PSD Groundscare celebrate exclusive dealer event

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PSD Groundscare celebrate exclusive dealer event: PSD Groundscare are celebrating a highly successful Exclusive Dealer Training Event at Meriden, Birmingham. The two-day event (18th & 19th March) saw PSD presenting, to their dealer network, new innovations to complement their existing portfolio.

The event was led by the PSD team and included a mix of supplier presentations featuring company histories and product training, which was followed by a hands-on opportunity to try the machinery for themselves.

PSD Groundscare celebrate exclusive dealer event

PSD Groundscare celebrate exclusive dealer event

The dealer partners had the ability to see PSD’s extensive professional product range, plus new innovations, including the expanded range of SABO Equipment, the all-new Hornet RC Flail Mower from EcoTech, Eliet’s new Ecocure Pedestrian Top-dresser, Honda engine Options for Grin Mowers, Koeppl’s unique range of Battery Two Wheeled Tractors and much more.

PSD specialise in various market sectors including long grass and steep slope mowing, turf renovation, green waste shredding and weed removal. The extensive product range includes various petrol engine and battery products.

Training was a key focus of the event, in keeping with PSD’s philosophy that through such training, partners obtain the knowledge and confidence to discuss the equipment in detail with their customers and to offer the best solutions for their individual requirements.

The event was supported in attendance by manufacturers including SABO, represented by Managing Director, Lars Daniel & Pierre Janotta, ELIET, represented by CEO Frederic Lietaer & Gracienne Geenens, EcoTech, represented by Giacomo Facaccia & Michela Tranquillo and GRIN, represented by Stefano Corti.

The day took place at the Forest of Arden Hotel, with sessions both indoors and outdoors with some fantastic weather, making for a highly successful event with an impressive turnout.

Stuart Mercer, Sales Director for PSD said:

“The aim of the event was to bring our dealers partners fully up to speed with what’s new and to ensure that they are well prepared for the season and to provide them with the opportunity to interact directly with our suppliers.”

“At PSD, we always pride ourselves on offering our customers a wide range of events and we were excited again to be able to showcase our range of equipment.”

“We’re absolutely delighted with how well the dealer event went. We not only had a great turn out from Dealers who were very keen to see what’s new, we had some amazing feedback, and it was wonderful to catch up with everyone.”

PSD offers BAGMA dealer staff training, and LANTRA training for their end user customers.

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GMA Industry Awards Kick Off #GroundsWeek

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GMA Industry Awards Kick Off #GroundsWeek: The GMA Industry Awards 2025 brought the grounds management community together for an unforgettable evening at Anfield Stadium, celebrating the exceptional achievements of professionals across the sector.

With #GroundsWeek just around the corner from 17-23 March, the awards also served as a reminder of the vital role grounds staff play in making sport possible.

GMA Industry Awards Kick Off #GroundsWeek

GMA Industry Awards Kick Off #GroundsWeek

Sky Sports presenter, Kyle Walker, led the night’s celebrations which showcased the very best in the industry, recognising those who go above and beyond to maintain world-class playing surfaces and green spaces.

A huge congratulations to all this year’s winners and finalists:

  • Young Groundsperson of the Year (Sponsored by Origin Amenity Solutions)  
    • Thomas Heppell-Mooney – Lancaster University
  • Newcomer of the Year of the Year (Sponsored by ICL)   
    • Matthew Barr – Warwick Independent Schools Foundation
  • Volunteer Groundsperson or Team of the Year (Sponsored by Husqvarna)   
    • Tom Banks – Kirkoswald Football Club
  • Community Groundsperson or Team of the Year  
    • Stoneham Lane Football Complex
  • Environmental and Sustainability Impact Award (Sponsored by Syngenta) 
    • London Youth Sports Trust
  • Bowls & Croquet Groundsperson or Team of the Year  
    • Dean Gibbons – Wantage Bowling Club
  • Best Managed Artificial Surface of the Year  
    • Stoneham Lane Football Complex
  • Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year  
    • York Racecourse
  • Professional Tennis Courts Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Infinicut)   
    • Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club
  • Professional Cricket Grounds Team of the Year  
    • Lancashire Cricket Club
  • Professional Rugby Union Grounds Team of the Year  
    • Leicester Tigers
  • Professional Rugby League Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Agronomic Services Ltd)    
    • Castleford Tigers
  • Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Reesink UK)   
    • Stockport County Football Club
  • Professional Football Grounds Team (Elite) of the Year (Sponsored by SGL)   
    • Liverpool Football Club
  • University/College Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Kubota UK Ltd)   
    • Lancaster University
  • Independent School Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by ISEKI UK & Ireland)    
    • Eton College
  • GMA Grounds Manager of the Year (Sponsored by DLF Seeds Ltd)  
    • William Rigg – Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club

The GMA would like to extend a special thank you to our platinum sponsor ISEKI UK & Ireland and award category sponsors, DLF Seeds Ltd, Syngenta, ICL, Agronomic Services, SGL, Husqvarna, Infinicut, Reesink Turfcare, Kubota UK and the National Governing Bodies of sport, whose support made this event possible.

