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SALTEX: Uniting the Industry, Powering Progress

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SALTEX: Uniting the Industry, Powering Progress: SALTEX 2024, Europe’s premier sports turf, amenities, and landscaping trade exhibition will bring together industry-leading grounds professionals, volunteers, and exhibitors from across the globe.

Showcasing the latest innovations, trends, and practices in grounds management, landscaping, and environmental sustainability, the show will feature the industry’s biggest brands across three halls, attracting thousands of visitors for its 78th show.

SALTEX: Uniting the Industry, Powering Progress

SALTEX: Uniting the Industry, Powering Progress

As a not-for-profit organisation, the GMA, the association that organise SALTEX, has continually re-invested revenue generated from its annual exhibition back into the grounds management industry since its inauguration in 1938. Naturally, due to the success of the show year on year, that contribution continues to grow, further demonstrating how SALTEX continues to power progress in the industry.

“Each year, SALTEX plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of grounds care,” said Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA. “This year, we are focusing on uniting the industry and powering progress by providing a platform for professionals to connect, learn, and advance their skills.”

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR SALTEX 2024: THE PREMIER EVENT FOR GROUNDS CARE

Registration for SALTEX 2024 is officially open. Industry professionals are invited to secure their spot at the UK’s most anticipated event for grounds care, sports, amenities, estates, and green space management.

Unlocking Opportunities

SALTEX 2024 promises an expansive showcase of the latest innovations, technologies, and trends in the industry. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with experts, participate in SALTEX’s renowned Learning LIVE educational seminars, and have access to explore cutting-edge equipment.

Networking and Professional Growth

As the leading event in the industry, SALTEX offers unparalleled networking opportunities. Professionals and volunteers from various sectors, including turf and grounds care, landscaping, and facility management, will come together to share insights and forge new connections.

A Platform for Discovery

This year’s exhibition will feature a diverse range of exhibitors, presenting visitors with the chance to discover new products, services, and solutions that can drive efficiency and sustainability in their operations.

Sarah Hunter, SALTEX Head of Events commented: “We are thrilled to open registration for SALTEX 2024. Each year, we strive to elevate the experience for our visitors, and this year will be no exception. We look forward to welcoming industry professional and volunteers from across the globe.”

Register Today

Register today – Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of SALTEX 2024. SALTEX 2024 will take place on 30th and 31st October at the NEC, Birmingham.

Register now to confirm your attendance at this landmark event.

SALTEX takes place at Birmingham NEC on 30th and 31st October 2024.

For more information and to register your interest to attend SALTEX 2024, visit https://www.saltex.org.uk/ .

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Mowing Made Easy

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Mowing Made Easy: Maintaining the expansive grounds of Repton School requires precision, efficiency, and innovation.

For Andrew Butler, Head of Grounds and Gardens, and his team, the introduction of the Etesia Hydro 80 ride-on mower has not only streamlined operations but also revolutionised the way they manage the school’s green spaces.

Mowing Made Easy

Mowing Made Easy

Repton School, nestled in the serene surroundings of Derbyshire, boasts extensive grounds that demand meticulous care. From ornamental gardens to sprawling lawns surrounding boarding houses, every corner of the campus requires attention. However, with limited time and resources, the grounds and gardens team found themselves struggling to keep up with the demands of manual mowing using pedestrian mowers.

Andrew explains, “There is a lot of mowing carried out around the boarding house where the team were previously using pedestrian mowers. I felt it was just taking too long, and then other jobs were getting neglected because of it. It just felt like the gardening team were out mowing all the time, and less time was being spent on the actual gardening.”

Introducing the Etesia Hydro 80, a compact yet powerful ride-on mower designed to tackle both long and short grass with ease. Featuring a hydrostatic drive and a robust 15hp twin-cylinder Kawasaki engine, the Hydro 80 offers unparalleled efficiency and output. Its specially contoured deck ensures clippings are collected without clogging, even in wet conditions, while anti-scalp rollers maintain a pristine finish on uneven terrain.

Andrew recounts the transformation brought about by the Hydro 80, stating, “Now instead of spending all week mowing, it literally takes just a couple of days. This means that we can concentrate on the gardens instead such as getting more colour into various areas. The time management is significantly better.”

One of the Hydro 80’s most impressive features is its ability to navigate tight spaces with ease. Andrew notes, “The reason we were using pedestrian mowers is because there was always the problem of getting a ride-on mower in and out of gates, so we thought about taking various gates out to make the job easier, but then we came across the Etesia Hydro 80. It allows us to get into areas where previously we had to use pedestrian mowers. These areas, which previously would have taken an hour or two, are now taking just 15-20 minutes.

