BAGMA Bulletin Magazine May - June 2024

THE MEMBERSHIP MAGAZINE OF THE BRITISH AGRICULTURAL AND GARDEN MACHINERY ASSOCIATION

ISSUE 45 | MAY-JUNE 2024

Embracing data to enhance efficiency

BAGMA sits down with Eric and Jamie Gardiner of Hamilton Ross Group who are celebrating over 90 years in business and explain how technology is helping them to optimise opportunities for future success.

BAGMA Golf Day | Meet the Trainers | Industry News

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Short or long, tipper, fixed or tri-directional body options available.

Possibility of towing up to 750 kg in addition to the tipper load.

BAGMA’s role in the bigger picture.

Dear members and industry friends. I’m sure I enthused in my last introduction that spring had sprung… reflecting now, that may have been a bit premature as frustratingly cold conditions continue to prevent many from conducting the usual work for the time of year, having an obvious impact on all-important machinery sales. With dealers around the country still sitting on higher-than-ideal stock levels, I’m sure I’m not alone in hoping things warm up soon!

of BAGMA and how we partner with the AEA, CLIMMAR and other European trade organisations to fight for the best interests of our members.

by Peter Heming BAGMA President

One thing that wasn’t lukewarm was the welcome and reception for the new AEA President Mark Earles, appointed to his new role in early April. You can read more about Mark and his aims for his tenure in our ‘Connecting With’ feature at the back of this Bulletin. I join the rest of the BAGMA team in congratulating Mark and am excited to see what he will achieve.

The recent AEA Annual Conference was a fantastic event and provided those in attendance with the ‘bigger picture’ of the agricultural sector and key ongoing issues and initiatives that the AEA are working on to ensure a better and brighter future. It also reiterated the critical role

With the backing of our membership, the BAGMA council fight for better terms and conditions for dealers from suppliers and manufacturers and use our strength in numbers to lobby governmental departments to influence legislation and gain support for areas such as training and apprenticeships. We are here to represent you, so if there’s something you want us to look at, or if you want updates on our ongoing campaigns - such as BAGMA’s response to the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Bill – please get in touch.

On the topic of apprenticeships, we’re pleased to include an article on page 6 on We Are Land-Based Engineering – a joint initiative between BAGMA, the AEA and IAgrE to attract and recruit the next generation of engineers.

A big thank you, also, to all of the dealers who put technicians forward for the WAL ‘Champions of 2024’ Competition. We look forward to sharing news of the winners in the next edition.

I hope to see you at different events and that the season is good to you.

Hannah Desborough BAGMA Administrator 07842 431468

For all advertising and media enquiries please email: admin@bagma.com

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

BAGMA

Samuelson House 62 Forder Way

Hampton

Peterborough PE7 8JB 01295 713344

Editorial & Production Pan Publicity Ltd 01493 440047

www.panpublicity.co.uk bagma.com

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BAGMA News

Wiedenmann UK joins BAGMA FSP responds to HSE’s halt on inspections

Optimism at Overton

We Are Land-based Engineering

Nick Darking explains how the hub of information on careers in the industry works

8

Meet the Trainers

Get to know Dave Henshaw, Ian Mitchell and Chas Ayres

10

Expert’s View

A picture of the futureSwiss Finance Corp. Safeguard against cyber threat - Towergate Asset finance and your business - Novuna

12

Member Profile

We sat down with Eric and Jamie Gardiner of Hamilton Ross Group to discuss the business

16

Out & About BAGMA Connect and ATTS launch event; RHS and Royal Welsh Show return

Industry News

The latest indusrty news from GKB Machines, Double A Trading and New Holland 18

Connecting With Mark Earles, Business Development Manager for Makita UK Ltd

NEW

BULLETIN BOARD

TEAM TO LEAD THE NAAC

Matt Redman was elected as the new National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) Chairman, with Chris Gardner as Vice Chairman, at the AGM on 1 March 2024. They will both spearhead the NAAC, alongside CEO Jill Hewitt, President Meurig Raymond and the NAAC Board.

(IFGM) recently celebrated 50 years of business alongside national dealers and manufacturers at a special event held in Athlone. The company, one of Europe’s leading independent distributors of outdoor power equipment, remains family owned and run, now managed by second generation Paul Butterly (Managing Director), and brother Kieran (Technical Director) under the watchful eye of retired mum, Eileen. Congratulations from everyone at BAGMA!

UK AGRICULTURAL TRACTOR REGISTRATIONS – APRIL 2024

Month: 1,158 Units -9.5% change (compared with April 2023)

Year to date: 4,049 Units -12.6% change (compared with January-April 2023)

Wiedenmann UK joins BAGMA

BAGMA are pleased to announce the addition of Wiedenmann UK to the rapidly expanding list of Industry Partners.

A family-owned business established in 1991, Wiedenmann UK are a member of the Fairways Group, supplying turf and groundcare machinery through stocking dealers across the UK & Ireland.

Wiedenmann machines are developed and manufactured at the company’s production facilities in Rammingen, Germany and are renowned for being well-engineered, with class-leading innovation and features designed to deliver high productivity. With decades of experience, the company also places great emphasis on customer care and after sales support to meet and exceed the demands and expectations of today’s ground care professionals.

Wiedenmann has a growing range of products including its range of deep aerators, cut/scarify collectors, seeding and raking machines, mowers and blowers together with machines for artificial surface maintenance and snow clearance.

For more than 30 years, they’ve enjoyed a close working relationship with both dealers and the end user. Their wide range of products support activities across the municipal, commercial and professional

services offered including training for our staff, dealer partners and customers and keeping up to date with regulatory changes affecting our industry. We look forward to taking part in BAGMA events and meetings and value the networking opportunities that these provide.

Together with our sister companies, Fairways GM Ltd and Fairways Sportsgrounds Ltd, the business is excited by the opportunities for growth that exist and is pleased to be a BAGMA Industry Partner.”

FSP responds to HSE’s halt on inspections

The Farm Safety Partnership (FSP) has responded to the recent decision by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to halt farm safety inspections, fearing the decision will pose significant risks for agricultural workers.

