Replay Group appoints James Kimmings

Replay Group appoints James Kimmings

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Replay Group appoints James Kimmings

Replay Group has appointed James Kimmings as its new Digital and Online Analyst, reinforcing the company’s commitment to growing its digital presence and supporting its continued expansion.

Replay Group appoints James Kimmings

Replay Group appoints James Kimmings

James joins Replay after almost four years at Pitchcare, where he gained extensive experience across journalism, social media management, videography, content creation, magazine production, video editing and digital communications.

At Replay, James will be responsible for growing the company’s digital footprint through website development, search engine optimisation (SEO), content creation and social media, while supporting the sales team with digital marketing activity designed to increase leads and raise the company’s profile across the sports turf, landscaping and grounds maintenance sectors.

James studied Sports Business Management at Northumbria University before completing a Master’s degree in Media and Journalism at Newcastle University. During his studies he gained valuable experience with a local newspaper and radio station before beginning his career at Pitchcare in 2022.

He was attracted by the opportunity to take on a new challenge in a role created specifically to support Replay’s future growth.

“What really appealed to me was the opportunity to build something from the ground up,” he explained. “Replay has ambitious plans for its digital presence, and this role gives me the chance to help shape that journey from the very beginning.

“It’s exciting because there’s so much potential. I can bring together everything I’ve learned over the last four years and apply it in a way that’s focused on growing the business and creating new opportunities.”

One of James’ biggest motivations is seeing measurable growth from his work.

“I’m looking forward to establishing some baseline figures and then watching the website traffic, enquiries and digital engagement grow over time. That’s something that’s really exciting because it’s a much more commercially focused role, where you can clearly see the impact of the work you’re doing.”

Having spent his entire professional career in the turf industry, James is also pleased to remain part of a sector he has come to know well.

“The people make this industry what it is,” he said. “I’ve had the privilege of interviewing countless greenkeepers, grounds staff and industry professionals over the last few years, and they’re passionate people who don’t always receive the recognition they deserve.

“I’m grateful to have stayed within the industry because it’s a fantastic community. Replay may have maintenance at the heart of its business, but it’s still very much part of the wider grounds sector. I’m excited about the challenge ahead, looking forward to working with the team and helping Replay continue to grow its digital presence.”

Replay Group welcomes James to the team and looks forward to the expertise, creativity and enthusiasm he brings as the company continues to strengthen its digital offering.

For more information, visit www.replaymaintenance.co.uk

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Carr Golf Maintenance appoints Aindriu Jackson

Carr Golf Maintenance appoints Aindriu Jackson

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Carr Golf Maintenance appoints Aindriu Jackson

Carr Golf Maintenance has appointed Aindriu Jackson as Director of Agronomy & Sustainability, recognising his significant contribution and reinforcing the company’s commitment to agronomic excellence, environmental stewardship and continuous improvement to its golf course portfolio.

Carr Golf Maintenance appoints Aindriu Jackson

Carr Golf Maintenance appoints Aindriu Jackson

In his new role, Jackson will direct agronomic strategy, sustainability practices, course maintenance operations and client communications for Carr Golf Maintenance at 27 venues across Ireland and the UK, including five Burhill Group Limited venues in England.

During his nine-year tenure as Regional Superintendent, Jackson played a key role in helping clubs improve golf course performance and presentation through structured, data-driven agronomic planning. Most recently, he oversaw course preparations at Seapoint Golf Links for the prestigious Flogas Irish Men’s Amateur Open Championship. A greenkeeping professional with 30 years’ experience, Jackson is also a registered pesticide and fertiliser advisor, holds crop protection certifications from BASIS (British) and IASIS (Irish), and earned a diploma in Integrated Pest Management from University College Dublin (UCD).

“Aindriu’s promotion reflects not only the results he has consistently delivered for our clients but also his commitment to continuous learning and professional development,” said Ed Pettit, Managing Director of Carr Golf Maintenance. “His expertise and leadership will ensure we continue to improve golf course standards while fostering biodiversity and adhering to sustainability best practices”

Jackson’s appointment comes as golf clubs face rising consumer expectations, operational costs and regulatory obligations.

“Greenkeepers today face a very different set of challenges than they did when I started in the industry,” said Jackson. “The products available to us have changed significantly, which means we must be more proactive, more strategic and more informed in how we manage turf health and course performance.

“My role is to help clubs deliver outstanding playing conditions while protecting and enhancing the environment around them. That means using data to make better decisions, identifying opportunities to improve biodiversity and ensuring that every agronomic programme is tailored to the specific needs of the site.”

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ISEKI UK & Ireland Announces Two Key Management Appointments

ISEKI UK & Ireland Announces Two Key Management Appointments

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ISEKI UK & Ireland Announces Two Key Management Appointments

ISEKI UK & Ireland has announced two new management appointments as part of its continued commitment to supporting its dealer network and strengthening its market presence.

ISEKI UK & Ireland Announces Two Key Management Appointments

ISEKI UK & Ireland Announces Two Key Management Appointments

The company has confirmed the promotion of Andrew MacKenzie to the position of Sales & Marketing Manager with immediate effect.

In his new role, Andrew will take responsibility for the company’s marketing activities, including social media, print advertising and wider brand promotion, while continuing to support and manage the dealer network across Scotland, Iceland, and Northern England.

ISEKI UK & Ireland has also welcomed Matt Barr to the team as Regional Sales Manager for the island of Ireland and the Isle of Man.

Based in Northern Ireland, Matt brings extensive industry experience, having begun his career in golf course maintenance before moving into sales with an ISEKI and Raymo dealer. Most recently, he worked with a Toro turf equipment dealer.

