James Haskell to headline at SALTEX

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James Haskell to headline at SALTEX: SALTEX, the UK’s cutting-edge sports turf, grounds care and landscaping exhibition, is set to welcome one of the most recognisable sporting personalities, James Haskell, for an unmissable Learning LIVE and Clubhouse DJ session on day one of the show. 

Held at the NEC Birmingham on 12-13 November 2025, SALTEX promises a vibrant mix of industry insight and entertainment. Haskell, a former England international rugby player, will join the stellar Learning LIVE line up and deliver a keynote session. His talk will explore the parallels between elite sport and professional development, touching on leadership, resilience and the importance of adaptability in high-performance environments.

James Haskell to headline at SALTEX

James Haskell to headline at SALTEX

As a former professional athlete, James understands first-hand the critical role high-quality playing surfaces play in elite performance, and he brings a genuine appreciation for the work of grounds staff and turf professionals at all levels.

He is one of the best-known rugby players and sportspeople in the UK, having played 77 times for his country, as well as competing internationally and for the British and Irish Lions. He’s known as much for his ability on the field as for his personality off it.

James will also perform an exclusive live DJ set at the SALTEX Clubhouse to kick off Happy Hour on the afternoon of Wednesday 12 November. Known for his love for electronic music and high-energy performances, he set is said to bring ‘Café Mambo vibes’ to Birmingham – blending uplifting house beats with a relaxed, Ibiza-inspired atmosphere. The Clubhouse offers visitors a unique opportunity to unwind and network in a vibrant, informal setting.

The SALTEX Clubhouse has been revamped for 2025 to provide even more opportunities to unwind. Open throughout the show, it will host informal meetups and specially designed networking events to help visitors build meaningful relationships.

James Haskell said: “I’m really looking forward to joining everyone at SALTEX this year. I know first-hand the difference that world-class pitches make to performance, so it’ll be great to share my experiences from the professional game with the people who make it all possible.

“High performance isn’t just about elite sport and sportspeople, it’s about mindset and finding ways to bring out your best every day. I can’t wait to dive into that with the visitors, and then round things off with a DJ set in the Clubhouse.”

Since retiring from professional sport in 2019, James has embarked on a multi-faceted career as a podcaster, presenter and professional DJ.

He hosts several podcasts, including The Good, The Bad and The Rugby, one of the biggest sports podcasts in the world. He’s also appeared on hit shows such as I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, The Chase, A League of Their Own, Question of Sport, Fighting Talk, and many more household-name programmes.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have James Haskell joining us at SALTEX 2025,” said Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the Grounds Management Association. “He is one of the UK’s most recognisable sporting personalities and brings a wealth of experience from the very highest levels of performance, both on and off the pitch. His session will offer valuable insight into resilience and mindset but also provide plenty of entertaining stories.

“Adding someone of James’ stature to an already fantastic Learning LIVE programme just shows the breadth of knowledge and inspiration visitors can expect at this year’s show. And of course, what better way to round off the day than with James swapping the microphone for the decks to kick-start Happy Hour in the Clubhouse Bar. It’s going to be a real highlight of the show.”

SALTEX 2025 is expected to welcome thousands of professionals and volunteers from across the sports turf, grounds care and landscaping sectors, with more than 400 brands and 65+ expert speakers confirmed.

Register for FREE at www.saltex.org.uk and be in with a chance of winning a Cramer Tools Lawn Mower, complete with charger and battery, worth £2,240!

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GroundsFest 2025 Raises the Bar Again

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GroundsFest 2025 Raises the Bar Again: GroundsFest 2025 cemented its place as the UK’s largest industry trade show after just three years, with an incredible 9,037 visitors over two days. The event’s rapid growth was clear for all to see: more exhibitors, more visitors, and more innovation than ever before.

The show offered hundreds of brands, cutting-edge product launches, and a community spirit that made GroundsFest stand out. The atmosphere was electric – relaxed yet vibrant – with interactive games on stands, smiling faces throughout, and a genuine sense of excitement as professionals and volunteers from every corner of the industry came together.

GroundsFest 2025 Raises the Bar Again

GroundsFest 2025 Raises the Bar Again

Innovation at the Heart of the Show

Innovation was everywhere. From world-first product launches to interactive demonstrations, GroundsFest once again proved itself as the home of forward-thinking solutions. Visitors were among the first to experience never-before-seen equipment and technology that is shaping the future of the sector.

The first-ever GroundsFest Innovation Awards, in association with Hort Week and sponsored by Cramer and Bosch, drew over 100 entries, showcasing the best of new product design alongside proven favourites that have stood the test of time.

