Agrovista Amenity welcomes new Amenity Specialist

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Agrovista Amenity welcomes new Amenity Specialist: Agrovista Amenity has announced the appointment of Paul Matthew as its newest Amenity Specialist, bringing with him decades of hands-on experience across golf, sports turf, and stadium management.

Paul’s role will primarily focus on stadia and sports facilities, an area in which he has extensive expertise. “My role is going to be primarily stadia, just due to my background as a groundsman,” he explained. “There are so many stadiums, sports grounds and pitches across the country, and it’s something I’m very familiar with and passionate about.”

Agrovista Amenity welcomes new Amenity Specialist

Agrovista Amenity welcomes new Amenity Specialist

Paul joins Agrovista Amenity following a distinguished career that began in greenkeeping before moving into high-level sports turf management. He started as an apprentice greenkeeper at Windyhill Golf Club in 1990, before progressing to Deputy Course Manager.

After a brief period as Deputy Head Greenkeeper at Hardgate Golf Club, Paul became a Golf Machinery Demonstrator for Scottish Grass Machinery – an experience that helped him gain valuable insight into turf equipment and product support.

He went on to spend over a decade working at some of the UK’s most recognised football clubs, including senior positions at Glasgow Rangers and Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Head Groundsman at Motherwell FC. Paul also has experience in the sales sector, having served as Area Sales Manager at Nairn Brown, a leading machinery dealer, and most recently as Sales Advisor for North Grow Lighting.

Reflecting on his move to Agrovista Amenity, Paul said:

“I received a message from Sam Honeyborne, Agrovista UK’s Senior Amenity Manager, inviting me for a coffee in Edinburgh – and it turned out to be much more than a coffee! I was actually offered a position at Agrovista about four or five years ago, but I wasn’t ready to leave my role at Motherwell then. When the opportunity came around again, I met with Sam and John Marland (Head of Amenity), and after a really relaxed chat, I was delighted to be offered the job. I’m so thankful for that and want to repay the faith they’ve shown in me.”

Paul added that it already feels like a natural fit:

“You can tell straight away this is a company with a great support network – everyone’s been so welcoming. It’s a huge company with so much knowledge to tap into. I want to take all my experience from being a groundsman and combine it with the technical expertise that comes from being on this side of the industry. My goal is to be known as Paul from Agrovista, not just Paul the ex-groundsman – and to help customers get the best out of their surfaces with that blend of practical and technical knowledge.”

Paul will work closely alongside Ramsay MacGregor, Agrovista Amenity’s long-standing Amenity Specialist for Scotland. Speaking about the appointment, Ramsay said:

“We are delighted to have Paul starting with us. He brings a vast amount of industry experience, and his knowledge of stadia and golf is impressive. We’re really looking forward to working with him going forward.”

With his extensive practical background and passion for the turfcare industry, Paul’s appointment further strengthens Agrovista Amenity’s presence in Scotland and its continued commitment to providing expert support across all areas of the sports turf and amenity sector.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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AriensCo appoints Michael Groves as UK Product-Specialist

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AriensCo appoints Michael Groves as UK Product-Specialist: AriensCo has expanded its UK team with the appointment of Michael Groves as Product Specialist in July 2025. With over 18 years of experience in professional turf care, Groves brings a strong mix of technical knowledge and hands-on expertise to the brand.

Having previously worked with Buxtons, Ron Smith & Co., and PSD Groundscare, Groves has built deep expertise in complex, demonstration-driven machinery, particularly High grass and slope mowers. In his new role, he will support AriensCo’s sales team through product demonstrations, dealer collaboration and customer engagement across the UK.

AriensCo appoints Michael Groves as UK Product-Specialist

AriensCo appoints Michael Groves as UK Product-Specialist

Groves joined the AriensCo Roadshow shortly after taking up his position, giving him an immediate opportunity to connect with dealers and end users nationwide. “This role is about helping our dealers succeed and showing customers the difference, our machines make in real working conditions,” says Groves. “The Roadshow was the perfect way to start – being out there with customers, listening, demonstrating, and adding real value.”

