GMA Launches 35 Under 35

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GMA Launches 35 Under 35: The Grounds Management Association (GMA), supported by ICL, is proud to launch 35 Under 35 – a brand-new initiative to celebrate the brightest young professionals and volunteers making a real difference in the grounds management industry.

Grounds management is an essential yet often overlooked profession, responsible for maintaining the quality, safety and playability of green spaces for sport, recreation and communities. This new initiative will shine a spotlight on 35 individuals under the age of 35 who have made, and continue to make, an outstanding contribution to the industry.

GMA Launches 35 Under 35

GMA Launches 35 Under 35

GMA 35 Under 35 is proudly backed by ICL – a global leader in turf and landscape solutions. Trusted by many of the UK and Ireland’s top sports venues, ICL brings cutting-edge innovation, technical expertise, and decades of experience to the industry, helping turf professionals raise standards, solve challenges, and push the profession forward. ICL’s support ensures the GMA 35 Under 35 initiative is positioned as a key fixture in the grounds industry calendar for years to come.

The free-to-enter initiative is open to both self-nominations and nominations by peers, offering a valuable opportunity for individuals to showcase their achievements and gain recognition for their impact on the industry. Participants will also have exclusive access to technical and agronomic training modules developed by the GMA and ICL technical team, along with unique network sessions at SALTEX.

Selected by an expert judging panel, the final 35 will be profiled across the GMA’s digital channels and wider industry media – giving them a platform to showcase their achievements and helping to inspire the next generation of grounds professionals.

Geoff Webb, Grounds Management Association CEO, said: “Grounds management is rapidly evolving, competing with every other sector for future talent. Its success hinges on fresh ideas combined with the invaluable experience of today’s grounds teams. That’s why recognising and supporting the next generation is crucial for the industry’s continued growth.

“The GMA 35 Under 35 initiative celebrates future managers and inspiring tomorrow’s talent- by spotlighting these individuals, we aim to celebrate their achievements but also attract new talent to create a vital pipeline to complement the expertise of seasoned managers, ensuring smooth succession planning and addressing the challenge of an aging workforce.”

Simon Barnaby, ICL National Key Account & Business Development Manager UK & Ireland – Stadia, said: “At ICL, we’re committed to supporting the future of turf care, and the GMA 35 Under 35 initiative is a great way to recognise young professionals already making a difference. Just as importantly, it gives them a chance to keep learning – through training, development, and being part of something bigger. We’re proud to support a programme that not only celebrates achievement but helps the next generation build their confidence and grow their careers.”

The inaugural GMA 35 Under 35 will culminate in a celebration across the GMA’s digital platforms and wider industry media, showcasing the achievements of those recognised and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

Register your interest now: Nominations for the inaugural GMA 35 Under 35 open later this month, you can register your interest now by clicking here.

For more information visit thegma.org.uk.

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BOSS ORV expands dealer network

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BOSS ORV expands dealer network: BOSS ORV has announced the addition of two more Corvus Off-Road Vehicle dealers to their growing UK dealer network. Guy Machinery Ltd. of Gisburne, Lancashire and Used4Turf based in Colchester, Essex, have become part of the Corvus team.

The Corvus Terrain DX4 diesel off-road utility vehicle was the first of its type manufactured in Europe, and the brand has grown from strength to strength with the addition of the EX4 all-electric version. The Terrain has found popularity in the agricultural, groundscare, amenity and estate sectors.

BOSS ORV expands dealer network

BOSS ORV expands dealer network

Guy Machinery was established at Skipton Auction Mart in 2005, taking over the former Gibsons. They moved to their Gisburne site in 2013 to bring their team together under one roof to improve customer service and communications. They specialise in sales of new and used trailers, agricultural vehicles and machinery, ATVs and quad bikes, loaders and handlers. As Corvus dealers, they add side-by-side diesel and electric utility vehicles to their line-up.

