BAGMA Bulletin Magazine November - December 2022

Farewell

Retiring BAGMA director Keith Christian shares some of his memories from 40 years in the industry

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COMMENT

PETER ARRAND PRESIDENT BAGMA

LAST MONTH WE held a tremendously successful BAGMA Connect meeting at Husq varna (see page 13). Thank you to Husqvarna for hosting the meeting and showing off their production facilities – an example of British investment and manufacturing at its best.

I was fortunate to attend and gave a brief overview of the current post-16 education landscape including training and education, in par ticular the new T-levels which are not far away, starting Sep tember 2023

When preparing the pre sentation, I could not help but think about the apprentices we recruited. Starting in July and August, they have settled in well and, believe it or not, it is already time to start thinking about our intake for next year.

Too many times I speak to employers that start the process in spring and wonder why it is so difficult to recruit good applicants.

My role and experience as link governor to careers within my local school has dem onstrated to me that if you are looking for an apprentice or trainee, now is the time of year to think about it. Schools have responsibil ity, particularly under the new Ofsted frame work, to ensure that advice and information

are not only passed onto students but parents and those with parental responsibility. This generally comes in a range of activities and different information sources and schools are usually looking for speakers or ambassadors for events or talks that they hold. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get in front of students and sell our indus try and the progression within it, and it’s all hap pening now!

Schools are responsible for tracking and recording final destinations of its students when they leave year 11, so you can see why schools start the process of collecting this information early and will assist in signposting students who are looking for a particular career route. We are competing with universities, colleges and every industry that invest time to get in front of students or supply material for schools to use.

So, I say it again, and did so at the Connect meeting at Husqvar na several times: Now is the time to start your recruitment for next year’s apprentices, not in spring when students have already found and decided what their destination will be.

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.

TOO MANY TIMES EMPLOYERS THAT START THE PROCESS IN SPRING AND WONDER WHY IT IS SO DIFFICULT TO RECRUIT GOOD APPLICANTS

TRACTOR REGISTRATIONS

BOUNCE BACK

The number of agricultural tractors registered in the UK in October was up by 25.3%, compared with the same month last year, at 926 machines. That is the biggest year-on-year rise since August 2021. The monthly total was the largest for the time of year since 2016.

October was the third month in a row when registrations were above the seasonal average (over the previous five years), with 10% more tractors registered this year than in an average October. It remains to be seen whether the upturn is just a short-term one or if it indicates that supply chain disruptions are beginning to ease. These have meant 3.5% fewer tractors have been registered so far this year than in January to October 2021,

TAKEOVER FINALISED

JCB dealer Oliver Landpower is expanding its territory westwards into Warwickshire with the acquisition of Stratford machinery dealership LQG Agri from the Lockwood family. The deal adds a fourth branch to Oliver Landpower’s sales, parts and service network, with branches already in Tingewick (Buckinghamshire), Luton (Bedfordshire) and Kings Langley (Hertfordshire). A further expansion eastwards is on the cards next year, when Oliver Landpower takes over JCB’s Essex territory from a site in Colchester.

SDF INVESTS IN BAKUS

Italian tractor manufacturer SDF is taking a majority stake in VitiBot, the French specialist in robotics for the vineyard care market. Based in the Champagne region, VitiBot has created Bakus, a 100% electric and autonomous straddle tractor. SDF says Vitibot – like the group’s other subsidiaries – will retain full autonomy in terms of technical, industrial and commercial development.

HSE CAMPAIGN

HSE is aiming for 1,000 inspections in October and November as part of a campaign to combat serious aches, pains and strains.

Inspectors will be checking how workers are moving heavy or bulky materials. Recent figures show around 40,000 people in the construction industry alone suffer musculoskeletal disorders each year, which can cause years of agonising aches and pains.

New era for Rea Valley Tractors

A NEW ERA in Rea Valley Tractors’ 38-year trading history has begun, as the BAGMA mem ber embarks on new franchise agreements and an extended territory.

Becoming one of the biggest agricultural machinery dealers in the country, RVT is open ing three new branches: Middlewich (Cheshire), Ormskirk (Lancashire) and Denbigh (North Wales). This is in addition to existing branches in Welshpool (Mid-Wales), Sudbury (Derby), New port and Shrewsbury (Shropshire). This means RVT will now more than double its trading area for its new franchise, New Holland, and enhance

the coverage for JCB and Kuhn Farm Machinery and other premium agricultural brands.

Their Sudbury depot moves forward as a JCB Centre of Excellence and has also been able to secure an enhancement to its current Kuhn port folio as a dedicated Kuhn Baler Centre.

The changes have created more than 60 job opportunities throughout the company.

Steve Petford, RVT’s managing director, commented: “In a relatively short time, RVT’s aim is to provide all customers – both established and new – with a much more enhanced service than ever would have been possible before.”

GMA, BIGGA and AEA aim to work closer together

IN RECENT MONTHS, roundtable discus sions have taken place between the Grounds Management Association (GMA), British International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and The Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA). The collective view of all three associations is that they should be open to looking at how, on a proactive and collaborative basis, they can work better together.

The GMA and BIGGA had previously con sidered a merger, but this is not a part of the current discussions. “This had been progressed previously with both associations determining they operate independently of one another. We do, however, see areas where we can collaborate, such as workforce development issues and train ing and education. Indeed, recent discussions with the senior management teams of both GMA and BIGGA were very productive,” the

associations revealed in a statement.

The three associations say the current dis cussions are about building a better industry, and they believe by collaborating that they can create good foundations to build from and to support the vital work individuals, teams and companies do more effectively.

“Our most recent roundtable was encourag ing, as all represented had a sense of responsibil ity, an understanding of the issues and a willing ness to underpin our shared objectives to create a vibrant and buoyant sector,” they stated.

The three associations are appointing an inde pendent research company to conduct a detailed survey to gather the views of those working in sports turf, including their respective mem bers, and to discover whether a new approach is required. The survey will also have questions about the trade shows SALTEX and BTME.

