ATV Services Scotland Ltd appointed as AODES dealership

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ATV Services Scotland Ltd appointed as AODES dealership: One of Scotland’s most prestigious off-road vehicle dealers, ATV Services Scotland Ltd., has been appointed as an AODES dealership.

AODES’ UK distributor, BOSS ORV, has made the announcement, saying it is a major advantage for the AODES dealer network to have such a historic ATV dealer join the AODES dealer network. ATV Services was founded in 1989 by director John Yuille Snr., originally as a service operation. He was joined by his son less than two years later, and today the business is the largest supplier of utility ATVs in the UK. The company has four depots and thirty-seven operating staff and has recently been awarded the King’s Royal Warrant for ‘Supply and Servicing of All-Terrain Vehicles’. Their headquarters is a newly built premises at Whitefordhill, Ayr. ATV Services Scotland Ltd. is now solely owned by the founder’s son, John Yuille, and his wife Janis, and they are joined by their son, Billy, as the business’s third-generation family. Initially, the AODES range of ATVs and utility vehicles will be sold and supported by the Newton Stewart depot to cover Southwest Scotland.

ATV Services Scotland Ltd appointed as AODES dealership

ATV Services Scotland Ltd appointed as AODES dealership

“We are delighted to further our relationship with BOSS ORV by adding AODES to our customer offering,” says John. “Although a newer brand to the UK, we have watched its development over the years and feel this is a great time to get involved. Regardless of any brand we represent, our company is totally committed to providing our customers with the highest quality after-sales support, and this is exactly what we shall do with AODES. We look forward to developing our company further with the brand.”

The AODES brand dates back thirty years when it was established as ODES in China, with a USA R&D and distribution centre in California. The range comprises ATVs and UTVs, featuring 525cc and V-Twin engines in 650cc and 1000cc displacements. Described as being developed for work or play, they are designed to navigate off-road terrain with ease, seamlessly merging professional utility with outdoor comfort.

BOSS ORV National Sales Manager, Neil Everett says, “AODES are sold in over 100 countries and offer highly competitive, quality alternatives to more well-known brands while providing an exceptional range of functional features and benefits. We’re so pleased to welcome ATV Services Scotland as an AODES dealership for sales and support, and look forward to working with John and the team to offer AODES to Scottish ATV and UTV users.”

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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Integrated Weed Management takes centre stage

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Integrated Weed Management takes centre stage: GroundsFest Academy kicked off its 2026 programme in style with a fully booked Integrated Weed Management (IWM) event, bringing together contractors, local authorities, educators and suppliers for a free day of learning, discussion and hands-on demonstrations.

Held at the Wiltshire FA headquarters, the event focused on the latest guidance, funding opportunities and practical solutions surrounding integrated weed management, with a particular emphasis on reducing reliance on chemicals and exploring effective alternative methods. Delivered in partnership with Kersten UK, Terrazza MC, Parks for London and Lantra, the day combined expert-led presentations with interactive outdoor sessions and live equipment demonstrations.

Integrated Weed Management takes centre stage

Integrated Weed Management takes centre stage

The programme introduced delegates to the core principles of integrated weed management, alongside the latest industry guidance, legislative developments and funding information. Attendees were also able to explore chemical-free and alternative weed control methods in action, helping to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.

Sean Faulkner of Kersten UK highlighted the growing momentum behind IWM and the importance of education.

“We’re trying to educate as many people as possible on the benefits of integrated weed management. We’ve been helping to develop the guidance and training around it, and it’s slowly building up steam. This was a great way of getting that information out to more people. It’s been a really good group today, with a big mix of attendees who have all been really engaged.”

Hands-on learning was a key theme throughout the day. Luca Smith from Terrazza MC explained why practical demonstrations are so important.

“Weed control is really traditional, most people think of spraying or strimming. There are so many alternative methods out there, especially with the environmental impact of traditional approaches. Everyone today was really hands-on, asking loads of questions, and it’s great to be able to let people actually use the equipment and see how it works.”

