OAS showcases trusted solutions at BTME

OAS showcases trusted solutions at BTME: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS), the leading complete turf solutions provider, will be a key exhibitor at BTME 2026. Visitors to stands 230 and 200 can meet the team and explore the full range of turf management, irrigation, fertiliser, nutrition and digital solutions, designed to help greenkeepers deliver high-quality, playable surfaces efficiently and sustainably.

Comprehensive Solutions on Stand 230

OAS will feature the latest Top Green R Range grass seed, developed in partnership with Europe’s leading turfgrass breeder, Top Green. Alongside this, the company will showcase its plant nutrition products and soil enhancers, demonstrating how every aspect of turf management works together.

OAS showcases trusted solutions at BTME

OAS showcases trusted solutions at BTME

Demonstrations of the digital platforms TurfKeeper and MachineKeeper will illustrate how teams can monitor turf and machinery, optimise resources, and improve operational efficiency. Complementing this, Rain Bird irrigation systems, including the Cirrus PRO central control system, will highlight how precise water management supports healthier turf while promoting sustainable water use.

Visitors will also have access to OAS’s technical team for advice on Plant Protection Products (PPP) and can collect a free IPM Wall Planner to support practical planning and future reference.

Fertiliser Focus on Stand 200
Stand 200 will highlight OAS’s extensive range of fertilisers, including NutriLink, MicroLite, and Xtend CRF, all proven to deliver outstanding results in turf performance. Experienced advisors will be on hand to explain how each product promotes healthy growth, enhances resilience, and supports long-term turf sustainability. This is an opportunity to explore OAS’s innovative fertiliser solutions and see firsthand why they are trusted by turf professionals across the UK.

Innovation and Expertise with Top Green

OAS’s long-standing partnership with Top Green brings proven European breeding expertise to UK turf management. Their programme at Les Allueds, France, combines scientific rigour with practical field performance to produce seed varieties selected for rapid establishment, resilience, wear tolerance, and year-round playability.

This ensures OAS customers have access to high-performance, trial-proven grass seed, while initiatives such as Carbon4Grass demonstrate a shared commitment to innovation and sustainable turf solutions.

Visitors can also enter a multiple-winner competition to visit Top Green’s breeding facility in France, hosted by OAS. Full entry details are available on the main stand.

Educational Sessions
OAS technical experts will lead a series of sessions as part of BIGGA’s Continue to Learn programme, offering practical advice and insights to help attendees improve turf quality and irrigation management:

  • Collecting & Using Data to Optimise Surface Performance – Sunday 18 January
    Kelly Clack demonstrates how to use site-specific data to enhance turf quality and inform management decisions.
  • Building a Fertiliser Plan for Beginners – Monday 19January
    Kelly Clack shares practical strategies for creating effective fertiliser programmes.
  • Simple Repairs to Your Irrigation System – Wednesday 21January
    Peter Robin delivers hands-on guidance for maintaining and repairing irrigation systems.
  • Emerging Technologies for Disease Control – Wednesday 21January
    Kelly Clack explores sustainable approaches to turf disease management.

Free Coffee and Expert Advice at BTME 2026
Whether you are exploring new technology, looking to refine your turf care programme, or want to see what is new in the sector, the OAS team will be ready to welcome you. Enjoy free barista-style coffee while speaking with the technical team. It’s a stand no greenkeeper should miss.

For more information, visit www.originamenity.com or contact the OAS team on 0800 138 7222.

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Midlands Machinery Show finds farmers still wanting clarity

Midlands Machinery Show finds farmers still wanting clarity: Farmers need more confidence in the industry before they can plan their next business investments.

That was the sentiment of exhibitors at the new-look Midlands Machinery Show which took place at Newark Showground last week.

Midlands Machinery Show finds farmers still wanting clarity

Midlands Machinery Show finds farmers still wanting clarity

Redesigned into a one-day format, thousands arrived at a chilly – but dry – show to talk to suppliers, gain CPD points, and socialise with their peers.

With budget day on the horizon and still no government announcements over the future of environmental schemes, exhibitors networked with land and business owners who are tentative about major investments.

NFU President sets out the challenge

One of the draws to this week’s show was the NFU’s Midlands Environment Conference.

Tom Bradshaw, NFU President, opened by stressing how high the stakes have become for farm businesses trying to navigate environmental policy. He pointed to recent public attention on the human impact of current inheritance tax rules and said the union is doing everything possible to turn that scrutiny into political pressure.

