Future Grounds Managers take centre stage at SALTEX 2026

Future Grounds Managers take centre stage at SALTEX 2026

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Future Grounds Managers take centre stage at SALTEX 2026

From apprenticeships to leadership development, GMA NextGen will be showcasing the exciting opportunities available to the next generation of grounds professionals at SALTEX 2026 through expert-led sessions and dedicated networking events.

Future Grounds Managers take centre stage at SALTEX 2026

Future Grounds Managers take centre stage at SALTEX 2026

As the grounds management industry continues to invest in developing future talent, GMA NextGen will take centre stage across both days of SALTEX 2026, providing aspiring and early-career professionals with the knowledge, inspiration and connections needed to build successful careers in the sector.

The packed programme will highlight the importance of education, apprenticeships and continuing professional development (CPD), while offering attendees the chance to hear directly from young professionals who are already forging careers at some of the UK’s leading sports venues.

Flynn Good, GMA NextGen Committee member, said: “We’re thrilled to be returning to SALTEX and showcasing the opportunities available to the next generation of grounds professionals. SALTEX provides the perfect platform to bring people together, share experiences and build valuable connections across the industry.

“This year’s programme is focused on supporting career development at every stage. Through our Learning LIVE sessions, we’ll be exploring how education and CPD can help professionals progress their careers, while also highlighting the apprenticeship opportunities that are opening doors for new talent across the sector.

“We’re looking forward to meeting visitors, hearing their experiences and helping the next generation take the next step in their careers.”

Discover Apprenticeship Opportunities in Sport

On Wednesday 11 November 2026, GMA NextGen will host “Understanding Apprenticeship Opportunities for your Facility” on the Spotlight Stage.

An apprenticeship could be the first step into the world of professional sport. This session will explore how apprenticeships enable individuals to earn while they learn, gain valuable workplace experience, and develop the skills needed to build long-term careers in grounds management.

Visitors will hear how apprentices are thriving at football clubs, tennis venues, golf courses and other leading sports facilities, while learning more about the application process and what to expect from an apprenticeship programme.

Speakers:

  • Flynn Good, First Assistant Pitch Manager, Leicester City Football Club, GMA NextGen Member
  • Sonny Keywood, Sports Turf Technician, Brighton and Hove Albion FC, GMA NextGen Member
  • James Williamson, Development Partner, Cricket Wales, GMA NextGen Member
  • Bojan Jovanovic, Learning Programme Lead, Grounds Management Association
  • Paul McGrail, Executive Director / Assistant Principal – Apprenticeships, Skills & Employer Engagement, Mysercough College
  • Jonathan Knowles, Head of LCFC’s Sport Turf Academy, Leicester City Football Club

The session will provide practical guidance on how to apply for apprenticeships, what candidates can expect throughout their learning journey and the career opportunities available within the industry.

Supporting the Grounds Managers of Tomorrow

On Thursday 12 November 2026, attention will turn to professional development with “Future Managers: How to Progress Your Career Through Education and CPD” on the Main Stage.

This interactive session will provide practical advice on how grounds professionals can use the Grounds Management Framework alongside national and bespoke educational opportunities to achieve both pitch performance goals and personal career ambitions.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into developing themselves and their teams through structured learning, CPD and professional development opportunities.

Speakers:

  • Dan Prest, Head of Technical and Learning, Grounds Management Association
  • Jack Langley, Deputy Head Groundsperson, Bristol City FC, GMA NextGen Member
  • Ollie Mahon, GMA NextGen Member
  • Gary Barwell, Head Groundsman, Edgbaston

Meet the GMA NextGen Community

Alongside the stage programme, visitors are encouraged to attend the GMA NextGen Clubhouse Meet-Ups, offering an informal setting to connect with fellow young grounds professionals and members of the NextGen community.

Whether you’re just starting out in the industry, considering an apprenticeship, or looking to expand your professional network, the NextGen team will be on hand to share advice, answer questions and discuss ways to get involved.

Clubhouse Meet-Up Times:

  • Wednesday 11 November | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
  • Thursday 12 November | 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Whether attendees are considering an apprenticeship, seeking career development opportunities or simply looking to expand their professional network, the NextGen team will be on hand to offer advice, support and guidance.

Join Us at SALTEX 2026

From aspiring apprentices to future industry leaders, GMA NextGen’s programme at SALTEX 2026 demonstrates the wide range of opportunities available within grounds management. Through expert-led discussions, real-world career stories and networking opportunities, visitors will gain the knowledge and connections needed to take the next step in their professional journey.

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

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EGO brings professional battery-powered tools to FutureScape

EGO brings professional battery-powered tools to FutureScape

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EGO brings professional battery-powered tools to FutureScape

Battery-powered outdoor power equipment specialist, EGO, is set to make its FutureScape debut this October, demonstrating the innovations shaping the future of landscaping and grounds care.