This year’s charity partner, LFC Foundation, was at the heart of the evening, with guests generously donating to support its vital work in creating life-changing opportunities for young people within the local Liverpool postcodes of L4 and L5. 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 17-23 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.

The GMA Industry Awards continue to grow, and we’re already looking forward to what’s upcoming for 2026. Stay tuned for more updates and, in the meantime, keep an eye on our social channels for event highlights and winner interviews.

Thank you once again to all attendees, finalists, winners and sponsors, for such a brilliant evening of celebrating the grounds management industry.

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GroundsFest 2025 Expansion Continues

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GroundsFest 2025 Expansion Continues: Following an outstanding 2024 event, GroundsFest 2025 is set to be even bigger, with significant growth in exhibitor numbers, stand space, and industry influence. The event’s rapid expansion highlights its position as the largest event for the grounds management and landscaping industries.

The numbers speak for themselves:

  • 19,365sqm of sold exhibitor space already—with seven months still to go
  • 6,300sqm of extra stand space added to accommodate exhibitor demand
  • 91% of 2024 exhibitors have rebooked, proving the event’s exceptional value
  • 52 brand-new exhibitors already confirmed for 2025, with many more to come
GroundsFest 2025 Expansion Continues

GroundsFest 2025 Expansion Continues

This rapid expansion cements GroundsFest as the industry’s fastest-growing trade event, offering exhibitors and visitors more brands, more networking, and more hands-on experiences than ever before.

The 2025 exhibitor list is already shaping up to be the event’s most diverse yet, with leading industry names and exciting newcomers joining the GroundsFest community. Some of the new first-time exhibitors include, DEWALT, Bosch Outdoor Garden, AMAZONE Ltd, Martin Lishman, BLOCK BLITZ, Först, Wessex International and Trilo – to name just a few.

The addition of these exhibitors—along with the overwhelming rebooking rate from returning companies—is a clear indicator of GroundsFest’s growing influence and industry-wide trust.

Sales Director Charles Neale expressed his enthusiasm for the show’s exceptional momentum, stating:

“The speed at which GroundsFest is growing is simply phenomenal. The fact that 91% of last year’s exhibitors have already rebooked speaks volumes about the success of the event and the business opportunities it provides. The increasing demand for space, the addition of 52 new exhibitors, and the support from the industry show that GroundsFest is exactly what the sector needed—an engaging, interactive, and accessible event that truly delivers for exhibitors and visitors alike.”

With its expanding footprint, exhibitor line-up, and industry support, GroundsFest 2025 is shaping up to be the most impactful edition yet. The event’s strong focus on education, live demonstrations, and hands-on experiences, is setting new standards for industry trade shows.

GroundsFest 2025 takes place on 9 and 10 September at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. Stay tuned for more updates as the industry’s biggest and most exciting event gets even bigger.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

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

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Avant Tecno UK to Showcase Leguan 265 at Executive Hire Show

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Avant Tecno UK to Showcase Leguan 265 at Executive Hire Show: Avant Tecno UK is set to make an impact at the Executive Hire Show 2025, the UK’s premier event for the hire industry, taking place on 12-13 February at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

Exhibiting on stand NPP8, Avant Tecno will be showcasing the highly anticipated Leguan 265 – a game-changer in all-terrain access equipment.

Avant Tecno UK to Showcase Leguan 265 at Executive Hire Show

Avant Tecno UK to Showcase Leguan 265 at Executive Hire Show

 

The newly launched Leguan 265 sets a new standard in performance and efficiency. Designed to deliver superior all-terrain capabilities, it boasts an impressive 26.5m maximum working height, 13.6m maximum outreach, and a 250kg lift capacity.

As the fastest 27m spider lift on the market, the Leguan 265 fully extends its booms to maximum working height in just 1 minute and 35 seconds. Its rugged track system, exceptional ground clearance, and the industry’s lowest centre of gravity provide unmatched stability and manoeuvrability on challenging terrains. Whether operating on uneven ground, slopes, or confined spaces, the Leguan 265 offers reliability and ease of use for a wide range of applications.

Designed as part of Leguan’s innovative product line alongside the well-regarded 195 and 225 models, the Leguan 265 features a unified design, identical user interface, and standardised components, making it an excellent addition for fleet operators looking for efficient, easy-to-use machines. With a 45% gradeability and Leguan’s Elevated Driving Position (EDP) function, this lift is built for professionals who require extra height without compromising on performance and efficiency.

