EGO highlights importance of dealer engagement

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EGO highlights importance of dealer engagement: Outdoor battery-powered equipment specialist, EGO Power Plus, has announced an expansion to its sales team with the appointment of two new key roles.

David Mortimer joins EGO as Regional Sales Manager for UK & Ireland and has the responsibility of increasing sales by working closely with Henton & Chattell – EGO’s exclusive distributer in the region.

EGO highlights importance of dealer engagement

EGO highlights importance of dealer engagement

David said: “I am delighted to be joining the EGO team. With over a decade of experience in the industry, my extensive relationships within the dealer network highlight my commitment to cultivating lasting partnerships and I look forward to collaborating with both new and familiar businesses across EGO’s network to contribute to the brand’s growth and continued success.”

Elsewhere, Rudi Silkens has joined as Business Development Manager where he will manage EGO’s current Powered by EGO customer group and expanding the company’s network in the outdoor power industry. Powered by EGO is helping manufacturers to leverage the benefits of EGO’s proven battery technology and move away by fitting EGO batteries to their product ranges.

Rudi said: “I have been working in the garden machinery industry for more than 17 years and over that time I have worked across all parts of the distribution process. Due to my extensive experience, I have created a solid personal network and a strong understanding of the customer’s needs to make Powered by EGO a success.

“I am thrilled to be joining the EGO team and look forward to driving the industry towards a more sustainable future.”

This growth comes at a time when the company is looking to increase its collaborative relationship with the dealer network and drive new product development opportunities.

Together, these newly appointed roles will further strengthen EGO’s position in the outdoor power equipment industry, reinforcing its connections throughout the dealer network, and in turn will provide a positive experience throughout the whole distribution channel; ensuring that customers get the most out of what EGO’s tools and battery platform have to offer.

Peter Melrose, Managing Director at EGO, comments: “Maintaining positive relationships across the industry with our exclusive distributers and Powered by EGO partners is of top priority for us, as not only do our new hires provide us with exciting new opportunities for growth but they are also the vital connection between the brand and our valued customers.

“We have brought Rudi and David on board so that we may continue to create innovative new developments for our customers and in turn boost our growth and position in the industry network.”

To find out more about EGO Power Plus, visit: www.egopowerplus.co.uk

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Royal Norwich introduces turfcare academy

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Royal Norwich introduces turfcare academy: Royal Norwich has introduced a new international sports turf qualification for students who want to specialise in golf.

The golf and country club has launched the two-year full-time programme of study which will run in conjunction with the Performance Golf Programme.

Royal Norwich introduces turfcare academy

Royal Norwich introduces turfcare academy

“We’re proud to announce the introduction of our Turfcare Academy and Business Management qualification for students looking to specialise in a golfing background,” says John Kerr, CEO of Royal Norwich.

Upon completion students will receive an internationally recognised certificate in Sports Turf from SRUC Elmwood, St Andrews, Scotland, plus an ILM Level 2 and 3 in Business Supervision and Management.

Support will be provided by industry leading partners – including machinery manufacturer John Deere – delivering extensive additional training and support for students. This will give students access to the next generation of systems, services and skills to manage the golf course of the future.

“This innovative programme combines comprehensive turf management education with specialised business skills, providing a well-rounded foundation for success in this thriving field,” Mr Kerr said.

“The Turfcare Academy and Business Qualification is designed to equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary to excel in sports turf maintenance and management.”

From maintaining lush greens to utilising leading-edge technology, students will gain a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in creating exceptional golf course conditions.

In addition to these qualifications the Royal Norwich will offer its Performance Golf Programme; an exclusive opportunity for students to further enhance their golfing skills. This programme provides a range of exceptional benefits including mid-week unlimited access to the golf course, state-of-the-art swing analysis, 3 x 60-minute coaching sessions delivered by highly skilled instructors, and much more.

Mr Kerr said: “At Royal Norwich we are committed to nurturing the next generation of golf industry professionals.”

There are two programmes, the Full Player Programme at £4,750 per annum, and the Education Only Programme at £3,950 per annum, which does not include the Performance Golf Programme.