He warned that Defra’s environmental schemes remain in a state of flux, with SFI and Countryside Stewardship decisions creating clear winners and losers at a time when farmers need certainty. He called for transparency around the remaining ELMS budget and a clear plan for how farmers will be prioritised as more than 10,000 agreements expire in 2026.

Tom said environmental delivery will only succeed if farmers have confidence to invest in productivity, which is why the NFU continues to push for a workable SFI offer, rollover support where needed, and long-term clarity on the shape of future schemes.

Sentiment felt on the stands

Sharmans Agricultural, which took first prize in the Best Agricultural Trade Stand class, brought a broad range of machines to the show, including a Krone BiG Pack baler, Amazone Pantera self-propelled sprayer, and JCB telehandler.

Group Marketing Director Sally-Ann Hazard said the show is on the “home patch” for the Sharmans’ Grantham depot and was an opportunity to meet customers with the next 12 months in mind.

“The stand was built to give customers a proper look at the machines they are considering for the year ahead, and a chance to talk through plans for the coming season,” she said.

“Footfall was stronger than expected and conversations were upbeat. We understand why people are cautious but engaged, and the show offered a rare moment where the industry felt forward-looking again.”

David Musson Fencing took the best allied trade stand with a display that showed why the business has become a fixture at the Midlands Machinery Show.

The company’s Kerry Smith, who oversees purchasing, said agriculture remains a core market alongside equestrian, domestic and commercial work, and that the past year has seen strong demand for their products, underpinned by capital grants for fencing.

Kerry said the show is one of the best opportunities they have to see both long-standing customers and new faces.

“Footfall was good and the conversations were productive, with visitors willing to spend time talking through projects in a way that is impossible when they come to collect products from the yard or going to a job,” she said. “The overall mood feels more upbeat than expected and offered a welcome sign that confidence is still there beneath the uncertainty.”

Investing in efficiencies

Alan Parry, a software development manager with farm compliance app MeritAgCheck, said the challenge facing farming was driving investment in efficiencies.

“We used the show to give demonstrations of how our app can cut down on bureaucracy and paperwork, which always results in unnecessary costs for farm businesses,” he said.

“When profitability is under pressure you look at where you can shed costs, and adopting technology is one of the routes to achieving that.”

Similarly, first-time exhibitor Fireward, used its show presence to demonstrate how proven fire-suppression technology could prevent losses caused by machinery fires, particularly to balers and combines.

Marketing Manager Ben Robinson said: “Our systems have been used in construction and other major plant equipment for years but we’re now seeing how it can cut insurance costs and also the cost of losing farm equipment to fire damage.”

The Midlands Machinery Show has run for more than a decade and is organised by the Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society.

Events and Development Manager, Elizabeth Halsall, said: “We all know the challenges facing the industry, and that goes for the show’s visitors and exhibitors alike. But there was positivity to be found at the show, and a strong turnout is testament to the resilience of the sector and the need for events such as this to bring people together.”

The 2026 Midlands Machinery Show will be held on Wednesday 18 November.

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SALTEX 2025 builds momentum

SALTEX 2025 builds momentum: SALTEX 2025 has officially wrapped with a confirmed attendance of 7,463, marking an increase on 2024 visitor numbers and reinforcing its position as the cutting-edge event for the grounds management industry.

With visitors from across Europe, Asia, the Americas and New Zealand to name a few, the show’s international reach continues to grow – and so does its impact.

SALTEX 2025 builds momentum

SALTEX 2025 builds momentum

This year’s SALTEX wasn’t just busy and vibrant on the show floor, but incredibly purposeful, too. Exhibitors reported a high volume of meaningful conversations with influential buyers and decision-makers, many of which may progress into commercial opportunities. From elite sports venues, such as 14 Premier League football clubs and over 75 golf clubs, to local authorities, private estates and educational institutions, the calibre of attendees mirrored a sector ready to invest.

Josh Keay, Greenkeeper at Blackwell Golf Club, said: “It’s been great, the education you get through Learning LIVE and the extracurricular activities you can do, all on top of networking – it’s a great place to catch up with people. It’s also a great opportunity to see how the industry is moving forward and how things can be useful to you.”

