New HQ opens as Wildwood Machinery gears up for growth

New HQ opens as Wildwood Machinery gears up for growth

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New HQ opens as Wildwood Machinery gears up for growth

Wildwood Machinery – the groundcare arm of the Bastian Group, which comprises commercial property, sports, leisure and hospitality businesses across Hampshire – has formally opened the business’s brand-new headquarters at Fair Oak, near Winchester.

New HQ opens as Wildwood Machinery gears up for growth

New HQ opens as Wildwood Machinery gears up for growth

“The new headquarters is an important part of our growth plan,” says Managing Director James Bastian. “We have a team of top-class mechanics supporting our manufacturer partners, and these new headquarters ensure that we can continue to provide all of our clients and partners with the very best service.”

The 5-acre site comprises offices; 200 square metres of brand-new showroom space for tractors, mowers, forestry equipment and other accessories, and state-of-the-art workshops designed and equipped to support Wildwood’s mechanics with everything they need. Its location – adjacent to East Horton Golf Club, also owned by the Bastian Group – means that clients can see equipment in action, and results in real-time.

Wildwood’s partners include manufacturers of outdoor power equipment through to the latest in robotics, precision mowing, turfcare lighting systems and sustainable fuels. This, in turn, enables the company to service a broad range of groundcare clients including community and elite sports clubs across golf, football and cricket, schools and colleges, Local Authorities and large estates.

Wildwood Machinery launched in 2022 as an extension of the Bastian Group’s existing interests. With a number of new business opportunities in the pipeline, Managing Director James Bastian says Wildwood has solid foundations for sustainable growth.

“With all of the infrastructure in place, we’re confident we can bring real value to any client looking for a groundcare equipment supplier backed by world-class repair and servicing, as well as great employment opportunities in Hampshire.”

Wildwood Machinery – the bigger picture

Wildwood Machinery is part of the Bastian Group, which encompasses commercial property, land management, sports, leisure, hospitality and groundcare interests across Hampshire.

The group was founded by Managing Director James Bastian’s grandfather, who first came to England as a serving US soldier in World War II and later acquired faming land in Hampshire. The family business expanded into butchery, land development and eventually the construction of East Horton Golf Club, developing it into a 45-hole club complete with clubhouse, hospitality and events facilities.

Click here for the full story of the Bastian Group.

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TurfTech set for biggest year yet as industry support continues to grow

TurfTech set for biggest year yet as industry support continues to grow

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TurfTech set for biggest year yet as industry support continues to grow

TurfTech 2026 is set to be the biggest edition yet, with growing industry support, increasing visitor numbers, and an expanded line-up of partners ahead of this year’s event on 1 and 2 October at the American Express Stadium in Brighton.

TurfTech set for biggest year yet as industry support continues to grow

TurfTech set for biggest year yet as industry support continues to grow

TurfTech continues to attract grounds teams, industry experts, manufacturers, and suppliers from across the continent for two days of insight, innovation, networking, and knowledge sharing.

At its heart, TurfTech shines a spotlight on the professionals who make elite sports possible. By bringing together grounds teams from leading clubs alongside the companies driving innovation in turf management, the event creates a platform where achievements can be recognised, ideas exchanged, and valuable industry connections formed.

The event has grown significantly since its launch. The inaugural TurfTech welcomed 170 attendees, rising to 320 the following year. This October, approximately 470 industry professionals are expected to attend, reflecting the increasing demand for an event dedicated specifically to sports turf professionals.

A major factor behind that growth has been the continued support of industry-leading partners. This year’s Platinum Partners include Stogger Turf Care, DLF, Covermaster, Origin Amenity Solutions, FlexGrass, Infinicut, Raw Stadia, and Sports & Stadia. They are joined by Gold Partners TurfCoach, ICL, Net World Sports, Labosport, IAGE, Wessex International and GrassMax, Howardson Group, and HelvaTerra, alongside a strong line-up of Silver, Bronze, outdoor exhibitors, and event partners.

Visitors can look forward to an extensive educational programme featuring 23 presentations delivered by some of the most respected names in sports turf management. The sessions will cover key topics facing the industry today, from emerging technologies and innovation to practical experiences from leading grounds teams operating at the highest level of the game.

However, TurfTech is about much more than presentations.

Some of the event’s most valuable moments happen away from the stage, as grounds professionals share experiences, discuss common challenges, and learn from one another. For many attendees, the relationships and conversations developed during the event continue long after the final session has ended.

Grounds teams remain at the centre of everything TurfTech does. Every attendee is personally invited, with accommodation, food, and refreshments provided throughout the two-day event. The aim is to create an environment where professionals can focus entirely on learning, networking, and engaging with their peers.

As a way of giving something back to the people at the heart of the industry, TurfTech will also host a special raffle draw on 2 October.

With record attendance expected, an unrivalled educational programme, and support from some of the industry’s leading companies, TurfTech 2026 is shaping up to be another landmark event for the sports turf sector.

The event takes place on 1 and 2 October at the American Express Stadium in Brighton.

Find out more by visiting https://turftechsummit.com/

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