GMA appoints Sarah Hunter

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GMA appoints Sarah Hunter: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Hunter as its new Head of Events. With her extensive experience and proven track record in event management, Sarah brings a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm to this pivotal role, further strengthening the GMA and SALTEX’s commitment to excellence and innovation. 

As Head of Events, Sarah’s immediate focus will be on SALTEX 2024, Europe’s largest event dedicated to grounds care. Sarah will play a crucial role in shaping the overall strategy and execution of this year’s exhibition, ensuring an unparalleled experience for visitors, exhibitors, and stakeholders alike. Leveraging her strategic vision and passion for delivering exceptional events, Sarah is poised to lead SALTEX 2024 to new heights and solidify its position as the premier grounds management exhibition.

GMA appoints Sarah Hunter

GMA appoints Sarah Hunter

“I am thrilled to join the GMA team and lead the events strategy for SALTEX 2024,” said Sarah Hunter. “I am committed to delivering events that exceed expectations and provide immense value to our attendees, exhibitors, and partners. I am confident that SALTEX 2024 will set a new standard for excellence in the industry.”

Sarah is a seasoned events professional and joins the GMA after 12 years with NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting), a market-leading certification body in the construction industry. Throughout her tenure, Sarah spearheaded hundreds of successful events, exhibitions, conferences, and webinars across the UK, from concept to completion.

“We are delighted to welcome Sarah Hunter to the GMA as our new Head of Events,” said Sarah Cunningham, Director of Commercial and Events at the Grounds Management Association. “Her exceptional leadership skills and passion for delivering outstanding events make her the perfect fit for this role.

“With Sarah at the helm, we are confident that SALTEX 2024 will be an unrivalled success, offering our visitors.”  

SALTEX takes place at Birmingham NEC on 30th and 31st October 2024. Exhibitors wishing to secure their place at Europe’s largest free sports turf, amenities, and landscaping trade exhibition can contact saltexsales@thegma.org.uk.

For more information and to register your interest to attend SALTEX 2024, visit https://www.saltex.org.uk/.

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Bernhard and Company announces free Soil Scout sensor trial

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Bernhard and Company announces free Soil Scout sensor trial: Bernhard and Company, exclusive distribution partner for Soil Scout in England, Scotland, and Wales, has unveiled an opportunity for two UK football clubs to take part in a free trial of a state-of-the-art Soil Scout sensor system.

In early summer, Bernhard and Company will also roll out this opportunity for golf facilities around the distribution region.

Bernhard and Company announces free Soil Scout sensor trial

Bernhard and Company announces free Soil Scout sensor trial

To take part, grounds managers have to submit a case study as to how their stadium or training facility would benefit from the addition of Soil Scout sensors within their maintenance routine. The most interesting applicants will be selected to trial a Soil Scout system and learn how they can increase efficiency by using a data-driven maintenance approach.

Managing Director for Bernhard and Company, Steven Nixon, said: “We want to hear from grounds managers and football training facility maintenance professionals in England, Scotland, and Wales, to find out why they believe they’d benefit from data-led decision processes using Soil Scout.

“The end of the football season marks the perfect time to begin turf renovations ahead of the following campaign. So, there’s no better moment to look for new ways to become more efficient in maintaining your turf. This is a great opportunity to be one of the first to trial this cutting-edge technology.”

Soil Scout provides the most advanced, underground wireless soil sensor and monitoring solution for agriculture, golf, and sports turf maintenance professionals. Golf courses and sports stadiums worldwide, including iconic venues such as Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia Phillies, use Soil Scout to ensure the prevention of unnecessary watering while retaining nutrients in the turf and reducing maintenance costs.

To be in with a chance to trial a Soil Scout sensor system for free, football club representatives are required to submit a case detailing the reasons why their club would benefit from the enhanced data collection that comes with the Soil Scout sensor system. The deadline for submissions is 31st May 2024, and to submit an entry, visit: https://form.jotform.com/241203450845348

There will be two further sensor kits allocated to golf course managers as the summer season gets into full swing, enabling sporting venues to enhance their data collection and irrigation processes.

