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Redexim UK welcomes Jeremy Vincent

Redexim UK welcomes Jeremy Vincent

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Redexim UK welcomes Jeremy Vincent

Redexim UK has strengthened its team with the appointment of Jeremy Vincent, a highly respected figure within the groundscare industry.

Redexim UK welcomes Jeremy Vincent

Redexim UK welcomes Jeremy Vincent

With more than three decades of experience, Jeremy brings a wealth of knowledge spanning engineering, sales and customer support. His career began as an apprentice at a John Deere dealership in 1988, before progressing through a variety of roles which ultimately led him into the groundscare sector.

Jeremy spent 16 years working with an importer, where he developed his sales expertise representing a range of machinery including Trilo products, before going on to work directly with Trilo for a decade across the UK, Ireland and beyond.

Now joining Redexim UK, Jeremy will take on responsibility for sales across the southern region, supporting dealers, attending demonstrations, and working closely with customers to deliver the company’s extensive range of natural and synthetic turf maintenance equipment.

Speaking about his new role, Jeremy said:

“Ideally, I wanted to stay with a manufacturer, and Redexim really stood out. They are market leaders and their product range speaks for itself. I’ve worked with the equipment before and was always impressed.”

He added: “I’m the sort of person who enjoys being hands-on with machinery, and Redexim’s portfolio really appeals to me. There’s a strong reputation behind the brand and that makes a big difference when you’re out speaking to customers.”

Well known and widely respected across the industry, Jeremy’s appointment has been warmly received by colleagues and contacts alike.

“I’ve had so many kind messages since the news got out,” he said. “It does make you realise what a great industry this is. Everyone is supportive, and it’s genuinely a nice sector to be part of.”

Looking ahead, Jeremy is excited about the future with Redexim UK and the opportunities within his new territory.

“Redexim is clearly a company that’s moving forward and evolving. I’m really looking forward to being part of that journey and helping to grow the business in my area,” he said.

With a strong track record, deep industry knowledge, and a passion for the sector, Jeremy’s appointment marks another positive step for Redexim UK as it continues to invest in its people and strengthen its presence across the UK.

For more information, visit https://www.redexim.com/uk/

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Redbacks® Inside: Stepping Into A New Era of Comfort

Redbacks® Inside: Stepping Into A New Era of Comfort

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Redbacks® Inside: Stepping Into A New Era of Comfort

Long days on-site, constant movement between surfaces, and hours spent kneeling or standing can take a serious toll on tradespeople’s feet and joints. Fatigue builds fast and over time, it can lead to issues like plantar fasciitis and chronic discomfort. That’s why the Bobcat Safety Footwear range, powered by Redbacks® Leaf Spring Technology, is engineered with installers in mind – delivering all-day comfort without compromising on protection.

Redbacks® Inside: Stepping Into A New Era of Comfort

Redbacks® Inside: Stepping Into A New Era of Comfort

The collection, spanning over 20 distinct styles, is built to tackle everything from indoor warehouse work to the harshest outdoor conditions. Every model carries the signature Bobcat design language, with safety features tuned for real-world jobsite environments and the unique comfort advantage of Redbacks® leaf spring cushioning at the core. Independently proven to improve shock absorption by up to 46% and outperform industry-leading insoles by up to 30%, this technology helps reduce impact and fatigue over long hours on the job.

“We’ve entered a new era in workwear, where performance is expected, but comfort is now essential,” says Peter Lawson, Brand Manager at Overland Shoes. “Workers are demanding footwear that supports them physically through the day. Redbacks® gives us a huge point of difference, and it’s exclusive to the Bobcat Safety Footwear range.”

Engineered by Category: A Complete Solution for Tradespeople on the Move

The Bobcat Safety Footwear range is structured across five outsole series, each engineered for a specific application and named after iconic American industrial regions:

  • Delta Series – Lightweight, trainer-style work shoes designed for agility and indoor performance. Models like Rockford, Clinch and Knox offer composite toe caps, puncture-resistant midsoles, abrasion-resistant uppers and slip-resistant soles – ideal for logistics, warehouse or light assembly work.
  • Summit Series – Hiker-inspired hybrid boots such as Rapid and Toledo, ideal for trades that need to move between indoor and outdoor environments. Breathable linings, ankle stability, and triple-density outsoles provide all-day versatility.
  • Forge Series – Built with stability and structure in mind, the Dakota and Melroe boots are designed for work at height, with ladder grip soles, scuff caps, and robust triple-density construction.
  • Keystone Series – Designed for high-heat, high-risk applications, this series includes Virginia and Omaha, featuring waterproof leathers, heat-resistant soles, and wedge outsoles for stability in welding, fabrication and foundry settings.
  • Bastion Series – The toughest boots in the range. Fargo and Granite offer waterproof leather uppers, heavy-duty outsoles, support chassis, and kick spurs for effortless removal. Built for groundwork, infrastructure and civil engineering environments.