RVT takes its first delivery as New Holland dealers. From left: Andrew Petrie (NH Area Sales Manager), Pat Smith (NH UK Business Director), Steve Petford (RVT Group Managing Director), Simon Clarke (RVT Chairman), Matthew Clarke (RVT/Dunstall Holdings), Matthew Mulligan (RVT Operations Director)

B&B Tractors’ success at first careers event

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE AGCO DEALER

B&B Tractors recently attended their first careers event – and already have one young man in mind for their apprenticeship scheme.

The event, organised by Bas setlaw District Council and the North Notts Careers Hub, attracted more than 1,000 stu dents and 50 employers. The aim was to showcase the oppor tunities available to students, raise aspirations, and bring careers to life.

Andrew Walker, group aftersales manager at B&B Tractors, said: “The day was a great success and there was lots of genuine interest in the apprenticeship along with many fascinated faces from interacting with the two modern tractor armrests we had on display. The

highlight of the day was one extremely enthu siastic student who had already decided he wanted to pursue a land-based engineering career but was not aware he could do this via an apprenticeship. This stu dent has since called me to again confirm his interest and how he should go about formally apply ing to be considered for a place on our apprenticeship scheme. We have agreed he can come on some work experience next year and that he should focus on getting the best grades he can, but with his posi tive attitude and enthusiasm he is just the type of person we are looking for.”

Andrew added: “I am so glad we attended this event and would encourage any dealers to participate if they get the opportunity.”

Ben Burgess purchases JW Doubleday

THE BEN BURGESS group has purchased fel low John Deere dealer the Doubleday Group. All JW Doubleday’s 54 employees and four depots across Lincolnshire and Norfolk are now operat ing as part of the Ben Burgess group.

“The combined business will strengthen our position in the industry and enable the future investments required in facilities and tech nologies to proactively support our customers, offer greater opportunities and security to all our employees whilst continuing to grow in a responsible and sustainable manner,” Ben B Turner, dealer principal at Ben Burgess, said. “This growth will give the company a strong platform to enable our business to continue building on the great legacy of these two-family businesses.”

Founded in the early 1970s by John Double day, the business became a main dealer for John Deere in 1982.

Ian Doubleday-Collishaw, grandson of the founder, commented: “This decision has not been taken lightly but we, the Doubleday fam ily, were determined to protect the future of our loyal team and the longevity of a reputable John Deere dealer across our trading area. We believe this is the correct decision for everyone involved. Ben Burgess share Doubleday’s val ues for providing premium brands backed by expertise and excellent standards of customer service. The combination of our joint processes, dedicated teams and the infrastructure already in place at Ben Burgess will deliver the best value to both our team and customers.”

Krone crowns top dealers

SCOTTISH BUSINESS GEORGE Marshall Tractors has taken the title of Krone Dealer of the Year. George Marshall Tractors joined the Krone family in 2020 and has “since embraced all aspects of the brand, successfully transition ing into selling the full product range,” according to Krone UK managing director Marcus Oliver.

He praised the team’s “high level of commit ment to demonstrations and increasing brand visibility in the area”.

Carr’s Billington was named Sales Dealer of the Year. “Carr’s has excelled in out-of-season stocking, while continuing to open new branch es in the northern territory, following rapid sales growth,” Marcus explained.

Lincolnshire-based JPM Agricultural Ltd was crowned New Dealer of the Year after mak ing it into the top ten dealers for turnover in its first full year of supplying Krone products.

The award for Service Dealer of the Year went to Compass Tractors Ltd in the South West. Marcus explained that the Compass team has demonstrated a strong focus on staff train ing and development.

The Ambassador of the Year Award was presented to Tim Adcock from Chelmsford’s Adcock Agri because he has displayed an infec tious ‘can do’ attitude, which cascades and man ifests itself throughout his team.

SALTEX smiles

Europe’s largest sports, amenities, and landscaping trade exhibition, SALTEX, took place at Birmingham’s NEC in early November. It was a great chance to catch up with our friends and to tell them how much we appreciate their support.

Steam tractor heads for auction

A 96-YEAR-OLD STEAM tractor, worth £50,000-£70,000, is going under the hammer this month (November).

The machine was unearthed by auctioneers Reeman Dansie during a visit to East Bergholt, near Ipswich.

Lewis Rabett, auctioneer at Reeman Dansie, said: “It was a really unexpected find. It is cer tainly the first time I have discovered anything quite like it.”

After the find, research conducted by the auc tion company revealed that the forgotten engine was manufactured by British firm Aveling & Por ter in 1926.

It is painted in the livery of haulage contrac tors Dagnall Ltd of Chesham Bois in Bucking hamshire and likely spent its early life hauling goods around the country.

In later years, this engine, inscribed ‘Nippy’, was owned by a father and son before disappear ing from use about 15 years ago.

John Deere plans fully autonomous farming future

TRACTOR MANUFACTURER JOHN Deere is aiming to become one of the leading AI and robotics companies in the world, along side Tesla and Silicon Valley technology giants.

That’s according to Illinois-based Jorge Heraud, the company’s vice president of auto mation and autonomy.

He sees the autonomous 8R as the culmina tion of Deere’s nearly two decades of strategic planning and investment in automation, data analytics, GPS guidance, internet-of-things connectivity and software engineering. While a good deal of that R&D has been homegrown, the company also has been on a spree of acqui sitions and partnerships with agtech start-ups, harvesting know-how as well as talent. This includes the ‘see and spray’ Blue River Technol

ogy, which Deere bought in 2017 for $305 mil lion — a deal that also brought on Blue River co-founder and CEO Heraud.

Bear Flag Robotics, which Deere bought last year for $250 million, offers an autonomous navigation system that can be retrofitted onto existing tractors. This year, Deere has formed a joint venture with GUSS Automation, which has devised semi-autonomous orchard and vineyard sprayers, and bought numerous patents and other intellectual property from AI start-up Light, a depth-perception platform that enables more accurate 3D vision.

According to Heraud, “This comes from our realisation that technology is going to drive value creation and increase productivity, profit ability and sustainability for farmers”.

