BAGMA NEWS
BULLETIN BOARD
VNUK INSURANCE LAW UPDATE
The Department of Transport has confirmed they are taking the necessary steps to exempt the UK from the implications of the EU Motor Insurance Directive. Had the EU law been implemented in the UK, it would have meant the insurance industry would have been liable for almost £2 billion in extra overall costs. These costs would more than likely have been passed on to vehicle owners and would have meant off-road vehicle activities would have to be covered by insurance including machinery such as ride-on lawnmowers and quad bikes.
RHC USED AS COVID JAB SITE
The Royal Highland Centre (RHC), home to the Royal Highland Show, is now a designated location for Covid-19 vaccinations. The RHC Members Pavilion is now a mass vaccination centre with the capacity to vaccinate more than 1,000 people every day, seven days a week. RHASS Chairman Bill Gray said: “We can think of no greater use for this building than to support the vaccine programme.”
Newly-created role is just the job for Charlie MERLO UK LIMITED has appointed Charlie Lane as its new Network Development Manager. The newly-created role is a further sign of the investment taking place at Merlo UK. Having committed strongly to the UK in recent years, Merlo has elected to continue to base all commercial operations within the UK including a stocked parts warehouse. Charlie said: “I can say it is a real privilege for me to be joining the established and wellrespected team at Merlo UK.” Having amassed more than 11 years’ experience in the agricultural machinery industry, working initially at retail level, but more latterly for respected machinery manufacturers, Charlie has great experience in supporting machinery dealers to grow their business. “We are really pleased to have Charlie on board as part of the Merlo UK team,” said Shaun
Groom, general manager of Merlo UK. “Continued investment in product, infrastructure and people ensures we have lots to offer dealers and customers alike. Charlie will play a key part in growing the Merlo presence even further in the UK.”
JCB ON RECRUITMENT DRIVE
JCB is recruiting more than 400 new UK employees as the company gears up for a surge in production. The market for machinery has rebounded sharply after the severe impact of Covid-19, which halted production at JCB factories around the world. The company has confirmed it is recruiting more than 400 additional agency employees in a variety of jobs including assembly, welding and fork-lift truck drivers. In addition, JCB is giving permanent JCB contracts to up to 300 existing agency employees, including welders, fabricators and CNC machinists.
JOHN DEERE EXTENDS PAUSE ON TRADE SHOW ATTENDANCE
John Deere announced it will not attend the Agritechnica event in Hanover, Germany – scheduled to take place from November 14-20, 2021. In a statement, the company said the decision was reached after ‘intensive and thoughtful’ discussion both internally and with selected German John Deere dealers. The firm said it continues to value and support Agritechnica as the world’s leading agricultural trade show.
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Etesia expand growing dealer network ETESIA UK HAS welcomed Border Chainsaw and Lawnmower Services to its expanding dealer network. Border Chainsaw and Lawnmower Services, based in Earlston, Scotland, was founded in 1974 by the Cowe family. The business stayed within the family until January 2019 when it was acquired by Pearsons of Duns Ltd, who were picked as the perfect suitors for the business. It was at this point that the experienced Allen Whellans was appointed as groundcare division manager in a bid to increase the company’s commercial offering. Allen knew immediately where to start. “In a previous role, I worked with dealers and end-users who had a large fleet of Etesia pedes-
trian mowers. They always commented on how good they were.” he said. “We only deal with premium brands and it was a case of looking at what Etesia offered in terms of the products but also how they work with the dealer,” he said. “Etesia is very much focused on working with dealers as opposed to online discounting. Customers want support and back-up; they want to be able to speak to someone and they want to demo the mowers. With immediate effect, the range of Etesia pedestrian mowers will be available from Border Chainsaw and Lawnmower Services throughout the Lothians and the Scottish Borders. For further information, contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk
BAGMA BULLETIN MARCH-APRIL 2021