All products are certified to EN ISO 20345:2022+A1:2024 and feature composite safety toe caps, non-metallic puncture-resistant midsoles, and non-marking, fuel oil-resistant outsoles. Most models are fully metal-free and designed to meet the growing demand for lighter, more wearable protection without compromise.

Redbacks® Leaf Spring Cushioning: Exclusive to Bobcat

At the centre of the range is the Redbacks® Cushioning System, a patented technology that replaces traditional foam insoles with a dynamic leaf-spring structure. Rather than simply absorbing shock, Redbacks® actively disperses pressure across the foot, reducing impact and fatigue over extended wear.

Independent testing by the Shoe and Allied Trades Research Association (SATRA) has shown that Redbacks® improves impact shock absorption by up to 46%, delivering industry-leading protection and outperforming competing insoles by as much as 30%.

“Tradespeople are on their feet for up to 12 hours a day – often on hard, unrelenting surfaces,” says Lawson. “We built this range around what matters to them: comfort, performance and reliability. Redbacks® technology is proven to address that comfort issue head-on.”

Unlike other insoles that flatten or degrade over time, the Redbacks® leaf-spring mechanism retains its structure and performance for the life of the boot, helping reduce the risk of strain injuries, foot pain and long-term musculoskeletal issues.

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Kubota Zero-Turn ticks every box for Windsor Holiday Park

Kubota Zero-Turn ticks every box for Windsor Holiday Park

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Kubota Zero-Turn ticks every box for Windsor Holiday Park

Gareth Hagan, Owner of Windsor Holiday Park, knows the importance of creating a strong first impression for his guests. That’s why, when it comes to the maintenance of the lawned areas of the site – nestled just outside of Newcastle, County Down – nothing less than a ‘bowling green’ finish is acceptable. Delivering that, alongside significant efficiency and safety benefits and so much more is a ZD1211 from Kubota.

Windsor Holiday Park is proudly a five-star, AA Gold-rated resort, family owned and operated by Gareth, his wife and two children. The commitment to quality extends well beyond hospitality – it’s evident in every blade of grass across their 7-acre site. “The presentation of the grounds is what creates either the right or wrong first impression of someone’s holiday which is why we put so much emphasis on this being perfect” he explains.

Kubota Zero-Turn ticks every box for Windsor Holiday Park

Kubota Zero-Turn ticks every box for Windsor Holiday Park

“I’ve grown up in the industry and was familiar with Kubota, so turned to Laird Grass Machinery when we needed to replace our previous mower. The team at Laird are absolutely first-class. They knew exactly what we needed and, while we knew the specification of the ZD1211 was going to be spot on, its performance has truly exceeded all expectations.”

“We’ve cut our mowing time by 50%.” Gareth expands, “The productivity of this machine is outstanding, and we can navigate between the statics and glamping pods with such ease that the whole job can be done in just half a day in good weather.” The manoeuvrability of the ZD1211 has also made the day-to-day work much safer and simpler. “Before, we had to reverse in and out of pitches, which isn’t ideal with guests and children moving around. Now, we can turn on the spot, so we’re always forward facing with full line of sight.”

From Kubota’s recently expanded Zero-Turn mower range, the ZD1211 prioritises efficiency with a 60” cutting width and hydraulic-lift deck. Its suspension seat means greater comfort and less operator fatigue – something Gareth and his team of wardens appreciate. “Gone are the days of sore backs… The seat is like nothing else on the market, you could literally have it in your living room!”

To reduce the transportation of clippings around the site, Gareth opted to equip the ZD1211 with Kubota’s mulching kit. “We don’t have capacity to lift grass so this keeps both the site clean and the guests happy.”

He concludes, “We’ve now used the ZD1211 for two seasons and the machine continues to impress. The presentation is consistently where we need it to be, the comments we’ve had from guests are incredibly positive and the back up support we’ve had from Laird is second to none – it just ticks every box.”

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Geoff Webb to step down as CEO of the GMA

Geoff Webb to step down as CEO of the GMA

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Geoff Webb to step down as CEO of the GMA

The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has today announced that Chief Executive, Geoff Webb, will step down from his role in March 2027, after 21 years leading the organisation.

Geoff Webb to step down as CEO of the GMA

Geoff Webb to step down as CEO of the GMA

Geoff, who has overseen a period of significant growth and transformation for the association and the wider grounds management profession, will remain closely involved with the organisation as a Strategic Advisor to the GMA following his departure as CEO.

Since taking on the role two decades ago, Geoff has played a central role in elevating the profile of grounds management, strengthening professional standards and supporting the development of thousands of grounds professionals and volunteers across sport and amenity sectors.

Under his leadership the association has expanded its membership, developed industry-leading education and training programmes, and strengthened partnerships across sport, government, and the wider facilities sector.

The GMA Board has begun the process of identifying Geoff’s successor and will announce in due course.

Geoff Webb said: “It has been an enormous privilege to lead the Grounds Management Association over the last two decades. During that time, we have seen the profession grow in recognition, capability, and influence.

“I remain deeply committed to the sector and I am pleased that I will continue supporting the GMA and its members as a Strategic Advisor following my time as CEO.”