Customers praise for ISEKI

“NONE OF US that use the ISEKI machines struggle with bad backs

One of Fentons of Bourne’s customers, Keith Clipsham, has been singing the praises of his three ISEKI tractors. Keith, who works for Urban and Civic and looks after the green spaces of new housing developments at two former RAF stations (Waterbeach and Alcon bury), added the mid-size ISEKI TG6687 to his fleet on the recommendation of Fentons of Bourne.“It is excellent for what we want it to do,” Keith continued. “It is so quiet in operation and

its fuel consumption is between 50-60L per day which we are very happy with. Furthermore, it is very user-friendly and comfortable. On other brands of tractors, I struggle with leg length, but I don’t with an ISEKI. The options to adjust the seat are great and you are not jumping about like a kangaroo like you are on others.”

‘Maybe I am just hoping I can quietly slip away’

COMMENT KEITH CHRISTIAN DIRECTOR BAGMA

Keith Christian, BAGMA director,

quietly slip away into retirement and leave the turmoil of all that has been going on in the last few years to the youngsters!

for nothing.

bangs

the drum for recruitment one last time

As we race toward the end of another very eventful year, we all might hope that we can put Covid and Brexit behind us, and look forward to a functioning government, a stable economy and a more secure supply chain. Maybe I am just hoping I can

There is lots about me in this edition, so I will just bang the drum for nearly one last time about training, education, recruitment and retention. We must pull together as an industry, both large and small companies, to ensure that we have the new recruits for the future, otherwise all our efforts to ensure we have high quality apprenticeships, new T-levels and some of the best trained technicians in the world will be

Dealers should not leave the training and recruiting of new people to the manufacturers. We need you all to be out there doing your bit to help people understand the industry, to get into schools where you can influence young minds and help them to understand the career opportunities that exist in our sector.

We are looking for dealer staff who would be prepared to go into a local school and talk to students below the 16-year-old level about what you do and what opportunities exist in the

land-based engineering sector. Robotics, drones, autonomous machines, robotic lawnmowers, technology and anything else that can be passed on. Send me an email (keith.christian@ bagma.com) and I will pass your details on to those that can help you prepare to recruit the next generation for our industry. It is so important to help with this.

I hope to be showing my replacement around in the new year, so look out for us at the shows and maybe a few personal visits.

Have a great Christmas and a cracking 2023.

which is a good sign!”

BAGMA stalwart passes away

A REMARKABLE BUSINESSMAN and friend of BAGMA has died. Eric Young, chair man and managing director of JT Friskney Ltd and treasurer of the North Anglia Region of BAGMA for more than 25 years, passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 93.

He started his life in the agricultural trade as an apprentice at Achurch & Son in the early 1940s, after doing National Service – during which time he bumped into Princess Elizabeth in one of the army workshops! He moved up to salesman at JT Friskney and had his foot well and truly in the door by the time Mr Friskney died in 1947. In those days, the business had six staff and Eric was able to buy it in the mid-1950s, keeping the original name.

Eric continued expanding the business and retained the Ford franchise. During this time he got involved with the local Young Farmers, where he met wife-to-be Gwen Gilbert. They got married in September 1959.

By this time, Friskneys was highly regard ed in the local farming community for its vast choice of agricultural, industrial and horticul tural machinery, and also its spares and after

sales service.

1978 saw Eric expanding into the motor trade, when he bought Fulletby Motors Ltd. In 1980, he expanded into the tool hire business, purchasing Professional Grass Care and started hiring out a huge variety of commercial grasscutting equipment and heavy-duty tools for the building trade. By this time his workforce had grown to 18.

In the early 1970s, Friskneys became dis tributors for County Tractors, and at one of their busiest times they were turning out a new tractor every day for over a month!

There was further expansion in 1984, when Eric bought and relocated a Ford dealership in Boston. But the turn of the century saw a mas sive change – JT Friskney lost the New Holland franchise. This, however, did not deter Eric – he secured the Deutz franchise. By 2008, the busi ness was expanding again – merging with local contracting business Noel J Hanes Contracting, increasing the workforce to more than 50.

Eric was very proud of the workforce and he ended up giving out 25 25-year gold watches.

Although Eric was an extremely busy busi

nessman, he still found time for hobbies. He formed the Jubilee Concert Band in 1977 and took up flying.

Eric was also very proud to say that he went to the Lincolnshire Show every year apart from two, when did his National Service and when it was cancelled for foot and mouth!

Sadly, in March 2018, Gwen died very sud denly and Eric’s health started to deteriorate. The following year Eric announced he was retir ing from the world of agriculture and putting down his pen. The business closed its doors in November 2019.

EXPERTS VIEW

Vans & Trailers: Tachograph Rules

Tachographs for light commercial vehicles

The number of light commercial vehicles on the roads is increasing. Not only are they used for general deliveries, but they’re also used across a wide range of situations, from roadside repairs to utility servicing. Many LCVs weigh under 3.5 tonnes GVW, and so are not subject to tacho graph regulations. Unfortunately, this means many drivers aren’t aware that they need a tach ograph in their vehicle in certain circumstances.

If a tachograph is required but not fitted, you can easily be in breach of legislation without knowing it and may face legal penalties.

Don’t forget the trailer

One of the main confusing areas is when a vehi cle such as a van or a pick-up truck has a trailer attached.

There are van tachograph rules and trailer tachograph rules which may apply here. For example, if the combined weight of the van plus trailer exceeds 3.5 tonnes gross, then you will need to keep to the rules surrounding trailer tachos and get a tachograph fitted in your vehi cle. A lot of agricultural vehicles – such as Land Rovers – are generally exempt. But as soon as a heavy trailer is attached, the gross weight often exceeds 3.5 tonnes, which then comes into the scope of the EU Drivers’ Hours rules, and so needs a tachograph.

Many owners don’t realise this is a legal requirement. One of the most interesting situ ations regarding light vehicles or vehicle-trailer combinations is one where they are used to carry materials, equipment or machinery for the driv er’s use in the course of their work (such as an electrician or a plumber).

