SALTEX moves to November 2021

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SALTEX moves to November 2021: Due to mounting pressure from the global Coronavirus pandemic, the Grounds Management Association (GMA) regrettably announces that it has taken the decision to move SALTEX to 3-4 November 2021, from its planned Spring dates (3-4 March 2021).

The GMA has been strategically planning for every eventuality to ensure the exhibition is a bio-secure event, in partnership with the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and internationally recognised professional events bodies, however ongoing Government restrictions and local and national lockdowns, as well as rising cases of Coronavirus have highlighted the immediate challenges to stage a successful event in March.

SALTEX moves to November 2021

SALTEX moves to November 2021

This decision has factored in recent analysis from both exhibitor and visitor surveys, as well as discussions with relevant parties. Organisers have been closely re-negotiating with the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), returning the exhibition to its original Autumn dateline.

When visitors were asked on date preferences to attend a trade event, November was the first option – followed by October and September. Exhibitors also echoed this, with 64% stating a preference to attend SALTEX in November 2021 due to latest news and restrictions. In addition, latest visitor research showed that an overwhelming majority (80%) stated that attending an indoor trade show was their number one preference.

In more usual circumstances, SALTEX brings over 9,000 visitors across two days with circa 400 brands exhibiting, and visitor attendance at the NEC has significantly grown year-on-year. The next show will be its 75th anniversary marking the longstanding contribution to the grounds sector.

Geoff Webb, CEO at the GMA commented: “As hard as this decision was to make, we knew it was important to act quickly and responsibly so we can begin looking to the future and stage a successful event once restrictions ease again. We have recently seen confidence eroding despite early optimism.

“Our recent surveys have given us excellent insight from both exhibitors and visitors, giving us evidence that reflects current circumstances so we can continue planning an event that best reflects the turf care sector’s requirements.

“The majority of our respondents expressed high confidence levels in attending indoor trade shows and we can see that there is still a huge appetite going forward – we are already looking ahead to what is required for what will be a milestone edition of SALTEX in November 2021.”

Exhibitors have the option to carry over their March 2021 booking to the November show at a preferential rate and retaining their stand location. There is also the added option to secure a 2-year SALTEX loyalty deal for those transferring their booking (for November 2021 and 2022), with improved benefits for GMA Corporate Plus members.

Alternatively, exhibitors due to showcase in March 2021 can apply for a full refund in writing. The GMA’s events team has contacted all exhibitors personally to discuss preferences, as well as payment terms and plans.

Geoff continues: “Despite the circumstances, and a future where Covid will always be present, we are really touched by the number of exhibitors that have expressed that they are on this journey with us and wish to be part of SALTEX at the next possible opportunity. We are determined to help contribute to the growth – and celebrate the sector – albeit at a later date in 2021.”

Luke Perry, Director of SALTEX and Events for the GMA added: “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.

For more information visit www.gmasaltex.co.uk

Follow SALTEX on Twitter @GMA_SALTEX and Facebook – www.facebook.com/GMASALTEX

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Stay waterproof when gardening

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Stay waterproof when gardening: Now that we have come into the wetter and colder months we really need to be protecting ourselves and ensuring that we are comfortable when gardening.

Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just a beginner, it is important to wear the right, protective clothing and accessories for the job. Aquaproof’s quality waterproof accessories will provide warmth, comfort and durability for any gardening you require doing during autumn and winter.

Stay waterproof when gardening

Stay waterproof when gardening

Waterproof gloves: Waterproof gloves are an absolute necessity when it comes to gardening in autumn and winter. Stay comfortable and warm when winter gardening – they are also designed to offer excellent grip which is perfect for handling plants.

Waterproof socks: Socks aren’t something we necessarily think about, but once you have worn these waterproof socks you will know why they are so important when working in the garden. These waterproof socks are intended to be pushed to their limits as they are extremely durable and made to ensure not even a drop of water can get through!

Waterproof hats: If you get cold ears when working in your garden, it’s best to get a waterproof and thermal hat so you can work in your garden for longer. You will be well protected from the wind and rain in Aquaproof’s range of hats and they are extremely durable so you are able to wear them year after year.

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TYM tractor still making magic

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TYM tractor still making magic: Earlier this year Douglas and Alex Chalmers, Countryside’s TYM competition winners, compared the T194 tractor they won for the year to a fairytale: “It’s a bit like Goldilocks. Not too big, not too small, but just right.” And six months on, it’s still making magic.

Learning Fields, a not-for-profit centre of wellbeing based at Nag’s Head Farm in Cumbria, has not been operating this year, but that doesn’t mean the T194 tractor hasn’t been put to good use on the farm!

TYM tractor still making magic

TYM tractor still making magic

“We use the tractor around three times a week, and once it gets started up it doesn’t stay idle for long,” says Douglas, director of the business. “It’s been instrumental in getting jobs done around the farm and we would have really struggled without it.

