50 | MARCH-APRIL 2025
Bravo Charlies!
BAGMA meets with Charlies Group, discussing the strengths of this multi-faceted, family-run business which has seen it cement its status as a one-stop-shop for customers across Mid-Wales and beyond.
Working hard to secure the future of our industry
Dear Members.
The year got off to a brilliant start, with LAMMA and BTME providing us with a great platform to reconnect with many of you. Despite the positive start, 2025 and probably the next few years too, look set to be challenging.
The current political climate is not helping to instill confidence within our industry. However, “we are where we are” and we all must adapt our businesses to suit the situation we find ourselves in. I especially feel for companies that are holding large stocks of high-value, second-hand equipment. Perhaps, if and when the situation stabilises across Russia and Ukraine, we may begin to see more opportunities to sell equipment abroad?
Providers but I want to emphasise that, as an association, we are here to help you. We have a wide network of partners and resources that are at your disposal so please visit the BAGMA website or contact the team to learn more.
by Peter Heming
BAGMA President
A few positives I have seen recently are an increase in farm diversification and stock farmers seemingly selling livestock at off-the-scale prices! Let’s hope this revenue will bring an all-important boost to machinery and equipment sales.
During these difficult periods, BAGMA are working hard to deliver even more value for our members. Nick will touch on the current offers available from our Service
the British Agricultural & Garden Machinery Association
Peter Heming BAGMA President peter@heming-engineering.co.uk 07831 585476
Nick Darking BAGMA General Manager 07512 327109
Richard Jenkins BAGMA Business Development Manager 07432 290605
Kari Hearn BAGMA Training and Administration Manager 07874 876999
I’ve always said that I’d like part of my legacy as BAGMA President to be about connecting with the next generation - young people are vital to secure the future of our industry. I was therefore delighted to join Nick at Moreton Morrell landbased college in Warwickshire a few weeks back, to speak with students about career opportunities within the industry. Following this, we’ve had fantastic feedback and further invitations from other colleges which we are delighted to accept. We very much look forward to speaking to more apprentices in the not-too-distant future.
A big thank you also to AGCO for hosting our recent BAGMA Connect event. It was great to see new faces and hear lots of positive networking taking place.
Wishing you all a successful spring and summer ahead. I hope to see many of you at upcoming shows, please stop by the BAGMA or Heming Engineering stands to say hello. You are always welcome!
Hannah Desborough BAGMA Administrator 07842 431468
For all advertising and media enquiries please email: admin@bagma.com
BAGMA Samuelson House 62 Forder Way Hampton Peterborough PE7 8JB 01295 713344
Editorial & Production Pan Publicity Ltd 01493 440047
bagma@panpublicity.co.uk www.panpublicity.co.uk
50
2
BAGMA News
New members. BAGMA signs the Armed Forces Covenant and launches new Jobs Hub.
8
6 Going paperless, the solution for BAGMA members
Apprenticeship Focus
David Kirschner gives advice on delivering a successful apprenticeship. Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2025.
9
Feedback from members who are already implementing the ‘Paperless Solution’.
Expert’s
View
The rise of rental - A new opportunity for retailers with Renticy and How to build a sustainable business with Novuna Business Finance.
Member Profile BAGMA meets with Charlies Group, discussing the strengths
16
18 Out & About
Cereals 2025 returns to popular host farm. ScotsTurf 2025 review and AEA Conference.
Industry News
ISEKI UK & Ireland win Excellent Business Growth Award. Ancroft Tractors celebrate. KUHN launches new series of Espro drills. Etesia Hydro 100 at The Retreats Group. Wildwood Machinery expand with Wessex.
20
Connecting
With
Mike Cullen, Director of MPC Land-based Limited.
BULLETIN BOARD
WHAT A LINE UP!
These 10 New Holland T6.180 Dynamic Tractors complete with MX weight blocks and a range of added safety features were recently installed by BAGMA members B&B Tractors to Forth Ports Scotland. Joined by 13 new Marshall QM1400 trailers, the purchase gives Forth Ports their own specialist haulage equipment to support the large tonnage of bulk cargos the ports handle each year.
TNS 150TH ANNIVERSARY
Suffolk based Thurlow Nunn Group are celebrating their 150th anniversary later this year.
To mark the occasion, they are looking to raise £150k for Dementia UK after James Thurlow, Chairman of the TNS Group, lost his father to the illness last year. You can join Thurlow Nunn Group in raising funds to support those impacted by dementia by visiting their JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ thurlownunngroup150
UK AGRICULTURAL TRACTOR REGISTRATIONS - FEBRUARY 2025
Month: 300 Units -37.1% change (compared with February 2024) Year to Date: 762 Units -20.0% change (compared with January-February 2024)
BAGMA welcomes Baroness and SANY UK as new members
Just a few months into the new year
BAGMA are delighted to welcome two new members to the association. Signifying continued growth and reaffirming the importance of BAGMA’s role, Baroness UK and SANY UK &
success, ensuring that Baroness’ dealers are well equipped to deliver exceptional products and customer service.
Together with BAGMA, we continue to strengthen our network with training in order to uphold the highest standards of excellence in the industry. Supporting BAGMA is supporting our dealers!”
Ireland have both joined with the aim to support their respective dealers within the groundcare, agricultural and garden machinery industry.
Baroness have been producing grass cutting machinery in Japan for over 65 years, and have established a leading portfolio of pedestrian, fairway and rough mowers alongside a range of maintenance machinery for golf and sports turf. The UK division has been operating for over 30 years, and under the Baroness UK name since 2007.
“Baroness are committed to providing our dealers with the highest level of support, ensuring they have the tools, resources and expertise needed to thrive in our everevolving industry” comments Baroness UK Director Adam Butler.
Also joining are SANY UK & Ireland. The latest addition to a global network of dealers, SANY are one of the world’s most dynamic and technologicallyadvanced producers of heavy machinery. With a growing international presence, including manufacturing and R&D facilities in the US, Brazil, India and Germany, SANY’s powerful machines are driving construction projects across the globe.
On joining BAGMA, Business Development Director for SANY UK & Ireland Leigh Harris says, “SANY’s reputation for producing robust and dependable machinery aligns perfectly with BAGMA’s commitment to supporting dealers with quality solutions.
“Becoming a member of BAGMA is another significant step toward reinforcing this commitment, giving us and our dealer network valuable benefits including industry insights, technical training and business support services tailored to the needs of agricultural and turf care professionals.”
