BAGMA Bulletin Magazine November-December 2020

THE MEMBERSHIP MAGAZINE OF THE BRITISH AGRICULTURAL AND GARDEN MACHINERY ASSOCIATION ISSUE 24 | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

Meet the team We go behind the scenes at BAGMA headquarters BREXIT: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW | EXPERT ADVICE | LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS

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’Tis the season for planning and preparation

IN THIS ISSUE ISSUE 24 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

There are challenges ahead for all of us, but if we dedicate time to being prepared, we will weather the storm together COMMENT

PETER ARRAND PRESIDENT BAGMA SO, WE HAVE known about coronavirus for almost a year now and it seems inconceivable that it is still affecting every business and every person globally and is set to do so for well into 2021. There have been so many new and differ‑ ent ways of working implemented, I wonder if these will be the permanent norm and we have to plan and prepare more than ever.

It has come to that time of year that I call the ‘Planning and Preparation’ season. I often

IT IS POSSIBLE TO PLAN UNTIL THE COWS COME HOME BUT IF WE ARE NOT PREPARED, THE SITUATION WILL RUN AWAY FROM US hear these words in the same sentence, but preparation is very different from planning.

It is possible to plan until the cows come home but if we are not prepared, the situation will run away from us ‑ and the global pandemic makes this more relevant than ever before.

So, we can plan for the effects of Brexit and coronavirus, but there are so many things that are out of our control. We are all facing new challenges so is it possible to plan for those things that are out of our control? Maybe some, but I would suggest we can handle the

The membership magazine of the British Agricultural & Garden Machinery Association Published 6 times a year by Bira Publishing Editor Emily Bridgewater 07875 678855 emily.bridgewater@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

uncertainty and be more robust if we dedicate time to ensure we are prepared.

You may have recently seen an announce‑ ment of the expansion of post-18 education scheme to level up and prepare workers for a post-Covid economy. The Prime Min‑ ister has set out plans to change and transform the training and skills system. Adults without an A-Level or equivalent qualification will be offered a free, fully-funded college course which will be avail‑ able from April in England.

Obviously, we will wait to see the details. T Level quali‑ fications may also become more prominent in coming years considering the amount of con‑ tinued investment the Govern‑ ment is pledging to their sup‑ port and delivery.

And lastly, with regards to Planning and Preparation and BAGMA: Several of the associa‑ tion’s council participated in the CLIMMAR annual conference, which was held virtually last month. The council will be hold‑ ing its next ‘virtual’ meeting immi‑ nently where many new and exciting opportunities and challenges will be discussed, as well as the ongoing issues our industry faces which you will be able to read about in this magazine.

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 All the latest news from the sector

6 8 12 17

SAFETY Report from the FSP’s latest meeting

TEAM TALK Meet the faces of BAGMA

BREXIT Are you ready for January 1, 2021?

SHOW NEWS Fundraiser to save historic show

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 Marketing director John Halliday

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 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

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BAGMA NEWS

BULLETIN BOARD

STIHL UPDATES APPROVED DEALER DISCOUNT STRUCTURE

STIHL has updated its Dealer Discount Structure which will recognise the effort STIHL-Approved Dealers put into the personal handover of its machines.

From March 2021, when dealers unbox, PDI and offer personal instruction to customers, they will retrospectively be awarded a 5% handover fee upon registration of products using STIHL’s B2B system. The handover fee applies to sales of all petrol, cordless batterypowered and electric machines.

Wayne Stone, STIHL national sales manager, said: “We recognise the amount of effort that our dealers put into unboxing, setting-up and handing over STIHL products so they’re ready to use. We therefore feel it’s appropriate that in such cases, dealers are rewarded for the valuable time they spend supporting customers.”

FIRST PHASE OF EXPANSION PLAN COMPLETE Blaney Group, based in Ahoghill, Co Antrim, has completed the first phase of its new purpose-built manufacturing facility.

The company says it will help futureproof the business and expand the capacity required to meet customer demand across its engineering divisions.

The new facility houses Blaney’s precision engineering company Blaney Gears and gives significant space for assembly of the Blaney Agri tractor machinery and Quad-X ATV equipment.

CHARLIE’S NEW ROLE AS IAGRE CHIEF The IAgrE has appointed new CEO, Charlie Nicklin.

He joins the IAgrE after 24 years with JCB in design and manufacture.

Charlie said: “I believe IAgrE has a key role to play in promoting the industry, ensuring visibility of the range of roles’ and showcasing how exciting and fulfilling it is to work in them.”

LAMMA 2021 POSTPONED The next LAMMA show will now be held in May 2021, it has been announced.

It was due to be held at the NEC, Birmingham, in January 2021 however, due to the continuing uncertainty about whether large scale events can go ahead, it has been postponed.

It will now run at the same venue on May 25 and 26, 2021.

For more details visit www.lammashow.com

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GreenMech chipper is a dream machine GA PLANT AND Tool Hire in Swindon has become the first company to take delivery of a new EVO 165P SUB-750 woodchipper from GreenMech.

Delivering the performance required by domestic and small commercial contractors, the EVO also meets the spec for owner/ director Angus Lacy-Hulbert when it comes to ease of mainte‑ nance, ensuring the machine is ser‑ viced and ready for tight hire turnarounds.

With a three-inch chipper on their hire fleet previously, Angus spotted the gap for a larger, road-tow machine and sought advice from

local arborists on the options available. He said: “We naturally gravitated to GreenMech.

Being British-engineered and backing up good product with local service and support is an ethos we like to follow ourselves.”

A demonstration of the new six-inch SUB-750kg EVO 165P sealed the deal and it was delivered by their local dealer, GA Ground‑ care, in September.

Within a week of delivery, the machinery was out on its first hire – a domestic customer with 12 conifers to process. “The client complet‑ ed the whole job in under an hour," said Angus.

New CLAAS UK HQ opens THE NEW HEADQUARTERS of CLAAS UK and its dealer MANNS of Saxham have been officially opened after three years of work.

The building was unveiled by Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser, Chairwoman of Supervi‑ sory Board and Chairwoman of Shareholders’ Committee CLAAS KGaA mbH. Work on the redevelopment of the site, at the centre of which is an impressive new 33,000m2 state-of-the-art HQ, started in November 2017.

Construction work was carried out in phases to enable day-to-day work for the 130 people employed on the site to continue with the least possible disruption.

Trevor Tyrrell, Senior Vice-President (West‑ ern Europe & Oceania) for the CLAAS Group’s Sales and Service division, said: “By supporting this major redevelopment and impressive new building, both the CLAAS Group and the Claas

BAGMA member signs major deal MARK WEATHERHEAD LTD, owned by BAGMA Council member of the same name, has been appointed by McCormick Tractors UK & Ireland to fill one of the few remaining gaps in its UK dealer network.