“We’ve invested in pigs this year, and the T194 has made that possible,” he says. “Outdoor pigs need to be moved routinely so that they’re always on fresh ground, and we’ve been using the T194 to transport them and their hut around the farm. As you’d expect with pigs, it can get very muddy and at first I was unsure how the tractor would cope with that, but it’s had no issues with the tough conditions.

“It’s a massive improvement compared to the quad bikes we were previously using to transport equipment across the farm. All the tractor’s controls fall easily to either hand, and are light and easy to operate. Plus, it allows us to complete tasks that we just couldn’t do before. But the biggest bonus is definitely its size.”

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

“As a smaller tractor, it gets jobs done without damaging or tearing the grass, which is a huge bonus” says Douglas. “But what is very impressive is its handling. We have smaller areas and narrow gates, and tight turning is important. The T194 can turn on half a sixpence, and can do so in wet conditions without damaging the soil. We cut a series of paths through our woodland to assist access for visitors, and I thought the tractor would manage some of these just leave a small area to strim – not at all, it zigged and zagged its way through all the narrow spaces between trees with no problems.”

With their 12 months with the tractor nearly over, it certainly has left an impression. “It saves time, labour and toil,” he says. “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 concludes: “When I next need to expand my equipment fleet, I wouldn’t hesitate to consider TYM. This past year, the T194 has had no issues and coped in a variety of conditions, which gave us complete confidence and peace of mind any time we started a job.”

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The boots who were made for working

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The boots who were made for working: AS JCB prepares to mark its 75th birthday tomorrow there’s one family with an extra reason to toast the milestone after notching up a staggering 600 years’ service to the company.

The Boot family started its long association with JCB in 1949 when Bill Boot clocked on for the first time at the company’s factory in Rocester, Staffordshire. In the years that followed, nine of ten of Bill and his wife Lucy’s children went on to work at JCB. In total 27 Boot family members – including nine grandsons and three great-grandsons have followed in Bill’s footsteps – registering a staggering 600 years’ combined service to JCB.

The boots who were made for working

The boots who were made for working

The milestone has just been reached as JCB prepares to mark its 75th anniversary on October 23rd – the day in 1945 that the late Joseph Cyril Bamford founded his business in a lock-up garage in the Staffordshire market town of Uttoxeter.

Today the late Bill Boot’s legacy continues as 11 members of his family still work at JCB – including five of his grandsons and three of his great-grandsons.

Bill’s son Bob, aged 81 and living in Cheadle, Staffordshire, started work in at JCB in 1956 on a temporary contract – and stayed for nearly 44 years. He said: “It is a company that has changed so much, but so many things have stayed the same.  It may have factories in all four corners of the world but it is still based on the values that started it up in Staffordshire 75 years ago.”

Bill’s grandson Gary Boot, of Uttoxeter, 58, of who retired in September, said his family were very proud of their JCB links. Gary, who started working for JCB in 1986, said: “I always wanted to join from an early age. My dad, Dereck, would come home and tell us stories of the company and Mr JCB and that sparked my interest. I’ve made so many great friends and have so many memories of the place. It is amazing to think of how many years’ service our family has put in – 600, it’s astonishing.”

Gary’s identical twin brothers Andy and Steven both work at the World HQ in Rocester.  Andy, 53, said: “I think how it is panned out over the generations has been brilliant. I joined in 1983 on a Youth Training Scheme and haven’t looked back from there.”

Steven, of Rocester, added: “Being identical twins makes it difficult for our colleagues, but to be honest, there are so many Boots I find it difficult to keep up myself on some occasions!”

The fourth generation of Boots working at JCB is made up of great-grandsons, brothers Shaun and Daniel Boot and their second cousin Leigh Boot. Shaun, of Denstone, who has worked for JCB for 20 years, said: “There is definitely something in the blood of the Boot family that makes us want to work at JCB.

“Knowing that dad, grandad and great grandad all worked here really does make me sit back and think. I’m really not sure what our family would have done for a living if it wasn’t for JCB. I have a   six-year-old daughter and my brother Daniel has a six-year-old son. So, you never know, I wouldn’t be surprised if they decide to follow in the family tradition.”

Bill Boot and his wife Lucy – who worked in the JCB canteen – had nine sons and a daughter and nine of the children –  Tony, Dereck (correct), Ken, Bob, Bill, Dennis, Les, Ron and Ruby – went on to work at JCB followed by grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

JCB was founded on the same day as JCB’s Chairman Anthony Bamford, now Lord Bamford, was born. The company’s first product was a hydraulic tipping trailer made out of war time scrap. Today the company manufactures more than 300 different machines, including the world’s first electric mini excavator. JCB has 22 factories around the world, 11 in the UK and others in India, the USA, Brazil and China.

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