STS Arb Group move onwards and upwards

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STS Arb Group move onwards and upwards: Supporting the rapid growth and expansion of the Sussex Tree Specialists, an STS Arboricultural Group Company, is a trio of woodchippers from GreenMech.

Proud to be backing sustainable British-made products, Chief Operating Officer Darren Regan explains that the pair of EVO 165D’s and an EVO 205 SAFE-Trak are ticking the boxes for performance, safety and outstanding back up support.

STS Arb Group move onwards and upwards

STS Arb Group move onwards and upwards

Darren, who worked for one of the world’s largest stockbrokers for over three decades, is now applying his extensive experience in leading technology and compliance service operations to the arboriculture sector. He has teamed up with Matt Bell, the founder of Sussex Tree Specialists, to build on the fantastic business foundation Matt has already established. “Now we’re looking at how we can play our role in supporting diverse and productive woodlands, helping others within the sector, and expanding our offering,” Darren explains. “To do that, we need the right people and the right equipment to keep us at the forefront of our industry.”

With an ever-increasing order book from commercial customers including local authorities, highways, schools and housing associations, the group invested in the EVO 205 SAFE-Trak, delivered by dealers GA Groundcare Ltd in April 2024. “Our previous chipper was forever breaking down and the EVO 205 presented itself as more capable and in-line with what we were trying to deliver. It is constructed with quality components and materials giving us not only reliable chipping performance in the field, but also – as a British manufacturer – the peace of mind that parts and support is available locally should we ever need it.”

“Even more importantly, this machine excels when it comes to health and safety” he adds. The EVO 205D SAFE-Trak is fitted with GreenMech’s award-winning track-based system, allowing ground clearance of up to 530mm and offering unbeatable safety when traversing slopes or challenging terrain. “They’ve listened to the industry and know exactly what’s needed. GreenMech clearly have the same appetite for safety as we do, the machine is packed with features.”

“Delivered in August 2024, our pair of EVO 165D’s give us all of this assurance in a smaller package – ideal for smaller commercial jobs and the wealth of domestic work we still undertake” he adds.

“We have big ambitions for the Sussex Tree Specialists and the wider STS Group of companies, and with these machines on our fleet we feel we’ve made a big step in the right direction. We have also gained the support of some great people in the form of GreenMech and GA Groundcare Ltd into our network who will all undoubtedly help us as we move onwards and upwards!”

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Green-tech strengthens team

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Green-tech strengthens team: Green-tech has announced the appointment of four new starters who bring fresh skills and enthusiasm to support its busy sales department. All four will be vital in supporting the business growth targets by enhancing customer service, nurturing relationships, and identifying new growth opportunities across Green-tech’s trade, construction, and digital sales channels.

Andrew Buckle has joined as a Construction Sales Advisor. He will be managing accounts in the Flexible Lining Products division, which supplies pond liners, plastic grids, and membranes. Andrew is tasked with nurturing existing construction accounts while actively pursuing new business opportunities in this sector. His expertise will be instrumental in ensuring that customers receive the highest level of service and product knowledge.

Green-tech strengthens team

Green-tech strengthens team

Natalie Mumby has been appointed as Trade Centre Customer Services Assistant, a role central to maintaining a streamlined and efficient customer collection process. Natalie is responsible for managing a database of local accounts, providing a seamless collection experience, and introducing customers to the Trade Centre’s latest offerings. Her commitment to excellent customer service makes her a valuable asset in supporting Green-tech’s wider sales team and ensuring the Trade Centre remains a hub for local business growth.

India Lawrance and Jacob Ireland join as Trainee Sales Advisors. Both will focus on Green-tech’s long-standing customers, reviving dormant accounts, and generating new business leads. Additionally, they will assist the digital team in processing online orders and handling general enquiries. Their roles are designed to offer a step for a long and rewarding career within Green-tech.

Dean Jackson, Sales Manager at Green-tech, warmly welcomed the new starters, stating, “We’re delighted to have Andrew, Natalie, India, and Jacob join us at Green-tech. Each one brings a unique set of skills that will undoubtedly enrich our team. These appointments are part of our ongoing commitment to serve our current clients and expand our reach. I’m confident that their enthusiasm and dedication will have a positive impact on our customers and our goals for the future.”

Green-tech looks forward to the contributions these talented individuals will bring as they support the company’s continued growth and dedication to customer satisfaction.

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Toro launches TCO calculator

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Toro launches TCO calculator: Toro, a global leader in innovative solutions for the outdoor environment, has announced the launch of an online tool to help tackle misconceptions around the costs of switching from petrol-powered tools to cordless, battery alternatives.

The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculator has been designed to provide business owners with a free, online tool to discover the financial benefits of making the switch to electric.

Toro launches TCO calculator

Toro launches TCO calculator

Anthony Nadalin, director of marketing at The Toro Company, said: “Most companies now realise that cordless equipment offers significant environmental benefits without sacrificing performance. However, some misconceptions remain around pricing. Our TCO calculator demonstrates the financial return on investment that businesses can achieve by switching from engine power to battery power.”

