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NEWS ARTICLES

KYMCO UK appoints new Senior Area Manager

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KYMCO UK appoints new Senior Area Manager: KYMCO UK has announced the appointment of Damian Butterworth, Senior Area Manager to cover Northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland from 7th May 2024.

In his new role, Butterworth will be covering all products from the KYMCO range, including motorcycles and scooters, ATVs and mobility scooters and powerchair products.

KYMCO UK appoints new Senior Area Manager

KYMCO UK appoints new Senior Area Manager

Ideally placed to cover the important northern region for KYMCO UK, due to being based in Leeds, Butterworth brings extensive experience, due to previously held roles in the ATV and Marine sector for manufacturers such as Honda UK.

Butterworth commented: “I aim to bring a wealth of experience that will support and guide the KYMCO dealer network and ensure a quality support programme is in place for our growth plans for the future across all our business sectors.”

Butterworth began his career in the automotive industry over 35 years ago, starting out as an apprentice mechanic and rising through dealership ranks to management level which included training and business development roles.

Neil Keeble, National Sales and Marketing Manager, added:

“I am excited to have Damian join the KYMCO UK sales team, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience – and is a further example of our continued drive to fully establish ourselves in the UK ATV and 2-wheel marketplace to emulate our brand position in the mobility sector where we are a renowned market leader.

“Having worked alongside Damian for many years, I am confident his appointment will be a huge benefit to not just our dealer network, but to KYMCO UK also as we continue our long-term growth plans.”

Damian Butterworth, can be contacted directly via email on dbutterworth@kymcouk.co.uk or via telephone on 07803 000017.

Now in its 60th year, KYMCO, an abbreviation of Kwang Yang Motor Company, was founded in Taiwan originally as an overseas producer of Honda motorcycles for thirty years. In 1992, KYMCO began producing its own models under its own brand, by 2003 had acquired back Honda’s business interest and today markets its brand globally with motorcycles, ATVs and mobility scooters. For more information please visit www.kymco.co.uk

For specific media enquiries, please contact Neil Keeble: nkeeble@kymcouk.co.uk

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Laser Grader takes services to the next level

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Laser Grader takes services to the next level: There’s no denying that with more than 20 years of greenkeeping experience under his belt, James Camfield is well placed to deliver on the consultancy services offered by Golf Course Management Services Ltd.

Now, with a Redexim Laser Grader on his fleet, he’s got the right tool at his disposal to deliver the practical precision and first-class finish demanded for fine turf renovations and beyond as this Hertfordshire based outfit look excitedly to the future.

Laser Grader takes services to the next level

Laser Grader takes services to the next level

Offering an alternative to traditional consultancy, James Camfield established Golf Course Management Services Ltd in January 2021 to provide guidance and hands-on support at each or every stage of a maintenance, renovation or construction project. While it’s still relatively early days, James has already built a highly-experienced team of three and has undertaken projects for a number of prestigious golf courses including Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club – where the drainage and renovation of two tee boxes triggered the purchase of a Laser Grader 1500 from Redexim.

James explains, “I am proud to work collaboratively and in a way that is efficient and cost effective for the customer. This means our clients will often procure the materials and machinery for larger projects but there’s some tasks that require something specific if we’re going to achieve that perfect end result. Levelling tees is one of those examples, where a string line and rake will only get you so far… I had experienced the Laser Grader, I knew Redexim was a quality brand and had no doubt this would be the perfect solution. I have not been disappointed!”

As the name suggests, the Redexim Laser-Grader 1500 utilises a laser receiver to accurately control working depths and grades to produce a perfectly level finish for the next stage of any turfing project. The 1.5m working width of the Laser Grader is ideal for use on tees and other fine turf surfaces and is available with an integrated engine or without an engine – the model James opted for, enabling the team to draw power from their Kubota compact tractor for optimal power to weight ratio.

“We had fantastic support from Paul Thomas and Paul Langford at Redexim, alongside David Fisher at George Browns Ltd at every stage of the purchase and combined gave us the confidence to invest. We’ve been so impressed by it; the build quality is fantastic and it’s straight forward to set-up and use.” He continues, “We started off working on a couple of trial plots – graded with a 1% fall, then got the spirit level out and it was absolutely spot on!”

“It’s accurate, it’s efficient and importantly it’s versatile. Alongside golf courses, we’re also getting enquiries for work on cricket wickets and tennis courts which I believe is testament to the results we’ve already delivered with the Laser Grader and leaves us excited about the new doors this machine can open for us.”

