Firstly I wanted to tell you all that more than ever, the team at Service Dealer is committed to bringing you regular news, updates and support in this extraordinary time.
Firstly I wanted to tell you all that more than ever, the team at Service Dealer is committed to bringing you regular news, updates and support in this extraordinary time. As the voice of the industry we feel responsible to help improve the flow of information and reinforce those links in the supply chain from manufacturer to dealer.
And so we have at SD HQ (well now virtual HQ) already held our first COBRA style meeting and decided to change our approach over this challenging period so that we keep current and relevant to what you the dealer network is experiencing at this time. We are kicking this off by conducting a webinar meeting with some industry manufacturers we are working with this year, discussing amongst other things, the provision of service and parts to keep machines working. We will be reporting on this soon. In our upcoming issue will be breaking from our usual format slightly to make sure the issue has a good balance of industry relevant information relating to the current situation and inspirational stories. To accommodate this we may even be increasing the normal issue size and we are even investigating a antimicrobial sealant during the print process.
I appreciate that it is not “business as usual” but we are all going to have to adapt. I just want to stress that we feel a real sense of responsibility to bring you relevant news and support where we can. I think we work in an amazing industry and on a personal level I am so glad that I bumped into Chris 5 years ago which led to me acquiring Service Dealer. Consequently, I have had the privilege of meeting so many dealers and manufacturers, many of whom I count as friends. So, this is personal. I am proud to be part of a fabulous team, already doing an amazing job, and we are going to step up a gear over the next few months.
Now is a time for us all to work together, whether you are a manufacturer, distributor, service provider or dealer. So please feed back to us and use SD to connect you up. Use the comment section on this Weekly Update if you have something to say or an experience or top tip to share. We are also accelerating plans for a dealer forum on Garden Trader which we hope to announce to subscribers next week. And of course Steve and our editorial team are always pleased to hear from you.
Very best wishes from the team and me.
Duncan
UNPRECEDENTED TIMES Communication is vital by Service Dealer Editor, Steve Gibbs
Keeping informed, keeping in touch and keeping each other's spirits up is more important than ever - and that is precisely the role Service Dealer is proud to fulfil.
Such an overwhelming week and one which it's very difficult to wrap one's head around.
So much confusion, so much concern. So much happening so fast!
Which is why communication will be so utterly vital over these coming weeks and months. Keeping in touch. Keeping informed. Keeping one another's spirits up.
And that is precisely the role which Service Dealer will be playing for the industry.
As ever we'll act as a link between the manufacturers and the dealers. And indeed between dealer to dealer - because it's important to know you're not alone. Dealers, however remote their premises may be around the country, have peers, colleagues and friends all around the UK who will all be facing very similar challenges. Now more than ever that link, letting each other know what's going on, is paramount. And Service Dealer is proud to fulfil that role.
So please make sure to keep us informed with what's happening with you and your businesses. Any advice or thoughts you want to pass on to our community of readers, please drop us a line or leave comments at the foot of these articles.
Service Dealer has an incredible team (all working remotely now!) supporting everything we do. Duncan's staff perform an incredible job, week in and week out supporting this Update and the magazine. Editorially we have the industry well covered with Martin Rickatson's agricultural machinery expertise, Laurence Gale's encyclopedic turfcare knowledge, Adam Bernstein's business and legal specialism and we can always rely on founder, Chris Biddle's words of wisdom.
We shall keep you informed every Friday with this Update whilst the magazine will continue to bring you in-depth features, interviews, thoughts from our columnists and all our regular features.
It's clearly an unprecedented time. However, we're already hearing about ways proactive dealers are overcoming adversity. Arb & Grounds for example got in contact to let us know about the free delivery and video demos they are now offering for their customers. This is merely the latest example we've always seen of the network adapting to the prevailing circumstances.
Dealers will be quick to realise their ever more vital role they will be required to play within their communities.
