BAGMA Bulletin Magazine July-August 2021 by British Independent Retailers Assocation

THE MEMBERSHIP MAGAZINE OF THE BRITISH AGRICULTURAL AND GARDEN MACHINERY ASSOCIATION ISSUE 28 | JULY-AUGUST 2021

deal provides new dawn for BAGMA We look at what this historic deal will mean for BAGMA members BIGWOODS CLOSURE | NEW RULES FOR WORKPLACE ABSENCE | LATEST SHOW NEWS

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IN THIS ISSUE

For things to stay the same they must change

ISSUE 28 JULY-AUGUST 2021

BAGMA President Peter Arrand talks about one of the biggest changes to the association for many years – and why it’s a good thing COMMENT

PETER ARRAND PRESIDENT BAGMA

YOU MAY RECALL my last President’s Pen, I talked about change and that, even now, it shows no sign of slowing down particularly with regards to the pandemic and easing of restrictions. However, we are currently in the midst of discovering new variants which are overshadowing the potential easing of restrictions, threatening the Government’s timetable or roadmap. This edition of the BAGMA Bulletin continues the theme of change as we announce a new home for the association in the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) – Full story, pages 8-9. Whilst the news may come as a surprise to some, it is clear to see that there are many synergies between BAGMA and the AEA. I have lost count, during my 10 years on the BAGMA Council, the last two of which I have been President, of how many times BAGMA and the AEA have been on the same fence concerning indus-

try issues. This transition is also an evolution of what has also been happening across Europe in recent times. The BAGMA Council unanimously supported the purchase of BAGMA by the AEA. The acquisition will secure a future home within industry and allow the heritage and strong brand built up over more than 100 years to continue. There are many similarities and alliances between the two organisations which will enable a stronger representation for the industry we operate in whilst not losing sight of the individual needs of its members. Many of the advantages of being a BAGMA member have been retained and we can look forward to a bright and collaborative future. As far as we are all concerned it is very much business as usual with the same people working on the same issues. As always, you will be kept up-to-date with all the recent changes but if you have any questions then please do contact Keith and his team in the BAGMA office in the usual way.

NEWS Catch up with all the latest news from across the sector

BAGMA LEGAL The big three reasons your staff could call in sick. The new rules for workplace absence

10 14

COVER STORY BAGMA has a new home at the AEA

EXPERTS Is it time to refresh your health and safety policy?, and why social media presence could transform your business

THERE ARE MANY SIMILARITIES AND ALLIANCES BETWEEN THE TWO ORGANISATIONS

The membership magazine of the British Agricultural & Garden Machinery Association Editor Emily Bridgewater 07875 678855 emily.bridgewater@bira.co.uk Design Alan Bingle 07949 024737 alan@forty6design.com All advertising and media enquiries please email: editorial@bagma.com

BAGMA BULLETIN JULY-AUGUST 2021

BAGMA, Samuelson House, 62 Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8JB. 01295 713344 bagma.com BAGMA president Peter Arrand BAGMA director Keith Christian 07823 416849 BAGMA business development manager Richard Jenkins 07432 290605

PRODUCT NEWS Products you need to know about

JOB RETENTION Changes ahead for the Government's furlough scheme – here's what you need to know

TRAINING Sharmans Agri hosts twoday BAGMA brake testing course. Read our review and find out if BAGMA'S man passed his test

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the material published in BAGMA Bulletin. BAGMA can accept no responsibility for claims made by manufacturers, advertisers or contributors. Views expressed by advertisers or contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or of BAGMA. Advertisers in BAGMA Bulletin are not agents of BAGMA or any of their associated businesses. Also, BAGMA and its associated businesses never act as agents for any advertisers. Printed in the UK by Stephens & George.

BAGMA NEWS

BULLETIN BOARD

JCB STAFF AIM TO RAISE £70K FOR NSPCC

JCB employees have started a major fundraising drive for children’s charity the NSPCC with the launch of a £70,000 appeal. The JCB NSPCC Platinum Jubilee Appeal will until 2022 to coincide with celebrations to mark the Queen’s historic 70-year reign. Events have started with a group of 10 JCB employees cycling 129-mile coast-tocoast from Barrow-in-Furness to Tynemouth. A team of 30 JCB charity champions is now co-ordinating dozens of fundraising initiatives across firm’s 11 UK plants.

PARTNERSHIP TO GO UNDER SCOT JCB GROUP UMBRELLA

Two agriculture companies have joined forces to create a new brand within The Scot JCB Group. Kelso & Lothian Harvesters and A M Phillip Agritech will work together under the Scot Agri name, with the business offering machinery sales, parts and servicing for agriculture equipment. Brands such as Massey Ferguson, Valtra, Ktwo and Vicon will all be part of the manufacturers the brand will work on at their six depots in north east Scotland and two locations in the Scottish Borders.

NEW RESOURCE HELPS PROFESSIONALS FIND KAWASKI MACHINERY

Kawasaki Motors Europe has launched a resource on its website that makes it easier and quicker for groundcare professionals to find machines and equipment Powered By Kawasaki – wherever they are in Europe. In an industry first, Kawasaki Motors Europe has introduced a section on its website to showcase participating OEMs ranges of Powered By Kawasaki machines. To find out more visit Kawasaki-engines.eu/ en/powered-by-kawasaki

BAGMA member supplies new fleet of golf course maintenance gear A BAGMA MEMBER has supplied one of the Northern Ireland’s leading golf clubs with £160,000 of new John Deere course maintenance equipment. Johnston Gilpin & Co Ltd has been working to supply the Blackwood Golf Centre in the heart of the Clandeboye Estate’s parklands. The club has always preferred John Deere machines, but some of the f leet had been faithful workhorses for the past 18 years and so were becoming quite aged. Last August the club underwent some fundamental changes, which included enlisting the help of independent golf management consultant Paul Gray, who has taken on the contract to manage the club. One of Paul’s first changes was to upgrade the John Deere equipment fleet, directly liaising with course manager Jonny Eager and Ricky Neill, of Johnston Gilpin & Co Ltd. With the help of a five-year John Deere financial package, the club bought a John Deere 8900A PrecisionCut fairway mower, 2500E hybrid electric greens triplex mower, 2653B

PrecisionCut tees & surrounds triplex mower and two TH 6x4 Gator utility vehicles. Also included in the purchase were a Trimax Snake articulating rotary mower and a Buffalo debris blower. Jonny said he’s pleased with the new fleet and says the machines have boosted production and efficiency. “All round we think they represent longevity and good value for money.” Ricky added: “Part of the deal included full training for The Blackwood’s own mechanic, who came up to the dealership and spent some time with one of our technicians to learn how all the machines are assembled, used and operated. “We are very keen for the greenkeeping team to carry out all their own regular servicing and maintenance, with support from our expert technicians should they require it. Our dealership has had a good relationship over the years with The Blackwood Golf Centre, and we are here to assist them with any future machinery requirements as the club develops.”

