Agrovista Amenity Welcomes New Amenity Specialist

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Agrovista Amenity Welcomes New Amenity Specialist: Agrovista Amenity has strengthened its team with the appointment of Ben Simpson, who joins as Amenity Specialist supporting the Landscape and IVM division.

Ben brings a varied career background and a refreshed enthusiasm for the amenity sector.

Agrovista Amenity Welcomes New Amenity Specialist

Agrovista Amenity Welcomes New Amenity Specialist

Although a qualified plumber by trade, he previously spent three years with Green-Tech, where he first discovered his passion for the industry. After a period back “on the tools”, he found himself drawn once again to amenity – but this time in a role that better matched his strengths and ambitions.

“I enjoyed it the first-time round, but this role at Agrovista Amenity suited me a lot more,” he says. “I wanted to be out meeting customers face to face. This is a relationship-driven industry and that’s what gives me a buzz.”

Based centrally within his territory, Ben will support customers across a wide northern patch – from Leeds up to just above Newcastle, across to the East Coast, and as far west as the M6. His remit covers the full spectrum of amenity clients, including contractors, councils, landscaping businesses and maintenance teams.

Day to day, Ben will be out on the road meeting current and prospective customers, taking over an established base while also identifying new opportunities in the region. “I’m fortunate to be stepping into a well-looked-after area,” he explains. “But I’m also excited to grow it further. A typical week is a real mix: most days on the road and some from home planning and admin work – everything from cold leads through to ongoing account management.”

The appeal of Agrovista Amenity was immediate. Although the role was initially advertised via a recruiter, the company name quickly stood out once he reached the interview stage.

“I had obviously heard of Agrovista, but when I met Ed Smith – Landscape and IVM Manager, and learned more about the business, everything just seemed to fit. The interview was relaxed, the atmosphere was down to earth, and from day one I have felt part of the team. It feels like I’ve been here seven years, not seven days.”

Ben says the support network has been exceptional. After completing training in Nottingham and Warrington, he was introduced to the wider team and quickly found himself welcomed into a collaborative environment. “Even though you spend a lot of time on your own out on the road, I definitely feel part of a team. Every single person has offered help. It’s been brilliant.”

Looking ahead, Ben is eager to get stuck in and begin building long-term relationships across his territory.

“I’m competitive by nature – I used to play cricket to a decent standard before a shoulder injury stopped me – so I enjoy the challenge. But more than that, this industry is full of genuinely good people. Customers become friends. I’m really looking forward to growing those relationships and contributing to Agrovista’s continued success.”

Reflecting on his appointment, Ben admits the opportunity still feels a little surreal:

“I was over the moon when I got the job. Having been out of the industry for a little while, I honestly couldn’t believe it at first. But it’s been fantastic. I’ve settled in well, everyone has been so supportive, and I can’t wait to move forward with it.”

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit https://amenity.agrovista.co.uk/

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Hunter Grinders to Showcase Precision Grinding Solutions at BTME

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Hunter Grinders to Showcase Precision Grinding Solutions at BTME: Hunter Grinders, part of the Howardson Group, will be exhibiting at BTME 2026, taking place at the Harrogate Convention Centre, where visitors can see its professional grinding solutions on stand 217.

Designed for modern turf equipment workshops, the Hunter Grinders range is engineered to deliver accuracy, consistency and repeatable results, supporting efficient servicing of cutting units to exact manufacturer standards.

Hunter Grinders to Showcase Precision Grinding Solutions at BTME

Hunter Grinders to Showcase Precision Grinding Solutions at BTME

Jupiter ‘All-in-One’ Grinder

Taking centre stage on the stand is the Jupiter, a fully automatic relief and spin grinder built for professional workshop environments. Constructed on a solid cast bed and supported by heavy-duty linear rails, the machine provides smooth, stable movement throughout every grinding cycle, delivering precise and repeatable results.

Automated traverse, indexing and in-feed functions allow the Jupiter to operate independently, improving efficiency while freeing operators to focus on other workshop tasks.