If the vehicle is a maximum weight of 7.5 tonnes, and driving the vehicle is not the driver’s main activity, these can be exempt. But again, it depends on the situation. They must not oper ate outside a 100km (62 miles) radius of their

base. If they need to drive further, a tachograph should be fitted.

Which tachograph offences and penalties apply to Light Commercial Vehicles?

If you fail to install a tachograph in a vehicle that needs one, fines can range from £2,500 to £5,000. There is also the risk of a verbal warn ing, or legal proceedings.

Licence checks

Operators should ensure that the drivers have licences that give them the permission to drive vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. Any driver who has a licence from before January 1st 1997 can drive a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes and up to 7.5 tonnes on the standard licence. However, if the driver has passed their test after this date, they need a Category B or BE entitlement to be able to drive anything exceeding 3.5 tonnes.

Transporting goods in Europe

You must now have a standard international goods vehicle operator licence to transport

YOU MAY HAVE heard of the phrase “beyond compliance” but you may be unsure what it means. What are the cultural differences between a compliant business and a business that is a safe one and can help set the safety tone for your staff?

100% compliant?

The law is open to interpretation, so however you approach managing risk, someone will have a different opinion. As knowledgeable as you may be, how can you be sure that you have captured every aspect of the legislation? Some people believe that if they are found to be 100% compliant in an audit, they are doing all they need to do to meet their obligations but that doesn’t mean that you are not going to have accidents and ill-health issues.

SAFETY

Please contact us for a free copy of the SHE Audit.

Compliant versus safe?

PAUL MARSH Office manager SafetyAide

In a compliance culture, people know the rules and the consequences of breaking them. Employees may baulk or become uninterested when they’re told about rules and regulations and asked to sign state ments documenting that they’ve been briefed. They may feel that the real goal isn’t a values-driven organisation, just one that pro tects the company from harm and allows staff to be blamed if things go wrong.

Tip: View compliance as a baseline, a springboard to good health and safety within an organisation.

approach health and safety from an ethical stance, however, it does more than enforce awareness of and obedience to rules. It con nects ethical conduct to your company’s guid ing principles. Employees won’t just protect your company from harm; they will actively look at how they can act in ways that improve and enhance their workplace.

Benefits

Tip: A good audit result doesn’t mean you can relax and assume you have it covered. Many accidents are behaviour based and can be caused by rebelling against rules and regulations.

Make sure you meet the minimum legal standards required. Use our Safety, Health & Environment Audit Checklist (SHE Audit) to make sure your business is not falling short.

If your company’s culture is “safe” your staff are motivated to act safely because they want to, not because they’re being told to. Achieving this culture is not a quick fix, but a long and sometimes bumpy journey. So how do you get there?

Going beyond compliance

Compliance cultures generally are focused on legal definitions of right and wrong. If you

A healthy culture of ethics and integrity results in many benefits. Your workers will have greater confidence in your leadership. They aren’t just proud of the company’s stand ards but also act on them. You will find that not only will accidents and ill-health statistics drop, but proactive measures, such as near miss reporting and safety inspections, will rise. Your staff will actively help you meet your targets. A safe company is generally a high achiever in other disciplines such as quality, productivity, customer service, etc. This potentially leads to improvements in company reputation and profits and a drop in costs such as sickness ben efits and insurance premiums.

Compliance is sticking to the rules to avoid punishments such as fines. Going beyond com pliance creates a valued work environment, with engaged staff resulting in a safe, efficient workplace.

What’s meant by “beyond compliance”?

As soon as we hear about nationwide mon ey troubles, we all panic. Should we be cutting back because everybody else is?

Of course, it is necessary to be cautious but when cut ting back costs don’t become short-sighted. Marketing is a very important part of your business. At times like this, although it can be challenging, you need to promote your busi ness as much as possible.

MARKETING

MARY PERRY Owner ME Marketing and Events

goods in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland using:

● vans or other light goods vehicles (sometimes called ‘light commercial vehicles’)

● vans towing trailers

● cars towing trailers

You also need to have a qualified transport manager. If you do not have the qualification, you might be able to be temporarily recognised as a transport manager if you have enough experience.

Say you have a smashing team of sales reps who could sell ice to an Eskimo. How are you reaching new customers or persuading your past customers to return and buy more ice? You need to keep reminding them that you are there, even when they are not ready to make an other purchase. This way when they are

ready, they will already be thinking of you. Unfortunately, gone are the days when we all go to the same dealership to make a purchase and so we cannot rely on loyalty alone. Especial ly when your competitor has been marketing their offerings whilst you haven’t. You might be offering the same service/ product as your competitor but how do your potential custom ers know that if you are not telling them? You cannot just wait for them to walk through the door. You need to dangle the carrot and entice them in.

There are ways to scale back your mar keting but still ensure you are promoting your dealership and your products. Don’t panic, get in touch if you are looking at ways to adapt your marketing plan.

When

are feeling the pinch, don’t neglect

AS THE END of my career in the land-based industry draws to a close, it seemed rather odd to be interviewed about my career and my expectations for the industry going forward, so I volunteered to write the article myself, although

I hope I can be entertaining and informative. For older readers, I hope you will be able to share some of the memories. For younger ones, I hope there will be something for you to take away from this, but the best bit of advice I can give you is to learn as much as you can from your older colleagues. They know more than they think and can give you a head start on many things that will give you an advantage in your early careers.

My career in the industry started when I needed a job. We had a new baby girl at home and I was in need of a better job. In the local job centre there was a vacancy for a salesperson at H Burlingham, a large local garden machinery dealership. I was interviewed by a very stern man called Dick Staite who ran the place. After a few ques tions he asked me what was the problem if you started a new engine and it smoked? I just said it would be the oil burning off from inside the new

I was trained by Colin Baylis and took over as the commercial or professional equipment rep for a large area. Poor Colin had to put up with me for the next 30 years as we worked together after I

I left Burlingham’s several years later to go to Spear and Jackson who were handling Stiga at the time, amongst a few other brands, and looked after dealer sales in the South of England for a few years. I was initially looked after by a traditional old school S&J tool rep who I learnt a lot from. He used to stay in traditional B&Bs with dinner at six on the dot or you did not eat. Great lessons in how to look after customers and apply a very personal touch that was clearly appreciated.

