BAGMA Bulletin September/October

THE MEMBERSHIP MAGAZINE OF THE BRITISH AGRICULTURAL AND GARDEN MACHINERY ASSOCIATION ISSUE 18 | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2019

‘I will always be interested and involved’ Richard Campey explains why he's proud to pass the reins to daughter Julia and son John

INDUSTRY NEWS | SALTEX PREVIEW | NEW PRODUCTS

Insurance tailored to you We all have insurance needs that can be difficult to manage alongside the rest of our businesses. BAGMA members have access to Bira Insurance which provides a policy to support their specialist needs, giving them greater peace of mind that their businesses are properly covered.

Looking after your business Wide definition of ‘vehicle’ to include trailers and agricultural implements.

Unaccompanied demonstration cover for up to 72 hours.

Cover protection for vehicles, stock, general machinery, tools and contents both at business premises and elsewhere.

£5k worth of portable hand tools cover for employees.

Loan or hire whilst vehicles are in for service or repair.

Advice and support from specialists in the agricultural and garden machinery industries.

Specialist insurance for a unique industry We have arranged for specific covers such as unaccompanied demonstrations of agricultural vehicles to be included as standard as well as the usual covers you would expect from a machinery dealer’s insurance policy. This means there is something for everyone in the agricultural and garden machinery industries. So, why not give the BAGMA team at Bira Insurance a call today to see how we can help?

Talk to Bira Insurance today on 0333 207 6681 bira@towergate.co.uk

bagma.com/specialist-insurance/

Bira Insurance, Towergate and Towergate Insurance are trading names of Towergate Underwriting Group Limited. Registered Address: 1 Minster Court, Mincing Lane, London, EC3R 7AA. Registered in England with company number 4043759. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

designed and delivered by Towergate

IN THIS ISSUE

‘The ambition is for the Council to become more strategic’

ISSUE 18 SEPTEMBER– OCTOBER 2019

Our new President outlines his plans for his term in office better engagement with industry, education and Government. Please get in touch if you PETER ARRAND feel that you could spare a little time for this PRESIDENT crucial group.

BAGMA I recently attended the CLIMMAR meeting in Paris, which enabled me to better understand I MUST START my first President’s Pen by the workings of CLIMMAR. The big message taking the opportunity to thank Brian SangI took away is that all the members have very ster for his two terms of presidency, covering similar issues and challenges which can be the last four years, and the contribution he addressed by collaborative working. Of particuhas made – and continues to make – to our lar interest to me was recruitment and educaindustry. tion, as I work on the Government Department Brian has been instrumental in starting for Education ‘T’ Level Panel group representthe process of re-structuring ing our industry. the BAGMA Council and I look IT IS NOT TOO LATE T Level qualifications will forward to continuing the good TO CONTRIBUTE TO be a new two-year level 3 study progress he has made. Brian will THE CONSULTATION programme that will include a continue to support me and the REGARDING T LEVEL core set of underpinning knowlCouncil on the Board of Man- QUALIFICATIONS edge, specialist training coveragement and as LE-TEC chairman. Brian also ing specific industry skills and knowledge, and works with Lantra Scotland and the Royal an industry placement.

Highland Educational Trust amongst other The purpose of the T level is to ensure stuthings. dents have the knowledge and skills needed I mentioned re-structuring the Council. The to progress into skilled employment or higher ambition is for the Council to become more level training relevant to the T level qualificastrategic with the relevant committees feedtion undertaken. This qualification will be a ing into it. The Connect Group under Andrew vital link for those leaving education and joinWalker and the Young Managers Group under ing industry.

Elliot Prior are now established and need the However, we still need industry input and it support of the Council to continue to develop. is still not too late to contribute to the consultaMy ambition is to form an Education and tion regarding the qualification: Training Panel, made up of dealer representawww.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/T-Leveltives and interested stakeholders to enable Consultation

Cover: Richard Campey (second left) with daughter Julia, son John and Lee Morgado.

Photographed by Andrej Alesko

COMMENT

The membership magazine of the British Agricultural & Garden Machinery Association Published 6 times a year by Bira Publishing Editor Chris Boiling 07713 192344 chris.boiling@Bira.co.uk Design Alan Bingle 07949 024737 alan@forty6design.com Multimedia sales executive Lisa Ebdy 07799886115 lisaebdymedia@outlook.com All advertising and media enquiries please email: editorial@bagma.com

BAGMA, 225 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7UB 01295 713344 www.bagma.com BAGMA president Peter Arrand BAGMA director Keith Christian BAGMA business development manager Richard Jenkins 07432 290605

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NEWS Ernest Doe buys Bartram Mowers; Campey expands in Iceland

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EXPERT VIEWS How competent is your 'competent' person?

Plus the latest on apprenticeship uptakes

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COVER STORY Richard Campey talks about the changes at his 30-year-old company

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NEW PRODUCTS A round-up of some of the key new products we've spotted

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OUT & ABOUT BAGMA has been at three summer agricultural shows

Bira, 225 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7UB Tel 0121 446 6688 Fax 0121 446 5215 www.Bira.co.uk Bira president 2019-20 Howard Pullen CEO Andrew Goodacre Finance director Beverley Long Commercial director Jeff Moody

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

Printed in the UK by Stephens & George.