Speaking for the first time as Farm Safety Partnership Chair, NFU Deputy President David Exwood said: “The decision to halt inspections is deeply troubling and we urge the government and HSE to reconsider and continue to work collaboratively with farmers to ensure compliance.”

“The lack of public awareness surrounding this decision raises serious

questions about their prioritisation of safety within the farming sector. While the HSE assures us that investigative inspections will continue in response to serious incidents, the lack of all regular inspections, training and events leaves a notable gap in proactive and preventative safety measures that could prevent accidents and save lives.”

“Agriculture has one of the highest rates of fatalities and serious injuries in any workplace and to help bring this number down, as a sector we need to work on changing the culture of farm safety. This decision by HSE completely goes against that goal. We are calling on Defra and the Department for Work and Pensions to recognise the critical safety implications of this decision, urgently review the potential impacts and establish a clear plan to prioritise the wellbeing of the nation’s farmers and growers.”

Optimism at Overton

Two years on from their cover feature, BAGMA spoke to Overton (UK) Ltd to find out what’s new.

How has the business evolved over the last couple of years?

The biggest change has been in the expansion of our dealer network, especially for the Mean Green electric mowers. Our dealers are very positive and are taking advantage of our extensive experience in the battery-powered sector, having been the first to import commercial electric mowers into the UK over eight years ago. Is the battery-powered sector something you’re putting particular emphasis on?

We still do very well with our complete product range inclusive of the fuelpowered machines, but the batterypowered side is where we have placed a significant commitment. There is increasing competition in this market, and different products appeal to different customers for different reasons. Whether it’s battery powered, petrol or diesel equipment, you have to keep getting the

machines out there and we are proud to offer solutions in all markets.

Do you feel like the environmental focus in the mainstream media helps in getting more people to think about electric options?

I think we have found this more with the smaller handheld models. When it comes to the larger commercial mowers, electric is still a slow burn particularly in the local authority world. One thing that always makes us smile on a demonstration is when a customer turns up in an electric van with a diesel mower on the back!

Besides electric, has your product range grown as you expected or how have you adapted to changing trends?

We have developed niche products and been introduced to others that just fit with our vision and what the market needs. We have long been asking for a small battery powered commercial 32” and 36” stand-on mower and in 2023 Mean Green produced them called the FURY!

The RINO fits nicely into our mower line as a multi-use tool carrier capable of mowing and cleaning areas. The CaRINO has also proven to be a cost-effective alternative with a rotary or flail deck for different markets.

Would you like to become an ISEKI dealer?

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 90 years experience for quality that lasts.

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 90 years experience for quality that lasts.

There was some scepticism initially about the ALTOZ mower on tracks, but when dealers and customers see them in action they are impressed with their performance and quality.

How’s the rest of 2024 shaping up?

Last year was a record year for us, and with the addition of Mean Green FURY Stand-On and EVO-96, the RINO and CaRINO mowers we’re in a great position to keep pushing forward.

You can read the article in full here

Contact us and apply to be an ISEKI dealer today, visit www.iseki.co.uk or call 01473 599266. www.iseki.co.uk

Contact us and apply to be an ISEKI dealer today, visit www.iseki.co.uk or call 01473 599266.

by Nick Darking BAGMA General Manager

Are the dark days over?

As I sit writing this article, the sun has finally come out and we have a ‘drying wind’. Let’s hope that continues to enable work on the land, whether it be in agriculture or outdoor power, to get underway. It is about time mother nature let us get on after all!

The industry is still facing difficult times with high interest rates, supply chains falling down and high stock levels making life extremely difficult for some and meaning we are sadly seeing some well-established businesses failing. It is extremely saddening to see unprecedented numbers of dealerships going into liquidation and families being put under strain.

We are hearing that some manufacturers are trying to push even more stock onto dealers by offering favourable terms or extended payment. I would urge those manufacturers to stop and help their dealers shift the stock they currently have instead of pushing more into the dealer network which is already fit to burst.

Servicing debts now is incredibly expensive and, really, that’s an understatement. To any members that are struggling please remember we are here to help with our advice lines, both legal and commercial.

I will leave you with a happy note. A young man recently attended a Norfolk science fair, which included a stand manned by our friends at We Are LandBased. “I want to be an engineer, I want to fix tractors” he said. In his last year of school and actively looking for work experience, we were able to get him a short placement with Ben Burgess. He had a fantastic time, fuelling his desire to become an apprentice engineer. It proves that there are good people out there and people willing to learn. My thanks to the team at Ben Burgess for organising this work experience.

We remain your association, committed to helping and representing you in any way we can. If you need our assistance, get in touch.

BAGMA Survey results: Warranties

In the latest installment of BAGMA’s 2023 dealer survey results we’re looking at some of the stand-out statistics on the topic of parts and warranties.

49% of respondents reported that warranty claims are settled in 30 days or less

90% said they pay 100% of the costs of a replacement machine or vehicle during warranty repair

How long are parts kept?

At whose cost are the parts returned?

What do you think the average dealer charge out rate per hour is for general repairs?

Do you reimburse for diagnostic time?

Successful garden machinery repair business for sale

In the ‘Bootiful’ county

of Norfolk

Looking for a change? After trading for 19 successful years the owner of R&B Groundcare is looking to retire and would like to handover to a dynamic younger person. The business, situated in West Norfolk near King’s Lynn, has a large and returning customer base.

www.mower-mend.co.uk randbgroundcare@googlemail.com

New video launched to help attract next generation

The new video adds to the suite of material already available to help dealers connect with their local schools and, better still, it’s all free of charge!

by Nick Darking

BAGMA General Manager

Our industry has struggled to attract and recruit the next generation, but we are actively working to change that. BAGMA, alongside the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) and The Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) launched the We Are Land-based Engineering initiative at the end of 2022. Now, just a little over a year old, it’s already proving to be a tremendous success and is making a difference. This is just one of the many important projects run by the Land-based Engineering - Training and Education Committee (LE-TEC).

