We're back with you in our normal Friday lunchtime spot today - however, I suspect many reading this will feel far from normal.

This period of national mourning is an extraordinary time in our country's history. It seems each time one checks the news, there's another moment to witness that will be etched into our collective memories for the rest of our lives. The pomp and the pageantry has been awe inspiring and of course, perfectly fitting to commemorate such a lifetime of service.

As we all know though, life, and of course business, must go on. For example, as our dealer readers will be well aware, several of the industry's major suppliers have been holding roadshows and conferences around the country these past couple of weeks - introducing their new products to their networks. I myself attended Stiga's first mass event since 2019 back at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham on Tuesday - where before the day began in earnest, an impeccably observed minute's silence for Her Majesty saw the hundreds of dealers in the room offer their respects.

So whilst there will still be moments where we find ourselves wanting to reflect and pay quiet contemplation, the nation will also be keeping calm and carrying on.

As such, we offered a tease a couple of weeks ago for our dealer readers to get thinking - well, today's the day we can finally say . . .

The entry process for 2022's Dealer Of The Year Awards is now officially . . . open!

Always a significant moment for the organising team, it's a time when a bright light is shone upon all the incredible work that is being undertaken at dealerships around the country.

As has been clearly illustrated this past week, the currency of a news outlet must oftentimes be stories imbued with a sadness - and our trade journal is no different. Fires, thefts, closures, deaths and the like must, with a heavy heart, be reported within these pages.

However, once the Dealer Of The Year nomination process is in full swing, it affords a clear focus on the positive side of the industry.

Through these past few years, we know just how tough and unusual trading conditions have been for our dealer readers. Covid, supply chain woes, and a cost-of-living crisis have followed each other like dominoes of doom.

However - and it's a pretty big however - we are aware that despite this, many readers have experienced some bumper business years. And this hasn't happened by magic. No, it's happened due to hard work, innovation, and diversification; through trying new things; by taking chances on new people and new ideas; and by breaking from the conventional.

So now once you've made those Herculean efforts to overcome and to prosper, why not gain that wider recognition that you, your dealership and your staff deserve? Recognition not just for battling through, but for thriving.

As mentioned recently, winning a Dealer Of The Year Award can be a great PR boost. It can also be a great motivational fillip for you and your team. Which is something we all need from time to time.

I was speaking to our friend Sara Hey of Bob Clements International in the States last week (who readers will know from her regular column in the magazine) and she was telling me that many of the U.S dealers that she works with are feeling a real burn-out currently. Many are getting fed up with the constant fire-fighting and day-to-day struggles inherent in running a dealership and are thinking of calling it a day.

These past couple of years have truly taken their toll on some of our American peers it seems - and it would not surprise me in the least to hear that a proportion of our readers here in the UK would feel similar. So perhaps it's important before everything comes to too much of a head, to catch your breath, take a step back and consider just what it is you have achieved during these exceptional times.

Assessing your accomplishments is a great way to take stock. Even if you don't end up winning a Dealer Of The Year prize, the process of evaluating the amazing work you and team have produced, should lead to some well-earned pats-on-the-back all round at the dealership.

We all need that acknowledgment that we're on the right track. The value of being told occasionally that we're doing a good job, shouldn't be underestimated. Gathering together an entry for the Dealer Of The Year competition, I think could draw into sharp focus the efforts that your business has gone to - that maybe could have been taken for granted.

Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke said on Monday that the magazine is delighted to have gained the most support there's ever been for the Conference & Awards. More top manufacturers than ever want to join in congratulating the dealer network on a job well done. It'll be great to match that commitment, by receiving the most entries we've ever had for the Awards too.

Today is the start of the process that will allow us to take a moment to celebrate all the good and the positive that abounds in our industry. 

So please don't be shy - get entering!

Service Dealer is today opening the entry process for 2022's Dealer Of The Year Awards.

Dealerships can put themselves and their staff forward for as many awards as they like - and manufacturers and suppliers are also invited to nominate those members of their network who they feel are deserving of recognition.

We advise you read the full details regarding the entry process on the Service Dealer website first before commencing any entries, just so you know exactly what the judging panel will be looking for.

This year we are welcoming back our core product dealership categories - as well as retaining some of the special awards we introduced last year.

A judging panel will review all the nominations prior to the Awards Ceremony on the 24th November. All entries for the categories below will be considered by the judging panel for the prestigious Overall Dealer of the Year award (sponsored by Kress).

