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Kress and the Portugal Invitational showcase the future of course maintenance

Kress and the Portugal Invitational showcase the future of course maintenance

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Kress and the Portugal Invitational showcase the future of course maintenance

The 2026 Portugal Invitational will bring together some of golf’s most respected names and provide a glimpse into the future of how great courses will be maintained. Kress has been named an Official Partner of the tournament, the first PGA Tour Champions event in Europe, taking place at The Els Club Vilamoura in the Algarve from July 27 to August 2, 2026.

Kress and the Portugal Invitational showcase the future of course maintenance

Kress and the Portugal Invitational showcase the future of course maintenance

As part of the partnership, Kress autonomous mowing technology will be deployed at selected golf courses across Portugal, supporting a new approach to course maintenance that combines sustainability, operational efficiency, and exceptional playing conditions.

Trusted by some of the world’s most prestigious golf courses, Kress is helping define a new standard for course maintenance, combining autonomous operation with the consistency and precision demanded by elite venues.

As golf facilities across Europe pursue ambitious sustainability goals, many are looking for practical ways to reduce their environmental footprint without compromising course standards. By replacing diesel-powered mowing equipment with autonomous electric technology, golf courses can significantly reduce emissions, lower noise levels, and preserve the peaceful environment that defines the golfing experience.

Kress and the Portugal Invitational showcase the future of course maintenance

Kress and the Portugal Invitational showcase the future of course maintenance

“Great courses are maintained by people. Technology simply gives them more time to focus on what matters most,” said Dario Alonso, CEO Kress South Europe. “The Portugal Invitational is the perfect stage to demonstrate that autonomy, sustainability, and exceptional course conditions can coexist.”

“We are proud to welcome Kress as an Official Partner of the Portugal Invitational,” said

Todd Rhinehart, Tournament Director.

“Their commitment to innovation and sustainability reflects our ambition to showcase not only world-class golf but also the future of the game and the facilities that support it.”

For more information, please visit https://www.kress.com/en-gb/

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New home for BBC Gardeners’ World Live and Good Food Show Summer

New home for BBC Gardeners’ World Live and Good Food Show Summer

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New home for BBC Gardeners’ World Live and Good Food Show Summer

BBC Gardeners’ World Live and the Good Food Show Summer, which will be renamed as the Good Food Festival, are moving to the breathtaking 4,500-acre Packington Estate in Meriden, Warwickshire with the first Show taking place 17 – 20 June 2027.

New home for BBC Gardeners’ World Live and Good Food Show Summer

New home for BBC Gardeners’ World Live and Good Food Show Summer

After an incredible 35-year legacy at the NEC Birmingham, these much-loved flagship events will relocate to Packington Estate, just five miles from the NEC, situated between Birmingham and Coventry. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the 18th century, Palladian hall, the Estate’s expansive landscape, historic gardens and curated grounds create an inspiring new canvas for the Shows to evolve, expand and flourish.

The move marks a landmark moment, with 2027 also marking the 60th anniversary of the BBC Gardeners’ World brand.

Rachel Poletti-Gadd, Portfolio Director at Immediate Live, organisers of BBC Gardeners’ World Live, said: “Our move to the Packington Estate coincides with celebrations marking 60 remarkable years of BBC Gardeners’ World. It’s been a privilege to nurture and grow BBC Gardeners’ World Live and the Good Food Show Summer into an exceptional event with the NEC team and the millions of visitors that have joined us. Our mission is to continue to develop the shows for Gardening and Food enthusiasts. Gardening favourites like the Show Gardens, Floral Marquees, Plant Villages, Beautiful Borders and the main theatre will be coming with us, as well as foodie Favourites such as the Big Kitchen, Tasting Workshops, Producers Villages and many more exciting new highlights in the Good Food Festival too.

Packington Hall is the ancestral seat of the Earl and Countess of Aylesford and is home to Lord and Lady Guernsey and their young family. The Estate features ‘Capability’ Brown designed pleasure grounds with a picturesque serpentine lake, a rich variety of trees, and a 1762 Japanese Bridge. There are mixed herbaceous borders, a wildflower meadow and rose garden, and a lovingly restored walled garden which will be brought to life through special guided tours during the June event.