Acting as a hub of information on educational routes and the careers available, the initiative provides an independent voice on all things landbased engineering. It illustrates that no matter your ability, there is something and somewhere for you to flourish within the land-based sector.

Working closely with schools across the country, the scheme is helping to not only educate teachers and careers advisors on the possibilities within landbased engineering, but vitally connecting employers to those within the education system, be that colleges or secondary schools. Every dealer can and should get involved, featuring in one of their campaign videos and/or providing support within

schools and at local events. If you’re involved in an Open Farm Sunday event in the coming weeks, reach out to the team at We Are Land-based Engineering and see how they can support you with material to attract new talent of any age.

Already supported by a number of BAGMA members, it is something I urge you to get behind and support, because together we can achieve so much.

We’re also very excited to announce the launch of a brand new video that can be used to help educate everyone on exactly what land-based engineering is.

You can check it out by scanning this QR code

You can find out more on social media by following @WeAreLandbased, visit www.wearelandbased.engineering and reach out directly to get involved at: info@wearelandbased.engineering

Lantra Scotland announce ALBAS 2024 winners

The achievements of Scotland’s top land-based and aquaculture trainees were celebrated recently at Lantra Scotland’s ALBAS (Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills) hosted at the Crieff Hydro Hotel in Perthshire. Over 200 finalists, event supporters, employers, training providers and industry leaders attended a glittering award ceremony, including Jim Fairlie MSP, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity.

After an opening address by Mr Fairlie, awards were presented in the categories of agriculture, aquaculture, equine, environmental conservation, game and wildlife, horticulture, land-based engineering, trees and timber and veterinary nursing.

As well as prizes for Overall Winner, Runner-up and Modern Apprentice of the Year, there were also awards for Higher Education, School Pupil and Secondary Schools, CARAS (Council for Awards of Agricultural Societies), a Mentor award for inspirational tutor, the Tam Tod Trophy and the Anna Murray Award for Partnership Working.

One of many highlights was Aoife Cowburgh receiving the much-coveted Overall Winner Award. Aoife was also awarded Equine Learner of the Year and was one of three to win a prestigious CARAS award. Commenting on her hattrick of awards, she said: “It’s a real honour to be chosen as overall winner, and to win three awards is more than I could have hoped for. A big thank you to Lantra Scotland, to my tutor Hilary Morton from SRUC Oatridge for nominating me, and my friends and family for all the support they’ve given me over the years.”

The full list of ALBAS 2024 winners and runners-up is as follows:

l ALBAS Overall Winner: Aoife Cowburgh

l ALBAS Overall Runner-up: Ross Rutherford

l Agriculture Learner of the Year - Winner: Scott Cunningham

l Runner-up: Colin MacDonald

l SAIC Aquaculture Learner of the Year - Winner: Craig Grounds

l Runner-up: Stuart Lavender

l Environmental Conservation - Winner: Nathan Taylor

l Runner-up: Monique Llanos

l Equine Learner of the Year - Winner: Aoife Cowburgh

l Runner-up: Amy Young

l Game and Wildlife Learner of the Year - Winner: Campbell Strang

l Horticulture Learner of the Year - Winner: Ross Rutherford

The BAGMA Golf Day is back!

Following the great success of the inaugural Golf Day and Dinner last September, BAGMA are pleased to announce its return for 2024.

Once again being hosted at Nailcote Hall, near Coventry, the date for the diary is Wednesday 25th September. Teams will tee off simultaneously with a shotgun start and play round the deceptively-challenging 9-hole course twice, making it a full 18-hole tournament. Tickets are limited for the golf part of the day, and for those who would prefer to attend the networking dinner, separate tickets are available. The event is open to members and non-members.

For more information or to secure your place visit the events section of our website. www.bagma.com

When and where? 25th September 2024, midday arrival. Nailcote Hall Hotel, Nailcote Lane, Berkswell, Coventry CV7 7DE

Don’t forget BAGMA Members get 20% off all our training courses

Meet the Trainers

We’re really proud of the technical training courses BAGMA can deliver, supporting the needs and requirements of our members and the industry as a whole.

Our training programmes are structured in conjunction with industry stakeholders, manufacturers, associations and training bodies and are delivered by our team of independent approved trainers. Here we get to know three of them a little more.

Dave Henshaw

D Henshaw Training Services

What is your industry experience and background?

I left the automotive industry in 2011 to join this industry. I was a technical trainer at JCB which was a brilliant company to work for and allowed me to travel the world, meeting and training some amazing people. I still thoroughly enjoy travelling now in my BAGMA role, meeting dealer staff from all areas of the industry. I also carry out apprentice end point assessments where I get to meet fascinating apprentices in the landbased sector.

What training courses are you currently delivering for BAGMA?

Handover and Installation, Thorough Examination and Air Conditioning Servicing.

How would you describe your training style?

I like to think I’m pretty relaxed. The more I enjoy it, the more the delegates in front of me will enjoy it. If people feel

relaxed, they’re more likely to open up and the session becomes so much more productive if everyone joins in. Why, in your view, is technical training so important in our industry?

Technical training is critical for dealers to understand how machines operate and how to maintain them to the standards required. Technology is everchanging so keeping their knowledge up-to-date is the only way to provide accurate assistance to a customer on any issues they may have with a particular machine, system or feature.

Besides delivering BAGMA training, what do you do to keep busy?

I enjoy going out to watch live bands and music nights with my wife. We also both love to travel, particularly to the US and are currently planning a Route 66 trip. At the age of 58, and after a few health scares, I decided to take up running last year. I participate in a parkrun most weekends which I can do in sub-30 minutes and I completed my first 10k in early April in under an hour – prior to that, I’d never run further than 7km so I was amazed! I am now part of a running group which is seeing my times dropping and my fitness increasing massively.

Ian Mitchell

Director and Owner of High Five Training

What is your industry experience and background?

On leaving school at 16 I became an apprentice engineer at Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries. Over the next 35 years, I held a variety of sales/technical roles

for Ransomes and latterly Ransomes Jacobsen, working with customers, dealers and distributors worldwide. I

Chas Ayres

C.A.T. 1

What is your industry experience and background?