Agricultural machinery specialists will be key in keeping farmers farming when the country is so desperate for food supplies to be maintained. Turfcare dealers will be needed by local authorities to keep our parks and open green spaces a haven for exercise and for keeping a calm state of mind. And with the many people who will now be staying at home, a well maintained garden will be a therapeutic refuge, allowing for exercise, fresh air and mental health well-being.
Working practices will more than likely have to change somewhat. Perhaps some will have to offer options not considered right for them before. Click and collection facilities via websites might become more prevalent? Dealers will know what can work for them, their staff and their customers.
I freely admit I was somewhat overcome earlier in the week. I've always been a worrier and do have the propensity to let things get on top of me. I will say though that concentrating on work helped. Concentrating on something which I actually have some control over helped.
I once heard Tom Hanks being interviewed and he was asked how he remains calm through stressful times and he said he had a mantra of "this too shall pass".
But what about this! This too shall pass. But this now! This too shall pass.
This week's WEB ONLY story is Service Dealer thought it might be helpful for dealers to see how other dealerships around the country are reacting to the COVID-19 situation.
An example of how one dealership is helping their local customers during this crisis, Arb & Grounds in Derby, say they will be offering a free delivery service within a 10 mile radius for the foreseeable future - and are offering video demos.
An example of how one dealership is helping their local customers during this crisis, Arb & Grounds, a family run garden machinery business in Derby, say they will be offering a free delivery service for new equipment bought from them within a 10 mile radius for the foreseeable future.
The company says this offer has been brought forward due to the fact that many people are now self-isolating in response to the coronavirus pandemic and only leaving their homes when necessary. The team at Arb & Grounds say they will also offer video call demonstrations to help customers with their garden machinery in order to limit the chances of spreading the virus.
Gus, general manager at Arb & Grounds said, “During the uncertainty it is crucial to support local businesses and ensure we are working together as a community. We feel offering this online support and free delivery service will help customers get the equipment they want to tend their garden. Gardening is a great distraction during these unknown times and is statistically proven to have a positive impact on people's mental health”.
Arb & Grounds have also released a statement online to reassure its customers and stating they will remain open.
Our colleagues at Garden Trader are developing a series of blogs to encourage people in self-isolation to get out into their gardens.
Our colleagues at Garden Trader are developing a series of blogs to encourage people in self-isolation to get out into their gardens.
The blogs will also promote the importance of supporting local garden machinery dealers.
Garden Trader’s site manager Kate Godber said, “With gardening being one of the few activities at the moment we can do, without putting others at risk, we felt we should be promoting its benefits. Gardening has a great number of health benefits, in terms of exercise, our mental health and overall wellbeing. It allows us to get outside even when we are largely housebound.
Garden Trader's site manager, Kate Godber
“Our seasonal gardening tips will also support dealers during this time. We feel this latest initiative can be adopted by dealers too on their own social media platforms.”
The blogs will urge people to continue to shop with their local garden machinery dealers if they can. With many already offering home deliveries and extra customer support, it’s still possible to purchase and get machinery repaired with them.
The team will be sharing more over the coming weeks that they think will help. Visit gardentrader.co.uk to have a read and if there are any tips you would like to share please send them to us and the team will give your business a shout out!
F. R. Sharrock Limited have acquired the assets of Jacobsen Direct UK in a deal which will also see responsibility for the distribution Jacobsen in the Staffordshire, Shropshire & Derbyshire areas transfer to them.
F. R. Sharrock Limited, have acquired the assets of Jacobsen Direct UK in a deal which will also see responsibility for the distribution of Jacobsen machines and products in the Staffordshire, Shropshire & Derbyshire areas transfer to them with immediate effect.
Commenting on the deal, James Sharrock, managing director of F. R. Sharrock Limited said, “Jacobsen Direct UK have done an outstanding job in building direct relationships with customers, including several of them in the design and testing phases of the new Jacobsen products being released to the UK market.
