Entries Now Open for the Prestigious 2026 BALI Awards

Entries Now Open for the Prestigious BALI Awards

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Entries Now Open for the Prestigious 2026 BALI Awards

The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) is excited to announce that entries are now open for the BALI National Landscape Awards 2026, Europe’s largest celebration of landscaping excellence. This year’s Awards mark a historic milestone: the 50th anniversary of the very first BALI Awards ceremony.

Taking place at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London on Friday 4 December, and headline sponsored by Origin Enterprises via their Living Landscapes Division, the event will honour generations of landscaping achievements and celebrate the innovation, skill, and creativity that defines today’s industry.

Entries Now Open for the Prestigious BALI Awards

Entries Now Open for the Prestigious BALI Awards

Standing on the shoulders of giants

Since 1976, the BALI Awards have recognised landscapers and landscaping businesses that push boundaries, inspire peers, and set the standard for excellence. Some winners have carried the tradition through generations, while others have redefined the industry with bold new approaches. The 50th Awards will celebrate this remarkable legacy, honouring the past, present, and future.

Put your best fork forward

With over 25 award categories, there’s an opportunity for every project to shine – whether through design, technical mastery, or environmental impact. Recognition from the BALI Awards not only elevates reputation among clients, but also attracts talent by highlighting a commitment to innovation and excellence.

BALI Chief Executive, Wayne Grills, said:

“I cannot stress enough just how incredible it is to be talking about our 50th holding of the BALI National Landscape Awards. It’s a truly magnificent achievement that they have been going strong for all these years, and a testament to the industry’s resilience.

“Of course, I’ve only been the custodian of these Awards for the past 15 years, but it gives me both great pride to be a steward of them and great excitement to be able to pay homage to all of those who made them what they are today.

“I encourage every landscaper, contractor, supplier and designer to enter these Awards. They are not only a fantastic promotion of your work to both industry and potential clients, but also a rare chance for you to take a moment and appreciate just how amazing your work is.”

Make history: enter now

Entries are open at baliawards.co.uk with a submission deadline of 8 June 2026.

For assistance, contact BALI’s Membership Events Manager, Izzy Plain – izzy.plain@bali.org.uk

Secure your place among 50 years of landscaping greats – this is your moment to be part of history.

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Four GMA NextGen Members Receive Pioneer Marks

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Four GMA NextGen Members Receive Pioneer Marks: Four members of GMA NextGen have been presented with their Pioneer Marks as part of the Pioneer Legacy initiative, recognising the contributions of past and present members of the group.

The Pioneer Mark is a distinctive legacy number that symbolises the impact each member makes on the grounds management profession. The awards were presented during the GMA Industry Awards, held at Edgbaston Stadium last week.

Four GMA NextGen Members Receive Pioneer Marks

Four GMA NextGen Members Receive Pioneer Marks

Luis Arregui (#036) is Deputy Grounds Manager at Real Madrid and plays a key role in maintaining elite playing surfaces at one of the world’s most recognised football clubs.

Flynn Good (#037) is a Skilled Sports Turf Operative at Leicester City Football Club. He first entered the industry at the age of 10 by volunteering at his local club. He then joined Leicester City at 16 and now plays a key role in maintaining the club’s training pitches. Flynn was also named Young Groundsperson of the Year at the GMA Industry Awards 2026, recognising his outstanding contribution and promise within the industry.

Jack Leather (#038) works as a Specialist Groundsperson at Liverpool Football Club. Jack helps deliver high-performing playing surfaces across the club’s facilities, supporting the demands of elite football.

Oliver Mahon (#039) is Head of Grounds at Bradfield College. He oversees the maintenance and development of the school’s sports facilities, ensuring consistently high standards across multiple playing surfaces used by students and teams throughout the year.

All four members joined GMA NextGen in February 2025 and were formally recognised with their Pioneer Marks at the GMA Industry Awards.

Jennifer Carter, GMA Director of Communications and Marketing, said: “The GMA is proud to recognise Luis, Flynn, Jack and Ollie with their Pioneer Marks as part of the Pioneer Legacy initiative. The group plays a hugely important role in representing the next generation of grounds professionals so recognising members in this way celebrates their contribution to the industry and highlights the important role young professionals play in shaping the future of grounds management.”

They join the ranks of respected NextGen alumni who have received their Pioneer Marks, which can be viewed here.

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Winners Of The 2026 GMA Industry Awards Announced

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Winners Of The 2026 GMA Industry Awards Announced: The winners of the 2026 GMA Industry Awards were announced last night at a prestigious ceremony at Edgbaston Stadium.

