Meet your new general manager

Nick Darking takes the reins at BAGMA on March 13. Let’s get to know him…

NICK DARKING, BAGMA’S new general manager, has more than 30 years of industry knowledge and experience under his belt.

He takes over from Keith Christian after working with a cross-section of customers and dealers in both the agricultural and groundscare sectors. The majority of Nick’s career has been with leading machinery supplier Redexim – where he began in a hands-on role in the workshop, before a long and illustrious career in a sales and support role. It is also here that Nick forged many strong and longstanding relationships with partners across the Redexim dealer network.

In addition to Redexim partners, Nick has also worked closely with industry associations including BIGGA and the Grounds Management Association, and has sat on the AEA’s Outdoor Power Equipment Council for the last 10 years.

Keith commented: “I am pleased to be handing over BAGMA to a person that has a similar industry background to myself and an understanding of the dealer network and their needs in today’s everchanging business world.”

Let’s get to know Nick…

Autocorrect wants to change your name to Darling – has this ever caused a problem?

“All the time but it has never been a problem!”

What are you bringing to BAGMA?

“Over 30 years’ experience in the industry, working with dealers on a daily basis, and an understanding of the struggles they face regularly. I have a reputation for establishing good, long-lasting relationships with dealers which has served me well and I hope the dealers too.”

What do you think will be one of your biggest challenges in your new role?

“Ensuring that BAGMA remains relevant and beneficial to all its members and (hopefully) for a growing number of new members.”

What is your long-term view on the future of dealerships?

“I believe that dealers will play an important part in our industry for a long time to come, manufac- turers need a route to market. The dealer is best placed to know the needs of the end customer and the natural choice to service an area quickly and efficiently. I see that part of BAGMA’s role is to ensure that the market know the value added by dealers.”

What is your proudest accomplishment so far?

“It would be delivering dealer training to a great dealer network. I started this back in 2007 and it has gone from strength to strength. I still enjoy delivering the training especially to the next generation within dealerships." (Nick is a registered BAGMA Installation and Handover ID card holder.)

What’s your vision for the future of the industry?

“This is a fantastic industry and I have been very proud to work in it. I want to ensure that the next generation understand how good it is with fantastic opportunities; schemes such as We Are Land-Based Engineering (see page 12) will be so key in spreading the message and creating those opportunities.”

How can BAGMA help with the ongoing issues created by Brexit?

“By delivering all the information to its members that they need to be able to comply with any changes imposed. BAGMA being part of the AEA will help provide more information to the members.”

How can the industry become more sustainable?

“We are already seeing changes coming in both in ag and the groundscare sectors, eg. battery powered tractors, solar-powered charging stations, use of less chemicals with more of a return to cultural practices. As an industry, we need to take responsibility for our actions and I’m proud to say from what I have seen so far, we are doing just that although there is still a lot to be done. Again, this is an area where I hope BAGMA can support its members.”

What are the benefits of a dealer trade association being part of a manufacturer’s trade association, in your opinion?

“Dealers and manufacturers all benefit when the industry is flourishing. BAGMA should be able to provide even more support to its members now it is part of the AEA.”

What was your first job?

“Kitchen fitter.”

When you started working in the Redexim workshop, where did you think you would end up?

“Absolutely no idea. I did know that I had found somewhere that I felt I belonged and wanted to be. I had always loved sport so working in the groundscare industry was a good fit.”

What took you from the workshop into sales?

“By accident, a colleague left the business and I stepped up. I had no idea if I could do it and I was a little nervous to say the least. However, I had great support from inside our business, and incredible support from the Redexim dealers who really put their arm around me.”

What was the biggest lesson going from sales to management?

“In both jobs, you need to be able to listen and take on board the information being given to you; two ears one mouth – nature's way. Somebody told me that many years ago and it has stuck with me ever since.”

What have you achieved on the AEA’s Outdoor Power Equipment Council?

“I have been extremely proud to represent Redexim at the Council for many years and I hope that I have contributed my bit on the issues of the day and the practical help needed by the industry. Exhibitions is always a hot topic; how can they add value as they are a big commitment in both time and money. A key issue is encouraging people to join the industry and that they have a clear path to it. Equally important is that the industry retains longstanding employees that have so much experience to offer.”

What is the first step you take to achieve a goal?

“Have a full understanding of what’s needed then form a plan, not jump in feet first. I think age and time have taught me not to jump in!”

What do you think needs to be done to encourage more people to seek a career in land-based engineering?

“The industry as a whole needs to back schemes such as We Are Land-Based Engineering, from dealers to manufacturers, greenkeepers, groundsmen and farmers need to get behind our fantastic industry and show what the future can hold for those that don’t know who we are.”

What’s your favourite piece of machinery?

“There can only ever be one answer to this question, a Verti-Drain; it has taken me all around the world, changed sporting facilities for the better and given me lifelong friends.”

Which of your five senses would you say is the strongest?

“My hearing is probably my best, so no whispering around me. Eyesight is definitely failing!”

If you had a warning label, what would yours say?

“Like a volcano, I only tend to erupt every 100 years or so.”

What’s your claim to fame?

“I had trials with Watford FC as a youngster.”

If you could trade places with anyone for a week, who would it be and why?

“I would trade places with one of the Beatles at the height of their fame in the 1960s. I have watched documentaries and I am amazed at the adulation they received with complete bewilderment it seemed.”

What do you like to do to relax?

“I love to play golf. I am very middle of the road with the usual mixture of good and bad days. I passed my motorcycle test around 10 years ago so I enjoy sunny days out on the open road. I am most definitely a fair-weather biker and golfer though!

I also have a Fox Red Labrador called Harley who is a great companion and I enjoy walking him, he is not so worried about the weather!”