On-site accommodation is available for students, and interested parties can contact mail@royalnorwich.co.uk to discuss the options available to support their personal career goals.

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BIGGA and ICL reveal scholarship participants

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BIGGA and ICL reveal scholarship participants: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and Premium Partner ICL have revealed the five participants of the eighth ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship. 

From a remote links course on the north coast of Scotland to a nine-hole championship venue close to central London, the ICL Continue to Learn Scholars for 2024 accurately represent the diverse greenkeeping industry and how anyone can make a great career for themselves by grasping the opportunities made available via BIGGA membership.

BIGGA and ICL reveal scholarship participants

BIGGA and ICL reveal scholarship participants

The five successful BIGGA members have been invited to attend Continue to Learn at the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition, taking place in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, in January 2024. Continue to Learn is considered the largest learning experience for those in sports turf management outside the United States.

The ICL Continue to Learn Scholars for 2024 are:

  • Chris Hale, deputy course manager, Taunton & Pickeridge Golf Club
  • Sam Norman, assistant greenkeeper, Abbey Hill Golf Club
  • Kate Stillwell, course superintendent, West London Golf Centre
  • Jason Norwood, greenkeeper, Reay Golf Club
  • Jamie Caswell, Blue Course supervisor, Frilford Heath Golf Club

To earn an ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship, BIGGA members must demonstrate a commitment to developing their own professional abilities by engaging with BIGGA’s Continuing Professional Development scheme. Whether through in-person learning, reading the association’s monthly journal, Greenkeeper International, or by accessing resources on the association’s website, BIGGA members can enjoy thousands of learning opportunities, all aimed at improving their professional abilities.

Jason Norwood has previously enjoyed success with BIGGA, having been crowned the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year in 2019 and participating in the The Open Volunteer Support Team and the Future Turf Managers Initiative. The Reay greenkeeper said: “Living in the far north of Scotland, there is a lack of educational events that you would find in other areas of the UK. Being a lone greenkeeper, this proves challenging to get the time away from maintaining the golf course without it impacting the rest of the working week. The ICL Scholarship will enable me to access the best educational event in the greenkeeping calendar.”

Kate Stillwell is course superintendent at West London Golf Centre, a nine-hole championship golf course just five miles from Wembley Stadium. She said: “I feel very fortunate to have been accepted as there is a huge wealth of knowledge to take advantage of at BTME that I can bring back to share with the team. There is huge importance in continuing to educate ourselves on advances in technology, techniques and knowledge within the groundscare industry. There have been contacts I have made for life at BTME and my hope is to carry on sharing and spreading the knowledge, bringing new people into the industry.”

Continue to Learn at BTME 2024 will take place in Harrogate, North Yorkshire from 21 to 24 January 2024. For further information about BTME and Continue to Learn, visit www.btme.org.uk

The Turf Rewards loyalty scheme from ICL and Syngenta, BIGGA members can claim Continue to Learn education vouchers. Points are gained by purchasing products for use on the golf course. For further information visit www.turfrewards.com

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GroundsFest Announces Education Fund

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GroundsFest Announces Education Fund: Organisers of GroundsFest have announced that event profits are being reinvested back into the industry to form The GroundsFest Education Fund.

The GroundsFest Education Fund has been designed to provide support to help students at land-based colleges overcome specific barriers to participation so they can remain in education. The aim of the Fund is to not only support and enhance a student’s education experience but to encourage more people into the industry by making education more accessible.

GroundsFest Announces Education Fund

GroundsFest Announces Education Fund

Through profits generated from GroundsFest, students will be able to reach their full potential by obtaining funding for a wide range of items such as course literature, stationary, tools, laptops, computers and other electrical goods, driving lessons, and accredited training courses on subjects including machinery, weed management, sports turf maintenance, lawn care, arboriculture and many more.

Commenting on The GroundsFest Education Fund, Event Director Christopher Bassett said: “Unfortunately, the number of young people embarking on a career in grounds management is in decline and collectively, we should be doing all we can to change this. Education is the first step into the industry but the numbers coming through and qualifying are worryingly low.

