Bernhard Academy Appoints Matt Axton as Programme Leader

Bernhard Academy Appoints Matt Axton as Programme Leader

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Bernhard Academy Appoints Matt Axton as Programme Leader

Bernhard Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Axton as Programme Leader: Technical Training and Advisory, effective 8 June 2026.

Bernhard Academy Appoints Matt Axton as Programme Leader

Bernhard Academy Appoints Matt Axton as Programme Leader

Axton joins Bernhard Academy with extensive international experience in turf machinery and golf course engineering, further strengthening its commitment to delivering practical, industry-relevant education for turf professionals.

He brings a strong technical background, supported by NVQ Level 2 qualifications in Greenkeeping and Horticultural Engineering, and an NVQ Level 3 in Horticultural Engineering. His expertise was recognised with the prestigious City & Guilds Medal of Excellence, presented by HRH Prince Philip at St James’s Palace.

Throughout his career, Axton has held senior mechanical and management roles at leading venues including The Belfry, Copt Heath Golf Club and The Warwickshire Golf & Country Club. Internationally, he spent eight years as Equipment Manager at The Royal Golf Club in Bahrain and later served as After Sales Manager for Hydroturf in Qatar, working closely with Toro and Club Car equipment and dealer networks.

His hands-on experience across dealerships and greenkeeping roles has given him a well-rounded understanding of the technical and operational challenges faced by turf professionals. He has also played a key role in developing the Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation (TETO), a highly engaged global community that supports knowledge sharing across the industry.

Commenting on the appointment, Sami Strutt, Education Director at Bernhard Academy, said: “Matt’s depth of technical knowledge and real-world experience make him an outstanding addition to the team. His passion for developing others aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver relevant, high-quality education for the industry.”

In his new role, Axton will lead the delivery and development of Bernhard Academy’s technical training programmes, supporting professionals at all career stages while helping to develop the next generation of turf equipment technicians. He will also provide advisory support aligned with industry best practice and contribute to installations and event activity.

Axton added: “I’m delighted to be joining Bernhard Academy and to have the opportunity to give back to an industry that has shaped my career. I strongly believe technical training should be practical and grounded in real-world experience, and I look forward to supporting professionals at every stage of their development.”

For more information on Bernhard Academy and its training programmes, visit: https://bernhardacademy.co.uk/

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Redexim UK welcomes Jeremy Vincent

Redexim UK welcomes Jeremy Vincent

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Redexim UK welcomes Jeremy Vincent

Redexim UK has strengthened its team with the appointment of Jeremy Vincent, a highly respected figure within the groundscare industry.

Redexim UK welcomes Jeremy Vincent

Redexim UK welcomes Jeremy Vincent

With more than three decades of experience, Jeremy brings a wealth of knowledge spanning engineering, sales and customer support. His career began as an apprentice at a John Deere dealership in 1988, before progressing through a variety of roles which ultimately led him into the groundscare sector.

Jeremy spent 16 years working with an importer, where he developed his sales expertise representing a range of machinery including Trilo products, before going on to work directly with Trilo for a decade across the UK, Ireland and beyond.

Now joining Redexim UK, Jeremy will take on responsibility for sales across the southern region, supporting dealers, attending demonstrations, and working closely with customers to deliver the company’s extensive range of natural and synthetic turf maintenance equipment.

Speaking about his new role, Jeremy said:

“Ideally, I wanted to stay with a manufacturer, and Redexim really stood out. They are market leaders and their product range speaks for itself. I’ve worked with the equipment before and was always impressed.”

He added: “I’m the sort of person who enjoys being hands-on with machinery, and Redexim’s portfolio really appeals to me. There’s a strong reputation behind the brand and that makes a big difference when you’re out speaking to customers.”

Well known and widely respected across the industry, Jeremy’s appointment has been warmly received by colleagues and contacts alike.

“I’ve had so many kind messages since the news got out,” he said. “It does make you realise what a great industry this is. Everyone is supportive, and it’s genuinely a nice sector to be part of.”

Looking ahead, Jeremy is excited about the future with Redexim UK and the opportunities within his new territory.

“Redexim is clearly a company that’s moving forward and evolving. I’m really looking forward to being part of that journey and helping to grow the business in my area,” he said.

With a strong track record, deep industry knowledge, and a passion for the sector, Jeremy’s appointment marks another positive step for Redexim UK as it continues to invest in its people and strengthen its presence across the UK.

For more information, visit https://www.redexim.com/uk/

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Geoff Webb to step down as CEO of the GMA

Geoff Webb to step down as CEO of the GMA

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Geoff Webb to step down as CEO of the GMA

The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has today announced that Chief Executive, Geoff Webb, will step down from his role in March 2027, after 21 years leading the organisation.

Geoff Webb to step down as CEO of the GMA

Geoff Webb to step down as CEO of the GMA

Geoff, who has overseen a period of significant growth and transformation for the association and the wider grounds management profession, will remain closely involved with the organisation as a Strategic Advisor to the GMA following his departure as CEO.

Since taking on the role two decades ago, Geoff has played a central role in elevating the profile of grounds management, strengthening professional standards and supporting the development of thousands of grounds professionals and volunteers across sport and amenity sectors.

Under his leadership the association has expanded its membership, developed industry-leading education and training programmes, and strengthened partnerships across sport, government, and the wider facilities sector.

The GMA Board has begun the process of identifying Geoff’s successor and will announce in due course.