To find out more about Soil Scout sensors and how they can be applied across the turf management industry, visit: https://bernhard.co.uk/soilscout/

Bernhard and Company can be contacted on 01788 811 600 and info@bernhard.co.uk, or visit https://bernhard.co.uk for more.

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Sweeping Success with SISIS at Merchiston Castle School

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Sweeping Success with SISIS at Merchiston Castle School: Stuart Chalmers, Head Groundsman at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, has recently elevated his maintenance procedures with the addition of the SISIS Litamina 1200.

This innovative tractor-mounted sweeper is helping to enhance the upkeep of Scotland’s only all-boys independent boarding school.

Sweeping Success with SISIS at Merchiston Castle School

Sweeping Success with SISIS at Merchiston Castle School

Merchiston Castle School boasts a rich tapestry of sporting facilities, including rugby, football, hockey, cricket, tennis, and a golf academy. Spanning just under 100 acres, the school’s grounds present a diverse array of maintenance challenges throughout the year. Stuart, who has climbed the ranks since joining the school in 2012, understands the importance of using robust equipment to meet these challenges.

“As a school, we’ve long relied on SISIS equipment,” remarks Stuart. “Their machines were here when I first started, and they’ve proven their longevity over the years. We’re constantly striving to make improvements, and SISIS equipment aligns perfectly with our ethos.”

The Litamina 1200, a highly popular model in the SISIS range, has earned Stuart’s praise. “We had an older Litamina 1200 that served us well for over 10 years,” he explains. “When the time came to replace it, there was no question—we opted for the same machine. It’s simply that good.”

With its spiral-designed brush and galvanised collection hopper, the Litamina 1200 excels in collecting a wide range of debris while delicately following ground contours. Stuart highlights the modernised features of the new model, including stands for convenient storage and enhanced practicality and ease of use.

“The Litamina 1200 has become indispensable in our maintenance routine,” says Stuart. “Primarily used on our rugby and football pitches, it not only cleans the surface but also helps rejuvenate the grass, allowing for better air circulation and preparing the turf for our mowing programme.”

Stuart outlines the meticulous scheduling of maintenance tasks, which often includes alternating the use of the Litamina 1200 with other SISIS equipment such as the Maxislit, a tractor-mounted deep slitting lawn aerator. “We utilise the Litamina for leaf collection as well, demonstrating its versatility and efficiency,” he adds.

Ewen Wilson, Sales Manager for Scotland at SISIS, also receives praise from Stuart for his excellent service. “The support we receive from Ewen is first-class. It’s reassuring to know that we have a reliable partner in SISIS.”

As Merchiston Castle School prepares for exciting expansions, including a new nursery school and junior school, Stuart remains committed to maintaining pristine grounds. With the SISIS Litamina 1200 at his disposal, Stuart and his team continue to raise the bar, ensuring that the school’s sporting facilities remain a source of pride for years to come.

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit www.sisis.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow SISIS on Twitter or Instagram @SISISMachinery and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery. You can also view the latest SISIS videos by visiting www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery

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Makita’s cordless power washer

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Makita’s cordless power washer: Leading power tool manufacturer Makita UK has added the new cordless HW001G XGT High Pressure Washer, to its high performance 40VMax XGT range.

An ideal solution for trade professionals working with no access to mains power, it provides exceptional mobility combined with a reliable and regular flow rate and pressure, facilitated by three different operation modes.

Makita's cordless power washer

Makita’s cordless power washer

The new 40VMax HW001G XGT Brushless High Pressure Washer offers a powerful performance akin to corded washers, with a maximum permissible pressure of 11.5 MPa. Three operational modes allow users the flexibility to control the pressure depending on the difficulty of the cleaning task at hand – whether it is light washing right through to the toughest clean required for building exteriors or farming machinery.

The advantage of the Makita XGT battery operation means that when fully charged, the washer can be used for either 60 minutes in the basic Mode 1, 30 minutes in Mode 2 and 18 minutes in the hardest working – Mode 3. The washer can perform with just one battery or with two in parallel, allowing you to keep on working even when one of the batteries needs charging.

