Man City’s John Ledwidge Awarded Pioneer Mark 001 

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John Ledwidge Awarded Pioneer Mark #001: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is pleased to award John Ledwidge Pioneer Mark #001 in recognition of his contributions to the industry.

The ‘Pioneer Legacy’ initiative celebrates individuals who have made a lasting impact on the industry through the GMA’s NextGen group, formerly known as the GMA Young Board.

John Ledwidge Awarded Pioneer Mark #001

John Ledwidge Awarded Pioneer Mark #001

Pioneer Mark

Each Pioneer Mark is uniquely numbered and represents the individual’s contribution to supporting the next generation of grounds people.

The presentation of John’s award is particularly timely during National Apprenticeship Week, which highlights the crucial role apprenticeships play in creating career pathways in the industry.

Ledwidge, himself, began his career as an apprentice at Coventry City Football Club and, after 18 months away, returned as Grounds Manager where he was also part of the first GMA Young Board cohort between 2011-2014.

As the group’s inaugural chair, he played a key role in laying the foundations for its evolution into GMA NextGen which supports and develops emerging talent within the industry.

Since his time with the Young Board, Ledwidge has progressed through senior positions at Leicester City Football Club and is now Head of Grounds and Landscapes at Manchester City Football Club.

What they said

Jennifer Carter, Director of Communications and Marketing at the GMA, said: “John’s journey not only with the GMA but within the industry highlights his dedication to the profession and his ability to inspire meaningful change.

As the first chair of the Young Board, he showed great leadership that set the foundation for GMA NextGen. Seeing his achievements recognised with Pioneer Mark #001 is a proud moment for everyone who has worked alongside him.”

Commenting on the award, John Ledwidge said: “It is a genuine honour to be awarded with the #001 pioneer mark from the GMA. As the first chair of the young board and part of the founding group, we created something that had never been done before, hopefully laying the foundations for today’s NextGen group to continue the legacy we left.

Personally, I feel we all have a responsibility to encourage and develop new and emerging talent and to share our knowledge and expertise with them. I have always been proud of what I do and will always be grateful for the opportunities this wonderful industry has given me and my family, so it is such a pleasure to receive this recognition from the GMA.”

For more information about the Pioneer Legacy initiative or GMA NextGen, please visit thegma.org.uk/who/ambassadors/.

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Richard Walne appointed as Managing Director of EMEA

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Richard Walne appointed as Managing Director of EMEA: The Toro Company is pleased to announce that Richard Walne has been named managing director of the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region for its International Business. In his new role, Walne will have leadership responsibility for the company’s equipment and water businesses in the region with a focus on advancing strategic customer priorities, strengthening its market positions and evolving the portfolio of innovative solutions.

Walne’s impressive career at The Toro Company spans 45 years, during which he has held various roles across the International Business. His journey with Toro began as a technical representative in Europe and from there he has had responsibilities around the world. He held senior marketing and product development roles in the United States, demonstrating great versatility and leadership. He then transitioned to the Asia Pacific, Australia and China (APAC) region, ultimately serving as managing director, APAC, a position he had held since 2000. With a deep passion for helping customers and a proven ability to inspire teams, Walne has made significant contributions to Toro’s growth and success throughout his career which he now brings to the EMEA region.

Richard Walne appointed as Managing Director of EMEA

Richard Walne appointed as Managing Director of EMEA

Well-known and respected in the golf and premium sport markets for his extensive product knowledge and expertise, Walne played a key role in founding the Asian Golf Industry Federation and continues to drive education as chairperson of the Certificate in Greenkeeping Committee. A passionate supporter of Variety, The Children’s Charity, Walne has participated in the Annual Variety Bash since 2001, raising significant amounts to help children in South Australia who are sick, disadvantaged, or living with disability.

“Richard’s industry knowledge and impressive career at The Toro Company have been nothing short of exceptional,” said Amy Dahl, vice president, International at The Toro Company. “His contributions have significantly shaped our international business across the globe, and his dedication to our customers and teams is unparalleled. We are thrilled that Richard is moving into this role and are confident that he will help expand our market leadership and accelerate growth in this region moving forward.”

Walne will relocate to the United Kingdom over the next few months, marking a return to where he first began his storied career with The Toro Company.

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Peter Pattenden announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year

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Peter Pattenden announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year: Peter Pattenden, spray tech at the Cheshire championship golf resort, Carden Park, has won the prestigious title of Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year.

Peter’s ASOOTY award presentation was made as part of the glittering BIGGA industry awards at BTME in Harrogate this week (21 January 2025), along with the competition’s other finalists, Sarah Phillips of Complete Weed Control (South & Central Wales) and Mark Sippitt of Top Grass UK.

Peter Pattenden announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year

Peter Pattenden announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year

The ASOOTY awards highlight best practice and experience in the challenging role of ensuring accurate application on all amenity surfaces.

Sponsored by ICL and Syngenta and managed by the Amenity Forum, the awards seek to share top tips and advice that will raise the standards of spray application across the amenity industry.

The ASOOTY judges particularly praised Peter’s commitment to complete a comprehensive checklist of mechanical and practical points before every application, including calibration of the sprayer and assessment of the specific requirements for any products being used.

“Although only a relatively young age, Peter ably demonstrated a deep understanding of the principles of sprayer mechanics and operation, along with the implication of how any changes could impact on application,” reports Syngenta Technical Manager, Sean Loakes.

“He also showed an excellent awareness of the environmental aspects of good sprayer operation that will mitigate any impact of off-target spray drift or over application. His commitment and attention to achieving accurate application was exemplary and makes him a great role model for other sprayer operators to learn from.”

