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Reesink gives Keys Brothers the keys to Toro

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Reesink gives Keys Brothers the keys to Toro: Keys Brothers Horticulture Ltd in Hillsborough, Northern Ireland, been appointed as the only authorised dealer for Toro fine turf and groundscare machinery in Ulster.

It’s been a record-breaking start for the dealer with eight new members of staff recruited to accommodate the increase in business and further plans for expansion.

Reesink gives Keys Brothers the keys to Toro

Reesink gives Keys Brothers the keys to Toro

Although the appointment is relatively new, the history between Keys Brothers and Reesink Turfcare is enduring. They’ve been in partnership since 2018 when the company was chosen as a service centre for Reesink, delivering customers exceptional support and after-sales services.

Andy Keys, director at Keys Brothers Horticulture Ltd, says: “Working as a service centre for Reesink was a successful endeavour, so it made sense for that relationship to evolve into us becoming a dealer. We’re 12 months into the relationship and delighted to report a record-breaking start with sales numbers exceeding all expectations.”

Keys Brothers Horticulture Ltd has over 25 years of experience in horticultural equipment servicing and repairs, stocking a wide range of new and used machinery as well as an extensive range of spare parts for all its brands.

Reesink and Toro have proven to be an ideal fit for the business’ customer base of golf courses, councils, education authorities and sports centres in Hillsborough, Lisburn and across Northern Ireland.

Andy says: “We focus on delivering high performance, superior quality machines and exceptional after-sale service. The combination of Toro being a leading brand when it comes to quality machines and performance, the backup and service Reesink provides, and the face-to-face contact, social media content and industry training we offer, have all contributed to our success.”

David Timms, national accounts manager for Reesink Turfcare, says its notable how the business has focused its attention on its new customer base for great results already: “Since the appointment Keys Brothers’ has focused on winning back business and nurturing relationships, and has in turn amassed a sizeable order bank. Simply putting themselves back in front of customers on a regular basis is proving its worth.

“Their workshops have grown in strength with the additional workload, and they’ve recently recruited additional technicians to the team. If they continue in the manner, then we will have a terrific outlet for the Toro golf and commercial brands for the future.”

To find out more about the complete collection of turfcare and transport options from Reesink Turfcare, visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or call 01480 226800.

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Makita adds to XGT battery platform

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Makita adds to XGT battery platform: Makita has unveiled a number of new products to help keep lawns pristine. The company’s growing range aimed at the professional sector now includes two additional cordless lawn mowers – the 40VMax XGT LM003G and LM004G and its first cordless scarifier, the 40VMax XGT UV001GZ.

The new lawnmowers are powered by Makita’s advanced XGT technology and feature a high-torque motor that provides powerful and quiet operation, making quick work of grass cutting tasks.

Makita adds to XGT battery platform

Makita adds to XGT battery platform

The LM003G 40VMax XGT 380mm Lawnmower provides superb mowing performance, thanks to its advanced blade design. Tilting down towards the front of the mower, it helps to minimise double-cutting and reduces the load on the machine – this leads to reduced energy consumption, superior cutting feel and better grass collecting.

The LM004G 40VMax XGT 430mm Lawnmower, with a similar blade design to the LM003G, is a slightly larger model that also has two different blades available for different applications.

Both the LM003G and the LM004G can be fitted with a mulching blade to cut grass clippings into small particles and scatter them evenly on the ground. Furthermore, both mowers offer a continuous runtime of around 50 minutes, depending on the setting and the grass conditions, and have numerous additional features designed to improve comfort and ease of use. They require less force to turn thanks to a redesigned switch lever, while the easy-to-operate handle lock levers mean that each side of the handle can be locked and unlocked in a single action without the need for tools.

Both models also offer simple cutting height adjustment with easy-to-grip egg-shaped lever tops and u-shaped notches, and can be washed with water on the inside (provided high-pressure water is not used).