BAGMA BULLETIN SEPTEMBER– OCTOBER 2019

Marketing director John Halliday Regional sales managers Joanne Arthur 07572 790337 Gary Mitchell 07814767910 Janine Redford 07870 970856

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BAGMA NEWS

Campey expands in Iceland

BULLETIN BOARD

ICELAND MAY NOT seem the obvious place for a turf care company to expand. But that’s what BAGMA member Campey has done.

Campey has appointed Grastec as its new distributor for Iceland and Grastec will be offering the full range of Campey products, including Imants, Vredo, Air2G2, Dakota and the Campey own brand lines.

Iceland has nearly 150 outdoor natural grass football pitches and 184 outdoor artificial pitches of varying sizes. There are also more than 60 golf courses on the island with a short season from May to September, but due to 24-hour daylight, some courses are open for midnight golf, placing higher demands on the turf.

Campey product specialist Richard Heywood,

STAND PRIZE

BAGMA member James Marshall of Marshall’s Garden Machinery is presented with the best Trade Stand Trophy at this summer’s Perth Agricultural Show in Scotland.

AEA’S NEW MAN

The Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) has appointed Stuart McClimont as a technical and standards engineer. Stuart previously worked for Kubota (UK), managing its tractor assembly, inspection and r&d departments.

ALAMO ACQUISITION

Alamo Group has bought the Dixie Chopper business from Textron Outdoor Power Equipment, a subsidiary of Textron Inc. Based in Indiana, USA, Dixie Chopper manufactures a wide range of commercial and high-end residential mowing equipment. Future products will come from Alamo’s Gibson City, Illinois, factory, where the company also produces the RhinoAG implement line.

BARRUS CHANGE

EP Barrus has extended its sales team with the appointment of Gary Bowness as area sales manager covering the North West and Midlands. Gary has more than 15 years of sales experience in garden tools, gloves and accessories.

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who has represented the company in Iceland, has seen the demands placed on the country’s turf professionals and is looking forward to working with Grastec managing director Brynjar Sæmundsson (pictured) to offer maintenance solutions.

Richard said: “We know that both companies have a similar outlook within the professional turfcare market, and we see this as a very positive direction for all parties. This is the start of a very exciting new working combination, and we look forward to meeting customers both old and new over the next few years in Iceland, helping them find maintenance solutions for their turf.”

Turn to page 8 for our interview with Richard Campey

Doe buys Bartram Mowers BAGMA MEMBER ERNEST Doe has purchased the business of Bartram Mowers, further strengthening its position in Suffolk and Norfolk.

Mark Bartram approached Ernest Doe to buy the Bartram Mowers business after Ransomes Jacobsen announced it was expanding Doe’s territory for the franchise to incorporate Suffolk and Norfolk.

Ernest Doe’s managing director, Colin Doe, said: “The Bartram Mowers business is a good fit for Ernest Doe. We have three branches in Norfolk and three in Suffolk from which to support customers in the area.”

The Bartram Ipswich depot has already moved to Doe’s Framlingham branch, but Bartram’s Norwich site is staying open for another couple of months before moving to Doe’s North Walsham branch.

Eight jobs have been lost and a further 18 transferred. Neither of the sites formed part of the sale deal. The deal did, however, include Bartram’s LawnmowersDirect e-commerce platform.

Colin Doe added: “With our network of established branches in Norfolk and Suffolk,

£50m

Colin Doe (left) and Mark Bartram

we are focussed on building on the high level of service Bartram have provided to their customers and are looking forward to fresh challenges as we enter this exciting new phase of our business.”

Barry Bartram founded Bartram Mowers in 1972.

Ernest Doe was founded in 1898 as a blacksmith business and Colin Doe is the fourth generation of the family to run the business with his son, Angus Doe, who is service director.

The cost of rural crime last year – a seven-year high. That’s a 12% increase on 2017, according to NFU Mutual.

BAGMA BULLETIN SEPTEMBER– OCTOBER 2019

BAGMA NEWS

Imported secondhand machinery must pass new regulations NEW REGULATIONS HAVE come into force saying machinery or vehicles that have been used for agricultural or forestry purposes will be subject to plant health regulations when imported from any third country.

Importers must ensure that machinery or vehicles of this kind are accompanied by an official statement such as a phytosanitary certificate, detailing that they have been cleaned and are free from soil and plant debris. The requirements do not apply to new machinery and vehicles.

Inspections in England and Wales will be performed by Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) inspectors, and recorded on the Pro-

cedure for Electronic Application for Certificates system (PEACH). Importers of regulated machinery should notify the Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate (PHSI) and register on the PEACH system.

Machinery and vehicles landing in Scotland should be manually notified to the Forestry Commission’s Plant Health Service. The Forestry Commission will arrange an import inspection.

Importers of forest and farming machinery who need any further information or guidance can contact the APHA PHSI helpline on 01904 405138.

Briggs & Stratton plant closure BRIGGS & STRATTON will close its plant in Kentucky, USA, next year to consolidate production of its walk-behind lawnmower engines in southeast Missouri. About 630 employees are affected.