The awards took place alongside the new GMA Conference, which ran throughout the day and brought the industry together for workshops and discussions.

Winners Of The 2026 GMA Industry Awards Announced

Winners Of The 2026 GMA Industry Awards Announced

Hosted by renowned broadcaster Kelly Somers, the awards celebrated the people and teams who show outstanding skill across the grounds management sector.

With #GroundsWeek just around the corner, taking place from 23-29 March, the awards also served as a reminder of the vital role grounds staff play in making sport possible.

The 2026 winners are:

  • Young Groundsperson of the Year (Sponsored by Origin Amenity Solutions)
    • Flynn Good
  • Newcomer of the Year (Sponsored by ICL)
    • George Legg
  • Volunteer Groundsperson/Team of the Year (Sponsored by Chappell Enterprises UK)
    • Trubshaw Cross
  • Community Groundsperson/Team of the Year (Sponsored by National Governing Bodies of Sport)
    • Stoneham Lane Football Complex
  • Best Managed Artificial Surface of the Year
    • University of Warwick
  • Environmental & Sustainability Impact Award
    • Liverpool F.C
  • Bowls & Croquet Groundsperson/Team of the Year
    • Dean Gibbons
  • Professional Cricket Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Barenbrug)
    • Marylebone Cricket Club
  • Professional Tennis Courts Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Advanced Turf Technology LTD)
    • The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
  • Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year
    • Warwick Racecourse
  • Professional Rugby League Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Agronomic Services Ltd)
    • Castleford Tigers
  • Professional Rugby Union Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by MJ Abbott/Premier Pitches)
    • Bristol Bears
  • Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Reesink)
    • Lincoln City F.C
  • Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year (Elite) (Sponsored by SGL)
    • Manchester City F.C
  • University & College Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Kubota)
    • University of Warwick
  • Independent School Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by ISEKI)
    • Whitgift School
  • GMA Grounds Manager of the Year (Sponsored by DLF Seeds Ltd)
    • Karl McDermott

Geoff Webb, GMA CEO said: “The GMA Industry Awards are always a key highlight in our calendar. They give us the chance to celebrate the hard work that drives our industry forward. We received a record number of entries this year which shows real strength and pride across grounds management. I want to congratulate all our winners and thank them for the great work they do every day.”

The GMA would like to extend a special thank you to our platinum sponsor ISEKI UK & Ireland as well as conference & award sponsors Origin Amenity Solutions, ICL, Chappell Enterprises UK, National Governing Bodies of Sport, Barenbrug, Agronomic Services Ltd, MJ Abbott/Premier Pitches, Reesink, SGL, Kubota, DLF Seeds Ltd and Advanced Turf Technology LTD, whose support made this event possible.

This year’s charity partner, MND Association, was at the heart of the evening, with guests generously donating to support its vital work in improving access to care, research and campaigning for people affected by motor neurone disease. Thank you to everyone who contributed, your generosity will make a genuine difference.

As we celebrate this year’s award winners, we also encourage the industry to continue raising awareness of the profession by getting involved in #GroundsWeek from 23-29 March. Our annual awareness campaign is all about championing the hard work of grounds staff, inspiring future talent and highlighting the crucial role they play in making sport possible.

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Jon Cole wins Toro’s Green Blazer Award

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Jon Cole wins Toro’s Green Blazer Award: Jon Cole, Divisional Business Manager for Reesink Turfcare, exclusive distributor for Toro commercial machinery in the UK, has been named the recipient of the Toro Green Blazer Award for 2025.

This isn’t ordinary Toro attire, a green blazer has to be earned. The award for Toro Equipment Sales is presented during the company’s annual worldwide distributor business meeting, which is held in conjunction with the GCSAA show in America, and recognises individuals who are contributing to the industry, demonstrating leadership and showing commitment to customers and customer relationships, all with commercial success.

Jon Cole wins Toro's Green Blazer Award

Jon Cole wins Toro’s Green Blazer Award

Greg Lawrence, General Manager of the International Division of The Toro Company, who presented the award to Jon, says: “Throughout his career, Jon has demonstrated unwavering commitment to customers, colleagues, and the Toro brand.

“He played a pivotal role in securing the landmark ten-year Total Solutions partnership with The Grove. Working closely with Toro, he helped develop a partnership proposition that extended well beyond equipment, including residual value strategies, customer engagement initiatives, education programmes, and the use of The Grove as a flagship showcase venue. These combined efforts overcame strong competition and secured long-term success.”