After several conversations, we were shocked to hear that students are being forced out of education or are being prevented from entering education due to not having the money to purchase necessary items. Our aim was to always give back to the industry through the event and therefore we are extremely proud to be launching The GroundsFest Education Fund.”

The scheme will be trialled for the first year at Wiltshire College & University Centre before being rolled out nationwide. Victoria Fiander, Assessor in Horticulture, and Bradley Tennant, Sports Turf Lecturer, both from Wiltshire College, were instrumental in the development of The GroundsFest Education Fund.

Commenting on the new scheme, Bradley said: “The Education Fund is a fantastic initiative for students to access opportunities they may otherwise not have. Coming from a public school, and a council area background I would have loved to have had an opportunity like this, having personally paid for my own certificates such as spraying, tractor driving, and chainsaw tickets, knowing this is a key area that holds many back from pay rises or even progression within their workplace.

“Working with students, I know they often can’t find work due to travel arrangements. We are located in a very rural area, and having access to The GroundsFest Education Fund has the potential to bring more young people into our industry. Something as simple as driving lessons could pave the way for their future to become an industry leader.

“Land-based colleges are the point of entry for the vast majority of horticulture, from sports turf stadiums to the local garden centre. It’s vital we support our colleges. There are currently only 12 land-based colleges within the UK, which is a worrying number considering you can’t turn your head without seeing something that’s been involved with horticulture in some form.

The industry is struggling from top to bottom and education is the way forward.”

To watch the show highlights please click here

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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Introducing Nano-Spray

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Introducing Nano-Spray: Recognising the need for a breakthrough solution to small scale precision spraying, Compact Sprayer manufacturers Martin Lishman Ltd are thrilled to introduce the Nano-Spray to their line-up of compact amenity sprayers.

The little sibling to the industry-leading Micro-Spray, the Nano-Spray is an ultra-compact, 36 litre, fully-electric self-propelled sprayer that delivers a high precision spray application with no impact on fine turf.

Introducing Nano-Spray

Introducing Nano-Spray

In an industry where precision is paramount, spraying delicate areas like cricket grounds and golf greens can be a challenge. Vehicles used to move sprayers can damage the turf, which has led to the adoption of small push-along and knapsack sprayers. While easier on the turf, these alternatives present their own set of limitations, most notably small tank capacities, and uneven spray application.

Targeted for use on smaller amenity areas and serving as an invaluable tool for contractors, the Nano-Spray is small enough to fit through most gateways and passageways. Despite its small size, it is fully equipped with an array of features typically reserved for larger, professional-grade specification sprayers.

Designed from the ground up, the durable yet lightweight space frame chassis is propelled by an advanced rear wheel drive system and a calibrated 12 speed controller. The UV-safe 36 litre polyurethane tank feeds a 2m folding boom via a two-section valve block. The Nano-Spray also comes equipped as standard with boom break backs, independent shut-off nozzle bodies and chemical agitation.

At the heart of the Nano-Spray is a custom built 24-volt lithium battery pack, ensuring consistent peak performance for over an hour of continuous spraying. The battery compartment is designed to store up to 3 batteries, effectively giving an impressive runtime of over 3 hours; a handy battery gauge is mounted in the control panel to give the user an indication of remaining battery life.

Up front, an ergonomic steering handle provides a simple trigger throttle system and a spray on/off button for easy fingertip control of spraying. An integrated rocker switch allows the user to change the motor direction for ultimate manoeuvrability.

“We wanted to get it right” says Joel Capper, Managing Director of Martin Lishman Ltd. “Our sprayer line-up has a reputation for reliability and durability that we wanted to ensure was carried through to the Nano-Spray during the design stage. It has been an eagerly awaited product to add to our line-up, and we hope our amenity customers will see it as a valuable addition to their armoury”.

The Nano-Spray will be on display for the first time at Saltex 2023, in November on the Martin Lishman stand (E080).

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