Tag Archive for: BAGMA

BAGMA Dealer Hub to be unveiled at GroundsFest

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BAGMA Dealer Hub to be unveiled at GroundsFest: BAGMA (British Agricultural & Garden Machinery Association) has announced that it will be launching the new BAGMA Dealer Hub at GroundsFest, which is taking place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 20 – 21 September.

BAGMA has been representing independent garden and agricultural machinery dealers in the UK for over 100 years. Throughout that time the association has been fighting for better terms and conditions for dealers from suppliers and manufacturers, whilst drawing on the strength of its membership numbers to influence outcomes.

BAGMA Dealer Hub to be unveiled at GroundsFest

BAGMA Dealer Hub to be unveiled at GroundsFest

In an ever-changing business world, the association plays a vital role in supporting the UK dealer network, and this support will be showcased through the new BAGMA Dealer Hub at GroundsFest.

The Hub will be an opportunity for dealers, both BAGMA members and non-members, to gain industry insight, discuss relevant topics, receive support and advice, and answer any queries about membership, benefits, and training.

Commenting on the new Dealer Hub, Nick Darking, BAGMA General Manager, said: “We’re really excited to have the opportunity to be exhibiting at this new event. BAGMA having a presence at industry events is important for us as we are the association for the industry and represent dealers across groundscare, turfcare and agriculture.

“This new and exciting event is an opportunity for BAGMA to unveil the BAGMA Dealer Hub which consists of our partner services who are available to talk to visitors about how they can make your business more effective, and we will also have BAGMA trainers on hand doing demonstrations and talking to everyone about training. This is an opportunity for members and non-members to come and see what BAGMA is, what we do and how we can benefit you, your business, and the industry.”

GroundsFest’s Event Director, Christopher Bassett said: “We are delighted that BAGMA has chosen GroundsFest to launch the exciting BAGMA Dealer Hub. Dealerships are integral to the UK groundscare industry, and we are anticipating that many will attend GroundsFest in September. There will be plenty on offer at GroundsFest to interest dealers and the BAGMA Dealer Hub will further strengthen this.”

Aside from the all the fantastic opportunities available on the BAGMA Dealer Hub, the association will also have its famous Brew & Biscuit stand, so ensure that a visit to the BAGMA Dealer Hub is on your GroundsFest agenda.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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BAGMA signs up a new General Manager

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BAGMA signs up a new General Manager: A well-known industry name will be taking the reins at the British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA), as they announce Nick Darking as their new General Manager.

Effective from 13th March 2023, Nick will be building on the legacy of departing Director Keith Christian, bringing with him more than 30 years of industry knowledge and experience to this lead role.

BAGMA signs up a new General Manager

BAGMA signs up a new General Manager

Nick joins BAGMA on the back of more than three decades in the land based engineering sector working with a cross section of customers and dealers in both the agricultural and ground care sectors.

The majority of Nick’s career has been with leading machinery supplier – Redexim – where he began in a hands-on role in the workshop, before a long and illustrious track record in a sales and support role. It is also here that Nick forged many strong and longstanding relationships with partners across the Redexim dealer network.

In addition to Redexim partners, Nick has also had the pleasure of working closely alongside the leading industry associations including BIGGA and the Grounds Management Association (GMA), and has sat on the AEA’s ‘Outdoor Power Equipment Council’ for the last 10 years.

Commenting on his appointment, Nick said: “I am delighted to be joining the BAGMA team, working with a fantastic group of industry professionals and using my knowledge to further the aims and objectives that BAGMA work so passionately to achieve.

“Having worked with a number of BAGMA members in my previous roles, I look forward to re-connecting and developing these relationships and taking the next step of my career in the industry which I love.”

Keith Christian said: “I am pleased to be handing over BAGMA to a person that has a similar industry background to myself and an understanding of the UK dealer network and their needs in today’s ever changing business world.”

Ruth Bailey (CEO AEA) commented: “This is a superb appointment for us and for the industry. We are absolutely thrilled that someone of Nick’s standing and experience will be taking the helm at BAGMA and carrying on with the dedicated and passionate path as set by Keith. I very much look forward to working with Nick in the years to come.”

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BAGMA sold to the AEA

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BAGMA sold to the AEA: The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), has transferred the ownership of BAGMA, the British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association, to the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) with effect from the July 1, 2021.

After a long relationship between Bira and BAGMA, this has been a difficult decision. However, it is in the best interests of both BAGMA and Bira. The AEA is more aligned to the industry sector BAGMA operates in and this will enable BAGMA to offer more support relevant to its members’ business needs.

BAGMA sold to the AEA

BAGMA sold to the AEA

Bira will maintain a working relationship with BAGMA and the AEA for at least the next 12 months, with members of BAGMA still having access to the services available from Bira, including legal advice and Bira Direct.

BAGMA Director Keith Christian and his team, Kari Hearn and Richard Jenkins, will be transferring with BAGMA, ensuring the all-important continuity in the running and operations of BAGMA.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: “I, and my colleagues in Bira, are very proud to have worked closely with the BAGMA team and BAGMA members over the past 25 years. There is a strong identity among BAGMA members that is to be admired.”

Ruth Bailey, CEO of the AEA, said: “The AEA is absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to be working with BAGMA and feel extremely positive about future developments and advantages that could be brought by the two organisations joining forces.

“For many years, there has been a clear working relationship between the two Associations but in more recent times the links and directional cooperation have become closer and closer and more aligned. As a collaborative voice to government and business, there is huge potential in adding impact and in bringing a difference to the sector.

“While the AEA sees a great amount of synergy between the two organisations, it fully respects the need, however, for the continuity of membership services from BAGMA to its members and to recognise the inherent strength that the BAGMA membership brings. It is for this reason that it is very important that the highly valued and distinct identity of BAGMA is maintained and supported independently.

“We look forward to providing a clear voice to industry yet maintaining the rich heritage of each of the Associations and the value of services to their respective members.

Peter Arrand, BAGMA President, said: “The BAGMA Council of Representatives unanimously supported the purchase of BAGMA by the AEA. “The acquisition will secure a future home within industry and allow the heritage and strong brand built up over 100 years as a dealer trade association to continue. There are many synergies between the two organisations which will enable a stronger representation for the industry we operate in whilst not losing sight of the individual needs of BAGMA members.

“The advantages of being a BAGMA member have been retained and we can look forward to a bright and collaborative future.”

Keith Christian, Director of BAGMA, added: “Having been a part of the former British Hardware Federation (BHF) now the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) for the past 25 years It may be a surprise to some for BAGMA to be moving to new home.

“BAGMA’s 103-year history has always been intertwined with the AEA and whilst we represent different factions within the industry, we share a common goal in supporting the industry through both dealerships, suppliers and manufacturers.

“Whilst BAGMA will remain as an independent dealer’s association within its new home, it is expected that there will be new working relationships that will benefit BAGMA members in the future to come.”

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