The dealership will cover the Cambridgesh‑ ire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire area from the dealership’s Hardwick premises near Cam‑ bridge.

The appointment brings together one of the area’s most respected and long-established farm equipment suppliers and a tractor brand that is on a significant dealer recruitment drive, hav‑ ing made five appointments, and grown its UK business over the past year.

family have shown their commitment to CLAAS dealers, their customers and UK agriculture as a whole, and also to Bury St Edmunds and Suffolk where we are now one of the largest employers.”

The new 16.5 metre-tall building was designed by BCR Infinity Architects of Cam‑ bridge and built by R G Carter Ltd. It serves as the headquarters for CLAAS UK and for their East Anglia dealer MANNS. In addition to offices for both companies, the design also incorporates machinery showroom.

The Saxham site is also home to the CLAAS Academy, which provides industry leading training for dealer sales, service and parts staff, in addition to customer operator training.

Founded more than 100 years ago and still privately owned by the Claas family, the CLAAS Group is one of the largest family-owned agricul‑ tural machinery manufacturers in the world.

WHAT A SMASHING PUMPKIN! BAGMA’s Training and Administrative Manager Kari Hearn scooped first prize in a pumpkin carving competition.

The contest was open to all staff at BAGMA and parent company Bira with photos of creative efforts shared across Microsoft Teams, and judged by Bira’s CEO Andrew Goodacre.

Kari’s BAGMA-inspired tractor design ploughed home to victory, and she was rewarded with a bottle of Champagne for her hard work.

Read more about Kari on pages 8-9

BAGMA BULLETIN NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

BAGMA NEWS

All change for Kubota and AGCO

New Holland ploughs forward with expansion

New Holland announces UK dealership expansion NEW HOLLAND HAS announced it will expand its dealership network in the UK. The expansion follows an acquisition agree‑ ment between Russell’s of Malton, North York‑ shire, and Platts Harris Ltd of Darley Dale, Derbyshire.

Russell’s has reached an agreement in princi‑ ple to acquire neighbouring New Holland deal‑ ership, Platts Harris Ltd. Heads of Terms are agreed, and both parties will now work towards a completion by the end of October 2020.

Russell’s has with seven current New Hol‑ land Agriculture depots in Yorkshire, Derby‑ shire and Northamptonshire, Russell’s plan to integrate Platts Harris into their successful agricultural business with the retention of the Tuxford depot near Newark.

The Platts Harris territory covers the area of North Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire and will complement the current Rus‑ sell’s territories around these areas. It will also provide continuity of service to Platts Harris’ many existing loyal customers. Platts Harris Darley Dale area will be covered from Russell’s recently opened Cubley depot near Ashbourne.

All Russell’s depots will trade under Rus‑ sell’s name from the end of October, including the Hallmark depots in Derbyshire and North‑ amptonshire, acquired by Russell’s in 2016.

Paul Russell, Managing Director at Russell’s, said: “We are looking forward to the challenge and opportunities the new territory provides whilst maintaining an excellent level of service to the existing customer base.”

TWO DEALERSHIPS ARE working togeth‑ er to create a clear pathway for both businesses.

Chandlers (Farm Equipment) Ltd and Lis‑ ter Wilder have both steadily expanded over the past half century, developing their businesses independently whilst sharing similar values.

The synergy extends to the franchises, with both companies having grown around the Massey Ferguson, Fendt and Valtra franchises.

Chandlers operates from seven depots covering Lincolnshire and the East Midlands, while Lis‑ ter Wilder operates from eight depots covering Oxfordshire and the South-Central region.

They both also partnered with Kubota for their groundscare range of products to give a comprehensive offering across all tractor horse‑ power sectors and saw Lister Wilder further broaden its base by encompassing the construc‑ tion equipment business across the South East.

With groundscare and industrial equipment being such a significant part of Lister Wilder’s business and Chandlers (Farm Equipment) Ltd fully focused on the agricultural sector and keen to expand their operations, an agreement has been reached whereby Chandlers will purchase the Lister Wilder agricultural business and, with AGCO agreement, extend their franchise responsibilities across a wider area.

This gives both companies a very clear and bright future; Chandlers with the full-line agricultural machinery offering which will be supplied through businesses dedicated to the Massey Ferguson and Fendt/Valtra brands, fully aligned with AGCO’s brand exclusivity strategy, and Lister Wilder with the full-line Kubota range of agricultural, groundscare and construction machinery.

Tom will demonstrate his expertise in new role OPICO HAS APPOINTED a farming expert as its new demonstrator of equipment.

Tom Brookes will work as a demonstrator, primarily for SKY drills, HE-VA cultivation equipment and OPICO inter-row cultivators.

He will also be responsible for co-ordinating shows for OPICO, HE-VA, Sky, Strautmann, and Maschio Gaspardo brands.

Tom comes from an arable farming back‑ ground and graduated from Harper Adams in 2014. Over the past six years he has worked on arable farms, most recently as assistant farms manager in Lincolnshire, where he was also responsible for the agronomy of 520 acres. Prior to this he spent two years travelling and farming in Western Australia.

James Woolway, OPICO managing director, BAGMA BULLETIN NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

said: “Initially Tom will focus on SKY drill dem‑ onstrations this autumn. He brings with him a wealth of arable knowledge and we are delighted to have him on board.”

BASIS-qualified Tom added: “Joining OPICO is a new and exciting challenge for me.”

Meanwhile, Harvey Sherwin has been appointed territory manager to cover East Anglia and south east England.

He will take responsibility for the OPICO, Sky, HE-VA and Strautmann brands, add‑ ing further strength to the sales team as the product range continues to grow in this area.

Charles Bedforth, OPICO UK sales manager, said: “We are thrilled Harvey has joined OPICO."

Tom Brookes (main picture) and Harvey Sherwin (inset)

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BAGMA NEWS

Compact tractor is ‘just right’ for farming business

We must not forget the essential role we’ve played this year COMMENT

KEITH CHRISTIAN DIRECTOR BAGMA After such a strange year and another national lockdown underway, writing about anything other than Covid-19 seems rather strange.

We are swamped with Covid information, statistics, reports, opinions, and will be for some time so I am going to try to get on with a little normal business in this, the last edition of the magazine this year.

Moving away from our traditional cover stories about dealers we thought our members and readers may like an update on the BAGMA Team and who does what within the organisation. Staff have been furloughed and we are all mainly working from home. However, we are back to full strength and raring to go.

We also thought we’d signpost you towards Brexit guidance, a matter which has been rather overlooked due to Covid-19. I am sure that one way or another it will impact us all and we advise you prepare for it by understanding what it might mean for your businesses.

