Green-tech and HC Wraxall Announce Strategic Partnership

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Green-tech and HC Wraxall Announce Strategic Partnership: Green-tech has announced a strategic partnership with HC Wraxall to strengthen its green roof substrate supply in the South of England. This collaboration will see Wraxalls manufacture, bag, and distribute the market-leading Green-tree Intensive substrates.

This collaboration represents the culmination of a longstanding relationship between the two companies, both renowned for their contributions to the UK green roof sector. It reinforces their commitment to raising standards and promoting sustainable practices.

Green-tech and HC Wraxall Announce Strategic Partnership

Green-tech and HC Wraxall Announce Strategic Partnership

Both parties recognised the potential for joining forces to grow their market share in substrate supplies. Wraxalls will manufacture and bag the Green-tree Intensive product in the south. In turn, Green-tech will offer substrate in the north, reducing lead times and transport-related carbon emissions. This arrangement provides both parties with a wider geographical area and the ability to maintain quality product supply.

Green-tech’s range of Green-tree soils and growing media is one of the most comprehensive in the industry. Products are manufactured using organic compost and overburdened sand from quarries, which would otherwise end up in landfills. Green-tree products are used in projects focused on environmental sustainability and maintaining green credentials.

Green-tree substrates have been specified on many green roof projects throughout the UK and are currently serviced from their facilities in North Yorkshire. By aligning with Wraxalls, Green-tech aims to streamline delivery and availability, making it easier to meet growing demand from urban and green infrastructure projects in the South of England and London.

Mark Wood, Business Development Director at Green-tech, commented, “Wraxalls has been a respected supplier and member of the UK green roof sector for many years, and this agreement marks a new chapter in our relationship. With the growth in the UK Green roof sector, expanding our supply capabilities in the south is sensible. Our two companies share common values and goals, and working with Nigel Wraxall and his team to finalise this agreement has been a pleasure. It’s exciting to see Green-tech’s strategy for growth in the market and our push further into Green Blue infrastructure taking shape.”

Nigel Wraxall, Managing Director of HC Wraxall, echoed these sentiments. “I’m delighted to be partnering with Green-tech. I’ve known the business and Mark personally for many years and have been impressed by their approach and ambition. I look forward to increasing our supply in an exciting and rapidly expanding market. Our collective expertise and infrastructure mean customers across the UK will have even better access to high-quality green roof substrates. As demand for sustainable building materials continues to rise, this agreement puts us in a strong position to meet the needs of the industry.”

Production is already underway, with stock available to service the southern market. This partnership solidifies Green-tech and Wraxalls as key players in delivering sustainable and innovative green roof solutions, reinforcing their commitment to advancing the green building movement in the UK.

This collaboration marks a new era in Green-tree substrate availability, providing clients with easier access to sustainable materials while maintaining the highest quality standards and environmental responsibility.

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Lantra celebrates Green Careers Week

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Lantra celebrates Green Careers Week: Lantra is excited to announce that it will be celebrating Green Careers Week, alongside many other organisations, this year. Lantra will be highlighting some of the more surprising careers that people can have within the land-based and environment sector, aligning with the campaign theme of unearthing non-stereotypical green careers.

Working in partnership with Chevron Green Services, Lantra have been exploring the careers of some of Chevron’s operatives and supervisors, and hearing about what their day looks like, working on the UK’s road network.

Lantra celebrates Green Careers Week

Lantra celebrates Green Careers Week

When thinking of a person being an operative on the UK’s road network, careers in traffic management and road works, such as pipe and cable works, or pothole repairs, might come to mind. However, there are a lot of diverse careers working on the road network, including arborists, also known as tree surgeons, and landscapers.

Keeping the roads safe for the public to use is paramount for those working in the road network sector. With many of the high-speed roads, and urban roads, having trees and vegetation lining the sides, it’s important that the greenery on the network is managed well, including reducing risks to the public.

Commenting on the surprising careers in highways, Steph Stevens, Careers and Engagement Manager at Lantra, said: “We know that many people use the road network every day; going to work, taking children to school, or going to the supermarket. However, the management of the natural environment surrounding our roads isn’t always seen.

