Replay Maintenance and Abbeycroft unveil strategic programme

Replay Maintenance and Abbeycroft unveil strategic programme

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Replay Maintenance and Abbeycroft unveil strategic programme

Abbeycroft has entered a strategic 5-year partnership with Replay Maintenance to deliver a structured, data-led maintenance programme across its network of artificial sports pitches.

Replay Maintenance and Abbeycroft unveil strategic programme

Replay Maintenance and Abbeycroft unveil strategic programme

The collaboration began with a recent resurfacing at Brandon, funded by West Suffolk Council as part of a wider upgrade of the facilities and then a rolling programme across Abbeycroft facilities in Bury, Haverhill, Newmarket, Hadleigh and Sudbury, standardising quality and raising performance across their portfolio.

Abbeycroft selected Replay for its specialist expertise in artificial surface care, robust methodology and proven track record delivering measurable outcomes at scale. The partnership moves beyond a traditional supplier model, aligning both organisations around clear outcomes: safer play, consistent performance, lifecycle value and transparent reporting that stands up to scrutiny. Replay’s experience and accountability were decisive, giving Abbeycroft confidence that maintenance will be proactive, data-driven, and focused on long-term asset health.

For customers and communities, the benefits are immediate and tangible. Structured interventions improve traction, ball roll and surface integrity, enhancing the experience for players, clubs and schools while building confidence in every booking and fixture. By reducing reactive call-outs and safeguarding warranties, the programme extends pitch lifespans and protects public investment.

Data sits at the heart of the partnership. Site-level reporting provides a shared view of conditions, usage patterns, and emerging trends, supporting smarter decision-making, accountable governance, and timely lifecycle planning. Coupled with the Brandon resurface and the rolling programme now in place, this evidence-led approach lifts standards and ensures consistent quality wherever users play within Abbeycroft’s facilities.

Sustainability is a core consideration. By targeting the right interventions at the right time, the maintenance model reduces waste, optimises resources and plans responsibly for refurbishment, aligning operational efficiency with environmental goals. Over the coming years, Abbeycroft and Replay will track improvements in performance metrics, reductions in unplanned downtime, extended asset lifespans and rising customer satisfaction. Success means predictable lifecycle planning, strong ROI and continued reinvestment to keep facilities inclusive, affordable and trusted by local communities.

Warren Smyth, CEO at Abbeycroft, said: Abbeycroft exists to help people live healthier, happier lives, and that starts with safe, reliable places to be active. Partnering with Replay is a strategic choice grounded in industry best practice — structured maintenance, clear standards and actionable data. Most importantly, it means clubs, schools and communities can access affordable, high‑quality facilities they trust.”

“We are absolutely delighted to partner with Abbeycroft Leisure to deliver this structured, data-led maintenance programme across their portfolio, commented Replay Maintenance Managing Director Nick Harris. “Our methodology has always been about moving beyond a simple supplier relationship to form an aligned, transparent collaboration focused on long-term asset health. By leveraging real-time reporting and specialist care, we are ensuring that local clubs, schools, and communities have access to safe, high-performing, and reliable pitches. Proactive maintenance is fundamental to maximising the economic return on investment and extending the lifespans of these vital community facilities.”

To find out more about the partnership, you can hear from Warren Smyth and Nick Harris here.

For more information, visit www.replaymaintenance.co.uk

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97% of HSE Pesticide Enforcement Visits in 2025 Required Action

97% of HSE Pesticide Enforcement Visits in 2025 Required Action

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97% of HSE Pesticide Enforcement Visits in 2025 Required Action

The Amenity Forum is urging amenity businesses, contractors, local authorities, housing providers and other land managers to review their compliance arrangements following recent Health and Safety Executive (HSE) pesticide enforcement findings which showed that action was required following 97% of official control visits carried out during 2025.

97% of HSE Pesticide Enforcement Visits in 2025 Required Action

97% of HSE Pesticide Enforcement Visits in 2025 Required Action

At the Forum’s Updating Event in May, delegates were presented with an overview of official control activity undertaken across England, Wales and Scotland. The findings highlighted a number of recurring compliance issues affecting organisations across several sectors, including amenity management, horticulture and forestry.

The most common issues identified related to pesticide storage, stock control, record keeping, inspection requirements for pedestrian-operated equipment and registration under the Official Controls Regulations.

The findings reinforce the need for organisations to maintain robust management systems, ensure staff remain competent and up to date, and regularly review compliance arrangements.

Ian Graham, Chair of the Amenity Forum, said:

“The findings highlight that there remains significant scope for improvement in some areas of compliance across the sector. Whilst many of the issues identified can be addressed through improved awareness, training and management controls, the figures demonstrate the importance of maintaining robust systems and regularly reviewing procedures.

Good practice is not simply about meeting legal requirements; it is about protecting people, protecting the environment and maintaining public confidence in the work our sector undertakes every day.

 Every organisation should take the opportunity to review its arrangements, strengthen professional standards and ensure compliance remains a priority”

The Amenity Forum is encouraging organisations to take the following five actions:

  • Review pesticide stores and ensure bunding, fire protection and storage arrangements remain suitable.
  • Audit pesticide stocks and remove any unauthorised or expired products.
  • Ensure spray records are complete, compliant and readily available for inspection.
  • Verify that pedestrian-operated spraying equipment has been inspected where required.
  • Confirm registration requirements under the Official Controls Regulations have been met.

The Forum believes these findings reinforce the importance of ongoing training, continuing professional development and the adoption of industry best practice. By taking proactive steps now, organisations can reduce risk, improve compliance and demonstrate their commitment to professional standards.

Whilst action was required following the majority of visits, only a relatively small proportion resulted in enforcement notices. The findings suggest that many compliance issues can be addressed through improved awareness, training and management controls before formal enforcement action becomes necessary.

The Amenity Forum continues to work with members, regulators and stakeholders to promote best practice, professionalism and responsible management across the amenity sector.

For further information about the Amenity Forum, visit www.amenityforum.net

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