Geoff Webb said: “It has been an enormous privilege to lead the Grounds Management Association over the last two decades. During that time, we have seen the profession grow in recognition, capability, and influence.

“I remain deeply committed to the sector and I am pleased that I will continue supporting the GMA and its members as a Strategic Advisor following my time as CEO.”

Martyn Ward, Chair of the GMA Board said: “Geoff has played an instrumental role in shaping the modern grounds management profession. His leadership over the past two decades has positioned the GMA as the leading voice for the sector.

“We are pleased that Geoff will continue to support the organisation in a strategic advisory role following his tenure as CEO.”

Geoff will remain CEO until March 2027, ensuring continuity for the organisation and its members during the leadership transition.

Further announcements regarding the next Chief Executive will be made in due course.

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ICL Appoints Gavin Kinsella as Technical Area Sales Manager

ICL Appoints Gavin Kinsella as Technical Area Sales Manager

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ICL Appoints Gavin Kinsella as Technical Area Sales Manager

ICL Turf & Landscape UK & Ireland has announced the appointment of Gavin Kinsella as Technical Area Sales Manager – South East. Gavin brings more than 35 years of experience in golf course management, estate management and sportsturf operations, with a strong background in agronomy, leadership and sustainable turf management.

ICL Appoints Gavin Kinsella as Technical Area Sales Manager

ICL Appoints Gavin Kinsella as Technical Area Sales Manager

Gavin joins ICL from Moor Park Golf Club, where he served as Courses and Estate Manager, overseeing a 36-hole facility, practice areas, tennis courts, estate landscaping and a 24-person team. Prior to this, he held the same role at Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club for almost 18 years, managing a broad range of course, estate and environmental responsibilities.

Earlier in his career, Gavin worked with The European Tour as an Agronomy Advisor, supporting tournament venues and course preparation, alongside previous greenkeeping and golf course management roles in the UK, Europe and the United States. His professional qualifications include BIGGA Master Greenkeeper status and an HND/FdSc in Turfgrass Science and SportsTurf Management.

Commenting on his appointment, Gavin said:

“Having worked in golf course and estate management throughout my career, I understand the technical and operational challenges turf professionals face. ICL is well respected across the industry for the strength of its products and technical support, and I’m looking forward to supporting customers and distributors across the South East.”

Andrew Pledger, Sales & Business Development Manager – UK South, welcomed Gavin to the business.

“We are pleased to welcome Gavin to ICL. His experience across golf course management, estate operations and agronomy gives him a strong understanding of the needs of our customers. He will be a valuable addition to the UK South team and will help strengthen the support we provide across the region.”

Gavin will work closely with distributors and turf managers throughout the South East, providing technical guidance and support across ICL’s turf and landscape portfolio.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-growingsolutions.com

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Greg Cain appointed Business Development Manager

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Greg Cain appointed Business Development Manager: Redexim UK has strengthened its team with the appointment of Greg Cain as Business Development Manager – a newly created role that reflects the company’s continued growth and forward-thinking strategy.

Greg brings with him more than two decades of hands-on industry experience. Prior to moving into machinery sales, he spent 18 years working directly in grounds maintenance and landscaping, finishing his operational career as a senior manager for a housing association in the North West, where he led a large grounds maintenance team based around Manchester.

Greg Cain appointed Business Development Manager

Greg Cain appointed Business Development Manager

In 2018, Greg joined Cheshire Turf Machinery in Stockport, a Redexim dealer, where he first developed a close working knowledge of the brand and its product portfolio. After five and a half years there, he moved on to Kress UK as Commercial Business Manager for the North of the UK, before officially starting his new position at Redexim UK this month.

Reflecting on his move, Greg said: “It feels like a great fit for me. I’ve worked with the products before, I know the industry, and I’ve built up strong contacts across golf clubs, sports clubs and commercial sports settings.”

The Business Development Manager position has been introduced to sit alongside Redexim’s existing regional sales structure, with a clear focus on generating new opportunities and raising further awareness of the company’s extensive range.

“My role is going to be good old-fashioned knocking on doors,” Greg explained. “It’s about introducing myself, speaking to people who may have used Redexim in the past or are considering it, and getting the brand name out there. Once we’ve developed and qualified a lead, it will be passed into the dealer network to see the sales process through.”

With robotic mowing continuing to gain traction across golf and sports facilities, Greg believes this evolution presents further opportunity for Redexim’s specialist equipment.

“With the introduction of robotic mowing, greenkeepers potentially have more time to focus on key cultural practices,” he said. “That’s where Redexim’s range really comes into its own – whether it’s aeration, verti-draining, scarifying, brushing or sweeping. For me, the Redexim Verti-Drain has stood the test of time, and remains hugely important for maintaining high-quality playing surfaces.”

For Greg, the appeal of the new role lies in giving dedicated focus to the breadth of Redexim’s offering.

“I’m looking forward to speaking to customers specifically about the Redexim range in its own right,” he said. “Looking at the full portfolio of equipment available and highlighting how it can support their maintenance programmes.”

Away from work, Greg is a busy family man with four children and is actively involved with his local cricket club, where he also helps maintain the grounds. When time allows, he enjoys hiking and playing golf, a passion that keeps him closely connected to many of the customers he will now be supporting in his new role.

His appointment marks another positive step for Redexim UK, underlining the company’s commitment to investing in its people and positioning the business for continued expansion.

For more information, visit https://www.redexim.com/uk/ 

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