Tom appointed Dealer Principal of South West Handling DEVON-BASED MERLO UK dealer of 28 years CJ Saunders Ltd has changed ownership and is now trading as South West Handling Ltd. Under the new arrangement, Tom Banbury, previously service manager for CJ Saunders Ltd, will take on the role of Dealer Principal. Louise Winsor, managing director and owner of CJ Saunders

Ltd and subsidiary company South West Handling, said: “Due to having no natural successor to take over the business from myself, Tom was the natural choice. He started his career with us as an apprentice, attending Warwick College and completing his studies with a distinction. As the Merlo business grew in strength and numbers, Tom took on the role as head Merlo

technician specialising. He continued to progress over the years with the business and took on the mantle of service manager in more recent years. Due to tractor manufacturer policy changes C J Saunders Ltd lost its tractor franchise, so South West Handling activities have become the mainstay of the business and the trading name we associate with the Merlo Brand." BAGMA BULLETIN JULY-AUGUST 2021

BAGMA NEWS

We are wishing Bigwoods duo the best THE TEAM AT BAGMA would like to wish the very best of luck to Keith and Tom Bigwood, of Bigwoods Agri, who are hanging up their spanners. After trading for 42 years, the father and son duo – both active BAGMA members – has decided to close the business. The decision – two years in the making – follows discussions over the future of Bigwoods Agri, when the duo realised they could not find the technicians needed to carry on with a first-class service they’d become renowned for. They were concerned they’d start to let customers down. Many of the tractors and handlers they sold had extended warranty which put even more pressure on the workshop to continue with good support for such a variety of customers. Bigwoods had many small farmers when they started but, as we all know, the small farmer is disappearing and the demands and expectations from the bigger farmers is much

greater. The company has always made money but they either had to expand or finish, Tom and Keith had many discussions on the way forward and in the end decided between them that they would finish and both have no regrets. Tom will go back into the motor trade as a parts and service manager, and Keith will hang his boots up. Keith said: “We both have loved the trade and enjoyed what we have done, but now have let out both properties and look forward to the future in a different way. “Tom and I would also like to thank all at BAGMA for the great support over the many years.” Keith Bigwood has been involved with BAGMA for many years, and was Chairman of the BAGMA West Country Region for some time with Tom helping later on. The team at BAGMA would like to wish them both well for the future.

JCB announces hundreds of new permanent jobs

Campey Turf Care signs new dealer CAMPEY TURF CARE Systems has welcomed Irelands Groundcare as their new dealer for Lincolnshire and Rutland. The Lincolnshire based machinery sales and hire group – a BAGMA member – has a strong reputation in agriculture, and in late 2020 began to replicate that success in groundcare. Offering high-quality machinery that solves their customers’ problems has been the cornerstone of the business since Jonathan and Fiona Ireland started the company in 1994, and the addition of Kubota Groundcare prompted them to seek brands of a similar reputation for their fine turf offering. In Campey Turf Care, Irelands Groundcare business manager, Huw Price, found a company that offered leading machinery solutions for recurring issues faced by fine turf customers. BAGMA BULLETIN JULY-AUGUST 2021

He said: “We were reaching out to other businesses that had done a similar thing to us, and there were a couple of other dealers that were really helpful when it came to understanding the market and how it’s run. We don’t want to be the cheapest; we want to be the best. “When we investigated the market, and this led us to reaching out to Campey, which is also a BAGMA member. Simon Holland came down with a low loader full of equipment that he recommended as our demo and hire stock, and one of those was a Vredo Compact seeder, and we’ve actually already sold one. “We’ve already had people hire the Vredo, and we knew it would go well.” As part of their expansion into groundcare, Irelands have opened a fourth depot in Tinwell, Rutland.

JCB HAS LAUNCHED a new recruitment drive for 500 new shop floor employees as demand for its machinery continues to soar. The company is setting on the additional agency employees at its 11 plants in Staffordshire, Derbyshire, and Wrexham – on top of the 850 shop floor jobs already created so far in 2021. JCB is also offering an additional 300 agency employees permanent JCB contracts – which will bring the total number of agency shop floor employees given permanent jobs this year to 1,000. The moves follow record demand for JCB’s construction and agricultural products, with most new machines already sold out until next year. Pay for shop floor roles has also risen once already this year to £11.35 an hour. JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald said: “The recovery continues to gather momentum and we have tens of thousands of new machine orders sitting on our books stretching well into next year. We have never seen anything like this in the 75-year history of JCB. As well as earning a competitive salary with the opportunity for overtime and enhanced shift allowances, there is great potential for new recruits to progress to permanent roles with JCB.” To apply for the jobs visit https://jobs. guidantglobal.com/clients/jcb

BAGMA NEWS

Etesia marks three decades in the UK

Gold plan keeps golf course in sparkling shape REESINK TURFCARE’S REEASSURE Maintenance Scheme has proved invaluable for Falkirk Golf Club in Scotland. Dougie Melville, course manager at Falkirk Golf Club, explained: “We had been let down by our previous provider, having been subjected to fluctuating bills and travel charges for call outs. In 2016 we chose not to renew our lease and called in Reesink, who provided a full-blown assessment of our fleet. “From giving machines their winter overhaul to replacing parts, repairing breakdowns and sharpening units, it’s all taken care of under one cost – hassle free!” As a club with 27 holes to maintain and some challenging wet weather to negotiate, there’s no time for any of the club’s nine machines to go down. “It actually saves us money,” added Dougie. “In properly understanding our site and the con-

ditions our grounds team are faced with, Reesink knows how to get the best performance out of our mowers and vehicles. We schedule two inseason services for every machine and as a result they don’t require much upkeep or many new parts, which has actually lowered our costs.” Five years on Falkirk Golf Club remains on Reesink’s gold plan which covers a wide spectrum of maintenance and upkeep options, with services, new parts and labour all included. Silver and bronze packages are also available, providing a robust level of cover for all budgets. Rab Wilson, from Reesink in Livingston, Scotland, said: “Reesink offers the reassurance that goes with having a comprehensive maintenance plan. It makes a difference to customers like Dougie who want to focus on perfecting the pristine standards of the club.” Call 01480 226800 or go online at reesinkturfcare.co.uk to find out more.

ETESIA IS CELEBRATING 30 successful years of operating in the UK. In 1991 Frenchbased company Etesia set-up a headquarters in the Midlands with a limited product range – just one ride-on mower and a pedestrian mower. However, the two products put Etesia’s name on the map and word quickly spread as to just how technologically advanced this brand was. Fast forward to June 2021 and Etesia has become a major player in the professional market with a multitude of products covering every inch of the UK. Year on year, Etesia UK continues to grow with an expanding list of dealers promoting the Etesia and Pellenc brands, and the past 12 months has been no exception despite the pandemic. “How time flies,” said managing director Les Malin. “It does not seem that long since we celebrated 25 years and now, here we are five years later, celebrating 30 years in the UK – but what a five years it has been. “The industry in general has seen its fair share of ups and downs and the last 18 months have disappeared completely under the shadow of the pandemic. However, I’m pleased to report Etesia has seen significant growth in the last 12 months. Battery products are generally becoming more dominate throughout our product portfolio and nothing shows that more than the recent launch of the ET Lander utility vehicle.” The ET Lander is a fully electric utility vehicle built specifically for use on roads and all types of paths in both the town and countryside. This new product is set to be another groundbreaking innovation. The launch of the ET Lander is the perfect way to celebrate Etesia UK’s 30th anniversary and there will certainly be more innovations to look forward to, according to Les. For further information, contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk

‘Virtual’ Royal Highland Show a ‘resounding success’ The Royal Highland Showcase – seven days of livestreamed livestock judging, forestry, equestrian, sheep shearing, industry talks and Scottish produce championships – has been hailed a resounding success. Judging of more than 3,000 cattle, goats, sheep and horses took place at the competitor-only event at the Royal Highland Centre, which was designed to bridge the gap between a no-Royal Highland show year in 2020 and the 180th

Show taking place in June 2022. In partnership with Royal Bank of Scotland, with funding of up to £750,00 from the Scottish Government, the event was livestreamed across seven days with 252 of hours of live content and a further 30 hours of on-demand programming produced, all watched by 270,000 people from across 87 countries – including Norway, Finland, Australia, New Zealand, America, Argentina, the Philippines and beyond.