Used4Turf has over thirty years of experience supplying equipment to turf growers, landscapers, local authorities, golf courses, sports clubs, private estate owners and more. Founded by Neil Peachey, Used4Turf supplies new and used equipment and Neil says they make it their business to gain a comprehensive understanding of customers’ requirements, budgets and long-term plans. He adds they pride themselves on exceptional personal customer service and that they are proud to call clients their friends.

BOSS Off-Road Vehicles is the sole UK Corvus UTV distributor and National Sales Manager Neil Everett says they are delighted to welcome both dealers as part of the team that sells and supports the brand.

For more information about BOSS ORV distributed machinery, you can call 01785 561046

E-mail: sales@bossorv.co.uk Web: www.bossorv.co.uk

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DSV’s PRO Pitch Delivers for Warrington Wolves

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DSV’s PRO Pitch Delivers for Warrington Wolves: Niall Hazlehurst, Head of Grounds at Warrington Wolves Rugby Club, has seen a remarkable improvement in the playing surface at The Halliwell Jones Stadium since introducing DSV’s EuroGrass PRO Pitch seed mixture.

With a career spanning nearly two decades in the industry, Niall began his journey at Bolton Wanderers FC as an apprentice at the age of 16. He worked his way up to Deputy Head Groundsman before taking on the role of Head Groundsman at Rochdale. After a brief break from the industry, he returned as Head of Grounds at Fulham FC before making the move north to Warrington Wolves during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DSV’s PRO Pitch Delivers for Warrington Wolves

DSV’s PRO Pitch Delivers for Warrington Wolves

At Warrington Wolves, Niall and his assistant Tom, an apprentice, manage the stadium pitch as well as two natural pitches at the club’s training ground.

“Last year was the first time we’d taken the top off with a fraise mow since before COVID,” explains Niall. “It was a big deal convincing the board to commit to this annually, so we wanted to make sure we got everything right in terms of nutrition and seed. The results have been fantastic, and the pitch has handled the usage really well.”

When considering the best approach for the pitch renovation, Niall turned to DSV and was introduced to their EuroGrass seed range, which was supplied by Indigrow.

“I made contact with DSV, had a really good chat, and we identified what we were looking for,” he says. “We decided to use the PRO Pitch mixture, and it has been brilliant. We applied it in August last year, and the colour, wear, and disease tolerance have been outstanding. Probably the best I’ve used, to be honest.”

Niall states that he was already aware of PRO Pitch being successfully used at other stadiums and private schools, which gave him additional confidence in the product. He also credits DSV for their expertise and support throughout the process.

“DSV is a great company and Sam Horner (DSV Amenity Business Manager) knows what he’s talking about and is someone you can trust,” says Niall. “If you ask him a question, he’ll give you an honest answer every time. He listened to what we wanted as a club and has been to our site a couple of times, even bringing some of the EuroGrass team to take a look at how the seed is performing.”

Since the team returned to training in November, the pitch has endured intense usage.

“We’ve had eleven high-intensity pre-season training sessions—each lasting two hours—from November to early February. That equates to about 15 games worth of wear,” explains Niall. “We only have one small lighting rig, so we rely on Mother Nature, which can be challenging, but the pitch has stood the test. The shaded areas are the best they’ve ever been, and even the coaches and fans have noticed the difference. There’s grass in some corners where there’s never been grass before.”

With the success of last year’s renovation, Niall is already planning ahead.

“We’ll be renovating again in July because we’ve got a good window in the fixture schedule. We’ll be doing exactly the same as last year because it worked so well. The germination and strike rate were excellent, and I have no reason to change something that’s working. I am also in discussions with the company about introducing a different DSV seed mix for the training ground pitches. I’ve got full confidence in DSV.”

As the flagship mix in the EuroGrass portfolio, PRO Pitch is designed for winter sports renovation. Containing only top-performing perennial ryegrass cultivars, it provides a visually appealing, dense sward with outstanding wear tolerance and recovery. With rapid germination and establishment, PRO Pitch has proven to be a game-changer at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Please visit www.dsv-uk.co.uk/products/amenity for more information.