I have spent the last 35+ years in the professional groundcare industry, the last 24 of those saw me managing the southern region for Wiedenmann UK Ltd. I have recently retired so am looking forward to using the knowledge and experience gained over those years to train others.

What training courses are you currently delivering for BAGMA?

As a relative newbie to BAGMA, I will initially be delivering Handover and Installation training only.

then joined the training department and ran courses for dealers and distributors, as well as operator training courses. In that role, I also became a machinery instructor and assessor for NPTC & LANTRA as well as a BAGMA Installation Trainer. I established High Five Training after leaving Ransomes Jacobsen in 2014.

What training courses are you currently delivering for BAGMA?

I deliver the BAGMA Handover and Installation Training course and work with other instructors to improve and develop this important industrystandard course.

I also deliver operator training on a range of ride-on and handheld machinery and I am a Technical Verifier for mowers and tractors, writing new courses and developing existing training materials. How would you describe your training style?

I firmly believe that training should be enjoyable – “If it’s not fun then you’re doing it wrong!” I’m sure we’ve all been on boring training courses, so I work hard

How would you describe your training style?

I guess this is still to be determined! I would suggest it will be the same as my approach has always been – personable,

on the content to ensure delegates don’t have that experience with me.

Why, in your view, is technical training so important in our industry?

We live in an increasingly ‘compliancebased’ world. Anyone delivering, operating or repairing machinery needs to be trained and qualified to do so. Professional standards are important to the industry and help to raise the profile for all of us.

Besides delivering BAGMA training, what do you do to keep busy?

I’m always busy! I have 3 Springer Spaniels and am a member of the Suffolk Gundog Club where we run training and working tests as well as demonstrations at local shows in the summer. I also enjoy clay pigeon shooting and am a keen deer stalker, working with estates and landowners locally to manage deer populations. I also spend a lot of time on the water. I am Chairman of the Suffolk Fly Fishers Club and run a 30-acre trout lake in Suffolk. When not there, you might find me in Scotland salmon fishing, or waterskiing – even barefoot waterskiing if the water is flat enough!

interactive and informative. Having known BAGMA General Manager Nick Darking for a long time, he might say different!

Why, in your view, is technical training so important in our industry?

Technical training is important primarily for operator safety and wellbeing.

Second to that are the benefits to productivity and reliability for all parties when machinery is operated correctly.

Besides delivering BAGMA training, what do you do to keep busy?

Because I’ve only recently retired, I still provide some ad-hoc support to dealers in the South on demonstrations and machinery installations on behalf of Wiedenmann UK. I also enjoy a round of golf and tinker with classic cars to keep myself busy.

A picture of the future

Andrew MacKenzie

Swiss Finance Corporation

In the world of agriculture, people lik e to predict future market moves - whether it’s produce, livestock, fertiliser etc. but as we see with the weather, th e best anyone can hope for is a well-educated guess!

In commodities and currencies, the lowest common denominator in predicting future moves is energy prices, or to be more precise, the price of oil. This was no more apparent than in the autumn of 2022 when Ammonium Nitrate prices rose over 400% to £870/ tonne up from their 2020 average of £217/tonne. The correlation with oil is clear, rising to $133.18 in June 2022 up 300% per barrel from its 2020 average of $41.96.

Oil drives inflation, which drives central bank rates, which in turn drives currency

prices and borrowing costs for all.

So here is a brief look at oil expectations and currency expectations going forward, based on the interest rate differentials between different countries.

All the Central Banks have made bullish changes to 2024 market outlook for oil, reflecting the extended voluntary cuts of OPEC+ and slightly higher demand. However, even with this and all the stimulus China is providing together with any potential boost you can reasonably expect ahead of the forthcoming US elections in November, the expected price for WTI crude ranges from $75 to $90 historically and averages around $80.

Supply disruptions have been limited over the past year (Iraq, Libya briefly). Such events are impossible to predict and further OPEC+ cuts would only occur if oil demand continues to subside. For reference, the lag on oil price changes being reflected into headline inflation and then a Central Bank reaction is about 3 months. Consequently, the oil price would need to be above or below the range above for this to be impactful, as most suppliers would hedge using these averages.

Therefore, with this stable outlook you can expect Central Banks to consider reducing the high inflation tackling policies that have been in place since 2022 and start reducing interest rates as inflation declines to target levels.

Now we look at who will reduce interest rates first and how this will reflect on currency expectations going forward. Current market forecasts are for all the major Central Banks to reduce rates apart from Japan.

ECB are predicted to move first though their rates are already lower than most at 4.50% followed by Federal Reserve in the US presently at 5.50% and the Bank of England presently at 5.25%.

These will be reflected in the forward expectations of the respective currency crosses.

Safeguard against cyber threat and digital risk.

BAGMA members are being urged to proactively implement measures to safeguard their businesses from cyber-attacks.

In December 2023, the UK parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy issued a report by the authority of the House of Commons and the House of Lords (scan the QR Code). In the first few lines it claims that “Due to its potential ability to bring the UK to a standstill, ransomware has been identified by UK authorities as the number one cyber threat to the nation”.

Cyber threats are now an everyday business risk and, at Towergate, we know a cyber incident can happen at any time. How would your business cope if all your systems were locked and you faced a demand for payment from a cybercriminal to get them back up and running?

Towergate now have access to a new and proactive Cyber Insurance Policy. This enables businesses to not just fix

problems, but also identify and manage risks to prevent and minimise the threat of issues occurring in the first place. The policy offers protection against data breaches, cyber-crimes, fraud, extortion, data or software loss, network and business liability cover. It also offers access to a cyber incident response line, open 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. For more information, contact Richard Davies at Towergate Insurance Brokers in Northampton 01604 657348. richard.davies2@towergate.co.uk

by

Richard Davies

Area Sales Director, Towergate Insurance Brokers

Read the full report here

Could asset finance work for your business?

Asset finance is an easy way to spread the cost of new business purchases without tying up capital and disrupting cash flow.

