SIS Pitches Acquires Both DrainTalent and HeatTalent

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SIS Pitches Acquires Both DrainTalent and HeatTalent: Global leader in sports surfaces SIS Pitches has acquired a majority stake in DrainTalent, a Netherlands-based business specialising in circular soil management systems, and HeatTalent, an innovative and sustainable, electric undersoil heating.  

This latest acquisition cements SIS Pitches’ position as the most comprehensive provider of pitch construction and maintenance by incorporating two further sub-surface technology systems at the cutting-edge of soil science within their already comprehensive range of add-on systems.

SIS Pitches Acquires Both DrainTalent and HeatTalent

SIS Pitches Acquires Both DrainTalent and HeatTalent

DrainTalent’s patented, flagship product – which shares the same name as the company – is a unique, sustainable soil management system that regulates moisture levels in soil by extracting water from the top layer and reintroducing it from below. This keeps grass healthier and improves recovery after use, resulting in less fixture cancellations.

Using the system’s sensors and climate information provided in the company’s app, grounds teams can manage their playing surface conditions remotely via a connected device. Working this way, a sports club can drastically reduce its water consumption while also promoting natural grass growth. With installations at both amateur and elite-level, DrainTalent has been proven effective across the most challenging playing conditions, guaranteeing optimal conditions all year round.

The acquisition also includes HeatTalent, pioneers of innovative electrical undersoil heating systems, some of which are already being used within the Eredivisie, having been installed at FC Utrecht. One of HeatTalent’s lead technologies include grid heating, a wired, uninsulated stainless-steel grid that heats the soil at much quicker speeds using low voltage and high frequency current pulses.

SIS Pitches’ acquisitions come off the back of impressive organic growth in recent years, with revenue up by 30% over 2024/25. In response, the company has opened new offices in the USA, Saudi Arabia, Georgia and Poland to meet the needs of its growing client base.

The acquisitions are also the latest step in an ongoing growth strategy, which seeks to invest in forward-thinking businesses that add a competitive edge to its existing portfolio. DrainTalent was a natural choice in this respect, with the company boasting its own Research and Innovation Centre. This facility – located next to the manufacturing site – is used to validate product performance, with all trials audited by a local independent consultancy.

George Mullan, Executive Chairman of SIS Pitches, said: “DrainTalent has an exciting range of products that complement what we do as a business, backed by data and the latest industry insights. It’s a company that aligns with our vision to deliver exceptional sports surfaces at every level of competition across the world. These acquisitions are an important step for our long-term growth, adding an extra dimension of performance for both new and existing customers.”

Ivo Lamot, CEO of SIS Pitches, added: “These acquisitions mark an exciting step forward. For existing clients, we’re unlocking enhanced pitch longevity, reducing water usage and maintenance costs, ensuring greater year-round playability. Similarly, DrainTalent clients will now have access to premium surface technology and a seamless end-to-end service through SIS. This combined offering is unmatched in the market.”

Arno Reimert, Managing Director at DrainTalent believes the investment from SIS will be key to the system’s long-term success: “Our shareholders and management see great potential in cooperation with the SIS team to grow global sales and development of the DrainTalent company and its products. With SIS’s proven installation expertise and global reach, we’re now positioned to deliver even greater value – from sustainability gains and lower lifetime costs to a seamless experience for facility owners and grounds teams. It’s a powerful combination that takes our system to the next level.”

Recognising the product’s success and brand visibility, DrainTalent will continue to operate under its current name, as an affiliated company within SIS Pitches.

For more information about DrainTalent, please visit: draintalent.com

To find out more about HeatTalent, go to: heattalent.com

For more details about SIS Pitches, visit: sispitches.com 

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Baroness does the triple with top ranked ‘Notts Triangle’

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Baroness does the triple with top ranked ‘Notts Triangle’: It’s not just an NG postcode that Coxmoor, Hollinwell and Sherwood Forest Golf Club’s share, nor the fact that they all rank in England’s Top 100…. They also all swear by their respective mower fleets from Baroness!

A range of hand mowers, fairways mowers and greens triples have clocked up almost 20 years of loyal service across the three clubs, with all citing it’s the outstanding quality of cut that keeps them among the top golfing destinations in the county.

Baroness does the triple with top ranked ‘Notts Triangle’

Baroness does the triple with top ranked ‘Notts Triangle’

Aspiring to always improve on the high standard heathland course at Coxmoor Golf Club is Course Manager Ben Cumberland and his team of nine. After initially ‘dipping a toe’ and purchasing their first Baroness hand mower seven years ago, they now run four LM56 and four LM66 pedestrian mowers, three LM315’s and two LM551’s for fairways making Baroness the dominant brand of mowing equipment at the club. “Some clubs will opt for equipment purely based on a badge. For us, we prioritise quality of cut above everything else and with Baroness, it’s just exceptional!” Ben explains. “The fleet is ensuring our turf is presenting well and is the healthiest it can be but more than that the build quality of the mowers themselves and the blades require so little maintenance, that any downtime has been significantly reduced.”