As Product Specialist, Groves will lead technical trainings and strategic demonstrations for major clients, supporting Area Sales Managers and ensuring AriensCo products are experienced where buying decisions are made – in action. His product favourites include the new Ariens Summit Pro professional Zero-Turn range and the popular AS Sherpa ride-on mowers.

Sam Lewis, General Manager AriensCo UK, comments: “Our success depends on being close to our dealers and customers. These are investment products that need to be seen, felt and understood. Michael’s deep market knowledge and genuine enthusiasm for the industry will strengthen our presence on the ground and reinforce our commitment to customer support.”

The appointment aligns with AriensCo’s strategy in the UK to position high-performance, demonstration-driven products such as Zero-Turn and high-grass mowers directly where professionals operate. Dealers benefit from closer cooperation, more active field support and an enhanced focus on end-user experience.

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John Wells to become BIGGA president

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John Wells to become BIGGA president: A Master Greenkeeper with more than four decades of experience across the world has accepted the nomination to become President of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) in 2026.

John Wells, 66, has immediately stepped into the role of BIGGA President Elect, supporting current President Ronnie Myles for the remainder of his term. He will be formally appointed BIGGA President at the association’s Annual General Meeting, taking place online in January.

John Wells to become BIGGA president

John Wells to become BIGGA president

As BIGGA President, John will act as an ambassador for the association, representing BIGGA at events across the UK and overseas. He will also join the Board of Management, using his extensive experience to help guide the association in its mission to support and develop greenkeepers and turf professionals.

John was so surprised to be offered the presidency that he was initially in disbelief. He said: “I was quite taken aback when I received the call from Ronnie Myles to ask if I’d consider the position. At first, I thought it might be a wind-up from some mates! But once I realised it was genuine, I was over the moon. I’ve been on Cloud Nine ever since.

“It’s a tremendous honour and I am delighted to have the opportunity to give back to an industry that has given so much to me. I’m a firm believer in education and that is something I am keen to champion during my spell as President,” he said.

John’s greenkeeping journey started at Welwyn Garden City, where his early promise was recognised as he ascended to the role of Head Greenkeeper at just 20 years of age. He spent 16 years there before moving to Brocket Hall, where he oversaw major course developments.

He achieved Master Greenkeeper status in 1995 and left Brocket Hall in 2010, with John’s 18 years there having also seen him posted to Cyprus, Russia, France and beyond to oversee projects. His final port of call was South Herts Golf Club, where he retired in 2023.

“We are delighted that John has accepted the Board’s invitation to serve as President for 2026,” said BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton. “John has had a lengthy and storied career in greenkeeping and has always been a highly engaged member of BIGGA.

“As only the 10th member at the time to earn the Master Greenkeeper designation, he exemplified high standards, and his knowledge and expertise are still in strong demand after his retirement from full-time course management.

“I am looking forward to spending time with John throughout his presidency year at the various events we attend and within the boardroom, where his experience and wise counsel will be an undoubted asset.”

Throughout his career, John has been a passionate advocate for education and mentoring. Many of the team members he trained have gone on to become course managers themselves, while others now work around the world. He continues to support and advise greenkeepers through consultancy work and his close involvement with BIGGA.

“Education has always been at the heart of BIGGA, and that’s something I care deeply about,” he said. “When I started out, there were very few training opportunities. The development of structured education within the association has transformed the profession, and I’m proud to have seen that evolution firsthand.”

Although retired from full-time course management, John remains heavily involved in the sport. He consults at a 36-hole course near his Hertfordshire home, looks after two cricket squares, and travels regularly to visit his son, Harry, who is Golf Course Superintendent at Dubai Creek Golf Club.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work in some incredible places, but what I’ve always enjoyed most is helping others succeed,” he said. “To be invited to serve as BIGGA President is a huge honour, and I’ll do my utmost to represent the association and its members to the best of my ability.”