Georgie Guernsey said: “At Packington we have been growing food and managing nature for many generations. The Estate is defined by its heritage and guided by our evolving vision to honour the historical landscape while embracing the future’s potential. Packington’s long-term vision is shaped by four core pillars: stewardship, sustainability, connectivity, and wellness. Together they guide the Estate’s purpose and commitment to the land, its people, its heritage and its future.

“To know that Gardeners’ World and the Good Food Show are coming to Packington goes far beyond a dream come true. For us, it marks the beginning of a partnership that reflects so much of what we care about: food, gardening, community, wellbeing and a connection to the land.”

Early bird tickets

BBC Gardeners’ World Live and the Good Food Festival will take place at the Packington Estate, Meriden, near Coventry, Warwickshire from 17-20 June 2027. Early bird tickets are on sale now at www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com/newdigs and include entry to both events.

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Vincents breaks ground on major new Cullompton branch

Vincents breaks ground on major new Cullompton branch

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Vincents breaks ground on major new Cullompton branch

South West agricultural, construction and groundcare machinery dealer Vincents has broken ground this month (June) on a new purpose-built branch in Cullompton, marking a major milestone in its 60th anniversary year.

Vincents breaks ground on major new Cullompton branch

Vincents breaks ground on major new Cullompton branch

The third-generation, family-run business supports customers across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset and is investing in a new long-term base just off the M5. The Cullompton branch is due to open in spring 2027.

Designed to support continued growth across Devon and Somerset, the new freehold branch will include larger workshops, improved staff and customer facilities and an impressive showroom showcasing an extensive range of machinery from leading brands including Kubota, Merlo and Kverneland. It will bring together Vincents’ existing Smithaleigh and Wellington operations into a single, modern, permanent site and will operate alongside its established branches in Fraddon and Holsworthy.

The new location in Cullompton places the business close to established rural retailers such as Mole Valley and on key routes used by many of its customers, strengthening access and regional connectivity.

Brothers Alec and Nick Vincent, third-generation managing directors of the family-run business, said: “As we reach our 60th year, this investment is about securing the right long-term base for our Devon and Somerset operations. Moving to an owned freehold site is a key strategic step for us, giving us the capacity and stability to support customers and continue growing for the long term.

“We’ve built strong relationships across the region, and this new site ensures we’re well positioned to support customers into the future.”

The business, which prides itself on Ken’s founding principle of ‘service at the centre of everything’, continues to benefit from the experience of the second and first generations, with Paul and Ken Vincent remaining actively involved.

Vincents’ renowned service model – including overnight parts delivery – will remain unchanged, with most support continuing to take place at customers’ premises.

“As a family business, maintaining that day-to-day consistency of service is incredibly important to us,” Nick and Alec said. “Our teams will continue to operate out in the field, with the Cullompton site giving us the space, facilities and infrastructure to support that even more effectively.”

Smithaleigh and Wellington will remain fully operational throughout the build period, with all roles transferring to Cullompton when the site opens.

Founded in 1966, Vincents has grown from a tractor engineering workshop into a full-line dealership supplying and supporting agricultural, groundcare and construction equipment across the South West. It is the only dealership in the region offering the full Kubota range and it supplies and services a wide range of new and used machinery which spans everything from balers and disc mowers to robotic mowers, excavators, dumpers and telehandlers.

For more information visit vincenttractors.co.uk.

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One supplier, one proven programme at Cromer LTA

One supplier, one proven programme at Cromer LTA

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One supplier, one proven programme at Cromer LTA

At Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS), building long-term relationships with facilities is just as important as supplying the right products. That partnership approach is on full display at Cromer Lawn Tennis & Squash Association, where Groundsman and General Manager Matthew Jordan relies on OAS as the club’s sole supplier of grass seed, nutritional products and line marking paint to maintain 10 busy grass courts through an intensive playing season.

One supplier, one proven programme at Cromer LTA

One supplier, one proven programme at Cromer LTA

Cromer LTA is a bustling multi-sport and community venue, offering accessible facilities and coaching for a range of racket sports together with supporting local groups including yoga, chess and running clubs. With around 500 members including 120 juniors, the facilities are open year-round – with the grass courts hosting the brunt of the action between mid-April and the end of September. “For us, maintaining consistently high-quality playing surfaces is essential and it’s something that is much more achievable with the reliable results we achieve with an OAS programme” explains Matthew.

