Agrigem appoints Mark Pyrah as New Managing Director

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Agrigem appoints Mark Pyrah as New Managing Director: Agrigem, a leading UK supplier of amenity and horticultural products, is delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Pyrah as its new Managing Director. The strategic appointment signals an exciting period of growth and development for the company.

Mark brings an exceptional level of industry knowledge and leadership experience to Agrigem, having dedicated nearly four decades to the sector. His extensive career has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies of the amenity and horticultural landscape.

Agrigem appoints Mark Pyrah as New Managing Director

Agrigem appoints Mark Pyrah as New Managing Director

Before joining Agrigem, Mark held several high-profile roles that underscore his expertise in amenity, distribution and manufacturing. Commenting on his appointment, he said: “I am thrilled to be joining Agrigem at such a pivotal time for the business and the industry.

“Agrigem has established a fantastic reputation for quality products and excellent customer service. I look forward to working with the talented team to build on this success, drive innovation, and ensure we remain the trusted partner for our customers across the UK.”

The company’s leadership expressed enthusiasm for the new direction; Clive Whinnett, Origin Enterprises UK Managing Director Sports Division, commented: “Mark’s impressive track record and deep sectoral knowledge of the amenity sector make him the ideal leader to guide Agrigem through its next phase of expansion.

“His strategic vision and commitment to customer success will be invaluable as we continue to grow our market presence and enhance our product offering.”

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STIHL to showcase latest innovations at SALTEX

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STIHL to showcase latest innovations at SALTEX: STIHL will be unveiling a wide range of new tools and technologies at this year’s SALTEX, one of Europe’s leading grounds management shows, taking place on 12–13 November 2025 at the NEC, Birmingham.

Among the highlights will be STIHL’s latest charging solutions and a series of new battery-powered products launched in 2025, including the PKA 30 battery pump head, the SGA 30 battery sprayer and the WSA 40 battery water container.

STIHL to showcase latest innovations at SALTEX

STIHL to showcase latest innovations at SALTEX

A key attraction on the stand will be the CM 8 charging management system, which allows up to eight chargers to run from a standard 230 V socket. The system enables twice as many chargers to be used on a single fuse, with built-in overload protection ensuring safe and reliable operation. Designed for straightforward setup, it offers a simple yet innovative way to manage charging across multiple tools.

Also on show will be a selection of AP System battery-powered machines, including the RMA 7 lawn mowers, BRA 500 & 600 backpack blowers, and the HSA 140 & 150 hedge trimmers. Visitors can also see live demonstrations of the new GTA 40 pruner and MS 400.1 chainsaw, which delivers the best power-to-weight ratio of any professional chainsaw in the 60cc class.

STIHL will further expand its PPE range with three new lines of chainsaw protective clothing. The FUNCTION range is designed for occasional use, while the ADVANCE range is tailored for professional arborists and tree workers, ensuring every level of user is supported.

Visitors can also discover the full line-up of STIHL’s latest spraying and water management solutions. The PKA 30 pump head provides automatic constant pressure when added to the STIHL SG 30 sprayer or cut-off machine water tank, eliminating manual pumping for greater efficiency. The SGA 30 sprayer builds on this innovation with a complete backpack solution, offering variable pressure adjustments and precise liquid distribution. Completing the trio is the WSA 40 water container, which delivers a mobile, pressurised water supply to cut-off machines such as the TS 410 or TSA 300, supplying up to seven tanks or 30 minutes of operation with a single AS battery.

STIHL experts will be on hand throughout the event to provide demonstrations, advice and guidance across the entire product range.

For more information, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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Hunter Showcases Precision and Performance at SALTEX

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Hunter Showcases Precision and Performance at SALTEX: Hunter Grinders, part of the Howardson Group, will be exhibiting at SALTEX 2025, taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 12-13th November 2025. Visitors can find the team on stand E123, to see why the Jupiter ATI ‘All in One’ Grinder remains the professional choice for consistent, accurate cylinder grinding.