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Agrigem appoints Mark Pyrah as New Managing Director

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Agrigem appoints Mark Pyrah as New Managing Director: Agrigem, a leading UK supplier of amenity and horticultural products, is delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Pyrah as its new Managing Director. The strategic appointment signals an exciting period of growth and development for the company.

Mark brings an exceptional level of industry knowledge and leadership experience to Agrigem, having dedicated nearly four decades to the sector. His extensive career has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies of the amenity and horticultural landscape.

Agrigem appoints Mark Pyrah as New Managing Director

Agrigem appoints Mark Pyrah as New Managing Director

Before joining Agrigem, Mark held several high-profile roles that underscore his expertise in amenity, distribution and manufacturing. Commenting on his appointment, he said: “I am thrilled to be joining Agrigem at such a pivotal time for the business and the industry.

“Agrigem has established a fantastic reputation for quality products and excellent customer service. I look forward to working with the talented team to build on this success, drive innovation, and ensure we remain the trusted partner for our customers across the UK.”

The company’s leadership expressed enthusiasm for the new direction; Clive Whinnett, Origin Enterprises UK Managing Director Sports Division, commented: “Mark’s impressive track record and deep sectoral knowledge of the amenity sector make him the ideal leader to guide Agrigem through its next phase of expansion.

“His strategic vision and commitment to customer success will be invaluable as we continue to grow our market presence and enhance our product offering.”

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Bernhard and Company Mourns Passing of Stephen Bernhard

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Bernhard and Company Mourns Passing of Stephen Bernhard: Bernhard and Company is deeply saddened to announce that its founder, Stephen Bernhard, passed away peacefully at the weekend at the age of 79.

Stephen was a visionary leader whose influence shaped not only Bernhard and Company, but the global turf and agronomy industries. His passions for innovation, education, and excellence have inspired generations of turf professionals and remain embedded in the culture and values of the company today.

Bernhard and Company Mourns Passing of Stephen Bernhard

Bernhard and Company Mourns Passing of Stephen Bernhard

Stephen founded Bernhard and Company in the early 1980’s and over several decades, guided the business from its roots in precision engineering and horticulture to become a world-renowned leader in turf technology. His philosophy, that success comes from continuous learning, collaboration, and a genuine care for the craft, continues to define how the company operates and serves its customers across the world.

Driven by his belief in lifelong education, Stephen established the Bernhard Academy in 2019, designed to provide outstanding opportunities for professional growth and knowledge sharing within the turf industry. His commitment to nurturing talent and supporting others has touched an immeasurable amount of lives and careers, and his legacy will continue to inspire the next generations of turf professionals for years to come.

Throughout his distinguished career, Stephen contributed enormously to the advancement of the industry. For more than 25 years, he was actively involved with the BIGGA Delegation, providing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for British turf professionals to visit the USA’s GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, in the process mentoring and supporting countless individuals. His achievements were recognised with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade 2008 – an honour he was immensely proud of. Most recently, at this year’s BTME, Stephen was also awarded BIGGA’s Outstanding Contribution Award, recognising his lifelong dedication to supporting the industry that he so much loved.

Steven Nixon, Managing Director of Bernhard and Company, said: “Stephen’s passing is an immense loss to the global turf industry and to all of us at Bernhard and Company. His influence is felt in every part of our business – in the way we innovate, the way we work, and the way we support each other and our customers. Over his many years of involvement with the BIGGA Delegation and beyond, he touched so many lives with his generosity, wisdom, and passion. His legacy will continue for years to come, inspiring us to uphold the values he lived by every day.”

Stephen will be remembered as a pioneer, mentor, a friend, and a man whose vision and compassion transformed an industry and built a company that continues to thrive on the foundations he laid.

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