Bernhard Academy launches Turf Equipment Technicians Conference

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Bernhard Academy launches Turf Equipment Technicians Conference: The Bernhard Academy is excited to announce the launch of its first-ever Turf Equipment Technicians Conference. The dedicated one-day event is designed to support and celebrate the vital role of turf equipment technicians, equipment managers, and professionals in greenkeeping and grounds maintenance.

Taking place on Tuesday, 23 September, at the Bernhard Academy located within Bernhard and Company’s manufacturing headquarters in Haverhill, this industry-focused conference is officially endorsed by the Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation (TETO) and aims to deliver specialist education and training tailored to the unique needs of turf equipment professionals.

Bernhard Academy launches Turf Equipment Technicians Conference

Bernhard Academy launches Turf Equipment Technicians Conference

Conference Programme Highlights

  • The importance of being sharp – A presentation by Steven Nixon, Managing Director of Bernhard and Company, highlighting the importance of education in supporting the dedication of turf professionals.
  • Cutting Unit Adjustment – Led by Stuart Hall, Customer Services Manager for Bernhard and Company, and former Equipment Manager, offering hands-on tips and techniques.
  • Electrics Fault-Finding Masterclass – Hosted by Barry Drennan, Programme Leader for Technical and Equipment Management at Bernhard Academy.
  • Effective Communication Techniques – An interactive session led by Phil Helmn, Programme Leader for Agronomy, Leadership, and Management.
  • Manufacturing Facility Tour – An inside look at the process behind Bernhard’s market-leading grinders.
  • 2025 US Open Insights – A special session with James Breeze, recipient of the Bernhard Academy Technical Support Volunteer Initiative, discussing his experiences at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, hosted by Phil Helmn.

Sami Strutt, Education Director at the Bernhard Academy emphasised the importance of education in industry growth: “At the Bernhard Academy, we’re committed to investing in professional development and working collaboratively to advance the turf industry. This conference not only provides vital training but also presents invaluable networking and shared learning opportunities.”

The TETO leadership team added: “We’re thrilled to see Bernhard Academy acknowledge the critical contribution of equipment technicians. This event underscores the value that skilled and educated team members bring to turf care. By endorsing this conference and encouraging our network of technicians to attend, we hope to establish this event as a regular fixture in the industry calendar.”

Steven Nixon, Managing Director at Bernhard and Company commented: “This conference presents a key milestone in our mission to build sustainable learning pathways. Skilled technicians are essential to delivering the elite-level surfaces expected in today’s sports world. It’s vital we continue attracting and training new talent to ensure the industry’s long-term success.”

All attendees will receive:

  • Voucher to complete an online Abrasive Wheel Certificate (IIRSM-certified, aligning with HSG 17 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974)
  • Certificate of Attendance
  • BIGGA CPD Credits

BIGGA members are eligible for £50 discount. To claim your code, email hello@bernhardacademy.co.uk with your name and membership number.

For more information, visit: https://bernhardacademy.co.uk/courses/turf-equipment-technicians-conference

To find out more about the wide range of agronomy, technical, mechanical, and leadership programmes on offer at the Bernhard Academy, visit: www.bernhardacademy.co.uk

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Nomination deadline extended for national education awards

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Nomination deadline extended for national education awards: Earlier this year, the national Land-Based & Environment Learner (LBEL) Awards, an annual celebration of exceptional achievements in the lands-based and environment sector, opened for nominations.

So far, the Awards organisers are on course to receive a record number of inspirational nominations from tutors, lecturers, assessors, and employers.  All whilst delivering high quality education at a peak time for the Land Based Education Sector.

Nomination deadline extended for national education awards

Nomination deadline extended for national education awards

Due to popular demand, Lantra and Landex are extending the nomination deadline to 11:59pm on Sunday 22nd June 2025

Therefore, they are urging employers, colleges, private training providers and universities to nominate outstanding candidates for a prestigious award.

This exciting Awards programme will announce the winners at a ceremony to be held on 27th November 2025, at the National Conference Centre in Solihull. The event will spotlight talent from a variety of categories including agriculture, horticulture, greenkeeping and sports turf, animal care, floristry, environmental conservation, and many more.

The LBEL Awards not only recognises individual success and achievements but also aims to attract new talent to the land-based and environment industries, addressing the ongoing skills shortages being experienced.

As a reminder, the annual awards are open to individuals on a full-time or part-time Land-Based and Environment course or Apprenticeship in England between September 2024 and September 2025. The award categories include Agriculture; Aquaculture and Fisheries, Arboriculture; Forestry and Woodland Management; Equine and Farriery; Floristry; Landscape and Horticulture; Land-Based Engineering; Animal Care and Management; Veterinary Nursing; Environmental Conservation, Game and Wildlife; and Sports Turf and Greenkeeping.

