Andy Walker Retires After 49 Years the Howardson Group

Andy Walker Retires After 49 Years the Howardson Group: After nearly five decades of dedicated service, Andy Walker, Field Support Manager at the Howardson Group, is set to retire, marking the end of an era for one of the industry’s most respected figures.

Andy’s journey began in 1976 when, aged just 16, he walked into the SISIS factory on a whim. When asked if he’d been sent from the job centre, he quickly said yes – even though he hadn’t. As luck would have it, the real candidate’s taxi never turned up, and Andy landed a one-month trial. It didn’t take long for him to “cut the mustard,” and he soon secured a permanent role.

Andy Walker Retires After 49 Years the Howardson Group

Andy Walker Retires After 49 Years the Howardson Group

From humble beginnings on the shop floor, Andy’s ambition quickly became apparent. A chance conversation with a manager at a nearby engineering site led to an opportunity in the design engineering department, where Andy thrived. While working full-time, he also completed a five-year engineering course at Stockport Technology College and was later promoted to department manager.

In 1983, Andy took a new path into sales – a move that would define much of his career. After twelve years, he stepped into the role of Product Evaluation Manager, using his deep technical knowledge to test and refine new equipment before it went to market. By 2009, he had taken on the title of Field Support Manager – a role in which he became a true ambassador for both the Dennis and SISIS brands.

When SISIS was acquired by the Howardson Group in 2011, Andy welcomed the change. “It was the best thing that could have happened,” he said. “Dennis and SISIS complement each other perfectly. It was a natural fit, and we’ve only gone from strength to strength since.”

Andy’s career has taken him across the globe – from the UK’s bowling greens to Premier League football stadiums, and everywhere in between. He’s delivered product demonstrations, led mower seminars, and worked with clients from grassroots clubs to government ministers. He’s visited every continent – highlights include a visit to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and a memorable trip to Alcatraz during a stateside demo tour.

One of his proudest achievements was working closely with Manchester City FC. As a lifelong City fan, being part of that project was a personal and professional highlight. “It was a lot of back and forth, a lot of tweaking and testing, but we got there. They ordered over 20 machines.”

Beyond the travel and product launches, it’s the people that have made the journey worthwhile. “It’s a lovely industry to work in,” Andy reflected. “You meet such a range – from people at local bowling greens to heads of sports facilities all over the world. And I’ve been lucky to work with some great colleagues who’ve become lifelong friends.”

Among those he’s closest to is Ben Lloyd, who Andy’s worked alongside for over 20 years. “I’ve probably spent more time with him than anyone else in recent years. We’ve shared some graft, plenty of laughs – and I’ll leave it at that!”

But when asked who deserves the biggest thank you, Andy’s answer is simple: his wife, Linda. “She’s the one who made it all possible. In the early years, I’d be away for three months of the year. With two young daughters at home, she held everything together. I owe her everything.”

As he steps into retirement, Andy plans to thank Linda properly – starting with a tour of the British coastline in their caravan, followed by road trips through France and Spain. “It’s time for our own adventure,” he says.

Andy leaves behind an incredible legacy – 49 years, countless miles travelled, and a lasting impact on turf care both at home and abroad.

“I never dreaded going to work. That’s the truth of it. I’ve had a blast.”

For further information visit www.howardsongroup.com

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Origin Welcomes New Seeds and Turf Product Manager

Origin Welcomes New Seeds and Turf Product Manager: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) is pleased to announce that Luke Hunt has been appointed as their new Seeds and Turf Product Manager, effective Monday, 19th May 2025.

Luke brings over two decades of industry experience, a strong technical background, and genuine enthusiasm for turf and seed, making him an exciting addition to the business.

Origin Welcomes New Seeds and Turf Product Manager

Origin Welcomes New Seeds and Turf Product Manager

Luke joins OAS from Barenbrug UK, where he was the Amenity Business Development Manager responsible for managing a portfolio of distributor accounts and helping bring new research-led products to market.

With a career that spans 24 years, including a decade spent as a greenkeeper, Luke has a reputation for his practical knowledge, strategic thinking, and collaborative approach. He has extensive experience across both grass and wildflower seed markets.

Luke will work closely with the wider OAS team to advance the company’s seed strategy. He will also play a key role in developing innovative and sustainable products that support customer-led initiatives, integrated supply chains, and marketing campaigns in line with the company’s longer-term strategic goals.

Commenting on the appointment, Jayne Leyland, Portfolio Director for OAS, said, “I am delighted to welcome Luke to Origin Amenity Solutions. His depth of experience and technical expertise are clear, but his passion for the industry and his ability to connect with customers stand out. I am looking forward to seeing the positive impact he will make.”

Luke Hunt adds, “I’m genuinely excited to join the OAS team at such a progressive and forward-thinking time for the business. Origin’s values around sustainability, innovation, and strong customer relationships resonate with me. I’m looking forward to working alongside a passionate and knowledgeable team, building on the existing momentum, and helping to evolve the seeds and turf offering to deliver real value for our customers and the environments they manage.

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Origin Enterprises acquires Elixir Garden Supplies Ltd

Origin Enterprises acquires Elixir Garden Supplies Ltd: Origin Enterprises plc (’Origin’ or ‘the Group’), the international group shaping the future of sustainable land use, today welcomes the acquisition of Elixir Garden Supplies Ltd (“Elixir”), a UK-based industry leader in online gardening supplies.

Established for over 35 years’, Elixir has extensive expertise in fertilisers, feeds and garden care, delivering the essentials customers need in a fast-growing market segment. Offering a focused product range, the company has built a reputation for quality, expert customer support and a highly responsive supply chain — dispatching up to 20,000 orders across the UK each week, 90% of which are own-brand sales.