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Rain Bird strengthens European Golf Team

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Rain Bird strengthens European Golf Team: Rain Bird has appointed two new staff into its European Golf Team to support Rain Bird customers and further develop relationships with key partners and stakeholders.

Eric Ableitner is a graduate of the University of Arkansas in International Business and also has an MBA from Oklahoma State University. With over 15 years’ experience in the construction industry, he joins Rain Bird from Hilti after 12 years in a number of senior roles including Director of Aftermarket Services in Germany, Global Supply Chain Manager in the US, Head of Tool Services in the UK and most recently as a specialist for high-end Energy and Industry capital projects.

Rain Bird strengthens European Golf Team

Rain Bird strengthens European Golf Team

As Regional Sales Manager North and Central Europe, based in the UK, Eric will lead the Rain Bird team to further develop Rain Bird’s presence in North and Central Europe, including in the key markets of the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the north of Eastern Europe.

Commenting on his new role Eric comments,

“I’m very excited about joining Rain Bird. This role is a new challenge, with a wider remit but Rain Bird’s premium products and sustainability focus are closely aligned with my previous experience and expertise. I’m very much looking forward to supporting customers in the months ahead.”

Christopher Miles, BSc (Hons), joins Rain Bird as Golf Sales Specialist to support and develop key elements of the golf industry in the UK. A keen golfer and an alumnus of University College Chichester in Sports Studies, he has a strong track record in commercial sales and business development in sports and software development industries.

Alastair Higgs, International Sales Manager for Golf comments,

“I am delighted to welcome Eric and Chris to the Rain Bird Golf team. They both have a breadth of commercial, sales and operational experience that will be invaluable and will significantly enhance our capabilities as a team.”

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FSI UK return to The Arb Show

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FSI UK return to The Arb Show: FSI Stump Cutters UK Ltd return to The Arb Show at Westonbirt Arboretum this May, showcasing a wide selection of their industry-leading stump grinder range.

Alongside stand highlights like the pedestrian FSI B21 and the powerful FSI D74, stand B08/B09 also offers visitors the chance to compete for a grand prize and FSI merchandise with the return of their ‘Cutter Wheel of Fortune’!

FSI UK return to The Arb Show

FSI UK return to The Arb Show

It’s been a busy twelve months for the team after making their debut appearance as FSI UK at The Arb Show last year. Cementing their status as Europe’s largest manufacturer of stump grinders, work has taken place both in the factory and in the field to ensure the range continues to meet the needs of the arb professional. Whether your preferred power option is engine, hydraulic or PTO, you can be assured to find robust walk-behind, self-propelled and remote-controlled stump grinders within the FSI range.

The Arb Show is the perfect platform to showcase FSI’s full range, including the pedestrian FSI B21 and FSI B22 machines. The walk-behind FSI B21 with patented hill-hold system, and the self-propelled FSI B22, both offer a turntable design, vibration-damped handle, a slim 68cm design and easy operation, making them highly efficient and well-suited for users of all skill levels.

Also on display will be the largest model in the FSI range — the powerful FSI D74. Powered by a 74hp Stage V diesel engine, the D74 is built for the toughest stump grinding tasks with its unmatched 735mm cutter wheel and impressive 230cm sweep, clearing stumps in minutes. The two-speed ground-drive ‘FSI power-drive’ enables operators to switch between HIGH for fast movement or LOW for increased traction, while the full-featured remote control ensures optimal positioning with a clear view of the work area.

Throughout the two-day show, the FSI team will be on hand to answer all of your stump grinder questions. Sign-up for our prize-draw and try your luck on the ‘Cutter Wheel of Fortune’ to win exclusive FSI  merchandise –  one lucky participant will get to take home an FSI B21 for 3 whole months – for free!

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