Good luck and get entering!

Garden Machinery Dealer of the Year - sponsored by Husqvarna

Have you gone above and beyond this year to satisfy your domestic customers?

ENTER GARDEN MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR 2022

Farm Machinery Dealer of the Year - sponsored by Ibcos

Have you kept your farming customers working throughout thick and thin?

ENTER FARM MACHINERY DEALER OF THE YEAR 2022

Forestry Machinery Dealer of the Year - sponsored by Societe Generale Equipment Finance

Have your arborist customers relied on your professionalism this year?

ENTER FORESTRY EQUIPMENT DEALER OF THE YEAR 2022

Professional Turfcare Dealer of the Year - sponsored by Toro UK

Do your commercial customers know you'll help them keep their surfaces well-maintained all year round?

ENTER PROFESSIONAL TURFCARE DEALER OF THE YEAR 2022

Star of the Dealership - sponsored by Catalyst

Is there someone in your team who always goes the extra-mile - for the business, customers or local community?

ENTER STAR OF THE DEALERSHIP 2022

Apprentice of the Year - sponsored by AGCO

Do you have a rising industry star in your dealership, who is keen to learn and contribute to the business's success?

ENTER APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR 2022

Best New Initiative - sponsored by Kress

Have you implemented something new in the business this year - be it some diversification, a fresh project, or a redesign, let us know!

ENTER BEST NEW INITIATIVE 2022 

Leadership Award - Sponsored by Kubota

Does your dealership benefit from someone who leads from the front, makes bold decisions whilst supporting their team and the wider industry?

ENTER LEADERSHIP AWARD 2022

The Awards will be presented at the Gala Dinner following the Service Dealer Conference that takes place on Thursday 24th November 2022 once again at the Double Tree by Hilton Oxford Belfry Hotel, Thame, Oxfordshire. The theme for this year's Conference is Sustaining Dealerships.

Positec the manufacturer behind the Kress brand of outdoor powered machinery has announced it will be revealing their new technological development in battery power to the UK specialist dealer network at some upcoming special events.

The company have organised an official launch of these new products, that have been kept tightly under wraps, at The Majestic in Harrogate on 22nd September - followed by a second presentation at New Hall Hotel in Birmingham on 26th September. 

The company also plans another launch at this year’s SALTEX at the NEC.

Service Dealer’s Laurence Gale recently spoke to Don Gao, owner of Positec, for an exclusive interview to be featured in the upcoming November / December 2022 edition of Service Dealer magazine.

Don told Laurence about the new battery technology that’s being launched; “I am very proud in announcing that we are launching a completely new battery system that has the capability to be recharged in less than eight minutes and has a vastly longer battery recycling life span of 3000 times - ten times more than most current battery makes.

“We have for several years been aware that if we want to change the mindset of the professional end users, we needed to develop a battery system and a range of tools that would run efficiently for 6-8 hours without the need for long recharging times. Many current commercial battery systems and tools can only run for about an hour - with the need for a fairly long recharging time of around 40 minutes to an hour. This, for many professional end users, has not influenced them to change their favoured petrol-driven products."

Don continued, “We realised that for us to achieve our goal of meeting our climate change targets, we needed to develop a more efficient battery power system that could offer reduced charging times, but more importantly offer a longer life span of the battery, effectively offering more recycling times for the end user.”

Don also tells Laurence that his company sees specialist dealers as the key to getting this new technology out into the hands of professional users.

Be sure to read the full interview in the next issue of Service Dealer magazine

AriensCo has announced it will be distributing the full range of AS-Motor’s specialised machinery for high grass, slopes and mulching in the UK. 

This follows the news that previous UK distrbutor, PSD Groundscare was ending their partnership with AS-Motor after 12 years.

As part of its strategic international growth plans, AriensCo acquired AS-Motor in May 2021, saying that their sawsynergy with its family run ethos, longevity in the market and desire to develop high quality and dependable mowing solutions.

AriensCo will distribute AS-Motor’s full line up of products including professional lawnmowers, Allmaher high-grass mowers, ride-on high-grass mowers, remote-controlled high-grass mowers, and mulching mowers as well as weed removers.

AriensCo will also be selling AS-Motor’s growing range of electric products powered by EGO batteries.