The closure announcement followed reports of a surprise fourth-quarter loss.

“During the year, we encountered weatherrelated headwinds in all three major lawn and garden markets around the globe,” said chief

executive Todd Teske. “This challenging and highly unusual environment was coupled with the Sears bankruptcy and several brand and [original equipment manufacturer] transitions.”

The net loss for the quarter that ended in June was $18.5m, with sales dropping 5.9% to $472m and gross profit margin decreasing to 14.4% from 21.7% for the same period last year.

The rise of the robots A NEW INDUSTRY report says the robotic lawnmower market will reach revenue of $1.5bn by 2024 in Europe alone – growing at a CAGR of approximately 13% during the period 2018-2024 – and $2.69bn globally. The report

by Market Growth Insight.com says that residential usage will lead the market both in terms of revenue and shipment, with the USA and UK leading the way.

In 2018, the majority of sales came from retail stores but the trend of selling online is increasing. The growth in online sales is set to increase by over 15% year-on-year during the period. Amazon.com, eBay, RobotShop, MowDirect, Alibaba, and AliExpress are some of the online retailers expected to benefit from the trend.

Double finance deal for TYM Tractors R EESINK TUR FCA R E IS offering two f lexible finance options for TYM Tractors.

Steven Haynes, TYM sales manager at Reesink, explained: “We’ve worked hard to bring to market two very competitive finance options on TYM’s sub, mid-duty and heavy-duty compact tractor ranges. Zero percent finance is available on up to an incredible 75% of the retail value of the tractor, whichever option you choose.”

With two options available

depending on whether customers would rather buy now and pay later, or spread the cost over three years, Steven said: “These finance options are designed to help customers buy the tractors they need without compromising cash flow, allowing them to replenish or add to their fleet of turfcare equipment in a way that suits their financial situation.”

Both options are available until November 29.

BAGMA BULLETIN SEPTEMBER– OCTOBER 2019

The TYM T503

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BAGMA NEWS

John Deere invests in customer service centre in Scotland BAGMA Bank teams up with Ford for new promotion AS A RESULT of recent feedback, BAGMA Bank has teamed up with Ford Motor Company to get members a better deal on Ford cars and vans.

The bank says: “Our discounts make purchasing a new vehicle a great deal more attractive, with prices that are comparable with used vehicles and with the bonus of new car benefits.”

It adds: “As your trade association bank, we are always looking for ways to help members manage their finances. We do this by providing competitive savings products, affordable loans with low interest rates and, most recently, with discounts through our partnerships with vehicle manufacturers.”

For further details Phone: 0121 227 6656 Email: info@bagmabank.com bagmabank.com

NEW CUSTOMER SERVICE centres supporting John Deere’s forest machinery business will open in 2020 in Perth (Scotland), Ockelbo (Sweden), and Laukaa (Finland). The centres will improve the geographical scope of the manufacturer’s customer service and the efficiency of customer service, the company says.

Construction work on the 9000sq m plot in Perth, Scotland, has already started. The new customer service centre will also serve the road construction machinery customers of Wirtgen, a company fully owned by John Deere.

The new 1,300sq m building will house a four-bay machine repair shop, a wash station, a spare parts and accessories store, a spare parts warehouse, a conference room and social facilities for employees.

The plot will also have a cold storage and space for new and used machines.

John Deere announced the plans at the recent Perth Show, where it was recruiting (top right).

Customer services will also remain at the current facility in Carlisle, England.

l Deere & Company has chosen John May (pictured) as its new CEO, starting November 4. May has served as Deere’s president and chief operating officer since April 2019. Samuel R Allen will continue as chairman of the board of directors after he steps down from the CEO position. 50-yearold May becomes the 10th chief executive in the company’s 182year history.

RT Machinery open day

On a sunny but windy day, RT Machinery held its annual customer open day at its premises near Aylesbury.

This event is one of the biggest outdoor demonstration days in the country with more than 30 suppliers present, most of whom offered live demonstrations on the day with equipment ranging from firebreathing weed killing machines to robotic tracked bank machines for flail mowing. In between there were day-long demonstrations of robotic lawnmowers and a large area for mowing equipment.

About 250 guests attended the event.

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BAGMA BULLETIN SEPTEMBER– OCTOBER 2019

BAGMA NEWS

Award shortlist for BAGMA Briefing BAGMA’S NEWSLETTER, BAGMA Briefing, has been shortlisted for Best Association Newsletter in the Association Excellence Awards 2019.

The awards recognise and reward the hardwon achievements of UK trade bodies, professionals’ membership organisations and associations.

Keith Christian, director of BAGMA, said: “We are so pleased to have been shortlisted for this category as the BAGMA Briefing has been a key area of focus for the BAGMA marketing team over the last three years. We’re proud to be supporting our independent members with informative and relevant content through the Briefing and over the last three years it has developed into our most effective digital communication, providing insightful content and support for BAGMA members. The team works hard to make sure our members are informed and entertained through the newsletter and I’m sure our members will join me in congratulating the team.”

The winners will be revealed during a lunchtime awards ceremony, taking place at The Kia Oval on Friday, October 11.

