After a COVID-enforced delay we were able to hold our first BAGMA Connect Meeting since 2019. The Connect meetings have been an opportunity for our members to get together with each other and representatives from within the industry, listening to key speakers and sharing ideas.
This years long-awaited meeting was kindly hosted by the Husqvarna UK team at their premises in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham. With 27 members and service providers in attendance, we were treated to an in-depth factory tour around the premises which includes the main assembly lines for the Husqvarna Robotic mower range which are proudly made in the UK for worldwide distribution. We saw components being made using state of the art robotic systems as well as watching the assembly line in full flow, bringing everything together, constructing and packaging the products.
Our meeting began with Stephen Irvine, UK Sales Manager for Husqvarna UK taking us through the background of the company, where they sit in the UK market and beyond as well as giving us an insight into exciting new products coming in 2023!
“It was a pleasure to reconnect with the BAGMA team when we hosted their latest BAGMA Connect Conference at the home of Husqvarna Automower® in Newton Aycliffe. Providing a factory tour and to present the history of Automower® allowed all the BAGMA members present a great insight into robotic technology. With that said, listening to the speakers gave me an opportunity to better understand the excellent service they provide for the Agriculture and Groundcare Dealers.”
Stephen Irvine, UK Dealer Sales Manager for Husqvarna UK
We then heard from a mixture of speakers who covered some interesting topics that encouraged great open conversations around the room. Topics such as ‘getting the measure of aftersales’ showcased the importance of health checks on dealer’s departments to ensure that performance and customer service are being delivered. This advice was provided by Pete Harding of PFW Associates. We heard from our BAGMA President Peter Arrand about educational updates with the new T-levels being introduced and how this will be an opportunity for our dealers in bringing in school leavers to our industry.
Touching on the current energy topics and telecommunications options was Colin Beake from Utility Options, stressing the benefits that they can offer BAGMA members as a preferred service provider. Dean Lowe from Safety Aide, another BAGMA service provider took us through the new focusses being driven from the HSE for 2023.
We finished with an update on BAGMA services and some of the new additions and we showcased the new branding for the Agricultural Tractor Trailer Scheme (ATTS).
All in all, what a fantastic day we had. A big thank you to the Husqvarna Team for such an excellent day and a big thank you to those that attended and made It all the more worthwhile.
We’re looking forward to the next one!
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