When I was a young rep, I used to get to meet the icons of industry and always wondered what would happen when they disappeared. Things just move on and some people replace these guys but as time has gone on the recognisable ‘heads’ of industry become more anonymous and the cor porate machine takes over. Thankfully there are still a few characters around, but they are becom

S&J decided to fold their garden machinery venture, but the operational plan was presented to John Reekie of Reekie Engineering from Arbroath who were handling Stiga for S&J in Scotland. I got roped in at the conception of a new company to handle a number of products from a base in England. This quickly became

Claymore Grass Machinery which was a divi sion of Reekie Grass Machinery and a Scottish registered company. We handled Bolen’s, Gloria, Roberine, Hinomoto and a few other products at the time.

Claymore Grass Machinery’s logo was a bas ket hilted double-bladed sword with a Scottish thistle. This represented two cutting edges to the business: domestic and professional machinery plus Scotland by way of the thistle. A wonderful creation of a nonexistent marketing department! I remember being in Holland with the Roberine guys and them ask ing why we had a ‘pineapple’ in our company logo! Cleary a work of art lost in translation, but they did buy the next round of beer by way of an apology. Clay more is now FGM Claymore.

I owe much to the Reekies for their support over some 23 years of running Claymore and a great deal to the guys I worked with at Claymore. Andre and Colin who joined us from Burling ham’s and many others over the years who are still with FGM to this day. Colin, Andre and I worked really hard to get Claymore going and their dedi cation and commitment to the business in its early years and later was amazing. We worked hard, had some great adventures and managed to avoid killing each other in the process. Thanks guys, I couldn’t have done it without you.

At Claymore we seemed to pioneer the intro duction of new products to the UK market like Roberine and revived other products like Bolen’s Simplicity, and Masport. With forays into things

like Yanmar, Sabo, SOLO as well as few others. The trouble with being an importer selling to a dealer network is once you get something going well, the supplier thinks they can do better or sells out to a bigger company and they take it away and invariably screw it up. Been there, got several T-shirts but still made a lot of friends from the many countries we dealt with.

As with many in the industry at the time, I travelled a lot to shows and suppliers in different countries, had some great fun on the way and a lot of memories and stories to tell over a beer or two with those that were there. I remember being at the Louisville Show in Kentucky and bumping into Lance Basset and Peter Jeffries from Allen Power Equipment. There they were in all their English glory, wearing shorts and polo shirts, knobbly knees and skinny white legs, it made you proud to be British!

Another occasion at the same show but in Las Vegas, a group of us had gathered in the duel ling piano bar in the New York, New York hotel. After a couple of rides on the rollercoaster we set to for a few beers in the bar whilst playing up the piano players. One of the guys from Holland had won a load of dollars on a one-armed bandit. He dumped a bag of money on the bar and said what ever we were drinking to take the money out of the bag. Well, we went on the Harvey Wallbang ers, big mistake! There was a tall cowboy – all in black – wandering around the bar. People were after his autograph. He came and sat with us and wanted to know where we were from. We gave him a Harvey Wallbanger and asked who he was. He turned out to be one of the top country music stars in the USA. He invited us all to his ranch the next day for a party he was having but we had to leave and could not go. I had to fly to New Zealand the next day to see Masport, not a good idea after

‘SOCIAL MEDIA IS THE BIG THING BUT A BEER AND A CHAT AT A BAR WILL GET THINGS DONE A LOT EASIER AND FOR A LONGER TIME’

MEMORIES

a night on Harvey Wallbangers.

At Claymore we used to run an annual dealer trip supported by our suppliers and an incentive scheme with our dealers. Many were supported and arranged with Victor Adams from Sabo and then Simplicity. A great way to bring people together and improve a business relationship.

One of the most memorable was to India where we did the Golden Triangle. Fifty people trooping around India. We started in Delhi but due to a problem with new plans being delayed we had to take a train with our own first-class carriage from Delhi to Jaipur. They must have dragged a wreck of a carriage out of the scrapyard, it was awful. Our troop was very stoic but when the mice started running around, the girls were up on the seats howling. Victor and I hid at the back of the carriage.

We had our own polo match in Jaipur and tea with the Maharajah and his son who was one of the polo team captains. It made the Jaipur Times the next day. We rode elephants, went to a bear sanctuary, visited the Taj Mahal and had an incredible time. Somehow Duncan Martin from Mountfield got to hear about the trip and commis sioned a cartoon about it as an advert for Mount field. We have reproduced it here, but you had to have been there. Those who were there and who are reading this will no doubt have some great memories of this trip.

To all of you who joined in our many dealer trips, thank you for making them so interesting and so much fun and thank you for the business you did with Claymore. It was a pleasure to deal with you all. Also, a big thank you to Victor Adams for the many trips he supported and the factory visits he arranged.

In my S&J days I helped with a gardening programme for Harlech Television and had to support a presenter and film crew with Stiga equipment. The presenter was some young guy

called Alan Titchmarsh. I had some black and white photos taken at the time. Many years later when we were doing the early Gardeners World Live shows at the NEC, Alan came on the stand for a chat. I asked him if he would sign my photos if I bought them in. He said he would and to bring them to the office the next day. As he walked away, he turned back and asked me why I had waited so long to get them signed? I just said, “Well, you weren’t famous back then.” He called me a cheeky basta…. But the photos were returned the next day to the stand, signed.