Education providers were also keen to stay aligned with the latest developments. Richard Goldsmith, who attended from Warwickshire College Group, said:

“Today was about making sure I’m delivering the most up-to-date information to my apprentices. Integrated weed management is a great step towards the future. The technology around heat treatments has really moved on, and it’s getting to the point where we can see it as a real alternative to chemical control. Events like this are a brilliant way to keep CPD up to date.”

Other delegates also echoed the value of the event. Jason Lee from Countrywide Grounds Maintenance said:

“We want to understand what’s around the corner and how we can move towards more environmentally friendly solutions. Seeing how the training is structured around integrated weed management has been really interesting.”

Matt Jones of Sipcam Home and Garden added:

“It’s been a brilliant day for understanding the challenges around integrated weed management and how it all fits together for councils and contractors. Offering this event for free is superb.”

David Fisher from Lantra, a partner of the GroundsFest Academy, summed up the wider impact:

“It’s about sharing best practice, upskilling the industry and making people more aware of the training and resources available. It’s really raising the profile of integrated weed management.”

Ed Stannard from Parks for London said:

“We’re hoping delegates leave feeling more confident to consider non-chemical-first approaches, while understanding there are still situations where chemicals are necessary. We’re delighted with the turnout.”

Bradley Tennant, Director of Education at GroundsFest Academy, said the event set the tone for a busy year ahead. “We’re really happy to have our best turnout so far, and we’ve got a lot planned for the future.”

With strong attendance, positive feedback and a packed programme of future events, GroundsFest Academy continues to play a vital role in supporting education, innovation and best practice across the industry.

For more information, visit www.groundsfestacademy.com

For more information, please visit www.groundsfestacademy.com 

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Brand switch for Massereene Golf Club

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Brand switch for Massereene Golf Club: Massereene Golf Club in Northern Ireland has recently changed its cutting fleet to Toro. The significant overhaul was driven by performance, reliability, and reassurance in the brand and dealer service in Keys Brothers who managed the deal.

For the parkland course with narrow fairways and small greens, accuracy is the key to successful play. The same rule applies for cutting these areas. It needs to be precise and exact and Course Manager Mark Cassidy knew it would be Toro that could best handle these intricacies.

Brand switch for Massereene Golf Club

Brand switch for Massereene Golf Club

“I’ve been working as a greenkeeper for 35 years and know what’s required to deliver the best results,” he says. “I know from experience that when it comes to performance Toro is what we can rely on when it comes to ensuring the best finish across the course, but it especially withstands the test in the trickier areas. We couldn’t be happier with the results.”

Trusting in the brand’s performance is equally as important as ensuring a top quality finish, and this was something the club as a whole needed to get behind.

Mark explains: “The committee was of course involved in the decision to move away from our previous supplier and bring Toro on board – everyone needed to be in agreement that this was the best route forward for the club to guarantee its success over the next five years. We had to consider the tournaments we were hosting, machinery servicing and backup and support.

“For the ISPS HANDA World Invitational for example, Toro stepped forward with loan machines for us to use in preparation for and throughout the event. We were well supported and the view from everyone was that using Toro guaranteed the immaculate presentation we needed.”

The maintenance support and customer service from Keys Brothers completed the package and the club will take advantage of a full service plan from the dealer including regular sharpenings, new blade fittings and preset checks.

“We don’t have a mechanic but by having the maintenance supplied by Keys Brothers it’s like we do. It enables us to be consistent with our records and keep on schedule. It guarantees peace of mind when it comes to health and safety too.”

The deal comprises a full cutting fleet of greens, tees, fairways and rough mowers including hybrid cutting options such as the Reelmaster 5010-H and three new Workman models in a utility vehicle refresh.

Andy Keys, Company Director for Keys Brothers, says: “Massereene is a club with big plans and aspirational goals. They didn’t want the equipment they were using holding them back. By talking to us they realised there was a way to have the quality machinery and the support they needed in a comprehensive package that brings better value for money. Now they have a fixed price for the machines and the maintenance and no unexpected bills or unwelcome surprises like they were having before.”

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