There is no doubt that our way of working will change permanently for many people and some of this may be for the better. Both the agricultural machinery and garden machinery dealers appear to have done reasonably well during the crisis – a real credit to their resilience and adaptability. Moving to online platforms and more digital marketing and presence has helped many and will be a bigger part of future business. One thing

that has been highlighted by this crisis is the unique offering that a dealer has in being able to offer sales, service and customer support, in a single environment, and being able to adapt to the changing nature of retail quickly and successfully. Being recognised by the Government as an ‘essential’ business, which can trade during a lockdown, shows the importance of dealers to their local communities and the part they play in supporting the mental health of those who love their gardens.

In a strange and demanding year it may be difficult to focus on the main objectives of a business but dealers should be proud of what they have to offer and the support they provide.

As the saying goes, ‘when you are up to your ar*e in alligators, it is difficult to remember the objective was to drain the swamp’!

On behalf of the BAGMA Team and the BAGMA Council I would like to wish you all a very good Christmas and a happy, prosperous, and eventually Covid-free new year. ● Do you want to be part of shaping your industry’s future? The Landbased Engineering Training and Education Committee (LE-TEC) is seeking volunteers from organisations in the industry to make up a working group to review the current LBE sector apprenticeships.

BAGMA is asking dealers to put forward candidates for this new working group.

With the need to review the apprenticeship standards, the group must consider the schemes and ensure they are representative of, and relevant to, industry needs. If you can help, email me at keithchristian@bagma.com

ALMOST A YEAR after winning Countryside’s TYM competition, Doug‑ las and Alex Chalmers are still delighted with their prize.

They compared the T194 tractor they won for the year to the popular children’s story Goldilocks. “It not too big, not too small, but just right.”

Learning Fields, a not-for-profit cen‑ tre of wellbeing based in Cumbria, has not been operating this year, but that doesn’t mean the T194 hasn’t been put to good use on the farm.

Douglas, the business’s director, said: “We use the tractor around three times a week, and once it gets started up it doesn’t stay idle for long. we would have really struggled without it."

Part of the TYM compact utility range, the T194 combines the practi‑ cality of a smaller tractor, weighing in at just 650kg, with enough power to pack a punch – thanks to its 19hp threecylinder Yanmar engine.

“As a smaller tractor, it gets jobs done without damaging or tearing the grass, which is a huge bonus,” added Douglas.

With their 12 months free lease of the tractor nearly over, it certainly has left an impression. “It saves time, labour and toil,” he said. “There were so many jobs we couldn’t do before, or that would need to be done by hand – but with the T194 I can get everything I want done, in a fraction of the time.”

He added that when it’s time to expand his fleet, the T194 would be top of the list.

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BAGMA BULLETIN NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

BAGMA NEWS

New John Deere equipment suits club to a tee

NEWQUAY GOLF CLUB has introduced some new machinery from supplier Masons Kings.

The St Columb-based dealer sold a selection of John Deere equipment which will help maintain the busy course.

Dan Kendle, head greenkeeper, managed the club grounds on his own during lockdown before it opened again for play in May, mainly cutting grass and doing a bit of spraying to keep the course as tidy as the pandemic restrictions allowed. Since the rest of the greenkeeping team returned to work, he reck‑ ons they were just about on top of everything again by early September.

“And we needed to be, as we’ve been getting twice as many visitors compared to a normal year, as well as picking up new members,” said Dan.

The first of the club’s new John Deere machines, a 2500E hybrid electric triplex greens mower, was delivered in September last year, with the remaining machines arriv‑ ing this spring and summer.

These included a second 2500E plus a 7700A PrecisionCut fairway mower and a new 4049R compact tractor plus front loader.

The mowers have been bought on a five-year John Deere Financial operating lease, while the tractor is on hire purchase, and all service and maintenance operations are carried out on-site.

Dan added: “Masons Kings is a very local dealer‑ ship with a good reputation for reliable service and back-up, so it made sense for us to speak to them and have some machines in on demonstration.”

‘No limits’ with new JCB machinery NEWENHAM AGRI HAS confirmed its loyalty to JCB backhoe loaders – by making the company’s flagship 4CX even more versatile.

The Axminster-based agricultural and land‑ scaping contractor has invested in the top of the range JCB backhoe after retiring its previous model following 10 years’ service.

Supplied by Holt JCB, Newenham Agri’s lat‑ est 4CX ECO model comes complete with Engcon EC209 tiltrotator package and controls.

The result is a high mobility, multi-purpose

machine which has revolutionised operations for the customer across services including: grading, trenching, Devon bank hedging (a form of field boundary native to the county), hedge laying, back‑ fills, trenching for utilities and site landscaping for new builds.

Newenham Agri owner and machine operator Paul Burrough said: “The JCB 4CX has proven to be a reliable and rugged machine that can carry out all the applications we need, so once we experienced JCB there was no going back."

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JCB MARKED ITS 75th birthday by giving employees around the world an additional day’s holiday.

In a special video message to the global workforce, JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford (left) paid tribute to the efforts of employees past and pre‑ sent who have contrib‑ uted to the success of JCB. The company was found‑ ed in a lock-up garage in Uttox‑ eter on October 23, 1945, by the late Joseph Cyril Bamford on the day his son Anthony, now Lord Bamford, was born.

The firm’s first product was a hydraulic tipping trailer constructed from war-time scrap. Today JCB man‑ ufactures more than 300 different machines, including the world’s first electric mini excavator.

Lord Bamford said: “I’d like to thank everyone for their support over the years and particularly in recent months while we were dealing with the challenging business situation.

“We did have plans to celebrate our 75th anniversary, but Covid-19 changed all that. So, rather than celebrate, we should remember everything that JCB has achieved in the past 75 years. From small beginnings in a lock-up garage, in Uttoxeter back in 1945 the JCB team has helped to create a business that we can all be very proud of.”

The extra day’s holiday will be taken

by UK employees on Christmas Eve to extend the traditional festive break.

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TRAINING AND EDUCATION

And we have lift off! BAGMA Training is back BAGMA TRAINING IS back in business after taking a break during lockdown.

Richard Jenkins, BAGMA’S business devel‑ opment manager, joined five other attendees at one of BAGMA’s first LOLER training course since March.

The course provides technicians with the practical guidance in the Thorough Examina‑ tion of Lifting Machines and Equipment under Regulation (9) of the Lifting Operations and Lift‑ ing Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER 98).

It was run by BAGMA’S newest trainer Dave Henshaw. Dave previously worked for JCB for many years and is also available for Handover and Installation plus Air Con training.

The course was held at the Newark depot of Farmstar. The firm’s impressive site allowed the course to take place while adhering to all Covid19 social distancing guidelines.

BAGMA training courses mostly cater for five to eight technicians so can still be held dur‑ ing these unprecedented times. Risk assess‑

ments always take place to ensure the safety of the trainers and technicians.