Brad Stiles, vice president of aales at AriensCo said, "We're thrilled to be adding AS-Motor’s products to AriensCo’s extensive portfolio of grass cutting solutions for domestic, prosumer and commercial customers. For over a year now, AS-Motor has found a new home at AriensCo because it embodies our family values and puts customers first. With AS-Motor on board, AriensCo can continue its incredible growth throughout EMEAA and even further afield.”

AriensCo are distributing AS-Motor products from September 2022.

Stiga UK held their first mass Dealer Conferences back at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham since 2019 on Tuesday and Wednesday this week (September 13th and 14th). Roadshow events also took place at Wincanton last week and will take place in Edinburgh next week.

Dealers at the National Motorcycle Museum this week

At the events the company made a big announcement regarding national, end-user advertising for the brand, saying that in 2023 they will be spending a "7-figure sum" on getting their message across to the buying public.

Liz Senior, UK sales director & head of international key accounts at Stiga, said, "I’ve heard some of our dealers refer to Stiga as the best kept secret in the industry – fantastic quality products, great service, but nobody knows about it. Well that’s about to change.

"We shall be going loud and proud in 2023 as we put Stiga on television for the first time. There will also be a national billboard campaign, digital marketing, and socials – every kind of activity possible, we’ll be taking."

Liz continued, "We won’t just be big and loud on TV, we’re also investing in advertising materials to support our dealers’ stores. We will run campaigns in partnership with our dealers throughout the year. For example there will be a cashback promotion during 2023. We intend to go big with the campaign, to drive footfall to our dealers for the season."

Liz also said the company would be committing to further marketing investments, including putting a submission in for the Chelsea Flower Show, where they felt they would be able to talk to 200,000+ of their target consumers.

You can read more of what was said and seen at Stiga's event, in the next issue of Service Dealer magazine.

Briggs & Stratton has announced a new partnership with Canimex Group, a manufacturer and international trader in mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and electronic components and products.

Canimex Group is made up of seven business units that include its mechanical and electrical division, which Briggs say will leverage Vanguard Lithium-Ion battery power solutions in applications for a variety of industries through this new partnership. 

“As more OEMs look toward electrification, we are pleased to add Canimex Group to our list of impressive battery technology partners,” said Chris Davison, senior marketing manager - electrification at Briggs & Stratton.

“Canimex’s manufacturing expertise combined with our cutting-edge battery power technology will help set OEMs up for success as they pursue integrating electrified equipment.”

Based in Drummondville, Québec, Canimex works across a range of industries that include electrification, forestry, construction, agriculture, industrial, mining and snow and ice. 

Dominic Bolduc, technical sales representative at Canimex, added, "There’s no question that the future is battery power. As more of our customers pursue electrification, we are excited to be partnering with Vanguard to deliver ruggedly designed, powerfully built battery solutions that our customers can trust to deliver a solid performance."

Organisers of the upcoming Equip Exposition and the co-located Hardscape North America, trade show have announced that all exhibit space is now fully sold out, beating previous records.

Equip Exposition (the former GIE+EXPO trade show) will be held October 18-21 in Louisville, Kentucky, at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC). The show draws tens of thousands of landscapers, contractors and others working in the outdoor industries and features nearly 1,000 exhibits. Service Dealer will be attendance again this year.

“This is a first for Expo: Every inch of exhibit space inside the KEC and outside in the newly expanded 30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard has been reserved,” said Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which owns Equip Exposition. “It’s a great year to come to Louisville.”

Kris continued, “The sellout shows the vitality and excitement around Equip Exposition. It’s our industry’s ‘family reunion,’ complete with the food and fireworks - plus digging, mulching, mowing, sawing, and test-driving on a grand scale. You won’t want to miss it.” 

Visitors to Equip can 'test before they invest' in the latest outdoor power equipment, ask manufacturers questions face-to-face, plus attend the many education and training sessions available.

Registration includes three days of trade show access, admission to Hardscape North America, a Welcome Party at Louisville Slugger Field, the popular 4th Street Live! Concert Series, award-winning keynote speakers, the UTV Test Track, three days in the 30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard, and Mutt Madness.

Organisers have announced that it’s less than a month until entries close for the Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show, with several anniversary celebrations taking place and rare machinery to be seen. 