“Its ability to cut and collect in the rain is amazing,” continues Andrew. “Even in the heavy rain the Hydro 80 is going out and cutting, so again it improves our efficiency.”

Beyond its efficiency, the Hydro 80’s durability and manoeuvrability have earned high praise from Andrew and his team. “I like the durability of it, how quick it is, how easy it is to manoeuvre it, and how it can get through longer grass with no problem at all,” Andrew remarks.

As Repton School continues to uphold its reputation for excellence, the Etesia Hydro 80 stands as a testament to the power of innovation in grounds management, ensuring that the campus remains a source of pride and inspiration for all who visit.

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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GroundsFest visitor registration soars

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GroundsFest visitor registration soars: See, try, and compare hundreds of products all in one place—experience the only event where you can get hands-on with the latest equipment.

GroundsFest 2024 is set to become the largest and most dynamic event in the groundscare and landscaping industries, with thousands of visitors already signed up since registration went live. This overwhelming response proves that GroundsFest is the event the industry has been eagerly anticipating.

GroundsFest visitor registration soars

GroundsFest visitor registration soars

Why GroundsFest Stands Out:

Hands-On Experience: GroundsFest is not just another trade show—it’s the only event where visitors can see machinery in action and get hands-on experience with the latest equipment. This immersive approach allows attendees to gain a real understanding of how the machinery performs in real-world conditions, making it an invaluable experience for professionals across the industry.

Unmatched Variety: At GroundsFest, you’ll find hundreds of leading brands, each bringing their latest innovations and solutions to the forefront. Whether you’re looking for advanced machinery, cutting-edge tools, or the latest in green technology, GroundsFest has it all. No other event offers such a comprehensive display of products and solutions for the groundscare and landscaping industries.

Battle of the Brands: Witness top brands compete in thrilling face-offs, showcasing the best products in action. This new area also features equipment challenges where visitors can compete against friends and colleagues for a chance to win fantastic prizes.

Exclusive Offers and Discounts: Many exhibitors will be running exclusive offers and discounts, making GroundsFest the perfect place to secure great deals on the equipment you need.

Live Music Festival: After a day of exploration and learning, unwind with live music, street food, and fun activities such as bumper cars. Enjoy performances from great DJs and live bands, including the returning Queen tribute band and new acts. The festival area has been expanded to accommodate the growing number of attendees.

Free Registration and Special Prizes: Registration for GroundsFest 2024 is now open and free for all attendees. Every registrant will be entered into a draw to win a Toro ProStripe® 560 mower. This versatile machine is designed to provide a precise cut and clean striped finish, making it ideal for sports fields, fine turf applications, and residential gardens.

Support Education: By attending GroundsFest, you’re also supporting the GroundsFest Education Fund. Profits from the event are reinvested back into the industry to provide invaluable support to students at land-based colleges, ensuring they can overcome specific barriers that might otherwise hinder their educational journey.

The surge in visitor registrations is a clear indication of the industry’s excitement for GroundsFest 2024. Thousands have already secured their spots, eager to experience the unique opportunities GroundsFest offers.

“GroundsFest is more than just a trade show—it’s a celebration of the groundscare and landscaping industries. The incredible response from visitors underscores the demand for an event that offers hands-on experiences, live demos, and comprehensive networking opportunities,” says Christopher Bassett, Event Director.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the industry’s must-attend event. Register now for free at www.groundsfest.com and prepare for an unforgettable experience at GroundsFest 2024.

For more information, visit the GroundsFest website at www.groundsfest.com.

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Brent Downs becomes BIGGA’s 90th Master Greenkeeper

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Brent Downs becomes BIGGA’s 90th Master Greenkeeper: Otter Creek director of agronomy Brent Downs has become the 90th Master Greenkeeper since the certification’s inception in 1990.

In doing so, Brent, 43, is just the 36th person to possess both Master Greenkeeper and Certified Golf Course Superintendent classifications, two of the highest accolades available to experienced golf greenkeepers on either side of the Atlantic.

Brent Downs becomes BIGGA’s 90th Master Greenkeeper

Brent Downs becomes BIGGA’s 90th Master Greenkeeper

Of the moment he was told he had been successful in achieving Master Greenkeeper status, Brent said: “It was amazing and there were a lot of different emotions. I know the journey to get there and a lot of people have walked it before me, so it was equal parts shock and gratitude. The elation, thankfulness and introspection came later.”