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BAGMA BULLETIN SEPTEMBER– OCTOBER 2019

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BAGMA bank is a trading style of Bira Bank limited which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services register No. 204478) Registered office: 225 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7UB. Registered in England. Company No. 0555071

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BAGMA BULLETIN SEPTEMBER– OCTOBER 201914:24:02 02/09/2019

OPINION

How competent is your ‘competent’ person?

Who should do this?

It depends on your business. The MHSWR allow every employer to identify the best way to achieve this. For some – usually larger, high-risk businesses Legal requirement?

– it will mean that a full-time health and safety Since the Health & Safety Offences Act 2008 came into professional(s) should be used. force, you now need at least one member Your decision as to how you will comply of staff to have specific responsibility for SAFETY with this legal duty should be formally managing health and safety issues. You PAUL MARSH discussed and recorded. The best place manager must ensure that whoever takes on this Office to do this is at a board meeting. Your SafetyAide role has the appropriate qualifications and choice should be recorded in the meeting experience to make them competent to do it. minutes.

The Act did not introduce any new duty.

However, it’s made it easier for businesses What qualifications? and individuals to be prosecuted if a breach Unfortunately, this isn’t identified in of the law is identified. It has also increased the legislation, nor is there anything in the penalties courts can impose – including official guidance documents published making a custodial sentence a real possibility for those by the HSE. All you’ll get from the HSE is general who have committed gross breaches. This means it’s advice such as ensuring that whoever you employ now more important than ever to ensure your business has the appropriate skills and knowledge to make is complying with health and safety legislation. them competent. Nowhere does it state that those managing safety must have “X” qualifications and This is nothing new “Y” experience.

The reason that there is no new duty for employers to Anyone you use (either your own staff or a seek competent advice is because it already exists. The consultant) must know your business or the sector you Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations operate in, and they must have a good understanding 1999 (MHSWR) state: “Employers shall appoint one or of health and safety legislation. If they don’t have more competent persons to assist him in undertaking both, then it should be assumed that they will not the measures he needs to take to comply with the be able to provide meaningful and thorough advice. requirements and prohibitions imposed upon him by Who would be the most suitable candidate in your or under the relevant statutory provisions.” company for the role?

You’ve heard that you must have at least one member of staff who holds formal health and safety qualifications.

Is this really the case, or just another myth?

The message is getting home I AM DELIGHTED to be able to report that three of There is more good news; this time from the the full line manufacturers who offer apprenticeship Government concerning the commitment of extra schemes for their networks have had a record number funding for Further Education and the new T Level of apprentice intakes this year. qualifications in particular. It’s a nice TRAINING This is partly due to the renewed drive thought but whether it becomes a reality to recruit the technicians that the industry DAVID depends on the fortunes of the Government KIRSCHNER desperately needs for the future, and Independent in the next weeks. partly due to the land-based engineering consultant and LTA Meanwhile, LE-TEC continues to scheme co-ordinator apprenticeship standards introduced in subsidise the cost of compiling the new 2017 being delivered at a level that meets land-based engineering T level qualification industry needs. Congratulations to all who by meeting the expenses for BAGMA’s have enjoyed this success, I am sure it has President, Peter Arrand, and myself to not happened by accident but resulted attend meetings and supply the input for from a proactive approach. It’s hard but the land-based engineering industry. rewarding work.

Peter and I are gathering industry opinion to Hopefully the smaller and multi–franchised and ensure that the content of the new qualification independent dealers who don’t have the benefit of a meets industry needs. For those readers who have not manufacturer’s apprenticeship scheme available to contributed to the survey, it’s not too late – please go them are enjoying the same success; their need for to this website: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/T-Levelnew blood is equally as great.

Consultation BAGMA BULLETIN SEPTEMBER– OCTOBER 2019

Still working with our European counterparts BAGMA is working with CLIMMAR for the benefit of UK dealers COMMENT

KEITH CHRISTIAN DIRECTOR BAGMA I have just spent a few days at a CLIMMAR meeting in Paris with our new President, Peter Arrand. This is normally a meeting for the various secretaries from the CLIMMAR members’ countries to catch up on what is going on in each country, CLIMMAR activities and to prepare for the October conference where this year’s projects come together for ratification.

I believe the amount of work covered and the activities of each country were a bit of a revelation for Peter in terms of the commitment from all those involved. Certainly, the discussions on how CLIMMAR will move forward and what is required are ambitious but deemed necessary. The overall objective of CLIMMAR is to work on projects that are important to all countries and where a generic approach is a strong representation of the landbased engineering industry and a useful application of resources.

Current projects involve dealer contracts, recruitment and education, and smart farming. All of which are dealt with in working groups made up of representatives from different countries.

There’s still plenty of work to be done in Europe despite Brexit and it’s work that will benefit dealers in the UK. www.climmar.com

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COVER STORY

‘I will always be intere Richard Campey talks to BAGMA Bulletin about stepping back from the day-today running of the company he set up 30 years ago…

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HAVING SPENT THE past 33 years building a successful international company, Richard Campey has now passed the managing director reins to daughter Julia. Son John Campey and Lee Morgado, who started in the workshops in 2006, have become directors and Neil Armstrong, who joined Campey in 2010 as accounts manager, is the new company secretary.