BAGMA BULLETIN JULY-AUGUST 2021

BAGMA NEWS

RHASS winners 2021 announced THE WINNERS OF the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) 2021 Technical Innovation Awards have been announced. The awards, RHASS’ most longstanding industry accolade, showcase and reward innovation and development within the agricultural sector. This year, applicants were once again invited to enter online and judging took place virtually. Gold awards are presented to previous Silver award winners for continuous outstanding merit. This year, Calibrate Inc Ltd earned Gold for its Heatpump Heat/Chill 6MW System. The Heatpump Grain Drying System means users can enjoy a ‘hands off’ Heatpump solution. Graintek UK Ltd were awarded Silver for its Baby Portable Grain Dryer. Designed to be the smallest portable grain dryer that can dry by using continuous or batch mode with the flick of a switch, uniquely it can run from a 16a single phase supply using plc and inverter technology. Also earning a Silver this year is

BAGMA BULLETIN JULY-AUGUST 2021

Kubota UK for its M7003 Premium KVT tractor and the BV Series TIM round baler. Kubota’s TIM (Tractor Implement Management) is a cross-product and cross-manufacturer ISOBUS solution for the agricultural machinery industry. Massey Ferguson also impressed the judges, winning Silver for its MF 8S Tractor. Built from a blank canvas using a ‘Voice of the Customer’ study, this was used this to create something completely new. The Dyna E-Power is the ultimate dual clutch technology, stepless shifting raising comfort, maximum power to the ground due to the mechanical conception and the best fuel efficiency in its class.  Safe Forestry by Safe Worksite also earned a Silver this year for its Safe Forestry App, an app supported by a desktop system designed to show competence and compliance whilst at work in the forestry industry. The app focusses on health and safety, ensuring that all risk assessments and documentation is in one place and up to date. Presented with a Silver award this year also was Small Robot Company for its End-to-End per Plant Farming. This ground-breaking multi-robot’s end-to-capabilities include cutting chemicals and emissions by up to 95%, delivery of net zero targets, and increasing yields by up to 20 tonnes per hectare for wheat, from the current UK average of 8.5. Smar t Farmer were also presented with Silver for its Smart Farmer App, a simple userfriendly cloud-based

And the winners – Clockwise, from the left: the Kubota M7003 Premium KVT tractor; McHale Orbital Baler; and the Graintek UK Baby Portable Grain Baler. Below, UBKO Bikes 2x2

software system and mobile app which records editable daily machinery safety checks, sharing machinery issues between operators on farm, logging usage hours and service notifications. Earning a Commendation was 5|Agri for its Agri Ignite, a farm business software for farmers and agricultural consultants. The cloud-based software programme enables farmers and their consultants to make decisions based on realtime data. Also awarded a Commendation was McHale for its Orbital Bale Wrapper. It is unique in that it encompasses the proven Vertical Wrapping ring carried over from the successful McHale Fusion but transforms it into a high speed and high-end trailed wrapping machine. Another Commendation was earned by SmartRural for the Smart Rural App, where work to date has clearly shown that there is considerable value derived from the use of readilyavailable sensors across different farm types. Spread-a-Bale were also presented with a Commendation for its Spread-a-Bale balers, the HD and XL. It enables farmers to make further reductions in spreading time and labour, and straw savings of between 30 and 50 oer cent. Finally, UBCO Bikes UK Ltd also received a Commendation for its UBCO 2x2. The UBCO Adventure 2X2 is the world’s first Electrically Powered 2wd Utility Bike built specifically with agricultural users in mind. RHASS Chief Steward of Technical Innovation Christopher Shepherd said: “I would like to congratulate all the winners of the Technical Innovation Awards this year."

BAGMA NEWS

New recruits to Kuhn Farm Machinery INVESTMENT IN TECHNICAL personnel continues at KUHN Farm Machinery. The latest recruits to the company’s regionally-deployed product support team include Sam Murphy and Tom Hume. Sam (pictured, right) will cover the south of England from his base in Somerset. He is an Agricultural Engineering graduate of Harper Adams University and has experience working in product support for CNH Industrial and as a machinery operator with Grosvenor Farms Ltd. Tom will provide product support for KUHN across Scotland. After serving an apprenticeship with a leading AGCO tractor dealership, he has gained six years’ experience as an agricultural engineer with the company. This period was punctuated by a two-year sabbatical when he worked as a service engineer in Antarctica. The appointments maintain KUHN’s expanded product support function that has now been in existence for over a decade and complements the ongoing investment that the company is making in technical personnel. “We’re continually building on our commitment to deliver the very best engineering back-up to our customers,” said Siân Pritchard, managing director of KUHN UK. “Our investment in people mirrors our success in increasing sales and growing market share in priority product areas. “Having skilled and dedicated people on the ground is an important part of building strong relationships with our dealer network and is becoming an important differentiator for the business. It’s a crucial factor in ensuring that we provide a more complete, efficient and thorough service to our UK customers and, as a result, are able to push UK sales figures to new heights.”

T.H WHITE acquisition of Murley ‘a natural one’ T.H WHITE IS set to acquire the agricultural, construction and garden machinery operations of the Murley dealerships at Warwick and Stourport. The expansion of T.H WHITE’s businesses to Warwickshire and in Worcestershire is a natural one for the neighbouring dealer, supported by main suppliers, New Holland, Manitou and Doosan. All stakeholders are preparing a smooth transition, meaning continuity for staff and customers, and business as usual for trade with a name change above the door. With this change, T.H WHITE will take on the main franchises currently on offer at Stourport and Warwick, continuing to serve the farming community, construction companies, contractors, small holders and private estates. The garden machinery range available from Warwick will continue from this location, and the established construction operation in Stourport is set to expand T.H WHITE’s existing construction offering from Manitou, New Holland and Mecalac, with the introduction of the Doosan brand. “This is a purchase which aligns with our

strategic aspirations”, said T.H WHITE Director David Rapkins. “As a dealer in neighbouring territories with a long history and experience in the sectors, we are well placed to meet the aspirations of Murley customers and are excited by the opportunities it presents.” T.H WHITE Group CEO Alex Scott added: “We are acquiring a company mirroring our values which will enable us to easily extend our purpose of helping customers get the best from their machinery, land and buildings for generations. “ T.H WHITE began trading in 1832, serving farmers from an agricultural ironmongery in Devizes. The business is well established as an agricultural machinery supplier, off ering a comprehensive product range from leading brands. The agricultural division trades from 10 branches following the acquisition. The Group’s Groundcare division currently operates from three branches at Knockdown, Stockbridge and Redditch and will run alongside the garden machinery business at Warwick. The construction operation is based at Marlborough; Stourport will be added on completion of the deal. T H WHITE Group is a family and staff owned company – a trusted brand in the industry committed to top customer service.

