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NEWS ARTICLES

GMA Celebrates its 90th Anniversary

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GMA Celebrates its 90th Anniversary: On 10 January 1934, eleven original founders joined W H Bowles BEM, head groundsman of Eton College, at the London Stone Pub on Cannon Street in the City of London to form the National Association of Groundsmen.

The purpose of the association was to improve the status of groundsmen and the standard of groundsmanship across the UK and, since then, the association has worked hard, and adapted, to suit the needs of the ever-changing grounds management industry.

GMA Celebrates its 90th Anniversary

GMA Celebrates its 90th Anniversary

Since its formation, the National Association of Groundsmen developed with the changing needs of the sector. In 1938, the organisation hosted its first Annual Exhibition, now known as SALTEX, at the Hurlingham Club which has continued to grow despite an eight-year hiatus during the Second World War and a two-year break during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The first National Association of Groundsmen qualifications were launched for the industry in 1953 and have developed along with changing practices and technological advances into the comprehensive suite of GMA training courses and qualifications, reconised by the Department for Education’s prestigious matrix Standard, on offer today.

The organisation itself developed, becoming the Institute of Groundsmanship in 1969 and changing again in 2020 to become the Grounds Management Association.

Along with the creation of its renowned trade show, SALTEX, and development of top-class education to advance the industry’s skills, the organisation has worked hard over its 90-year history to support and raise the profile of the sector. This has included launching the Industry Awards in 2008, creating the GMA’s Young Board of Directors in 2011, and hosting the first Schools into Stadia event in 2015 to introduce young people to careers in the sector.

For nine decades the GMA remains the leading not-for-profit membership organisation representing grounds managers, grounds personnel, grounds maintenance managers, greenkeepers and all others involved in the management of sports pitches, landscape, and amenity facilities in the UK.

With the association reaching such a significant milestone, the GMA will be undertaking a number of celebratory activities throughout the year, including:

  • Introducing a commemorative brand to celebrate the association’s formation.
  • Launching a new website – a new engaging and user-friendly platform that will optimise users’ and GMA members’ digital experience.
  • Launching refined membership packages to simplify and improve the GMA’s offerings to individuals, organisations, and businesses working across the grounds management sector.
  • Delivering a new GMA Ambassador programme, that aims to better represent all corners of the sector to help raise profile of the industry.

Commenting on the GMA’s 90th anniversary, Geoff Webb said:

“The National Association of Groundsmen was formed by key individuals working in the industry to raise the profile of the sector and improve the standard of its work across the nation.

“Over 90 years, the association has adapted and evolved with the changing world and now, the UK grounds management sector is seen as the world-leader when it comes to sports turf management. This achievement has been made possible through 90 years of support for the sector, including 77 SALTEX exhibitions, industry-leading educational resources, advice and support for sports clubs across all levels through the PAS programme, and more.

“With support from key sporting National Governing Bodies, the Grounds Management Association as it is now called, has grown into a key part of the nation’s enjoyment of sport and our ethos of ‘making sport possible’ has never been more relevant than it is today.

“We thank everyone who plays a part in this hard-working and essential industry, from volunteers and professionals to businesses, and will be marking this year with a number of developments that will benefit the sector, including a new membership offering and website coming later this year, as well as a series of activities throughout the year.”

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STIHL launches most powerful battery powered brushcutters

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STIHL launches most powerful battery powered brushcutters: STIHL has launched a new range of brushcutters, the most powerful battery powered brushcutters in its AP System, offering unrivalled power and efficiency to professional users.  

The FSA 200 and FSA 200 R boast a power output up to 60% higher compared to the FSA 135, giving the brushcutters a comparable performance to the petrol-powered FS 361 C-EM clearing saw. This level of power not only ensures efficient and versatile cutting, but also gives landscapers and contractors a genuine alternative to powerful petrol models.

STIHL launches most powerful battery powered brushcutters

STIHL launches most powerful battery powered brushcutters

Available in bike handle and loop handle models, the FSA 200 provides professional users with enhanced precision through its infinitely variable speed control. With three speed settings, users can tailor their cutting experience for different materials, maximising battery life and overall efficiency.

The professional AV system of the FSA 200 enables long durations of use with minimal vibration, promoting comfortable operation. This comfort is further enhanced by the hard-wearing clamping screw, facilitating easy folding of the handlebar for convenient transport.

The loop handle brushcutter features a quick-release handle clamp, allowing easy adjustment to accommodate users of varying heights. This adaptability ensures maximum comfort during extended use.

Powered by a brushless EC motor, the FSA 200 delivers robust performance, especially when tackling thick materials. The efficiency of the tool is enhanced by the automatic blade detection feature, increasing the maximum RPM when a grass blade is in use to ensure optimal cutting performance.

To contribute to an extended lifespan, the brushcutter incorporates a mesh air filter that provides optimal motor cooling. Not only does this feature enhance durability, but it also facilitates easy cleaning, maintaining consistent performance over time.

Versatility is a key feature of the FSA 200, offering compatibility with a wide range of cutting attachments. Users can achieve longer working times with metal blades and PolyCut blades compared to traditional mowing lines, providing flexibility for various cutting needs.

When equipped with the Smart Connector 2 A, the FSA 200 allows users to gather detailed information such as working time and speed setting history. This smart feature provides valuable insights for optimal tool management, enhancing overall efficiency and the user experience.