It’s an alternative funding option to an overdraft facility or loan and can be used to fund a range of purchases, from machines and manufacturing plant to office and IT equipment.

How does asset finance work?

A business chooses the selected asset they need, and the finance provider pays for this equipment outright. In turn, the business makes regular payments over an agreed time period (normally two to five years) to the asset finance provider and at the end of the agreement there is an option to purchase the asset for a small fee.

While borrowing isn’t the right method for every business, paying for an asset in one lump sum may not be either. Asset finance can protect working capital, which is vital to keeping a successful business running.

How is it accessed?

Asset finance can often be accessed by either approaching a lender directly, or through a finance broker. Some lenders

have eligibility criteria that need to be met, such as proving you have been trading for a certain length of time and that you’re based in the UK.

How asset finance from Novuna Business Finance helped Green Power Hire Ltd Green Power Hire Ltd is a supplier of sustainable battery storage units which reduce fuel consumption, noise and CO2 emissions on construction sites.

When the concept of sustainable battery storage was less widely known, it wasn’t easy for Green Power Hire to find a finance partner who could support their business growth. Novuna Business Finance understood the uniqueness of the product, and the benefits for both customers and the environment.

With funding from Novuna Business Finance, Green Power Hire were able to expand their business and help construction sites to be more sustainable.

Find out more at

Deputy Head of sales, Novuna

Data driven growth: Hamilton Ross Group leverages insights for success.

Established in 1933, the Hamilton Ross Group is celebrating over 90 years of successful business - specialising in sales, servicing, parts and hire of new and second-hand machinery and equipment from leading brands in Agriculture, Groundcare, Construction, Garden Power, Forestry & Arb and Animal Health.

Remaining family-run and today operating from six depots across the central belt of Scotland, the company has seen many changes over its lifetime. We sat down with the father and son team Eric Gardiner, Managing Director, and Operations Director Jamie Gardiner to discuss the business, its evolution and some of the biggest challenges they’ve faced.

Tell me a little bit more about the business. Where did it all begin?

Eric: The business was established by two brothers who ended up parting ways, one went into selling bicycles and cars which then developed into trucks and then even further into tractors. He then married a lady called Bessie Gardiner, my aunt. Unfortunately, he died prematurely and so Bessie took on the running of the business. After a few years she passed it on to her older brother who developed it into a fairly large motor group in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Also in the 70’s they ventured into hospitality, acquiring a large hotel group which saw them manage two 300-

room properties. Come the 1980’s, they then sold the hotels and broke up the motor group. Working in London at the time, I then got an offer to come back and work for the business. I returned in 1983 and since then the company has grown considerably, working

predominantly in the machinery sector. We have acquired other businesses along the way and with various franchise changes we now operate as Hamilton Ross Group with Hamilton Brothers and R&R Machinery sitting under this umbrella.

You remain a proud family-run outfit. Have any significant changes stood out for you over those 90 years in business?

Eric: We are proud of our heritage and proud to still be here, growing the company and doing a good job for our customers. We are very aware that

being a considerable size, we feel we have more clout and that has helped us grow and nurture good working partnerships with all our franchises.

Another challenge is going to be stock over the next few years. Everyone has had some of the best years of business following the pandemic, the stocking that has come off the back of it is now challenging. We are strong as a dealer and have always stocked well, but of course it hits your profitability. It’s a juggling act and it will be interesting to see how 2024 develops for all dealers.

the dealership network has changed dramatically over our lifetime, with more focus being put on larger dealers and that has definitely played a part in how we have shaped our evolution. That goes hand in hand with the expectations that are set for us from the brands we represent - there have been some significant changes with that side of things which has pushed our business in a certain direction. But our goal as Hamilton Ross Group is simply growth, in all of the industries we represent; agriculture, groundcare and construction. We have worked hard to get that core focus with the brands that we hold to make sure that both our team and our customers are clear about what we can offer.

In terms of the area you operate, are you dealing with a large cross-section of customers?

Eric: We do deal with a good crosssection across the business. Looking specifically at agriculture, there is a bias towards dairy with more of our business being based in the West where 60% of the customers we deal with are dairy, and the other 40% are arable. With lots of dairy farming, the West of our area is becoming a seven-day-a-week operation from a service point of view, where we find that we have to be on hand for those workhorse machines such as telehandlers that are clocking up the hours.

What are the biggest challenges currently faced by Hamilton Ross Group? What exciting opportunities do you see on the horizon?

Jamie: We are proud of our heritage and our loyal customer base so, ultimately, we want to ensure we continue to give them the very best. Sometimes it has been difficult navigating the changes, but as a company, we have made it work. We also feel that some of these challenges and changes have given us more opportunities for future growth. Now with the company

Eric: In terms of exciting opportunities, there is always something on the horizon but nothing we can talk about right now. You never know what is going to happen in this industry so it’s important to always be looking behind you as well as in front of you. What major trends are shaping the agricultural machinery industry currently? How is Hamilton Ross Group adapting to these changes?

Eric: From the dealer’s perspective, we as an industry must be more professional. To survive as a dealership we must be looking into systems and operations, and make sure that we are approaching business in the right way. I‘m reluctant to say more like the car industry, but we need to bear in mind that customers are expecting more from us. Our competitive edge going forward is certainly the

processes and systems we have implemented to make sure we are an effective outfit. We feel like we are leaps and bounds ahead and that all comes down to Jamie and his background.

Jamie: I used to work for GlaxoSmithKline in London travelling around the world automating their factories and developing their computer systems, so I have a very data-driven background. Relationships are absolutely the most important part of our business so we found there are a lot of manual tasks that could be automated, and by doing this, we have allowed the team to focus more on the humancentric tasks and building those relationships. We have CRM systems in place for KPIs and dashboards that allow departments to see performance and areas for improvement. I am now travelling around the country helping other dealerships with their systems as well which is great!

Although the market has been fairly good over the last few years what we have implemented here has allowed us to become more efficient by enabling us to drill into things and analyse the business as a whole. The data is important, especially as we grow, and I believe it will be more of a driver going forward for dealerships to be effective.

