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.”

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.

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.”

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 pedestrian 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.

Euromec signs new Honda deal

EUROMEC, A LEADING UK supplier of industrial cleaning and ground maintenance equipment, is expanding its product range after signing a new supply deal with Honda.

The deal will see Euromec become a chief supplier for some of Honda UK’s best-selling lawnmower and tractor mowers.

As with all Honda products, customers will experience superior reliability and great performance, whichever option they choose. This will all be backed up by Euromec’s leading aftercare service and customer support.

Peter Crewe, chairman of Euromec, said: “We are delighted to have secured this new deal with Honda. It takes Euromec’s ground maintenance capabilities to a whole new level and ensures our customers can choose from an exciting range of quality machines, all with Honda’s famous reputation for reliability to ensure complete peace of mind.

Euromec will be supplying the HF 2417 tractor, which has a 40-inch cut and is powered by 530cc V-twin 4-stroke engine, and the larger HF 2625 tractor which has a 690cc V-twin 4-stroke engine and a 48-inch cut. The former is complete with a 300-litre grass bag and the latter, with a 350-litre bag, meaning longer cuts between emptying.

For more modest gardens, Euromec will also be supplying a range of Honda’s electric and petrol-engine lawnmowers, including the latest Izy models, as well as a wide range of Core push and self-propelled lawnmowers

“Whatever, the requirement, customers can be assured we have the right Honda machine for their needs,” added Peter. “We’re excited about this deal and our customers will be as well.”

For more information on the Honda machines – and all the equipment supplied by Euromec, visit www.euromec.co.uk

Goodbye seeds, hello retirement!

DLF HAS ANNOUNCED one of the most well-known names in the seed industry, John Hughes, has retired.

After spending most of his working life at some of the country’s leading seed providers to the golf and sports turf markets, John has made many contacts who will be sure to miss his invaluable support, knowledge and advice.

Having obtained a BSc Hons in Applied Biology from the University of Salford, John worked at the Welsh Plant Breeding Station (Aberystwyth), and in Plant Pathology at the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB). He also spent some time teaching biology. This love of knowledge-sharing set John up for a long career in the professional amenity market where he enjoyed positions at Germinal Seeds and Cebeco Seeds before this was acquired by DLF in 2002.

For the last 18 years, he has been a fundamental part of the sales team for DLF Seeds in his role as Regional Technical Manager for the north.

John said: “The last year has been challenging for the obvious reasons which has also meant that, sadly, I have not had the opportunity to say my farewells in the traditional way. I wish to thank all of my customers for their ongoing support and help over the years.”

DLF Seeds wish John all the very best for a long and fulfilling retirement.

Dealership takeover receives full support from John Deere

P TUCKWELL LTD, the John Deere dealer across the East of England, has completed the acquisition of Burden Bros Agri Ltd covering the south east.

The acquisition, which has been agreed by respective owners James Tuckwell and Dale Burden, will see all employees and the three existing branch locations at Stockbury and Ivychurch in Kent and Framfield in East Sussex retained.

The full terms of the agreement are not being disclosed but it has been announced that the acquisition has the full support and approval of John Deere Ltd and does not involve any other businesses in the BB Group of Companies.

John Deere Limited division sales manager Joedy Ibbotson said: “We are delighted that they have reached this agreement with Tuckwells, which ensures the continuity of the Burden Bros team and dealership outlets within the John Deere network. This is a great fit, combining two businesses with closely aligned values based on outstanding customer service with a focus on precision technology and connected support.”

For more information email hannah@tuckwellgroup.com or call 07810 521926.

STIHL GB appoints new MD

Kay Green has been appointed the new managing director of STIHL Great Britain, following the retirement of Robin Lennie in December 2020. For the last three years, Kay has been UK and Ireland country manager for Hasbro UK Ltd.

During her career at Hasbro, she also held senior commercial roles including director level positions in both sales and marketing.Kay joins a thriving and resilient STIHL GB, with the business recording over a decade of year-on-year growth and a doubling of turnover from £57m in 2008 to £125m in 2020.

Hunt Forest Group acquires neighbouring Deere dealership

HUNT FOREST GROUP has announced an agreement to acquire neighbouring John Deere dealership and BAGMA member C Smart Agricultural Services.

The move – in line with Deere’s ‘dealer of tomorrow’ strategy – brings together both agricultural and turf equipment sales in a single business covering most of central southern England, while simplifying all aspects of parts and service supply to customers in the area.

All Smart’s employees are being transferred as part of the sale, along with the three existing branch locations in Dorset and Somerset which will continue to operate under the business name Smart Ag Services. The expansion will see Hunt Forest Group nearly double in size, employing around 180 people in total.