The Toro Green Blazer Award is presented to a member of the Toro channel who has demonstrated excellence and achievement in selling Toro commercial equipment. It is awarded just once a year and represents a high level of performance, customer impact, and outstanding accomplishment.

Alastair Rowell, Managing Director of Reesink UK, says: “Jon’s career began with John Shaw Machinery in 2007 and progressed through Reesink following its acquisition in 2014, ultimately becoming Divisional Business Manager in 2022. A natural leader, Jon keeps teams aligned and informed, ensuring confidence across the sales organisation.

“It is an honour for this award to come to the EMEA and to win is a great achievement, not only for Jon personally but also for Reesink UK as a company. I have worked with Jon for many years and to see his hard work recognised on this level is fantastic. He deserves huge congratulations.”

The award also shows recognition to the top level of Commercial Equipment sales and development of new business opportunities. For Jon, “it was a surprise and an honour to have my name read out at Toro’s distributor awards during the GCSAA show in Orlando. I’m extremely proud to have received this recognition from Toro and although it is an individual award, it is in my eyes more of a reflection on the effort and dedication shown by the whole team at Reesink UK.”

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Burnham & Berrow and Royal Aberdeen claim BIGGA Awards

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Burnham & Berrow and Royal Aberdeen claim BIGGA Awards: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has revealed the winners of the BIGGA Awards 2026, recognising outstanding achievement, innovation and commitment across the greenkeeping profession.

Harrogate’s Royal Hall hosted the BIGGA Celebration sponsored by Bernhard Academy on the opening night of the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME), with Sky Sports presenter Sarah Stirk announcing the winners.

Burnham & Berrow and Royal Aberdeen claim BIGGA Awards

Burnham & Berrow and Royal Aberdeen claim BIGGA Awards

The prize for Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year with Bernhard & Company was awarded to Burnham & Berrow, while the Greenkeeping Project of the Year award with Price Turfcare went to Royal Aberdeen on a memorable evening celebrating excellence across the profession.

Burnham & Berrow’s award recognised the team’s exceptional response to an unprecedented challenge ahead of Final Open Qualifying. With just eight weeks to act, the team delivered innovative solutions after deliberate chemical vandalism damaged multiple greens.

Working closely with The R&A agronomy team and industry partners, a tightly managed recovery programme culminated in full turf replacement, with independent testing confirming championship standards were achieved in time for the event.

“What a job the team did – not only my team, but the whole club,” said retired Course Manager Richard Whyman. “Twenty of the 27 greens were damaged and it was hard to see the grass dying in front of you.

“With it being my last tournament, it was difficult for me, but I pulled myself together and The R&A were incredibly supportive.”

Royal Aberdeen was recognised for a long-term project to safeguard the future of the historic Balgownie Links. Ongoing coastal erosion prompted a complex reconstruction programme, including new greens, tees and protective infrastructure.

Delivered largely in-house by a small team, the project demanded meticulous planning and adaptability amid challenging weather and tidal pressures, with judges praising the balance between preserving heritage and delivering practical, forward-thinking solutions.

“We know erosion is a big issue – not just for us, but right down the UK coastline – so we’re trying to implement measures to slow that erosion, with contingency plans in place,” said Course Manager Richard Johnstone.

“As for my team, they’re the real heroes in this – I just lead them. They’ve taken on a huge challenge, and I’m very grateful to the club for supporting us.”

The evening also saw BIGGA present its Outstanding Contribution award with Kress to John Millen in recognition of a career that has left a lasting impact on the association and the wider greenkeeping profession.

A highly respected figure within the industry, Millen has devoted decades to supporting education, professional development and the advancement of greenkeeping standards, earning widespread admiration from colleagues across the UK and beyond.

“I really can’t believe this,” said the 85-year-old, who is still working in education but has swapped playing golf for croquet. “Only a week ago I didn’t even know whether I’d be coming tonight – I’ve been here virtually every year. I just want to say thank you to everybody.

“Through greenkeeping, through our associations and through the game itself, for me it’s always been about people who are passionate about golf courses and about working for one another.”

The event also celebrated the incredible finale of an inspiring personal challenge, as Jack Percival bounded onto stage after completing his epic 300-mile run from Epsom. The senior greenkeeper at Royal Automobile Club undertook the run to raise awareness around mental health and funds for Percy’s Homeless Hub and the Greenkeepers Benevolent Fund.

The BIGGA Awards were established to recognise the exceptionally high standards, professionalism and dedication demonstrated by greenkeepers throughout the year. From major championship preparation to ambitious renovation projects and contributions that strengthen the profession, the awards highlight the vital role greenkeepers play in the success and sustainability of the game.

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