Just touching on the trends, we have noticed that precision farming/smart farming is becoming more and more popular with customers, so we have now employed someone to purely focus on the precision technology and installing it. It is great to have a specialist who can drill

into the features and benefits while on farm, and really show our product offering and its capabilities over the competitor. Is the hope to keep the family coming through the business for the future?

“...our mission is to create, develop and maintain long-lasting relationships across our whole supply chain.”

Eric: The business is very much familyrun and we would like to keep that ethos going forward. It is nice to have Jamie now involved in the business, this year marking his fifth year! Previously working in London, Jamie was always given the option of whether he would like to come back and I was delighted when he did. Realistically, without Jamie and that succession plan, we would of most likely been swallowed up. He will become the next Managing Director and will be supported by all the team around him here. The whole management team works well together on plans for the future and keeping the business successful. What are your long-term vision and goals for the company?

Eric: Our goal is to leverage the technology we have to differentiate ourselves from our competitors. As we have said, having great brands under our umbrella is part of it but if we can offer unbelievable after-sales service by ensuring we maximise time, efficiency and always have the correct part on the shelf and ensure the whole customer process is slick, then that will create more loyalty to us as a brand. We aren’t perfect but we are building towards a better way of doing things.

Jamie: Our vision is that our familyrun business strives to be the UK’s leading dealership, spanning across all our divisions; Agriculture, Groundcare,

Construction, Garden Power, Forestry & Arb and Animal Health. Then with that, our mission is to create, develop and maintain long-lasting and trusting relationships across our whole supply chain. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of highly trained and dedicated staff to provide our customers with a first-class sales and servicing experience. When it comes to the team around you, how would you say you instil a positive working environment?

Eric: We always say, you must have fun! Yes, it is a serious business, but you still must have fun at work. We like to think we are a good employer; we invest a lot in our team and we also make sure each person feels valued. We operate an open-door policy and try to ensure that we are taking the time to get to know each person individually. Although we are a larger company, we want to keep that family feel. Jamie tries to visit a different depot each day, have a walk around and chat with people to find out what’s going on on the ground. We want to be approachable. The CEO should be treated the same as the cleaner and I would be confident in saying everyone here is given that level of respect.

Jamie: We are proud to have a lot of long-standing employees which is something we value greatly. This year we are celebrating two people with over 60 years of service, six people with over 40 years and another seven with over 30 years. Those sorts of accolades are getting rarer these days. As a company, we are passionate about apprenticeships and hope that this will be a positive route into the industry for young people. We

s No job is too big for the workshop at the R&R Machinery depot at Lanark!

want more young blood coming through who will hopefully go on to achieve similar long-standing service accolades in the future. We have also recently started implementing schemes for rewarding senior leadership for hitting their targets - incentives most definitely help with keeping the enthusiasm as well as focus.

When you work in the machinery industry there has to be that understanding that it may not always be a 9 to 5 working day and there has to be passion in the work that we do. We are expected as the local dealer to be on hand for those out of hours break-downs and not all people understand that.

How many staff do you have in different departments?

Jamie: We currently have 70 service engineers most with vans on the road, 20 salespeople, 30 people in the parts department, 20 administrators and 8 in our senior management team. This is across all of our depots. It is a lot to keep up with, but like we said, we do try hard to make every individual feel valued here. How have you found being a BAGMA member?

Eric: It is great to have an industry voice and we wouldn’t want to be without it. BAGMA are good at communicating what is going on to its members. We particularly enjoy getting their email

newsletters, which keep us up-to-date on any significant industry changes or issues that we need to support or be aware of. Do you utilise any of the BAGMA services on offer?

Jamie: We have put our sales team through the installation training which is great. We also use the Health & Safety

advice and services from Safety Aide which is another available perk of our BAGMA membership. We keep in regular communication with the team at BAGMA, whether it is to organise training or just get a better understanding of industry issues. For more information please visit: hamiltonrossgroup.co.uk

Cheshire Farm Machinery

Trailer

Safety and Testing launch event

On Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th April Cheshire Farm Machinery held their first event specifically targeting the safety and brake performance of trailers. Richard Jenkins, BAGMA’s Business Development Manager was there on day one to watch trailers undergo the BAGMA 35-point inspection, and brake performance test on Cheshire’s New state-of-the-art rolling road.

Andrew Dutton, Partner at CFM explained that as trailers have become larger, it’s very important that they are effectively maintained to minimise the risk of something going wrong. “Using the BAGMA ATTS scheme, we want to ensure that our customers agricultural trailer meets the statutory road safety requirements. Each booking includes a rigorous brake performance test as well as a full vehicle inspection with a pass or fail certificate at the end.”

Trailers new and old were inspected and tested with a number requiring either adjustment to their braking systems or work to lights, hoses etc. Some customers dropped trailers off in advance plus a steady stream were brought to the depot throughout the course of the two days.

The event was open to anyone wishing to

come and view the trailer testing, plus find out more information about modern day trailer safety. Congratulations to Andrew and his team for holding the event, well run and very informative, with more similar days planned for the future.

The discussion on whether tractors and trailers should have an MOT has long been around and although it is not mandatory for end users to have a brake performance test, it is required that all tractor and trailer owners ensure their vehicle is roadworthy before using it on the public road. This is a legal requirement. In addition, general health and safety requirements apply when using a tractor off the road.

And why wouldn’t you want your trailer to be safe?!

It’s showtime for the Royal Welsh!

The pinnacle event in the British agricultural calendar, the Royal Welsh Show takes place at the showground in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells from 22 - 25 July 2024.

Each year the Royal Welsh Show attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to the heart of Mid-Wales to come together and celebrate the very best of Welsh and British agriculture. The show is an action-packed four-day event of exciting competitions, livestock, forestry, crafts, countryside sports, shopping, food and drink, a 12-hour programme of non-stop entertainment, attractions, displays and much more.

As usual, there is a jam-packed schedule of livestock classes and special awards for a wide range of agricultural and rural competitions, attracting entries from far and wide of those competitors hoping to go home with a much-coveted Royal Welsh rosette.

