Additions to Lantra Board of Trustees

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Additions to Lantra Board of Trustees: Lantra are pleased to announce that Professor John Moverley OBE and Beth Brook have joined the Board of Trustees from May 2024. Their knowledge and experience of the land-based and environment sector will be a valuable addition to the Lantra Board.

Professor John Moverley OBE is formerly the Chief Executive and Principal of Myerscough College. He joins the Board following his chairing role at the UK Amenity Forum and advisory positions at the Severn & Wye Flood and Costal Committee, and the West Midlands Advisory Committee to the Forestry Commission, where he served as Chair.

Additions to Lantra Board of Trustees

Additions to Lantra Board of Trustees

John is a leading voice on matters relating to sustainable practice in the amenity industry. He is also an elected Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies and holds honorary Fellowships from the University of Central Lancashire, and Myerscough College. John was honoured with an OBE in 2004 for services to education.

Commenting on the appointment, Chair of Lantra, Dr David Llewellyn said: “I’m really pleased that John has joined the Board of Trustees. His expertise and experience will no doubt be of significant value to Lantra, helping to drive the organisation forward.”

Also commenting on the appointment, Lantra CEO, Marcus Potter, said: “John’s standing in the sector is a real asset to Lantra. I am sure his diversity of experience will help steer our strategic direction.”

Beth Brook is an active advocate for skills development. As the former CEO of the

Heart of England Forest, she led the organisation to be one of the first to take on new forestry apprentices, as well as implementing a paid internship in forestry. She also sits on the Board of the Youth Environmental Service, a national organisation that is promoting and facilitating environmental careers for young people.

Beginning her career on a pig farm, Beth is a qualified ecologist and has held executive roles at Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, and Fair Train. Beth is a reasoned voice on skills development, training and professional development within forestry and arboriculture.

Chair of Lantra, Dr David Llewellyn, commented on the appointment of Beth, saying: “I’m delighted that Beth has joined the Lantra Board. Her knowledge, experience, and advocacy will be a real benefit to Lantra and to the Board. I am looking forward to working with Beth over the next few years.”

Lantra’s CEO, Marcus Potter, added: “Beth’s passion for training and skills is in strong alignment with Lantra’s mission and will be greatly welcomed to Lantra’s Board.”

Following the appointment of Professor John Moverley and Beth Brook, two Trustees will be standing down from the Board. Jane Cragie and Richard Clarke will be leaving after eight years and six years, respectively.

Lantra Chair, David Llewellyn commented on the departure of Richard and Jane: “It has been a pleasure to work with both Richard and Jane during their time on the Board. I want to take this opportunity to thank them for all their hard work and commitment in supporting Lantra to be the organisation it is today.

“I wish them both the very best with their future endeavours, and again thank them for their service to Lantra.”

These changes to the Lantra Board take effect from the end of May 2024.

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P Tuckwell acquires Tomlinson Groundcare

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P Tuckwell acquires Tomlinson Groundcare: P Tuckwell Ltd, the John Deere dealer across the South East and East of England, has completed the acquisition of Tomlinson Groundcare Ltd. 

The acquisition, which has been agreed by respective owners James Tuckwell and the Tomlinson family, will see all employees and the existing branch location at Buxhall, near Stowmarket, retained.

P Tuckwell acquires Tomlinson Groundcare

P Tuckwell acquires Tomlinson Groundcare

The full terms of the agreement are not being disclosed but this acquisition has the full support and approval of John Deere Ltd.

Tomlinson Groundcare was founded by Robert Tomlinson in 1991. Operating from the family smallholding, Robert and his team grew the business moving into a purpose-built workshop in 2005 and a new, large showroom in 2009. Sadly, Robert passed away in 2019 but the Tomlinson Groundcare team, headed up by Adrian Brown, has continued to grow and develop its turf care business throughout much of Suffolk.

Tuckwells was established in 1954 and have been John Deere dealers since 1965. Operating from ten locations across Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Kent, East Sussex and Surrey the business employs over 300 people. In addition, the business runs Tuckwell Farms, a 1500-acre working farm in Suffolk. Tuckwells was one of the first dealers in the UK to take on the John Deere turf franchise.