It’s the 75th anniversary of the Field Marshall Series II this year for example, so Ross Anderson, the brother of Field Marshall Club founder, Peter, is marking the occasion by bringing his first Field Marshall to the show. “She’s a very special tractor and she means a lot to us,” he says.

“Without this tractor we could have become football hooligans or something, but instead we spent our time repairing and recycling with her. Peter founded the Marshall Club, learnt to read and write, wrote two books and was head of machinery at RHS Wisley for 18 years.”

And it’s a chance for the young and old to get together, as Alex Kettlewell, 24, and his girlfriend Jennie can testify. “Vintage tractors have a massive social scene,” says Alex, who clocks up 2,000 miles a year taking his 1979 Ford 3600 to rallies.

“So many of my old school friends just sit at home playing video games, but what I’ve achieved doing the tractors up is brilliant. I’d say don’t be afraid to have a go - if you save up and buy one, it’s a big daunting project, but it’s also a huge learning experience.”
 
And there’s also 21-year-old Katie Birch, who inherited her love for vintage tractors from her grandad - whose Fergie TED20 she plans to bring to the show. She would like to see more young women get involved with the sector, as she’s often the only young female exhibitor.

“It’s a shame, we need more young men and women getting into vintage tractors,” says Katie. “You’ve got all this history right in front of you when you have a vintage tractor and if you want to restore it then you’ve got a nice project. They’re also just really fun,” she says.

This year sees some significant celebrations including 70 years of the Fordson New Major E1A (produced 1952 – 1958). Launched at the Smithfield Show in December 1951, the E1A replaced the old E27N model and featured a choice of three new four-cylinder overhead valve engines in petrol, diesel or vaporising oil.

The Cropmaster or VAK1C by David Brown is celebrating 75 years. And it’s time to wish a happy 50th to the Massey Ferguson MF1200. This four-wheel drive articulated tractor mirrored the huge 1500 and 1800 models produced for the US, including its hard-nosed bonnet and integral cab. The central pivot allowed for very tight turns on headlands while the Perkins 5.8-litre diesel engine produced 105hp, meaning this tractor was a true workhorse of its time.

There will also be celebrations of Nicholson’s of Newark machinery and Ruston stationary engines from Lincoln. And the show has introduced three new classes for commercial vehicles: British commercials, non-UK commercials, and pre-1950 commercials, says Elizabeth Halsall, organiser of Newark Vintage Tractor and Heritage Show.

“Classic commercials play an important part in our history and are much loved by many, so we’re delighted to be expanding the classes we are offering.”

New from USA speciality tyre manufacturer Carlisle and UK distributors Tyre-Line, comes the Dura Trail ATV, UTV & SxS all purpose tyre.

Designed for use on today’s biggest and most powerful machines, the Dura Trail is the ideal choice for machines used on hard pack, rocky or paved areas where longevity of wear and traction are required. 

With an advanced radial carcass deign to deliver a comfortable, trail-compliant ride, long-life rubber compound & an overlapping tread pattern for smooth, predictable ride and handling. With stepped lugs that provide consistent tread edges as the tyre wears, wrap around lugs to provide improved shoulder protection and a super deep rim guard for enhanced wheel rim protection.

The Dura Trail is available in a range of sizes to suit the majority of today’s most popular machines including 205/80R12 (25x8.00R12), 255/65R12 (25x10.00R12), 230/80R12 (26x9.00R12), 280/65R12 (26x11.00R12), 230/70R14 (27x9.00R14) and 280/60R14 (27x11.00R14) all with High Inflation Pressure, High Load Capacity and “E” marking for full UK road homologation.

The new Carlisle Dura Trail are available to pre-order now from UK Carlisle distributor Tyre-Line, contact their Aftermarket division on 01458 250350 or aftermarket@tyreline.com 

This October, travel to Louisville, Kentucky, and make your mark at Equip Exposition; the outdoor living, landscape, and power equipment industry's international trade show.

Equip Expo, formerly GIE+EXPO, is the proving ground—the one trade show where you can “test before you invest” in new products, innovations and even ideas for your business.

• See the Latest Products and Manufacturer Lines
• Entertainment Includes Trace Adkins Performance on October 20
• Learn from Industry Experts Bob Clements and Sara Hey
• 3 Days and Nearly 30 Acres to Demo
• Enroll in our Dealer Management Education

To book discounted lodging and to learn more about Equip Expo on October 18-21 go to equipexposition.com

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