EGO brings professional battery-powered tools to FutureScape

EGO brings professional battery-powered tools to FutureScape

Ideal for contractors and businesses considering the move away from petrol to battery, EGO will showcase the breadth of its 56V battery platform, in which professional-grade equipment, interchangeable batteries, portable charging solutions, and connected fleet management work together to support operators working across a variety of job sites.

Leading the exhibit is EGO’s first PRO X zero-turn ride-on mower, the new ZTX4800E. Its onboard DC-DC charging capabilities and mounting fixtures allow operators to transport other EGO tools and charge batteries on the go, helping to reduce downtime. Visitors can experience the mower’s capabilities first-hand by taking it for a test drive in the outdoor demonstration area.

There, visitors can also see the performance of EGO’s new ARC Lithium MAXTM battery, designed to reduce interruptions on job sites through faster charging, fewer battery changes and improved performance. Helping grounds care teams spend more time getting the job done, the tabless-cell battery will charge from empty to 100% full in only 20 minutes when paired with the PGXTM Power Bank.

David Mortimer, Sales Director UK & Ireland for EGO, said: “Battery power has come a long way, even in the last five years, when it comes to effectively meeting the needs of heavy commercial users. We’re really looking forward to joining FutureScape for the first time this year and showcasing how the switch to EGO tools can benefit professional audiences through the environmental and commercial outcomes that can be achieved as a result.

“With over 100 products in our portfolio, including our dedicated PRO X Series for commercial users, FutureScape provides the perfect platform for professionals looking to move away from petrol to see how EGO can help them make that transition across their business seamlessly.”

Visitors to the EGO stand will also have the chance to enter a competition to win an LMX5300SP PRO X Self-propelled lawn mower.

EGO will be at FutureScape, 13–14 October, on Stand OD30. To learn more, visit: https://egopowerplus.co.uk/

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Agrigem to Highlight Turf Health Solutions at GroundsFest

Agrigem to Highlight Turf Health Solutions at GroundsFest

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Agrigem to Highlight Turf Health Solutions at GroundsFest

Agrigem, a leading supplier of professional turf care, landscaping, and amenity products, has announced its presence at GroundsFest this year. Visitors to the event are invited to visit Agrigem at Stand 37 to speak directly with the company’s team of qualified agronomists and technical specialists.

Agrigem to Highlight Turf Health Solutions at GroundsFest

Agrigem to Highlight Turf Health Solutions at GroundsFest

In an industry where high-performing turf management demands precise, tailored solutions, Agrigem’s key differentiator is its deep technical expertise. The company provides direct access to qualified agronomists who can offer bespoke, science-backed advice to help achieve exceptional turf health year-round.

Whether you manage elite pitches, grassroots facilities, municipal parks, school grounds, paddock land, or commercial estates, Agrigem’s expert agronomists deliver practical, tailored advice that produces real, lasting performance on the ground.

Visitors to Stand 37 will have the opportunity to:

• Consult with Qualified Agronomists: Discuss specific turf care challenges, soil health requirements, weed/disease management, and seasonal treatment plans with certified technical experts.

• Explore Professional-Grade Products: Learn about Agrigem’s comprehensive range of professional fertilisers, herbicides, fungicides, seed blends, and soil conditioners designed for sports pitches, golf courses, and amenity turf.

• Get Tailored Advice: Receive expert guidance on product selection, application rates, and best practices to optimise turf performance and return on investment.

“At Agrigem, our core mission goes beyond simply supplying products. We focus on delivering expert advice and technical support that genuinely helps our customers solve complex turf issues,” said Ollie Wright, Technical Manager at Agrigem. “GroundsFest is a fantastic platform for us to connect face-to-face with groundskeepers and industry professionals. We encourage anyone looking to elevate their turf health or overcome specific management challenges to drop by Stand 37 for a chat with our agronomists.”

Agrigem will also be taking part in the BASIS Knowledge Trail at GroundsFest – allowing visitors to collect BASIS CPD points while gaining valuable insights and knowledge from exhibitors.

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Amenity Forum brings Integrated Pest Management to life at GroundesFest

Amenity Forum brings Integrated Pest Management to life at GroundesFest

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Amenity Forum brings Integrated Pest Management to life at GroundesFest

The Amenity Forum will feature a new Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Practice Showcase at GroundsFest 2026, bringing together member organisations to demonstrate how different technologies, products and approaches contribute to sustainable amenity management.

Amenity Forum brings Integrated Pest Management to life at GroundesFest

Amenity Forum brings Integrated Pest Management to life at GroundesFest

Rather than focusing on individual products or organisations, the showcase will take visitors on a journey through the key stages of Integrated Pest Management – from prevention and monitoring through to targeted intervention, application and review.