Along with the fantastic livestock, the Royal Welsh Show provides something to interest everyone with a wide range of displays and attractions. Returning for the first time since 2010, the JCB Dancing Diggers will join us in our iconic main ring, along with a heavy horse musical display and a special celebration of Welsh agriculture performance.

More highlights in the Main Ring will include The Regimental Band of the Royal Welsh, one of the very few all-brass

bands within British Army Music and The RAF Falcons, the UK’s premier military parachute display team, with their exciting free fall display at speeds up to 120mph. Also returning to entertain the crowds will

be Tristar Carriage Driving, Meirion Owen and his sheepdogs, Inter Hunt Relay and much more.

New for 2024, we will be launching our Horticulture Village, celebrating all aspects of horticulture in Wales – from community to commercial growing, competitive showing and displays, alongside promoting the health and social benefits of gardening, education and building a resilient supply chain of sustainable Welsh produce.

The Food Hall will once again be a hive of culinary activity, showcasing the very best produce that Wales has to offer. After the successful launch of the brand-new Welsh Food Village last year, Gwledd Feast will feature an array of delicious food and drink options, along with a live music stage and seating to relax and soak up the atmosphere. A wide range of companies will take part in the Royal Welsh food showcase, creating a real microcosm of the Welsh food and drink industry from savoury delights to sweet treats.

For more information about this year’s Royal Welsh Show, or to purchase your early bird tickets visit: www.rwas.wales/royal-welsh/

John Deere to host next BAGMA Connect Meeting

BAGMA are pleased to announce the next Connect Meeting will take place on Wednesday 17th July 2024 at John Deere Ltd, Harby Road, Langar, Nottingham NG13 9HT.

BAGMA Connect meetings are an opportunity to network, listen to speakers and engage in discussions about current industry issues. Members, guests and non-members are invited to join us at John Deere’s Langar headquarters this July for the latest meeting held between 09:00am –16:00pm.

Refreshments will be available before the meeting, followed by a welcome from BAGMA General Manager Nick Darking. Pete Harding from PFW Associates will be speaking on “Getting the Measure of Aftersales”, who will be joined by a number of other speakers including Theo Levanti-Rowe from the AEA and Richard Thompson from BAGMA’s finance specialists, Novuna. Tickets are FREE and are available via the BAGMA website.

Scan here to book

Innovation takes centre stage at the Royal Highland

Considered the high-point of the Scottish agricultural calendar, the Royal Highland Show returns on 20th to 23rd June 2024. Alongside more than 1,000 exhibitors, 2,200 livestock competitors and over 6,500 animals, the latest technology and machinery innovations are set to be showcased in the Agri Innovation Arena.

Located on the south of the site, the arena will provide the platform for machinery, appliances, technical components and ancillary equipment to be demonstrated, that is set to shape the future of farming.

GroundsFest Expands

GroundsFest 2024 is gearing up for its second year with remarkable growth and expansion to the event taking place 10th & 11th September at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. With a staggering 90% rebooking rate from its 2023 exhibitors and an influx of new first-time exhibitors, GroundsFest has

solidified its status as a must-attend event for industry professionals.

The Outdoor Grand Ring, now expanded to incorporate additional space, is completely sold out, and only one spot remains in Outdoor Areas A and B. Ring B, strategically positioned as the first accessible area upon entry, has also

The area will also be home to the Technical Innovation winners. This award exists to recognise innovation and design across the agricultural and rural sectors. Award categories showcase inventions and creations that demonstrate a positive impact on agriculture, horticulture, equestrian, forestry, renewable energy and estate activities.

More information on the many show highlights can be found by visiting: www.royalhighlandshow.org

undergone considerable expansion to meet the escalating demand. Inside, only four stands remain available in Hall 1.

The number of exhibitors has also seen a significant increase, with 212 already signed up compared to 171 in the previous year. Over 70 new companies are set to join GroundsFest 2024, making GroundsFest the largest event of it’s kind in the UK.

Christopher Bassett, GroundsFest’s Event Director, said: “It’s truly remarkable to see GroundsFest expanding at such a rapid pace in just its second year. The overwhelming response from exhibitors speaks volumes about the value and impact of the event within the industry.”

GroundsFest 2024 promises to be a highlight in the groundscare and landscaping industries, featuring interactive demonstrations, educational seminars, and live music.

The event presents a prime opportunity for garden and agricultural machinery dealers to come together. BAGMA will have a significant presence at GroundsFest 2024 and attendees can explore the BAGMA Hub located within Hall 1.

www.groundsfest.com

Recognising that aeration is at the forefront of every turf professional’s maintenance plans, GKB Machines have announced the launch of the Combislit – a new, fast and effective solution to lowdisruption aeration.

GKB Machines launch new Combislit aerator

Available in 1.6m and 2.0m working widths, the Combislit uses GKB’s unique Evolvente® blades to spike and open all types of natural and hybrid surface to depths of up to 15cm (6”).

The GKB Combislit allows for effective aeration of the top layer with minimal friction and disruption, ensuring optimal oxygen and moisture movement and linking up with deeper decompaction work conducted throughout the season. The successor to the popular GKB Topair, the Combislit combines solid and robust design with simplicity of operation making it a go-to for regular passes on all type of sports and fine turf surfaces including fairways and greens.

GKB’s Evolvente® blades are designed to pierce the ground without disturbing or prying the topsoil. The result is a level surface, boosted with the many, welldocumented benefits of regular aeration and able to be back in play almost immediately.

The Combislit’s frame ensures sufficient weight to penetrate compacted upper layers, with the option to add additional weight to the top of the unit if required. A rear-mounted pressure roller can also be specified to deliver extra precision to the end result. In addition, the blades can be swapped for cutting discs for linear aeration and non-chemical weed control.

Commenting on its introduction, GKB UK Operations Manager Tom Shinkins said, “We are all too aware of the prolonged wet conditions facilities around the country have had to endure, which just serves to reiterate why regular aeration is so important. When ground conditions rule out heavier or more intensive methods, GKB now have a fast and effective tool to keeping the profile open, bringing benefit to players and plant health alike. We are excited to add this to our portfolio, with stock now available via our UK dealer network.”

