Meg Lay Named Young New Zealander of the Year

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Meg Lay Named Young New Zealander of the Year: GMA NextGen is proud to announce that its Co-Chair, Meg Lay, has been named Young New Zealander of the Year at the prestigious Waitangi Day Gala Ball, held at the Kimpton Fitzroy Hotel in London. 

The award was presented by the His Excellency Hamish Cooper, NZ High Commissioner to the UK, Rachel Glucina, President of The New Zealand Society, and Richard Dawson the Head of ANZ Bank UK & Europe, and recognises outstanding young Kiwis making a meaningful impact both abroad and at home.

Meg Lay Named Young New Zealander of the Year

Meg Lay Named Young New Zealander of the Year

As part of the honour, Meg was presented with a korowai, a traditional Māori cloak symbolising mana and respect, along with a personal letter from the Prime Minister of New Zealand, in which he said: “What a fantastic achievement: from farming in Christchurch to being the first female grounds woman at Lords ‘s Cricket Ground. You should be rightly proud of your achievements,”

Meg was selected for her groundbreaking contributions to the grounds management industry, including becoming the first female groundsperson at Lord’s Cricket Ground and her leadership in forming the first all-female grounds team at the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Her work as part of GMA NextGen has also been instrumental in promoting innovation and inclusivity within the profession.

The selection process for the prestigious award was highly competitive, with nominations evaluated by a distinguished panel including the NZ High Commissioner to the UK, President of The New Zealand Society and Head of ANZ Bank UK & Europe. Meg’s achievements and leadership stood out among the candidates.

“It is an incredible honour to be recognised in this way,” said Meg Lay. “Receiving the korowai and a letter from the Prime Minister was deeply moving. I am proud to represent New Zealanders making a difference around the world, and I hope this inspires more young people to pursue careers in grounds management.”

The Waitangi Day Gala Ball is an annual celebration of New Zealand culture, heritage and excellence, bringing together the Kiwi community in the United Kingdom. This year’s event highlighted the achievements of the next generation of New Zealanders on the global stage.

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EcoBunker announces appointment of Charlie Taylor

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EcoBunker announces appointment of Charlie Taylor: Synthetic bunker edge pioneers EcoBunker have appointed Charlie Taylor to the position of Technical Sales Manager in a move that is set to strengthen the relationship between the brand and its customers.

Taylor began his career at Gillingham Golf Club where he qualified as a greenkeeper. After 3 years at Gillingham, he moved into generalist grounds care before starting his own grounds maintenance business. Having undertaken a number of projects in collaboration with EcoBunker, when the opportunity to join the business arose, Taylor could not turn down the opportunity.

EcoBunker announces appointment of Charlie Taylor

EcoBunker announces appointment of Charlie Taylor

“It was obviously a tough decision to close my business, but the chance to return to my roots in golf and to work with a brand that I truly believe in was too good an opportunity to miss,” said Taylor upon the announcement of his appointment. “With a superb range of bunker edge technology, bunker liners, lake edging and now LOKSAND, EcoBunker is growing at pace. I’m delighted to be part of the team and look forward to helping drive the business forward to the next level.”

Taylor’s role will see him manage customer relationships, ranging from project consultations and quotations, to supervising installations and ensuring quality and longevity of installations. Wherever a customer needs input from EcoBunker, Taylor will manage relationships so that customers have quick access to the answers they need.

“We have a superb product and our installations are second to none, but we needed someone with a detailed technical knowledge and a fantastic talent for customer service to strengthen the team and manage a rapidly increasing number of leads and enquiries,” commented CEO Richard Allen. “Having worked closely with Charlie on several projects, we were absolutely thrilled that he wanted to join us. He has the perfect blend of skills for the role and we can’t wait to see the service he delivers for our customers and the impact that he has on the business.”