In addition to the Leguan 265, visitors to the Avant Tecno stand can find out more about the full range of Avant compact loaders and Leguan spider lifts. Avant loaders are renowned for their exceptional versatility, with over 200 attachments available for industries such as construction, agriculture, property maintenance, and landscaping. Their compact design, agility, and efficiency make them a valuable addition to any fleet of equipment.

Leguan spider lifts, engineered for stability, durability, and ease of use, continue to gain popularity in the access industry. Designed to tackle demanding work environments, Leguan lifts offer innovative features that ensure safe and efficient operation across various job sites.

The Executive Hire Show 2025 presents the perfect opportunity to see the Leguan 265 and explore how Avant’s compact loaders and Leguan’s spider lifts can enhance operations.

For more information, please visit www.avanttecno.com/uk

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BIGGA celebrates exceptional BTME

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BIGGA celebrates exceptional BTME: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) signed off from its annual education conference and trade show in Harrogate with news of a refined strategy that will shape the direction of the association for years to come.

A video of BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton, Head of Membership Scott Reeves and Chairperson Steve Lloyd discussing the strategy can be viewed online here.

BIGGA celebrates exceptional BTME

BIGGA celebrates exceptional BTME

The BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) saw turf professionals and some of the most influential figures behind the sport of golf gather at the Harrogate Convention Centre in North Yorkshire. Held alongside BIGGA’s Continue to Learn education programme, the best learning opportunity in Europe for golf greenkeepers, BTME is considered among the most important events in the golf industry due to the development opportunities and access to the latest technology and innovations afforded to golf greenkeepers and club officials.

Across three show days, 4,204 visitors walked through the doors of the convention centre, where 157 exhibitors provided a warm welcome. Visitors stayed for an average of 1.56 days and of those who came to Harrogate, 10% were from overseas.

The Continue to Learn programme was 99% sold out with 1,220 places pre-booked across the Classes and Conferences schedule. Accompanied by two outstanding free-to-attend seminar programmes throughout the show, the popularity of Continue to Learn solidifies its importance in the training and development of the greenkeeping and wider turf management community.

A large number of product launches and major industry announcements took place during BTME and you can find details of these in the Digital Media Centre on the BTME website.

A wide variety of events also took place during BTME, strengthening the festival feel of the entire week. Organisations such as The R&A, Bernhard and Company, ICL and others hosted events, while the Golf Environment Awards also took place. The BIGGA Celebration with Kress revealed the winners of this year’s BIGGA Awards and the Syngenta-sponsored Early Bird Run raised £810 for the Greenkeepers’ Benevolent Fund. The Monster Putt with Huxley Golf raised a further £957 for BIGGA’s charity, which supports members and their families in need.

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “BTME 2025 has been a resounding success, not only in terms of attendance but also in the invaluable opportunities it has provided for learning, networking and innovation within our industry. With over 4,200 visitors and more exhibitors and educational opportunities than ever before, it’s clear that BTME remains a cornerstone of the golf and turf management calendar and we’re excited to welcome everyone back to Harrogate in January 2026 for what we are certain will be another exciting and vibrant BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition.”

At BTME, BIGGA also revealed a three-pronged strategy that will further advance the ambitions of the association in its role as a prominent figurehead within the golf industry. Informed by the recent membership survey undertaken by the association, alongside an extensive consultation period, the refocused strategy will ensure BIGGA remains a strong and influential voice, effectively representing its members on an international scale and supporting them in their professional ambitions.

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “We had an absolutely fantastic response to our membership survey at the back end of 2024. Thank you so much to all the members and non-members who responded and gave their views on our association, membership, the initiatives we run and the work we’re doing to improve the greenkeeping industry. All the results of the survey are helping us refine our strategy.”

The key strategic pillars are:

  • Increasing membership numbers as a unified greenkeeping community is better able to positively influence the sport of golf.
  • Increasing engagement in BIGGA activity and evolving the membership offering to ensure all members, at every stage of their career, can get involved, become better educated and progress through their careers.
  • Advancing BIGGA’s advocacy efforts to positively influence the governance structure within golf facilities, ensuring greenkeepers are recognised as critical to the success of the sport.

These strategic pillars will inform BIGGA’s activities over the coming period and further updates will be revealed in due course.

The BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition and Continue to Learn education programme are hosted by BIGGA and take place at the Harrogate Convention Centre in North Yorkshire. The trade show will return on 20 to 22 January 2026, with Continue to Learn taking place from 18 to 21 January 2026.

For more information about BIGGA and its various activities including how to become a member, visit www.bigga.org.uk

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