COMMENT Keith Christian on why Covid and Brexit won’t stop sector success

Whatever challenges our industry faces, we’ll find a way to survive – and thrive

Covid and Brexit may continue to cause a myriad of issues for the sector, but resilience will save the day, writes Keith Christian

COMMENT KEITH CHRISTIAN DIRECTOR BAGMA

in the wake of Covid; containers being in the wrong places around the world and costing far more to use then prepandemic days. Also, the changes in import regulations and increased costs will cause some delays as companies have to Sometimes I find it easier to just talk about work out the most cost-effective way to what is going on in the industry with this ship product under the new rules. A bit of a brief column I write, and to raise some of perfect storm in a sense. the issues dealers are facing. There are no immediate solutions to

Just now, there seems to be a lot going what are medium to long-term issues on – all of which has some impact on what but no doubt our industry will adapt and our members and the industry. it’s resilience will overcome the present

The Brexit issues are problems. rumbling on; we are facing THERE ARE NO We would encourage all the ridiculous and nearly IMMEDIATE businesses to keep on top of the unsolvable issues with the SOLUTIONS support being offered because need to have phytosanitary TO WHAT ARE of Covid and Brexit. Government certificates for used equipment MEDIUM TO websites have some very good being exported to Europe. Put LONG-TERM information and can be accessed simply, it’s a certificate saying ISSUES using common sense phrases the equipment is clean and free such as ‘Gov.UK’ and ‘Brexit from contamination. The problem is some advice’, for instance. As we move out of of the transport companies don’t get it and lockdown government support schemes will not carry this equipment. Only certain will start to reduce so be aware of furlough points of entry can handle the paperwork deadlines and support packages that may because it is a new thing for Europe, and be offered by your local authority. If you're this leaves the exporter in a huge dilemma not sure what you are entitled to, look it up as to what to do for the best. or ask. As the industry has been able to

We are hearing of shortages of product work through lockdown and the pandemic and spares as well as long delays in you will be experts at what you can and supply. This must be very frustrating cannot do and understand that some of when we have had a pretty healthy spring the working practices you have had to growing season so far. adopt will stay with you. Make the most of

Delays and shortages will be because what you have learned and applied – and of the reduced manufacturing capability especially what makes the money for you.

BAGMA members sweep the board at New Holland dealer awards

BAGMA MEMBERS SWEPT the board at the New Holland UK and Republic of Ireland Dealer of the Year Awards for 2020.

Russells Ltd, a BAGMA member, was the recipient of the top gong – the Overall Dealer of the Year Award.

The awards, celebrate excellence in performance and service quality across its extensive UK and Ireland dealer network.

Other BAGMA members winning awards included: TH White Agriculture, named Hay & Forage Dealer of the Year; Francis Bulger, Implements Dealers of the Year; Llyod Ltd, Combine Dealer of the Year; G&J Peck Ltd, Parts Dealer of the Year; Haynes Agriculture, Tractor Dealer of the Year.

Of the 12 categories, BAGMA members won seven gongs at the presentation which was held online on April 22. They were presented by Pat Smith, New Holland Business Director for UK and ROI.

He said: “2020 was a strong year across the whole range for New Holland, with gains in every product line thanks to the tremendous efforts from our dealer network. This year has started strongly but will be challenging for many reasons and we are very lucky to have a strong dealer network backed up by our manufacturing plant in Basildon and parts facility in Daventry.”

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To view our full range of training courses and range of services available to you, visit the BAGMA website or contact the team directly.

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26/04/2021 09:38:57

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