Richard will remain involved, as chairman, having turned Campey Turf Care Systems into one of Europe’s largest independent groundscare machinery dealers, supplying equipment to countries in most parts of the world.

Brands represented include Dakota, Imants, Koro, Vredo, Votex, GT Air 2G2 injector, Bellon Mit, Omarv, Fleischmann mowers and Campey’s own brand products.Campey Turf Care Systems also operates a local retail groundscare dealership for the North West of

the UK for Dennis SISIS, New Holland, Martin Lishman and Trimax products.

Koro is a great example of Richard’s ‘natural instinct’ for the turf care business and how he earned a reputation as someone who sets industry standards. In 1997, he introduced the revolutionary Koro machine to the UK. The impact this has had on the way sports pitches are managed today is profound – and koroing is now a recognised generic term for fraise mowing across the world.

The company also has a thriving used machinery business and a subsidiary company, Tines Direct, which supplies replacement tines, blades and parts for a wide range of turf care machinery.

But equally important for Richard is his proactive approach to educating groundsmen and women in promoting a strategy of best practice which has helped ensure that young people have BAGMA BULLETIN SEPTEMBER– OCTOBER 2019

ested and involved’ BAGMA Bulletin: How are you enjoying your new role as chairman?

Richard: I have gone from being in complete control to allowing others to take on some responsibility – and that is a good feeling!

When did you first realise your daughter may have what it takes to run the business?

In the last seven to ten years Julia has developed a real feel and understanding for the business, which has given me enormous confidence in trusting her judgement and ability to take Campeys on and continue to help it grow.

How has your daily life changed?

With fewer routine activities, I have more time to look at long-term strategy, the planning and logistics of expansion, re-development and other matters which demand thought.

How cunning did you have to be to get your daughter interested in groundscare machinery?

Not at all. Julia always showed an interest and helped out even when she was still at school.

Do you spend any less time worrying about the business?

It’s not so much about worrying, it’s about having more time to consider options and potential outcomes.

What got you interested in the industry in the first place?

Started at the age of 22 years old and then really got involved when I worked for SISIS, a local Macclesfield company for ten years.

access to the best possible sports surfaces across all walks of life and tiers of sport.

BAGMA BULLETIN SEPTEMBER– OCTOBER 2019

Did you consider any other careers?

I dabbled in one or two different interests but no, sports turf maintenance machinery is where my true interest lies.

What made you branch into international markets?

During years of visiting overseas exhibitions and ta lk ing to dea lers, I believed it was something we were particularly well placed to do. In 2000 we took on American manufactured Dakota Spreaders and set up severa l Eu rope a n de a ler s. A f t er that, exports took off as we added new lines and used an ever-growing network of dealers throughout Europe and then further afield in other parts of the world. Our success is in no small measure due to taking on appropriate staff with the right export and local dealer knowledge. 

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COVER STORY

What’s the most satisfying part of building up an international company?

Meeting people from different countries and cultures but who have one thing in common – the treatment and maintenance of turf.

How is Brexit affecting things?

I can’t see much changing for our industry apart from more paperwork perhaps. Business will continue and we will adapt to the changes accordingly.

What’s your vision for 2020?

I don’t have a different vision for the next decade, rather a continuation of how we are now. We are always looking to develop new markets and introduce new products that follow the same principle of best practice for natural turf maintenance.

Of all the sports grounds you’ve visited around the world, which is the most impressive and why?

There are many exceptional clubs in the UK, but Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur, PSG and Arsenal Training Grounds, run by top-class British grounds managers who create outstanding playing surfaces, stand out.

What’s the key trend in groundscare machinery at the moment?

It’s all about aeration, decompaction and renovation. Soil maintenance is as much about understanding the soil profile as looking after the sward. Good soil maintenance products deliver the perfect surface.

How is the used machinery market at the moment?

It’s steady, showing no particular changes in demand.

How does Tines Direct fit into the overall business?

Tines Direct is a key component of our business.

Customers know that they will receive quality replacement tines overnight. It is an essential part of our aftersales service.

Is the new job title a step towards retirement?

Yes and no. I will always be interested and involved in the company in one form or another, but just not at the level of activity in the past.

What will you miss most about the groundscare industry?

It’s not what I will miss but more of what I have enjoyed most, which is meeting great characters and being part of an amazing industry. Sadly, I

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feel it has been somewhat undervalued in some official quarters which could have had a much greater influence on encouraging better practices and greater funding.

How has BAGMA helped the business?

BAGMA has been a very useful source of practical and legal advice that has proved invaluable in many circumstances which required clarity. Also, the personnel at BAGMA are very approachable which is a good thing.

What’s been your proudest personal achievement?

Having two members of my family come into the business and seeing all employees form a team that works.