Origin Enterprises acquires Elixir Garden Supplies Ltd

Origin Enterprises acquires Elixir Garden Supplies Ltd

Elixir’s successful direct-to-consumer model further strengthens Origin’s expanding portfolio within its Living Landscapes division representing further progress towards the Group’s target for this division to deliver 30% of Group operating profit by the end of FY26. The acquisition enhances Origin’s ability to serve both professional and home gardening customers through a fully integrated supply chain, from raw material through to end user — a competitive advantage that sets Origin apart in the market.

TJ Kelly, Divisional Managing Director of Living Landscapes, commented: “Elixir Garden Supplies is a strong addition to the Origin family, which both complements our existing portfolio of businesses and accelerates our ability to serve the fast-growing online garden care market. By combining Elixir’s direct-to-consumer platform with Origin’s manufacturing scale and supply chain strength, we are positioned to deliver superior product ranges, value and service to customers throughout the UK.”

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Reesink Turfcare strengthens dealer support

Reesink Turfcare strengthens dealer support: Reesink Turfcare is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Dealer Development and Key Account Managers, strengthening its support to dealer partners and improving key customer relationships across the UK.

Robert Hogarth steps into the role for the North – covering territory from Cheshire and Lincolnshire up to Northumberland, across into Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man – and replacing Mike Turnbull, who now leads the Reesink Scotland branch.

Reesink Turfcare strengthens dealer support

Reesink Turfcare strengthens dealer support

Darren Anderson will take responsibility for the South of England, Wales, the Isle of Wight, Jersey and Guernsey.

Jon Cole, Divisional Business Manager for Reesink Turfcare, comments: “Our dealer partners are essential to Reesink, and we want them to feel integral to our shared success and to know how much we value their contribution. The added support from these new roles will help us achieve this and further demonstrate our commitment to helping our dealers grow their businesses.”

By dividing Mike Turnbull’s former role into North and South, Reesink aims not only to reinforce the company’s dealer-focused strategy but also to offer an additional layer of support and attention to customers within dealer territories.

With the country now split into two regions, Robert and Darren will each be responsible for managing the dealer network within their designated areas and unlocking new local opportunities.

Their goals include creating strategic call plans for key accounts, supporting dealers in sales and aftersales activities and maintaining high standards of customer service for the Toro and Reesink brands.

With over 40 years of experience in the golf sector, Robert Hogarth brings a wealth of industry knowledge to his new role covering the North territory. His background spans greenkeeping and course management through to sales leadership for turfcare companies such as Hydroturf International and Fairways GM – giving him a well-rounded perspective on both the operational and commercial sides of the business.

Speaking on his new position, he says: “I’m excited to be taking on this role and working closely with our dealer partners in the North. This is a fantastic opportunity to build strong relationships and deliver value to both the dealers and our key account customers.”

Equally thrilled to take the lead for Reesink’s South territory is Darren Anderson MG, who brings 33  years experience in the golf sector gained through course and club management roles at Abergele Golf Club, Bromborough Golf Club and The North Wales Golf Club. Darren joins Reesink as a double national award winning course/club manager, also gaining Master Greenkeeper status in 2007.

He adds: “It’s a real privilege to join Reesink in a role so focused on partnership and performance. I’m looking forward to supporting our dealers and ensuring they have everything they need to succeed with our products and services.”

Both new appointments report directly to Jon Cole and are part of a wider strategy to drive growth and help Reesink provide world-class support through its dealer network.

Robert and Darren are only a phone call away: you can contact Robert at 07780392199 and Darren at 07780392180. To find your nearest Toro dealer or Reesink branch, visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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ISEKI UK & Ireland Expands Technical Team

ISEKI UK & Ireland Expands Technical Team: Iseki UK & Ireland has announced the appointment of Callum Gaskell as Field Service Engineer, as part of its continued growth and strategic focus on strengthening dealer support services.

With a heritage rooted in engineering excellence and a reputation for high-performance and durable machinery, Iseki supports groundcare, local authorities, sports turf, agriculture and estate management professionals. The growing popularity of the products, from compact tractors to mowers and robotics, has made Callum’s role essential.

ISEKI UK & Ireland Expands Technical Team

ISEKI UK & Ireland Expands Technical Team

In his new role, Callum will provide backup and technical service training to Iseki’s extensive dealer network. His appointment forms part of Iseki’s ongoing investment in strengthening after sales support and ensuring customers continue to receive first-class service.

On the appointment, Phil Catley, Product and Marketing Manager at Iseki UK & Ireland, said:

“Callum’s experience is a perfect fit for the direction we’re heading in as a business. He not only knows the Iseki product range extremely well from his time at Ransomes Jacobsen, but he also brings a fresh perspective from his recent work with agricultural technology and material handling equipment.

“His appointment enhances our ability to provide technical excellence and responsive support to our dealers and end users, and that’s something we take great pride in as part of the Iseki brand experience.”

Callum has a strong track record in the turf care and agricultural machinery sectors. He started his career at Ransomes Jacobsen, progressing through roles in engineering and production. There, he gained in-depth technical knowledge of Iseki machinery while working closely with the brand.

More recently, he worked at Thurlow Nunn, initially specialising in GPS and guidance systems before moving into after sales and service support for forklifts and telehandlers. This gave him broad experience in diagnostics, field support and customer service.

Callum’s  appointment reinforces Iseki’s strategic investment in service excellence, ensuring its dealer network continues to deliver unmatched reliability and technical expertise to customers across the UK and Ireland.

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