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NEWS ARTICLES

Euromonitor certifies Segway Navimow as market leader

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Euromonitor certifies Segway Navimow as market leader: Segway Navimow, the robotic lawn mower arm of Segway, has been named as the world’s No.1 brand for wire-free robotic lawn mower sales volume by global analytics company Euromonitor International. The accreditation affirms Navimow’s status as a leader in the robotic mowing sector.

Sales were measured across all applicable channels throughout 2024, including Amazon, DTC stores, dealer shops and offline merchandise stores. Euromonitor defines a wire-free boundary robotic lawn mower as a machine used for both residential and commercial applications that operates without the need for a physical boundary wire for navigation, typically by adopting technologies such as UWB, Virtual, RTK or 3D Lidar.

Euromonitor certifies Segway Navimow as market leader

Euromonitor certifies Segway Navimow as market leader

Segway first entered the market in 2022 with the launch of the Navimow H Series. This was followed by the second-generation i Series in 2024, and most recently, the release of the X3 Series earlier this year.

Commenting on the news, George Ren, CEO of Segway Navimow BU, said: “A simple, wire-free setup process, alongside outstanding reliability and performance, has driven Navimow sales ever since the H Series launched three years ago. We’re incredibly proud of this achievement and the Segway Navimow team will continue striving for success, ensuring we innovate to meet the evolving needs of consumers and offer a precise, user-friendly mowing experience.”

Graham Gilbert, Vice President Consulting at Euromonitor International, added: “I would like to congratulate Navimow on its outstanding market performance in 2024 in wire free robotic lawn mower sector globally. We scanned the wire free robotic lawn mower market and generated competitive landscape insights through a variety of methods, including expert interviews, in-store visits, and desk research. Based on the research findings, Navimow is the global NO.1 brand measured in terms of total brand sales volume in units of wire free robotic lawn mower in 2024.”

Barrus, one of the UK’s leading importers and distributors, recently launched a new e-commerce website for Segway Navimow robotic mowers in the UK. Visit uknavimow.com to find your nearest stockist, access product information or purchase the Navimow i105e.

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New home builders overlooking the value of quality lawns

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New home builders overlooking the value of quality lawns: For many years, home builders haven’t appreciated the value of good quality lawns, not only for the benefits that a lawn brings to the environment & personal well-being, but also the impact that a nice lawn has on the kerb appeal and saleability of a new home.

Most new homes are sold with a newly turfed lawn, but as the demand for affordable housing increases, and development land is at an all-time premium, lawns are shrinking! Analysis in 2023 estimated the average English garden space to be 255m2. New build homes are required to provide a minimum of 30m2 of amenity space, and thankfully, most garden areas are bigger, but the Turfgrass Growers Association estimates that the average size of a new-build lawn is just 55m2.

New home builders overlooking the value of quality lawns

New home builders overlooking the value of quality lawns

In addition to the shrinking size of new lawns, homebuilders are squeezing budgets so much, that landscapers are forced to do minimal preparation on, what are often small, enclosed garden plots, with poor drainage and reduced light from high fences. The low landscaping budget forces landscapers to use the cheapest turf available, often a “contractors’ grade”, rather than a good quality premium turf, from a reputable, accredited supplier.

Using a lower grade of turf, combined with poor ground conditions, and minimal preparation is inevitably going to result in a substandard lawn, and this common practice is putting people off natural grass, and all its benefits!

Regretfully, it is common for Landscape Architects to unwittingly, specify turf containing plastic net and for some landscapers to consciously chose it as a way of cheapening cost. The Turf Grass
Growers Association which represents most of the turf grown in the UK, has actively moved to ban plastic net by October 2026, and in the meantime, any turf containing plastic net will not meet the TGA specification. The industry should remain vigilant against the prospect of gardens being contaminated with unnecessary plastic. Natural turf has good ‘green’ credentials that should be promoted when considering the use of alternatives such as hard landscaping and in particular artificial grass.

