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NEWS ARTICLES

200 Sign Ups For SALTEX 2018

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200 Sign Ups For SALTEX 2018: The early signs for the 73rd edition of SALTEX (Sports, Amenities and Landscaping Trade Exhibition) are extremely positive after show organisers reported another record-breaking loyalty period, stand upgrades and an influx of debut exhibitors.

For the third successive year, SALTEX has seen an overwhelming amount of exhibitors re-book their stands. With nearly 200 companies confirming stand space early, the 2018 floor plan already boasts a strong showing of renowned exhibitors, many of which have purchased extra stand space.

200 Sign Ups For SALTEX 2018

GKB Machines is one of those exhibitors that has significantly upgraded its stand. The company, which specialises in innovative maintenance machines for sports pitches, took the decision to increase its presence at the show based on a successful SALTEX 2017.

Operations director Tom Shinkins said: “We’ve been at SALTEX for three years now and each year we have found it a great show to highlight new products and introduce our machines to the market. Off the back of SALTEX 2017 I’ve already been out to do a lot of demonstrations and have sold kit as a direct result of the show.

“It seemed a good idea to grow with the show. You can always guarantee that the one machine you don’t have on the stand is the one that people want to see, so with that in mind we have decided to increase our stand size to further highlight our range of equipment. We cater for both the natural and synthetic markets so SALTEX is a really good show for us because there are groundsmen who look after both surfaces.”

Such was the success of SALTEX 2017, the exhibition is also attracting new companies who have never before exhibited at the show.

Sports Metals, manufacturers of the Extracut-brush™ and suppliers of tines and bed knives, will be a new name on the exhibitor list. This family business consisting of husband and wife, Richard and Jane Jades, has seen rapid growth over the past couple of years and according to Richard, SALTEX is an opportunity not to be missed.

“We visited SALTEX last year, just to get a feel for the place, and loved the show. When you are a small company like us the fact that you can see hundreds of potential customers in the space of two days makes complete sense. With SALTEX being held at the end of October / early November, visitors will be thinking about what equipment and products they need going into the New Year. If I started going round to see all of those customers, it would probably take me until spring and by that time the majority of them would have already placed orders.

“It’s also about industry awareness,” Richard continues. “It is about letting groundsmen know that we have a product that could really make a difference. For the people that have already bought from us – I think it is good for a customer to see us at a show like SALTEX because it backs up their purchasing decision.”

Talurit UK, manufacturers of the GERRO™ COMBI System, which can be used for applications such as playgrounds and sports and leisure equipment, also decided to book a stand at SALTEX 2018 for the first time, based on attending previous shows as visitors.

“We have visited SALTEX to make sure that it would be the right show for us and we came to the conclusion that we will have a good target audience at the NEC for the products we manufacture. We are looking forward to putting faces to customers’ names and also to look at any competition that might be there to see what is new on the market.”

SALTEX 2018 will take place at the NEC, Birmingham on 31 October and 1 November.

To view show highlights and key interviews from SALTEX 2017 please visit www.youtube.com/MyIOG

For more information visit www.iogsaltex.com

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Groundsman’s Amputation Horror

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Groundsman’s Amputation Horror: A groundsman from Derbyshire has been forced to leave full-time work and has undergone multiple operations after a horrific workplace accident.

The 47-year-old tripped on a tree stump while mowing a grass bank, struck his head and was knocked unconscious.

The lawnmower he was using carried on and ran over his foot, the blades slicing through his left boot and into his big toe.

Phil, who did not wish to have his second name published, had part of the toe amputated, developed an infection and was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome, causing him headaches and memory loss.

The condition also carries a risk of developing epilepsy, according to Derby law firm Thompsons Solicitors who represented him.

As a result of his injuries, Phil was awarded £80,000 in compensation from former employer High Peak Borough Council.

Following the accident, which took place in Buxton, Phil spent nine days in hospital and three months off work. He then returned to work on lighter duties, such as painting and decorating.

Soon after his return, Phil’s contract ended and he has had to take lower-paid employment as his injury limits his ability to work and drive.

He said: “My injury has changed everything.

“Now that I can’t drive manual vehicles, my job prospects are limited. I’m taking part-time work here and there but it’s nowhere near as stable as before my accident.

“It’s not just affected my work but my personal life, too. I’ve lost confidence and even getting around the house is a lot more difficult.

