STRI Group Appoints Ian Lacy as Senior Consultant

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STRI Group Appoints Ian Lacy as Senior Consultant: STRI Group has strengthened its consultancy capability with the appointment of Ian Lacy as Senior Consultant, bringing more than 40 years of international experience in the design, construction, management and optimisation of sports surfaces.

Ian joins STRI with an extensive track record advising elite sports organisations, governing bodies and facilities worldwide, including FIFA, the FA, RFU, ECB and LTA. His expertise spans natural and synthetic surfaces, feasibility studies, pitch audits, sustainability strategies and the implementation of performance quality standards across a diverse range of sporting environments.

STRI Group Appoints Ian Lacy as Senior Consultant

STRI Group Appoints Ian Lacy as Senior Consultant

Throughout his career, Ian has delivered hands-on grounds management and consultancy services across Europe, North America, Africa and Asia, working with professional clubs, national associations and major sports venues to enhance playing surface performance and long-term facility resilience.

Richard Stuttard, Group Director commented, “Ian’s depth of technical knowledge and global experience within the sports turf industry will further enhance STRI’s consultancy offering. His appointment reinforces our commitment to delivering world-leading expertise to clients across football, rugby, tennis, golf and other elite sports environments.”

Ian Lacy added, “STRI Group is recognised globally for its leadership in sports surface consultancy and research. I’m excited to be working with the team to support clients with innovative, evidence-based solutions that drive performance, sustainability and long-term surface quality.”

The addition of Ian Lacy to the team highlights a continued ambition for growth as the Group continues to redefine standards for sustainable sports surface design and management.

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BASIS Appoints Interim Chief Operating Officer

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BASIS Appoints Interim Chief Operating Officer: BASIS Registration has appointed Mark Spurdens as Interim Chief Operating Officer.

Mark brings extensive experience across the Agri-Food sector and professional development, including senior leadership roles within fresh produce and technical operations. He also supports Professional development through pro bono work  in education and as a member of the Institute of Food Science and Technology Scientific Committee.

BASIS Appoints Interim Chief Operating Officer

BASIS Appoints Interim Chief Operating Officer

In his interim role, Mark will lead operations while BASIS moves forward with the recruitment of a new permanent Chief Executive. following the resignation of Corrina Urquhart

William Burgess, Chairman, said: “Mark brings valuable operational experience and sector knowledge. His appointment ensures continuity while we proceed with the recruitment of a permanent Chief Executive.”

Mark said he is pleased to be supporting BASIS during this period and looks forward to working with the team and stakeholders as the organisation continues to deliver for members.

The recruitment process for a permanent Chief Executive will continue in due course.

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KAR UK welcomes new Area Sales & Accounts Manager

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KAR UK welcomes new Area Sales & Accounts Manager: KAR UK has announced the appointment of Oliver Paton as Area Sales & Accounts Manager for Southern England and South Wales, further strengthening its regional support and customer-facing expertise.

Oliver joins the team with over eight years’ experience across irrigation, water treatment and filtration, bringing with him a strong understanding of both the technology and the practical demands faced by customers operating in the field.

KAR UK welcomes new Area Sales & Accounts Manager

KAR UK welcomes new Area Sales & Accounts Manager

“I’ve been working in irrigation and water treatment for a number of years now, so the industry itself is very familiar to me,” Oliver explained. “I understand how systems are put together, how different components work together, and, most importantly, how they’re used in real-world applications.”

Having worked closely with products from the KAR portfolio for several years prior to joining the company, Oliver is already well placed to support customers from day one.

“I know the products, I’m used to selling them, and I’ve dealt with many of the people who are using them,” he said.

In his new role, Oliver will act as a key point of contact for customers across Southern England and South Wales, offering technical guidance, product advice and tailored solutions.

“A lot of the focus in the first six months is about meeting people and making myself known,” he said. “I want to be that first point of call – offering assistance and advice and working closely with the wider KAR team to make sure customers get the best solution for their needs.”

Oliver’s background in delivering bespoke and turnkey projects is expected to be a major asset, particularly as systems continue to become more advanced.

“Technology has moved on massively,” he added. “It’s about understanding the application and matching the right solution to how it’s actually going to be used.”

With KAR’s extensive product portfolio, Oliver is confident he can help customers navigate those choices.

“Meeting people, understanding their challenges, and putting together solutions that really work for them is what I am really looking forward to.”

Outside of work, Oliver enjoys spending time with his young family and playing rugby.

KAR UK looks forward to welcoming Oliver to the team and supporting customers across Southern England and South Wales with his experience, insight and hands-on approach.

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

You can also follow KAR UK on X and Instagram @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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phs Greenleaf appoints biophilic expert

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phs Greenleaf appoints biophilic expert: Jane Leese has joined phs Greenleaf as its Biophilic Design Consultant as the interior and exterior planting business continues to grow across the UK.

Jane has 12 years of experience in the horticulture market and has worked with some of the world’s biggest brands and multinational companies to bring ambitious biophilic designs to life.

phs Greenleaf appoints biophilic expert

phs Greenleaf appoints biophilic expert

Jane’s role at phs Greenleaf will see her deliver interior and exterior schemes from concept to installation, including multi-site customers across the UK.

“Biophilia is the concept that humans have an innate connection to nature,” explains Jane. “In commercial and public spaces, biophilic design aims to bring elements of the natural world inside because there is strong evidence that this improves health, wellbeing, performance and organisational outcomes.

“Including plants, trees, flowers and other natural materials into interior spaces serves a greater purpose than creating a nice aesthetic. It can deliver real tangible benefits, including improved productivity and reduced sick days. Even NASA has advocated for plants to be used in offices to help purify air.”

“It is more complex that putting a potted plant in the corner of your meeting room however,” continues Jane. “It is about putting the right plant in the right place and thinking outside the box to meet your goals. Plants can go inside, on or even around a building – there are no limits.

“ESG is a focus at every stage of the process. We want designs to reduce CO2, promote sustainability and use recyclables wherever possible.”

Stephen Dieppe, Managing Director of phs Greenleaf, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jane to phs Greenleaf at a time when demand for high-quality biophilic design is growing rapidly across the UK.

“Jane brings a wealth of horticultural expertise and a deep understanding of how thoughtful planting can transform commercial and public spaces. Her passion for plants and her ability to deliver ambitious, sustainable schemes at scale will be invaluable as we continue to grow across the UK.”

phs Greenleaf supplies over 8,000 customers with interior and exterior planting across the UK and makes over 25,000 customer site visits every year. It provides a full range of horticultural services, including indoor and outdoor plants, artificial and live planting, living walls, grounds maintenance and Christmas trees and decorations, as well as expert maintenance services.

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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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