"These new machines, incorporating knowledge gained in the Utility sector with Ransomes, has produced some of the most innovatively engineered, well-built and robust machines I have seen in my 30 years in the industry. Having the design and manufacture based here in the UK is critical in the current climate and after seeing the factory’s vision for the future with TR, HR, HM & AR series it became a priority to align our distribution with that.”
Speaking after the signing of the agreement, Will Carr, sales director for Ransomes Jacobsen said, “In 2014 we appointed Sharrocks as Ransomes Jacobsen dealers for Lancashire. Their commitment to outstanding customer service and unrivalled product support has seen their area of responsibility grow to cover most of the North & Midlands. This deal is a logical step with Sharrocks well positioned to cover customers from their existing outlets.
"In 2017 they were awarded Ransomes Dealer of the Year, in 2018 were nominated in the Service Dealer awards and in 2019 were a finalist in Service Dealer’s Professional Turfcare Dealer of the Year award. This continual investment into infrastructure and staff to meet customers’ increasing demands is a sure sign of continued success.”
Sales director of F. R. Sharrock Limited, Steven Hanlon, added, “This is an exciting development. Re-uniting the Ransomes and Jacobsen brands across the area will only increase the service levels to both brand customers. Having machinery that is not only designed specifically for the UK but also manufactured here at the superb facility in Ipswich is a massive advantage in the sector. I am personally overseeing the re-integration across the area, with support from our internal teams and that of Bruce Alexander at the factory.”
Service Dealer are pleased to announce Ibcos as Gold Sponsor of the 2020 Service Dealer Conference & Awards which returns to the Double Tree by Hilton Oxford Belfry this November.
Returning to the Double Tree by Hilton Oxford Belfry this November, the Service Dealer Conference & Awards will once again benefit from Ibcos as Gold Sponsor.
The date of this year's event has been confirmed as Thursday November 19th 2020.
Adam Giles, Account Manager at Ibcos (second left) presenting the Forestry Equipment Dealer of the Year award to Neale Hopley of Buxtons Limited with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (l) and comedian Charlie Baker (r) at 2019's ceremony
Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke said, "We are delighted to once again be announcing Ibcos as Gold Sponsor for Service Dealer's Conference & Awards.
"To once again have their support for our event which is entirely geared to arming our independent readers with as much information to help their businesses as we can, is excellent news."
James Buchanan, sales director at Ibcos, said, “We’re very excited to announce that we will be sponsoring and presenting the Forestry Equipment Dealer of the Year Award. We sponsor this conference each year as it’s a great place to meet with your peers and share best practices.
"The conference offers an opportunity like no other with an energetic educational agenda and an audience representing all corners of the agricultural landscape."
More details about this year's Service Dealer Conference & Awards will be announced in due course.
BAGMA have set up a special page on their website to compile government advice.
BAGMA have set up a page on their website compiling government and employment law advice and guidance for businesses and employers regarding the COVID-19 outbreak.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of BAGMA’s parent company, Bira, said, "I know these are unforeseen, uncertain and troubling times for independent businesses. We are taking our responsibilities to respond to coronavirus - Covid 19 - very seriously."
"First and foremost, let me promise you that looking after you, the rest of our members and the team here at Bira and BAGMA is our top priority."
BAGMA say the information on the page on their site will likely be updated regularly throughout the days as the situation unfolds. They encourage visitors to share it with other companies as they believe business needs to come together to help each other through the challenge of the coming weeks and months.
Recent open day saw many dealers sign up to offer the Kress robotic lawnmowers in Ireland.
Kress UK have announced that they have appointed Cyril Johnston as an exclusive distributor for Ireland.
Kress open day at Cyril Johnston
Tony Macer, Kress UK national account manager said, "The Cyril Johnston team are a forward looking company and are the perfect partner for us to develop the Kress brand alongside in us in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The recent open day proved to be a great success, with many dealers signing up on the day. We are looking forward to growing together with Cyril Johnston, providing dealers and their customers with a robotic mower rich in features unique in the market."