Artificial turf is quickly going out of favour as the public become more environmentally aware. However, there are lots of other lawn alternatives being used because homeowners are frustrated with poor quality lawns. If a lawn is created with good quality turf, grown to the TGA standards, laid on a well-prepared bed of free draining topsoil, there are huge benefits to a natural lawn, including carbon sequestration, oxygen production, flood reduction and air cooling as well as the positive impacts on mental health and well-being for homeowners and their pets.

Increasing the lawn budget by £100-£150 for the typical 55m2 lawn could ensure that premium turf can be used, and that landscapers have the budget to complete the ground preparation to a good standard. The average price of a new home in the UK is reportedly £422,000, and even if that figure is skewered by some high-end homes, and premium locations, there should be enough in a developer’s margin to cover the additional cost. Even if the developer won’t pay, at least offer the new homeowner the option of a premium quality job at a fair additional cost.

Developers should also be ensuring groundworkers save the very best soil on site, to be reintroduced into gardens, and that soil is not contaminated with subsoil when excavated. There should be no excuse for bricks, tiles and other building materials to contaminate gardens. What’s the point in thorough site contamination investigations if tradesman contaminate the soil during the building process.

Of course, there will be many new home builders, landscape architects, groundworkers and tradesman that take all the right steps to ensure the best possible lawns, but it’s about time that the value of a good quality lawn was appreciated throughout the industry.

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Baroness trio prove on pitch and on point

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Baroness trio prove on pitch and on point: A trio of ride-on machines from Baroness have emerged victorious in the comprehensive search for new mowers at Ardingly College in West Sussex.

The maintenance of the 250-acre site is a year-round operation for Deputy Head of Grounds Emile Ellis and the team of eight, with the two new LM551B’s and GM2810A from Baroness swiftly becoming MVPs for areas both on and off the pitch.

Baroness trio prove on pitch and on point

Baroness trio prove on pitch and on point

When not playing a crucial role in curriculum sport, the facilities at Ardingly College are in demand from a number of school camps and local sports clubs. This means that time is truly of the essence with all of the maintenance so, with the existing mower fleet starting to tire, investment in replacement equipment was needed. “We cast the net very wide when looking for new mowers and demonstrated all the various makes and models” Emile explains. “The Baroness mowers stuck out straight away for their build quality and simplicity of operation.”

After an extensive demo period, two LM551B fairway mowers and a GM2810A rotary mower were installed by dealers Lister Wilder in November 2024 – the first Baroness machines for the college. “You can tell the machines are incredibly well thought through. They do everything they need to without any unnecessary electrics or fuss which makes them a pleasure to set up and use.”

“We use the LM551B’s for everything ‘on pitch’ which includes our cricket outfields, winter sports pitches and other areas with a lower height of cut.” He continues, “We’ve noticed a significant difference in the quality of cut and finish, and the units definitely stay on cut for much longer. I used to go round with a spanner in my pocket to adjust the units between pitches but now it’s one check first thing and you’re set for the rest of the day.”

“The GM2810A is used pretty much everywhere else, on all the areas that don’t support play but where we still want to retain presentation. It does a fantastic job. It tackles grass of all lengths and is also a lot bigger than its predecessor which means not only are we achieving better results, we’re achieving it quicker than before.”

Changing to a new brand of equipment can be daunting, but the service Emile says they received from Mark Carter at Lister Wilder and Luke Collins from Baroness took away all of the anxiety. “The team had full training on all of the familiar features and all of those that are unique to Baroness which means everyone is comfortable and can get the very best out of the machines. We couldn’t be happier with the support and the results we’re seeing, and we’re going into the main grass growth season well and truly at full speed.”

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GreenBest Explores Indo-Pacific Export Growth

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GreenBest Explores Indo-Pacific Export Growth: GreenBest recently participated in the Made in the UK, Sold to the Indo-Pacific event at Birmingham University, hosted by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). Representing the company, Jeremy Johnson engaged in expert-led discussions and 1-2-1 meetings focused on expanding UK exports to key Indo-Pacific and Asia-Pacific markets.