We had Linford Christy come on our stand at SALTEX one year. We already knew he had bought a large Wheelhorse tractor, but he was looking at our Simplicity Diesel. We told him he could not afford it and he had already made a mistake anyway. Fortunately, he found it all very

BAGMA and I are indebted to our members who sit on the BAGMA Council and represent the interests of our members as a whole. The many changes in the way BAGMA is structured has meant that our volunteers on the Council now have specific roles to play and can represent BAGMA in such areas as training and education, with CLIMMAR (our umbrella group in Europe), at BAGMA strategy meetings and attending shows and BAGMA Connect meetings generally. As part of our own succession planning, we have enlisted three new younger members onto the Council. All these positions are voluntary, and we are always looking to add new and interested people onto the Council. Give us a call if you are interested.

amusing. We loved dealing with the rich and famous, most of whom were genuine people and good for a laugh.

Better get back on track. We sold Claymore to FGM in 2006 and I stayed on to complete the transfer but left to go to BAGMA in 2007. I was involved with BAGMA in the early days of my career as Burlingham’s were great supporters of the association (see recent editions of this maga zine and the tributes to David Burlingham). At Claymore we became members of the AEA and I ended up on the board of the AEA, becoming president in 2003/4. Running a trade associa tion after 23 years at Claymore was an interesting change and it took me some time to get used to the politics, the huge variety of work and the concept of being a training provider. Also being a part of a group whose main interest was the high street retail sector was a rather difficult concept to get to grips with for a machinery dealers association.

I quickly learnt some of the difficulties faced by dealers that I had not appreciated as much as a supplier. I also learnt that some of these prob lems have been evident since the inception of the original trade association in 1917. Warranty pay ments, labour rates, supplier relationships, dealer/ supplier contracts, technician training, succession planning and so on. Nothing new nowadays, but still not resolved to everyone’s satisfaction after over 100 years.

My challenge over the last 15 years or so has been to raise BAGMA’s profile, keep membership alive in a shrinking marketplace and add value to BAGMA’s membership package. All this whilst moving offices three times and more recently a fourth when we sold BAGMA to the AEA and

moved to Peterborough. We are still there, so some things have worked out but a trade association is like insurance – you need it but you only use it when things go wrong and trying to demonstrate the value of a trade association is only clear to peo ple when they need something.

For as little as £200 a year BAGMA offers a raft of benefits, highlights service providers that can save members money, a legal service that will certainly save members money when they have an HR or legal issue. Even the large dealers can benefit from this by their own HR departments using this service. We need more dealers to sign up to BAGMA to give the industry a stronger voice and to make use of what is on offer. There is much that we do that people are not aware of and if we weren’t here to do it, I wonder who would. Promo tion over, soapbox collapsed.

I am pleased that BAGMA has been able to move into the ownership of the AEA and at last that the two organisations are much closer together, which has already benefited what we can offer. BAGMA’s future has been secured and is now enjoying the benefit of being in a likeminded organisation with a dedicated team who have been amazing during our year-long transition. I consider that I have been very lucky to work with

many dedicated and determined people over the years and appreciate their tolerance and support.

I shall be doing a handover to my replacement so may be around for a few months yet. I would like to stay involved in the industry in some way, but I am looking forward to hanging up my laptop and getting on with those things that work ing does not give you much time to do. A few holidays, a bit more motorbiking, a lie in some days, who knows what else? It certainly was a scary prospect to even contemplate stopping working after so many years, but I think it is time for the younger ones to move things forward and take their place as the future icons of the industry.

can do to create a relationship within a business. Social media is the big thing but a beer and a chat at a bar will get things done a lot easier and for a longer period of time.

We were hoping to be able to announce the name of Keith Christian’s replacement this issue, but at the time of going to print the contract had not been signed. We aim to bring you full details next issue (January-February 2023) and to let you know in BAGMA’s E-Briefing.

I started at Claymore when we had to use a Telex machine, a very simple computer system, no such thing as the internet. I find it funny that things like fax machines and brick-like Motorola mobile phones came along and changed quickly to the mobile office we now have. So much has changed yet talking to people and being in the same room is still the strongest thing anyone

For me, the industry needs to talk and work together and solve some of its very longterm issues and be as one with things like recruitment, reten tion and development. Easy to say, not so easy to do with everyone being so busy – but it is in everyone’s best interests to do it.

In departing, I would like to say an enormous thank you to those I have worked with over the years. Those I have spent many a pleasant evening with and to the industry as a whole for a fantastic opportunity to be a part of something that is unique and offers so many opportunities for so many people.

Lastly and most importantly, I would like to thank my wife, Katie, for her support over the many years of my career. There is no question that I would not have been able to do what I have done without her and without our children and their understanding and support.

AFTER A COVID-ENFORCED delay, BAGMA was able to hold its first Connect meet ing since 2019. The Connect meetings are an opportunity for members to get together with each other and representatives from the indus try, listening to key speakers and sharing ideas.

This year’s long-awaited meeting took place at the end of October, hosted by the Husqvarna UK team at their premises in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham. With 27 members and service providers in attendance, visitors were treated to an in-depth factory tour, including the main assembly lines for the Husqvarna robotic mower range which is made in the UK for worldwide distribution.

Visitors saw components being made using robotic systems and the assembly line in full flow. A new mower comes off the line, in some cases, every 52 seconds! Attendees were given an understanding into the way the operation is managed and how Husqvarna ensures it

remains sustainable. Over the last five years, Husqvarna UK has reduced its energy usage by 5% each year whilst still being able to double output.

Members also learnt that none of the waste ends up in landfill and, as a company, Husq varna is classed as a net-zero business; mean ing it is adding no more greenhouse gases to the Earth’s atmosphere than the amount they are taking out.

The meeting began with Stephen Irvine, UK sales manager for Husqvarna UK, going through the background of the company, where it sits in the UK market and beyond, as well as giving an insight into exciting new products coming in 2023!

A mixture of speakers then covered some interesting topics that encouraged open con versations around the room. Topics such as ‘getting the measure of aftersales’ showcased the importance of health checks on dealer’s depart

ments to ensure that performance and customer service are being delivered. This advice was pro vided by Pete Harding of PFW Associates.

BAGMA President Peter Arrand talked about educational updates with the new T-levels being introduced and how this will be an oppor tunity for dealers to bring in school leavers. This was something everyone in the room was pas sionate about.