New depot for Double A Trading

Double A Trading Company Ltd have announced the construction of a new purpose-built outlet for their expanding professional turf business in East Kilbride, Glasgow in Scotland.

The two-acre site will consist of a main building housing offices, training room, sales area, parts department and service workshop alongside a large storage building and yard area.

The new depot in East Kilbride joins the company’s other outlets in Kintore, Aberdeenshire and Cupar, Fife providing marketleading new and used turf equipment along with after-sales service, parts and technology to professional turf customers across Scotland.

Double A Trading founder and chairman Sandy Armit stated “we really appreciate how customers in the West of Scotland have put their faith in Double A Trading and this exciting new building, due to open next year, will give our staff and customers confidence in our company and provide a fantastic workplace experience.”

The Imants spaders achieve a higher efficiency and a higher yield per acre with less passes for all soil types.

T H WHITE went the distance for a great cause!

Team T H WHITE Machinery

Imports geared up for an extraordinary challenge that not only pushed the boundaries of endurance but also aimed to raise awareness and funds for mental health support.

The Great Ferris Coast2Coast Challenge took place from April 9th to April 10th, 2024, and saw the team riding a Ferris IS® 2600z Mower from Arnside seafront on the west coast to The Whale Bone Arch in Whitby in the east.

The journey was followed closely, and contributions to their cause poured in. Donations are still coming in and they are set to raise over £3,000!

Kubota launch parts apprenticeship

Kubota’s commitment to the next generation extends with the launch of the Kubota Parts Apprenticeship programme. Aligning with their range of existing technical apprenticeships conducted at Coleg Cambria, Llysfasi, this apprenticeship offers ambitious individuals the opportunity to progress to an advanced level of aftersales management through unique and dedicated ‘parts pathway training’. Open to Kubota dealer network members including: Tractor, Groundcare, Construction and Engine dealers - it aims to cultivate top-tier parts sales advisors.

Kubota UK Business Development Manager for Parts, Simon Chadbone quoted “This ensures comprehensive aftersales support, elevates dealership brands and enhances profitability, aligning with Kubota’s overarching goal of excellence in customer service.”

New Holland commemorates six decades of production with special edition tractor

New Holland is celebrating 60 years since the opening of its tractor factory in Basildon, England, with the unveiling of a celebration edition tractor and the strengthening of the plant’s role as the brand’s Alternative Fuels Centre of Excellence, alongside its position as its global tractor production facility.

TIAgrE, your professional identity

Technical presentations

eNewsletters

Access to Landwards journal

Networking opportunities

Competitions & awards

Local branches

Careers guidance & Jobs and much more

A listed technician with the Institution of Agricultural Engineers demonstrates a high quality of education and training, compliance to our code of professional ethics and commitment to continual learning. In addition to displaying your professional identity, you get lots of other benefits, as above.

Mark Earles of Makita UK Ltd

Shares insights on almost three decades in the industry, and what we can expect from his appointment as AEA President.

opportunities for those with skills in programming and electronics. Modern tractors and even some chainsaws can be connected to a laptop for diagnostics.

People-wise, with the latest apprenticeships available in our industry there are opportunities for someone to work their way up to dealer principle.

Congratulations on your appointment as AEA President. How does your experience help with this role and what do you hope to achieve during your tenure?

Education has been a major part of my life – two apprenticeships, two degrees and a postgraduate diploma in management plus lots of other qualifications on my journey have served me well. I chair the training and education committee for the AEA because I’m passionate about our industry’s future.

I get great satisfaction in seeing people in a role, learning and developing into an asset for their businesses.

What I want from my tenure is to see We Are Landbased Engineering gain even more momentum on the fantastic first 12 months; Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships being well supported by the industry and the introduction of new T levels to provide even more routes to bring people in.

Lastly what is the importance of the AEA, BAGMA and other associations in supporting you and the wider industry?

What the AEA and BAGMA bring to the industry is mind blowing. A lot of people don’t realise all of the work that’s happening behind the scenes with regards to regulations, rural crime theft bill, battery regulations etc. These associations are sitting on committees, lobbying to get changes made and representing the members/ dealers interests to reach solutions that are workable. They also represent us at European meetings and supply market data to the manufacturers. You can gauge how important this is by the fact that just about all industry manufacturers are members!

BAGMA are the vehicle to get this message out to the dealers and now having them under the AEA umbrella is the best outcome.

very much dominated by two major players and the power source was almost exclusively petrol. Gradually, with legislation changes around emissions,

fertiliser based on the previous year’s harvest data.

Our industry has become more technical which presents new

I don’t see the AEA and BAGMA so much as supporting me, but instead me supporting them to help them support the whole industry.

Exclusive discounts on recruitment from GBR

BAGMA members can receive exclusive discounts on recruitment fees and a bespoke recruitment service from our experts at GBR.

Whether your recruitment need is for a Technician, Administrator, Engineer, Designer, Accountant, HR Advisor, Senior Manager or a C-level Executive, GBR Recruitment can support you.

How you’ll benefit

l Independent professional permanent staffing recruitment consultancy

l Offering a single point of contact for all recruitment needs

l True recruitment business partnership –bespoke service not generic

l Qualified CVs within 72 hours of being given the job specification (any role / any level)

l 3-5 quality matched CVs per 1 role, we shortlist the applications for you (not 10s / 20s)

l 17 years generalist recruitment experience

l Competitive pricing (% or fixed fee NEG)

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

Procurement (Troy) 07432 290605

Health & Safety (SafetyAide) 07903 655506

Marketing (SiteWizard) 01622 200045

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 (WorkNest) 01244 667249

Find out more details at: bagma.com/benefits

BAGMA membership offers a range of specialised services and exclusive discounts to support your growth in the land-based industry. Whether you’re just starting out or have decades of experience, our priority is your success.

For more information visit: www.bagma.com

l BAGMA Buying Group

l BAGMA Training

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l Health & Safety

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