Tom Black, general manager of Cyril Johnston said, "We are proud to partner with Positec UK to be able to offer their innovative selection of Kress robotic lawnmowers in Ireland. This exciting range of products offers us and our customers the opportunity to enter into a growing sector of the market with a strong proposition.
"Our approach to the market will be a comprehensive one, with the establishment of a Kress network across the country. All customers joining us on this journey will be offered extensive product and installation training, point-of-sale material for their showrooms and a real opportunity to generate profit."
A recent open day at Cyril Johnston;s on Friday 6th March, saw over one hundred invited dealers from around the Republic of Ireland & Northern Ireland attend, with some gathering at the Stormont hotel for an evening meal and entertainment the night before.
Annual event was due to take place at One Great George Street, London on Tuesday 31st March.
The AEA confirmed yesterday, Thursday 19th March 2020, that with "deep regret" their annual Conference & Luncheon, which was due to take place at One Great George Street, London on Tuesday 31st March has been cancelled.
Ruth Bailey, CEO & director general of the AEA said, "We have already taken the opportunity to book next year’s conference on Tuesday 13th April so please make a note in your calendar.
"We would like to take the opportunity to thank our guests for their continued support and wish you well throughout this challenging time. We hope to see you at next year’s conference."
RHASS has confirmed that the 2020 Royal Highland Show will not go ahead as planned due to restrictions brought on by the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.
The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) confirmed this week that the 2020 Royal Highland Show will not go ahead as planned due to restrictions brought on by the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.
The decision, taken by RHASS Director is in line with the Scottish and UK Government’s policy and guidance on gatherings and social distancing.
Commenting on the decision, RHASS Chairman, Bill Gray said, “It is with deep regret and huge personal disappointment that I confirm the cancellation of the 2020 Royal Highland Show. The Show is Scotland’s largest outdoor event attracting up to 200,000 people each year and is the premier showcase for the food, farming and rural industry. Plans for the 180th Show are at an advanced stage but given recent and ongoing developments, the directors and I have taken the only course of action open to us.
“Thankfully, the sector is nothing but resilient and while this will no doubt test us, I am confident that some good will come from what is a bleak and worrying time for us all. To that end, we are calling on the industry and wider partners to work with us to support each other to ensure we weather the storm.”
Adding to Bill’s comments, RHASS Chief Executive, Alan Laidlaw, said, “It would be naïve to underestimate the massive impact the cancellation will have on the charity, but with the industry’s support, I have little doubt that we can, and we will, get through this. Personally, I am saddened that despite our best intentions, we are not able to stage this year’s event as we had some exciting developments planned; but in these unprecedented times we must focus on the wider issue, support the vulnerable in our communities and ensure that Scottish Agriculture plays its essential part in achieving this.”
RHASS confirmed that exhibitors and sponsors will be communicated with over the coming weeks as resources allow and ticket holders should contact the RHS’ ticketing partner, Ticketmaster for a full refund.
Alan concluded, “On behalf of RHASS directors, I would like to thank members, exhibitors and sponsors who have contacted us with offers and expressions of support. There are tough financial times ahead for RHASS, but over time and with the backing of our members and sector partners, we will recover.”
You can watch the chairman's video statement here.
For at least the next few months, events relevant to the land-based machinery sector are off across the board, due to the outbreak.
For at least the next few months, events relevant to the land-based machinery sector are off across the board, due to the outbreak.
Taking the Events page from Service Dealer magazine as a guide, almost every event listed has sadly been forced to cancel.
A couple of large shows, such as the Royal Cornwall and the Balmoral, have at this stage, announced postponements until later in the year.
Once we start considering shows due to take place from the end of May into June, some haven't made any official announcement just yet regarding their status. This of course could be subject to change as we progress and Service Dealer will continue to monitor.
So for now, below is an updated list of the events, from now until end of June, as listed in Service Dealer magazine, and their most up-to-date status we could establish. Where no status in bold is listed, no official statement could be found.