Taylor has been in position since the end of January, where he helped introduce EcoBunker’s latest innovation – pre-cut synthetic tiles – alongside the first showing of LOKSAND to the U.K. market. For more information on working with EcoBunker or to arrange a visit to your venue, please contact charlie.taylor@ecobunker.co.uk or visit www.ecobunker.co.uk

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Etesia UK Strengthens Team with Three Key Appointments

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Etesia UK Strengthens Team with Three Key Appointments: Etesia UK has announced three new appointments as the company continues to invest in its people, dealer network and customer support.

Steven Massey has joined as Business Development Manager, Jim Maynard has taken on the role of Technical and After Sales Support, and Lisa Brown steps into the position of Office Manager.

Etesia UK Strengthens Team with Three Key Appointments

Etesia UK Strengthens Team with Three Key Appointments

With decades of combined industry experience, the new additions are set to strengthen Etesia UK’s presence across the grounds care sector while reinforcing its reputation for quality products and dependable back-up.

Steven Massey joins Etesia UK following a long and respected career within the grounds care industry. Having left school in 1988, Steven spent 10 years as a mechanic at GGM (Gibson’s Garden Machinery) before moving into sales in 1998 – a role he has held ever since, working exclusively within the sector.

“I’ve always sold grounds care equipment,” Steven explained. “I’ve worked with local authorities for most of my career, which is really my strong point, and I’m well known within the industry and the customer network.”

Steven’s relationship with the Etesia brand spans more than a decade, having worked with the machines during his time at Burrows Grass Machinery and later Sharrocks, both Etesia dealers. That familiarity made the transition into his new role a natural one.

“I want to make sure that Etesia products are at the forefront of people’s thoughts when they’re looking at buying machines,” he said. “People want efficient cut-and-collect machines, and whenever you demo an Etesia product, the feedback is always the same – how easy it is to use and how well it collects, even in the wet. Etesia really sets the standard there.”

As Business Development Manager, Steven’s focus is firmly on growing the brand while maintaining strong relationships with existing customers and dealers. “It’s about keeping existing business but also looking for new business,” he said. “You can never take your eye off either. My goal is to make Etesia the number one choice, when customers are looking to invest in new equipment.”

Joining Steven is Jim Maynard, who brings extensive technical and aftersales expertise to his role as Technical and After Sales Support. Jim began his career as a greenkeeper before moving into contracting and then training as a technician. He spent 21 years with John Deere before taking on senior technical support and training roles at Reesink, where he helped establish and support nationwide dealer networks.

“I absolutely love supporting dealers and technicians,” Jim said. “Helping people, solving problems and giving them the confidence to get the best out of the product – that’s what I enjoy most.”

At Etesia UK, Jim will be responsible for dealer technical support, training, warranty administration and registrations, ensuring that dealers and end users receive the highest levels of aftersales care.

“Excellent aftersales support is about trust,” Jim explained. “If you can gain that trust, you’re halfway there. It’s about being there for people, picking up the phone, helping them when they need it – that support makes all the difference.”

Completing the trio is Lisa Brown, who takes on the role of Office Manager. With experience across sales operations and administration, Lisa will become a key point of contact for Etesia UK, providing vital support to the wider team, dealers and customers alike. Her role is central to the smooth day-to-day running of the business, ensuring communication, coordination and customer service remain at the high standards Etesia is known for.

Together, the three appointments mark an important step forward for Etesia UK. With strengthened business development, enhanced technical support and robust operational management, the company is well positioned for continued success.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Etesia UK on X @EtesiaUK and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/EtesiaUK. You can also view the latest Etesia videos by visiting www.youtube.com/EtesiaUK

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Beth Gibbs Joins GMA As Regional Pitch Advisor

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Beth Gibbs Joins GMA As Regional Pitch Advisor: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is proud to announce that Beth Gibbs has been appointed as the new Regional Pitch Advisor – Rugby Union, for the London and South East region, making her the first female to hold this position in the organisation’s history.