After the initial session on the theoretical part of the course there was ample time to move outside to the practical inspection and record‑ ing of machinery.

Our thanks to Farmstar for hosting the course and to all their staff who attended and – of course - passed the assessment.

If you are interested in BAGMA Training, call our team on 01295 713344.

Why All-Terrain Vehicles must be ridden with caution THE SAFETY OF All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) was the subject of the latest ‘virtual’ meeting of the Farm Safety Partnership (FSP) The partnership consists of organisations representing a broad spectrum of agricultural interests, including the large farming mem‑ bership organisations; auction‑ eers; training providers; farming press; and BAGMA. It was set up to provide leader‑ ship to improve the safety of farms and allied industries, and to reduce the numbers of deaths and major injuries to farmers, workers and anyone else coming into contact with farming activities. In 2018, we set the goal of cutting farm fatalities in half by 2023 however, this year fatalities have spiralled.

At our latest Teams meeting the group looked at overturning vehicles - in particular ATVs. ATVs are designed to cope

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with a variety of terrains but if poorly maintained, used outside their safe operating parameters or carelessly driven, can very rapidly become unstable.

To use an ATV safely it is essen‑ tial that: l The driver is properly-trained l The driver wears a helmet l The ATV is well-maintained and routinely checked (espe‑ cially tyre pressures, brakes and throttle) l Routes are properly planned and, if possible, new routes are walked, and hazards are identi‑ fied, before it is ridden For further guidance on how to safely use ATVs visit the HSE website. www.hse.gov.uk/ pubns/ais33.pdf We'd love to see you follow the Farm Safety social media accounts at @FSP_England #FarmSafetyPartnership

WHAT CAN DEALERS DO TO HELP? You all visit farms and small holdings during your day-today business when servicing or demonstrating equipment, and maybe have seen situations that could have resulted in an incident. You may also have family and friends involved with farming or work on the land yourself.

When visiting farms be aware of any special arrangements made for safety on the farm, one way systems, making an appointment and arriving on time, any PPE that may be required, where to park, what work maybe going on while you are there and be aware of your surroundings. Dealers should also be aware that they have a duty of care to their

customers when handing over and installing equipment and need to keep proper records of this process.

However difficult it might be to make your customer aware of your concerns, surely the chance of stopping a serious injury or worse should come above upsetting them.

For more information on The Farm Safety Partnership and the work being done log on to www.nfuonline.com/crosssector/farm-business/farmsafety-partnership/ BAGMA is proud to support the Farm Safety Partnership and believes all those involved in the Agriculture industry must work together to stop avoidable incidents that change lives.

BAGMA BULLETIN NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

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TEAM BAGMA

Welcome to BAG

As the year comes to an end, we thought it would be a good idea to give you a behindTHE LAST YEAR has been like no other however, the team has endeavoured to continue supporting and advising its members and the industry as a whole. Some of the team were furloughed, while others continue their duties from home. Back together again, for a socially-distanced photo shoot, we let the BAGMA team introduce themselves and provide a little window into what makes them tick.

BAGMA is a division with Bira Group Ltd. Formerly the British Hardware Federation, it is supported by the Bira marketing, membership, accountancy departments and others who all play a role in supporting BAGMA and its members.

Keith Christian

BAGMA DIRECTOR Hi, I am Keith. My first proper job was with Lloyds Bank many years ago, I started with H Burlingham’s a garden machinery deal‑ ership in Worcestershire after trying several different jobs. Moved from Burlingham’s to Spear and Jackson who were distribut‑ ing Stiga at the time and then left to set up Claymore Grass machinery for the Reekie Group. After 23 years at Claymore we sold the company to what is now FGM Claymore and I moved into BAGMA in 2007. I was

previously a BAGMA member, and an AEA member. I served as board member of the AEA, and was its President for one year.

Now, as Director of BAGMA, I have found my time with the AEA and career in the gar‑ den machinery and groundcare industries an invaluable asset in running this associa‑ tion. I’ve been married for nearly 43 years with three children, and six grandchildren.

I was still playing rugby until the pandemic halted play and I also ride motorcycles.

Kari Hearn

TRAINING AND ADMINISTRATION MANAGER Hi, I am Kari. I’ve been with BAGMA 11 I like the industry and the people I deal with years, but with the Group for nearly two on a day-to-day basis. With the pandemic I decades. Previously with British Shops have changed my whole work routine. No and Stores Association as a Clearing House early starts to catch my 6am train and not assistant until they merged with the British getting home until late and I’m all set up Hardware Federation in 2009. My role with‑ now to work from home. Microsoft Teams in BAGMA is the Training and Administra‑ has been great to catch up with work col‑ tion Manager. Organising training courses leagues, it’s a brilliant tool for video chats and for both BAGMA members and non-mem‑ instant communication. I enjoy gardening bers, dealing with manufacturers and their and walking my dog Henry. I am a huge rock training needs and our training instructors. music fan from Black Sabbath to Biffy Clyro.

Emily Bridgewater

BAGMA MAGAZINE EDITOR Hi, I am Emily, BAGMA’s magazine edi‑ tor. I joined the company at the start of the year – and what a year it has been! I’ve worked throughout as, along with editing the BAGMA Bulletin, I produce the e-briefing, newsletter and magazine for parent com‑ pany Bira, and deal with press enquiries. It’s been a brilliant and varied year of work in unprecedented times, and I couldn’t have hoped to work with a better, more commit‑

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ted bunch of people. Previously, I worked as a journalist for various regional newspapers including the Express & Star in Wolver‑ hampton. I have two young children Edie and Ted; my one-year-old son attended the BAGMA photo shoot and very much enjoyed playing with the model farming machinery – and emptying Keith’s biscuit tin. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, eating out, travel, and reading.

BAGMA BULLETIN NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

TEAM BAGMA

AGMA

the-scenes glimpse at BAGMA HQ.

Alasdair Straker

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Hi, I am Alasdair. My working life started in 1968 when I started an Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering with BACO at their Smelter in the Scottish Highlands . Following training I joined the Merchant Navy as a marine engineer and travelled extensively which was a great experience.

I left the Navy to get married and worked in Perth with British Rail on Diesel Electric Locomotives and included covering the Highland Line in winter.

In 1989 I ventured into garden machin‑

ery and worked in the sector as an area man‑ ager for two distributors until 2006 when I joined the BHF Group. Later I trans‑ ferred to BAGMA where I remained until I retired at the end of 2017 .

I continue to work part-time representing BAGMA in Scot‑ land organising our annual Golf & Curling Days, visiting Agricul‑ tural Shows and serving on the Board of RHASS (Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland).

I have three grow-up children and one grandson. I enjoy motorcycling and golf.