Touching on the current energy topics and telecommunications options was Colin Beake from Utility Options, stressing the benefits that they can offer BAGMA members as a preferred service provider. Dean Lowe from Safety Aide, another BAGMA service provider, explained the new focusses being driven from the HSE for 2023 and how dealers can prepare better for this to minimise unnecessary accidents and subse quent fines which can be very large.

The day finished with an update on BAGMA services and some of the additions - including the new branding for the tractor and trailer inspec tion and brake testing course which is now to be named the Agricultural Tractor Trailer Scheme (ATTS). The idea of benchmarking within the industry was also mentioned where members discussed their wants and needs and the infor mation pooled and shared with members. It was beneficial to also have a manufacturer’s view from Husqvarna during this open-table discus sion on various aspects of what dealers may want to know and how to develop this information.

After the event, Husqvarna UK’s Stephen Irvine commented: “It was a pleasure to recon nect with the BAGMA team when we hosted their latest BAGMA Connect Conference at the home of Husqvarna Automower. Provid ing a factory tour and to present the history of Automower allowed all the BAGMA members

Husqvarna UK hosts the first

Saving on energy costs

LOOK AT THE long term. That is the advice that Erik Hogervorst from Noordwijkerhout, near Rot terdam, and former president of the CLIMMAR trade association often gives to customers who come to his company for a new agricul tural machine. He has now put that advice into practice himself with the purchase of a heat pump with ground source heat. In September, the gas pipeline to the company on the Schippersvaartweg was closed and removed.

Hogervorst Creating Solutions is a mechanization company where all kinds of agricultural equipment are sold, maintained and custommade. The company also invents and develops new AG Sprayer equipment. In addition to a show room and office space, the com pany has a large workshop, spread over two buildings, with underfloor

heating. “That was a novelty 25 years ago because the installers did not want to give a guarantee that we could keep the workshop warm. But it worked fine,” says Erik who, together with his brother André and their respective wives Patricia and Natasja, own the company.

Two years ago, Erik started looking for a way to cool the work shop in the increasingly hot sum mer months. A traditional air conditioning or an air heat pump cannot keep up. They heat the out side air and require a lot of energy. “So we opted for a heat pump with ground heating and cooling,” he says as he walks past the installa tion, which consists of two large cabinets and a water reservoir.

For the closed system, 16 pipes go 160 metres into the ground. In the summer, the water cooled in the ground is pumped up and ensures

a pleasant temperature in the company via the existing under floor heating. The heated water goes back into the ground where it can be used in the winter months for heating the same property. The required energy for the pumps is provided by 208 solar panels that are installed on the recently extra insulated and white-painted roof. Erik says: ‘It must provide enough energy for our own use. We have completely insulated the 25-yearold industrial building on the out side, so that the heat in the winter and the cool in the summer stays inside better. In addition, the ener gy consumption is reduced because we also provide the offices with the same climate system plus presence system. The light will only be on if someone is actually in the room.”

Two years ago, he thought that the investment of nearly €650,000

would pay for itself in 20 years. Due to higher energy prices now, that forecast has been reduced to five years. Erik commented: “Just like 25 years ago with the under floor heating, it was not very easy to realise this system. Installers but also financiers do not recom mend it. I am now very pleased that we have persevered in view of the current energy prices. In addi tion, you must ultimately make a contribution to the environment. We are already noticing the differ ence because in the past, the oldest building was the warmest place in the company. Now it is wonderfully cool there on a hot day.”

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John Deere opens new apprentice facility

JOHN DEERE AND training provider ProVQ opened the doors of their new training centre in Upper Saxondale, Nottingham shire. Candidates and guests were offered guided tours, practical demonstrations and driving expe riences.

BAGMA’s Kari Hearn (train ing administrator) and Richard Jenkins (business development manager) attended the open day. Both were impressed by the new facility and the commitment to the apprentice programme by John Deere and ProVQ.

John Deere’s apprenticeship programme sees technicians work within the company’s dealership network while completing either a two- or three-year course compris ing on-the-job practical learning

and classroom studies.

Three courses make up the programme: Ag Tech – focusing on agricultural machinery; Turf Tech – focusing on professional turf equipment; and Parts Tech – focus ing on parts service and support.

“It’s a hugely exciting time to be part of the agricultural and turf care industries – they are evolving and becoming more technologi cally advanced than ever before,” John Deere branch training man ager Allan Cochran said.

“The job is so much more than just servicing and fixing things. The machines and parts our apprentic es work on and with are some of the most advanced in the world, many capable of levels of automation or operating at capacities we could only dream of a few years ago.”

South West Regional Meeting

Members of the BAGMA South West Regional group enjoy a well-deserved lunch after the recent meeting at the Eagle House hotel in Launceston, Cornwall. The meetings are a great way for members to meet and discuss shared interests such as recruitment, warranty work and rising costs. Many thanks to Jackie Russell and Elliot Prior at Mason Kings for organising the gathering and excellent meal.

THE TRADE ASSOCIATION umbrella group for European and UK agricultural machinery dealers, CLIMMAR, held its first annual con ference for several years in the stunning setting of Budapest in October.

CLIMMAR has undergone a somewhat long-winded transition into a legal entity that is now based in Brussels, has a part-time secre tary and comes under Belgium law. Having been established in 1954 it was felt that modern times required the association to become a legal entity in order to be better recognised internationally and within the EU as a legal entity. Members had to formally ratify the change at the conference in Budapest after two years of negotiation and arrangements.

A busy few days included a packed conference with speakers from the Hungarian

Government and the regular round of reports from each country as well as much discussion on many matters that commonly affect dealers around Europe – not least of which is training, education and recruitment. A common recruitment platform is being looked at that can be rolled out to every country in their own languages. The ever-present vertical Block Exemption regulations were presented by Dr Stefan Zipse via a video link due to travel issues.

It was very clear at the conference that every country is facing the same difficulties, with energy issues, supply issues, raging inflation and a lack of qualified staff and new recruits. Yet most dealers have had an exceptional business year.