Beth began her grounds management career at Wellington School where she joined as an apprentice and undertook her Level 2 qualification in Sports Turf Maintenance. This early hands‑on experience has laid the foundation for her rapid progression in the profession and remains a defining part of her journey into grounds management.

Beth Gibbs Joins GMA As Regional Pitch Advisor

Beth Gibbs Joins GMA As Regional Pitch Advisor

A rising talent within the sector, Beth brings a track record of leadership and advocacy for early‑career professionals. She is an active member of the GMA’s NextGen group, championing pathways for young people entering the industry.

Her achievements were nationally recognised when she was named Young Groundsperson of the Year by the GMA in 2023.

In her new role as Regional Pitch Advisor for the South East and London, Beth will play a pivotal part in shaping and supporting professional standards across one of the most diverse and dynamic regions in the grounds sector. Her appointment shows the GMA’s continued dedication to improving representation and supporting future leaders in grounds management.

Beth Gibbs said: “It’s an honour to take on this role and to be the first female representative. The GMA has played an important part in my development and I’m excited to help others access the same opportunities. I’m passionate about supporting our community, especially young people starting their journey in the industry.”

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, said: “Beth’s appointment is a significant moment for the GMA and for the wider grounds management industry. Beth brings a fresh perspective and real credibility which is why we’re proud to see her step into this role.”

Jason Booth, COO of the GMA, said: “Beth is an exceptional example of the future of our profession – dedicated, knowledgeable and inspiring to others. Her contribution to NextGen and her achievements to date show exactly why she is the right person for this role. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the team.”

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Duo Receive Pioneer Marks From The GMA

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Duo Receive Pioneer Marks From The GMA: Two previous members of the GMA Young Board, now known as GMA NextGen, have been awarded their Pioneer Marks as part of the Pioneer Legacy initiative, recognising the contributions of past and present members of GMA NextGen.

The Pioneer Mark is a distinctive legacy number that symbolises the impact each member has made on the grounds management profession.

Duo Receive Pioneer Marks From The GMA

Duo Receive Pioneer Marks From The GMA

Will Graves (#002) joined the industry in 2010 as an apprentice at Merchant Taylors’ School and became part of the first Young Board in 2011, later serving as Chair in 2014. He went on to join the ground staff team at Watford Football Club while also gaining experience at Wembley Stadium.

He said: “My time working with the Young Board of Directors was a real highlight of my career to date. We all worked hard to make a positive difference and increase opportunities for those both inside and outside of the profession. I am very grateful to both the GMA and Reesink UK for everything they did and continue to do to support the group.”

Harry Boxell (#022) served four years on the Young Board from 2016. He began his grounds management career at 16 and progressed through roles at Tottenham Hotspur and Godolphin, before taking on the role of Head of Grounds and Gardens at Embley Park in 2017. He is now Estates Manager, overseeing the 130-acre Grade II listed parkland.

Harry says: “I vividly remember driving down from Newmarket for the interview and being struck by the beauty of the buildings and grounds, while also recognising the potential for further enhancement.”

“Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to meet and learn from many inspiring individuals,” He added. “Some of my most memorable experiences were through my involvement with the Young Board of Directors. We met regularly and were fortunate to visit venues such as the Stade de France, Parc des Princes (home of Paris Saint-Germain), and several other prestigious sites.”

Jennifer Carter, GMA Director of Communications and Marketing, said: “The GMA would like to thank Will and Harry for their contributions during their time with the NextGen, formerly known as the Young Board.

“It’s really important that we recognise the contributions they have all made to the grounds management industry by awarding them with their pioneer marks. We’re excited to continue the legacy and are now looking to recruit the next generation of passionate individuals to carry the group forward.”

The duo join the ranks of respected NextGen alumni who have received their Pioneer Marks, which can be viewed here.

GMA NextGen are now welcoming new members under 35 who are ready to make a difference in the grounds management industry.

If you’re passionate about shaping the sector’s future, express your interest here. 

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