Over 50% of visitors said they attended SALTEX to source new machinery and technological advancements – and they weren’t disappointed. The show floor was alive with innovation, as a number of exhibitors used the event as a strategic launchpad for their latest products. Among them were AriensCo with the AS 920 ESherpa 2WD, SMG Machines introducing the TurfBoy TB1 Eco DC, Allett Ltd unveiling the LEDMASTER UVC 100, ISEKI showcasing its Raymo remote-controlled range, Rhenac presenting the RML 400 lighting product and Trimax launching its latest innovation, OptiAdjust. These are just a handful of the many new technologies revealed at SALTEX 2025, highlighting the show’s role as the go-to platform for product debuts and industry advancement.

Alan Prickett, Sales Director at ISEKI UK & Ireland, said: “We had a really good time celebrating our 100-year anniversary at the show, and very pleased with the visitor numbers. We like it here at the NEC – it’s a good atmosphere and it gives us the chance to put a proper stand up without having to worry about everything getting wet all the time.

“We like to support the GMA, they do very good work, and SALTEX is an important get together for the industry. It’s a great place to launch new products and we do always come away with actionable enquiries, and they lead to sales. We’ll keep coming back.”

The Learning LIVE programme attracted 1,038 attendees, making it one of the most visited features of the show. With sessions spanning seven key themes including Technical Insights, Sustainable Grounds Management, Careers and Skills Development, Innovation in Grounds, Case Studies and Best Practices, Funding and Resources and Hands-on Learning, the programme once again delivered practical, forward-thinking content for professionals and volunteers at every level.

Keynote speaker James Haskell drew a packed audience with his talk on elite mindset and performance, setting the tone for an unforgettable programme. Alongside him, a host of respected industry figures shared expertise and sparked discussion on the future of the profession.

“I love SALTEX and especially given the opportunity to speak about what I’m passion about, which is resilience and elite level mindset – It’s something I use in all areas of my life,” said James Haskell. “All the visitors here are so important to sport, and my Learning LIVE session seemed to resonate with them, which is great. Grounds management work has a lot of traditions to it, but innovation for me, is about looking at the best solutions and the best ways of working.”

SALTEX is unique in its mission: every penny of surplus is reinvested back into the grounds management industry. That means every exhibitor and visitor is directly contributing to the development of the profession including grassroots initiatives, workforce training, GMA membership and sector-wide advocacy.

Geoff Webb, Grounds Management Association CEO, said: “SALTEX is a cornerstone of our industry. Every year it brings together the right people and the latest innovations that drive grounds management forward. What makes SALTEX truly unique is that at its core is an exhibition built by the few to serve the many. It’s had challenges such as COVID, new entrants, and defied decades of change built by grounds staff, providing a high quality and professional shop window for our sector and those that supply into it, those that work in it and those that elevate others – be that through education or agronomic advice it is a show truly by the industry, for the industry.

“That means when someone chooses to exhibit or attend SALTEX, they’re directly contributing to the future of the profession. This year’s event was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together with purpose. The energy, the quality of conversations and the appetite for progress were clear across the show floor. Great business was done with numerous comments about the high quality of leads and connections. We changed it up and we have had a great response as a result. A great team effort all round.

“As we look ahead to our 80th edition in 2026, we can feel that we’re building momentum. SALTEX continues to be the beating heart of the grounds management community, and we’re proud to champion its growth both nationally and internationally. We are back at the NEC November 11-12th 2026 so put it in your diary and, if you missed out this year, sign up to exhibit or pay us a visit.”
Next year’s edition will be a landmark celebration, marking the 80th SALTEX. Taking place on 11-12 November 2026 at NEC Birmingham, it will honour eight decades of progress within the grounds management industry.

For updates and registration details, visit www.saltex.org.uk.

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BASIS to debut at SALTEX 2025

BASIS to debut at SALTEX 2025: BASIS Registration Ltd will make its first-ever appearance at SALTEX on 12–13 November 2025 at the NEC Birmingham, bringing its popular Knowledge Trail to Stand D141.

This marks a key moment in BASIS’ work to champion high standards across the turf and amenity sector. After reviewing and refreshing its amenity offer, BASIS has refined its services to remain modern, relevant, and aligned with the evolving needs of professionals managing green spaces, sports turf, and landscapes across the UK.

BASIS to debut at SALTEX 2025

BASIS to debut at SALTEX 2025

Visitors can take part in the BASIS Knowledge Trail, a popular initiative which is designed to spark conversation, share insight, and support CPD learning. Partners include: Agrigem Ltd, Grounds Management Association, GreenBest Ltd, ICL Group, Lantra, NSTS and Origin Amenity Solutions.