“That’s why for Green Careers Week, Lantra have teamed up with Chevron Green Services to show the surprising careers that exist within the highways industry.”

Commenting on the Green Careers Week Campaign, Dan Taylor, Operations Director at Chevron Green Services, said: “It’s great to be working with Lantra on the Green Careers Week campaign. The natural environment that surrounds our road network is so important, and we at Chevron Green Services play our role in actively managing this ensuring the natural environment is thriving whilst keeping our road network safe for all users.”

Alongside the work of the arborists and landscapers, maintaining the green environment, Chevron Green Services also work with ecologists ensuring that habitats are managed to a high standard, and that any works that do take place have minimal impact on species that live in the environments that surround the road network.

Some wildlife species, such as bats, badgers, and great-crested newts, are protected by law and their habitats must be managed to a very high standard, before any maintenance works take place. Through teamwork and collaboration, arborists and landscapers work with ecologists to support species and protect their habitats and environments, causing minimal impact where possible.

Throughout Green Careers Week, Lantra will be posting engaging and insightful content about the surprising green careers within the highways industry on social media. They will also be sharing more insightful videos as a documentary series on YouTube.

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GroundsFest Wins Trade Show of the Year

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GroundsFest Wins Trade Show of the Year: The recently held Exhibition News Indy Awards recognised GroundsFest 2023 in an extraordinary way, awarding it both the Best Independent Trade Show Launch and the prestigious Trade Show of the Year.

These honours celebrate the innovation and unique character that GroundsFest has brought to the industry, standing out among top-tier independent trade shows across Europe and beyond.

GroundsFest Wins Trade Show of the Year

GroundsFest Wins Trade Show of the Year

GroundsFest made waves by introducing a new experience to the industry—a blend of live machinery demos, indoor exhibits, free LANTRA-approved training, and even a live music festival, all at a highly accessible event designed to attract professionals from grounds management to landscaping.

Judges were impressed with GroundsFest’s fresh approach, noting how it has “modernised the grounds care and landscaping sector with an inclusive and fun festival atmosphere” and describing it as a “well-overdue shake-up” in live industry events. They commended GroundsFest’s dedication to the community, with one judge remarking, “There is a real drive to do something different and provide value to the market. Admirable that profits are reinvested into the industry.” Another judge celebrated GroundsFest’s engaging format: “Bringing an industry to life is what events are about, and this event has pulled it off in a superb way.”

Reflecting on the award, Event Director Christopher Bassett expressed his gratitude for the double award win. “We’re truly honoured to receive these awards, especially considering the calibre of trade shows we were up against. GroundsFest was a vision we built from the ground up, and to have it recognised at this level is beyond what we expected.”

GroundsFest offers a fresh approach to trade shows within the grounds management and landscaping industries, inviting attendees to engage with the latest equipment in action while providing an array of exhibitor stands, interactive sessions, and live entertainment.

The success of its inaugural event has propelled GroundsFest to continue pushing boundaries. The event’s future aims not only to attract an even broader audience but to further solidify its role as a game-changer in the industry. With a commitment to community and a focus on delivering real value to exhibitors and visitors alike, GroundsFest is primed for continued growth.

“We’re beyond thankful to our incredible exhibitors, visitors, partners, and suppliers for making this possible. GroundsFest is a real team effort, and this win is for all of you,” Christopher added.

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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The Golf House Club, Elie prepares for 150th anniversary

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The Golf House Club, Elie prepares for 150th anniversary: The Golf House Club, Elie is preparing for its 150th anniversary celebrations with the help of three new Toro Greensmaster TriFlex 3420 hybrid mowers, signifying the club’s commitment to providing an exceptional golfing experience – as it has done for a century and a half.

The traditional links course, located just 12 miles from St Andrews, is the third oldest in the world, with a rich golfing tradition dating back to 1589. For course manager Matt Baird, only one brand is fit for such a historic course: Toro.