He continues, “This partnership underscores our dedication to dealer
Together, we aim to empower the UK’s agricultural and landscaping sectors with reliable, high performing equipment that meets the needs of professionals in these fields. Through this partnership, Sany UK will work closely with BAGMA and its dealer network, contributing to training, resource sharing and the development of initiatives that drive value for the industry.”
BAGMA signs the Armed Forces Covenant
BAGMA were pleased to be able to spend the day at the National Transition Event (NTE) last month – hosted at Silverstone Conference Centre & Circuit. While at the event BAGMA, alongside The AEA and IAgrE, received the Armed Forces Covenant showcasing our commitment to promoting the viable skills transfer and career opportunities for armed forces personnel within the land-based engineering sector.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a commitment to acknowledge and understand those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces. It ensures
that the Armed Forces Community should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens when it comes to seeking employment and that consideration will be shown to those who may have been injured whilst serving.
NTE, the UK’s largest Armed Forces community event, offers a unique opportunity for the Armed Forces community to connect with companies who value their skills and experiences. The event is not a traditional employment fair; it’s a chance for meaningful engagement with businesses that understand the transition from military to civilian life. At the 2025 event, 12 companies across the land-based sector signed and received the Covenant from Commander Chris Chew RN.
BAGMA General Manager Nick Darking commented, “We are pleased to be playing our part in supporting services personnel and encouraging them into the sector. They have a wealth of talents and transferrable skills applicable to the landbased sector – a diesel engine is a diesel
Would you like to become an ISEKI dealer?
The unbeatable ISEKI SXG range of mowers enable cutting and collecting in the wet without clogging up, ideal for the homeowner requiring the next step up in garden maintenance machinery. For the homeowners who require a subcompact tractor the TXGS24 is the most versatile and powerful tractor on the market.
ISEKI compact tractors and mowers are designed and manufactured in Japan with over 100 years experience for quality that lasts.
Contact us and apply to be an ISEKI dealer today, visit www.iseki.co.uk or call 01473 599266.
engine, whether that’s in an army vehicle or a tractor. We are incredibly excited to showcase the opportunities available in the industry and look forward to working closely with our fellow associations at events like these in the future.”
QUALITY DIESEL MOWER OFFERING
s Pictured left to right - Richard Jenkins (BAGMA), Charlie Nicklin (IAgrE), Commander Chris Chew RN, Mark Earles (AEA President)
by Nick Darking BAGMA General Manager
Making the most of your membership
While we are only a few months into 2025, I think its fair to say the start of the year has been ‘tentative’ for many. We are all eagerly anticipating the return of the big yellow thing in the sky which will hopefully bring with it some optimism and new growth – in all senses of the word.
Last year BAGMA welcomed a record number of new members, so now I’d like to ask you all to consider if you’re making the most out of your membership? We are proud to work with a large number of service providers, each providing products and services tailored to the needs of the agricultural, groundcare and garden machinery industries and many with exclusive or reduced prices for BAGMA members.
One example is Utility Options, who have recently launched a bespoke promotion giving BAGMA members up to 50% off the set up and installation of VoIP – something all businesses need to be considering before the ISDN switch off at the end of 2026.
Some BAGMA services cost nothing at all
to take advantage of, such as our Connect meetings. I know those who attended our most recent event at AGCO all took away fresh ideas from our line up of speakers and, importantly, enjoyed the opportunity to network with those from other dealerships. A big thank you to everyone who came along and, if you missed it, check out our website and socials to see future dates.
We are also asking for your help, in return, with research which will help to shape initiatives and the information we seek to support you in the future. We recently issued a survey on mower sales which we would love your feedback on, and we’ll likely be focussing on other topics as the year progresses so keep an eye on your inboxes –we really appreciate it.
You’ll be able read some of the highlights from National Apprenticeship Week and will now see, on a similar theme, the launch of a new recruitment section on the BAGMA website – all part of our joint mission to support a prosperous future for our industry. Wishing you a positive, productive and prosperous few months ahead.
BAGMA launches new Jobs Hub
Recognising that recruitment is one of the major challenges facing our industry, we are pleased to announce the launch of the new ‘Jobs Hub’ section on the BAGMA website. Open to members, non-members, manufacturers and everyone in between, this resource is designed to showcase available opportunities at all levels – included is a dedicated section to advertise apprenticeship positions at a discounted rate.
The page has been designed with costeffectiveness in mind, promoting industry positions in the right way, at the right price and in the right place to reach the right people. With thousands of website views per month and additional exposure via social media, BAGMA are confident the page will become the go-to for those seeking a new venture or looking to take their next steps in the sector.
BAGMA are also looking to create a directory of dealerships who offer T Level placements – to provide free and easilyaccessible information for students looking to obtain experience in the sector. If this is you, please let us know so we can add your
details to the list free of charge.
“The idea of the jobs page is not to simply move people from place to place” comments BAGMA General Manager, Nick Darking. “We can use our wider reach to attract people from other linked industries, as well as give those who are looking to advance their careers the opportunity to do so. Via initiatives such as We Are Landbased Engineering, we can highlight all of the openings available to college leavers, making it as easy as possible to bring new talent into the industry.”
If you have a vacancy you’d like to list with BAGMA, please contact: admin@bagma.com
Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned professional, we want to showcase the best talent in land-based engineering! From turf and agriculture to forestry and beyond, we’re here to highlight your achievements.
Nominate yourself or someone else!
Are you a college lecturer with outstanding students? A mentor or manager who recognizes exceptional talent? Know someone who has overcome challenges and is determined to succeed? We want to hear from you!
Discover how to enter by scanning the QR code or visiting www.wearelandbased.engineering/competition
Entries close on 30th May, 2025
by David Kirschner Independent Consultant to the Land-based Engineering Sector
So, you’ve employed an apprentice?
Congratulations you have invested wisely in the future of your business, safeguarded continuity of customer service and can now look forward to a return on your investment.
All those responsible for managing, mentoring and developing apprentices are required to have read the apprenticeship standards and related assessment documentation.
Mentorship, communication, revision of performance to identify and challenging any issues is the key to success.
Unfortunately, there is a popular misconception that all you need to do is send your apprentice off to college or a training provider to transform them into a ‘fit for purpose’ technician.
If you believe this, expect to fail! Successful apprenticeship delivery relies upon a tri-partite contract between the apprentice, the employer and the training provider. Each party to the contract being a customer of one another and as such having expectations and responsibilities to be met. Irrespective of whether the apprentice is enrolled on a ‘manufacturers’ apprenticeship scheme or an independent college scheme the responsibilities are the same.
It is important to fully grasp that all apprenticeships are delivered to an industry compiled apprenticeship standard that has been rigorously scrutinised and approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Further Education (IFATE). The contents of these standards are the blueprint for the knowledge, skills and behaviours that your apprentice will learn and be assessed on at the end of the apprenticeship.
