Howardson Group appoints Scott Reynolds

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Howardson Group appoints Scott Reynolds: Howardson Group has appointed Scott Reynolds as Key Account Manager, bringing over a decade of experience in the turfcare industry and an extensive knowledge of professional grounds maintenance products.

Scott began his career in turfcare nearly twelve years ago at RT Machinery Ltd, progressing through roles including Area Sales Representative, Area Sales Manager, Sales Manager and most recently General Manager. During the pandemic he also managed the after-sales and parts department, gaining valuable operational insight to complement his strong background in sales, demonstrations and customer support across leading turfcare brands, including Dennis and SISIS.

Howardson Group appoints Scott Reynolds

Howardson Group appoints Scott Reynolds

Commenting on his appointment, Scott said:

“Dennis mowers are best in class for pedestrian cylinder mowers. I take huge pride in supplying these products to a wide variety of customers, from grassroots sports clubs and schools to local authorities, contractors and professional sports grounds. The brand is strong, demand is high and with new electric mowers and other innovations coming through, it’s a very exciting time to be joining the business.”

As Key Account Manager, Scott will work closely with colleagues, dealers and end-users to drive sales across the Group’s three leading brands: Dennis, SISIS (including Syn-Pro) and Hunter Grinders. His focus will be on strengthening dealer relationships and supporting sales growth across the diverse customer base of sports facilities, contractors and local authorities.

“The role at Howardson Group was the logical next step in my career,” Scott added. “I’m looking forward to building on the great work already achieved and to helping the business and dealer network achieve even greater success.”

Scott brings with him long-standing industry relationships, having represented Dennis and SISIS for more than a decade. Joining ahead of the busy show season, he is eager to meet customers and dealers and plan for the future.

Outside of work, Scott is a dedicated family man who enjoys spending time with his wife and young son. Actively involved in sport, he manages a non-league football club and plays cricket, giving him a personal as well as professional connection with the sports facilities sector.

“I am very proud to be joining such a well-established British manufacturer,” Scott concluded. “Howardson Group has an excellent reputation and I look forward to contributing to its continued growth and success.”

David Williamson, Commercial Director at Howardson Group, said:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Scott to the team. His extensive experience, combined with strong relationships with dealers and customers, makes him a perfect fit for the Key Account Manager role. Scott’s expertise and passion for our brands will be invaluable as we continue to grow our presence and support customers across Dennis, SISIS and Hunter Grinders.”

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Green-tech Strengthens Irish Presence

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Green-tech Strengthens Irish Presence: Green-tech, the UK’s leading supplier of landscaping and tree planting materials, is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Gavin Saunders as Business Development Manager for Ireland. Gavin joined the business on 1st July, 2025 and has been working closely with customers and partners across the island.

Gavin brings a wealth of sales, e-commerce and horticultural experience from across the UK and Ireland, spanning growing media, landscaping, and the wider garden and retail sectors. He has run independent enterprises, developed new products for the trade and retail markets, and supported business growth. With extensive experience in both retail and amenity horticulture, and a strong track record of working across technical, creative and operational teams, Gavin is well placed to support Green-tech’s growth plans in Ireland. He will focus on managing existing accounts, identifying new opportunities, and strengthening Green-tech’s presence across the region.

Green-tech Strengthens Irish Presence

Green-tech Strengthens Irish Presence

“Green-tech’s presence in Ireland has grown significantly over the last three years and Gavin’s appointment signals our intent to build on that solid foundation,” says Richard Gill, Sales Director at Green-tech. “Gavin has the right blend of sector knowledge, customer focus and energy to help us unlock further opportunities and provide even more value to our Irish customers. I am delighted to welcome him to the team.”

Green-tech has seen sustained growth in Ireland in recent years, with increasing demand from landscape contractors, landscape architects, local authorities, and environmental consultants for its wide-ranging portfolio of high-quality landscaping products. This includes urban and rural tree planting systems, grass seed and erosion control solutions. The company is exploring other product offerings in the market based on feedback from their Irish customer base.

Green-tech operates a dedicated distribution depot in Londonderry, enabling fast and reliable delivery of core products across Ireland. The depot is a key part of the company’s long-term strategy to invest in infrastructure that ensures logistical efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and greater responsiveness to local customer needs.

Gavin’s appointment marks a new chapter in the development of Green-tech’s Irish operations, bringing in fresh expertise and focus at a time when investment in blue-green infrastructure, biodiversity and climate resilience is at the top of the agenda.

Speaking about his new role, Gavin Saunders comments, “I’m excited to be joining Green-tech as it continues to grow and develop its business in Ireland. I’m very much looking forward to supporting customers, delivering a great service nationwide, and contributing to the future growth of Green-tech across Ireland.”

Gavin’s appointment further reinforces Green-tech’s commitment to supporting customers, delivering innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions for landscape and environmental projects of all sizes.

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STRI Appoints Glenn Kirby as Research Director

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STRI Appoints Glenn Kirby as Research Director: STRI is pleased to announce the appointment of Glenn Kirby as its new Research Director. With more than 30 years’ experience in turf management, technical services, and digital innovation, Glenn will spearhead STRI’s next chapter in industry-leading research strategies.

Glenn joins STRI from Syngenta, where he most recently served as Technical Services Manager for Turf across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. His leadership in digital strategy, AI implementation, and market support trials has helped shape the future of sustainable turf management globally.

STRI Appoints Glenn Kirby as Research Director

STRI Appoints Glenn Kirby as Research Director

Glenn commented, “I think this is one of the most exciting periods for turf management in the UK and across Europe that we’ve ever seen. The challenges we face around climate, sustainability, and increasing expectations make this a pivotal time – and I’m looking forward to playing my part in shaping the future of our industry with STRI Group.  Here’s to new beginnings, collaboration, and pushing the boundaries of turf research.”