“I’m only 47 but I feel like this injury has slowed me down so much.”

Thompsons Solicitors took up his case and pursued a compensation claim against employer High Peak Borough Council.

Angela Staples, of Thompsons Solicitors, said: “Phil was injured because of his employer’s failure to risk assess the job.

“The grass verge was unsafe as there was a tree stump hidden in the ground. With some basic pre-planning, Phil wouldn’t have had to put himself at serious risk of injury.

“The accident has caused significant physical and psychological harm to Phil and left him unable to do jobs he could do before.”

High Peak Borough Council said that there was a full investigation into the incident.

A spokesperson said: “We regret that Phil sustained an injury to his foot while at work as a seasonal grounds maintenance operative.

“Our welfare procedures in relation to support for Phil were followed in full. This incident was fully investigated internally.

“The Health and Safety Executive also carried out a separate investigation and no enforcement action was taken.”

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Diesel Used To Vandalise Greens

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Diesel Used To Vandalise Greens: Cessnock Golf Club have suffered from vandalism three times in the past two weeks.

Greens at Cessnock Golf Club have been vandalised three times in the past two weeks.

The first incident occurred on the night of Wednesday, February 14 when diesel was poured onto the twelfth green (which backs onto the Calvary grounds).

The fourth green had also been targeted the Saturday night prior, when vandals left a series of holes in the grass.

Course superintendent Merv Hayward said it was devastating news for the staff, the golfers and the club volunteers (who give their time for several hours a week to keep the course in good shape).

“Our volunteers do a great job,” he said.,

“The course was really starting to look nice.

“You wonder what they (the vandals) get out of it.”

Mr Hayward said the diesel stains are irreparable, meaning the damaged sections of each green will have to be dug up and re-turfed – costing the club about $2500.

Anyone with information about these incidents should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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New Sherriff TurfHealth Packages

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New Sherriff TurfHealth Packages: Sherriff Amenity have announced the release of TurfHealth Packages, which will offer turf managers a combination of products within the Sherriff Amenity portfolio and offer them all-year round tank-mix options.

There are currently twelve combinations available through TurfHealth Packages which present turf managers with options for a number of requirements – from mixes to help strengthen the plant during high disease pressure periods, to mixes incorporating seaweeds, biostimulants and wetting agents to help with drought stress.

New Sherriff TurfHealth Packages

Furthermore, Sherriff Amenity have reduced the prices of each product within the packages, so customers will see savings on every package they purchase.

TurfHealth Package 1

Products: E2 Pro PhosRite and Green Lawnger TR

A phosphite and pigment combination to support the grass against disease and to promote a natural even colour. An ideal package for the autumn and winter months as growth and recovery rates decline.

TurfHealth Package 2

Products: E2 Pro PhosRite, Green Lawnger TR and GoGreen Plus

All the features of TurfHealth Package1 but with the added benefit of GoGreen Plus – a sulphur free complexed iron for rapid green-up and hardening of the sward.

 TurfHealth Package 3

Products: Calsal, GoGreen Plus and Magflo 300

The 100% availability of nitrate in Calsal is the ideal support for early season growth. Combined with the rapid greening and sulphur free formulation of GoGreen Plus and magnesium in Magflo 300, there is a strong colour response and strengthening of the turf against disease.

TurfHealth Package 4

Products: Calsal, GoGreen Plus and Krista-Mag

An ideal tank-mix for growth at low temperature, incorporating the 100% availability of calcium and magnesium nitrate with the strong greening effect of GoGreen Plus, into a sulphur free formulation.

TurfHealth Package 5

Products: Rootmass Plus, Magflo300 and Greenmaster Step Liquid

Rootmass Plus provides a strong focus on supporting spring and autumn root development. The use of Greenmaster Step Liquid helps to replenish micronutrients. Magflo300 extends the greening response by helping to form chlorophyll.

TurfHealth Package 6

Products: Rootmass Plus, GoGreen Plus, Magflo 300 and E2 Pro PhosRite

Rootmass Plus with its high concentration of cold process seaweed extract, humic/fulvic acid and chelated iron, tank-mixed with GoGreen Plus, a sulphur free complex iron. Magflo 300, for an even more enhanced greening effect. E2 Pro PhosRite contains phosphite, widely recognised to enhance disease resistance.

TurfHealth Package 7

Products: GoGreen Energy and E2 Pro PhosRite.