Awards for the above categories apply across Private Training providers, Further Education (FE), Apprenticeships Awards (Level 2-3), Higher Education (HE) and Higher Apprenticeship Awards (Level 4-7). We will also have the Research Student of the Year category, where supervisors are encouraged to nominate a student studying a post-graduate level either for a Master’s Degree or a Doctoral Degree.

There are overall awards for: Research Student of the Year; Apprentice of the Year; Overall Winner; and Runners Up.

Submit your nominations here.

Online entries are being encouraged, as the quicker and more sustainable option. However, paper copies of the nomination form are available on request, by emailing lbels@lantra.co.uk.

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Toro Teams Up with Commonwealth War Graves Commission

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Toro Teams Up with Commonwealth War Graves Commission: The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) has recently upgraded its grounds maintenance equipment with the acquisition of a Toro® Z Master® 8000 Series direct collect ride-on mower, supplied by Mowers & More.

The latest development in a decades-long relationship between Toro and the CWGC, this addition is set to enhance the upkeep of the Brookwood Military Cemetery near Woking, the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the United Kingdom, covering 37 acres.

Toro Teams Up with Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Toro Teams Up with Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Matthew Coleman, Sales Manager Professional Landscape Contractor & Site Works Equipment at Toro U.K., commented: “The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has chosen the Toro Z Master 8000 Series for its advanced features, which are well-suited to the maintenance needs of their cemeteries. The 37-acre grounds at Brookwood Military Cemetery are meticulously maintained by the CWGC’s grounds team, and this machine’s features will make their job simpler and quicker than ever.”

The Toro Z Master 8000 Series is designed to provide efficient and effective maintenance, ensuring the cemetery grounds remain in pristine condition. The mower delivers low ground pressure, minimising turf damage, while the outfront mower deck allows for precise cutting in tight spaces. A high-capacity hopper reduces the need for frequent emptying, while zero-turn manoeuvrability is perfect for the cemetery’s varied terrain.

Reinforcing the relationship between the two partners, Toro UK invited the CWGC to spend a day at their Spellbrook facility. The day provided an opportunity to experience Toro’s broad portfolio, learn more about Toro and Hayter’s groundscare innovation and share further feedback and information.

The CWGC’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care for its cemeteries is evident in its choice of equipment. The Toro 8000 Series is designed to provide efficient and effective maintenance, ensuring that the grounds remain in pristine condition for visitors and to honour the memory of those who served.

For more information about the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and their work, visit www.cwgc.org. For details on the Toro Z Master 8000 Series and other products, visit www.toro.com/en-gb.

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BALI to Sponsor The Landscape Zone at GroundsFest

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BALI to Sponsor The Landscape Zone at GroundsFest: GroundsFest is proud to announce that the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) will be the exclusive sponsor of The Landscape Zone at GroundsFest 2025.

Taking place on 9 and 10 September at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, GroundsFest is an unmissable event for anyone working in landscaping and grounds management. With its mix of live demonstrations, interactive features, free education, and even a live music festival, the show is known for its dynamic and welcoming atmosphere. And now, with BALI stepping in to support the Landscape Zone, 2025’s event is set to be the biggest and most impactful yet for the landscaping sector.

BALI to Sponsor The Landscape Zone at GroundsFest

BALI to Sponsor The Landscape Zone at GroundsFest

The Landscape Zone is the ultimate destination for professionals involved in the design, planning, and construction of outdoor environments. This dedicated area will showcase cutting-edge technologies, sustainable practices, and the very latest innovations in landscaping. Whether you’re a garden designer, landscape architect, contractor, local authority professional, architectural technologist, or facilities manager – this is where ideas take shape, and lasting business connections are made.

BALI has had a presence at GroundsFest since its inception, but 2025 marks a significant expansion of its involvement.

Wayne Grills, Chief Executive of BALI, commented: “As the leading Trade Association for landscaping industries, we believe that events like GroundsFest are vital to enable the industry to grow and thrive. Not only is it fantastic that profits from GroundsFest are reinvested back into the industry to support education – which complements BALI’s own work in skills and education through our GoLandscape careers initiative – but through knowledge-sharing, collaboration and networking at the event, all attendees can improve their best practice, thereby strengthening the landscaping ecosystem as a whole. That’s why we’re proud to be supporting the Landscape Zone and would encourage businesses and people to come along and participate.

“With such a wide array of people from all walks of industry expected to attend, it will truly be an event to remember and, of course, an amazing networking opportunity for all.”

Chris Bassett, Event Director at GroundsFest, added: “We’re absolutely delighted to be working more closely with BALI for GroundsFest 2025. BALI is a fantastic organisation that shares our vision of supporting and celebrating the landscaping sector. Their exclusive sponsorship of the Landscape Zone is a huge endorsement of what we’re building with GroundsFest, and we look forward to welcoming BALI members – and the wider industry – to this vibrant space.”

Free registration is now open, don’t miss your chance to be part of the UK’s most inclusive and innovative event for the grounds management and landscaping industries.

Registration to GroundsFest 2025 is now open. Please visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on X, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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