As we all know, it's another bank holiday this weekend and hopefully another opportunity for our dealer readers to experience a bumper few days - if the weather plays ball of course!

With the nation celebrating the King's Coronation, the big question is will dealers see increased footfall through their doors or visits to their website?

Indeed how did last weekend's bank holiday fare for your business? And don't forget there is another one to come at the end of the month - meaning there are a handful of bonus opportunities to perhaps catch up on that slow start to the season that dealers have told us about.

However, there is an annual event that has cropped up in recent years that might prove to be a spanner in the works for turfcare machinery dealers who will be hoping to cash in on the improvements in the spring weather and on customer desire to take advantage of their grassed areas - and that's No Mow May.

Created by charity Plantlife, the campaign encourages the public and councils to let their grass grow wild throughout the month. On their website they explain, "Free the wildflowers in your lawn so they can grow wild and provide a feast for pollinators, tackle pollution, and lock away atmospheric carbon below ground."

Certainly the campaign's profile has risen in the five years that it has been running. It has undoubtedly caught the attention of media outlets, with many articles, blogs and think-pieces produced each May, all discussing the campaign. This year, headlines such as Why you shouldn't mow the lawn in May; 'No Mow May' warning to everyone with a garden not to cut lawns; and Sir David Attenborough warns Brits not to mow lawns in May are indicative of the coverage the campaign has achieved. Search online or pick up a newspaper during the month and it'll be easy to find column inches and videos encouraging users to mothball their mowers for the duration.

Therefore the question I'm intrigued to hear our dealer readers thoughts on today, is whether this campaign has any noticeable affect on your businesses?

Does the message that Plantlife is conveying cut through to such a degree with the public and professionals that you experience fewer visits to your showrooms, a decrease in demand for servicing or lower sales of parts and accessories for example? Please let us know in the comments below.

Of course not everyone agrees with the sentiments of No Mow May. There was an amusingly titled piece in The Independent this week, 'No Mow May'? Oh Do Sod Off!, that took quite a contrary position. The author, the paper's political sketch writer and columnist, Tom Peck, wrote, "Letting grass grow freely for a full month at the fastest growing time of year means that it will take almost a month again to recover from the brutalising haircut it will take on 1 June, when the blades are long and thick at the base, and have quite possibly gone to seed."

Also I have heard lawncare experts - admittedly with a vested interest in the continued maintenance of lawned areas - dispute exactly how environmentally beneficial not mowing the grass for one month actually is. Richard Salmon, the founder of ProLawnCareUK, said last year, "We have 20 million plus domestic lawns in the UK. The vast majority are in inner city and urban areas where they are a vital green lung. Anything we can do to keep them healthy is good for nature and humans, and regular mowing is key to this."

But whilst there are some dissenting voices, I don't think there is any denying that the phrase 'No Mow May' has landed in the minds of the pubic. It's a pretty safe bet that most of your customers will have at least heard of the concept. The question is, how much of an impact does it have on their mowing habits?

It would be great to hear from our specialist dealer readers if the campaign's arrival each spring gives you cause for concern? Or do you view it perhaps, as a worthy endeavour that you support and indeed can somehow turn to your advantage? Or does it not even register on your radar that it is happening?!

If you have any thoughts on the subject, please do let us know by leaving a comment below this article or you can always drop me a line in confidence if you'd prefer.

As ever, all your feedback is much appreciated.

Service Dealer are delighted to announce that Kress will be returning to the Conference & Awards again this year, as the event's Principal Sponsor.

A new venue has been announced for this year, with the Crowne Plaza at Stratford-Upon-Avon taking on hosting duties - with the date to mark up in your diaries being 30th November 2023.

Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (pictured above) said, "We couldn't be more pleased that Kress have chosen to join us again this year as Principal Sponsor of the Service Dealer Conference & Awards.

"It's clear that Kress share our ethos that a strong, independent dealer network is vital for the industry - so their support for our event fits perfectly.

"We pride ourselves that the Conference & Awards builds upon its reputation each and every edition and it's great that Kress have recognised it as the key occasion in the industry's calendar."

Tony Macer, national sales manager UK & Ireland for Kress said, “Kress are proud to again be the principal sponsor of the Service Dealer Conference & Awards.

"We work closely with our dealers to build true partnerships to help bring our exciting innovations to market. The pace of growth across our business this year has been simply outstanding. We would like thank every dealer for their continued support.