UV001G 40VMax XGT Brushless 380mm Lawn Scarifier

In addition to the two new mowers, Makita has also launched the UV001G 40VMax XGT Brushless 380mm Lawn Scarifier available as a body only model (UV001GZ), or complete with 2x 5.0Ah batteries and charger (UV001GM201).

The first scarifier to join Makita’s cordless line up, this machine has a high-power output of 1.7kW to cut through the toughest lawn thatching in order to improve airflow and nutrient penetration. Operating to a depth range of 5mm down to -12mm, this machine comes with a vertical cutting blade for aerating soil below the top surface of the lawn, and a thatching blade for removing deposited lawn clippings and surface moss.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK commented: “Makita’s product development continues to redefine the industry, with products that support the trade. With new comfort-enhancing features, the new cordless lawn mowers and scarifier are perfect for users who want to keep lawns and grassed areas in pristine condition, without the hassle of tangled cords or fuel refills.”

To find out more about Makita and its range of products visit: www.makitauk.com.

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Scots Turf Organisers ‘Blown Away’ by Show Success

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Scots Turf Organisers ‘Blown Away’ by Show Success: With over 700 visitors and over 60 companies exhibiting, the second edition of Scots Turf demonstrated substantial growth and has built a platform for an exciting future.

The aim of this show was to build on the success of the previous year by offering more stands and educational opportunities for visitors to explore at Hamilton Park Racecourse. An increase in the number of exhibitors from 16 to 64 ensured a diverse range of products from leading industry names such as Campey Turf Care, AllGrass, Dennis, SIS Pitches, and John Deere.

Scots Turf Organisers ‘Blown Away’ by Show Success

Scots Turf Organisers ‘Blown Away’ by Show Success

The growing stand count, set to increase again for the third event, has proven the Scotland’s desire for a dedicated show, and Scots Turf Founding Committee member Richard Heywood is ready to continue the growth.

“It was fantastic to see such a broad selection of visitors from all aspects of our industry, and the feedback we received from everyone we asked was incredibly positive,” he said.

“We were blown away and delighted with the response we received from companies wanting to exhibit. Our target in year two was to attract 30 businesses. In reality, we ended up attracting over 60, with a waiting list of ten more, and I think that shows the positive impact we’re having in Scotland.

“I’d say this is our first proper year as a ‘trade show,’ and we were very much encouraged by seeing over 700 visitors coming through the gates, with around 500 arriving in the first hour.

“It really shows an appetite for something like this in Scotland, and we will be looking to grow year upon year, helping to establish this once again as an event that you need to put in your diary.”

Updates on Scots Turf 2025 will follow throughout the year, including initiatives to support Scottish charitable causes. While demand for stands is high, companies are invited to apply for next year.

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Seedball’s seed box collection grows

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Seedball’s seed box collection grows: Disruptive wildflower gardening company, Seedball, has expanded its existing seed box collection by introducing nine large editions, each containing an impressive 12 seed balls.

The large seed boxes are beautifully illustrated with the flowers they include, as well as the wildlife that will love them once bloomed. The eye-catching designs are guaranteed to draw people in and inspire them to plant for wildlife!

Seedball’s seed box collection grows

Seedball’s seed box collection grows

With nine options to choose from, including: Common poppy, Cornflower, Oxeye Daisy, and Forget-me-not, alongside Seedball’s most popular seed mixes, Bee Mix, Butterly Mix, Garden Meadow, Annuals Mix, and Shade Mix, there is an option for all garden types and styles. The large boxes are ideal for scattering over spacious beds, covering one square metre each. They’re also perfect for filling to five medium sized pots, great for adding bursts of colour to patios and hanging baskets, while supporting local pollinators.

Multi-award winning, Seedball, created by two conservation scientists, aims to help to fill gardens, balconies and window boxes with native wildflowers, bees and butterflies. Native wildflowers are naturally slow to germinate, and as such, loosely scattered seed can often be eaten by ants, birds and mice. Seedball helps to solve this problem by encasing the seed in a protective ball of clay, peat-free compost and chilli.