Hunt Forest managing director Tim Hunt said: “We have always had close links with Colin Smart in the past and on a personal note I would like to thank him for continuing to help throughout this process and being so positive. We share the same core values that encompass our business ethics, staff and customers and I believe this has been key to completing the sale. The next steps will be very exciting indeed and we look forward to sharing and learning from each other as we continue to grow all aspects of our business.”

John Deere Limited division sales manager Joedy Ibbotson said: “This is another great fit for our dealer network, combining two businesses with common values based on delivering an exceptional customer experience with a focus on knowledgeable staff and connected support.”

Hunt Forest Group supplies the full John Deere product range from six outlets covering Wiltshire, Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey and the Isle of Wight.

Hunt Forest Group managing director Tim Hunt (left), and Colin Smart, managing director of Smart Ag Services

Brian takes up new John Deere role after restructure

BRIAN D’ARCY HAS been appointed agricultural division sales manager for John Deere Limited with overall responsibility for Ireland, Scotland, Wales and northern England.

The appointment follows a recent business reorganisation in Europe. He replaces Chris Meacock, who takes over as turf division sales manager for the UK & Ireland, the Benelux countries and Scandinavia.

Based at Langar, Brian will work alongside Joedy Ibbotson, who is agricultural division sales manager for central and southern England. Both report to the sales director for Western Europe Richard Johnson, and are responsible for all agricultural product sales throughout the UK and Irish dealer network.

Dealers eligible for slice of £20 million Brexit fund

A £20 MILLION cash fund has been made available to help small and medium businesses (SMEs) adjust to new trading rules in postBrexit Britain.

The Government announced the SME Brexit Support Fund to help businesses adjust to new customs, rules of origin, and VAT rules when trading with the EU. SMEs who trade only with the EU and are therefore new to importing and exporting processes will be encouraged to apply for grants of up to £2,000 for each trader to pay for practical support including training and professional advice to ensure they can continue trading effectively with the EU. This announcement follows extensive engagement with individual businesses, leading business organisations and trade associations from across all parts of the UK, including through the Brexit Business Taskforce.

Chaired by Michael Gove the weekly meetings provided an opportunity to identify challenges and find solutions to outstanding issues. To provide SMEs with additional support, the fund will be administered through the preexisting Customs Grant Scheme and will open for applications next month.

It has been set up to support businesses prepare for the new import controls coming into force from April and July, as set out in the Border Operating Model. The new import controls will be introduced in three stages up to July 1, 2021, to allow traders and hauliers time to adjust to new processes. This means businesses do not have to complete new import declarations for up to six months, unless they are moving controlled goods.

More details at www.gov.uk/government/ news/government-announces-20-millionsme-brexit-support-fund

Spearhead awards machinery supplier with ‘tremendous energy’

A SPECIALIST MACHINERY supplier near Daventry has been named Spearhead’s Dealer of the Year 2020.

Attlefield Farm Machinery is run by Henry White, aged 29, who was noted for his tremendous energy and after sales support.

The firm first stocked Spearhead equipment three years ago, and in the last 18 months, their sales performance placed them at the top of Spearhead’s league table.

Henry comes from a well-known family with industry heritage. His father, Patrick White, runs PJ Services, the well-known international haulage company.

In his early 20s, Henry started selling quad bikes. Today, he operates from brand new purpose-built premises with Spearhead equipment at the helm. The Hellidon site includes fully-stocked showrooms, offices, and well-run workshops.

Henry said: “I’m delighted Attlefield Farm Machinery has been named Spearhead Dealer of the Year. It’s great recognition for the team here and I’m happy to keep building on the high standards that we have set ourselves. To my advantage, Spearhead takes centre stage here and I believe we give the brand the energy and attention it rightly deserves. There’s incredible demand for robust mowing and cutting machines in the UK. I'm so proud to align my business with the quality of Spearhead.”

Jack Norton, of Spearhead, recently presented Attlefield Farm Machinery’s trophy to Henry. Spearhead nominates a Dealer of the Year annually, basing the decision on dealer promise and success.

New marketing director is the cream of the crop

SPECIALIST CROP NUTRITION company Fielder (UK) Ltd has appointed Robert Hawkin as its new Director of Marketing.

Son of founder Barrie Hawkin, Robert has a wealth of marketing experience gained over a 10-year career in the cosmetics and food industries and will apply his communication and marketing skills within the agricultural, horticultural and amenity sectors to underpin a new phase of growth for the business.

Barrie said: “Robert’s appointment will be integral to Fielder’s drive to expand its product portfolio.

“Fielder’s success has been a result of strong customer focus and more than 40 years’ experience in agronomy and plant nutrition. With the continuation of these qualities and the enhancement of our marketing function, we anticipate growth in both our own-branded products and the own label product ranges of our nationwide network of dedicated distributors.”

Further information is available from Fielder (UK) Ltd on 01743 860924 or fielderag@ farming.co.uk

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