"We hope you all have a fantastic season and we look forward to seeing everyone at this year's Service Dealer Conference & Awards in November."

Further details about this year's Conference & Awards, including the theme of the event, will be announced soon.

The Master Service Technician award, the highest training achievement Reesink Turfcare and Toro Commercial has to offer, has been awarded to four more technicians. 

They are:

• Chris Hester from Cheshire Turf Machinery
• Ian Hill from Oliver Landpower
• Stuart Barrie from Reesink Scotland
• Michael Dixon from Lloyd Limited (Newcastle branch)

Each have completed one of the most stringent and comprehensive training courses in the industry and are now able to offer the highest level of service in the UK.

Reesink’s first Master Service Technician, David Creasy

The Master Service Technician (MST) programme is specifically designed to provide the most thorough training for Authorised Dealer Technicians, ensuring their skillset is updated and meets the demands of the industry’s continuous evolution. 

Reesink say with the rapid development of electric and hybrid technology, it’s important that the skills and knowledge in those areas progress at an equivalent rate so that technicians and dealers can better serve their customers and the Toro product. 

Stuart Barrie confirms this is very much the case, “As engineers we need to keep up with industry progress and development. We all know about climate change and the move from petrol/diesel to electric power in the car industry. Not so well known is our industry is going through the same changes. This course makes sure all engineers are adequately trained to carry on with day to day repairs and requirements as the changes happen.”

When considering the advantages this will bring for customers, Ian Hill said, “The MST course provides the opportunity to train to a standard that’s not widely available in the industry. In a customer facing role, it’s an advantage to be able to give the best level of support and advice to customers and ensure high standards of service on hybrid and all electric systems.” 

Michael Dixon agrees, saying, “Completing the MST training has meant that Lloyds as a dealer has also benefitted, receiving better warranty return rates and boosting the dealer standards score. It has not gone unnoticed by the company that my efforts have had a positive impact on the business.”

Chris Hester added, "It’s a huge achievement to pass the interview process and be accepted onto the course; that in itself is a worthy addition to the CV! But most of all, it’s recognition for the dedication and hard work you’ve put into your career and with it being similar to a degree in this sector, it’s a big deal.”

Summing up the benefits having a qualified MST in the business, Sean Trotter, service manager from Lloyds, said, “This training gives the engineer the recognition they deserve for their skill set and abilities. It’s an industry recognised qualification held in high esteem with our customers in the golf industry and brings financial benefits with warranty reimbursement and a contribution towards the training once qualified.”

The course has been set up with further benefits for the qualifying technician too as Michael explains: “There’s a trip to America to get a first hand insight into the goings on of Toro and where it all comes from. For someone who works for a dealer this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and trips like this rarely come around.”

From its beginnings in a field in County Armagh, SlurryKat say they are proud to have recently won the Best Medium-Sized Business Of The Year at the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2023.

The team from SlurryKat receiving their award

Founder, Garth Cairns started his farm contracting business in the 1990s, providing local farms with silage harvesting and slurry spreading services.
With his design and fabrication skills, he acquired the SlurryKat brand in 2007, and began manufacturing umbilical slurry, spreading equipment.

After accepting the award from Darren McDowell of sponsor Harbinson Mulholland, on behalf of SlurryKat, general manager Jonathan Hassin said, "We are very proud to have been recognised for this award.

"We are company established from a field in County Armagh, so it is nice to be recognised for all the hard work put in by our team. It makes a big difference to us all.

"We were delighted to be nominated but to win just makes all of our work worthwhile.From here we will push to keep moving forward.

"Our aim is to keep getting bigger and better at what we do. We want to be the number one farming equipment machine manufacturer in the world and that is what we're aiming for."

The judges said they were impressed by the quality of entrants in this category, but SlurryKat were a stand-out business. They said, "A great success story of growth from humble beginnings. Their use of cutting-edge technology and investment in research and development was particularly impressive.

"From those humble beginnings the company now has an international presence and client base. A real Northern Ireland success story."

Campey Turf Care Systems has announced an upcoming Turf Growers Demo Day at Talbot Turf, scheduled for Wednesday, 10th May 2023.

Van Vuuren turf harvester

The company says the event will provide an opportunity for turf growers to learn more about the latest advancements in turf care equipment and how they can improve the quality and efficiency of their operations.
 