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Garden spend ending up in the ditch due to flooding

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Garden spend ending up in the ditch due to flooding: British people are wasting £2.9 million on their gardens, thanks to a low understanding of their flood risk, according to new data published today by Flood Re, the joint initiative between the UK government and the insurance industry.   

Despite the cost-of-living crisis, Brits spent £17.6 billion on their gardens last year – an average of £402 per UK adult – but a low awareness of their flood risk means they’re currently wasting £2.9M on their gardens, which are being battered by heavy rain and surface water flooding.

Garden spend ending up in the ditch due to flooding

Garden spend ending up in the ditch due to flooding

In total, 5.4 million (1 in 8) UK adults with gardens have experienced the devastating impact of flooding on their green spaces.

With February 2024 being the wettest on record for over 250 years and 1 in 4 homes in the UK at risk of floodingi, this National Gardening Week Flood Re wants people to start getting smart about their garden spending.

High Risk, Low Awareness 

The data also reveals only 5% of people living in high-risk areas could correctly identify their flood risk. Worryingly, 68% of people in high-risk flood areas think their flood risk is low. This low awareness of flood risk means green fingered Brits are at risk of investing time and money in their gardens that could be washed way.

The research shows Brits are not taking the crucial steps they need to protect their homes and gardens. Indeed, 90% of homeowners, rising to 93% in high and mid flood risk areas, haven’t taken any steps to make their homes and gardens more flood resilient. Despite the extreme weather conditions, this doesn’t look to be changing, with only 9% of homeowners planning to add flood resilience measures to their homes and gardens in the next year.

Furthermore, almost half (46%) of people in high and mid flood risk areas said flood risk had “no impact at all” on where they have chosen to live.

Flood Devastation 

The picture couldn’t be more different for those who have experienced flooding in their home and garden, with 62% claiming risk of flooding has since impacted where they choose to live.  With 41% of those who have experienced flooding considering implementing flood resilience modifications (compared to only 4% of Brits who haven’t experienced flooding), Flood Re is on hand to offer easy, cost-effective ways to smartly invest in your garden as a flood prevention tool.

Gardens are an important and cost-effective first line of defence to flooding. Properly managed, domestic gardens can channel, absorb and store large quantities of water, which means the risk to buildings and property is mitigated. The risk of localised and downstream flooding is reduced too.

From Roots to Resilience 

Choosing a variety of plants such as willow, water mint and astilbe can help ensure your garden can thrive in varying water conditions and withstand the challenges posed by climate change, from drought to inundation.

Similarly, slowing the flow of water into your garden will significantly reduce local flooding risks by diverting rainwater away from infrastructure, easing the burden on drainage systems and avoiding costly upgrades down the line.

To demonstrate how to harness your garden’s natural flood resilience, Flood Re are teaming up with leading garden designer Dr Ed Barsley and Naomi Slade and, to unveil the Flood Resilient Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May. The garden has been carefully designed to show how people can protect their gardens and homes against extreme weather and learn how to increase their flood resilience from the ground up.

Build Back Better

In the event of a flood, Flood Re’s Build Back Better scheme allows eligible customers with specific home insurers to receive up to £10,000 as part of a claim.

The amount is meant for home and garden improvements that go beyond basic repairs, focusing on enhancing the property’s resilience against future floods.

Andy Bord, Chief Executive Officer, Flood Re said: “The research clearly shows there is a job to be done to educate people about their flood risk. Gardens are cherished spaces that bring joy to so many of us, so why wouldn’t we want to not only protect them from harm but actively harness their power to prevent them from future damage? Your garden can be both beautiful and resilient to extreme wet weather. We’re hopeful this research and the Flood Resilient Garden will help people think about their flood risk and consider the plants and garden features that will both endure a flood and help reduce destruction and distress to their home when a flood hits.”

Dr. Ed Barsley, Environmental Design Expert said: “The research clearly shows that the majority of people aren’t aware that their garden or home is at flood risk of flooding until it’s too late. However, what’s positive to note is that there are a variety of practical and cost-effective measures that gardener owners can take to save themselves emotional and financial stress further down the line.”

Nikki Stocks, 63 from Lancashire said: “In the chaos of the flooding, I felt overwhelmed, unsure of how to safeguard my home and happiness due to financial restrictions. It’s affected my mental health because now I’m always anxious when it rains and how bad it could get for my home”.

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Complete Weed Control invests in future workforce

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Complete Weed Control invests in future workforce: As Complete Weed Control, the longest established amenity weed control company in the UK and Ireland, has recently put 13 employees through the Amenity Nominated Storekeeper (ANSK) training and examination to strengthen its future workforce.