Richard Jenkins

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Hi, I’m Richard. I was born in a small vil‑ lage in Worcestershire and grew up on the family farm. From a young age I had a passion for sport and after leaving school I started work at Tewkesbury Park Golf Club as a golf professional. After nearly 30 years teaching, overseeing various retail businesses and playing some fantastic golf courses all around the UK and further afield I decided it was time for a change in career.

Married to Louise and living on the edge of the Cotswolds with our two beautiful young daughters, I wanted a job that allowed time at the weekend to spend with them. I started work with BAGMA in June 2018 as Business Development Manager. The job is varied and involves meeting members and attending shows. I have recently returned to work after being furloughed and look forward to getting back out on the road, whenever that is.

Starra Redmond

TRAINING AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Hi, I’m Starra and I am the Training and and social justice. I have been furloughed Administrative Assistant at BAGMA. I assist for the past six months and I have found Keith, Kari and Richard with the running of it incredibly frustrating as I wish I could BAGMA. I am also the administrator for the have been at work! Before joining BAGMA Landbased Training Accreditation (LTA) I worked for Birmingham City Council scheme. I have been at BAGMA for nearly a within a multi-agency team supporting the year and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting delivery of local policy as detailed within the to grips with the agricultural and garden Homelessness Reduction Act. When I’m not machinery industry. Previously I studied at at work (and we aren’t in a global pandemic) the University of Birmingham completing a I am usually at live music events with my degree in Political Science with specialisms friends. I love Garage and Grime. I also enjoy in international conflict, feminist thinking taking my Chihuahua for walks.

David Baker

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Hello! I am Dave. I joined Bira Bank in 2016 following a successful career with a major high street bank where I assisted SME businesses as a Relationship Direc‑ tor. After a short period helping local businesses to grow through marketing and investment, I joined Bira Bank as their first ever Busi‑ ness Development Manager where my role has evolved over time to include establishment of Bank partnerships includ‑ BAGMA BULLETIN NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

ing BAGMA Bank and schemes to help mem‑ bers to get value from membership including the New Vehicle Manufacturer partner‑ ships (Affinity Schemes) which have saved members more than £300k on new vehicle purchases. I recently bought an old bicycle to boost my fitness during lockdown and went on to complete the Cancer Research UK 200-mile cycle ride challenge raising nearly £300 for the charity.

9

Brexit – are you ready?

As December 31, 2020 – the date when Great Britain is to officially leave the European Union – looms, Keith Christian, Director of BAGMA looks at what businesses need to do to prepare WELL, WE WAITED for something more to happen. But, as I was writing this, someone was quietly sneaking over from the EU to have further talks with our government after they had said there would be no more discussions and we were leaving without a deal. We are told we are leaving, as planned (ish), and if we get something solid after the BAGMA Bul‑ letin goes to press, we'll include it in our next e-briefing.

For dealers in particular we have signpost‑ ed you to some guidance on what you need to do if you are importing or exporting products

from or to the EU after we go our separate ways. Dealers also need to pay attention to the rules concerning the border with Northern Ire‑ land if they are trading in the North in any way.

Will these changes impact your business as a dealer? I think the answer to that is ‘yes’, whether it is directly because you trade with the EU already or indirectly because your suppliers are affected because they trade with the EU or are EU based. I am sure that most suppliers will be on the ball and ready for the changes and hopefully there will be minimum disruption at the dealer end of the distribu‑

tion channel.W e may see delays at the ports; I heard the Government has spent around £77 million securing ferries in case this happens.

Whole goods and parts maybe affected but this should only be in the short-term. Prices may rise because of extra costs in dealing with the extra administration or because the pound has dropped in value against the Euro or even gone up in value. Previously suppliers had generally backed up stocks in the UK to cover the vagar‑ ies of Brexit. However, these have been eroded now due to some of the supply issues created by coronavirus and what is being reported as

Irish manufacturers ‘ready to support’ UK GIVEN ITS SIZE, proximity, shared language and business culture, the UK has historically been viewed by Irish businesses as an exten‑ sion of their home market. Irrespective of the outcomes of Brexit, the UK will remain a key trading partner for Irish companies, says Brian Hourihane, UK Market Advisor for Agricultural Engineering with Enterprise Ireland.

Enterprise Ireland, Agricultural Machinery and the UK Enterprise Ireland is the government organisa‑ tion responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets. It also helps Irish companies of all sizes to engage in innova‑ tion and research activities. Over the past three years, Enterprise Irelands has been focused on supporting Irish businesses to prepare for Brexit.

Enterprise Ireland works with more than 50 manufacturers of agricultural equipment whose main channel to market in the UK is through machinery dealerships. Their networks include dealerships of all sizes and specialties, from Ork‑

10

ney down to Jersey. Ireland’s grass based dairy farming sector has led to the development of strong agricultural manufacturing capability, with the UK accounting for 35% of Ireland’s agricultural machinery exports. Given the simi‑ larities in farming practices the UK will remain a key market for agricultural OEMs. New rules and customs procedures On January 1, 2021, the free movement of goods between the UK and Member States of the EU ends and its trading relationship with Ireland will change fundamentally.

Currently, goods can be moved between GB and Ireland needing only an invoice and a transport order. After January 1, 2021, there will be up to nine additional procedures to be con‑ sidered. This presents a range of financial, stra‑ tegic sourcing and customs challenges for busi‑ nesses exporting to the UK. Of these, customs is an area where dealerships can work with their suppliers to gain assurance that the necessary preparation has been taken to ensure continu‑

ity of service and supply. Discussions between the UK customer and supplier should address the following: Has your supplier obtained an EORI number?

The EORI number allows businesses to export to countries outside the EU. It is a unique refer‑ ence number recognised by all member states.

The EORI number is inserted on all customs declarations. Without this number goods will not be cleared at customs.

Has your supplier identified the commodity code(s) for product(s)?

A commodity code is used to classify goods into one of about 5,000 different groups. It's required for the completion of all documentation.

Has the potential tariff for goods you purchase been determined?

If at the end of the transition period tariffs are required then goods must first be classified, and the commodity code identified.

BAGMA BULLETIN NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

BREXIT

generally a good year for dealers despite all the woes associated with the global pandemic.

The timing of our withdrawal does mean it will be at the quietest time of the year for most dealers and hopefully by the time the spring arrives all the initial hullabaloo would have been sorted out and it will be business as near normal as possible. Let’s hope so.

Just be aware and read up on what may affect you. Transporting goods to and from the EU will be affected by new rules and checks.

Even taking a demonstration unit out of the UK to Europe with the intention of bringing it back will still need the correct paperwork. We used to call them carnet’s but who knows what new name will apply soon. Get your documentation right and you will not have a problem. You can also use a specialist company to deal with your documentation rather than work it out your‑ selves if you are doing this infrequently.