The Golf House Club, Elie prepares for 150th anniversary

The Golf House Club, Elie prepares for 150th anniversary

“Though our golfing history dates back to the 16th century, the club was founded in 1875, so we’re eagerly anticipating our 150th anniversary next year,” he says. “It’s going to be a huge occasion and we’re busy renovating tees and preparing the course – that’s where the new Toro mowers will come in.”

The trio of hybrid mowers, supplied by Reesink Turfcare, are classic Toro – precise, productive, highly efficient, and capable of the perfect cut – and exactly what Matt’s come to expect from the brand.

“We’ve been using Toro’s flawless Lynx irrigation system since 2019 and a 3420 hybrid mower for some time now, so we know just how good Toro is,” says Matt. “With all the work ahead of our 150th anniversary, it was the perfect time to expand our fleet and bring in more hybrid power.”

The 3420 is enhanced by Turf Guardian leak detection technology and provides immediate audio and visual indication of possible hydraulic fluid leaks. While this is already at minimal risk due to the hybrid engine, it provides an added layer of reassurance. “Not only does it offer us peace of mind, opting for a hybrid also helps us reduce our total emissions as a club,” confirms Matt.

“We’re working hard to improve surfaces, especially tees and approaches,” he continues. “On a traditional links course like ours, people expect to be able to putt from approaches – with their precise quality of cut, the new 3420s will help ensure our surfaces are immaculate.”

But the deal is as much about the people as it is the brand, according to Matt: “Working with John Rankin and Reesink has been a breeze. With all the renovations going on, there’s a long list of jobs to complete, but they’ve been efficient and reliable – just like Toro! – and that’s made life much easier for us.”

To make a start on the journey towards reduced emissions, visit Reesink Turfcare at reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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Jayne Leyland inducted into Hall of Fame

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Jayne Leyland inducted into Hall of Fame: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is proud to announce that Jayne Leyland, Portfolio Director at Origin Amenity Solutions, has been inducted into the prestigious GMA Hall of Fame. 

As part of the GMA’s 90th anniversary celebrations, this honor recognises Jayne’s outstanding contributions and long-standing dedication to advancing the turfcare industry.

Jayne Leyland inducted into Hall of Fame

Jayne Leyland inducted into Hall of Fame

With over three decades in the sector, Jayne Leyland is widely regarded as one of the most knowledgeable and influential grass seed specialists in the field. She has become a trusted resource for countless groundskeepers and turf professionals, who have come to rely on her expertise. Her work has helped shape turf management practices across the UK and beyond.

Born in Cheshire, Jayne began her journey at Reaseheath College, where she earned a Higher National Diploma in Horticulture (Golf Course Management). She first stepped into greenkeeping in 1993 at East Sussex National Golf Club and later held a role as assistant course manager at Chart Hills in Kent.

She transitioned into advisory roles by joining Barenbrug as an area manager, where she provided expert technical support and helped launch several landmark grass seed products, including RTF, SOS, and RPR.

Currently with Origin Amenity Solutions, Jayne continues to make significant contributions to turf management education, working closely with clients such as St Andrews Links Trust and Manchester City. She remains an active member of the BSPB Amenity Crop Group, overseeing turfgrass seed trials at STRI in Bingley and serving multiple times as chair.

Geoff Webb, Grounds Management Association Chief Executive Officer said: “Jayne’s dedication to advancing turf management through her research and product development has had a profound and lasting impact on our industry. Her work has not only enhanced the quality of our green spaces but also inspired those around her to strive for the same high standards. Jayne’s award exemplifies the expertise that the GMA Hall of Fame celebrates, and we are genuinely honoured to recognise her achievements and contributions as part of our 90th anniversary celebrations. We look forward to seeing her continue to shape the future of turfcare for years to come.”

Jayne Leyland, Hall of Fame Inductee, said: “I’m truly overwhelmed and deeply honoured to receive this recognition. I never set out for awards – I’m just doing a job! A job I love in an industry that’s meant everything to me. It feels strange to be celebrated for something that has always been a passion and a privilege. I hope this inspires others to find joy and purpose in what they do, just as I have over the years. I’m grateful to be part of this community and share in something so special.”

To find out more about the Grounds Management Association Hall of Fame, please visit: www.thegma.org.uk/who/hall-of-fame

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