CLIMMAR welcomes recovery support from European Parliament THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT has extended the transition provisions of certain machinery and tractors fitted with engines in the power range between 56kW and 130kW, to address the impact of Covid-19 crisis. The vote paves the way for the final adoption and publication in the Official Journal of the amended version of Regulation (EU) 2016/1628. The European industry associations representing agricultural machinery manufacturers, dealers and contractors, namely CEMA, CLIMMAR and CEETTAR, warmly welcomed the support received from the European Com-

mission, European Parliament and Council of the European Union in tackling the pandemic through extraordinary measures. The industry had jointly urged 1 European Institutions to complement Regulation (EU) 2020/1040 – which amended the urgent aspects of Stage V Regulation last year – and also address machinery fitted with transition engines between 56kW and 130kW (built up to 31/12/2019). CEMA Secretary General Jérôme Bandry said: “Our industries continue to face supply chain and production disruptions caused by the Covid-19 second and third waves. But to ensure

the resilience of our agri-food chain, farmers and contractors need the machines using transition engines between 56kW and 130kW, planned and produced before the pandemic. Slightly postponing the deadlines avoids that transition engines can no longer be fitted in the machinery in time and are then scrapped.” CLIMMAR Secretary General Jelle Bartlema added: “This extension of deadlines for using transition engines built in 2019 into machinery makes it able to fulfil the needs of the customers which ensures a continuation of a healthy European agri-food chain and thus production.” BAGMA BULLETIN JULY-AUGUST 2021

Lister Wilder Ltd BAGMA member

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Specialist insurance for BAGMA members Benefit from specific covers as standard, such as unaccompanied demonstrations of agricultural vehicles as well as the usual covers you’d expect from a machinery dealer’s insurance policy. Wide definition of ‘vehicle’ to include trailers and agricultural implements. Unaccompanied demonstration cover for up to 72 hours. Cover for vehicles, stock machinery, tools and contents at business premisies and elsewhere.

£5K worth of portable hand tools cover for employees. Loan or hire whilst vehicles are in service or repair. Specialist advice and and support.

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BAGMA BULLETIN JULY-AUGUST 2021

Nancy Bryson Bryson Tractors BAGMA member since 2004 28/06/2021 15:39:18

LEGAL

Staff matters: The big three reasons your employees could call in sick BAGMA Legal experts Ellis Whittam look at the three areas that employers will need to consider when it comes to staff absence THE CHALLENGES FACED by businesses The simplest and most obvious starting during the pandemic have been uncharted terpoint here is for all leaders to remain conscious ritory. Business models, products, and ways of of the symptoms. According to the NHS, they working all changed dramatically, and much can include extreme tiredness; shortness of of this was simply a shot in the dark for many breath; chest pain or tightness; problems with leaders. memory and concentration; difficulty sleeping; But contrastingly, the ever-present chaljoint pain. lenge of absence has also plagued employers This basic level of prudence may enable over the past 18 months, with areas such as employers to take the first steps in identifycoronavirus sickness and school ing concerns and signing the closures emerging as fresh pieces THE IMPORTANCE individual off work, even if they OF HANDLING in a familiar puzzle. appear indifferent or resistant to With that in mind, as organ- LONG COVID the situation. isations prepare to bounce back DIPLOMATICALLY But perhaps more imporfrom the pandemic, a great deal CANNOT BE tantly, the onus is on the employof focus must be applied to devel- UNDERESTIMATED er to support the individual in oping a more resilient, long-term an absence scenario and work strategy for dealing with employee absence. towards a viable solution for all parties. And crucially, one that encompasses the more This may include arranging a health assesschallenging and complex forms of absence that ment, identifying adjustments that can be have emerged in recent times. made to working conditions (such as adapted Here BAGMA Legal experts Ellis Whittam hours or workspaces), or designing a tempolook at the three areas that employers will need rary flexible work pattern during the recovery to consider. period. And crucially, employers must be abundantLong covid ly aware that standard sickness absence and With some studies suggesting that sympsick pay parameters will apply in a long Covid toms can persist for as long as six months, scenario. Needless to say, that should be comlong Covid is bound to be something that municated to the individual immediately so as remains relevant for employers post-pandemic. to temper any potential financial anxieties. As a result, organisations must remain wary Overall, the importance of handling cases of and vigilant in the months ahead, even as the long Covid diplomatically cannot be underesvirus’ most common form continues to fade timated. Not only is the physical health of the from the population. individual at stake, but mismanagement in this

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scenario could also cause considerable harm to engagement, retention, and the wider reputation of the organisation.

Travel quarantine Also high on the list of Covid-related absence concerns for employers is travel quarantine, which, again, is likely to be an ongoing issue for the time being. The latest episode in this saga took place earlier this month when the previously ‘greenlisted’ Portugal was reverted to ‘amber’ at a moment’s notice. Thousands of holidaymakers were left bewildered and frustrated, finding out that they would be required to self-isolate for 10 days upon their return. With this being just one of a series of disorienting instances surrounding travel restrictions throughout the pandemic, employers must remain hyper-conscious of this issue in the months ahead. What’s more, the statutory sick pay (SSP) solution remains hotly contested when it comes to travel quarantine. In this scenario, the law states that for an individual to qualify for SSP, it must be ‘known or reasonably suspected that he is infected or contaminated’. BAGMA BULLETIN JULY-AUGUST 2021

LEGAL

However, the debate rages on as to whether this can be “reasonably suspected”, and therefore this must be approached on a case-by-case basis depending on the travel destination. In any case, with the infrastructure already in place for many organisations, homeworking may be the obvious solution in this instance. Failing this (likely in sectors such as retail, hospitality and manufacturing), employees

can either be encouraged to treat the absence as annual leave, or the employer may choose to register it as unpaid leave. However, it would be wise for employers to consider prevention rather than cure. Consistently and clearly communicating the government guidance on travel and the company’s stance on travel quarantine absence may serve to prevent such a scenario arising entirely.

Mental health Finally, and perhaps most crucially, employers must remain alert when it comes to mental health. This is an issue that has proven to be common and pervasive throughout the pandemic. In fact, a CIPD study found that mental healthrelated absence has increased for over one third of businesses in the last year. The long-term implications should not be underestimated; whilst other forms of absence will subside post-pandemic, mental health and stress inevitably will not. With that in mind, taking the opportunity to strengthen policies and procedures will continue to pay dividends for years to come. Once again, prevention is undoubtedly better than cure when it comes to mental health, and organisations must take that principle to heart. Investments should be made across the business to provide resources and support for employees who find themselves struggling, whether work is the main catalyst or not. As always, encouraging managers to be more conscious of employees’ workloads, offering one-to-one counsel to individuals on a regular basis (particularly if someone is working on their own remotely or from home), and generally cultivating a supportive ‘open door’ environment are all essential steps to take. Benefits can play a key role here too, with many organisations opting to subsidise counselling and therapy services for employees to utilise in times of need, and offering extra days of annual leave to help prevent burnout. If, despite these preventative measures, poor mental health does transpire into absence, it’s vital that employers take the right steps, particularly in a legal and discriminatory context. Leaders must remain conscious that a mental health issue can be legally considered a disability if certain criteria apply, and so a delicate, measured approach is undoubtedly required. Speak to BAGMA Legal on 01244 688 454.