With a strong background in groundcare machinery, technical support and sales, Matt will work closely with dealers and customers across Ireland and the Isle of Man, helping to drive growth, strengthen relationships and provide enhanced support throughout the territory.

Commenting on the appointments, ISEKI UK & Ireland said both moves reflect the company’s ongoing investment in its people and dealer network as it continues to develop and grow across the region.

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Matt Axton officially joins Bernhard Academy

Matt Axton officially joins Bernhard Academy

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Matt Axton officially joins Bernhard Academy

Bernhard Academy is delighted to officially welcome Matt Axton to the team as Programme Leader for Technical Training and Advisory, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Academy’s technical education offering.

Matt Axton officially joins Bernhard Academy

Matt Axton officially joins Bernhard Academy

Following the announcement of his appointment earlier this year, Matt has now officially started his role with Bernhard Academy, bringing with him extensive international experience in managing and maintaining golf course machinery fleets as well as leading technical teams.

With a career spanning leading venues including The Belfry, Copt Heath Golf Club and The Warwickshire Golf & Country Club, alongside international roles in Bahrain and Qatar, Matt’s expertise further strengthens Bernhard Academy’s commitment to delivering practical, industry-relevant training for turf professionals.

Matt also brings significant experience in equipment management, dealer support and industry collaboration, having played a key role in developing the Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation (TETO), helping create a strong community focused on knowledge sharing and professional development.

Speaking about officially joining the organisation, Matt Axton said:

“I’m incredibly excited to officially begin this journey with Bernhard Academy. The opportunity to support the industry through practical technical education is something I’m deeply passionate about, and I’m looking forward to helping professionals develop their skills and confidence at every stage of their careers and to raise awareness of equipment management as a rewarding career path.”

As Programme Leader for Technical Training and Advisory, Matt will lead the delivery and continued development of Bernhard Academy’s growing technical training programmes, supporting turf professionals, equipment technicians and organisations across the industry.

Sami Strutt, Education Director at Bernhard Academy, commented:

“We are thrilled to officially welcome Matt to the team. His technical expertise, industry knowledge and passion for supporting others make him an outstanding fit for Bernhard Academy. We are excited about the impact he will have as we continue to grow our technical education offering and support the future of the industry.”

Matt’s arrival comes during a period of continued growth for Bernhard Academy, with increasing demand for technical, leadership and management education across the turf industry. The Academy remains committed to creating accessible, practical and forward-thinking learning opportunities for professionals around the world.

To learn more about Bernhard Academy and its educational programmes, visit Bernhard Academy.

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Technology specialist Alex Thorneycroft Taylor joins Kress UK

Technology specialist Alex Thorneycroft Taylor joins Kress UK

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Technology specialist Alex Thorneycroft Taylor joins Kress UK

Kress UK has strengthened its commercial team with the appointment of Alex Thorneycroft Taylor as Business Development Manager, bringing with him more than two decades of experience in precision technology, customer support, and business development.

Technology specialist Alex Thorneycroft Taylor joins Kress UK

Technology specialist Alex Thorneycroft Taylor joins Kress UK

Alex’s career began in 1999 working with GPS technology during its early adoption within the agricultural sector. Since then, he has built extensive experience across multiple industries, developing a strong understanding of how technology can help businesses improve efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.

More recently, Alex worked within the John Deere dealership network before joining PGX Trimble, a leading supplier of precision GPS technology. In that role, he focused heavily on sports turf applications, working with Premier League clubs including Liverpool, Bournemouth and Southampton to implement retrofit steering and guidance solutions.

In his new position with Kress UK, Alex will be responsible for supporting and developing the company’s dealer network across the South East, while helping to drive new business opportunities and showcase Kress’s growing portfolio of autonomous and battery-powered technologies.

“My biggest attraction to Kress was the drive and ambition behind the business,” said Alex.

“The company is constantly looking ahead, investing in sustainable technology and autonomous solutions, while maintaining a very close relationship with both its dealers and customers.

“There’s a genuine desire to stay one step ahead and continually improve, and that really appealed to me.”

Alex’s day-to-day role will involve working closely with dealers and end users, supporting demonstrations, installations and customer engagement activities, while helping customers understand how Kress technology can address some of the key challenges facing the industry.

“What excites me most is the opportunity to build on the fantastic work already being done with our dealer network,” he said. “Battery-powered technology and autonomous equipment are creating huge opportunities for customers to reduce carbon emissions, improve efficiency and address ongoing labour challenges.

“We want to continue showcasing what’s possible and help organisations understand how these technologies can support their long-term goals.”

Having worked with technology throughout his career, Alex believes Kress is well positioned to help shape the future of the sector.

“People often talk about autonomy as if it’s something that’s coming in the future, but in reality, it’s already here,” he said. “The technology is proven, it’s delivering results, and we’re seeing more and more organisations embracing it.

“At the same time, businesses are placing greater emphasis on sustainability, carbon reduction and employee wellbeing. Kress is in a strong position because its solutions directly support many of those objectives.”

With a strong background in customer relations and a lifelong interest in technology, Alex is looking forward to helping customers unlock the full potential of autonomous and battery-powered equipment.

Outside of work, Alex is actively involved in grassroots cricket, coaching young players aged eight to fifteen and supporting ECB Dynamos and All Stars programmes. He also assists with his wife’s successful dog training business.

As he begins his new role, Alex is keen to connect with customers, dealers and industry professionals across the region.

“The biggest thing for me is communication,” he said. “Pick up the phone, get in touch and have a conversation. I’m always happy to talk, always happy to help, and I’m looking forward to building relationships throughout the industry.”

For more information, please visit https://www.kress.com/en-gb/

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