Earn up to 6 BASIS CPD points per day

  • 2 points for attending SALTEX (sign in at Stand D141)
  • 1 point for each quiz on the Knowledge Trail or seminar visited

To take part, collect a Knowledge Trail & Seminar Stamp Card from the BASIS stand. Each completed quiz or seminar earns a stamp, and you can collect as many as you like throughout the day, but CPD points will cap off at 4. Return your card to Stand D141 to have your CPD points awarded.

Additionally Professor John Moverley OBE, Vice-Chair of the BASIS Board of Trustees, will speak on the Spotlight Stage in a session titled: “Implementing Sustainable Practice in Grounds Management – why, what, and importantly how”

He’ll explore the drivers shaping sustainable turf and amenity management and share practical tools to help professionals measure and improve performance.

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See what’s new at SALTEX 2025

See what’s new at SALTEX 2025: Europe’s cutting-edge grounds management show, SALTEX, is once again proving why it’s the go-to show for innovation, as a host of top industry brands prepare to launch their latest products and services exclusively at this year’s event.

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 12-13 November, SALTEX will offer visitors an exclusive first look at the latest innovations transforming the future of grounds management. From cutting-edge technologies to smart solutions, the show floor will be alive with fresh thinking and dynamic ideas – each designed to elevate performance across every aspect of grounds management.

See what's new at SALTEX 2025

See what’s new at SALTEX 2025

“SALTEX has always been where the industry comes to see what’s next,” said Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA. “It’s the launchpad for innovation and manufacturers choose SALTEX to debut their most exciting products because they know this is where the people who use them every day come to see them.

“For visitors, it’s a unique opportunity to discover the latest technology and get hands-on with solutions that are shaping the future of grounds management. Year after year, SALTEX proves why it’s the must-attend event for grounds people who want to stay ahead of the curve.”

This year’s exhibitors are bringing a wave of new product developments and exclusive unveilings, including:

AriensCo (C056) – Launching the AS 920 ESherpa 2WD alongside the AS 990 Tahr RC and Ariens Summit Pro Series, offering enhanced performance and operator comfort.

Campey Turf Care Systems (C050) – Unveiling the new lightweight Imants RECYCLINGDRESSER® 1.3, engineered to reduce labour and material costs by recycling and redistributing existing soil across the playing surface.

Raw Stadia (C110) – Demonstrating a new software solution linking surface data with performance decisions, including a live demo and video showcase of its real-world applications.

GreenBest (A060) – Expanding its SmartLawn range with SmartLawn FreshStart Lawn Seed, SmartLawn Hand Spreader and SmartLawn ProCast 20 Push Spreader, built for smarter, greener turf management.

Allett Ltd (B130) – Revealing the LEDMASTER UVC 100, designed for professional mowers and engineered for professional mowers. It is completely autonomous and functions independently of the mower, thanks to its own powerful battery, based on the reliable Metabo LiHD technology.

ISEKI (C100) – Launching the all-new Raymo remote-controlled range, delivering the first of the new GPS Models on show equipped with the 48” Craft Deck a 150Ah battery and a full range of Raymo accessories.

Rhenac (E038) – Presenting the RML 400 lighting product featuring Rhenac’s largest and most advanced mobile lighting system, designed to deliver full-spectrum LED light across 400 m² of turf.

STIGA (G130) – Unveiling a suite of next-generation mowing solutions including the AXL, a Fflly autonomous mower delivering AI-powered precision for large and complex turf areas. ePark Pro – STIGA’s first fully electric front mower, combining zero-emissions with high performance for noise-sensitive and urban environments and Vista Robots – autonomous robotic mowers featuring AI-powered camera recognition, GPS RTK guidance and STIGA’s unique AGS technology.

SMG Machines (A110) – Introducing the TurfBoy TB1 Eco DC, powered by a powerful, emission-free 48 V electric motor with 1,000 kW, which also guarantees low-noise operation at just 99.5 dB.

Net World Sports (H110) – Taking visitors behind the scenes of its FIFA-accredited equipment testing process and showcasing how FORZA goals are engineered to perform at elite level.

Turfcoach (D125) – Launching a brand-new mobile app that brings together all Turf IQ features in one user-friendly platform.

Chappell Enterprises UK (F115) – Introducing new advertising and recruitment services to better connect employers and professionals in the grounds sector.

Plus many more exhibitors who will be showcasing innovative solutions across the show floor, making SALTEX the must-attend event for discovering what’s new and what’s next in the world of grounds management.

Register for FREE 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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