It may be different and, no doubt, it will be frustrating but if you are prepared it will prob‑ ably be like going back in time for those of us we can remember how it worked over 47 years ago when there were closed borders and a multi‑ tude of different currencies and rules to contend with. We managed then and we will certainly manage next year. Here we have signposted the main places where you can gain the relevant advice you need ahead of January 1, 2021.

Tool checker and webinars The Business Secretary Alok Sharma has urged businesses to familiarise themselves with the

actions they will need to take, by visiting www. gov.uk/transition and using the checker tool.

When the transition period ends on Decem‑ ber 31, 2020, there will be a guaranteed set of changes and opportunities for which businesses need to prepare as the UK leaves the customs union and single market, including changes to the way businesses import and export goods, the process for hiring people from the EU, and the way businesses provide services in EU markets.

Most of these actions will need to be com‑ pleted regardless of the outcome of our negotia‑ tions with the EU. To make sure businesses are prepared, the Government has hosted a series of sector-spe‑ cific webinars. They are available to watch again at www.gov.uk/government/news/businesssecretary-urges-businesses-to-prepare-for-theend-of-the-transition-period Keep up to date with all the latest advice by visiting https://public.govdelivery.com/ accounts/UKDECC/subscriber/new Other documents you may find useful are available at www.gov.uk/transition: ● Border Operating Model for the GB border from January 1, 2021. ● Decision tree on importing goods from the EU into GB; and decision tree on exporting goods from GB into the EU. ● Customs declarations on EU imports. ● Paying any cross-border VAT in GB. ● Policy paper on moving goods between GB and NI.

Are you eligible for a grant to help your transition?

The Government put an extra £50 million into its Customs Grant Scheme.

Businesses still have time to apply for funding to reimburse costs associated with increasing their capacity and enhancing their ability to complete customs declarations, ahead of the new rules from January.

Eligible organisations can apply for funding for recruitment, employee training and IT, in preparation for additional customs declarations. They include traders and customs intermediaries (such as customs brokers, fast parcel operators and freight forwarders) who make or intend to make customs declarations for their own goods or on behalf of others. Organisations which recruit, train and place apprentices into customs intermediaries or other organisations which undertake customs declarations activity are also eligible to apply.

All businesses which are currently and have been based in, or with a branch in, the UK for at least a year, can apply.

REGISTER AT www.customsintermediarygrant.co.uk

customs procedures after leaving the EU Who will manage the customs procedures and paperwork both from the exporting and importing prospective?

The movement of goods to, from and through the UK (excluding Northern Ireland) will require the submission of customs declarations to customs authorities in advance of the goods departing from Ireland UK. This will be new territory for importers and exporters as they seek to understand and imple‑ ment customs processes for the first time. Com‑ panies have two options: Seek out a customs intermediary or ask a logistics provider to do this work on their behalf.

Build the capability in-house.

Businesses will also need to be established in the UK in order to act as a declarant for customs declarations. In lieu of a UK presence, busi‑ nesses will need to appoint a UK-based customs intermediary to deal with customs documenta‑ tion. Alternatively, a non-UK trader without a UK presence can appoint a full UK agent who BAGMA BULLETIN NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

will act as the principal and take full responsi‑ bility for necessary customs entries, reporting and payment.

Goods moving between the UK and Ireland will be regarded as imports and as such will be subject to VAT. Irish companies selling to the UK need to establish if their partners and customers in the UK are willing to become the importer of record.

Where the UK customer chooses not to be the importer of record, the Irish supplier will be responsible and may have to register for UK VAT. What is to be done before January 1, 2021?

With under two months until the end of the transition period, Enterprise Ireland is encour‑ aging UK and Irish businesses to determine customs responsibilities, discuss potential addi‑ tional costs, transportation concerns and above all be ready to meet the post transition needs of the UK customer.

It is crucial that suppliers investigate poten‑

tial eventualities for all transaction types from spare parts and machinery sales to an individual farmer through to preseason stock orders from a leading machinery dealership.

As suppliers of product to the UK market, Irish OEMs are liaising their UK dealers to rein‑ force their working relationship and ensure that business processes are as convenient, secure and comfortable as possible.

To learn more about these supports and others available from Enterprise-Ireland check out the following link: https://www.prepareforbrexit.com/ If you wish to speak with Enterprise Ireland about anything discussed in this piece or if you have interest in becoming a dealer for a particular line of product, please don’t hesitate to contact us: brian.hourihane@enterprise-ireland.com

11

EXPERT VIEW

Forklift truck safety – keep pedestrians away AN EMPLOYEE OF a freight and logistics company suffered multiple fractures to his foot when a fork lift truck (FLT) was driven over it. So, what measures should his employer have imple‑ mented to prevent such incidents?

Note. It’s quite unsurprising that the HSE found that the risks of workplace transport were uncontrolled: the serious accident in itself gave clear evidence of a serious breach of duty.

The requirements for separating SAFETY FLT movements from pedestrians are very strict.

PAUL MARSH

Formalise your plans Office manager The accident happened in January SafetyAide 2018 when steel coils were being Keep pedestrians away unloaded and stacked in a shed at a When carrying out operations with site operated by Simec Ports (UK) FLTs it will often appear to be more Ltd (S) (formerly known as Cargo efficient to have someone on foot Services (UK) Ltd). The worker working to assist the driver with was assisting in the operation as a loading and unloading, securing pedestrian when the 15-tonne fork loads, etc. However, whilst it’s tempt‑ lift truck (FLT) drove over his foot, causing ing to rely on good awareness of pedestrians and multiple fractures. drivers in order to avoid accidents, in practice it’s asking for trouble. Inevitably when staff are tired Charges or distracted, accidents will happen.

Investigating officers from the HSE concluded Activities you currently carry out with TIP that there was inadequate control of workplace close proximity between pedestrians and transport risks on the site and that this stemmed FLTs need a rethink. Consider whether you can from the failure to undertake a suitable and suf‑ reorganise. For example, if staff currently stack ficient risk assessment. S was found guilty of a load on a pallet presented to them on the forks, breaching s.2(1) Health and Safety at Work etc. you could strap or wrap the load instead.

Act 1974 and was fined £200,000, plus costs of Impose a general rule that FLTs and TIP £8,732. pedestrians should stay two metres apart

when the driver is at the wheel. This improves the odds of avoiding an accident, but it’s not enough on its own.

General measures To comply with the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 you must segre‑ gate pedestrians and moving vehicles. The ideal situation is to have separate areas of operation.

Use measures such as barriers, secure doors, and designated pedestrian routes to physically separate the two. Set out your rules and display signs.