“Adrian and his team have continued Robert’s ethos and passion for forging long-lasting relationships with private domestic and professional turf customers,” says James Tuckwell. “They have built a strong turf business throughout Suffolk since the company began in 1991. We are excited to be given this opportunity to expand our business and to build on their success. We welcome the Tomlinson Groundcare team to the Tuckwells family and look forward to working together with them and their customers.”

Chris Meacock, John Deere Division Sales Manager for Golf and Turf, said: “I would like to congratulate Adrian and his team for the outstanding job they have done in supporting and growing the John Deere turf care brand in Suffolk since becoming a dealer nearly 33 years ago.

“We are delighted that they have reached this agreement with Tuckwells, which ensures the continuity of the Tomlinson Groundcare team and the dealership outlet within the John Deere network. Both businesses have closely aligned values based on extensive industry experience and outstanding customer service.”

Adrian added: “The team at Tomlinson Groundcare is pleased that a deal has been reached between us and Tuckwells. We have known each other for many years and I am confident that the business is in safe hands and is well placed to continue its development and growth. I look forward to working with James Tuckwell and his team as we integrate Tomlinson Groundcare into the Tuckwell family and begin this new and exciting chapter.”

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Top TIMBERSPORTS® athletes compete for top spot

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Top TIMBERSPORTS® athletes compete for top spot: TIMBERSPORTS® is back with a bang at the Royal Three Counties Show, Malvern from 14-16 June 2024. Three days of action-packed competition will see Britain’s top athletes compete against each other for the British crown, as well as the opportunity to represent their country at world level. 

Competition for places in the British Pro Championship taking place on Saturday 15 June is so high that the first ever qualifier will take place the Friday before. The top six athletes from 2023’s Championship have earned automatic qualification, whilst the remaining athletes from last year’s competition will go head-to-head with newcomers to decide who will take the final spots in the main event. The action doesn’t stop there with 12 rookies (athletes under 25) competing in the British Rookie Championship and 11 women vying for victory in the British Women’s Championship on Sunday 16 June.

Top TIMBERSPORTS® athletes compete for top spot

Top TIMBERSPORTS® athletes compete for top spot

Fresh from finishing sixth at the World Rookie Championship in Milan, Jack Morris will be the one to beat in the Rookie Championship. Inspired by his older brother, Morris first competed in TIMBERSPORTS® in 2019 and his laser focus on fitness and training has seen him rise to the top of the British rookie ranks, where he finished first in 2022 and 2023. This will be Morris’s last year competing as a rookie as he moves up to the Pro level in 2025, and he’s aiming to finish on a high, but there will be plenty of other rookies with their eye on the podium so complacency is not an option.

In the British Women’s Championship, it’s all to play for this year, with previous champions Justine Narusa (2023 winner) and Zoe Penlington (2022 winner) returning as well as some exciting new talent looking to shake things up.  Libby Arrowsmith, the youngest competitor at just 17, has been focussed on a dedicated training regime and will be looking to better her third-place finish in 2023, whilst newcomer Rachel Ferrington, who has competed in many sports including jousting, is also looking to make her mark.

The Pro Championship will be another hard-fought battle, but Glen Penlington will be hoping to hold off his rivals to make it a hat-trick of national titles, after he won in 2022 and 2023. But 2014 champion Rob Chatley is also eyeing the top prize. Both athletes are GB TIMBERSPORTS® trainers and share their expertise with the less-experienced athletes at regular training camps throughout the year, but once the competition starts it’s every man for himself, and they will both be looking to get maximum points in all six of the competition disciplines. Between them, they hold three of the six national records, so the competition will definitely be fierce, and is sure to deliver edge-of-your-seat action.

The British Championship takes place from 14- 16 June at the Royal Three Counties Show in Malvern. Tickets are available from the show website. The Pro, Women’s and Rookie Championships will also be livestreamed via the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® YouTube channel.

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Green-tech supply bio retention soil for regeneration scheme

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Green-tech supply bio retention soil for regeneration scheme: Plymouth City Centre embarked on a transformative regeneration project to revitalise the key areas of Old Town Street and New George Street.

The £1.6 million contract aims to deliver significant visual and environmental improvements, including 25 new semi-mature trees, new islands of greenery, and a sustainable urban drainage system that includes three rain gardens with ornamental planting.

