SALTEX 2026 exhibitor line-up gathers pace

SALTEX 2026 exhibitor line-up gathers pace

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SALTEX 2026 exhibitor line-up gathers pace

SALTEX 2026 is continuing to gather momentum ahead of its landmark 80th edition, with a growing line-up of leading brands, innovative suppliers and new exhibitors are set to showcase the latest products, technologies, and services for grounds management professionals at the NEC Birmingham on 11-12 November.

SALTEX 2026 exhibitor line-up gathers pace

SALTEX 2026 exhibitor line-up gathers pace

Bringing together the entire grounds management community under one roof, SALTEX remains the industry’s premier destination for discovering new solutions, comparing products, and building relationships with the people shaping the future of sports turf, amenity, and landscape management.

This year’s exhibitor line-up reflects both the strength and evolution of the sector. New exhibitors for 2026 include Consolidate Turf Solutions, Mammotion, Amazone, Graco BV and Limonta Sport, all of whom will be showcasing innovative products, technologies, and services to the grounds management community.

David Thomson, Marketing Manager at Amazone LTD said: “We are excited to be back at SALTEX after eight years and are looking forward to meeting both new and existing customers.

SALTEX provides an excellent opportunity to showcase our new Profimowers to the grounds management sector. It represents a different market to those we have traditionally operated in, but one with significant potential. We believe our machines are ideally suited to a wide range of applications, including local authorities, golf courses, contractors, caravan parks and other amenity environments, and we’re excited to demonstrate their capabilities to visitors.”

They join a strong list of returning exhibitors, including industry leaders Dennis Mowers and SISIS, ISEKI UK & Ireland, Kubota, MJ Abbott, GKB Machines, Howardson Group, Raw Stadia, Net World Sports, Campey Turf Care Systems, Baroness, Tudor Environmental, WorkPal, STIHL, Wiedemann, STM, STIGA and Kioti.

Demonstrating growing confidence in SALTEX and its ability to connect suppliers directly with buyers and end users, several exhibitors have increased their investment in the show. Cramer, Stogger Turfcare, D.W. Tomlin and Wessex International have all significantly expanded their stand space for 2026, creating greater opportunities for visitors to explore their latest products, technologies, and services.

The calibre of SALTEX visitors continues to be a major draw for exhibitors. Three-quarters (75%) of attendees are senior decision-makers with influence over purchasing and operational strategies, while 36% manage purchasing budgets of between £200,000 and £500,000. SALTEX is also attracting an increasingly international audience, with international attendance growing by 7%, creating valuable opportunities for exhibitors to connect with high-value buyers, industry leaders and decision-makers from across the UK and overseas.

New and returning exhibitors alike will use SALTEX as a platform to showcase the latest innovations shaping the future of grounds management, reinforcing the exhibition’s reputation as the industry’s leading destination for product launches, technological developments, and practical solutions.

Few companies demonstrate the heritage of SALTEX better than Howardson Group, which has exhibited at every edition of the show throughout its 80-year history, underlining the event’s enduring importance to the grounds management sector.

For visitors, the benefits extend far beyond viewing products. SALTEX provides a unique opportunity to compare equipment side-by-side, speak directly with manufacturers, explore emerging technologies and discover practical solutions to many of the challenges facing the industry, from sustainability targets and labour shortages to improving playing surfaces, managing resources efficiently and enhancing operational performance.

Whether managing a Premier League stadium, racecourse, golf course, school, university, local authority facility or community sports club, attendees will have access to products, expertise and solutions designed to support better outcomes both on and off the field of play.

Sarah Hunter, Head of Events, Grounds Management Association, said: “The exhibitor line-up for our 80th edition demonstrates the continued strength, diversity and innovation within the grounds management sector. We’re delighted to welcome new exhibitors to SALTEX, while also seeing long-standing supporters return year after year and several companies significantly increase their presence.

“From established brands such as Net World Sports, Campey Turf Care Systems and Baroness to innovative new exhibitors bringing fresh solutions to market, SALTEX remains the best place to see what’s new, compare products and make informed purchasing decisions.

“The quality of the audience is equally important. With the majority of visitors involved in purchasing decisions and significant budgets represented across the show floor, SALTEX continues to provide exhibitors with direct access to the people who influence investment and operational decisions throughout the sector.

“Whether visitors are looking for the latest machinery, sustainable solutions, autonomous technology, facility management tools or expert advice, SALTEX continues to provide unrivalled access to the people, products and innovations shaping the future of the industry.”

Alongside the extensive exhibition, visitors will be able to access more than 30 hours of free CPD-accredited education through Learning LIVE, network with peers in the Clubhouse and discover the latest developments shaping the future of grounds management.