Precision Engineered for Accuracy

Renowned for its build quality and repeatable results, the Jupiter ATI is a fully automatic relief and spin grinder that restores cutting units to exact manufacturer specifications. Its solid cast bed and heavy-duty linear rails ensure smooth, stable movement and precision, accurate to within 0.05 mm (2 thou).

Hunter Showcases Precision and Performance at SALTEX

Hunter Showcases Precision and Performance at SALTEX

Automated Efficiency

With automatic traverse, indexing and in-feed, the Jupiter ATI operates independently, allowing operators to focus on other workshop tasks. Every grind is consistent, accurate and repeatable.

Designed for Operator Safety and Comfort

A liquid coolant system manages heat and dust for a cleaner, safer workspace, while twin LED work lights provide excellent visibility throughout each grinding cycle.

Built for Versatility

Equipped with a 360-degree electric hoist and the ability to grind both the top and front faces of bottom blades, the Jupiter ATI handles a wide range of cylinder and bottom blade configurations with ease. Fully programmable spin and relief grinding modes, automatic wheel-head docking and cycle countdown simplify complex operations and reduce operator input.

Reliable. Repeatable. Ready.

Built to perform, the Jupiter ATI combines robust construction, hands-free indexing and full CE and H&S compliance, delivering a modern, service-ready solution for professional workshops.

Visit Hunter Grinders on stand E123 at SALTEX 2025 to experience the precision, reliability and service support that define the brand’s commitment to excellence.

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SISIS to Showcase Turf Care Reliability at SALTEX

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SISIS to Showcase Turf Care Reliability at SALTEX: SISIS will once again bring a proven lineup of professional turf maintenance machinery to SALTEX 2025, highlighting solutions trusted by grounds teams across sports pitches, golf courses and fine turf venues worldwide. Built for durability and serviceability, every SISIS machine is engineered to deliver consistent results where performance matters most.

Quadraplay

The Quadraplay remains the benchmark for versatility. This compact, multi-task system allows up to four operations in a single pass, aerating, brushing, rolling and surface grooming, saving valuable time while maintaining surface quality. With its easy-change diverse attachments and robust construction, Quadraplay continues to be the professional’s choice for year-round pitch presentation.

SISIS to Showcase Turf Care Reliability at SALTEX

SISIS to Showcase Turf Care Reliability at SALTEX

Auto Rotorake MK5

Designed for effective scarification, the Auto Rotorake MK5 removes thatch, moss and organic matter to keep turf surfaces healthy and resilient. Its range of interchangeable blades, precise depth control and durable build make it an essential machine for improving drainage and reducing disease risks. Professional grounds teams value its reliability and consistently clean finish.

Multitiner

The Multitiner is a trusted aerator for relieving compaction and improving soil and root health. Available with multiple tine options, it delivers effective aeration across a variety of surfaces, from football pitches to golf greens. Compact, manoeuvrable and dependable, the Multitiner delivers repeatable results with minimal surface disruption.

Variseeder

For overseeding and turf recovery, the Variseeder sets the standard in accuracy. Its adjustable seed rate and depth control ensure even distribution and reliable germination, helping to build stronger, denser turf. Designed for efficiency and ease of use, it’s a dependable tool for both renovation work and routine maintenance.

Dart

The Dart aerator offers powerful soil penetration for compacted or high-wear surfaces, including cricket squares, bowling greens, croquet lawns and ornamental turf. With minimal surface disturbance and durable engineering, the Dart provides long-lasting benefits to turf health and playability, even under demanding conditions.

TM1000

The Rotorake TM1000 is a tractor-mounted scarifier and linear aerator, unrivalled in removing and controlling thatch. Its floating unit follows ground contours for consistent results, while the contra-rotating reel throws debris forward for a clean groove and excellent finish. With interchangeable blades, tool-free depth adjustment and an integrated collector box, the TM1000 is built for efficient and effective renovation.