For retailers wanting to find out more, please visit the Seedball Trade website at: https://www.seedballtrade.co.uk/

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GMA’s ‘NextGen’ to Inspire Future Workforce

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GMA’s ‘NextGen’ to Inspire Future Workforce: During #GroundsWeek 2024, the industry’s annual awareness week, the GMA has announced that its Young Board of Directors has been relaunched as the GMA’s ‘NextGen’. The group of talented young grounds professionals will represent the grounds management industry, whilst acting as ambassadors for the GMA, in the association’s aim of encouraging more young people into grounds management.

Workforce development has become increasingly important over recent years, with research revealing that 20% of grounds staff could potentially leave the sector over coming years due to an ageing workforce and two in five grounds professionals being over the age of 50.

GMA’s ‘NextGen’ to Inspire Future Workforce

GMA’s ‘NextGen’ to Inspire Future Workforce

Since this research was conducted, the GMA has invested funds into raising the profile of the sector through public-facing activities, like its #GroundsWeek and Back to Play campaigns, earning widespread media coverage from regional local radio to national media outlets, like BBC Sport and ITV News.

The association has also forged closer relationships with sport’s National Governing Bodies which recently included working with the FA and the Women’s Super League, alongside Women in Football and Arsenal FC, to make history with the first all-female grounds team to prepare a pitch in the WSL for the North London Derby.

Since this activity was started, there have been green shoots of optimism with research conducted by the GMA in 2023 showing that there has been an increase in the percentage of young people in the workforce, with under 35s now making up nearly 30% of the workforce compared to 19% in 2022. There has also been an increase in the number of grounds managers aged 24 and under, and an increase in the percentage of grounds managers stating that they became involved in grounds management due to apprenticeships, with the figure now being close to 20%.

Armed with four new members and a fresh rebrand, as well as the support by sponsor, Reesink Turfcare, the GMA’s NextGen will build on recent signs of optimism by targeting young people, including those still at school and those at the start of their careers.

The new look and feel of the group creates a fresh and youthful brand identity, giving it a ‘club’ aesthetic that will enable the group to grow by better resonating with its target demographic whilst still aligning closely with the GMA’s existing brand.

Their work began on Tuesday 19th March, where new NextGen ambassador, Jack Langley hosted a Schools into Stadia event at Ashton Gate. Over the day, a group of local secondary school children got a taste of what it’s like to be a grounds person, as well as learning more about the wide range of careers that can be pursued in the grounds care sector.

Commenting on the new approach, GMA NextGen Executive Sponsor, Jennifer Carter is optimistic about the future:

“#GroundsWeek is all about celebrating the grounds management industry and encouraging more people to consider joining. So, what better time is there to celebrate the achievements of a talented group of young people and to announce their renewed efforts to inspire other young people too?

“We’ve already seen what impact they can have on the sector, with three GMA NextGen ambassadors representing the industry during the recent women grounds showcase at the Emirates Stadium, and I’m confident that their fresh energy and focus will be highly impactful on the hearts and minds of other sport-loving young people.

“There are opportunities across the sector, both on the ground as well as in the businesses that support it, and we’re already seeing signs that recent years of hard work are starting to pay off. We as an industry need to keep up the momentum, and our NextGen ambassadors will play an important role in helping us drive this change.”

Longtime member of the group and currently acting as leader of the NextGen, Joe Broadwood is confident the new look and feel will resonate with its target audience:

“The new name and brand will give our group its own strong identity that is stand-out and brings a youthful feel. Our industry is intrinsically connected to sport, so the ‘club-feel’ of the brand will help us appeal to younger people who share our passion for sport and are interested in pursuing a career close to sport.

“In looking to appeal to younger audiences, we hope this relaunch will better support us in our mission to inspire the next generation of grounds staff.”

#GroundsWeek runs from 18 – 24 March 2024. To find out more about the week and how you can support it, visit: thegma.org.uk/groundsweek.

Keep an eye on GMA social media channels to find out more about its NextGen.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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