Martyn Ward, Chair of the GMA Board said: “Geoff has played an instrumental role in shaping the modern grounds management profession. His leadership over the past two decades has positioned the GMA as the leading voice for the sector.

“We are pleased that Geoff will continue to support the organisation in a strategic advisory role following his tenure as CEO.”

Geoff will remain CEO until March 2027, ensuring continuity for the organisation and its members during the leadership transition.

Further announcements regarding the next Chief Executive will be made in due course.

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The Great Pavilion at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The Great Pavilion at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

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The Great Pavilion at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The heart and centre of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the Great Pavilion is packed with bursting florals, leading scientific research and innovation as well as immersive and transportational exhibits. Here are the highlights inside the truly phenomenal big tent!

The Great Pavilion at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The Great Pavilion at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

At the centre of the Great Pavilion is the Monument Feature: RHS x CITI Season of Abundance designed by Imogen Perreau. An homage to the energy and abundance of May, this immersive planting installation draws on the symbolism of Beltane, a Celtic festival rooted in folklore that marks the shift from spring to summer.

A fully immersive walk-through exhibit will be constructed by Blue Diamond, featuring 35 metres of path and 4,000 plants, taking visitors on a journey of drought tolerant planting, growing food in small spaces and sustainable gardening practices to explore the possibilities of modern gardening. Also looking to transport visitors and calling back to the nursery’s home, Raymond Evison Clematis will evoke a Guernsey seashore with a serpentine walkway meandering between boats bursting with clematis.

Exploring the relationship between fabrics, plants and dyes, Sparsholt College’s Washday Hues will use a washing machine alongside a swathe of vibrant florals in reds, oranges and yellows to educate visitors on the history and modern use of natural dyes.

David Austin Roses returns with a Cotswold-inspired circular garden featuring curving paths lined with rose beds and arches climbing with blooms. Spanning a generous 16x16m, the exhibit is dedicated to the beauty of roses in all their forms allowing visitors to walk among the roses, experiencing shifting fragrance, colour and light at every turn, just as they would in a living garden

Celebrating 125 years of growing and their second appearance in the Great Pavilion, Frank P. Matthews will be showcasing the diversity and beauty of Malus and trained fruit forms in bud and flower. With a great variation in blossom, foliage and form, the display will demonstrate how both ornamental and productive trees can be used creatively. Also talking trees, Miles Japanese Maples will be bringing his collection of acers to RHS Chelsea, all grown from seed in the past 9-10 years to show the different growth stages of the striking tree.

Lincolnshire Pond Plants return to the Great Pavilion and will be bringing a raised aquarium with cascading water and a pond containing a plethora of plant life to demonstrate biodiversity in action.

She Grows Veg are bringing Feast to the Great Pavilion – a woodland-inspired dining space championing growing your own flavour-rich heirloom vegetables at home. Highlighting the wellbeing, zero-food-miles and organic benefits of homegrown produce, the exhibit will feature a table setting to connect the garden, kitchen and plate.

Alongside their first ever Show Garden, Plant Heritage will also be hosting six nurseries in the Great Pavilion showcasing a series of National Collections. One of which, The Brantwood Trust, will be featuring their National Collection of Wisteria marking the first time in 15 years that wisteria has had a major presence in the Great Pavilion. Featuring florals in Plant Heritage’s signature colours, Greenways Pelargoniums will educate on the history of the highly scented plants. Finally, also exhibiting their collection and starting at RHS Chelsea, British Cosmos will be giving away one million seeds to help spread the love of the plant.

Showcasing the latest and most innovative developments in horticultural science, the GreenSTEM zone is also located in the Great Pavilion and features the RHS Bringing Nature Home exhibit, using evidence-based research and interactive displays to empower gardeners to enhance their local habitats for biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. Visitors will similarly be encouraged to support climate resilience through acoustic technology and interactive tools in the UKCEH Nature Decoded exhibit.

Scents & Sensors by APHA explores how the olfactory senses of humans, dogs, and electronic noses can be used to detect plant pests and diseases while The University of Lincoln is presenting Robocrops: Plant Selection, Beyond the Visible, showcasing how AI can identify invisible plant traits, accelerating the breeding of resilient and sustainable crops. Nature Inspired Protective Engineering created by Blast EcoShield demonstrates how vegetation can be engineered to mitigate explosive blast waves and protect human life.

This year’s Floristry category in the Great Pavilion themed around ‘Floristry Laboratory’ features ten judged Floral Creations in rectangular frames and three larger Creative Spaces pieces that will explore the boundaries of science and art through sustainability and innovation. Aesthetically the constructions will emulate a clean, cool feel, while balancing contemporary, modern and traditional floristry styles.

And finally, to celebrate the concentration of excellence in the Great Pavilion, the RHS is releasing a Tips and Trends report from the exhibiting 2026 Growers and Nurseries, sharing the noticeable gardening trends and expert advice shared with their own customers for the most successful blooms and growth.

RHS Great Pavilion Tips and Trends report is available here: rhs-great-pavillion-tips-and-trends-report-2026.pdf

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