Osca 3

The Osca 3 is a tractor-mounted, powered oscillating brush designed for synthetic turf with sand or rubber infill. Its two oscillating brushes lift fibres upright and redistribute infill evenly, minimising compaction, enhancing surface consistency and preventing fibre damage. With a 1.9m working width, it is an essential tool for maintaining high-performance synthetic pitches.

SSS 1000

The SSS 1000 is a towed sweeper built for simplicity and durability. Its brush height can be adjusted without tools, while the drawbar folds upright for compact storage. An aluminium hopper with stainless steel mesh ensures infill is returned to the surface while debris is collected. The result is a clean, consistent synthetic turf surface free from contamination and ready for play.

Twinplay

The Twinplay single-pass maintenance system combines two implements, such as a Flexicomb and brush, on one robust frame. Each implement can be independently adjusted to achieve the desired effect, making it an efficient, versatile solution for busy grounds teams. Compact, strong and adaptable, Twinplay simplifies daily care tasks for all types of turf, including synthetic.

A popular Twinplay setup for Synthetic, pairs the Flexicomb with a Straight Brush. The Flexicomb lifts the pile and distributes infill evenly, with an adjustable setting that gives the effect of a rake while remaining gentle on fibres. Its replaceable bristles ensure a long service life with minimal maintenance, while combining it with the Straight Brush further evens out rubber crumb for a consistently professional finish.

The SISIS team will be on hand throughout the show to discuss turf care challenges and share their expertise of how SISIS equipment delivers professional results.

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DLF helps Bristol Golf Club create the right first impression

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DLF helps Bristol Golf Club create the right first impression: Despite a year of challenging weather, Bristol Golf Club has seen a remarkable improvement in its playing surfaces and overall visitor experience thanks to innovative seed solutions from DLF.

The team, led by Course Manager Dave Taylor, introduced Johnsons J 4Turf 50 across all 27 tees in early 2025 which has gone on to demonstrate outstanding resilience and strong performance, coping with the pressures of a busy championship course.

DLF helps Bristol Golf Club create the right first impression

DLF helps Bristol Golf Club create the right first impression

With far reaching views across the Severn Estuary into Wales, Bristol Golf Club boasts an 18-hole Championship Course, a 9-hole Par 3 and 18-bay driving range alongside a whole host of other practice facilities and corporate grounds. Seeking to deliver lasting improvements on and off the course for the last eight years is Dave Taylor who turned to DLF Regional Technical Manager Ian Barnett to tackle some particularly problematic areas prone to wear, disease and drought.

“We’re an incredibly busy site, with high levels of foot traffic on the tees which also don’t all have the benefit of full irrigation” Dave explains. “Because of this I spoke with Ian about a harder-wearing mix, that would germinate quickly and tolerate the challenges of footfall and less than ideal weather conditions.” The solution came in the form of J 4Turf 50 from the Johnsons Sports Seed range. The 50/50 blend of diploid perennial and tetraploid perennial ryegrass ensures rapid establishment even under low soil temperatures and creates a deep-rooting, disease-resistant sward.

DLF helps Bristol Golf Club create the right first impression

DLF helps Bristol Golf Club create the right first impression

“Even in the extreme weather, the results we’ve seen have been outstanding” Dave says. “It germinated quickly and, what small amount of dormant seed we had, kicked straight into action as soon as the rain returned in early September. The recovery, density and wear tolerance on all of our tees has been exceptional.” He adds, “Not only have we not had to do any additional autumn overseeding on the tees, we’ve also not seen any Dollar Spot this year which means we’ve saved time and money by not having to apply any fungicides.”

Beyond course playability, Dave has also worked with DLF to create a strong first impression for members and visitors with the introduction of a new wildflower area at the club entrance. Created with Carnival from DLF’s Colour Boost collection, the vibrant display of bright and bold annuals in the spring became quite the talking point. “Because we host weddings and corporate events alongside the golf, these visual touches make a big difference.”

The return of the rain has meant new waves of colour are now emerging, with plans in place to expand the trial to new planting areas across the course in 2026. “The flowers don’t just deliver visual impact, they help us to enhance biodiversity – creating environments to encourage and support all types of insects and wildlife.”

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