In the case of land-based engineering sector there are two apprenticeship standards designated;
ST0242 Level 2 Land-based Service Engineer and ST0243 level 3 Land-based Service Technician.
These documents are in the public domain and can be accessed and downloaded.
Why you might ask? The answer is simple! The apprentice spends 20% of their apprenticeship undergoing ‘off the job training’ with the college / training provider, the remaining 80% of the apprentice’s development is provided by the employer.
The mentorship, the progress reviews with both the apprentice and the training provider, the planning of workplace practical experience to bolster the theoretical learning provided by training provider are all the responsibility of the employer.
Success or failure of the apprenticeship rests on the shoulders all of those within the apprenticeship contract. Mentorship, communication, revision of performance to identify and challenging any issues is the key to success.
If you have not read the apprenticeship standards and assessment documents outlining the learning journey and each party’s role and responsibilities, you cannot begin to manage the successful outcome of the apprenticeship.
To put this in perspective would you deliver a new or second-hand machine without an Operator’s Book? I thought not so why would delivering an apprenticeship be any different?
Enjoy the read it will be enlightening and serve you well in the development of your staff and business.
Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2025
The BAGMA team were delighted to see lots of encouraging stories shared on social media this National Apprenticeship Week, which ran from the 10th to the 16th February. Together with highlighting a number of outstanding achievements within the depots of BAGMA members, we also reached out directly to some past and present apprentices to find out more about their education and workplace journeys.
We’ve picked out just a few of their comments, but were spoilt for choice with those who have excelled in creating a career in the land-based sector. Together
with our friends at We Are Land-based Engineering, we always love to hear your experiences so if you have your own story to tell, get in touch.
Shannon Howe, Agricultural Engineer Hamblys, Honilton
I think an apprenticeship has got me to where I am today not just in terms of career position but also skill-wise. I was trained by the most talented team and the apprenticeship put me in various situations so I could learn how to do different things –some which being in a classroom can’t teach you. It’s been very rewarding going through the apprenticeship and continuing to work for the most amazing dealership.
James Hood, Area After Sales Manager at Manitou UK
In my apprenticeship with GA Groundcare I’m gaining hands-on experience within the arboricultural industry. Alongside this, I’m enrolled at Lackham College, studying land-based service engineering and recently completed Level 2 with distinction!
I feel that the apprenticeship, learning both at college and within the workplace, will positively impact my future. I am gaining real world skills and academic qualifications at the same time. If anyone was considering an apprenticeship, I would say it is one of the best ways to positively shape their future.
I could not recommend a land-based engineering apprenticeship enough to anyone wishing to work in groundcare, construction, forestry or agriculture. It has led me onto paths I never even considered, within my professional career and in my life outside of work. I have competed in all sorts of events from vintage ploughing matches, to gravel and tarmac rallying, to working on race winning bikes at national and international motorcycle races such as the British Superbike Championship and Isle of Man TT. It proves that the skill set you will learn in this industry can be applied in a whole manner of places!
While National Apprenticeship Week might be over, there’s still the chance to celebrate outstanding achievements with the return of the “Land-Based Engineering Technician of the Year Competition”.
Now into its 6th year, and run by We Are Land-based Engineering, nominations are now open – with the chance to win some amazing toolbased prizes from Kubota, Makita and more!
Visit https://wearelandbased. engineering/competition/ for more information.
Ben Hunt, Apprentice at GA Groundcare Ltd
James Hood
Ben Hunt
Shannon Howe
“Your data is kept safe and secure on the cloud - stored, encrypted and backed up in the UK for GDPR compliance.”
Going paperlessthe solution for BAGMA members
In September, we launched the revolutionary new digital solution for recording machinery installations. In conjunction with the UK’s leading paperless experts Culverdocs, BAGMA developed a brand new platform to give dealerships across the country the opportunity to streamline their processes and record all important paperwork in a new way.
While we firmly believed it was
What are the subscription options?
something the industry so desperately needed, we have been delighted by the uptake. Six months on, we’re pleased to share more information for those interested in bringing new-found efficiency to their operation. Along with answers to some of the commonly asked questions, we bring feedback from some of our members who are already implementing the ‘Paperless Solution’ within their businesses.
There’re two main subscription options to choose from. If companies wish to digitally record just their machinery installation forms this can be done for £5.00+VAT per user per month. Alternatively, there’s the option to digitise all of your business forms including on/off hire, risk assessments and more with BAGMA’s Unlimited paperless package for £20.00+VAT per user per month.
Can we create our own forms with specific questions and photo options?
Yes. With the Unlimited option, all forms are full customisable. You can drag and drop different field types and options from a list to tailor the form to your specific needs.
Can we personalise the forms with our own company logo and branding? Yes, all accounts on the Unlimited package have full customisation including branding colours, logos and output templates to match your business reports. Can the app make sure the user has completed all the required information?
Yes, fields can be set to mandatory so they must be completed and will alert the user if they have accidentally missed any information.
Can you create a lead capture form?
Yes! We think this is a great form and especially useful for those attending trade shows and demonstrations. You can even generate a QR code.
Can I upload a list of machines or customers for lookups in the app?
Yes, a list allows you to upload any type of information such as Wholegoods to speed up form entry and improve accuracy.
Is the app compatible with IBCOS GOLD?
Yes, Culverdocs can import data from your ODBC reports/spreadsheets and send reports back to your Docstore.
Can you integrate with other systems such as our ERP or CRM?
Every system is different, but our team will work with you to find the best solution. Contact us to discuss your specific integration needs.
You say ‘unlimited’ but is there a limit on how many forms we can have on our account?
No we don’t enforce any restrictions on number of forms, some accounts have hundreds of form templates!
We use Job Packs for Deliveries and Service tasks, do the users need to complete all the information?
No they don’t, an administrator can pre-populate the forms and send them to the specific user, enabling them to simply complete the outstanding information, for example, to a delivery driver to obtain a signature.
Is my data secure?
Yes, your data is kept safe and secure on the cloud - stored, encrypted and backed up in the UK for GDPR compliance.
Can I use a desktop/PC version?
Yes, our Web App allows desktop access and provides seamless switching between mobile and desktop. This allows users to start and complete forms between site visits and the comfort of the office.
Does the app work offline?
Yes, you can use the mobile app from anywhere, even without signal and it will automatically upload your forms as soon as you have reconnected.
Can I send reports to our customers?
Workflows can be configured to email your reports anywhere, and can be setup to dynamically distribute based on the data inside the form such as the selected customer, employee or depot.