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BAGMA BULLETIN JULY-AUGUST 2021

COVER STORY

BAGMA has a new home

After 25 years under the ownership of Bira, BAGMA has been sold to the AEA. Here we look at the historic deal and the positives it will bring to members BAGMA, THE BRITISH Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association, is on the move. After 25 years with the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) – formerly the British Hardware Federation – it will now be owned by the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA), which take over ownership from July 1, 2021. Bira CEO, Andrew Goodacre said after a long relationship with BAGMA it has been a difficult decision to let the association go. He said, however, it is in the best interests of BAGMA, its members and Bira to make this move whilst the opportunity exits to secure a new home for BAGMA. BAGMA’s relationship with Bira will continue with the provision of existing services to members including Bira Direct and legal support. The move is fully supported by the BAGMA Council of Representatives, the Board of Bira, and the Board of the AEA. Peter Arrand, BAGMA President, said: “The acquisition will secure a future home within industry and allow the heritage and strong brand built up over 100 years as a dealer trade association to continue. "There are many synergies between the two organisations which will enable a stronger representation for the industry we operate in whilst not losing sight of the individual needs of BAGMA members. “The advantages of being a BAGMA member have been retained and we can look forward to a bright and collaborative future.” Despite coming under the umbrella of the AEA, BAGMA will continue to run separately, and its dayto-day business of representing its members will continue to function in its entirety. BAGMA will continue to offer its full complement of services to members and will retain its own brand and identity as it has done throughout its 104-year history. Director Keith Christian and his staff, Richard Jenkins, and Kari Hearn will all be retained under the new ownership ensuring all BAGMA members the continued quality and delivery of expected services and of the independent support of the team. The team's email addresses and phone numbers will remain the same, as will the BAGMA website bagma.com

Keith Christian, BAGMA’s Director, said: “We look forward to providing a clear voice for industry yet maintaining the rich heritage of each of the associations and the value of services to their respective members.” Shaun Groom, AEA President, added: “The combined services of the AEA and BAGMA moving ahead will ensure members of both associations receive the very best support and even greater value from their membership. I look forward to getting to know the BAGMA team and members in the months ahead.” Issues for the sector, for the AEA and BAGMA, are one and the same Increasingly, the issues faced by the land-based engineering sector as a whole, for both AEA and BAGMA members alike, are one and the same. If there is a manufacturing issue it will manifest itself in the supply chain and distribution network. This case in hand has been dramatically seen over the last 12 months in a very real and difficult business climate where operations and supply chains were severely hindered. Most of the short-term issues that the AEA have worked on are interlocked and integral to both BAGMA and the AEA: Covid-19, its restrictions and impact on the market; Brexit in terms of customs issues, phytosanitary certificates for second-hand equipment, freight and logistics, Northern Ireland, Rules of Origin, VAT, and liaison with relevant government departments such as DEFRA, DFT, VCA and BEIS. All such examples illustrate how there are issues common across both Associations which affect all respective members. Longer term issues for both organisations are no different. Adoption rates of technology and infrastructure to support new technologies; and UK legislation including the Agricultural Bill and the UK Environmental Bill, which will seek to phase out fossil fuels, are all issues that the industry as a whole will face.

COVER STORY

Looking back at BAGMA’s history BAGMA’s history stretches back to the late war years of 1917 when the Implement and Machinery Reviews May 1, 1917, edition ran an article headlined ‘An Implement Dealers Federation Wanted’. In the same article, the AEA was cited as having a beneficial effect upon the industry pointing out the good it was doing. A group of dealers were brought together by A J Fletcher of Drake and Fletcher and Sir Ashton Lister of Dursley to create an association to help with the improvement of mechanization of agriculture in the UK post-war and the fair distribution of the ‘new’ tractors coming in from the United States of America. Twenty companies attended the initial meeting and created the National Association of Agricultural Engineers and Implement Dealers. Quite incredibly, of the original 20 members six are still BAGMA members to this day. The 100 years of BAGMA history were summarised in a series of articles spread across the six BAGMA magazines in 2017 – they can be found at bagma.com BAGMA still holds the minutes of the association over its 104-history and these clearly show the very longterm involvement the AEA and BAGMA have had with each other over the last century including the ups and downs, the cooperation, and the disagreements. After such a long time working toward similar goals in the same industry the coming together of the two associations seems to be more of a natural fit in an industry that largely represents itself on both the dealer and manufacturer fronts. A bit about the AEA The AEA was established in 1875 to promote the technical and commercial interests of British manufacturers and suppliers of agricultural machinery. After acquiring the British Lawnmower Federation (BLMF) in the 1990’s and subsequently BATVA the British All-Terrain Vehicles Association, the association now extensively represents the outdoor power equipment (professional grounds care) and forestry equipment, bringing together the UK’s agricultural and outdoor power equipment sectors with a members’ combined turnover of approximately £3.4 billion. The AEA’s expertise can be found in several areas. Through its in-house collection and analysis of market share, market size and trends within the machinery markets of the UK, EU and globally, it can substantiate its case for industry to the Government and stakeholders. Through its regular economic and specific newsletters, the AEA provides its members with a constant update and overview of the economy, the business climate, and policy, all the more necessary as circumstances and legislation are seen to continuously and rapidly change. Also critical to the AEA portfolio is its BAGMA BULLETIN JULY-AUGUST 2021

technical expertise and guidance. The Association manages multiple international technical standards and advises on the divergence between UK and EU regulations. It monitors UK legislation to ensure industry representation with government and other UK bodies, essential to its members. And alongside BAGMA and other Land-based Engineering Training and Education Committee (LE-TEC) sponsors, the AEA has long worked tirelessly on the issue of skills and recruitment, recently developing the standards for the mandated trailblazers and to the present day, working on the content of the T-Level Qualifications. Something in which, that as a government mandate, it is critical for the land-based engineering sector to ensure its involvement and say in 'fit for purpose' courses. Unique identities, integral relationships There are many areas where the work of the AEA and the work of BAGMA are integral to each other. A closer understanding of the issues and the nuances of how they affect both organisations will undoubtedly lead to a stronger landbased engineering sector and secure its future in terms of resources and technology. It is however, fully respected by the AEA that BAGMA that organisations and their members must maintain the independence of their own views, direction, and representation. It is for this reason that the two organisations will continue to run separately and continue with their own autonomous identities. The two associations will continue with their own staff and decisionmaking processes and BAGMA members will retain in full all the benefits to which they are accustomed. In fact, BAGMA’s unique profile and integral relationships with the industry and its members must and will remain its own distinctive USP. Ruth Bailey, CEO of the AEA, said: “The AEA’s purpose is to provide a platform and a voice for the farm machinery and outdoor power equipment industries and to further the collective interests of its members. Through a collaboration with BAGMA, there will be definite strength added by bringing a combined impact and collaborative voice on wider issues such as policy, skills, safety and Europe will bring benefits to both organisations.” “While the AEA sees a great amount of synergy between the two organisations, however, it fully respects the need for the continuity of membership services from BAGMA to its members and to recognise the inherent strength that BAGMA membership brings. It is for this reason that it is important the highly valued and distinct identity of BAGMA is maintained and supported independently. From the board, myself, and the team at the AEA, we are thrilled to welcome Keith and his team to the AEA.”