For BTME 2026, the Jupiter ATI is presented with key enhancements to improve handling and control. The addition of a tail-lift option simplifies loading and unloading of machines up to 300 kg, while upgraded servo drives provide smoother, more precise operation across grinding functions.

A liquid coolant system manages heat and dust for a cleaner, safer working environment. Fully programmable controls include automatic wheel-head docking and cycle countdown, while the machine can grind both the top and front faces of bottom blades and accommodate cylinders up to 1067 mm (42”). A 360-degree electric hoist option further supports safe and efficient handling.

Amazon Grinder – Efficient Bottom Blade Precision

Also on display at BTME 2026 is the Amazon grinder, offering a fast, accurate solution for bottom blade sharpening with a consistent, high-quality finish.

A variable-speed traverse motor allows precise control of material removal, while automatic in-feed on the front face ensures consistent pressure and repeatable results. The Amazon offers a 36” bottom blade capacity when using both grinding heads, extending to 42” when operating with a single grinding head. Automatic simultaneous grinding of both the front and top faces further improves workshop productivity.

An adjustable mounting system ensures the bottom blade remains parallel throughout the grinding process, supporting an accurate, even grind.

Visit Hunter Grinders on stand 217 at BTME 2026 to see how precision grinding solutions can improve workshop efficiency and cutting performance.

For further information or to arrange a no-obligation demonstration, contact Hunter Grinders on 01332 824 777 or visit www.huntergrinders.com.

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Club Car becomes Official Supplier of the CMAE

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Club Car becomes Official Supplier of the CMAE: Club Car®, a global industry-leading manufacturer of small-wheel, zero-emissions electric vehicles, has become an Official Supplier of the Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE).

Club Car has long supported the golf industry, building longstanding partnerships with organisations such as the Professional Golfers Association (PGA), the DP World Tour, the Ryder Cup, the UK Golf Federation and the European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA).

Club Car becomes Official Supplier of the CMAE

Club Car becomes Official Supplier of the CMAE

The new agreement with the CMAE means that support now extends to the education of club managers through the Management Development Programme (MDP). Within the CMAE’s structured education programme are two levels of certification: the Club Management Diploma (CMDip) and the Certified Club Manager (CCM).

Andrew Bourke, Club Car’s Regional Sales Manager for the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia, said: “We are very excited to support this area of the industry and help the development of club managers throughout Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

“There’s a real opportunity to educate on fleet usage, particularly how to use connectivity – from an operational point of view and to increase revenue. A golf or utility fleet is always an investment, so our expertise on how clubs can get the best return from that investment will be invaluable to the CMAE’s members.”

CMAE’s Commercial Director Craig Cotterill said: “We are delighted to welcome Club Car as an Official Supplier. Their reputation for quality, innovation and industry leadership aligns perfectly with our mission to support and elevate club managers across our regions.

“The insights and expertise Club Car bring – particularly around fleet management and operational efficiency – will add significant value to our members and ultimately help deliver better experiences for their clubs and communities.”

For more information on Club Car visit: www.clubcar.com

For more information on the CMAE visit: www.cmaeurope.org

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It’s time for Harrogate – BTME 2026 Preview

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It’s time for Harrogate – BTME 2026 Preview: From 20-22 January, BIGGA hosts Europe’s largest and most influential indoor turf management exhibition – three action-packed days filled with new ideas, new technology and new opportunities, running alongside, from 18-22 January, the Continue to Learn programme offering a comprehensive world-class education programme tailored for turf professionals.

I attended my first BTME in January 1996.

I’d been Editor of Greenkeeper International for just under a year and had spent the months leading up to Harrogate promoting the occasion through its pages – there weren’t any social media platforms, or even the internet, in those days.

So when came to drive up to the famous old town I thought I knew what to expect. I didn’t. BTME was much more than I could have imagined and it has remained part of my life for the subsequent 30 years.

It has grown, shrunk and grown again over that period but, other than the one Covid year and the next when it was moved to March, it has remained as a constant in what has become an increasingly fast-moving industry.