Although a resident of Indiana in the Midwest United States, Brent attributes much of his success to experiences gained during spells in Australia and the United Kingdom. Having interned at Loch Lomond Golf Club in 2007, Brent has become the fourth Master Greenkeeper to be associated with the Argyll & Bute course, following in the footsteps of Ken Siems, David Cole and Janne Lehto.

“Not a whole lot of people get the opportunity to intern in Scotland and Australia at the beginning of my career,” said Brent. That just changed my perspective and my worldview so much. It was the first time I ever heard about Master Greenkeeper, because even though there are only 90 of us, four of them are in some way tied to Loch Lomond Golf Club – Ken Siems and David Cole, who were my bosses at the time, and now Janne Lehto and me are Master Greenkeepers 89 and 90.”

After word of Brent’s achievement was circulated to his fellow Master Greenkeepers, he was flooded by congratulations.

“I’m proud of the part I played in this, but you don’t ever accomplish anything like this on your own,” said Brent. “It takes a village and I’m grateful for the Master Greenkeepers that mentored me, coached me and calmed down – they just kept encouraging me to stay with it.

“The minute Deb [Burnett, BIGGA Learning and Development Manager] sent out that email, I don’t think I’ve ever received so many congratulations. It was at that moment I realised what a community or family Master Greenkeeper is.”

To qualify for the Master Greenkeeper Certificate, a candidate must have at least 10 years’ experience working as a greenkeeper including three years as a course manager, head greenkeeper or superintendent. Certification includes the completion of a rigorous assessment programme that covers all aspects of golf course management.

Master Greenkeeper is a mark of distinction and is highly respected in the golf industry, signifying the holder has achieved the highest level of professional expertise with a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of golf course management.

You can find out more about Master Greenkeeper on the BIGGA website, www.bigga.org.uk

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Powering Success for Whitby Town FC and JC Gardening

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Powering Success for Whitby Town FC and JC Gardening: In the coastal town of Whitby, Joe Cook wears many hats. Not only is he the Head Groundsman for Whitby Town FC, overseeing the maintenance of their pitch, but he also runs his own gardening business, JC Gardening. In both of his roles, one tool stands out as indispensable: the Avant compact loader.

“Whitby is a very close community, and the football club is at the heart of the town,” says Joe. However, maintaining the pitch hasn’t always been easy. “Over the years it has been fair to say that no real renovations have been carried out, and no programme set in place. I’m starting to change that now.”

Powering Success for Whitby Town FC and JC Gardening

Powering Success for Whitby Town FC and JC Gardening

Enter the Avant compact loader, a versatile workhorse that has become Joe’s go-to solution for pitch renovations and maintenance tasks. “For the renovations, we put the bucket on to fill the contractor’s trailer up when they are spreading the sand. It is very useful,” he remarks.

Additionally, the Avant aids in accessing hard-to-reach areas of the football ground. “At the football ground, I use it to carry people up to the floodlights where they can receive maintenance or be readjusted where needed.” The Avant’s versatility shines through as it also occasionally transitions to cutting the pitch with the mower attachment.

Joe relies on loaders from the Avant 500 series, sourced through APSV, the main dealers for Avant compact loaders in North Yorkshire, Co. Durham, and Northumberland. “The relationship with APSV is brilliant,” Joe praises. “They are always on the other end of the phone if I need them and will always accommodate the best they can.”

The Avant 500 series, known for its power and manoeuvrability, has become a reliable partner for Joe’s diverse needs. With over 200 attachments available, the Avant offers a solution for every task, from plowing and sanding to lawn care and brush clearance. “I use it a lot for my own business too, particularly for clearing brush land with the flail mower attachment,” Joe adds. “It excels on a brush land area which is a couple of acres, all of different levels. It cuts through the brush in no time at all.”

Describing the Avant as a “Swiss army knife,” Joe highlights its versatility and adaptability. “Whether you want a snow blower or a rake for clearing out stalls on farms, it can do anything. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Avant – I have already passed on APSV’s number to lots of other people who the machine would benefit.”

As Joe continues to juggle his responsibilities at Whitby Town FC and JC Gardening, the Avant compact loader remains an essential machine which enables him to tackle any challenge with ease and efficiency.

For more information, please visit www.avanttecno.com/uk

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