With exhibitor demand continuing to grow and major brands increasing their presence, the landmark 80th edition is shaping up to be one of the biggest and most influential SALTEX events to date.

For more information and to register for free, visit www.saltex.org.uk

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Toro U.K. Limited Demonstrates Full Turf Care Capability at GroundsFest

Toro U.K. Limited Demonstrates Full Turf Care Capability at GroundsFest

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Toro U.K. Limited Demonstrates Full Turf Care Capability at GroundsFest

Toro U.K. Limited delivered a strong and hands on presence at GroundsFest 2026, showcasing the breadth of its professional turf care range and giving visitors the chance to experience equipment designed for the everyday demands of grounds teams, contractors and professional gardeners. With high footfall on day one and steady engagement on day two, the stand attracted a wide mix of industry professionals eager to explore what’s new for 2026.

Toro U.K. Limited Demonstrates Full Turf Care Capability at GroundsFest

Toro U.K. Limited Demonstrates Full Turf Care Capability at GroundsFest

“GroundsFest continues to be a standout event for hands on demonstration, and this year was a fantastic opportunity to show just how broad the Toro range has become,” said Craig Hoare, UK Sales & Marketing Manager at Toro U.K. Limited. “Whether you’re maintaining a sports pitch, a commercial site or a private estate, there’s a Toro machine built for the job.”

Live demonstrations highlight precision, striping and control

The live demo zones remained a major draw, with visitors testing the manoeuvrability of the Toro GrandStand® through a slalom course and putting the Toro Dingo® TX1000 Turbo through its paces by lifting and stacking pallet boxes.

Striping performance was a key talking point, with both the Hayter Harrier Pro 60V and Toro eProStripe demonstrating the clean, consistent finish that grounds professionals expect from both brands. Their presence reinforced Toro and Hayter’s reputation for delivering high quality presentation across sports turf, estates and commercial landscapes.

“The feedback from visitors was incredibly positive,” said Matt Coleman, Area Sales Manager for the EMEA Equipment Business (Grounds & Landscape Contractor Equipment). “People enjoyed getting behind the controls of the GrandStand and Dingo, and it was great to speak with so many grounds professionals about how our equipment supports their day to day challenges. It was also a pleasure to introduce our two new Territory Sales Managers to dealers from across the country.”

Toro U.K. also showcased several new additions to its commercial range, including the new 32″ GrandStand®, engineered specifically to fit through standard gate openings, and the rear discharge Z Master 4000. The rear discharge deck is being designed and engineered by Toro’s UK team to meet the needs of councils who want to avoid side discharge clippings spreading onto pavements and surrounding areas.

Visitors were also able to see the revamped TimeCutter®, previewing the 2027 styling update inspired by the Titan series and featuring the new Toro Bull Horn design cues.

Hayter Garden Tools: first public viewing

Following their trade launch at Glee last week, GroundsFest marked the first opportunity for end users to see the new Hayter Garden Tool Range. The tools attracted interest from both domestic users and professional gardeners looking for durable, well engineered hand tools.

Branded Merch: A Popular Talking Point

Merchandise sales continued to grow at GroundsFest, with the new build your own Harrier and TimeCutter kits proving a real talking point among visitors to our indoor area. Many enjoyed the chance to take home a miniature version of the machines they aspire to own one day, whether that’s a new Toro TimeCutter or a Hayter Harrier.

Celebrating 80 years of Hayter heritage

Inside Hall 1, the Hayter Museum Exhibit offered a detailed look at the brand’s engineering legacy. The display included the original Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II, a timeline of Hayter’s history, and a curated collection of historic machines—from early Hayterettes and Motor Scythes to the Harrier Diamond Edition.

“Hayter’s 80-year story is something we’re immensely proud of, and seeing visitors connect with machines they still own was a real highlight,” added Craig Hoare. “Pairing that heritage with our latest engineering developments shows how both brands continue to evolve while staying true to their roots.”

Visitors shared stories of still owning and using Hayter machines from the 1970s and 1980s, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for longevity and British engineering excellence. Many commented on how refreshing it was to see British manufacturing celebrated at a major industry event.

Strengthening dealer relationships

GroundsFest also provided an opportunity for dealers to meet Toro U.K.’s two new Territory Sales Managers, supporting future collaboration and strengthening regional relationships. A small refreshment area, complete with celebratory cakes marking Hayter’s 80th anniversary, offered a relaxed space for conversations with the sales team.