For more information on the FSA 200 and STIHL’s wide range of professional battery tools, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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BOSS breakthrough at LAMMA

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BOSS breakthrough at LAMMA: BOSS ORV, the specialist vehicle distribution company, will show the Powerland Tachyon electric all-terrain vehicle for the first time at LAMMA. One of the fastest 4×4 electric ATVs in the world, the Tachyon offers all the benefits of conventional off-road utility vehicles while ensuring no damage to the environment.

The manufacturer says they have the aim of inspiring more companies to fundamentally change the way they operate for a more sustainable future. The Tachyon is now the complete fully electric (Li-ion) road legal ATV with tractor homologation. Direct drive hub motors help the vehicle achieve up to 50hp and 210nm of torque at each wheel. Without a motor gearbox transmission, humming is eliminated and less heat is generated. In-wheel motor technology also eliminates the need for numerous mechanical components, resulting in savings on maintenance costs. The hub motors with their regenerative braking technology help extend battery range and act as a better hill descent control while riding.

BOSS breakthrough at LAMMA

BOSS breakthrough at LAMMA

BOSS ORV is the sole UK distributor for the Tachyon. They will also be showing the Corvus Off-Road Vehicles’ Terrain side-by-side utility vehicles and the Faunamaster compact drill seeders at LAMMA. The Corvus Terrain range comprises diesel, electric and petrol models sold and supported through the Corvus UK dealer network. The Faunamaster are multifunctional and timesaving seed drills designed for use with an ATV, UTV or tractor. The drill, which comes from the Danish company Faunamaster ApS, sows seeds of virtually any size to a depth of up to 80mm. BOSS ORV will be displaying on stands 6.838 and 6.924 at LAMMA.

For more information you can call 01785 561046 E-mail: sales@bossorv.co.uk Web: www.bossorv.co.uk

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Suståne proves the key for consistency

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Suståne proves the key for consistency: A programme based around Suståne 5-2-4+Fe organic slow-release fertiliser is working wonders at Linköping Golf Club in Sweden – delivering enhanced consistency in plant health and growth for Head Greenkeeper Andreas Bergqvist and his team.

Now into their second year of pursuing a more natural approach to enhancing soil biology, not only are the greens performing better, the additional strength has seen improved resistance to Anthracnose.

Suståne proves the key for consistency

Suståne proves the key for consistency

Andreas has been in charge of the maintenance of the picturesque parkland course for the last five years, but has been at the club since 2001 as a deputy where he first gained experience of products from the Suståne range. “My approach to plant health is very much to work with nature and feed from the bottom up, rather than the top down” he explains. “We’d been using Suståne for a number of years, but when I took over I further reduced artificial inputs in favour of upping our Suståne programme to get better structure into our push-up greens.”

The current plan consists of 8-10 week applications of Suståne 5-2-4+Fe between the months of April and September; the long-lasting sources of organic nitrogen promoting greater root development and good colour. “The main benefit we’ve found is that you don’t get the flush of growth like you do with synthetic fertilisers. It keeps the greens consistent in terms of playability and means that we’re employing fewer mechanical practices such as verti-cutting to keep on top of rapid growth which, in turn, brings benefit for surface quality and health.”

“Prior to using Suståne we would also commonly see outbreaks of Anthracnose around the course. This appears to have decreased significantly, and when we do get a patch we can target treat with some additional 5-2-4+Fe and it’s seemingly resolved within a couple of days.”

He continues, “One of the biggest issues we face here in southern Sweden is drought. The Suståne product being naturally-derived means that we can apply when we need to, and not when the rainfall forecast is in our favour. The boost to root development also means we’re finding that the grass is more tolerant to the hot and dry conditions which means we’re well-placed to deal with the changing climate moving forwards.”

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Agrovista completes acquisition of Advance Grass Solutions

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Agrovista completes acquisition of Advance Grass Solutions: Agrovista has today announced the completion of its acquisition of leading sports turf agronomy services business, Advance Grass Solutions (AGS).

The acquisition brings together some of the most experienced and progressive teams in the sector, further strengthening Agrovista Amenity’s position as a key player in professional turf management.

Agrovista completes acquisition of Advance Grass Solutions

Agrovista completes acquisition of Advance Grass Solutions

The senior management team is now working on plans to ensure a smooth integration of the business.
Commenting on the announcement, Managing Director of Agrovista UK, Chris Clayton said, “AGS is a business that we have long admired and one that has delivered sustainable growth with an expanding customer base. The acquisition will allow Agrovista Amenity to extend its reach into customer channels in which it is currently underrepresented and better leverage the combined offer to our current and future customers. Growth of Agrovista Amenity remains core to the overall Agrovista strategy and the AGS acquisition demonstrates once again our commitment to the strategy.’’

Jamie Bennett, Chairman and CEO of AGS said “We are delighted about this exciting news. This acquisition will combine the strengths of both companies, enhance the product portfolio and increase the technical knowledge of both teams. I am very confident that all customers can expect a smooth transition, a data driven commitment to support and a market leading level of customer service without compromise.”

Existing customers are encouraged to continue working with their current account manager and service provider as usual, until further information is provided.
Sam Honeyborne, Managing Director of AGS added “We look forward to discussing the news and welcoming all customers, clients and suppliers to the Agrovista Amenity stand at BTME hall 1 stand 120/124.”

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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