Baroness has been present at Hollinwell Golf Club since 2018 – the same year Shaun Bullin joined the team before taking over as Course Manager earlier in 2025. One of the original LM2700 fairway mowers remains in the shed, joined by an LM56 for tees, LM331 for surrounds and approaches, two LM315’s and, most recently, two LM551 fairway mowers. “Over the years, the cut quality from model to model has remained remarkably consistent. While they’ve never been uncomfortable, we’ve noticed our new machines have really stepped up on operator comfort which has scored massive brownie points with the team.” Shaun continues, “We’re partway through a big sward conversion programme so the finesse of the Baroness cylinders plays a big part in supporting our efforts to promote the finer grass species.”

Completing the ‘Nott’s Triangle’, a Baroness LM315 and LM551 fairway mower, four LM56 and two LM66 hand mowers are keeping maintenance on course at Sherwood Forest Golf Club. “It was during the COVID pandemic that we were first introduced to Baroness in our hunt for a new fairway mower” says Deputy Head Greenkeeper Keir Taylor. “Where lead times for other brands were ludicrous, we were able to get our hands on Baroness in good time – and what a decision that turned out to be! The build quality, the cut quality and all-round operator experience is fantastic. The maintenance, in particular the need to grind the blades, is straight forward and is needed much less often than we’re used to with other brands” he adds.

Ben, Shaun and Keir also note the fantastic advice and support from James Robson and the wider team at Henton & Chattell. “The back-up with every machine is excellent. If we have a question you can guarantee it’ll be answered quickly and easily either over the phone or in person” Keir says. “The team are always friendly and, alongside Andy Darley from Baroness, they’ve together been a great help and support in my step up to the head role” Shaun concludes.

For more information on the full Baroness range of mowers and implements for fine turf, visit www.baronessuk.com

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Bernhard Academy brings practical turfcare training to Gleneagles

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Bernhard Academy brings practical turfcare training to Gleneagles: The Bernhard Academy has announced it will be delivering two immersive turfcare training courses at Gleneagles Golf Club in Scotland this autumn, providing valuable hands-on learning for turf equipment professionals at all levels.

The first course, Fundamentals of Turfcare Mechanics – Level 1, will run from 11 to 13 November 2025. Over the course of three days, participants will receive in-depth instruction on machinery servicing and fault-finding, ideal for anyone managing turfcare equipment or seeking to enhance their technical confidence.

Bernhard Academy brings practical turfcare training to Gleneagles

Bernhard Academy brings practical turfcare training to Gleneagles

Following this, the Basic Machinery Workshop will take place on 17 November 2025. This one-day session focuses on practical daily checks, essential adjustments, and fundamental repair techniques. Both sessions aim to give greenkeeping teams and turfcare technicians the confidence and competence to manage their equipment more effectively.

Each course includes access to an online Abrasive Wheel safety awareness module, approved by the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM). This training aligns with HSG 17 guidance and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Attendees will also receive lunch and refreshments, a Bernhard Academy certificate of completion, and BIGGA members will benefit from course discounts and CPD credit eligibility.

Looking beyond Scotland, the Bernhard Academy continues to champion technical development across the industry. On 23 September 2025, the Turf Equipment Technicians Conference will take place at Bernhard and Company’s manufacturing headquarters in Haverhill. Endorsed by the Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation (TETO), the event brings together turf professionals from across the UK to collaborate, share expertise and celebrate the vital role equipment technicians play in turfcare excellence.

Sami Strutt, Education Director for the Bernhard Academy, commented: “These sessions at Gleneagles are part of our ongoing mission to empower technicians with the tools, knowledge and confidence to elevate their work. Whether you’re starting out or refining your craft, our aim is to offer relevant, practical education that helps people and their clubs thrive.”

The full autumn programme from the Bernhard Academy reflects a nationwide focus on skills development in turf equipment management, with further training scheduled in Haverhill and at Moortown Golf Club:

  • 23 September: Turf Equipment Technicians Conference (Haverhill)
  • 24 September: Cutting Unit Set-up and Sharpening Techniques (Haverhill)
  • 7 October: Basic Machinery Maintenance (Moortown GC)
  • 8 October: Cutting Unit Set-up and Sharpening Techniques (Moortown GC)
  • 21-23 October: Fundamentals of Turfcare Mechanics – Level 1 (Moortown GC)
  • 11-13 November: Fundamentals of Turfcare Mechanics – Level 1 (Gleneagles GC)
  • 17 November: Basic Machinery Maintenance (Gleneagles GC)

For more information on all Bernhard Academy courses, visit: www.bernhardacademy.co.uk/courses/

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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