At the Turf Growers Demo Day, attendees will have the opportunity to see turf care equipment in action, including the Van Vuuren turf harvesters, Campey Turf Brush, Imants Spader and Vredo overseeders. 
The Campey turf brush is a versatile piece of equipment that can be used for a variety of turf care applications, from removing debris to breaking up soil. I
 
As well as the equipment demonstrations, attendees will be able to speak to Campey representatives about their specific turf care needs and how their range of equipment can help. The event will also allow turf growers to network with other professionals and exchange ideas and best practices.
 
Lee Morgado, director at Campey Turf Care Systems, said “Our goal is to help turf growers maximise their work output in the most effective way, and we believe that our range of equipment and machinery can help them achieve this. We look forward to meeting with turf growers and discussing their daily operational turf challenges.”
 
The event will take place at Talbot Turf, Save Penny Lane, off Makeney Road, Milford, Duffield, Derbyshire DE56 0RS. The event is free to attend, but registration is required. Interested parties can register online or contact the company direct.

Husqvarna Group have announced they are one of the winners in Symbiosis - an award that honours Swedish companies that combine responsibility with profitable growth.  

The manufacturer says the prestigious award is presented to companies that are able to achieve both profitability and consideration for the well-being of people and the planet. Alongside Tradera and Trangia, Husqvarna Group say they were celebrated ". .  for innovative solutions and an ability to clear the path toward responsible value creation."

The organisers of the Symbiosis Award say it is a reminder that businesses can have a positive impact on society and that it is possible to create real change while still achieving profitability - long-term solutions that make the world a better place.

Equip Exposition, the international trade show based in Louisville, Kentucky has opened registration for the 2023 event, held from October 17-20th at the Kentucky Exposition Center. 

“Equip Exposition is the experience of the year for anyone in the landscape, hardscape, outdoor living, and power equipment business,” said Kris Kiser, President of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, which owns and manages the trade show. “Last year we saw a sold-out exhibit hall and brought more than 25,000 people to Louisville. As we celebrate 40 years of Expo together, it’s going to be a can’t-miss event.” 

Early-Bird discounted registration is available until September 7t.

This year in addition to Expo’s 30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard and expansive indoor exhibit space, downtown Louisville will feature several major events for attendees, all included in their registration: 

• A first-ever arena concert, sponsored by Bobcat Company and Senix, at the Yum! Center featuring headliner Third Eye Blind and Dylan Scott.
• A Welcome Reception, sponsored by Cat Compact Track Loaders, hosted at the downtown Kentucky International Convention Center with a concert from Expo house band, The Crashers.

Other new show experiences for 2023 include:

• Keynote speech by Polar Explorer and master storyteller Ben Saunders.
• Expanded exhibit space in the West Wing allows exhibitors to showcase and demonstrate more products indoors.
• A first-ever Women’s Reception, open to all women attending Expo to network and connect, hosted Thursday, October 19, at the KEC
• Expanded education tracks designed to help attendees expand into new business segments and increase their profits.
• New business lounges, meeting spaces and expanded seating areas at the KEC.
• Landscape education for young people will be sponsored by the TurfMutt Foundation. Children ages 12 and up may attend the show.
• Improved shuttle bus, rideshare and transportation logistics will make getting around easier.
• More coffee shops, breakfast, and food offerings on-site

Equip Exposition will also feature live in-tree climbing demonstrations from the Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop and Davey Tree, Mulligan’s Fun Run & 5K, the UTV Test Track, the Drone Zone, and Mulligan’s Mutt Madness, a national dog adoption event, sponsored by the TurfMutt Foundation.

To mark Merlo UK’s 30th Anniversary, the Italian manufacturer’s UK subsidiary say they have recently acquired a classic model sold within their first year of UK operations.

This 1993 Panoramic 60.10XS was, at the time, the largest telescopic handler in the Merlo range of Panoramic models. Sold in July of 1993 by North Yorkshire former Merlo dealer AM Handling to a local grain merchant, the manufacturer says not much is known at present about the applications performed by the machine during its life.

Recently, the machine was located in the south-west of the UK where it looks to have been performing offshore applications (as evidenced by the hefty lifting shackles it acquired along the way to transport the machine to and from boats).

A full restoration of the P60.10XS is currently underway with the goal of restoring this piece of the company's history to its former glory. Merlo say regular updates will be posted across their social media channels through the coming weeks -with the intention to exhibit the restored machine at several of this year’s shows and exhibitions.

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