Can the app capture GPS locations?
Yes, you can enable GPS Tracking on any form which will automatically log the user’s location when they start the form, or add high-accuracy on-demand GPS tracking for assets in the field.
Can the app provide automatic calculations?
Yes, great for forms such as sales orders or expense forms, the app can automatically calculate line values and VAT for you.
Can I restrict access to certain forms for specific users?
Yes, administrators can control form access by assigning permissions to specific users, ensuring that they can access and complete certain forms.
Do you offer training?
The unlimited package includes a free trial with onboarding support to get you up and running, with unlimited training for all administrators to help you maximise the value of Culverdocs.
We’re excited to announce another webinar where you can ask questions and watch live demonstrations. Join us on Thursday 15th May for an hour to learn more how Culverdocs can support your business.
Reserve your space here
What our members say...
The feedback from our sales team has been nothing but positive, and from an administration side we are seeing greater accuracy and simplified workflows. It also provides peace of mind that we have a good solid process in place to obtain full accountability with every installation.
Once the platform is fully rolled out, we’ll have more than 50 users and be processing thousands of forms, with ease, every year.”
Emma Summer, CRM Sales Co-ordinator, Mason Kings
“As our business expands so does the technology available to us. We have always wanted to go down the electronic route for our forms, but never found the right source until we took a look at Culverdocs.
that their completion wasn’t always executed in a timely and accurate manner. As soon as we learned about the Culverdocs platform via BAMGA, you could see the potential this had to not only drive efficiency but streamline all aspects of our operation.
From the start, the process has been simple and the Technical Team at Culverdocs could not have been more helpful. The simplicity of construction means we’re already up to 17 forms and counting - we’re yet to find anything we can’t digitise!
We had our initial meeting, then I undertook the full induction training as I was leading our journey into electronic documentation. The aim was for our employees to be able to access and process all the required paperwork with ease.
While at first it seems daunting, we constructed all of our forms easily with the support of the Culverdocs team – the helpdesk support is very quick, meaning you are never at a standstill for long.
We have now been using Culverdocs for six months and, as a business, it’s been a great move for us. The staff are impressed with the simplicity of completing the forms. We are continuing to make tweaks to suit our business, and the Culverdocs team have been fantastic at suggesting new ideas to support these developments and further streamline our experience.”
by James Bradley Renticy
The rise of rental. A new opportunity for retailers
More than ever, customers are choosing to rent rather than buy. Whether it’s to save money, reduce waste, or access high-value products without the upfront cost, rental is becoming a preferred option across multiple industries. James Bradley, Commercial Director for Renticy explores the benefits and offers some tips on how to implement rental effectively in your business.
Rental services provide a powerful way to transform returns into recurring revenue. Instead of heavily discounting items that can’t be sold as new, you can rent them out and generate continuous income from a single stock unit and turn previously less profitable items into valuable assets.
only enhances your brand’s reputation and helps you to stand out from the crowd, it also aligns with the growing consumer preference for environmentally responsible businesses.
However, setting up a rental service from scratch can feel complex. That’s where the Renticy platform comes in, allowing retailers to start offering rental services quickly, easily, and risk-free, and handling all stages of the process, from seamless booking management to built-in protection against damage and non-returns.
“By retaining ownership of your products, you can repeatedly unlock their value through multiple rental cycles.”
By retaining ownership of your products, you can repeatedly unlock their value through multiple rental cycles. After serving as rental items, these products can still be sold through traditional sales channels, further enhancing your profitability.
Rental can attract customers who might like to explore and test products they may eventually decide to purchase, or who may otherwise opt for lowerquality items due to cost constraints. By offering high-quality products for rent, you open up your inventory to a broader customer base, including those who are price-sensitive but value quality.
Offering rental services also ties into broader sustainability goals. By encouraging the reuse of products, you contribute to reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. This not
If you’ve decided that rental could be a potential new revenue stream for you, how do you convert that theory into effective practice? Firstly, consider which products your customers will want to rent and why. Also consider which products can be used as showcases or to drive in ‘buy-now’ type sales after the rental has completed. Could you consider bundling a set of products together on rental to allow a customer to easily experience your offering? Finally, look into the future and start to save returns or B-grade stock to offer on rental when you launch.
The best way to ensure you hit the ground running with rental is tell your existing customer base that it’s coming! Use all the channels you have available including in-store, social media, your website and a customer email list if you have one.
If rental is something you’ve considered - or even if it’s completely new to you - now is the perfect time to explore it. Find out more, and get in touch.
www.renticy.com/bagma
How to build a sustainable business
Sustainability is no longer a distant ideal for businesses - it’s a pressing priority and a transformative opportunity. Research conducted by Novuna Business Finance showed that 8 in 10 small businesses are placing a stronger focus on sustainability for 2025.
Incorporating sustainability into your long term vision will help to innovate your strategy and direct your business to a brighter future. It can even help improve your bottom line.
Utilising environmental grants, reliefs and schemes
Alongside the UK government’s sustainability plan, business owners could expect to make financial savings as they take advantage of environmental taxes, reliefs and schemes for businesses. Depending on the type and size of your business, you may be eligible for different payments and savings allowing you to perform in a more sustainable way.
Funding sustainable technologies in your business
Across industries, sustainable technologies are revolutionising the way that businesses operate and enabling positive change to occur quicker and more efficiently than ever before. Technologies, such as electric vehicle charge points, heat pumps and solar panels aim to reduce environmental and ecological risks while creating sustainable products.
Novuna Business Finance is dedicated to assisting companies in addressing environmental and sustainable challenges in order to contribute to the creation of a better future. Our straightforward funding solutions have been created to accommodate a company’s sustainability requirements through Asset Finance.
Growing your business with Asset Finance
Asset Finance presents an easy way to spread the cost of new business asset purchases without tying up capital and disrupting cash flow. It is an alternative funding option to an overdraft facility or loan and can be used by any business, big or small.
If eligible, Asset Finance could provide you with the ability to replace existing equipment or invest in new assets to futureproof your business and boost your sustainable credentials.
Find out more about Asset Finance here
Cultivators, Candles and Cable TiesCharlies has it covered!
For those readers who don’t know about you, give us an overview of Charlies Group and the various operations under that banner.
Becky: Charlies was founded in 1986 when Chris Lloyd, my father, purchased an army surplus store, which spanned two stores at the time. The aim, initially, was to hit a turnover of £200,000 which would support us as a family. He pretty quickly moved away from army surplus and into country store products. He’d buy things at obscure times such as garden furniture in the winter to get low prices! It grew from there and Charlies quickly became known for clothing, gardening, footwear, tools and machinery. These still make up the core categories in the retail arm of our business.