Winners:

  • Maintenance and workshop equipment – New product – Foley Company for the 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder
  • Stood the test of time – Clearwater Recycling Systems
  • Services – New product – Origin Amenity Solutions for Machine keeper
  • Transport – New product – LCVT for Side Tipping Beavertail
  • Tractors and implement carriers – New product – AEBI, Schmidt UK for Aebi TT 282
  • Tree care – New product – CMC Lift UK for CMC S20
  • Landscape consumables – New product – Wildflower Turf Ltd for Enhanced Wildflower Biodiversity Range
  • Stood the test of time – DLF Seeds for The Pro-Flora range of mixtures
  • Landscape equipment – New product – Westermann UK for WR870 EGO Battery Moss Brush
  • Stood the test of time – The Professional Sprayer People for Mankar ULV Sprayers
  • Turf maintenance consumables – New product – Fargro for the DCM Vital Green
  • Turf maintenance equipment – New product – Redexim UK for Redexim Scarivator
  • Stood the test of time – Redexim UK for Verti Drain
  • Grass cutting equipment – New product – STIGA for Nexus
  • Stood the test of time – Trimax for Pegasus

Over 30 Hours of Free Education and Inspiration

Over 30 hours of free education were delivered across five seminar theatres, with top speakers providing invaluable insights and CPD points for attendees. The Landscape Zone, in partnership with BALI, was significantly busier than in 2024, with packed-out education sessions on design, planning, and outdoor construction. Many seminars became talking points throughout the halls, sparking fresh conversations and new collaborations.

Crowd-Favourite Features

Feature areas continued to thrive and expand. Machinery Nation LIVE wowed audiences with its “Chainsaws – Past, Present and Future” showcase, featuring brands like STIHL, EGO, Milwaukee, and Dewalt alongside rare vintage models. Visitors also enjoyed the Stand-On Mowers head-to-head challenge and an adrenaline-fuelled machinery relay.

Lawn Mower Racing, in partnership with Kramp UK and the West Midland Lawn Mower Association, made its debut and proved to be a huge crowd-pleaser.

Visitors also had the chance to win prizes ranging from robotic mowers to premium hand tools, adding extra excitement to the show.

GroundsFest 2025 Raises the Bar Again

GroundsFest 2025 Raises the Bar Again

Festival Vibes

GroundsFest’s unique blend of trade show and festival atmosphere set it apart once again. The live music festival returned bigger and better, with great food, drink, free bumper cars, and the world’s best Oasis tribute band delivering a set that struck a chord with attendees.

Christopher Bassett, Event Director of GroundsFest, said:

“This show wouldn’t be possible without the support of our incredible exhibitors, visitors, and partners. We’re truly humbled and we’ll continue to reinvest profits from GroundsFest back into the industry through the GroundsFest Academy. The key is to always keep listening and evolving – to give the industry a show they can be proud of.”

With its unbeatable mix of innovation, education, community, and festival energy, GroundsFest has firmly established itself as the go-to event for the industry. If 2025 is anything to go by, the show’s future is brighter than ever.

GroundsFest 2026 will return to Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 16th and 17th September.

For more information visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on X, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views

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Registration Now Open for The MENA TURF SHOW 2026

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Registration Now Open for The MENA TURF SHOW 2026: Organisers of The MENA TURF SHOW are delighted to announce that registration is officially open for the 2026 event, scheduled for Friday 17 April 2026, at the prestigious Park Hyatt Dubai.

Celebrating its impact on turf, landscaping, and green space management across the Middle East and North Africa, The MENA TURF SHOW brings together industry leaders, specialists, and decision-makers for a powerful day of innovation, education, and collaboration.

Registration Now Open for The MENA TURF SHOW 2026

Registration Now Open for The MENA TURF SHOW 2026

“We are thrilled to open registration for this year’s MENA TURF SHOW,” said Nick Brown of Campey Turf Care Systems. “The UAE region has lacked a dedicated event where professionals can meet, connect, and exchange knowledge—until now. With a perfect spring date and the iconic Park Hyatt Dubai venue, we’re focused on driving conversations around sustainability, turf science, smart irrigation, and best practices specific to our regional climate.”

2026 MENA TURF SHOW Highlights:

• Expert-led sessions bringing education that can transform how we care for sports surfaces and
landscapes in this unique environment
• Networking with top suppliers, contractors, groundskeepers, and golf/sports turf managers
• Exclusive insights on regional challenges

Secure your place now for an event not to be missed!

