Firstly today, I want to give the heads up to all our valued dealer readers that there’s still time to get involved in this year’s Dealer of the Year Awards, with nominations remaining open until the 24th October.

And, as we’ve pointed out before, don’t assume that you have to be the biggest dealership with the most branches to have a chance. The awards recognise dealers across a range of categories, and the judges are looking for inspiring stories regarding what has been happening at your business over the past 12 months. So, whether you’ve diversified, adapted to difficult trading conditions, taken on new opportunities, invested in your team or simply found innovative ways to keep moving forward, we want to hear from you.

We know from our previous winners how taking home an honour can be a real boost for a dealership and for the people who work there. And one feels this must especially be this case this year, following what has been a challenging season for many. So, if you’ve been thinking about taking part, don’t miss out. Get entering!

Also today, those lovely people at Service Dealer Towers have put together an amazing Early Bird Dealer ticket offer, discounting the prices of entry and packages to the Conference & Awards. Check out those great prices on our website today, exclusively for dealers - but be quick, the offer only lasts until next Friday, October 9th.

Robots rise (again!)

Meanwhile, as we put the finishing touches to the next edition of Service Dealer magazine, a few comments we’ve gathered for stories in the upcoming edition have got us thinking about another subject we’ve returned to repeatedly this year: robotic mower sales.

From what we’ve been told across the season, it appears that for many robots have been one of the brighter spots - and there is more evidence of this growth in the market in our lead news story today, regarding Agrovista scaling up their robotic operation. Although this particular news is slightly different as Agrovista themselves appear to moving further into selling and maintaining robotic solutions for commercial usage.

In the news the company says "By expanding our dedicated robotics team with some of the industry's most experienced specialists, we're ensuring customers receive the highest levels of support from initial demonstration through to installation and long-term aftersales care. This investment is about building the expertise and service infrastructure needed to support the continued evolution of robotics in the amenity sector."

So, is this another route-to-market development that independent dealerships need to be thinking about? Does the emergence of more suppliers and businesses offering their own sales and aftersales support represent more competition for the dealer sector? We'd be interested to hear what you make of it.

And going back to the comments we’ve gathered for stories in our new mag, we hear from industry members who suggest that some of that growth seen in robotic sales could also be coming at the expense of customer interest in other areas.

One dealer told us:

“Robot mower sales growth continues, but whereas we had a lot of new customers it is now moving across to existing traditional customers and therefore reducing those sales.”

Another dealer, talking about the impact of taking on a manufacturer’s range new to themselves, says:

“We have seen a dramatic interest since we took on the products, especially with the robots.”

And one supplier explains to us:

“The obvious cause of reduced sales of these [diesel ride-on mowers] is the unprecedented drought conditions, particularly in the southern part of the UK, but we have undoubtedly seen some sales being lost to autonomous mower systems too, as these become capable of maintaining larger areas of grass.”

There are presumably several factors at play here. The extraordinary weather has had a major impact on demand for some conventional mowing equipment, while the capabilities of autonomous machines continue to develop. But if robots are increasingly being sold to a dealer’s existing customers, rather than simply bringing completely new customers into the showroom, does that throw something more into the mix?

Is this now a factor at the forefront of dealers minds as they look towards winter stocking decisions?

If a customer who might previously have bought a conventional mower is now considering a robot, does that change the balance of products you stock in your showroom? Are you changing the brands or the ratio of robots to conventional machines you sell as a result? Or is it simply a case of the new technologies adding another profitable string to the bow?

And, importantly, do the developments at a company such as Agrovista, offering their own robotic sales, installation and aftersales support, alter the equation for independent dealers?

We’d be interested to hear how you’re approaching it all.

Let us know in the comments below, or if you’d rather stay anonymous but have something to say, please feel free to drop me a line in confidence.

Service Dealer is pleased to announce that Early Bird Dealer tickets are now available for this year's Conference & Awards.

For a limited time of one week only, one third off of the regular price of tickets and ticket packages is available exclusively to machinery dealers.

Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke, said, "As Service Dealer is always about the dealers, we want to make sure that the tickets are easily attainable to our valued readers. Hence the release of these Early Bird tickets. But, don't delay - they won't be around forever!"

Strictly available until midday on Friday 9th October click here for prices and how to purchase.

Xwatch Safety Solutions is supporting a major programme of new fleet additions at Select Plant Hire, with its safety technology being installed across new machines entering the company’s hire fleet.

 
Around 30 new JCB machines are currently passing through the Xwatch installation programme, as Select continues a significant period of investment in new equipment.
 