Charlies Holdings, the parent company, is divided into two. One side is the retail, which is comprised of 8 physical stores covering mid Wales, and an e-commerce site which serves the country. The other side of the business is Charlies Ag & Turf which covers our main Agricultural and Groundcare dealerships and workshop.
We’ve never opted for fast expansion, instead focusing on slow and steady
Founded in 1986, Charlies Group employ over 400 people to serve customers across Mid Wales from 8 stores - and service the needs of those nationwide from an ever-expanding e-commerce platform. Here, Becky Lloyd (Managing Director), Ross Holloway (Dealer Principle) and Matt Lewis (Turf Sales Manager) discuss the company’s family-run roots and customer-centred approach which has contributed to steady but substantial growth.
growth to make sure projects are successful and on their feet before we go again.
Becky, you’re the second generation of the founding family. How did you personally become involved and are there other family members working within the business?
Becky: My stepbrother Ross and I took very different journeys into the business. I went the academic route – studying for my A Levels then going on to do a Business degree at Bath University. After a few different placements, I went on the graduate scheme with Unilever, and progressed to the role of Brand Manager for Persil. It taught me a lot, but I began to realise I had more of an entrepreneurial spirit and wanted to work somewhere where I could muck in and get to the end of the day feeling like I had made a difference. I joined Charlies twelve years ago and worked in a few different functions, gradually taking on greater responsibility as my father increasingly stepped back.
Ross: I became involved in 2001, initially self-employed doing general maintenance around the site which I did alongside
working on the family farm. I would spend a lot of time helping the guys out in the warehouses we had dotted about the country until the country store opened in 2005, when I took charge of looking after goods in and goods out. Following this I moved into more of a sales and buying role, doing a lot of the agricultural buying for the business and getting more involved in selling equipment and supporting those I had got to know well in the agricultural and local farming community.
Becky: Chris never put pressure on either of us to be in the business, but it felt like a good opportunity and everyone has been really supportive. It isn’t always the easiest being the next generation, you have to work hard to prove your position. Chris remains involved in an advisory role, while I primarily run the retail side and Ross looks after ag and turf.
It appears that the ‘family-run’ and friendly culture is one of your key strengths. Do you believe this is something valued by your customers and more widely within the team?
Ross: For me, I grew up within the young farmers community and am very
much still involved in that side of the business, selling my cattle at the local markets. People know us and know that I – and more broadly Charlies – understand the problems and challenges of running a farming enterprise. We have become a core part of that community which is a huge strength.
Becky: It’s incredibly important to us. The family remains visible as leaders of the business and people have got to know us personally which is a big element of building trust and relationships across all areas of the business.
Working for a family business certainly brings a different culture, a faster pace and far less bureaucracy. We really believe in giving staff full autonomy which makes Charlies a really fun place to work if you want to come on the journey with us.
Personally I am 110% committed to the business and get the highest of highs and, of course, the lowest of lows. Covid was an extremely stressful period and, when it’s a family business, everything is heightened because it’s personal. We’re proud of everything that’s been achieved not just by the family but the entire team. One area of significant growth has been your e-commerce business. How did you achieve that growth and how important do you consider this asset to be in the future?
Becky: E-commerce has become a core pillar of the business and that’s not set to change. We all shop on our phones or online which became especially apparent during COVID, where we saw that side of the business quadruple in turnover within just a few months. Fortunately, two years previous, we had moved into the new distribution centre which meant we had the capacity to cope with the extra demand. Charlies had the system and team in place, but it was still frantic
others boomed and then retracted.
Our plans are to keep investing whether that’s with AI, local or Google advertising. The scope it offers means that 90% of our orders are delivered outside of a 50 mile radius of our stores. It opens us up to different areas, different trends and of course new customers.
Together with Charlies Stores and the e-commerce side, another major factor in your growth has been your relationship with John Deere. How did that begin and how has the partnership evolved over the years?
Ross: Our partnership with John Deere began in 2005 when we were awarded the John Deere Homeowner range, quickly followed by the professional Turfcare account in 2008. Off the back of strong performance with these products, we were awarded the full agricultural range in 2022. This broke the mould on the typical model which normally begins with ag and turf follows.
We had demonstrated our ability to do a good job, and John Deere could see our position within the local community so we weren’t having to start from scratch. Taking this on in 2022 was the best and the worst time! We jumped into a volatile market, with no expectations, but we’ve seen steady growth year after year across the entire portfolio, where others in the industry are otherwise in decline.
– with mechanics on the tools during the day, then packing orders until 11’oclock at night! It was at this point we really prioritised doing a ‘good job’. We got to a 5-star rating on Trustpilot, which we still maintain, with lots of our products being the top rated across the country. We were able to maintain that quality customer service ethos even amongst the chaos which we believe has contributed to the continued success of our offering, where
Matt: It was a mature decision on John Deere’s part to look at a geographically challenged area and place the confidence in us to push forward with the agricultural range. I think this mutual confidence has contributed to a fantastic working relationship. They’re great at listening to us and the feedback from the market. We’ll speak to customers three days, three weeks and three months after every delivery and feed back anything that comes from this to John Deere. We know that a product is only as good as the aftersales support –selling the first machine is easy, selling the next one is the key. In John Deere, we have a partner who shares that approach ensuring we have the right support and right products to suit the market. What is the current split between agriculture, turf and stores in terms of customers? Do you see much crossover?
Becky: Our current business split is 20% e-commerce, 20% ag and turf and 60% from Charlies stores.
Matt: Within agricultural & turf we see a lot of crossover where traditional agricultural customers also have a secondary businesses or sidelines into maybe leisure, glamping sites etc. Grass needs mowing no matter its location at the end of the day! We pride ourselves on being a one-stop-shop for people, no matter their requirements. Our customers know they can rely on us to get their new tractor and also pick up a packet of cable ties or a Yankee Candle for someone’s birthday at the same time! If they need something we don’t currently offer, we will find it. This goes a long way in retaining loyalty.
Besides John Deere, what other franchises have been key additions to your portfolio?
Matt: We have a number of secondary franchises that are incredibly important to us. Redexim have a fantastic portfolio for our professional turf care customers. We also recently gained the Trimax franchise which opens up another side of the business with local authority tenders. Greentech and TruTurf are also great for our professional sports turf customers, together with Grillo Garden Machinery, with Charlies being one of the biggest Grillo dealers in the country. In terms of agriculture, we also carry Ktwo trailers, NC Engineering, Marshall and Pottinger to name but a few.