“I will always be interested and involved in the company in one form or another, but just not at the level of activity in the past” Richard Campey

BAGMA BULLETIN SEPTEMBER– OCTOBER 2019

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Some helpful and simple tips for pro-longing the life of a lithium-ion battery are: lT ry to avoid letting the batteries completely discharge often lB atteries should be kept cool as high temperatures will take a toll on the lifespan lN ot to be used in temperatures below -17°C

The switch to lithium-ion power IN THE EARLY 1970s, Lithiumion power tool ranges were introduced into the market as a replacement to the old Ni-cad batteries, which were slow to charge and had inconsistent performance levels. Lithium-ion, however, provides a consistent level of performance and power, meaning you can get the job done faster.

Lithium-ion batteries also have a low self-discharge rate as users can recharge their batteries to full capacity at any point of the discharge cycle without causing cell damage. Over 70% of the trade and professional power tools industry

has already adapted to cordless lithium-ion power tools and the DIY and garden market is following this trend rapidly.

In order to successf ully compete in this growing market it is important for dealers to choose a cordless power tool range that offers quality products, great value and a wide range of products.

Power X- C ha nge is t he innovative lithium-ion battery platform from Einhell, offering a wide range of more than 100 cordless garden and power tools.

Battery safety and maximum battery performance are the main

BAGMA BULLETIN SEPTEMBER– OCTOBER 2019

focus of Einhell’s extensive R&D department.

Many power tool brands have chosen to include the main safety features into the tools themselves whereas Einhell has focused on the battery, ensuring that the high levels of safety are always provided no matter the tool. The cells used in Einhell’s Power X-Change batteries are specifically designed to cope with the power demands of power tools and garden products, with optimised shape, size and also numerous safety features.

To further ensure consumer safety, Einhell Power X-Change batteries benefit from their ‘Active Battery Management System’,

which constantly monitors the inside of the battery, preventing any typical damage. Power X-Change batteries will automatically shut down if ingress of foreign objects into the battery occurs. Therefore, preventing any potential damage to the battery and also harm to the consumer. Thermal management is provided and, again, auto-shutdown will take place but this time in the case of any short-circuiting that could be caused by overheating. The housing of the battery is shock and impact proof, making the batteries fire retardant and also preventing any damage to the cells.

Find out more at bira.co.uk/ einhell-launch

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PRODUCT NEWS

The next level of Infinicut AT THE FIRST in a series of launch events, groundsmen and greenkeepers were invited to Tottenham Hotspur FC’s training facility to see the new Infinicut SM34 Rotary Mower. The SM34 follows the same design philosophy as the rest of the Infinicut range, and has been designed for professional users. Features include 34in cutting width and high carbon steel blades. Paralleling and deck pitch adjustment features are standard, and the SM34 can be specified with either an engine generator or lithium battery as a power source.

John Coleman, head of MTD Specialty Products UK, said: “The Infinicut Rotary was a natural product progression from our well recognised Infinicut cylinder mower range. The design of this machine is a combination of our own concepts and ideas but at the same time we’ve listened carefully to our customers’ feedback. The culmination is a machine that takes a known concept and places it firmly in the modern era by introducing wireless parameter adjustment via our proprietary InfiniApp.”

Chipper for challenging environments

Bumper grass year increases demand for zero grazing equipment DEMAND FOR ZERO grazing equipment is spiralling in 2019 as UK dairy farmers seek an edge to compete in a challenging milk market.

Forage machinery specialist James Seaton of JVS Machinery says: “Farmers choosing to maximise yield through zero grazing have benefitted from excellent growing conditions in 2019, a sharp contrast to the drought of 2018. We supply Belair zero grazers and this year we have seen a sharp rise in enquiries from farmers looking to change the way their herds are fed.”

French manufacturer Belair

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teamed up with JVS Machinery last year to distribute its range of cutting and feeding equipment in the UK. James says: “I chose to become a Belair dealer because I use the machines for contracting and I know they last.”

One happy customer is Jim O’Neil, a Shropshire dairy farmer.

He bought a Belair Gabare Premium XL last year to cut grass and bring it to his herd of 480 Holstein-Friesian cows. He says: “I bring three and a half loads every day to the cows, which takes about two hours. We have 220 acres and zero grazing is the best way to make the most of the land.”

GREENMECH’S NEW PIVOTING track extension system is proving a hit with Scotland’s South West Arb. With an increasing number of railside de-veg projects demanding work on steep embankments, the SURE-Trak’s ability to perform in challenging environments saw owner Stewart Ball taking delivery of the first SURE-Trak 19-28 woodchipper in the UK from local dealer Lloyd Ltd at the start of the year.

“When I established South West Arb five years ago, the first thing I purchased was a GreenMech SAFE-Trak chipper,” explains Stewart, who now heads-up a team of 15. “My previous employer had been a longstanding user of the SAFE-Trak

units and, having looked at other machines, when it came to working on embankments or challenging terrain, no other chippers came close.” After quickly adding a second SAFE-Trak to his fleet, Stewart then heard about the launch of GreenMech’s next generation track system, SURE-Trak.

Allowing safe traversing of slopes in excess of 35 degrees, the pivoting SURE-Trak assemblies allow each track to maintain contact with the ground independently, while following differing contours, to provide a surer footprint and improved stability. Since we’ve had the SURE-Trak, it’s been working on embankments that other chippers could only dream of getting to,” said Stewart.