Reesink showcases wider Toro portfolio

Supporting the stand, Reesink presented a selection of Toro’s larger golf and municipal machinery, giving visitors a glimpse into the broader professional portfolio and reinforcing Toro’s capability across every scale of turf management.

To explore the full Toro and Hayter range, visit: www.toro.com/en-gb | www.hayter.co.uk

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Visit Mansfield Sand at SALTEX 2026

Visit Mansfield Sand at SALTEX 2026

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Visit Mansfield Sand at SALTEX 2026

Visitors to the Mansfield Sand stand (E010) at SALTEX 2026, taking place on 11 and 12 November at the NEC, Birmingham, will have the opportunity to explore a comprehensive range of sand-based products designed to enhance the health and performance of sports pitches.

Visit Mansfield Sand at SALTEX 2026

Visit Mansfield Sand at SALTEX 2026

With over 180 years of expertise, Mansfield Sand has been at the forefront of developing premium silica sand-based products. The company offers a wide array of innovative solutions for sports, landscaping, and equestrian applications, including stadium and training ground facilities, championship golf courses, and world-class show jumping arenas.

At SALTEX, Mansfield Sand’s industry experts will be available to discuss how their products can transform your sports turf projects. Key products on display will include:

Reinforced Rootzone

Mansfield Sand’s Reinforced Rootzones are engineered to maximize the use of natural turf surfaces while meeting the high standards required by today’s sports industry. The reinforcement technology used in these products provides enhanced stability and durability, ensuring that sand-dominated rootzones remain free-draining and consistent across the entire surface.

The range includes:

Fibre Reinforced Rootzone – reinforced with polypropylene fibres for added strength.

Fibrelastic Rootzone – combines polypropylene fibres with flexible Elastane fibres to enhance surface resilience.

Fibresand – ideal for maintaining surface integrity when grass cover is reduced due to heavy usage or winter wear.

Sand Soil Rootzones

Mansfield Sand is dedicated to helping turf managers achieve the ideal surface condition week after week. Their Sand Soil Rootzones are crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring exceptional results whether used for renovation or construction. The Mansil 40 Silica Sand blended with screened topsoil creates an optimal rootzone foundation.

Sand Compost Rootzones

For projects requiring a rootzone rich in organic content, Mansfield Sand offers a range of premium sand compost blends. These products are designed to retain nutrients and enhance drought resistance, promoting healthier, more resilient turf.

Top Dressing

Tailored for the fine turf market, Mansfield Sand’s Soil Top Dressing combines their superior silica sands with top-quality soils. The mixture is sterilised and screened to create a smooth, stone-free dressing that is easy to apply. Custom dressing blends and soil amendments are also available to meet specific turf management needs.

Mansil Silica Sand Sports Range

Mansfield Sand’s Mansil range of silica sands, sourced from their Two Oaks Quarry in Mansfield, is essential for constructing and maintaining a variety of sports surfaces, from winter sports pitches and golf courses to bowling greens and other amenity turf areas.

For more information, visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk, follow them on Twitter at @MansfieldSand, or connect on Facebook at Mansfield Sand Sport Surfaces.

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GroundsFest 2026 Proves Community is Driving the Industry Forward

GroundsFest 2026 Proves Community is Driving the Industry Forward

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GroundsFest 2026 Proves Community is Driving the Industry Forward

GroundsFest 2026 has once again demonstrated why it has become the industry’s must-attend event, bringing together every corner of the groundscare, landscaping, amenities and outdoor industries for two unforgettable days at Stoneleigh Park.

GroundsFest 2026 Proves Community is Driving the Industry Forward

GroundsFest 2026 Proves Community is Driving the Industry Forward

A total of 10,664 unique visitors attended the fourth edition of GroundsFest, marking another significant milestone in the event’s remarkable growth. What began in 2023 across approximately 8,500 square metres has expanded to cover more than 42,000 square metres – a reflection of increasing demand from both exhibitors and visitors alike.

The growth was evident throughout the show. More exhibitors than ever before took part, many returning companies increased the size of their stands, and visitors were treated to the largest collection of brands and a record number of new product launches ever seen at GroundsFest.

Yet, while the figures tell one story, it was the atmosphere that became the biggest talking point.

Throughout the two days there was a genuine sense of positivity across the show.

Busy aisles, smiling faces and packed stands created an environment unlike any other industry event. This years event saw a substantial increase in local authorities and professional groundscare including football, rugby and golf clubs. Time and again, visitors and exhibitors commented on the welcoming, relaxed feel of GroundsFest and the strong sense of community that has become synonymous with the event.