Any franchise that comes on board under the Charlies umbrella, has to be able to offer good parts supply, good knowledge and good support. Because of our position we are not afraid to let certain franchises go if they don’t fit with that model. While that’s not an easy decision, ultimately it’s Charlies’ reputation and name above the door.
“The customer focused approach was something I experienced and was passionate about in shaping my own approach.”
Matt, you were a customer of Charlies prior to joining as Turf Area Sales Manager in 2019 and then moving up to Turf Sales Manager in 2023. How do you think this helps and is this a common way for you to attract new members of staff?
Matt: I had always bought John Deere equipment and had a lot of faith in Charlies as a customer. The customer focused approach was something I experienced and was passionate about in shaping my own approach - I didn’t want to be a rep that people quickly turn off the lights on when they see you’re coming down the road!
Harry Jones had the same journey, moving through a career in greenkeeping and becoming General Manager at a golf course before we snapped him up! He’s got a good business head on him and great people skills which in the current
climate, can make the difference when everyone is so competitive on price.
It probably isn’t the best business model to keep employing our customers but it definitely says a lot about Charlies as a company, being one that people want to work for. We will be a team of three from the start of April, all ex-greenkeepers, which makes us very well placed to continue driving the business forward.
There’s a lot of trepidation generally in the market about trading conditions and wider economical issues. Do you see and share these concerns or is it all systems go as it seems?!
Ross: The last two years, with weather conditions and government changes have been extremely tricky. Trade in second hand equipment has become hard going, leading us to find our own markets to resell used machinery.
As such a diverse business, we are
▼ Charlies’ Group support all those embarking on a career in servicing via the John Deere apprenticeship programme.
relatively secure and positive and have committed to investing in the business and expanding in both our equipment and our premises. We have just appointed contractors to build a new purpose-built workshop and showroom in order to accommodate the ag business which should be ready by the end of 2025. Our previous workshop was only built 18 months ago and we have already outgrown it - I think that goes to show we are still all systems go!
Thank you for being BAGMA members. What is the significance of this for you?
Matt: Charlies have been a BAGMA member for quite some years, long before I came on board. With so much happening all the time, we haven’t fully capitalised on all of the opportunities available via our BAGMA membership. Between myself and Ross, we are keen to change that and make sure our customers receive the correct handover and installation experience which we’ll do with BAGMA training. Our plan is to get all staff trained across the board, from sales staff through to demonstration coordinators, to consolidate and build on our knowledge. The paperless app that BAGMA recently launched with Culverdocs also looks interesting and is something we will certainly be looking at to streamline workflows and bring greater accuracy
to our admin tasks. It’s difficult to get everything right but if you can make it as quick and easy as possible, then you’re on the right track. In our industry, BAGMA is incredibly well recognised so we feel well supported with them behind us.
s Matt Lewis and Harry Jones
Cereals 2025 returns to popular host farm
This year the Cereals Event is returning to a popular Lincolnshire location after a 17-year hiatus - and early bird tickets are now on sale.
Andrew Ward MBE will welcome visitors to Heath Farm on 11-12 June,
Jeremy Clarkson is set to host the Cereals Event next year at Diddly Squat Farm, an exciting new site and collaboration for 2026.
Over two days, 10-11 June 2026, Cereals at Diddly Squat Farm will deliver a technical, progressive arable event, while further raising the profile of British farming, says event director Alli McEntyre.
“Hosting Cereals at the high-profile farm under the auspices of host farmer, Jeremy Clarkson, will help to draw attention to the ongoing issues that arable farmers and the wider UK farming industry are facing.”
with the 52-ha site showcasing the latest developments in arable agronomy, machinery, technology, and business advice; from over 400 exhibitors, 200+ live demonstrations, two days of seminar programmes, and several hundred individual crop plots on display.
New for 2025, and leading the regenerative agriculture conversation, the BASE-UK Regen Conference area - themed ‘Robust farming in a changing climate’ - will feed farmers’ growing appetite for more knowledge, demonstration, and experience. A series of seminars and open-floor Q&A sessions will be shaped by the expertise and experiences of some of the leading regen farming and advisory voices - exploring how regen ag can fit and affect farm businesses of today and tomorrow.
Building on resilience and the future of the arable sector, the new Young Farmers Spotlight will welcome the next generation to a multi-session day. In partnership with the National Federation of Young Farmers, and the regional Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Clubs, the Michelmores-sponsored programme will host a breakfast, before the day opens to talks focused on key innovations that will shape the future and influence careers and progression. The sessions will be rounded off with a friendly networking event – the perfect opportunity to meet new friends and contacts.
Diddly Squat Farm to host Cereals 2026
Fresh talent will also be found in the agronomy zone where budding agronomists will be put through their paces in the new Ceres Rural Crop Challenge. The long-standing and popular Syngenta Sprays and Sprayers Arena will benefit from a new format for 2025 - providing even more opportunity to demonstrators and visitors alike to dig into the detail of cutting-edge spraying machinery and technologies.
New features will be available alongside returning favourites including the Cereals’ agronomy zone - with over 600 individual crop plots from 25 leading exhibitors - will display a diverse range of crops, agronomy simulations, agri-environment options, and demonstrations of cropfocused innovation.
Early visitor numbers are up 25% proving that Cereals exhibitors and features provide a wealth of practical and technical expertise, says event director, Alli McEntyre. “Every year we learn more about what Cereals visitors want. This year’s line-up reflects all that feedbackwe are absolutely committed to making the event even better every year.”
To register for tickets and find out more visit: www.cerealsevent.co.uk
Young Farmers Club members will be offered free entry with a discount code that can be acquired through their respective clubs.
Successful ScotsTurf!
ScotsTurf returned for its third year on Wednesday 5th March at Hamilton Park Racecourse.
BAGMA’s Business Development Manager Richard Jenkins attended alongside BAGMA’s Scottish Council member Brian Sangster. Despite wet and blustery weather, attendance was steady and car parks filled up early.
The show had grown significantly from 2024, with over 75 trade stands showcasing equipment both outdoors and indoors for the first time. Attendees also had the chance to enjoy a range of seminars, demonstrations and networking opportunities.
We caught up with a number of BAGMA members exhibiting at the show including Double A, Bryson Tractors, Fraser Robb’s and Campey Turf Care Systems. In speaking with Guy and Richard from Overtons, they commented on the ease of set up, the number of quality leads and the 2:30pm finish time which gave them the ability to pack down and travel home the same day.
The goal of ScotsTurf is to support the grounds community and facilitate networking and, based on achieving that, looks set to become a firm fixture in the annual events calendar. www.scotsturfshow.com
AEA Conference
The annual AEA AGM, Conference and Luncheon returns to One Great George Street, London on Tuesday 1st April 2025.