The judges also highlighted how Peter had embraced new technologies in a move towards precision application to ensure more of the products hit the intended target, as well as adopting digital tools including sprayer set up advice, turf management Apps and application record keeping.

Other ASOOTY finalists at the Awards included Sarah Phillips of Complete Weed Control (South & Central Wales), who was commended for her pioneering work in developing a comprehensive and effective training programme for the company’s spray technicians, which draws on her extensive experience and knowledge as a highly professional operator.

Mark Sippitt, of Warwickshire-based Top Grass UK, was also praised for the way he had successfully developed integrated turf management strategies for lawn treatments including herbicides, iron treatment, nutrition and mechanical controls – where accurate knapsack application was at the centre of the company’s approach. Ongoing training and regular in-house assessment ensures Mark and other Top Grass operatives are always fully up to date with developments and techniques.

ICL Landscape & Industrial Business Development Manager, Lewis Blois, added: “We were once again hugely impressed with all the finalists’ dedication to ensuring every application is made as effectively as possible. They all take exceptional care to achieve a good result, as well as immense pride that they have made a real difference with a job well done.

“This year the Awards have recognised the range of spray application techniques and the differing skills involved across the amenity sector. It will provide a unique and vitally important resource for all involved in spray application.”

Presenting the award at BTME, Ian Graham, Chairman of the Amenity Forum, said: “The skills required to competently apply professional plant protection products are often overlooked. Along with the formal training and accreditation process, there is the experience that takes years to acquire.

“Winners of this award have elevated the application process to an art, be that with a knapsack or a boom sprayer, to help create great playing surfaces  all year round, managing amenity areas efficiently and cost effectively, along with maintaining immaculate lawns for customers,” he adds.

“The Amenity Forum is delighted to work with ICL and Syngenta as the sponsors of this award and would like to congratulate Peter for upholding the highest of professional standards.”

Look out on the Amenity Forum website for more details and entry form for the launch of next year’s ASOOTY and your chance to win.

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Aqua Aid continues to grow

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Aqua Aid continues to grow: Aqua Aid Europe, the leading provider of soil water management solutions, is proud to announce that Christiaan Arends will join the Aqua Aid Europe team as Commercial Director as of February 1, 2025. Arends will play an important role in the further growth and development of the company.

Christiaan Arends brings extensive industry experience and a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will be of value to Aqua Aid Europe. He has previously held various positions at Barenbrug Holland and the Vanmac Group, both nationally and internationally.

Aqua Aid continues to grow

Aqua Aid continues to grow

“We are very pleased to welcome Christiaan to our team,” says Hans de Kort of Aqua Aid Europe. “His experience and skills fit perfectly with our ambitions for the future. We look forward to his contribution and are confident that he will play an important role in the further growth of our company.”

Aqua Aid Europe BV remains committed to providing sustainable soil water management solutions in Europe and beyond. With the arrival of Christiaan Arends, the company expects to further strengthen this mission and make an even greater impact in the market.

About Aqua Aid Europe

Founded in the Netherlands, Aqua Aid Europe is a leading innovator in sustainable water management, offering advanced solutions tailored to the irrigation and grass industries. With a strong European footprint and a growing global presence, Aqua Aid Europe delivers high-quality products and services that enhance water conservation, soil health, and environmental sustainability.

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Corrina Urquhart assumes permanent leadership at BASIS

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Corrina Urquhart assumes permanent leadership at BASIS: Corrina Urquhart, who has been serving as interim CEO of BASIS since November 2024, is now stepping into the permanent role of CEO, assuming responsibility for this training, certification and auditing body.

William Burgess, chairman of BASIS, commented : “With Corrina at the helm, BASIS has found the right leader at the right time. In a short span of time, she has provided stability and clear direction. Both I and the Board of Trustees are confident that she will develop a refreshed vision for BASIS and brings with her great energy to achieve this. We are all looking forward to working with her further to drive the business forward.’’

Corrina Urquhart assumes permanent leadership at BASIS

Corrina Urquhart assumes permanent leadership at BASIS

Before her appointment as CEO, Corrina was Director of External Relations at Lantra; a significant milestone of her 18-year career in education, research, and policy. Her accomplishments include spearheading industry-first initiatives including the annual Land-Based and Environment Learner (LBEL) Awards, a deep dive into diversity issues in the environmental sector and a comprehensive evaluation of advisory services within the agricultural industry.

In 2024, Corrina was recognised for her inspirational leadership skills as a finalist of the national Woman Who Achieves Awards.

Corrina Urquhart said: ‘’I am honoured to lead BASIS and its dedicated team into its next phase. Our focus will be on improving the organisation’s ability to positively impact on people and businesses in the land management, environmental, and amenity sectors.’’

She continued ‘’Under my leadership, BASIS will adopt a proactive approach to engagement. In January alone, I look forward to meeting with members and stakeholders at key industry events including the Oxford Farming Conference (OFC), and the UK Lawncare Association Annual Conference, plus a site visit through the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA).’’

BASIS is an independent organisation committed to providing professional qualifications, membership schemes, and certification standards for the land management, environmental, and amenity sectors. It offers a range of recognised qualifications for professionals working in pesticides, fertilisers and related fields. BASIS also operates an annual audit scheme for UK pesticides stores and rodenticide outlets, ensuring operations minimise risk to people and the environment. Additionally, it manages the professional registers of more than 12,000 qualified advisers in the plant protection, plant nutrition and public health pest management sectors; while serving as a forum for industry bodies and stakeholders to uphold and promote professional standards..

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