GMA Connect Returns With Six UK-Wide Regional Events

/in , , /by

GMA Connect Returns With Six UK-Wide Regional Events: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) will expand GMA Connect in 2026, rolling out six UK-wide events designed to bring practical, accessible learning directly to grounds staff and volunteers.

Following two successful pilot events in 2025, the 2026 GMA Connect programme will take place in Oxford, Cardiff, Manchester, Leeds, Southampton and Ipswich, ensuring grounds people can access hands-on learning closer to home.

GMA Connect Returns With Six UK-Wide Regional Events

GMA Connect Returns With Six UK-Wide Regional Events

As a core GMA member benefit, GMA Connect brings the Association’s learning experience into regional hubs whilst also welcoming the wider grounds management industry. Each one‑day event offers a mix of targeted seminar sessions and live demonstrations from leading suppliers, giving attendees the chance to see products, equipment and techniques in action.

Designed around real‑world challenges faced by local grounds teams, GMA Connect focuses on practical solutions and takeaways that can be put to use immediately on site.

2026 Schedule:

  • Abingdon School (Oxford) – Thursday 16 April
  • Cardiff City Stadium (Cardiff) – Wednesday 22 April
  • Joie Stadium, Manchester City (Manchester) – Thursday 14 May
  • Headingley Stadium (Leeds) – Tuesday 19 May
  • Stoneham Lane Football Complex (Southampton) – Thursday 21 May
  • Ipswich Rugby Club (Ipswich) – Thursday 4 June

What Attendees Say:

Sean Smith, Groundsperson at Croke Park, said: “Events like this are important because they’re accessible and give you the chance to see things outside your everyday routine. You can chat with different people, see what they do differently and share what you do differently. I would definitely recommend it to anyone thinking about attending.”

Ticket Information:

  • Joie Stadium, Manchester City: £10 for GMA members | £50 for non-members
  • All other events: Free for GMA members | £35 for non-members

“The two pilot events in 2025 were a huge success, so we’re delighted to be rolling out six events across the UK in 2026,” said Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA. “It’s all about delivering high-quality learning closer to home and making it more accessible and easier to fit around the busy lives of grounds people. GMA Connect is a core member benefit and these events allow us to bring the GMA learning experience directly into the regions.”

GMA Connect is open to grounds professionals and volunteers working across all levels of the sector, from grassroots to elite sport. The programme is supported by GMA Platinum Supporters MJ Abbott, Kubota, Howardson Group, ISEKI, Cramer and GKB, working in partnership with the GMA.

For more information and to secure your place, visit thegma.org.uk/connect.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

Bernhard and Company heads to BTME and GCSAA

/in , , /by

Bernhard and Company heads to BTME and GCSAA: Bernhard and Company is preparing for a major few weeks in the industry calendar, with the team set to exhibit at BTME 2026 in Harrogate, England (20-22 January) before heading to Florida, USA for the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Orlando (2-5 February).

Across both shows, Bernhard will spotlight the breadth of its offer, combining industry-leading grinding machinery, technology-led turf solutions, and the training and development support of the Bernhard Academy.

Bernhard and Company heads to BTME and GCSAA

Bernhard and Company heads to BTME and GCSAA

“BTME and the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show are two of the most significant events in our calendar,” said Steven Nixon, Managing Director of Bernhard and Company. “They give us the chance to meet the people behind the surfaces, demonstrate the innovation within our grinding machinery range, and show how our wider technology and education offering is supporting performance and long-term sustainability in turf.”

BTME 2026: Harrogate – Hall 5, Stand 534

At BTME, Bernhard and Company will be located in Hall 5 on Stand 534, bringing the latest in its grinding machinery portfolio to Harrogate. On stand, visitors will be able to explore Bernhard’s Express Dual reel and Anglemaster bedknife grinding machines, as well as learn more about the wider suite of solutions available through the company’s distribution network.

Bernhard will also be exhibiting SubAir Systems, alongside Soil Scout and Maya Global software, helping attendees understand how data and decision-making tools can support better surface performance, consistency, and efficiency across the seasons.

The Bernhard Academy team will also be based on the stand throughout the week, offering guidance on training pathways, workshops, and educational support for course teams looking to build skills and capability.

Alongside stand activity, the Bernhard Academy will play an exciting role in BIGGA’s Continue to Learn programme, delivering sold-out sessions at the Bernhard Academy hub at Moortown Golf Club. As part of the BTME programme, Phil Helmn of the Bernhard Academy will also deliver a three-hour class on Monday morning titled “The Art of Managing Up!”. The week will also include a seminar delivered by Phil on the Tuesday of the show, while the Academy will introduce the BIGGA Delegation for 2026 at the Bernhard Reception evening on Monday.

“BTME is a brilliant opportunity to connect education with real-world application,” said Sami Strutt, Education Director at the Bernhard Academy. “Whether it’s our Continue to Learn sessions, supporting turf teams with development opportunities, or launching the BIGGA Delegation’s journey, the focus is on helping people grow their skills and confidence.”

GCSAA Conference & Trade Show: Orlando – Stand 1949 (West Building)

Following BTME, Bernhard and Company will continue its trade show schedule in the United States at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

Bernhard can be found on Stand 1949 in the West Building, where the team will be exhibiting once again with Soil Scout, having recently launched the Soil Scout range into the North American market.