Titan Tines available within 24 hours With Reesink Turfcare’s 24-hour delivery service, customers can have their stock of Toro Titan Tines replenished and their machines back up and running as quickly as possible.

There are more than 150 Toro Titan Tines available, covering all possible aeration applications – including slicing or spiking, hollow, solid or deep tining, or using water injection cultivation or ‘linear’ aeration.

All Titan Tines fit current and late model Toro aerators and the standard mount size fits lots of other manufacturer aerators, too.

BAGMA BULLETIN SEPTEMBER– OCTOBER 2019

PRODUCT NEWS

Kubota launches 200hp tractor

Kubota has launched its first tractor to feature a six-cylinder engine and a power output of more than 200hp, following a tie-up with Canadian firm Buhler Versatile.

The M8 – only launched in the US market so far – uses the same platform as Versatile’s new Nemesis, a 6.7-litre Cummins engine.

It is expected to be launched at Agritechnica in Hanover, Germany, in November.

Online services for used KUHN machines

Combine updates JOHN DEERE HAS announced a raft of combine updates for the 2020 season, with the focus on increased throughput, automation and easier operation. All the new updates can be ordered from dealers. John Deere will also be launching the new 700X variable length header for 2020. This maintains the existing unit’s long 1200mm table for maximum harvesting capacity and minimum losses in oilseed rape, with the benefit of an even better crop flow.

BAGMA BULLETIN SEPTEMBER– OCTOBER 2019

INTERACTIVE PARTS CATALOGUES and operators’ manuals for KUHN machines up to 20 years old can now be accessed through the company’s MyKUHN online customer portal.

Any owner or operator can now obtain essential information for maintenance and repairs, simply by registering a machine’s serial number on the site, even when purchasing used equipment.

“There’s perhaps a tendency to assume services such as MyKUHN apply only to the new machinery buyer,” says KUHN UK managing director Siân Pritchard, “but the facility is arguably even more valuable to those purchasing a used machine. Having instant access to a user-friendly parts catalogue and up-to-date operator’s manual should give buyers greater confidence and make any ongoing servicing a lot easier and more cost-effective.”

In addition to 24/7 technical support, the portal offers a click-and-collect spare parts service through local dealers. It also provides a wide range of associated advice and guidance and advanced notice on special offers, product improvements, events and new machine launches.

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EVENTS

Sustainable groundscare MORE THAN 500 brands will be on show at experts, within this village, will offer advice the forthcoming SALTEX 2019 event. Indeon green technology and how it could benefit pendent agricultural, garden and groundscare current working practices. machinery dealers can update their product The seminar programme will include: knowledge as they navigate their way through l Updates on regulations relating to plant the three large show halls containing a plethora protection products (PPP) from Dr Colin of exhibitors showcasing turf mainMumford, Bayer’s technical support tenance machinery, fertilizers, wetmanager; ting agents, seeds, turf, aggregates l Climatologist Jim Dale on ‘ManSALTEX 2019 and treatments, weed control, faciliaging Climate Change’, in which he ties management services, fencing October 30 and 31 will be exploring how certain techNEC, Birmingham and landscaping. nology can ensure that turf profesThe trend towards sustainable sionals are always that one step and environmentally friendly pracahead; tices in groundscare is gathering l ICL’s Dr Andy Owen and Tamsin pace as a growing number of grounds personWilliams, PhD student at the Royal Holloway nel, greenkeepers, landscapers and contractors University, on a four-year research project, are looking for products that can deliver quality which explores the effects of seaweed products results but also reduce their carbon footprints. on turfgrass plant parasitic nematodes; and A new feature – the Eco Village – will offer l I ndustry expert Peter Corbett on ‘Life Witha programme of daily demonstrations in cutout Propiconazole’. ting-edge sustainable technology, allowing BAGMA Bulletin readers may also find the visitors an opportunity of seeing a number outdoor demonstrations area, outside halls 6, of products in action. Furthermore, industry 7 and 8, of interest.

SALTEX IN BRIEF AMS Robotics, the UK’s official distributors for Belrobotics robots, will be showing the brand’s automated mowers and ball collector, along with the AMS ball wash and transportation system.

Stand A040 The OxyShot will be taking centre stage on the Charterhouse Turf Machinery stand. Suitable for use on a variety of sports surfaces, visitors to the stand will see how the air-injection unit can relieve compaction, improve drainage and revitalise growth without the need for chemical applications.

Stand K070 The Turf-Seeder and the recently launched 4m BLECavator are among the highlights on the BLEC stand.

Stand M080

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A Real great prize for SALTEX Cup winner

Toro and Reesink Turfcare are sponsoring the SALTEX College Cup 2019, a studentled sports turf challenge. The competition, managed by the Institute of Groundsmanship, will test the teams of students on their turf management knowledge with paper-based questions, a presentation and live test samples during SALTEX. The prize? The winning team will travel to Spain at the end of February 2020 to help prepare Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium (pictured) for a major international game.