Use temporary barriers and cones to TIP mark aisles where FLTs are not permitted. This is useful when order picking or cleaning is taking place in an aisle. If you do this ensure that your barriers or cones are large and brightly coloured.

As well as having arrangements in place TIP to physically distance vehicles and pedestrians, basic control measures must be applied, e.g. high visibility vests, keeping walkways unobstructed, speed control, safety shoes and ensuring good visibility. It is illegal to allow staff to work near to moving vehicles. Put in place designated pedestrian and vehicle routes.

TIP

Back up your business – you can never be too careful!

REGARDLESS OF THE size of your dealer‑ common, yet most unavoidable ways in which ship, your data should be considered as one of data can be lost. It is unavoidable due to the sim‑ the most valuable assets to your company. ple fact that it is not caused by human error and It consists of huge amounts of vital infor‑ is instead due to the failure of the hardware on mation. The sensitivity and vital role this data which your data is stored, ultimately resulting in plays in the running of your dealership means the loss of this data. Occasionally this data can any loss of data can have a devastating effect on be rescued by an IT professional. your business’s long-term reputation.

Overwritten or deleted files – This is some‑ Whilst most dealership owners recognise thing we have all done once upon a time, and as dependence they have on their local‑ a result is one of the most common IT SYSTEMS ised data, it is still not uncommon for causes of data loss. Accidentally over‑ MARC NOLAN writing a document without it being businesses to be operating without Sales Manager, any form of backup solution in place. Catalyst backed up can mean the document One of the first things we encourage is irretrievable and lost forever. It is any of our dealers to do when they so easy to do yet can be so damaging come to us is to implement a sturdy, to a company. reliable and comprehensive back-up Cyber attacks – Hackers are con‑ process to ensure they are reducing stantly finding new and more sophis‑ the risk of any loss of data. ticated ways of accessing and stealing your valuable data, often asking for Why should you back up your data? large sums of money in return for the release of Backing up your data ensures your protected your data (also known as Ransomware). Fall‑ from any potential data loss throughout your ing victim to such an attack has the potential business. There are multiple different scenarios to destroy a company’s reputation, and in severe in which this can occur, however here are a few cases can end businesses altogether. A 2019 of the most common ways all business owners study suggested that 60% of small businesses should be aware of: close within six months of a ransomware attack.

Hard drive failure – This is one of the most Ensuring your staff are trained to be made

12

aware of these risks can help dramatically reduce the potential of any data loss, however nothing can replace the value of a comprehen‑ sive back-up solution.

Back-up solutions Data back-ups can be done in a variety of ways, however there are a few things to consider before investing in a solution. Traditionally back-ups are stored on physical devices such as external hard drives, however with the advancement of cloud-based back-up technologies, back-ups can be done quicker, easier and more often than ever before, and can even be automated to back-up on a regular basis without you having to do a thing. Our recommendation to customers is to do both, ensuring that if anything was to happen to one of your back-ups, you have a 'Plan B' ready to go. It is not uncommon to hear horror stories of businesses hardware backups to be destroyed along with their computers in a building flood, fire etc, resulting in complete data loss despite taking precautions to back-up, so a cloud-based back-up removes the risk of any physical damage to your back-ups.

If your business does not currently have a back-up process in place, then please contact your IT provider to discuss options.

BAGMA BULLETIN NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

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BAGMA BULLETIN NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

13

t c u d Prnoews

PRODUCT NEWS

Give sore knees the boot with perfectly protective workwear HARD WORK ALL day, every day means that some craftsmen and craftswomen put more pressure on their knees than many top athletes.

So, the risk of long-term knee injuries and chronic pain can be far higher among trade pro‑ fessionals than most other occupations.

For years, Snickers Workwear has had the market-leading solution with its trousers and kneepad combination. That solution has now become the patented Kneeguard™ and unique Kneeguard PRO system which delivers advanced knee protection for frequent kneeling on site, as well as those annoying knocks and bumps around the workplace.

Designed specifically for the increasingly popular street-smart, slim fit stretch work trousers, the newest slim fit D30® Ergo knee‑ pads are made of durable material that moulds around your knee to provide enhanced impact protection.

It has an EN 14404 Type 2 Level 1 rating to guard against pebbles, nails and various floor debris. There’s also superior cushioning and protection as standard with D3O® - a high-tech material that’s flexible, durable and cut-resistant.

For more information on Snickers Workwear’s NEW Kneeguard™ and unique Kneeguard PRO system, call the Hultafors Group UK Helpline on 01484 854788.

Top turfcare firm sign proves match made in heaven for The Glaziers IN ITS BIGGEST deal with distributor Reesi‑ nk Turfcare yet, Crystal Palace Football Club has chosen TYM tractors for grounds maintenance.

The football club will use the machinery at both its Selhurst Park stadium and training grounds in Bromley, south east London.

The deal, which includes Toro machinery, comes as the club works toward becoming one of the country’s leading academies. As part of this, the club has invested in its academy site, expanding its football facilities to include a fullsized pitch and nine additional pitches of vary‑ ing sizes.

Bruce Elliot, head of grounds and estates, said: “The club is investing a lot in its facilities at the moment, with a new stand being built at the stadium and the academy training ground expanding. It made sense, therefore, that with this development and improvement of the facili‑ ties, we would upgrade and expand our turfcare machinery, too."

He later added: “We first added Toro and TYM to our fleet in 2016 and have been consist‑ ently impressed by the work they’ve done, so we decided to make our biggest purchase yet at the end of last year."

Reesink blows competitors out the water with new partnership REESINK IS THE new distributor for AgriMetal blowers and collectors in the UK, it has been announced.

A range of three low decibel threepoint linkage mounted debris blow‑ ers and two high-capacity col‑ lectors, recognised for their safe, efficient and reliable performance for sports, grounds and other turf customers, are now available in time for autumn.

Reesink’s Managing Director David Cole said: “I’ve worked with AgriMetal before and recognise it as a popular blower line with great reliability and features, so when the opportunity arose recently to bring it in under

our newly-formed agricultural division here at Reesink we didn’t hesitate."

There are three leaf and debris blowers available. All are tractor-mounted with the BW2500 requiring 25hp at the PTO, BW3500 35hp and BW4500, 45hp respectively. Joining the blow‑ ers are two collectors, the Tuff Vac and Multi Vac. The Tuff Vac comes in two variants, PTO driven for use with a a 35hp+ tractor, or with its own 27hp engine allowing it to be towed by a smaller tractor or larger utility vehicle. The Multi Vac is pulled and powered by any 50hp or higher tractor.

For details call Reesink on 01480 226800.

Titan tines are turfcare industry’s secret weapon MORE LONGEVITY, PRODUCTIVITY, reliability and strength – Toro’s Titan tines have got it all.