Venue: Hall: Creek A, Park Hyatt Dubai, UAE
Date: 17 April 2026

Register or learn more: www.themeanturfshow.com

Stay up to date—follow us on social media with #MENATurfShow2026 for insights, speaker announcements, and exhibitor reveals.

Connect. Discover. Grow. See you at The MENA TURF SHOW in Dubai on 17 April 2026.

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STIGA Wins Innovation Award at GroundsFest 2025

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STIGA Wins Innovation Award at GroundsFest 2025: The STIGA team is proud to announce that their Large Format Robot has been awarded the Innovation Award for Best Grass Cutting Equipment at GroundsFest 2025.

Designed for managing very large areas with efficiency and precision, the Large Format Robot combines advanced robotics with sustainable technology. Equipped with a full suite of object detection and proximity sensors, an integrated camera, and unlimited operational capacity, the robot sets a new standard for professional turf management.

STIGA Wins Innovation Award at GroundsFest 2025

STIGA Wins Innovation Award at GroundsFest 2025

Commenting on the award, Amanda Kincaid, UK Marketing Manager for STIGA, said:

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have received the Innovation Award for Best Grass Cutting Equipment at GroundsFest. Gardening is evolving rapidly—it’s no longer just about tools, but about creating smart, sustainable solutions that adapt to every need. At GroundsFest 2025, we showcased our vision for the future with groundbreaking robotics, forward-thinking innovation, and exciting new products.”

She added: “Stepping into the professional segment is a natural progression for us—a clear expression of both our ambition and our commitment to shaping the outdoor spaces of tomorrow.”

This milestone marks STIGA’s official entry into the professional market, building on the brand’s 90+ years of expertise and leadership in the transition to electric solutions for gardening. At GroundsFest, visitors experienced live demonstrations of STIGA’s professional innovations, including the award-winning Large Format Robot, the all-electric STIGA ePark Pro front mower, and the new ePowerBattery Pro.

Looking ahead, STIGA reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainable gardening through robotics and battery technology. Visitors were also given a preview of next-generation solutions currently in development, including new autonomous and battery-powered mowers powered by the ePowerPro system, set to launch in 2026.

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STIHL to showcase new machines at GroundsFest

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STIHL to showcase new machines at GroundsFest: STIHL will exhibit a range of new products at this year’s GroundsFest, a leading trade show for the grounds management and landscaping industries, taking place from 9th – 10th September 2025 at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

Among the tools on display will be STIHL’s latest charging innovations and a range of its popular 2025 launches, plus several new battery-powered products such as the PKA 30 Battery Pump Head, the SGA 30 Battery Sprayer, and the WSA 40 Battery Water Container.

STIHL to showcase new machines at GroundsFest

STIHL to showcase new machines at GroundsFest

On stand OSA 30 STIHL will showcase the new CM 8 Charging Management System, which allows up to 8 chargers to be powered via a standard GB 230 V Socket. The CM 8 allows twice as many chargers to be charged on a single fuse, providing a simple solution with no electrical expertise required. Built-in overload protection ensures safe and reliable operation.

STIHL will also be showcasing its most popular 2025 launches, including many AP System battery-powered tools, such as its RMA 7 Lawn Mowers, the BRA 500 & 600 Backpack Blowers, and HSA 140 & 150 Hedge Trimmers.

Visitors can also get hands on with the GTA 40 Pruner and see demonstrations of the new MS 400.1 Chainsaw, which boasts the best power-to-weight ratio of any professional chainsaw in the 60cc class. In addition, complementing this launch, will be three new ranges of chainsaw PPE.

Covering all work cases, the FUNCTION range is ideal for occasional use, while the ADVANCE range is designed specifically for professional arborists and tree workers.

Debuting at GroundsFest is the battery-powered PKA 30 Pump Head, which can be added to the STIHL SG 31 manual sprayer or cut-off machine water tank, helping users to maintain constant pressure automatically. This energy-efficient tool removes the need for manual pumping, saving the user time and boosting productivity.

Also, supporting users in achieving an even liquid application as a full solution, is the SGA 30 battery-powered sprayer. As with the PKA 30, this new tool supports precise distribution of liquids, with a variable pressure adjustment.

Alongside the PKA 30 and SGA 30, visitors will also get to see the new WSA 40. This battery-powered water container has been designed to deliver a mobile water supply to a cut-off machine, such as the TS 410 or TSA 300. Providing automatic and constant pressure, the WSA 40 delivers up to seven tanks of water, with a 30-minute run-time using one AS battery.

Visitors to the STIHL stand OSA 30 will get the chance to see these new tools up close, observe live demonstrations, and speak with STIHL experts for advice and guidance on all STIHL machines.

For more information, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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