In 1974, a leading trade magazine branded chain saw businesses as ". . basically ignorant" according the journal of the Power Saw Association.
In the midst of all the depressing news this week, a bunch of issues of The Chain Saw from 1975 published by the Power Saw Association (PSA) were sent to me by Robert Dykes of Thornhill, Stirling.
The PSA was the representative body for around 12 Full Members, all chainsaw distributors (strangely Danarm, manufacturer of the ubiquitous DD8F saw was not a member). There were 30 Associate dealer members, of which most have disappeared but the likes of Ron Smith & Co, Honey Bros and George Carr were involved.
Notably all the Full Members (apart from E P Barrus and Spear and Jackson) are no longer active. Stihl was distributed by Thomas Niven, Husqvarna by Hyett Adams, Homelite by Trojan, McCulloch by Chainsaw Products and Oregon saw chain by Spear and Jackson.
In the February 1975 issue, the magazine and members were much exercised by a survey and resulting editorial on the state of the UK chain saw trade which appeared in the Agricultural Machinery Journal (AMJ) in November 1974. It asked "Is the chain saw business in this country being run by people who are basically ignorant of practical timber working, and who regard the chain saw operation as being a bit of frivolous extra business to their bread and butter lines?"
This raised the hackles of those involved and prompted spirited responses in subsequent issues of The Chain Saw (which I unfortunately do not have).
Friend of Service Dealer, comedian Charlie Baker, has produced his own public information video, to help us all in these strange times!
Friend of Service Dealer, comedian Charlie Baker, has produced his own public information video, to help us all in these strange times!
Presumably the club work has dried up a bit this past week or so for Charlie, so he's moved into educational music videos. He's also available for any promo work - once he's allowed out again!
You can hear Charlie every Saturday morning on Talk Sport from 10 till 1 - most likely chatting about all the matches that aren't on!
Emak Group one of the leading players at world level, offering innovative solutions for gardening, agriculture, forestry and industry are looking for a new Sales Territory Manager.
We are one of the leading players at world level, offering innovative solutions for gardening, agriculture, forestry and industry.
We manufacture and distribute machines, components and accessories of high technological value, designed to render the activity of our customers easier and more efficient.
With a wide range of products spread across three business areas, Outdoor Power Equipment manufacturing and distributing machines for gardening, forestry applications and agriculture. High Pressure Water Jetting, specialising in pumps for agriculture and industry, high pressure washers and urban cleaning; Components and Accessories, developing products for all sectors mentioned above, from brushcutter heads to sensors and computers (for precision farming).
The Sales Territory Manager will be responsible for:
Managing dealer performance to ensure maximum business potential is realised
Developing annual sales budgets and monthly sales forecasts
Protecting established business and proactively seeking new sales
Building long term relationships with dealers and end line customers
Maintaining the highest levels of customer satisfaction
Carrying out high quality product demonstrations and presentations to customers
Keeping up to date with competitor activities and ranges
Working as part of the Sales Team to contribute to the planning of the business and ongoing dealer strategy development
Will need to live in a convenient location inside the territory
Experience of sales into the Hire Centre markets would be advantageous.
Please forward your cover letter and CV’s to Neil Turner using the following email address:
Garden Trader continues to show high numbers of targeted traffic and is designed to specifically identify and catch customers when they are researching a product online and helping them locate their local dealer. Last year we delivered over 1.2m dealer search impressions on the site and over 24,000 individual dealer page views. Because of the site promotional criteria, we know the majority are actively looking to make a purchase (product or service). All subscribed dealers can easily check their listing's analytics just by logging in to see for themselves just how Garden Trader is helping their business. If you do wish to re-subscribe or indeed register it is easy and takes just a few minutes.
Garden Trader is helping send quality leads to specialist garden machinery dealers in the UK. It has been designed to promote our dealer industry to consumers who are specifically searching for garden machinery products and services.
It is easy and quick to register and costs just £96 + VAT per year to be listed and all revenues in 2020 will be reinvested into promoting the site online.
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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.