Built to take on the toughest of tasks, Toro’s Titan tines last up to four times longer than standard tines, meaning fewer change-outs and replacements for greater productivity.

Made by combining a strong alloy with a unique heat treatment process, Toro’s Titan tines provide maximum strength and resistance to wear. The durable tungsten-carbide tips produce superior, consistent holes for faster turf recovery and a speedier return to play.

The tough design of Toro’s Titan tines, with

14

hard-wearing brazed tip joints for in-built resistance to separation and breakage, importantly help maintain consistent aeration depths and reduces costly change-out.

But the benefits don’t end there.

There are more than 150 Toro Titan tines avail‑ able covering all possible aeration applications.

Plus, all Titan tines fit current and late model Toro aerators and the standard mount size fits other manufacturer aerators, too. And thanks to Reesink’s 24-hour delivery service customers can have their stock of Toro Titan tines replen‑ ished and their machines back up and running.

For more details call Reesink Turfcare on 01480 226800.

BAGMA BULLETIN NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

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BAGMA BULLETIN NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

15

LOOK BEHIND YOU BROCHURE

Tractor-trailer brake guide updated for modern machinery THE AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERS Asso‑ ciation (AEA) has published an updated edition of the Look Behind You guide to tractor-trailer braking on Friday, November 13.

The guide is aimed at farmers, tractor driv‑ ers, mechanics and technicians; anyone using, purchasing or maintaining tractors and trailers.

It seeks to raise user awareness of what is needed from tractor-trailer braking systems, in order to obtain good performance and comply with the minimum legal requirements. It will also help users to make informed purchasing decisions and to rec‑ ognise shortfalls in the braking

systems of their current vehicles. Safety is a per‑ ennial issue for farming; it applies as much to the use of farm vehicles on the road as it does on farm. A key concern is the safety of tractor-trail‑ er or tractor-trailed implement combinations.

Ten years ago, prompted by a spate of prema‑ ture tractor brake failures linked to inadequate trailer brakes, the AEA published the first edi‑ tion of the Look Behind You guide.

Since then, much has changed. Tractors, trailers and trailed implements are bigger, more tractors can now reach 50 km/h (30 mph) and pneumatic (air) trailer braking systems are more common. Certain UK Legislation has changed

New training course from BAGMA Following the launch of the latest Look Behind brochure, BAGMA will be introducing a new two-day Brake Performance Testing and combined Trailer Inspection training course in spring 2021.This new course will be designed to take in to

16

account the latest legislation and trailer braking requirements. It will include training on the new braking systems combined with a trailer inspection course to enable candidates to understand the legislation requirements and safety aspects related to tractor, trailers and trailed implements.

and new EU Braking Regulations for agricul‑ tural vehicles have arrived.

Although tractor-trailer braking in the UK has improved, more still needs to be done - so the AEA Service Managers’ Group has revised and updated the Look Behind You guide.

A comprehensive technical overview, the revised guide still provides the basic information but, importantly, it now also covers the increas‑ ingly complex braking systems found on modern tractors and trailers.

The Look Behind You guide provides the right level of information to raise awareness and highlight important features which, if addressed, will improve vehicle operation and enhance overall safety.

As well as bringing the content up to date, the advance of media technology since the first edition was published has allowed new features to be built into the new Look Behind You. The online version of the guide includes a number of videos introducing the key topics and animations.

Look Behind You guide is available to download from aea.uk.com/look-behind-you

BAGMA BULLETIN NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

SHOW NEWS

Fundraiser hopes to secure future of Royal Highland Show

A £2 MILLION fundraising appeal to secure the future of the Royal Highland and Agricul‑ tural Society of Scotland’s (RHASS) and its associated show is gaining momentum.

More than £70,000 has been raised in just four weeks since the appeal’s launch, with RHASS’ members donating generously to secure the future of the society, and that of the Royal Highland Show (RHS).

The 2020 show was cancelled six month ago following the outbreak of coronavirus.

The society’s future, and that of the RHS, was called into question following the substan‑ tial loss of income due to mass cancellation of events as a result of the pandemic. This follows years of investment in showground infrastruc‑ ture, including a new multi-million pound mem‑ bers’ area.

This is the first stage of an ongoing fundrais‑ ing campaign which will include appeal mail‑ ings to RHASSS members followed by a digital campaign targeting past show visitors.

Taking advantage of Government support, RHASS took part in the furlough scheme and were successful in securing a Scottish Govern‑ ment Resilience Grant.

Furthermore, in an unprecedented step for the society, RHASS directors approved a £2 million fundraising campaign in a bid to raise additional income streams.

RHASS CEO Alan Laidlaw said: “It is the right thing to do: we have a responsibility as a charitable organisation with thousands of sup‑ porters and stakeholders, to do all in our power to make sure both show and society survive and that we increase our charitable impact for the next generation.”

With funding being generated by the appeal, RHASS is now beginning to prepare for next year’s show, albeit against a backdrop of reduced visitor capacity and increased costs due to addi‑ tional social distancing measures.

Alan added: “We are committed to hosting the 2021 Royal Highland Show in whatever capacity we are able to do so, however, we also want to be able to celebrate the 200th Show in 2022. It is likely that the income generated next year by the show, upon which the society relies, will not reach the level of a normal year. This campaign therefore is about more than 2021, it’s about securing RHASS’ future and the next 200 years of shows.”

No trade events for John Deere next year John Deere will not attend international trade shows in 2021, it has been announced.

The company has announced that in order to ensure the safety of customers and employees, it will not attend any international agricultural and turf trade shows in Europe and the CIS during the company’s 2021 fiscal year (November 1, 2020 to October 31, 2021).

Instead, the company will use a new marketing mix of traditional and digital tools to deliver information to customers.

Denny Docherty, of John Deere, said: “Farmers have done an excellent job in the emergency phase of Covid-19 to ensure food supplies. For that we wish to express our appreciation to all our customers.

“The pandemic has changed the world and our industry is undergoing a period of great change too. This also applies to our marketing activities.”

The need for a new approach has therefore prompted John Deere to reduce its participation in trade fairs for the time being.

Spring SALTEX is postponed until November The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has decided to move SALTEX from March next year to November, it has been announced.

The event, held at Birmingham’s NEC, will be moved from March 3-4, 2021, to November 3-4, 2021, following ongoing

BAGMA BULLETIN NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

uncertainty over the viability of large-scale events in the time of Covid-19.

Luke Perry, Director of SALTEX and Events for the GMA, said: “We have worked hard to reflect changing situations. We intend to maintain this regular, frequent communication going forward whilst

continuing to analyse how our sector feels about events in general.”

All exhibitors with a confirmed stand have been informed directly and are being urged to contact the sales team at SALTEX@ thegma.org.uk for any further queries.

Visit www.gmasaltex.co.uk

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