The HW001G is self-priming, and water can be supplied from a tap, bucket or tank. A handy trigger lock function also keeps the water running without needing to be constantly squeezed.

As trade professionals would expect from Makita, key design features make it a practical option. Weighing only 8.5kg, a telescopic handle allows the height to be adjusted to 520mm, meaning it is simple to store. With large 140mm wheels, it is also easy to transport and manoeuvre, even on difficult terrain. In addition, rubber stoppers secure the washer in place on small slopes.

Finally, the washer is available with a wide range of accessories, including a cyclone jet nozzle, 2 XGT 5.0Mpa batteries, a battery charger, connector set, trigger gun, strainer, extension set and high pressure hose, allowing the user to reach and efficiently clean a variety of surfaces.

Makita also supplies optional, additional accessories for the machine, such as a variospray nozzle set, a foam nozzle set, a variospray lance set and a variospray lance extension set.

Kevin Brannigan, Makita’s UK Marketing Manager commented: “Our new Cordless HW001G High Pressure Washer is compact, portable and powerful – everything a trade professional or user might need, with both the freedom and safety of being battery powered. It’s a great bit of kit.”

To view the new Cordless High Pressure Washer HW001G and its accessories visit www.makitauk.com

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Agrovista Amenity Partners with Perennial

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Agrovista Amenity Partners with Perennial: Agrovista Amenity is thrilled to announce its partnership with Perennial, the UK’s only charity dedicated to supporting those who work with grass, trees, flowers, or plants.

This collaboration aligns perfectly with Mental Health Awareness Week, running from Monday, 13 May to Sunday, 19 May, underlining the importance of mental health support within the sector.

Agrovista Amenity Partners with Perennial

Agrovista Amenity Partners with Perennial

Commenting on the partnership, Perennial’s Corporate Partnership Manager, Phil Swainston, said: “We’re thrilled to have Agrovista onboard as a Perennial Partner. Their continued support for the amenity sector, as showcased in their fantastic #ForOurSports campaign, is truly inspiring. Their proactive and dedicated approach to customer support deeply resonates with us at Perennial. Together, we look forward to making a significant impact in the industry.”

Perennial is the UK’s sole charity supporting all those working in the horticultural community, as well as those who have retired, who dedicate their passion, time, and energy to keeping Britain beautiful. Established 185 years ago, Perennial provides a lifeline to individuals and families in horticulture facing a wide range of challenges. The ultimate aim is for everyone to know that Perennial is there for them. That not only is there free, tailored one-to-one confidential support on hand when needed, but that everyone can access the free advice and information available 24/7 online, covering topics such as physical and mental health issues, bereavement, relationship breakdowns, career progression, as well as impartial money management. By offering the right information and support at the time it is needed, the charity aims to help build better lives for all those within the horticultural industry.

Agrovista Amenity’s #ForOurSports campaign symbolises the company’s commitment to standing by its customers every step of the way, while also celebrating the dedication of individuals in the amenity sector. Over the past two years, the campaign has flourished through various initiatives, including branded vehicles, community events, industry award sponsorships, and support for local charities.

Jodie Champion, Head of Marketing for Agrovista, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Through the #ForOurSports campaign, we aim to demonstrate our support for our customers and our determination to tackle future challenges alongside them.”

This partnership is not just about financial contributions. Agrovista Amenity is also committed to raising awareness about Perennial’s free and confidential helpline. With the company’s extensive marketing reach and local amenity teams, customers can be informed that help is readily available should they ever need it.

“We are inspired by the remarkable work that Perennial does to support the industry,” continued Jodie. “By joining forces with them, we hope to highlight that there is compassionate assistance available for those who need it.”

This collaboration between Agrovista Amenity and Perennial highlights a shared commitment to the well-being of professionals in the amenity sector, ensuring that support and resources are accessible when needed most. With Mental Health Awareness Week emphasising the importance of mental well-being, this partnership comes at a crucial time, reinforcing the message that help and support are always available for those who need it.

If you are in need of support, please visit www.perennial.org.uk or call the Perennial helpline on 0800 093 8543.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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