“It’s something that we’ve developed over a number of years, working closely alongside our OAS Area Sales Representative Mark Keysell to establish the right products and gather the practical guidance we need to make informed decisions. We have budgets to work to and really appreciate that Mark respects this and structures a plan that delivers both value and long-term results.”

Keeping the courts fit for daily play in addition to a packed tournament schedule which includes a British Tour event, county championships and junior and senior tournaments begins with the right grass seed, and for that Matthew opts for R9 100% dwarf ryegrass. “This hard-wearing mix is ideal for tennis. After a fairly heavy renovation, we sow R9 at the conclusion of the grass court season and let this establish throughout October.”

Matthew then turns his attention to a winter nutrition programme consisting of Multigreen 15-0-22 to maintain plant health through the colder months before kickstarting spring growth in February with an application of Cold Start Boost-R 11-5-5. “This product really get’s the grass moving, enabling us to gradually lower the heights and increase the frequency of mowing to get us down to 8-10mm when the season starts” he adds. Supporting performance during the busiest periods is H-Cote 22-3-8, which forms part of a wider site programme which includes selective weed controls, Enclean hard surface biocide and Tri-Cure granular.

For Matthew and the team, having one trusted supplier simplifies operations and provides confidence throughout the year. “It’s now at the point where this programme is tried and tested, but it’s great to have Mark on hand with help, advice and guidance when needed.” He concludes, “It’s thanks to this partnership that our grass courts are as good as they are.”

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Replay Group appoints James Kimmings

Replay Group appoints James Kimmings

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Replay Group appoints James Kimmings

Replay Group has appointed James Kimmings as its new Digital and Online Analyst, reinforcing the company’s commitment to growing its digital presence and supporting its continued expansion.

Replay Group appoints James Kimmings

Replay Group appoints James Kimmings

James joins Replay after almost four years at Pitchcare, where he gained extensive experience across journalism, social media management, videography, content creation, magazine production, video editing and digital communications.

At Replay, James will be responsible for growing the company’s digital footprint through website development, search engine optimisation (SEO), content creation and social media, while supporting the sales team with digital marketing activity designed to increase leads and raise the company’s profile across the sports turf, landscaping and grounds maintenance sectors.

James studied Sports Business Management at Northumbria University before completing a Master’s degree in Media and Journalism at Newcastle University. During his studies he gained valuable experience with a local newspaper and radio station before beginning his career at Pitchcare in 2022.

He was attracted by the opportunity to take on a new challenge in a role created specifically to support Replay’s future growth.

“What really appealed to me was the opportunity to build something from the ground up,” he explained. “Replay has ambitious plans for its digital presence, and this role gives me the chance to help shape that journey from the very beginning.

“It’s exciting because there’s so much potential. I can bring together everything I’ve learned over the last four years and apply it in a way that’s focused on growing the business and creating new opportunities.”

One of James’ biggest motivations is seeing measurable growth from his work.

“I’m looking forward to establishing some baseline figures and then watching the website traffic, enquiries and digital engagement grow over time. That’s something that’s really exciting because it’s a much more commercially focused role, where you can clearly see the impact of the work you’re doing.”

Having spent his entire professional career in the turf industry, James is also pleased to remain part of a sector he has come to know well.

“The people make this industry what it is,” he said. “I’ve had the privilege of interviewing countless greenkeepers, grounds staff and industry professionals over the last few years, and they’re passionate people who don’t always receive the recognition they deserve.

“I’m grateful to have stayed within the industry because it’s a fantastic community. Replay may have maintenance at the heart of its business, but it’s still very much part of the wider grounds sector. I’m excited about the challenge ahead, looking forward to working with the team and helping Replay continue to grow its digital presence.”

Replay Group welcomes James to the team and looks forward to the expertise, creativity and enthusiasm he brings as the company continues to strengthen its digital offering.

For more information, visit www.replaymaintenance.co.uk

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