EXPERTS VIEW

How to stay successful in post-Covid UK TECHNOLOGY

JAMES BUCHANAN

Sales Director at Ibcos Computers Ltd

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS SHOWN HOW TRULY VALUABLE AN ONLINE PRESENCE CAN BE 12

INDUSTRY YOU SERVE, there has been a large shift towards a more remote purchasing experience, and the coronavirus lockdown only served to make it faster. However, while restrictions across the country are easing, remote shopping will continue to become more prominent – since it’s been growing in popularity for years now. This means that equipment dealers will need to embrace remote shopping too, sooner rather than later, so we have compiled a few tips to help your dealership stay successful. 1. Invest in your online presence to boost remote sales Despite restrictions being eased, more and more consumers are still turning to eCommerce retailers, so the first thing you need to do is to build up your online presence, starting with your website. Think of your website as the consumer’s window into your operations. What do they see? Do they see unit stock information, including availability (hopefully by location)? Do they see accurate information on your service? In general, how much can a customer learn from your website before doing business with you?

Here’s why this matters: According to Thinkwithgoogle, about 63 per cent of shopping occasions start online, meaning that the first time most customers will learn about you is through your website, and first impressions matter a lot. So, start by examining your website and then go from there. While your website is a great way to promote yourself to those who are already familiar with your brand, don’t stop there. Create an account on thirdparty websites like Facebook Marketplace, so more buyers are aware of you and your stock, encouraging them to buy from you. Once you have a website and social media accounts in place, use them to invite your customers to purchase products like parts online and pick them up at the store. It’s also a good time to offer delivery. You can rely on a third party, like the postal service, or hire your own delivery team that can deliver within your locality. W het her you have a l re a dy embraced the web world or not, the Covid-19 pandemic has shown how truly valuable an online presence can be. So, if you’re looking to stay com-

petitive, going online is your best bet for maximum success. 2. Go mobile for service Your technician staff aren’t going anywhere – whether you have them working out of a shop or out on the road, remotely. As such, this is your opportunity to empower them to use mobile devices, so they can share information without coming into close contact with anyone. In addition, they can use their mobile device to take photos, if they are not doing so already. There are also mobile applications designed specifically for technicians, with key features like: ● Viewing the status of each workshop job, whether scheduled or not ● Clocking in and out of workshop jobs to accurately record time and invoice more quickly ● Documenting the work carried out ● Attaching images to related workshop jobs ● Easily acquiring customer workshop job approvals via e-signature Whether you invest in an application or not, embracing mobile devices is key in the modern world. BAGMA BULLETIN JULY-AUGUST 2021

EXPERTS VIEW

Goodbye Bira, Hello AEA; this move is a win for all As BAGMA heads for a new life with the AEA, Keith Christian explains why the deal is such a positive move COMMENT

KEITH CHRISTIAN DIRECTOR BAGMA Well, where do I start? Probably best for me to mention that BAGMA has a new home with the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA), which you can read about on pages 10-11 of this magazine. There is much that can be said about us moving to the AEA but, in a nutshell, it was felt after a lot of soul-searching and some pleasant and constructive discussion that Bira’s future was not going to be aligned with that of BAGMA. A discussion that was prompted by the changes in retail due to the pandemic and the need for BAGMA to be more aligned with the land-based industry sector. From the outset the interest from the AEA in BAGMA has been very strong and they have been a extremely willing and helpful organisation to deal with. Along with the

willingness of Bira to support BAGMA going forward in its new home and, to clutch at an old cliché, I feel it is a ‘win-win’ for all concerned; for both organisations involved and the members of BAGMA. By the time this magazine is delivered to you the press will have been on the case, you would have received letters and emails from us and hopefully, the detail of our move will be pretty clear to the industry as whole. For me, as the Director of BAGMA for the past 14 years, a previous BAGMA member in my old job and also a past board member of the AEA and a past president of the AEA, I have been involved in both organisations for so long that it feels like a natural move. I am also very pleased that Kari Hearn and Richard Jenkins will be making the move with us. We might be changing ownership but we will retain all our current contact details and website. We will also maintain an ongoing working relationship with Bira and our colleagues within that organisation who have supported

us so well over the past yeast 25 years. It is also fantastic that we can make such a move and still maintain our member benefits, especially with our legal services offering and Bira Direct, the buying group, as well as with the now new Birmingham Bank and the previous team that worked for Bira and BAGMA bank. There are many positives in this move, and I would encourage all our members to look to the future with us and enjoy what we believe will be a very positive outcome for us all. I would like to thank our BAGMA Council for their complete support for this move and the AEA team for their friendly and open approach to all the negotiations we have undertaken and especially thank the BAGMA and Bira teams for their co-operation and understanding and their excellent support. I hope that you will understand that for this edition I will keep away from the Brexit issues, Covid issues and just wish you all well as we continue to extricate ourselves from a very long lockdown.

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EXPERTS VIEW

Is it time to refresh your health and safety training? SAFETY

PAUL MARSH

Office manager SafetyAide

CONSIDER SCHEDULING REFRESHER HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAINING ON A PREDETERMINED FREQUENCY 14

MOST COMPANIES WILL provide health and safety training to staff at the start of their employment, but they may forget to refresh this knowledge as the years pass. Why might this be a good time to consider it? Trying times – When a new employee begins their employment journey with you, you’ll want to provide some induction training. There will be basics to cover such as your fire procedure, signing in and out and accident and sickness reporting. In many cases you’ll add to this. For example, with specific safe systems of work and how to obtain personal protective clothing. However, very few employees will remember everything they are told and furthermore they might begin to believe that certain rules don’t really matter. This is one reason why refresher training on basic health and safety is important. The other factor to consider is that situations change. Your workplace might be functioning very differently under coronavirus precautions than it did previously and you can use refresher training to remind staff of existing rules and requirements, and to cover the changes that you’ve implemented. Note: This is not only sensible but required under the Management of

Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Frequency – Refresher training frequency is not included in health and safety legislation. This is because there are many different variables in each workplace and job role. It’s therefore a decision to be made by every employer. Consider scheduling refresher health and safety training on a predetermined frequency. For a low-risk workplace a three-year gap between training could be justified; in a high risk workplace undertake this annually. In addition to your periodic trainTIP ing, provide it when there have been changes in the workplace such as new technology or changed safe systems of work. Where this is the case, you’ll need to provide the training promptly, either at or before the time the changes take place. Keep a record of the training, TIP including who attended, the date, who delivered it and the content. What to cover? – Begin by refreshing the knowledge you would ordinarily pass on at the start of employment. Your induction checklist will be a good guide. Alternatively, Safety Aide provide a comprehensive e-learning package that covers refresher H&S training. As BAGMA members, you will receive

a 50 per cent discount off this training. The other tools you can use are TIP policies, safe systems of work and risk assessments. You can run through the contents of these including the actions which you need staff to take. Use a training record sheet to confirm what was covered. If there is a lot to go over you might TIP prefer to spread refresher training over multiple sessions, e.g., -minute slots at team meetings. Who’s checking? – It may not be until after an adverse event that you appreciate the value of what you’ve done. For example, following an accident which results in a formal investigation or a civil claim, you could well be asked to demonstrate the training received by staff involved. In conclusion – Training should be repeated periodically to ensure that knowledge is retained, and to keep staff up to date with changes in your workplace or safe systems of work. With so many changes due to coronavirus it is a very good time to get a handle on this. Schedule refresher training and provide updates to staff as and when required. Find out what H&S training Safety Aide offer to BAGMA members, on 08000 806 801 or via www.safetyaide.com

BAGMA BULLETIN JULY-AUGUST 2021

EXPERTS VIEW

Do you think your digital presence is important? We’d like to welcome marketing expert Mary Evans as a new columnist for the BAGMA Bulletin. As the owner of ME Marketing and Events she is a freelance digital marketer, based in Shropshire, and specialising in agricultural machinery. Her experience and knowledge of the industry has secured her key accounts with machinery dealerships across the UK. MARKETING