The event featured a keynote address by Harjinder Kang, HM Trade Commissioner for South Asia, as well as panel discussions with experienced exporters who shared insights into successfully entering and growing within international markets. One of the key sessions explored the next steps for Indo-Pacific expansion, outlining government support available to UK businesses, international financing options, and strategies for accessing new opportunities in the region.

GreenBest Explores Indo-Pacific Export Growth

GreenBest Explores Indo-Pacific Export Growth

A dedicated session on Opportunities in India provided a deeper understanding of market potential, reinforcing the demand for high-quality products and solutions within the country’s rapidly developing industries.

Strengthening International Connections

As part of the event, Jeremy Johnson met with key trade representatives covering:

  • Australia & New Zealand
  • Vietnam
  • Korea
  • India & South Asia

These discussions highlighted promising opportunities for GreenBest’s export growth, particularly within the professional turf and horticulture sectors. Following the event, the company is arranging distributor meetings in Mumbai and Delhi, aligning with its upcoming participation in FutureScape Global 2025 in the UAE.

The event underscored the significant potential for UK businesses in the Indo-Pacific region, and GreenBest remains committed to expanding its global presence. The company looks forward to further engagement with international trade partners and participation in future DBT-led trade initiatives.

For more information about GreenBest’s international expansion or to discuss partnership opportunities, please contact sales@greenbest.co.uk or visit www.greenbest.co.uk.

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Etesia UK Announces Unprecedented Savings

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Etesia UK Announces Unprecedented Savings: Etesia UK is thrilled to announce substantial savings of over £8,000 on its renowned Hydro 124 range of ride-on mowers.

This limited-time offer presents an exceptional opportunity for customer to purchase the best-in-class cut and collect machines at an unrivalled value.

Etesia UK Announces Unprecedented Savings

Etesia UK Announces Unprecedented Savings

As well as saving over £8000 on the purchase of any of the Etesia Hydro124 models, they are also available from just £89.00 per week via contract hire options from Etesia UK, making the popular ride-on models even more affordable to a range of customers.

The Etesia Hydro 124 series has long been celebrated for its robust performance, exceptional reliability, and ability to deliver a perfect finish in any weather conditions. These machines are engineered to tackle the most demanding tasks, ensuring efficiency and productivity for landscape contractors, groundskeepers, estate managers and gardeners.

Now, with savings of over to £8,000, investing in the industry’s finest has never been more accessible.

The Hydro 124 range comprises three distinct models, each designed to meet specific professional needs: Hydro 124 DL, Hydro 124 DN and Hydro 124 DX.

All three models share the same characteristics:

  • 124cm cutting width
  • 25HP diesel engine
  • High lift 600l grass box
  • Front linkage with optional attachments
  • Two year commercial warranty
  • 2WD and 4WD (DX model only) options available

Etesia Hydro 124 models and prices:

Model Old RRP New RRP Saving
H124 DL £29,995 £21,995 £8000
H124 DN £32,995 £24,595 £8400
H124 DX £34,995 £26,595 £8400

Etesia’s Hydro 124 models are renowned for their ability to cut and collect effectively in any weather, a crucial advantage for professionals who cannot afford to be sidelined by rain or damp conditions. Their powerful engines, combined with the direct ejection system, ensure a clean and efficient collection of grass clippings, leaving a pristine finish every time.

“This is an exceptional opportunity for professionals to invest in the very best machinery available on the market,” says Les Malin, Etesia UK Managing Director. “The Etesia Hydro 124 range has a proven track record of delivering outstanding performance and reliability, and with these significant savings of over £8,000, it represents unbeatable value. Don’t miss out on the chance to enhance your fleet with machines that truly excel in cut and collect, regardless of the weather.”

This special offer is available for a limited time only. Customers are encouraged to contact their local Etesia dealer to learn more about the specific savings available on each Hydro 124 model and to arrange a demonstration. Experience first-hand why Etesia is the preferred choice for those who demand the ultimate in performance and durability.

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 Twitter @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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