Under the theme of ‘Adapting to Political Change’ attendees are set to be treated to a number of insightful keynote speakers –addressing key industry trends and wider economical viewpoints.
Scheduled to speak during the morning conference are:
• Baroness (Minette) Batters, Former President of the NFU
• Paul Johnson CBE, Director, Institute for Fiscal Studies
• Paul Smit, Philosopher
The after lunch speaker will be Rugby Union referee Nigel Owens MBE
If you would like further information on attending or sponsoring the event, please visit: aea.uk.com/conference or contact: events@aea.uk.com
GroundsFest 2025 - expansion continues
Following an outstanding 2024 event, GroundsFest 2025 is set to be even bigger, with significant growth in exhibitor numbers, stand space, and industry influence. The event’s rapid expansion highlights its position as the largest event for the grounds management and landscaping industries. GroundsFest returns to Stoneleigh Park on 9-10th September. www.groundsfest.com
ISEKI UK & Ireland win ‘Excellent Business Growth Award’
ISEKI UK & Ireland won the ‘Excellent Business Growth Award’ at the ISEKI Awards Convention after more than doubling sales in the last seven years.
Presented by the President of ISEKI, Mr Tomiyasu and General Manager for International Business, Kazuya Tani, the award recognised the outstanding work done by the entire ISEKI UK & Ireland team, whose work has seen them gain the most growth and market share of any country in the world.
Managing Director of ISEKI UK & Ireland
David Withers, who was joined by Sales Director Alan Prickett and Commercial Manager Graham Hooper, accepted the award at the ceremony hosted in Japan and was delighted to receive the recognition.
Ancroft Tractors celebrates 30 Years as a Merlo dealer
North-East-based agricultural machinery specialists, Ancroft Tractors Ltd, recently marked a significant milestone - 30 years as a Merlo dealer. The achievement was celebrated with a long service award presented to Managing Director, Tom Brown, at LAMMA Show.
Founded in 1979, Ancroft Tractors is a family-run business with a proud tradition of serving the agricultural community.
With head office in Berwick-upon-Tweed, along with a depot selling and servicing
Merlo equipment in Kelso, Ancroft Tractors ensure comprehensive coverage across Northumberland, the Scottish Borders, and Mid/East Lothian. Specialising in new and second-hand machinery sales and service, the company has built a solid reputation for reliability and customer service.
“It is a great honour to receive the ‘Excellent Business Growth’ award. It’s a fantastic recognition of our entire team’s hard work, dedication, and passion over the past seven years,” David said.
“To have more than doubled our sales and achieved the highest growth and market share gain globally is a real testament to the strength of the ISEKI brand in the UK and Ireland, as well as the commitment of our dealer network and customers.
“We’re incredibly proud of this achievement, and we’re excited to continue building on this momentum and bring even more success to ISEKI in the years to come.”
Since 2018, ISEKI UK & Ireland has been a leading provider of high-quality compact tractors and professional turf maintenance equipment, serving a wide range of industries, including sports turf, local authorities, golf courses, and commercial landscaping. As the exclusive distributor of ISEKI machinery in the region, the company has built a formidable
reputation for delivering reliable, innovative, and efficient solutions tailored to the needs of its customers.
A commitment to excellence, customer service, and a strong dealer network has been pivotal to the company’s growth in recent years, cementing its position as a key player in the market. A passion for providing premium products, expert advice, and ongoing support, ensuring that customers receive the best workable solutions for their turf and groundcare needs continues to drive that success.
KUHN launches new series of Espro drills
KUHN Farm Machinery has updated its popular Espro trailed drills featuring a redesigned operator platform, a new straight disc option, and a lighter version of the 6m model.
The updates focus on the 3-6m models with the 3002 (3m), 4002 (4m) fixed, and 4002 R and 6002 R (6m) folding units, introduced as upgrades to the existing 3000, 4000 and 6000 drills. The new models will begin production in spring 2025, and Edd Fanshawe, KUHN’s arable specialist, says the upgrades will be welcomed by new and existing users.
“The Espro is growing in popularity and has many features to improve seed placement and consistency in tricky conditions. Wheel design and layout, headland turn customisation, and Vistaflow valves, are all qualities that highlight how versatile and accurate the drill is.”
Hopper access and operator safety has been improved with a new mid-height platform, that spans the full length of the hopper and automatically folds when the drill returns to transport mode. This prevents overreaching to split bags and allows full visibility into the hopper. A half open mode – one side of the drill folded while the other remaining in work position – improves loader access to the hopper for filling. A new hopper cover has an automatic winding and locking system.
A straight disc option, suited to users reducing soil disturbance across each pass, can replace the standard 460mm concave notched discs. The straight disc ensures soil is only moved in the narrow band where the disc runs, helping to reduce power requirements
of the drill along with preserving soil moisture. Furthermore, the Espro 6m 6002 R is 700kg lighter than the outgoing Espro 6000 model it replaces. This will help to reduce soil compaction and fuel consumption, making a high-output drill easier to pull.
Edd concludes: “The new series of Espro is safer, lighter and more compatible with different establishment systems. It offers agronomic benefits, with accurate seed placement and even soil consolidation, alongside operational ease through easy filling and setup.”
Etesia Hydro 100 is perfect solution for The Retreats Group
The Retreats Group, which encompasses three of the leading luxury hotels in Wales - Twr y Felin Hotel, Roch Castle and Penrhiw Priory - has always been dedicated to maintaining immaculate grounds that reflect the beauty of its locations.
For Ollie Davies, the groundskeeper and supervisor for The Retreats Group, maintaining these stunning landscapes has become significantly easier since the purchase of a Etesia Hydro 100 ride-on mower.
“The properties are undulating and steep in places,” says Ollie. “My brother used to help me look after the grounds and when he left, we decided that instead of employing someone else full-time, we would invest in one of these machines and see how it would benefit me.”
Before the Hydro 100, Ollie managed the extensive lawns using pedestrian mowers - a task that was both time-consuming and physically demanding. “Prior to the Etesia machine, I would cut them all with a pedestrian mower. It was a lot of hard work. This Etesia saves so much time and money. It is a great bit of kit.”
The Etesia Hydro 100 III ride-on mower is designed for professional users who require top-quality mowing and collection performance in all weather conditions.
Powered by an 18 HP twin-cylinder Kawasaki engine, it features a modern hydraulic drive transmission with differential lock, a large 500-litre grass box, and a cutting deck with rear central ejection for efficient grass collection.