MARY EVANS

Owner ME Marketing and Events

THE BEAUTY OF DIGITAL MARKETING IS THAT IT CAN BE VERY COST EFFECTIVE

WHATEVER THE SIZE of your business, your digital presence should be prioritised. This last year has seen many businesses develop online activities in order to reach customers, at a time when faceto-face contact was not possible. The agricultural industry and, more specifically the dealership network, cannot afford to rely on traditional marketing techniques to target customers. Our next generation of decision-makers are browsing your website, your Facebook page, or Instagram. The beauty of digital marketing is that it can be a very cost-effective method of promoting your products, building your brand, your relationships as well as generating enquiries. Easy wins when it comes to build-

ing your digital presence can start with your website. Keep it updated! Areas such as used machinery sales and company news are great places to ensure fresh content whilst maintaining good communication with website visitors. Just as important is reactive social media. Creating your own brand personality can combine content, both sales and relationship focused. An easy way to improve your social media include making a commitment to your presence. Decide on a number of posts per week and use scheduling platforms to plan your content in advance. In my opinion, the easiest win is to utilise customer created content! Encourage customers to mention your business in their social content, this in turn will generate content for your platforms

without you even leaving the depot. Social media can be heavily underestimated but when done right, it can create lots of opportunity. It can also give you important information about your customers which will assist in shaping future marketing campaigns. If you do not have a large marketing department, then the biggest easy-win for activities like these can be to outsource the work to a freelance marketer. This will take the pressure off your team, allowing them to focus on their primary role. By allowing a specialist in both digital marketing and agricultural machinery to handle your digital presence, you are allowing your business to reach its digital potential. You can contact Mary on her website www.memarketingandevents.com

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t c u d o r P news PRODUCT NEWS

New Otterbine restores fountain to former glory AFTER THE INSTALLATION of a new Otterbine, the fountain in Newquay’s Boating Lake has been restored to its former glory. Having served the lake for over a decade, the previous Otterbine Giant Fountain was sent by Newquay Council to Pump Supplies, a leading supplier of electric submersible pumps in the

UK, for servicing and repairs. Steve Impett from Pump Supplies said: “The previous Otterbine Giant Fountain had been in use for such a long time, and had suffered some damage from vandalism, that while we could have made repairs it was more economical to replace the fountain with a new model, particularly due to the loyalty

programme available with Otterbine.” When replacing an existing Otterbine system that’s at least five years old, or replacing other manufacturer equipment with an Otterbine, customers can claim a discount of up to 10 per cent of the original purchase price. Combined with Otterbine’s comprehensive four-year warranty for Giant Fountains, the decision to replace likefor-like with Otterbine was easily justified to Newquay Council. “The new fountain has now been safely installed,” said Steve. “We’ve placed lights inside rather than outside to help protect them from vandals and now the lake has a great fountain centrepiece during the day and a beautiful light show after dark. “It’s been great working with Otterbine and Reesink, and I would hope to see this develop into more of a relationship in the future.” To find out more contact Reesink on 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk

Royal Burgess Golfing Society of Edinburgh opts for Iseki WITH MORE THAN 280 years of history and curated by design greats such as ‘Old’ Tom Morris, The Royal Burgess Golfing Society of Edinburgh continues to seek challenge and reward for its members. Since 2000, one of the club’s goals has been tree planting to create visual interest and a healthier environment. In his 12th year as course manager, Chris Yeaman, had requirement for a new compact tractor, and with the guidance of Rob Hogarth, regional sales manager at Fairways GM at Kinross, he opted for the Iseki TH5420. “All our tractors are Iseki; I’ve been a fan for almost two decades. Our most recent, the TG6490, is a fine machine, but we had a gap for one to take over greens. The new Stage V compliance came into it as we are in the process of trying to extend our GEO certification for another three years, also high on our list was versatility. “Everything we wanted in a tractor, this one does. We were fortunate enough to be the first in Scotland to take delivery. It’s small enough for greens and tees, handles smoothly, and an adjustable driving position works for everyone. Rob Hogarth from Fairways GM said: “The TH5420 is a compact, powerful tractor, perfect for turf maintenance applications.” For details on ISEKI mowers and tractors visit www.iseki.co.uk or call 01473 599266.

STIHL’s new hedge trimmer is in it for the long haul STIHL HAS LAUNCHED the new HLA 135, its most robust and powerful cordless long-reach hedge trimmer so far. It is ideal for commercial applications and trimming and pruning back large hedgerows, especially in noise-sensitive environments. Weighing just 5.6kg (without battery), it is 249cm in length and features 600mm doublesided, double-edged universal blades that can cut through 16-18mm branches. The cutter bar can be rotated through 145degrees via the lightweight magnesium gearbox to enable over-head, side and ground-level cutting.

It features a new, more comfortable control handle with three-speed pre-selection levels through an LED display, enabling operators to alter their working speed to the necessary conditions, whilst optimising battery-working time. Maximum stroke rate is an impressive 4000rpm, perfect for leaving a smooth finish on conifers. Other features include a soft loop handle and grip shaft, RTS harness eyelet and mesh air filter. When used in conjunction with STIHL’s AP 200 battery system, run time is 64 minutes. For more information visit www.stihl.co.uk

BAGMA BULLETIN JULY-AUGUST 2021

PRODUCT NEWS

ISEKI will help keep NHS grounds in good shape

It’s gold standard for White Cliffs council WITH A PATCH that covers 123 square miles, it’s no surprise Dover District Council opted for Reesink Turfcare’s ReeAssure maintenance scheme for peace of mind. Council supervisor Dave Terry couldn’t afford to have his Toro fleet out of action – especially since each mower was required to be in operation for 25-30 hours each week. Having ‘gold cover’ meant Dave could expect routine maintenance and servicing along with unlimited call outs for breakdowns or repairs. Dave said: “When you’re working with machinery it’s inevitable that from time to time you’ll experience glitches or need repairs. Yet whenever I need assistance, I know I’ll have a Reesink rep on the doorstep the next day. “We probably rely on them a couple of times each month and the security of having depend-

able, high-quality support more than pays for itself.” This is why the Reesink maintenance plan is so integral to large grounds teams or estate management organisations, as Peter Clarke, service manager at Reesink’s Sheffield Park branch, explained: “A monthly fixedcost means there’s no hidden extras and with three packages to choose from – gold, silver and bronze - there is something to suit all budgets.” Dave and his team at Dover District Council opted for the gold maintenance plan, which they continue to value four years on. With Reesink’s ReeAssure plans there is the option for warranty programmes and the guarantee that buying Toro comes with buying into a support network like no other. Call 01480 226800 or go online at reesinkturfcare.co.uk for details.

NHS TAYSIDE HAS been buying kit from ISEKI dealer Fairways GM’s Kinross depot for two decades. Malcolm Ross Tayside’s grounds maintenance manager and his team are responsible for the NHS region’s portfolio of properties throughout Angus, Dundee, Perth and Kinross. He said: “We’re not just municipal parks, we are hospital sites, and our aim is to create a well-maintained and attractive greenspace environment when public come for treatment, and when staff come to work. “We’ve had a long association with Fairways GM over the years, purchasing a range of products but the first machine was our ISEKI SF300 in 2003. Due to the superior build quality and service, our mower has lasted the test of time hence, we haven’t purchased that many new pieces of equipment, until now, with Fairways GM Kinross our first port of call.” Malcolm said the SF450 has the adaptability his team requires: “We’re hoping it’s as consistently reliable as the last. Our previous out-front Muthing Flail proved its worth on our Ransome HR 300 so the new cut and collect facility on the ISEKI SF450 will be a big plus for us.” Bobby McDougall, commercial sales manager for Fairways GM, added: “Presentation must be on-point for Malcolm’s team, but now they have the flexibility of being able to cut longer grasses with pristine results.” For details visit www.iseki.co.uk or call 01473 599266.