Green-tech supply bio retention soil for regeneration scheme

Green-tech supply bio retention soil for regeneration scheme

The scheme focused on enhancing the urban landscape, promoting sustainability, and mitigating flood risks through innovative solutions. YGS Landscapes was appointed as the Landscape Contractor as part of this initiative. They turned to Green-tech, a leading provider of landscaping materials, to supply 160 tonnes of Green-tree Bioretention Soil to create the three rain gardens.

This major public realm improvement project involved the removal of existing surfacing, street furniture, and soft landscaping and replacing them with new hard and soft landscaping, new street furniture, and lighting. It also required the removal of contaminated material, underground obstructions, pre-war historical city features, and old utility systems to integrate with modern amenities and drainage systems.

Green-tree Bioretention helped to address the project’s sustainability and drainage needs. Designed to facilitate rainwater absorption, filtration, and plant growth, this specialist soil played a central role in the creation of the rain gardens. The scheme plays an important role in the city’s flood management strategy and its Climate Emergency Action Plan as the three rain garden tanks are capable of holding back 75.5 cubic metres of storm water.

Sustainable Urban Drainage systems (SuDs) are designed to protect streets from flooding. On this occasion, it entailed creating large holes in the ground that were reinforced and layered with material to act like a giant plant pot to hold rainwater which will irrigate the new plants and trees.

Green-tree Bioretention Soil uses the highest quality sands and green composts to provide an efficient permeability rate to avoid waterlogging on the surface area while holding sufficient nutrient levels and organic matter to support the vegetation used. The soil’s composition ensures the successful establishment of vegetation and the effective management of stormwater runoff.

The incorporation of Bioretention soil in Plymouth’s city centre regeneration yielded multiple benefits. Beyond its functional role in stormwater management, the green infrastructure enhanced the area’s visual appeal. Importantly the project demonstrates Plymouth’s commitment to environmental stewardship and climate resilience.

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Howardson Group hosts successful dealer training event

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Howardson Group hosts successful dealer training event: The Howardson Group recently brought together over 100 delegates from their dealership network across the UK, Europe and the Far East, over a three week period which proved to be an invaluable opportunity for all involved.

Held at the picturesque Morley Hayes Golf Club in the Derbyshire countryside and Derby County Football Club’s training ground, the events showcased the company’s extensive portfolio of product groups, including Dennis, Hunter Grinders, Lloyds SISIS and Syn-Pro.

Howardson Group hosts successful dealer training event

Howardson Group hosts successful dealer training event

The agenda for the event was packed with informative sessions, including sales and product training that delved deep into the benefits and features of the Howardson Group’s products for end-users. Attendees gained insight into future developments and had the chance to network and share experiences with other like-minded individuals.

One of the standout features of the event was its “hands-on” approach, allowing attendees to interact directly with the equipment. This approach, covering both new and existing key products, was aimed at enhancing their understanding of the Howardson Group product ranges.

Attendees were also invited for a behind-the-scenes factory tour, where all the products are manufactured, and gave them the chance to see first-hand some of the recent investments. The group were also given rare access to the All British Precision factory where components for the machines are meticulously produced on site in Kirk Langley.

Howardson Group hosts successful dealer training event

Howardson Group hosts successful dealer training event

Feedback from those who attended the event was overwhelmingly positive. Robert Snedden from Thomas Sherriff commented, “Brilliant, well-organised, and above all, slick. We have looked at 37 machines, spoke about them all and learnt a lot. The timing was perfect, the content was perfect, and I couldn’t fault it at all.”

Jim Clarke from Jim Clarke Fine Turf Machinery said, “I’ve really enjoyed the event and seen a lot of machinery that we wouldn’t have normally seen. It has been a great experience.”

Andy Melville, Commercial Director at GGM Groundscare, highlighted the value of hands-on training, stating, “The event has been very useful, very informative. It is great to physically see the machines in action. It gives you the opportunity to see what they can actually do, rather than just look at a brochure and read some specification.”

Overall, the event was a resounding success, providing attendees with valuable insights, networking opportunities, and a first-hand experience of the Howardson Group’s impressive range of products. With such positive feedback from attendees, the Howardson Group looks forward to hosting similar events in the future, continuing to support and empower their dealer network.

For further information visit www.howardsongroup.com

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