The TCO calculator makes it easy to input data for both petrol- and battery-powered machines. This includes purchase price, operating hours per year, maintenance costs, fuel and energy costs, plus any grants or rebates. The results are published as key metrics including operational cost savings per month and year, as well as how many months it takes to break even on electric equipment compared to the petrol or diesel equivalent.

Offering a free TCO calculator is the latest element in Toro’s ‘Lead the Charge’ campaign to help more companies embrace all-electric outdoor power equipment (OPE). Toro’s Revolution Series delivers like-for-like performance with its petrol or diesel equivalents. Easy to maintain and cost-effective to run, Toro’s battery-powered machines can also lower the total cost of ownership and contribute to greater business efficiency.

“For Toro, part of Lead the Charge is tackling these latest misconceptions around battery power,” added Anthony. “The calculator offers quick and easy results whether you are a local municipality with a fleet of OPE, a groundskeeping team or an independent landscaping professional. In all instances it demonstrates the potential savings, enabling you to make truly informed decisions and build the business case for going electric.”

Toro’s Revolution Series products are true commercial-grade equipment designed for professional use. With all-day runtime offered by its proprietary HyperCell® and Flex-Force battery systems, these machines deliver the same superior performance as their diesel and petrol equivalents. The environmental benefits are well understood, with up to 3x reduction in noise and no engine exhaust emissions. This means they are welcomed virtually everywhere and at any time of the day, giving operators the freedom to work extended hours.

To discover the savings you could make with Toro’s Revolution Series, use the online calculator at https://sites.toro.com/leadthecharge/tco.html

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Inveraray Castle wins Historic Houses Garden award

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Inveraray Castle wins Historic Houses Garden award: This prestigious national award, presented annually since 1984, is designed to recognise the importance of some of the country’s most spectacular gardens with outstanding horticultural and public appeal. The award is voted for by members of the public who judge the gardens based on a variety of factors that contribute to their enjoyment. The announcement was made at the Historic Houses National AGM in London on Tuesday 12 November 2024.

Inveraray Castle is an eighteenth century turreted castle, seat of the Clan Campbell and home to the Dukes of Argyll. The gardens at Inveraray are home to the Duke and Duchess who have spent joyous times with family and friends over the years. They enjoy the changing of the seasons and the ability to present and share the gardens with their 85,000 guests who come to visit the castle every year.

Inveraray Castle wins Historic Houses Garden award

Inveraray Castle wins Historic Houses Garden award

The gardens have reflected the times, and each Duke has taken a keen interest in ensuring that the legacy evolves throughout the years with many different species of plantation and horticulture. The garden covers sixteen acres, of which around two acres are formal lawns and flowerbeds, the remainder being park and woodland. Extending to 180 hectares, they form one of the most important designed landscapes in Scotland.

The climate in Argyll, with its yearly average rainfall of 230cms, is ideally suited to rhododendrons and azaleas, which flower in the gardens from April to June. Conifers also grow well in the acidic soil of a high rainfall area, as can be seen by the fine specimens such as cedrus deodars, sequoiadendron wellingtonia, cryptomeria japonica, and taxus baccata. The borders on each side of the central path are known as the ‘Flag-Borders’, the paths having been laid out in the shape of Scotland’s National flag, the St. Andrew’s Cross. These borders, outstanding in the spring with beautiful Prunus ‘Ukon’ and Prunus subhirtella, are underplanted with an interesting mixture of rhododendrons, eucrypyias, various shrubs and herbaceous plants, giving interest all year round.

Ben Cowell, Director General of Historic Houses, said: “Inveraray Castle is a must-see destination for so many tourists to Scotland. We are thrilled that members and supporters have chosen to make it the 2024 Garden of the Year, and hope it encourages many more visitors to seek it out in 2025. They won’t be disappointed – the beautiful gardens are the perfect setting for Inveraray’s distinctive towers and turrets.”

Orlando Rock, Chairman, Christie’s UK, said: “I am thrilled to congratulate Inveraray Castle on being awarded the Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award. The stunning gardens, spanning 16 acres of formal lawns, flowerbeds, parkland, and woodland, are a true reflection of the timeless beauty of Inverary and the dedication of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll and their amazing gardening team. For generations, the Campbells have shaped the evolving legacy of this remarkable landscape, offering a serene and ever-changing sanctuary where family, friends, and nature come together in perfect harmony. This well-deserved recognition celebrates not only the beauty of Inverary and its gardens, but the enduring passion and vision that has shaped them over the years.”

Helen Gallagher Buchana, Visitor Experiences Manager at Inveraray Castle, said: “We are delighted that the gardens team have received this prestigious award. They work with great passion, loyalty, and dedication in all elements, creating the beautiful colours, tranquil environment, and space for our visitors to enjoy relaxation.”

Belcombe Court, in Bradford-on-Avon, is the Judges’ Choice this year. When owner Paul Weiland purchased the estate back in 1992, the gardens were in a state of disrepair. Over the next 30 years, Paul restored the gardens to its former glory with many contemporary additions that impressed judges.

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