MEGFOSZ, the Hungarian dealer association, hosted the conference.

transitions into legal entity

Record numbers at APF show

A record number of visitors and exhibitors turned out for this year’s APF, which has been hailed as a massive success.

Organisers have confirmed 23,000 people headed to the Ragley Estate in Warwickshire over the three days of the show to take in the very best of forestry and arboriculture from more than 300 exhibitors.

Around £80m of machinery was on show during the event, including harvester heads, splitters, and, of course, lots of chippers.

Visitors also included 850 local schoolchildren and their teachers, as well as groups of university students, who were given guided tours to learn all about working woodlands and forests and the possible exciting

career opportunities that exist.

New features, such as the UK open tree climbing and British Open Fencing Championships, attracted big crowds. The World Poleclimbing and European Chainsaw Carving Championships continued to be big crowd-pleasers, with one carving attracting a show record of £5,500 at auction.

Keith Christian (director of BAGMA) and Richard Jenkins (business development manager) spent day one at the show and were impressed with the new layout and the great feel to the event. They also caught up with a number of BAGMA members who were exhibiting. The layout for 2022 was compressed, easier to get around and still allowed for of any equipment demos.

A taste of Malbec country

WHAT BETTER WAY to spend a night in than grabbing a glass of red wine and imagin ing you were somewhere like this.

This is Malbec country. Our editor and wine club leader, Chris Boiling, recently returned from this region – Mendoza, in the west of Argentina. He says the scenery – with the Andes as the backdrop to most vineyards and tastings – is stunning and many of the wineries are architectural wonders.

It’s also the region where the French grape Malbec thrives. It likes the warm days, cool nights and dry soils. One of the six grape varieties permitted in top Bordeaux wines (which are usually blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and one or two others), Malbec fell out of favour in its homeland in the 20th century and is only being revived now thanks to the phenomenal success of Argentinian Malbec.

The first thing you notice about the wine is its deep purplish colour, often with a magenta rim if you tilt your glass. Typical aromas are ripe blackberries, plums and black cherries, perhaps with subtle notes of chocolate. The basic taste is the same ripe fruits plus a velvety texture without too much in the way of aggres sive acidity or tannins.

The other thing we like about Argentinian

How to join the club

Firstly, you don’t need to join the BAGMA Wine Club to take advantage of this exclusive offer from Wickhams.

Secondly, joining is simple and free. All you need to do is send an email to membership@bagma.com saying you’re interested in joining. This is mainly so we can contact you with news of special events

Malbecs is that they offer good value for money. Even the cheapest Malbecs from Argentina taste good. But as you move up the price range, they become more exquisite. While in Men doza, Chris was able to taste wines from Zuc cadi, Catena Zapata, El Enemigo, and Bodegas Salentein. They are all worth searching out if you want to try a premium version of Argen tina’s flagship grape variety.

For this edition’s offer, we have a lovely wine from a woman winemak er, who makes the wine for Finca Sophenia at the foot of the Andes. To show the different faces of this mar vellous grape, we also have a Malbec from France and another from one of several countries that are testing alternative red grape varieties in their region in the face of heatwaves, drought and climate change. You can also find the grape in Australia, Chile, South Africa and our choice to show off its ver satility – California.

The typical food pairing for Malbec is steak or rack of lamb. But it also pairs well with bar becued meats, poultry and spicy dishes, with out either overpowering the food or being over powered by it.

Here is the BAGMA Wine Club’s introduc tion to Malbec – with different styles of Malbec

and offers if they don’t coincide with the publication of the BAGMA Bulletin.

If you missed the last couple of issues and are wondering why BAGMA has launched a wine club, it’s because our part-time editor Chris Boiling also works in the wine world and we are taking advantage of his great access to wine

in a mixed case from our friends at Wickhams.

● Two bottles of Finca Sophenia ‘Altosur’ Malbec 2019 – a lovely Argentinian Malbec from Men doza’s high-altitude Tupungato Valley. This wine has an attractive red colour with violet hues and aromas of intense ripe fruit, cher ries, blackberries, blueberries, and fresh plums, combined with spicy and floral hints. In the mouth the sweet and round tannins increase its fruit sensation and balance. A wine of good intensity, concentration and long after taste.

● Two bottles of La Perdrix Solitaire Malbec 2018, Pays d’Oc. From France’s Languedoc region, where Malbec was originally known as Côt. Most of the grapes come from old vines grown near the Pyrenees, but some come from the lower hills of Minervois. The mediumbodied wine has a vibrant garnet colour with notes of mulberry and underlying redcurrant and blackcurrant aromas. This is a complex and satisfying wine, with fine raspberry and red-fruit flavours backed by a touch of choco late truffle richness.

● Two bottles of Showdown ‘The Bird’ Malbec 2019, California. Behind the pretty label is a juicy and full-bodied Malbec, with plenty of blackcurrant and blueberry fruit, velvety tan nins and great freshness. The Malbec grapes from California’s central valley, which benefits from the cooling influence of San Francisco bay, are blended with 10% Syrah from the northern end of the long central valley. After fermentation, 70% of the Malbec is aged in oak barrels for four months, giving good integra tion and subtle oak characteristics. The small percentage of Syrah is added to give some extra structure to this plush red wine.

The price to BAGMA members for the mixed case (SIX bottles) is £60 – a £10 sav ing. The offer includes free delivery and is valid until the end of December.

To place your order, scan the QR code. That’s your Christmas red wine sorted.

BAGMA Tractor-Trailer Inspection and Brake Testing Course

This new two-day course is for those with several years’ experience of agricultural, horticultural or plant machinery.

It provides technicians with practical guidance in the Brake Performance Testing of Mobile Work Equipment such as tractors and agricultural trailers and trailed appliances (air and hydraulic braking systems), as well as vehicle physical condition inspections, the relevant legislation, areas of responsibility, brake performance testing procedures, methods, recording, and reports.

For further details visit our website via the QR code or call us on 01295 713344 or email info@bagma.com

Agricultural tractor trailer scheme