Select Plant Hire, part of the Laing O’Rourke Group, announced a £5 million investment in new JCB equipment in August, including 370X tracked excavators, 245XR and 145XR reduced tailswing excavators, 9-tonne dual-drive site dumpers and Loadall telescopic handlers.
 
The Xwatch installations form part of Select’s continuing approach to specifying safety technology as new machines enter its UK hire fleet.
 
On excavators, Xwatch systems can provide functions including height and slew limitation and rated capacity indication, giving operators additional protection when machines are working close to overhead hazards, restricted areas or carrying out lifting operations.
 
For a hire fleet, where the same machine may move between very different projects and working environments, the company says that ability to configure safety systems around the task is particularly important.

Warren Wilkinson, business stream leader, plant and power solutions at Select Plant Hire, said, “As we continue to invest in new equipment, safety technology remains an important consideration for us.
 
“Our hire fleet covers a broad range of manufacturers, machine types and applications, so we need equipment and technology that can meet the demands of the environments our machines are going into. Xwatch has become a valued part of that process, backed by the service and support we need to keep machines working.”
 

Service Dealer can confirm True Track as a Network sponsor of 2026's Conference & Awards.

The prestigious event will take place on Thursday 3rd December at the Stratford-Upon-Avon Crowne Plaza - with this year's theme announced as Culture - Nature and nurture in business.

Jez Shave, managing director said, "True Track Software is proud to sponsor the Service Dealer Conference, supporting an event that recognises the outstanding achievements, innovation and dedication of businesses and individuals across the industry. 

"As a company committed to helping dealers work smarter and more efficiently through technology, we’re delighted to celebrate the people and organisations who are making a real difference in the sector."

Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke, added, "It is great to have True Track Software onboard as a Networking sponsor this year at what is shaping up to be a very strong conference."

Keep an eye on this Weekly Update, the magazine and our social channels for further updates regarding the Service Dealer Conference & Awards.

You can head to our website now to buy discounted Early Bird Dealer tickets.

Three days of beautiful weather drew record crowds to APF 2026 last week at the Ragley Estate, Warwichshire.

STIHL's stand

Over 20,000 visitors enjoyed the vast array of events and competitions and the 310 exhibitors reported strong sales. Service Dealer attended and from conversations with manufacturer standholders familiar to our dealer readers, can confirm that a busy and successful three days were enjoyed.

Husqvarna

Exhibition secretary, Ian Millward commented, “The show was a fitting celebration of our 50th anniversary. The smiling visitors and happy exhibitors make all the hard work the APF Team has put in worthwhile. The show has been a fantastic showcase for the Forest & Arb industries and the 700 school children who came along on guided tours now know a lot more about woodlands and trees than they did before.

On the T H White stand

“We would like to thank all our sponsors and exhibitors for their support and look forward to welcoming them back at APF 2028.”

The 'retired' Neil Hopley made a surprise appearance on the busy Buxtons' stand (pictured here with Service Dealer's Nikki Harrison)

The say AEA they are pleased to welcome Anand Dossa as their new agricultural economist, bringing more than 15 years’ experience in economic analysis, market intelligence and policy across agriculture, automotive manufacturing and renewable energy.

The Association say Anand will provide economic analysis and market intelligence on developments shaping the farm equipment market, taking over from Stephen Howarth, who will retire at the end of the year.
 
Anand began his career with the Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), before spending almost seven years as an agricultural economist at the National Farmers’ Union (NFU).
 
During more than a decade in UK agriculture, Anand worked across the arable, livestock and poultry sectors, providing economic analysis and evidence to inform policy and engagement with government and industry, as well as intelligence for members and sector boards.
 
He then spent more than five years with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), providing economic and market analysis for the UK automotive manufacturing sector, covering industry data, investment, trade, supply chains and competitiveness.
 
Most recently, Anand was chief economist at RenewableUK, leading economic analysis and research supporting its policy and industry work.

Ruth Bailey, CEO of the AEA said, “We are more than delighted that Anand has decided to join us, bringing such a wealth of relevant experience to the Association. Anand will work closely with Stephen over the coming months to ensure continuity and a smooth handover ahead of his planned retirement.”

Anand said, “I’m delighted to be joining the AEA and, in many ways, returning to my agricultural roots. It is an important time for the industry, with challenges but also significant opportunities from innovation and changing farming needs. I’m looking forward to meeting AEA members, learning more about their businesses and providing clear, timely economic analysis and market intelligence.”

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