Ollie initially considered the Etesia Buffalo ride-on mower, having seen impressive footage of its performance on social media. However, after careful evaluation, he realised that the Buffalo was too large for the more intricate formal gardens within the properties.
Given the uneven terrain of the properties, Ollie decided on the Hydro 100, known for its differential lock and sturdy design. “With the grounds being so uneven, we went for the Hydro 100 because it has a diff lock and it seemed very sturdy.”
Ollie’s decision was reinforced during a particularly wet demo session. “We got one on demo to start with—it was really wet— but these pick up the grass in wet conditions, even when it is long. It worked a treat on our
AGCO transmission facility completed
AGCO Corporation, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, have announced the expansion of Valtra’s Suolahti transmission plant has been completed on schedule, bringing with it thousands of square metres of new production space.
Part of Valtra’s High-Technology $38M Investment Project, this investment modernises production and improves working conditions.
The expansion enables the production of new AGCO Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT), providing capacity to help meet the growing demand for Valtra and other AGCO brands.
demo; it picked up the grass and didn’t leave a mess, so we were really impressed with it, and we just went from there.”
The Hydro 100’s differential lock has proven invaluable on the steep, slippery slopes of the properties. “It is quite undulating and steep, and especially when it is wet, the diff lock comes in handy. As soon as you start feeling it slip a bit, you just engage the diff lock and it doesn’t leave a mess or wheel spin.”
Winchester-based groundcare business Wildwood Machinery has announced the addition of an important dealership contract with Wessex International.
“A vital component in our success has been our ability to source, supply and maintain the very best equipment available to the UK market. As the main local dealer for Wessex International – who manufacture a durable, versatile and reliable range of mowers – we are in a position to meet an even wider range of clients and projects,” comments Wildwood managing director James Bastian.
s Ollie Davies operating the Etesia Hydro 100.
s Sheldon Diplock (Wessex) and Rob Hogarth (Wildwood Machinery).
Mike Cullen, Director of MPC Land-based Limited
delves into the major changes affecting Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships, along with the evolving landscape of the land-based education sector.
Firstly, please introduce yourself.
My name is Mike Cullen, I am the Director of MPC Land-based Limited, a company that strives to assist with the delivery and formulation of course material along with CPD and project managing Land-based engineering solutions. I have been involved within agriculture and the land-based industries for over 30 years, with 15 of those helping to deliver within further education.
What is your background and what are the major changes you’ve witnessed over that time?
My background originates from being brought up on an arable and pig farm in rural Shropshire. The machinery element fascinated me from when I could first walk, with my parents constantly having to keep an eye on me. I was often found looking over the gate at the operations being carried out on the busy farm. From there, I attended Harper Adams Agricultural College (as it was then) and progressed into the world of agricultural machinery, eventually spending the last 15 years involved in the world of education delivering courses to students and apprentices on land-based engineering. There have recently been big changes to Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships. How could this help to improve routes into the industry?
The changes to Level 2 and 3 apprenticeships have come about following a review of the the current standards - to help improve the delivery of these standards and ensure that technically they are up-to-date within the industry. One of the big changes, is there is now a route of progression from Level 2 to Level 3 which will help employers and also the apprentices themselves, as to how far to move through the standards. For some Level 2 is as far as they may wish to progress, where others will want to carry on to Level 3 standard. This will give many more options for the employer and apprentices and hopefully support the increased uptake into land-based vocations. We must not forget that as well as apprenticeship changes, the new T-level qualifications were introduced in 2023 and this can be another source for employers to find their next employee.
What are the challenges you see of teaching/learning in the sector?
The major challenge we currently face is the need for technically competent people to deliver the training required. Luckily with the support from the sector several changes have been made that will help improve the offer made by education so it will become a ‘more attractive’ package.
There is a significant difference between the world of education and technical training. While they may cover the same subject matter, educational facilities present additional complexities that can sometimes deter people from entering the field. This has been a challenge in recent years, but hopefully, this trend is beginning to shift, leading to more experienced and technically competent individuals joining the education sector.
In the interest of balance, are there any positive trends you’ve seen?
The good news is that the number of young people wanting to study land-based courses is increasing compared to the reduced national average of young people wanting to get into engineering. I firmly believe that the current and emerging technologies along with social media have helped. One such example would be the ‘We Are Land-based’ initiative, helping young people gain an understanding of
what actually goes on in the world of groundcare, agriculture or any associated land-based industry. The level of support across the sector has also increased with a much wider awareness of the problems encountered within education. As more employers engage in events this will help with the training and education of young people in the workplace, invariably leading to the next generation of skilled employees helping to drive the various land-based sectors into the next century.
Lastly what is the importance of the AEA, BAGMA and other associations in supporting the education sector and wider industry?
The work of the AEA and BAGMA, along with many other organisations, is important in supporting and promoting the role of education in the sector. It’s not just about getting young people into the sector through information but also supporting those who are delivering that information and equipping them with the correct knowledge.
The new standards from 2018 require the apprentice attends their place of employment for 80% of the time which means more training, help and support in the workplace which is vital for success and the AEA and BAGMA are very well suited to help inform and support this.
ABOUT US
Safety Aide offer a bespoke and site specific solution to all your workplace risks which identify hazards and people at risk and how to control them.
MEMBER BENEFITS
BAGMA Bank (Birmingham Bank) 03330 048048
Debt Collection (Corbital Trace & Collect) 01905 935003
Card Processing (Global Payments) 0345 7023344
BAGMA Training 01295 713344
Finance (Swiss Finance Corp.) 020 7412 0500
Insurance (Towergate) 0333 207 6681
Personal & vehicle finance (Novuna) 07802 871488
Culverdocs (Paperless Solutions) 01793 200664
Health & Safety (SafetyAide) 07903 655506
Marketing (SiteWizard) 01622 200045
Rental Platform (Renticy) 020 3886 2120
Telecoms & Utilities (Utility Options) 0800 195 0123
Waste Management (Valpak) 01789 208778
Recruitment (GBR Recruitment Ltd) 07425 896410
Security (Fog Bandit) 0333 188 9966
Legal Helpline (Maples Solicitors LLP Commercial Law advice) 01775 722261
Legal Helpline (WorkNest HR advice) 01244 667249
Find out more details at: bagma.com/benefits
The ET LANDER is a compact utility vehicle from Etesia.
Eco-friendly, efficient and long-range, it is the versatile solution for urban areas and green spaces.
100% electric with either lead acid or lithium battery options.
Road homologated.
Short or long, tipper, fixed or tri-directional body options available.
Possibility of towing up to 750 kg in addition to the tipper load.
