ideally, you will be an experienced demonstrator or sales person with a proven track record in sales, self-motivated, organised and enthusiastic.

This role offers a competitive salary with a discretionary bonus, pension scheme, private health insurance and fully expensed company van.

Please apply to Peter Chaloner with your CV at Henton and Chattell Ltd, London Road, Nottingham NG2 3HW or email pjc@hcuk.co

All applications will be in complete in confidence.

Event organisers have announced that visitor registration for SALTEX 2018 is now officially open at www.iogsaltex.com.

SALTEX 2018, Europe’s largest annual event for groundscare professionals, takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, on 31 October and 1 November and visitors can now register their attendance for free via the newly-designed website.

SALTEX 2018 visitor registration now open.

The new website has been built to provide the ultimate user-friendly experience with improved navigation and functionality throughout, allowing both visitors and exhibitors to access all the information they need in preparation for SALTEX 2018.

The site is compatible with many browsers and all mobile devices meaning that visitors and exhibitors alike will have easy access to the site and stay informed with the latest show news and exhibitor event previews. With over 230 exhibitors signed up to date, visitors to the website will see an extensive exhibitor list complete with individual profiles - each containing relevant information on products, services and show offers.

Visitors will also be able to find out more about new and exciting show attractions as well as popular features such as Learning LIVE – SALTEX’s free and all-encompassing education programme; Outdoor demonstrations – which take place directly outside the SALTEX halls 6, 7 and 8; the SALTEX College Cup - a national student-led sports-turf challenge; Pathology & Soil Science LIVE - allowing visitors to look in detail at the symptoms of some common turfgrass fungal disease problems; Ask the Expert - a team of 10 IOG regional pitch advisors providing free pitch care advice; the Job Clinic - a chance to receive specific career advice and find out all the latest job opportunities from industry expert Frank Newberry, and the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) 10th annual Industry Awards celebration.

SALTEX exhibitors will notice some improvements to the portal, which is an indispensable tool for maximising event presence and making connections with potential customers in advance of the show. All of the exhibitor forms, such as the Health and Safety Declaration and the Risk Assessment Form, have now all been digitalised, meaning that exhibitors can fill out the relevant forms online without having to print them off.

Visitors can register to attend SALTEX via the website – www.iogsaltex.com. Visitors will receive a confirmation email with their badge to print and take along to the show, to gain free entry.

To view show highlights and key interviews please visit www.youtube.com/MyIOG

Follow SALTEX on Twitter @IOG_SALTEX and Facebook – www.facebook.com/IOGSALTEX

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