Family-run firm boost business fleet with Toro OWING TO GRADUAL business expansion, HHA Grounds Maintenance in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, has grown its Toro fleet with the addition of the LT-F3000 Triple Flail Mower and the GrandStand stand-on. The family-run business is responsible for grounds maintenance for schools and parish councils in the east of England. Owner Harvey Hart had experience with Toro Groundscare machines, and decided to boost the fleet further with quality products they could trust. He said: “We needed a robust range of machinery which could cater for the variety of jobs we encounter.” HHA needed different machines to negotiate both urban and rural sites and varying terrains. With busy rotas and a growing client list, quality and longevity became key factors BAGMA BULLETIN JULY-AUGUST 2021

in deciding what machinery to add to the fleet. He added: “You can’t fault the Toro machines. They are absolute workhorses that just run and run if you look after them. We get minimal issues and we take good care of them. They pay for themselves, especially when you think that some of our Toro’s have been operating almost as long as our business!” This was the first time that HHA had bought machines directly from Reesink Turfcare East Anglia branch, which Harvey cites as being ‘fantastic’. Reesink Turfcare is the exclusive distributor in the UK and Ireland for Toro groundscare machinery. For more information call 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk, or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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BAGMA BULLETIN JULY-AUGUST 2021

COVID GUIDANCE

Are you up to date with furlough changes? THE WAY THE Government’s furlough scheme operates has changed from July 1, 2021, and will do so until the initiative ends in autumn. From the start of July, the level of grant was reduced, and employers are asked to contribute towards the cost of your furloughed employees’ wages. To be eligible for the grant employers must continue to pay furloughed employees 80% of their wages, up to a cap of £2,500 per month for the time they spend on furlough. The table (right) shows the level of government contribution available in the coming months, the required employer contribution, and the amount the employee receives per month where the employee is furloughed 100% of the time. Wage caps are proportional to the hours not worked. Employers can continue to choose to top up employees’ wages above the 80% total and £2,500 cap for the hours not worked at your own expense.

For more details on the winding down of the furlough scheme visit www.gov.uk/guidance/ claim-for-wages-through-the-coronavirus-jobretention-scheme

May

June

July

August

Sept

Government contribution: wages for hours not worked

80% up to £2,500

70% up to £2,187.50

60% up to £1,875

Employer contribution: employer National Insurance contributions and pension contributions

Yes

Employer contribution wages for hours not worked

10% up to £312.50

20% up to £625

For hours not worked employee receives

80% up to £2,500 per month

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BAGMA BULLETIN JULY-AUGUST 2021

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SHOW NEWS

Showing visitors what they’ve been missing BAGMA RETURNED TO the first shows to reopen following the pandemic. First on the agenda, Richard Jenkins, BAGMA’S business development manager spent a day at Cereals 2021, the UK’s largest annual arable farming event. The event normally attracts 470 exhibitors and around 27,000 visitors and features 64ha of working demos of agricultural equipment, stands, business advice and specialist services, covering the entire arable industry, and renewable energy. BAGMA was keen to see that with restricted numbers attending, the show would not lose its appeal. It was easy to enter the show, and felt safe. Initial feedback was positive from visitors and

exhibitors with most just happy to be out and about again. Let’s hope this remains the case when it comes to booking for next year’s show in Cambridgeshire. On July 2, the Devon County Show was held after it moved from its original date in May, to allow for a larger number of visitors. Proof that people were eager to get out and about again after being in lockdown was obvious with 90% of tickets sold in advance. Thousands flocked to Westpoint near Exeter over the three days to enjoy the first full county show in the UK for nearly two years. Organisers should be praised for such a great, Covid-secure show. However, Richard did say that by lunchtime on day one there

was very little evidence of social distancing around the retail and food stalls – with most doing a roaring trade. The agricultural and garden machinery area was busy, with BAGMA member Vincent Tractors showing the latest offering from Kubota. The new M6-142 on their stand was one of the first in

the country to view. Meanwhile, Mason Kings also reported good numbers to their stand with lots of interest in the John Deere range of residential mowers as Brits continue to spend money on their homes and gardens. Richard said it was great to see a county show so busy and vibrant, long may this continue.

BAGMA BULLETIN JULY-AUGUST 2021

BAGMA TRAINING

There’s no stopping new brake testing course Richard Jenkins spent two days in Lincolnshire on BAGMA’S new two day Tractor-Trailer Inspection & Brake Testing course RICHARD, BAGMA’S BUSINESS development manager, headed to the HQ of BAGMA member Sharmans, joining six of their technicians on the course lead by Dr Andy Scarlett. The new course is comprehensive, and Andy’s knowledge of brakes, trailers, tractors, and related legislation is impressive. The course starts by looking at road transport rules and regulations, how a trailer brake system works before moving onto the brake efficiency that should be generated! It incorporates inspection of a vehicles physical condition which is a new addition to the course and ensures candidates are fully conversant with the need to do thorough inspections to ensure the safe operation of the vehicle. Even the newest vehicles often require attention to their braking systems. The first day finished back in the classroom with a written examination: something that each technician must pass in order to proceed to day two. All attending passed with flying colours, including Richard! By moving the course from one day to two it has allowed for time to include Inspection and assessment of trailer build specification BAGMA BULLETIN JULY-AUGUST 2021

and physical condition and increased checking time of the trailer braking system, as many now include a load sensing valve (LSV). There is also time for a tractor inspection before each attendee is able to perform a brake test on both the tractor and the tractor trailer combination, such a valuable experience for even the most qualified technicians. A big thanks to Sharmans for hosting the day, especially to Matt Pratt their Group Service Manager for making Andy and Richard so welcome and for all his help setting up the classroom and practical areas required for the course, all within the current Government Covid Guidelines. Sharmans has gone from strength to strength after the split from John Deere in 2020 and now have an impressive portfolio including Case IH, JCB, Amazone and Krone. Its agricultural machinery depots are located in and around the East Midlands and the depot at Grantham is an impressive setup with a large stock of machinery on display, workshops, offices and showroom. And finally, a huge thank you to Dr Andy

Scarlett of Scarlett Research Ltd for not only leading the training course together, but also running the very first course with all Covid restrictions in place. Richard would highly recommend this course to any dealer looking to provide brake testing and tractor-trailer inspections as a service to their customers. Sharmans has a considerable number of customers looking to use this service and they now have six newly-qualified technicians. The new BAGMA Tractor-Trailer Inspection and Brake Testing Course has been developed by Scarlett Research Ltd for BAGMA and builds upon the recently launched, interactive Look Behind You guide to tractor-trailer braking. Together the Course and the LBY Guide provide a comprehensive insight into the safe operation and maintenance of tractor-trailer combinations and the legislation required to operate these vehicles on the road. Lastly, remember that BAGMA members attending any of our training courses receive a 20 per cent discount for each attendee. For details call Kari Hearn on 01295 713344.

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