See BAGMA at SALTEX

BAGMA WILL BE exhibiting as usual at this will present a paper on recruiting technicians year’s SALTEX exhibition. on the morning of the 30th, the first day of the BAGMA staff will be on stand B107 show. Please come along and support this to help members and explain the presentation and the debate, which services and benefits to potential will be about the need to make jobs Come and members. within the landbased engineervisit BAGMA Staff will also be there to dising sector more visible and more on stand B107 cuss industry training. BAGMA is attractive. The shortages of techthe administrator for the industry’s nicians is a worldwide problem Landbased Training Accreditation and the UK needs to play its part in Scheme (LTA). attracting more people to the industry At the show’s Learning LIVE education to replace those retiring over the next five to programme, BAGMA director Keith Christian ten years.

The new man in charge LUKE PERRY (PICTURED) has been appointed SALTEX & Events director, a newlycreated post, by the Institute of Groundsmanship. He will be primarily responsible for the growth, development, management and delivery of the annual SALTEX exhibition.

IOG chief executive Geoff Webb said:

“Luke’s appointment will considerably extend our in-house expertise – not only in delivering SALTEX but also with a view to providing a schedule of year-round events for members.”

BAGMA BULLETIN SEPTEMBER– OCTOBER 2019

EVENTS

Anniversary show

Light-footed ROBOCUT set for official launch McConnel is using SALTEX to launch the ROBOCUT RC28, which was designed to allow remote controlled

mowing of level land as well as tackling slopes of up to 55 degrees. This mower (pictured) is aimed at fine

BAGMA BULLETIN SEPTEMBER– OCTOBER 2019

turf applications where a light footprint and minimal surface disturbance is vital.

Stand A095

AgriScot (formerly DairyScot) will be AgriScot celebrating its 25th November 20 Royal Highland anniversary this year.

Centre, To mark the Ingliston, Edinburgh occasion, the first two chairmen of the event, Alex Brown and Robin Young, have agreed to act as joint independent assessors for the Scottish Dairy Farm of the Year award 2019.

Alex Brown, OBE, chairman of DairyScot and then AgriScot from 1993 to 2001, said: “I have not personally been involved with AgriScot for a number of years now. But it has been great to see how far the event has come over the years, it is now a true cross sector farm business event attracting agricultural professionals from all over Scotland, Britain and beyond.”

15

OUT AND ABOUT

BAGMA attends three of the largest summer agricultural shows At the Pembrokeshire County Show

At the Royal Norfolk Show NORFOLK’S BIGGEST AGRICULTURAL event of the year, the Royal Norfolk Show, attracted more than 800 cattle entries, 150 pigs and 146 dairy goats. And, even in a lowland agricultural county more famed for its arable expanses of wheat, barley and sugar beet, it also attracted almost 1,200 sheep.

With more than 40,000 people attending the show each day – including many local schoolchildren – the show

Top: Ernest Doe Stand Above: Baggleys Machinery

had a busy and vibrant feel to it. The agricultural area was still a main feature of the show, and had the largest and most impressive stands we have seen all year. Huge credit to BAGMA members and non- members for the work they put into their displays. Special mention to Ben Burgess and Ernest Doe for creating huge stands and hospitality areas.

Speaking to as many members as possible on the day, our business development manager Richard Jenkins found that more and more members are using the shows as a public relationship exercise and that any large sales on the day are a welcome bonus. This must be difficult for some as the cost to exhibit can easily run into tens of thousands of pounds!

Richard always walks around the shows looking at all the sections and, at this show, found large retail areas selling anything from hot tubs to knitwear.

Best show so far this year? Probably. Well done to all those involved.

BAGMA JOINED A number of members exhibiting at this event, the largest agricultural show in Wales after the Royal Welsh. The action-packed show celebrated a milestone anniversary this year – 60 years since the show moved to its present location at Pembrokeshire County Showground in Haverfordwest.

The general feedback from members was that the show had been a little quiet and that maybe a two-day event would be more appropriate. Some also felt that clashing with The Anglesey Agricultural Show and Denbigh & Flint show had not helped. It was, however, good to see free entry for underfives and reduced prices from

Arwel's Agriculture

4pm. Shows can easily cost a family over £100 with entry and food, so any reductions will surely help to boost visitor numbers.

BAGMA members had put a lot of effort and time into their stands. JE Lawrence won the Best Agricultural Stand and Arwel’s Agri Services was best for tea and biscuits!

J E Lawrence

At the Turriff Show This event was very well attended with the machinery section very professionally presented and a showcase for this important farming area. The quality of the stands was uniformly excellent with several BAGMA members involved.

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One BAGMA member, Chris Powell of CC Powell, was awarded the Humberclyde Trophy Special Prize for the Best Large Trade Stand for the fourth year running. Chris had another reason to celebrate as the company was also appointed Pottinger dealers at the show (pictured).

BAGMA BULLETIN SEPTEMBER– OCTOBER 2019

AUTUMN 2019 EXHIBITIONS GREAT

LATEST LAWS & REGULATIONS IN WORKWEAR & PPE

GREAT

SOUTHERN

SHOW

Wednesday 4th September Kent Showground, ME14 3JF

HOME SAFETY PRODUCTS & LEGISLATION

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Tuesday 10th September Hendon Air Museum, NW9 5LL

COME AND

MEET THE EXPERTS IN ONLINE B2B & DIGITAL MARKETING

PRODUCTS & APPLICATIONS

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