The interactive display will demonstrate that effective IPM is not a single solution, but a combination of knowledge, planning, technology, cultural practices and responsible decision-making.

The first organisations confirmed to contribute to the showcase include:

  • Complete Weed Control – demonstrating precision weed detection and targeted herbicide application technology that enables treatments only where weeds are present, helping to reduce pesticide use.
  • DLF – showcasing sports turf and wildflower solutions that demonstrate how healthy, resilient surfaces and enhanced biodiversity form important components of Integrated Pest Management.
  • NOMIX – demonstrating the role that residual herbicides can play within a long-term weed management strategy, reducing weed emergence and supporting a reduction in treatment frequency over successive seasons.
  • National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) – demonstrating spray application technology and the importance of nozzle selection in achieving accurate and responsible application.

Ian Graham, Chair of the Amenity Forum said:

“Integrated Pest Management is about making informed decisions, using the right intervention at the right time and considering the full range of tools available. No single product, technology or technique delivers effective IPM on its own.

The IPM in Practice Showcase at GroundsFest will bring together examples of how different organisations are helping to deliver more sustainable vegetation management. By demonstrating practical solutions side by side and the journey from manufacture to application of the Plant Protection Products that often form an essential part of integrated techniques, we hope visitors will leave with a better understanding of how prevention, monitoring, biological approaches, targeted application and professional competence all have a role to play.

The Amenity Forum is delighted to be working with its members to bring this showcase to GroundsFest and we look forward to welcoming industry professionals to see Integrated Pest Management properly represented.”

Additional Amenity Forum members joining the showcase will be announced over the coming weeks, highlighting further innovations in biological control, stewardship, monitoring and non-chemical weed management.

Industry professionals will be able to explore how each element contributes to the wider IPM process, reinforcing the message that sustainable vegetation management relies on informed decisions and the integration of multiple approaches rather than any single intervention.

Visitors can experience the IPM in Practice Showcase on Stand OSA812 throughout GroundsFest 2026, where the Amenity Forum and participating members will demonstrate how different technologies and approaches work together to deliver effective Integrated Pest Management. They will also be able to collect BASIS Knowledge Trail CPD points.

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

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STIHL to showcase the future of professional battery power at GroundsFest

STIHL to showcase the future of professional battery power at GroundsFest

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STIHL to showcase the future of professional battery power at GroundsFest

STIHL is set to mark its 100th anniversary at GroundsFest 2026 with the showcase of its new ALLPRObattery system, demonstrating how the next generation of professional battery technology is helping grounds maintenance and landscaping teams maximise productivity, minimise downtime and work more efficiently throughout the day.

STIHL to showcase the future of professional battery power at GroundsFest

STIHL to showcase the future of professional battery power at GroundsFest

Taking place at Stoneleigh Park on 9th – 10th September 2026, GroundsFest brings together professionals from across the grounds care, landscaping and amenities sectors. Visitors to the STIHL stand will have the opportunity to explore the company’s latest battery innovations and discover how its growing professional battery ecosystem is designed to support demanding commercial applications.

STIHL ALLPRO battery system for professional grounds maintenance

At the heart of STIHL’s stand will be the ALLPRO battery system, a new generation of high-performance batteries engineered to deliver increased power output, longer running times and significantly longer service life, while maintaining the durability expected from STIHL professional products.

Designed for professional users, the ALLPRO system enables grounds maintenance and landscaping teams to spend more time working and less time managing battery changes and charging schedules.

STIHL ultra-fast charging to minimise downtime

Visitors will also be able to see the new AL 1802 MO charger, designed to keep professional teams moving throughout the working day.

When paired with the ALLPRO battery system, batteries can be charged to 80 per cent capacity in just nine minutes, helping operators to minimise downtime and maximise productivity on site.

STIHL portable power wherever the job takes you

Alongside the new charger, STIHL will also showcase the PS 2000 Portable Power Supply, providing a flexible source of power for professionals working across multiple sites.

Together, the ALLPRO batteries, AL 1802 MO and PS 2000 form a complete professional battery ecosystem designed to support contractors, local authorities, estates teams and grounds maintenance professionals.

STIHL celebrating 100 years of innovation

STIHL’s appearance at GroundsFest comes during a landmark year, as the company celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Since 1926, STIHL has helped shape the forestry, landscaping and gardening industries through continuous innovation, with the ALLPRO system representing the latest step in its commitment to developing high-performance professional equipment.

Visit STIHL at GroundsFest

The STIHL team will be on Stand OSA 30 throughout the exhibition, providing product demonstrations, expert advice and guidance on its latest professional battery technologies.

For more information on STIHL products, visit www.stihl.co.uk or contact your nearest STIHL Approved Dealer.

Find out more about STIHL’s historic milestone, here: https://100.stihl.com

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