Launched by independent standards setting organisation, BASIS in 2021 and fully recognised by the Chemical Regulation Division (CRD) as a certificate of competence, the training course and accredited qualification, is specifically developed for professionals who are responsible for the storage of professional use pesticides within the amenity sector.

Complete Weed Control invests in future workforce

Complete Weed Control invests in future workforce

Strengthening the company’s commitment to young professionals in the industry, of those who took the course, 6 included future leaders: Craig Convery, contract manager for Tyne and Wear, office manager and site supervisor, Lewis Bloomer and grounds maintenance operative, Emma Hayman for Durham and Teesside, Mark Carnie, storekeeper for South West and East Scotland, Daniel Adamson, manager for North East and Sam Drury, business development manager for East Riding.

Lewis Bloomer said: “I’m proud to have passed the course alongside my colleagues from the wider organisation. Complete Weed Control is committed to its responsibility around compliance and ensuring industry regulations are met. This course has provided an opportunity for additional people within the team to maintain the high standards we deliver to our customers.

The organisation is a great place to learn and develop, one that’s investing heavily in its people. There’s no ceiling here, and the progression opportunities are something you don’t find readily with other employers.”

Ian Graham, managing director said: “We are delighted all of our team members who took part successfully passed the course. Not only are we cementing our future in the industry, but we are also growing our talent from the ground up.”

“Our industry is highly regulated and it is important we upskill as many people as possible in our commitment to surpass standards. Developing our people is not just shaping the individuals but supporting our culture of excellence and responsibility. Lewis and the other participants represent a bright future for our company, and we are proud to support them on their journey.”

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Michelin X® Tweel™ Eliminates Punctures

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Michelin X® Tweel™ Eliminates Punctures: Millstream Estate Services has turned to the airless Michelin X® Tweel™ Turf to eliminate a growing number of punctures across its grass cutting fleet.

The Milton Keynes-based business now has the tyre and wheel combination running on five of its six Kubota ZD 1211 zero-turn mowers, with plans to upgrade the remaining machine in the near future.

Michelin X® Tweel™ Eliminates Punctures

Michelin X® Tweel™ Eliminates Punctures

Having regularly suffered up to three punctures a week during its operations for West Bletchley and Stony Stratford Town Councils, Millstream Director Neil Keenan equipped three of his mowers with the Michelin X® Tweel™ fitments during 2023. He was so impressed with the results that he has since specified two new Kubota machines with the airless-technology tyres.

“I first heard of the Tweel a few years back and instantly thought it was a good idea,” explains Keenan. “Most of the mowers are out cutting council verges, parks and open spaces and the things that people leave on the ground is quite staggering – glass bottles, nails, broken fence posts, you name it. The number of punctures we were seeing was getting ridiculous, but the Tweel has completely solved that problem for us.”

The Michelin X® Tweel™ performs like a pneumatic tyre, but without the risk and downtime associated with punctures and impact damage. It is one single unit, replacing the whole tyre and wheel assembly. There is no need for complex mounting equipment and once it is bolted on, there is no air pressure to maintain.

The tread is optimised for long wear life and offers high impact resistance. Its flexible poly-resin spokes carry weight in tension and absorb impacts, helping make the ride smoother, and provide an energy transfer that reduces tyre bounce. The shear beam and spokes are designed to be flexible and deformable, which allows them to conform to the contours of the ground and provide excellent traction, grip and stability.

“The initial cost is obviously a little higher than a standard tyre, but with the punctures we were seeing it will certainly save us money in the long run,” adds Keenan. “We’ve been impressed with the performance. It’s proved to be the perfect solution for our mower fleet.”

Supplied through Michelin agents and specialist tyre suppliers Tyre-Line Ltd, who’s Aftermarket division have been working with Michelin to bring the X® Tweel™ range of Airless tyres to the UK, the Millstream success story shows the “Huge time saving benefits and substantial tyre repair / replacement & downtime cost savings for users suffering from puncture issues across their mowing fleet” said Tyre-Line’s Richard Cook. With more sizes and fitments being added all the time, the Tweel™ Turf range of airless tyres are now available for most makes and models of ZTR mowers available in the UK.

Specialists in outdoor estate infrastructure, Millstream Estate Services offers a spectrum of professional commercial expertise. Its work includes construction, grounds maintenance, winter maintenance, environmental services, hard and soft landscaping as well as playground design and installation.

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