What was once dominated by machinery and fertiliser bags has been overtaken by robots and AI. Large display monitors have replaced flags and banners and faces that I first became familiar with three decades ago are looking a little more wrinkled and topped by a thinner thatch! Not least my own. Smiles are just as wide now as they were in the last century, however.

So, I’m looking forward to this year’s BTME. The Halls will buzz during the day and the streets, pubs and restaurants will buzz during the evening.

I look forward to catching up with many of you there.

Scott MacCallum, Editor

It's time for Harrogate - BTME 2026 Preview

It’s time for Harrogate – BTME 2026 Preview

Prize draw bonus for attending

Every January, Harrogate transforms into the beating heart of the turf management world as BTME and Continue to Learn bring thousands of grounds professionals together for a week of innovation, inspiration and unmissable learning.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned expert, BTME 2026 promises a fresh start to the year. Expect a powerful blend of hands-on education, forward-thinking insights and practical solutions crafted by the people who understand the industry best.

Continue to Learn features everything from intensive full-day technical workshops to bite-sized seminars and a two-day management conference. Topics span agronomy, irrigation, sustainability, leadership and more, each session built to deliver immediately applicable knowledge.

Many courses are deliberately small and interactive, giving delegates valuable time with leading practitioners who know the pressures and complexities of maintaining exceptional turf.

On the exhibition floor, BTME delivers six halls packed with innovation. From cutting-edge machinery to the latest technological breakthroughs, it’s the ideal place to see what’s emerging, compare solutions and plan future investment – all free of charge.

Just as importantly, BTME acts as the profession’s annual meeting point, offering space to network, recharge, share challenges and reconnect with colleagues from across the UK and beyond.

A standout moment of the week is the BIGGA Celebration sponsored by Bernhard Academy and hosted by Sky Sports’ Sarah Stirk, where the BIGGA Awards shine a spotlight on the individuals and teams raising standards across the industry.

And for 2026, there’s an added bonus: thanks to support from KRESS, everyone who registers will be entered into a special prize draw – making this the perfect start of the year for one lucky attendee.

If you’re looking to sharpen your skills, expand your network and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry, Harrogate in January is the place to be. BTME and Continue to Learn remain the essential professional development experience for anyone serious about turf management.

Exhibitors of note at BTME

Agrovista Amenity – Stand 126

Aquatrols – Stand 114

BAGMA – Stand 642

Baroness – Stand 624

Campey Turf Care – Stand 220

ClearWater – Stand 612

Consolidate Turf – Stand 234

Dennis Mowers – 252

DLF – Stand 124

DSV Seeds – Stand 213

Foley – Stand 528

GKB – Stand 644

GroundsFest – Stand 233

Groundsman Industries – Stand 108

Hunter Grinders – Stand 217

ISEKI UK & Ireland – Stand 646

KAR UK – Stand 550

Kress – Stand 136

Kubota UK – Stand 624

Manfield Sand – Stand 242

MM Seed – Stand 124

Origin Amenity Solutions – Stands 230 and 200

Price Turfcare – Stand 122

Redexim – Stand 532

Reesink – Stand 662

SISIS Machinery – Stand 252

Team Sprayers – Stand 518

Techneat Hire – Stand 106

Turf Tracker – Stand 140

Wiedenmann UK – Stand 524

Dazzling pink sky seen in Birmingham during storm

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Dazzling pink sky seen in Birmingham during storm: As rare snowfall blanketed much of the West Midlands on Thursday evening, residents were struck by an unexpected sight: a mysterious pink glow lighting up the sky.

There was much speculation on social media as to whether the phenomenon was an unusually vivid sunset. Or was it the Northern Lights making a surprise appearance?

Dazzling pink sky seen in Birmingham during storm

Dazzling pink sky seen in Birmingham during storm

The truth was far more down-to-earth.

It turns out the source of the display were simple LED lights being used on the pitch at Birmingham City’s football ground, the club has confirmed.

Read the full story here

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