Innovation remained at the heart of GroundsFest, with exhibitors unveiling a record number of new products and technologies. Live demonstrations gave visitors the opportunity to see machinery in action and try equipment for themselves, while manufacturers showcased the latest developments designed to improve productivity, sustainability and performance across the industry.

Education continued to play a major role, with free seminars taking place across four theatres throughout both days. Experts from across the industry shared practical advice, technical knowledge and business insights, while delegates were able to collect valuable CPD points.

Popular features including Machinery Nation LIVE, Lawn Mower Racing, sponsored by Kramp, and the Landscape Zone, in partnership with BALI, once again attracted large crowds, while the live music festival rounded off the first day with an evening of entertainment, food, drinks and networking in GroundsFest’s unique festival atmosphere.

Stoneleigh Park also continued to receive praise from exhibitors and visitors alike. Exhibitors highlighted the ease of setting up and operating at the venue, while visitors appreciated the free parking, easy access and complimentary shuttle coaches running between Leamington Spa railway station and the showground.

Christopher Bassett, Event Director of GroundsFest, said:

“When we launched GroundsFest in 2023, we wanted to create an event that truly reflected what the industry was looking for. Four years on, it’s incredibly rewarding to hear so many people say that GroundsFest feels different – it’s welcoming, it’s relaxed, it’s enjoyable and, above all, it brings the whole industry together.

“The growth has been phenomenal, but what makes us incredibly proud is the atmosphere. Everywhere you looked people were talking, learning, doing business and enjoying themselves. That’s exactly what GroundsFest is all about.

“The whole GroundsFest team would like to thank every exhibitor, visitor and partner for helping make this year’s event such a success. We’ll continue to listen, continue to invest and continue to evolve, ensuring GroundsFest remains an event the entire industry can be proud of.”

With record visitor numbers, unprecedented exhibitor growth and an atmosphere that continues to set it apart, GroundsFest has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s most important events for the groundscare and landscaping industries.

GroundsFest will return to Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on 15 and 16 September 2027.

For more information, visit at www.groundsfest.com

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Policy, practice and resilience take centre stage at Amenity Forum conference

Policy, practice and resilience take centre stage at Amenity Forum conference

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Policy, practice and resilience take centre stage at Amenity Forum conference

Government, regulators, industry and practitioners will come together at the Amenity Forum Annual Conference this October to explore the changes shaping professional amenity management – from evolving policy and regulation to responsible delivery and future resilience.

Policy, practice and resilience take centre stage at Amenity Forum conference

Policy, practice and resilience take centre stage at Amenity Forum conference

Under the theme Navigating Change: Regulation, Stewardship and the Future of Amenity Management, the 2026 Annual Conference will take place at the British Motor Museum, Warwickshire, on Thursday 8 October.

The programme has been structured around three questions: what is changing around us, how should the sector respond responsibly in practice, and how do we prepare for what comes next?

The opening session, Policy, Regulation & Practice – What’s Changing for Amenity?, will bring together perspectives from Defra, HSE’s Chemicals Regulation Division, the Environment Agency and Bayer Crop Science, examining the direction of pesticide policy, the changing regulatory landscape, what inspections are telling us and the implications for professional amenity management.

Attention will then turn to delivery on the ground in From Expectation to Reality – What Works on the Ground? LanGuard and GB Railfreight will share practical experience of contractor delivery and vegetation management at scale, while the Weed Resistance Action Group (WRAG) will consider resistance risk, stewardship and what the sector needs to do now.

The final session, Building Resilience – Adapting Amenity for the Future, will look ahead to the pressures shaping professional amenity management, with perspectives around soil, water and drought resilience, and the future management of public spaces. Further speakers for this session will be announced shortly.

Ian Graham, Chairman of the Amenity Forum, said: “Professional amenity management is operating in a period of considerable change. Policy and regulation are evolving, expectations around environmental management continue to increase, and those responsible for managing amenity spaces need to deliver effective outcomes while preparing for new pressures.

“Our conference is an opportunity to bring those different perspectives together – from policy makers and regulators to the people responsible for delivering work on the ground – and have an informed conversation about how the sector responds.”

The Amenity Forum Annual Conference takes place on Thursday 8 October 2026 at the British Motor Museum, Warwickshire. Registration opens at 8.30am and the conference runs from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Delegates can also attend the Amenity Forum Annual Dinner on Wednesday 7 October at Ashorne Hill, Warwickshire, providing an opportunity to meet and network with colleagues from across the sector ahead of the conference.

For further information, to view the programme and to book, visit the Amenity Forum website – include weblink.

For further information about the Amenity Forum, visit: www.amenityforum.co.uk

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