Richard Stuttard, Group Director added, “With Glenn’s unique blend of technical expertise, digital innovation and industry leadership experience, he’ll be instrumental in driving STRI’s research proposition for the future, pioneering new solutions for clients and supporting the team. We’re excited to welcome Glenn to the Group.”

Glenn will lead STRI’s research initiatives, focusing on sustainable practices, digital transformation, and collaborative innovation – building on successful customer relationships and introducing the Group’s expertise to new clients.  With Glenn at the helm, and with research and innovation in its DNA, STRI is well-placed to play a pivotal role in defining the future of turf management and beyond.

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In Memory of Adrian Masters

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In Memory of Adrian Masters: It is with the most profound sadness that Origin Amenity Solutions, along with many in our industry, remember our friend and colleague, Adrian (Ade) Masters, who passed away on Thursday, 26th June 2025, after a short illness.

Ade’s journey, and contribution to the sportsturf industry encompassed working with Whitemoss, Maxicrop and Countrywide Amenity, after which he became an integral part of the Headland Amenity Sales team, later transitioning into OAS.

In Memory of Adrian Masters

In Memory of Adrian Masters

A much-loved and highly respected member of the OAS team, Ade dedicated almost 19 years to our business, over which time, he built strong relationships with many customers and colleagues, always upholding his values of trust, professionalism and care.

As Technical Sales Manager, Ade brought real understanding and experience to his role, but also humour, warmth, and an unmistakable passion for people. Whether working with colleagues, customers, or industry partners, he developed friendships that went far beyond business. He always took the time to connect, support, and brighten the day of those around him.

Ade’s impact stretched across our business and far beyond it. The outpouring of messages on the OAS LinkedIn page from friends, customers, and industry peers is a powerful reflection of how widely he was known and how deeply he was appreciated. Many speak of his infectious laugh, his integrity and unwavering positivity, and not least, his singing! His rendition of ‘American Pie’ was legendary and enjoyed by so many in the social times that surrounded trade shows, conferences and company events.

Andy Russell, Commercial Director at OAS, shared this personal tribute, “Ade had a special gift for connecting with people. He could walk into a room and light it up with his warmth, energy, and humour. He was a valued colleague, a trusted friend, and someone you always looked forward to seeing. It’s incomprehensible that he has been taken from us so soon and will be missed more than words can express. I’ll miss the smile in his voice and the honesty in everything he touched. Thank you for your support and friendship and for being you. Rest in peace, Ade.”

Professionally, Ade was a true ambassador, not just for OAS but for the whole industry. Personally, he was a loyal friend, a trusted teammate, and a person who made a difference simply by being himself. His absence will be felt profoundly, but his memory will remain ever-present in the stories we share and the lives he touched.

Our heartfelt thoughts are with Ade’s family, friends and all who knew him. He will be forever missed and never forgotten. With deepest sympathy from all at Origin Amenity Solutions.

In tribute to Ade and in support of others affected by cancer, we are raising funds for Cancer Research UK via JustGiving. If you would like to contribute, please visit –
www.justgiving.com/page/origin-amenity-solutions Every donation is a step towards earlier diagnoses, more advanced treatments, and better outcomes for families facing this devastating diagnosis.

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Jayne Leyland to Retire from Origin Amenity Solutions

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Jayne Leyland to Retire from Origin Amenity Solutions: After more than three decades shaping the future of amenity turf management, Jayne Leyland, Product Portfolio Director at Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS), retired on 31 July 2025. Her departure marks the end of a remarkable 13-year career at OAS and more than 30 years in the turf and landscaping industry.

Jayne joined Rigby Taylor in 2012, which became OAS in 2021, and was the driving force behind some of the company’s most innovative and sustainable product developments. Her legacy includes leading the creation of the Carbon4Grass seed range, an innovative product that combines superior performance with carbon sequestration benefits, which was recently named Pro Landscaper’s Sustainable Product of the Year in 2024. She was also the driving force in advancing the development and wider adoption of tetraploid grass seed technology, helping to deliver stronger, more resilient swards with faster establishment and improved stress tolerance.

Jayne Leyland to Retire from Origin Amenity Solutions

Jayne Leyland to Retire from Origin Amenity Solutions

Jayne is well known and respected for her extensive technical knowledge, customer-focused approach, and passion for sustainable turf care. She has played a vital role in expanding OAS’s research and trial programmes to ensure that product innovation is grounded in science and shaped by the needs of the industry.

In 2024, her outstanding contribution to the turf care sector was formally recognised when she was inducted into the Grounds Management Association (GMA) Hall of Fame, an honour that celebrates lifetime achievement and service to the groundskeeping profession.

Reflecting on her career, Jayne comments, “It’s been a privilege to work in such a fast-moving and passionate industry. I’ve loved collaborating with customers, colleagues, and partners who care deeply about the land they manage and the standards they uphold. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together at OAS and look forward to seeing OAS continue to develop and grow.”

Richard Walton, Managing Director at OAS, paid tribute to Jayne’s leadership and long-standing commitment. He adds, “Jayne’s vision and expertise have profoundly shaped our product portfolio and sustainability strategy. Her ability to translate complex science into practical, impactful solutions has made her an invaluable part of our team. We’re grateful for her dedication over the past 13 years and wish Jayne the very best in her retirement.”

Jayne’s background in greenkeeping and agronomy, along with her earlier work at Barenbrug earned her widespread respect across the amenity and sports turf sectors. Her influence has extended beyond product development into training, education, and mentoring the next generation of turf professionals.

Her departure will be felt across the industry, but Jayne leaves behind, a stronger, more sustainable approach to managing amenity landscapes.

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