GoGreen Energy provides optimum results when the plant is under stress conditions. A low NPK analysis and a wetter/spreader make a great plant health product when mixed with E2 Pro PhosRite. It’s benefits of promoting strong healthy growth with enhanced rooting makes this package a perfect stress busting turf health mix.

TurfHealth Package 8

Products: Aqua-Zorb 45, Amino Turf and Seavolution

A wetting agent and plant biostimulant mix, ideal support for turf under pressure from drought and physical wear.

TurfHealth Package 9

Products: Aqua-Zorb 45 and Rapid Root

Aqua-Zorb 45 is a key water management tool that can help prevent and correct localised dry patch. When mixed with Seavolution, a quality cold processed seaweed extract, the formulation combats the effects of parasitic nematodes and fungal pathogens. Complemented with Amino Turf, TH9 is a perfect summer turf health mix for growth and recovery.

TurfHealth Package 10

Products: Green Lawnger Pro HC, GoGreen Plus and E2 Pro PhosRite

Green Lawnger Pro HC is particularly beneficial in deteriorating light conditions. The combined effects of complexed iron in GoGreen Plus, further enhances the greening response and with the added benefit of E2 Pro PhosRite, this package serves to strengthen and protect the turf against disease.

TurfHealth Package 11

Products: Amino Turf, Rapid Root and Seavolution

A strong broad spectrum biostimulant mix, combining the high quality cold processed seaweed extract found in Seavolution with the high humic/fulvic acid concentration of Rapid Root and the maximum availability of amino acids in Amino Turf. TH11 will also help to improve cation exchange capacity, nutrient availability and root development.

TurfHealth Package 12

Products: K-Max, Go Green Plus and E2 Pro PhosRite

K-Max with 11% nitrogen and 39% potassium, makes this a perfect product for autumn use when it is important to discourage disease associated with lush growth, but it is still necessary to stimulate a response following renovation. With the benefits of GoGreen Plus, a sulphur free, complexed iron for rapid green-up and hardening of the sward, with the addition of phosphite in E2 Pro PhosRite, TH12 is a great mix for repair after a long and stressful summer.

For further information, please contact Sherriff Amenity on 01638 721 888 or visit www.sherriffamenity.com

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BASIS Points Reminder

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BASIS Points Reminder: Members of the BASIS Professional Register are being reminded that there are just three months left until the end of the points year.

BASIS Professional Registers and accounts manager, Michele Williams, explains that members must collect a specified number of BASIS CPD points by 31 May 2018, to maintain their Professional Register status.

BASIS Points Reminder

“There are numerous ways in which BASIS members can top-up their points before the 31 May deadline, including visiting exhibitions, conferences, trial sites and technical seminars,” she says.

A maximum of eight points per year can also be collected from reading a wide range of technical industry publications and newsletters.

The number of points an individual member must accrue depends on their qualification and category of membership. For example:

  • Certificate in Crop Protection (agriculture, vegetables or horticulture) – 40 points
  • Certificate in Crop Protection (agriculture, vegetables or horticulture) with FACTS Certificate – 50 points
  • FACTS Certificate only – 20 points
  • Certificate in Crop Protection (amenity horticulture) – 20 points
  • Certificate in Crop Protection (amenity horticulture) with FACTS Certificate – 30 points

“We’ve currently got 5,591 members, with over 200,000 CPD points to be collected during the year, and encouragingly, over three quarters of these have already been allocated. But there are still plenty of opportunities to meet your quota before the end of May.”

Stephen Jacob, BASIS CEO reiterates the importance of Continued Professional Development (CPD), explaining that it is essential for agronomists, advisers and farmers to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly developing agricultural and horticultural industries.

“Over the past few years, we’ve seen agronomy step up a gear, and with the uncertainty around Brexit, and tightening regulations, this is expected to continue,” he says.

“New technology, restrictions and stewardship guidelines are being introduced all the time, so it’s essential that those providing advice remain up-to-date, and collecting BASIS CPD points will help to do so. This will allow consultants to deliver the latest information and assist farmers in making informed decisions.”

Points requirements

Members can access their training record on the BASIS website, or via the BASIS app at www.basis-app.co.uk, to find out how many more points they need to collect.

For more information please visit www.basis-reg.co.uk or contact a member of the BASIS team on 01335 343945.

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