As part of the trip, the Bernhard Academy will accompany the BIGGA Delegation to the show, where delegates will experience the educational seminars on offer, take part in site visits to high-profile Florida golf venues, and make the most of the networking opportunities available throughout GCSAA week.

Education will also play a central role at GCSAA, with Phil Helmn delivering a four-hour seminar on Tuesday 3 February titled “Budgeting! Bulletproof Financial Management”. The session is currently sold out, with additional places available via a waiting list.

“The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show is a key moment for us to spend time with superintendents and course teams, and to build on the early momentum behind the Soil Scout launch in North America,” added Steven Nixon.

For more information on Bernhard and Company, the products and solutions it will be exhibiting at both shows, and the Bernhard Academy, view links below:

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

John Deere to unveil light utility Gator GS models at BTME

/in , , /by

John Deere to unveil light utility Gator GS models at BTME: Greenkeepers visiting John Deere’s BTME stand in Harrogate in January will be among the first in Europe to see the new Gator GS utility vehicles. 

Built to meet the growing need for a work vehicle which sits between a golf cart and a go-anywhere, all-terrain machine, the Gator GS allows British and Irish greenkeepers to get carry out lighter duties around the course quickly and efficiently without sacrificing on durability and reliability.

John Deere to unveil light utility Gator GS models at BTME

John Deere to unveil light utility Gator GS models at BTME

“Whether it’s course setup, hand watering, hauling mower trailers, or just moving from hole to hole, the Gator GS allows greenkeepers to get those jobs done on time and efficiently,” says Chris Meacock, Golf and Turf Division Sales Manager at John Deere.

The new GS is available now in petrol or electric derivatives, both of which are designed to complete jobs without disruption to the neighbours or early morning golf groups.

The powerful, yet quiet,  14hp petrol electronic fuel injected engine incorporates a unique engine and body design that incorporates baffling and sound deadening materials for quiet operation.

Customers choosing the 48V GS Electric Gator will have an AC drive motor and controller system that helps maintain torque during even the toughest of situations, with eight Trojan T-105 batteries providing the power needed to complete the day’s work.

Both machines have a top speed of 17.5mph to enable greenkeepers to get more done in less time.

Operation is simple with a pedal start and infinite speed selection that doesn’t require shifting thanks to a continuously variable transmission drivetrain.

Measuring just 49.3 inches across, the body design allows for transport through tight areas while avoiding turf damage on the edges of cart paths.

Cargo space has been optimised for tools and materials, with 371 litres of space and a 363kg cargo box weight capacity. The Gator GS has an easy-to-access and effortless cargo box latch to make it easy to unlock, tilt, and quickly unload materials.

The Gator GS is ready to tow with a standard factory installed 50.8 mm rear receiver hitch and a 544.3 kg towing capacity.

Built with operator comfort in mind there are high-back bucket seats, two standard USB ports, low-effort steering system design, and multiple storage compartments for gloves, small hand tools and mobile devices.

“The John Deere Gator is one the most versatile vehicles that a golf course manager and their team can use, and the GS and GS Electric adds to that versatility with its size and manoeuvrability,” says Chris.

The Gator GS and GS Electronic will be on show at BTME from 20 to 22 January at Harrogate Convention Centre, and can be ordered through dealers now.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

Amenity sector launch for Techneat Hire at BTME

/in , , /by

Amenity sector launch for Techneat Hire at BTME: A new hire scheme direct from Techneat Engineering will give greenkeepers, groundsmen and amenity managers convenient and low-cost access to the company’s range of innovative precision application equipment.

To be launched at BTME in January 2026 (Stand 106), Techneat Hire manager, Rui Santos, highlights the opportunity to try-before-you-buy some of Techneat’s pioneering developments – such as the high performance Pro-ESpray battery-powered pedestrian sprayer.

Amenity sector launch for Techneat Hire at BTME

Amenity sector launch for Techneat Hire at BTME

“Hiring equipment direct from Techneat brings all the convenience and flexibility of owning a machine for a required part of the season, without the capital cost or upkeep when it’s not required, and no commitment if future plans or requirements should change,” explained Rui.

“For time sensitive turf applications hiring a precision sprayer enables treatment when it’s convenient and in the optimum conditions. Grounds managers may only want access to a de-icing applicator for a period each year, for example, which can be available through the hire scheme.

“Using Techneat Hire to supply a sprayer you will always have the most up to date machine, that has been fully serviced by specialists in the factory and ready for work.”

Rui adds that the on-line hire scheme gives turf and amenity managers  the chance to pre-plan machinery requirements ahead of the season. However, the company also has a stock of machines and fittings to help out in many situations of unforeseen breakdowns or changes in plans and to try out advances in application.

He cites vegetation control specialists could hire a quad-mounted Weed Wizard, for precision optical spot spraying of weeds on pavements and hard surfaces, for example, to evaluate the cost savings and benefits for customers, without the economic tie of ownership.

Techneat Hire scheme is available across the range of Techneat precision application equipment also on show at BTME.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

Hunter Grinders to Showcase Precision Grinding Solutions at BTME

/in , , /by

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.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters