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Green-tech adds another team member to the BASIS Register

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Green-tech adds another team member to the BASIS Register: Green-tech, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, reinforces its commitment to investing in its people and the industry by sending another team member on the rigorous BASIS training course.

Jamie Peacock from the sales team has successfully completed and passed the BASIS Certificate in crop protection (Amenity Horticulture) and has been added to the BASIS Professional Register, strengthening the company’s in-house expertise.

Green-tech adds another team member to the BASIS Register

Green-tech adds another team member to the BASIS Register

This course provides training and certification for sellers of agrochemicals and those advising on their use in amenity. It means Green-tech has even more people available to advise their groundsmen, greenkeepers, and landscaper customers working in the amenity sector.

The BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection for Field Sales and Technical Staff (FSTS) was established in 1978 and has been approved by Ministers to meet the requirements of Schedule 2 of the Control of Pesticide Regulations for certification of those involved in the sale, advice, and supply of pesticides.

Jamie is now proficient in the choice and application of professional chemical products, with the know-how to protect people, animals, and the environment. He can advise on weed, disease, and pest control. He is also competent in the application, safe use, handling, transport, and storage of Pesticides.

Green-tech’s Head of Sales Dean Jackson comments, “Green-tech sells a wide range of chemicals.  The advice we give must be correct and most important current.  This qualification has enhanced and broadened our in-house expertise which will naturally benefit our customers. Jamie is now better placed to help and direct our customers on their choice of professional chemical products. He has a wealth of industry and product knowledge and will help a customer decide the most appropriate product for their project. This is quite rightly, a tough course as the standards set by BASIS are high, but Jamie has worked hard and I am delighted for him.”

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GMA Reaccredited to Department for Education’s International Quality Standard

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GMA Reaccredited to Department for Education’s International Quality Standard: The Grounds Management Association has once again been accredited to the matrix Standard, a Department for Education-owned international standard for services delivering high quality information, advice, and guidance.

Reaccreditation to the matrix Standard confirms formal recognition of the GMA’s achievement in delivering industry-wide information, advice, and guidance, and further enhances the GMA’s reputation as a leading provider of education and development within the grounds management industry.

GMA Reaccredited to Department for Education’s International Quality Standard

GMA Reaccredited to Department for Education’s International Quality Standard

Following an assessment of GMA staff and services, the matrix Standard reported that the GMA had ‘excelled in several areas of its delivery of services’.

The matrix Standard ensures that all areas of the GMA hold the skills needed to support members of the grounds management community with their development. Statements from the matrix Standard’s report highlighted that the GMA has developed a strong culture around encouraging continuous professional development (CPD) for all members of staff – this will in turn benefit members, learners and all others who engage with GMA products or services.

The variety of formats for the delivery of information, advice and guidance from the GMA was also commended. Offering education through a wide range of formats ensures that there is a way to learn and develop that suits everyone’s needs – the matrix Standard commented that the combination of formats ‘come together to give an overall and cohesive understanding to the recipient/learner.’

Another highlight was the GMA’s positive impact on providing learners with long-term development of skills which can aid career progression. The report noted that GMA learners reported that their experience helped them to ‘appreciate progression opportunities in line with career aspirations’, showing that the GMA helps learners not just improve their knowledge, but also helps them to understand what opportunities they can pursue throughout their career.

Roger Chapman, Head of the matrix Service for The Growth Company said:

“This is a fantastic achievement for the Grounds Management Association and I would like to congratulate the team on their success. We believe that at the heart of high-quality advice and support services are strong leadership, excellent service and a focus on continuous improvement, all underpinned by effective use of the resources available.

“The matrix Standard is designed to benchmark organisations against best practice in these areas. With their accreditation success, the Grounds Management Association is working to provide the best possible support to their clients.”

Dan Prest, Head of Technical and Learning at the GMA, said following the reaccreditation:

“I’m delighted that the GMA has again been reaccredited to such a well-respected standard. It’s a strong indication that the level of information, advice and guidance offered by the GMA is of a high standard and meets the needs of today’s industry.

“Reaccreditation to a prestigious Department for Education standard, proves that we are continuing to provide top class support for individuals looking to develop their knowledge, as well as other essential skills needed to succeed in the sector, like problem solving, time management and communication.”

Following another successful reaccreditation, CEO of the GMA, Geoff Webb is full of praise for the GMA team

“The matrix Standard recognises the important work that goes into delivering information, advice, and guidance across the whole of the GMA, from the Technical and Learning team to the Pitch Advisory Service, so it really is a testament to the hard work of staff across the whole organisation that the GMA is recognised for the exceptional service offered by all departments.

“With workforce development being a key strategic pillar of GMA activity over the coming years, ensuring that we are continuously meeting high standards in the delivery of services is essential. The Department for Education’s matrix Standard offers a benchmark to measure ourselves against, so to meet the high standards expected in reaccreditation gives us confidence that we’re doing the right things to better support the sector.”

For more information about the GMA’s education and career development opportunities, take a look at the GMA’s Learning Prospectus or contact the Learning team at Learning@thegma.org.uk.

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Alan Jack named as INFINICUT® Sales Manager

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Alan Jack named as INFINICUT® Sales Manager: INFINICUT® are pleased to announce the appointment of a new Sales Manager in the form of Alan Jack.

With over 25 years of experience within the greenkeeping and professional turf care industry, Alan is well placed to spearhead sales, service and support for customers and dealers throughout the UK and wider international network.

Alan Jack named as INFINICUT® Sales Manager

Alan Jack named as INFINICUT® Sales Manager

After completing his apprenticeship, Alan embarked on a career in greenkeeping, progressing through the ranks from Assistant Greenkeeper to Management at various courses across Scotland. This foundation set Alan up nicely for further positions in operational management within the sports turf and leisure industry. Combined with a proven track record in the sales of both amenity products and turf care machinery, Alan most recently held the role of Operations Manager at Luxury Carts Group KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) – where he was responsible for the day-to-day coordination of the sales team and distribution of premium golf equipment, including the INFINICUT® range.

Equipped with a wealth of industry knowledge and a successful track record for managing people and a large order book, Alan relishes his new role with INFINICUT® where he’ll be focussed on delivering tailored sales and support across the industry-leading INFINICUT® mower collection along with the TMSystem™ range of maintenance cassettes.

“It’s a really exciting time to be coming on board” explains Alan, “with innovation driving exciting refinements and developments across the INFINICUT® portfolio for both fine turf and sports turf. The products already have an outstanding reputation for quality and efficiency and I’m excited to build on that with the help of our dealer partners around the world.”

After joining the INFINICUT® team at the end of 2023, Alan is excited to meet customers old and new on stand 614 at BTME 2024 later this month.

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Wycombe Heights GC and BGL drive sustainability

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Wycombe Heights GC and BGL drive sustainability: Wycombe Heights Golf Centre, owned and operated by BGL (Burhill Group Limited), has unveiled a series of sustainability commitments as part of a continued journey towards achieving a net zero status.

The club has committed to seven fundamental aspects that will be implemented throughout and around the facility. These are: planning, policies and procurement, staff and golfer engagement, taking climate action, conserving resources, fostering nature, strengthening communities, and tracking and reporting.

Wycombe Heights GC and BGL drive sustainability

Wycombe Heights GC and BGL drive sustainability

Some of the key initiatives that are underway have already begun to have a positive impact. A switch to an electric greens mower has allowed the club to substitute diesel for zero carbon electricity as the energy source, irradicate the use of hydraulic fluid which is harmful to local habitats, and reduce noise which is positive for both neighbours and operations. Eventually, the club plans to run an entirely electric fleet.

Furthermore, the transition to an off-site renewable energy supply has helped reduce club emissions by over 51 tCO2e per year, a reduction equivalent to flying 15 times from London to Hong Kong, and 150,000 kms by car.

The most recent initiative has been the construction of a 12,000-metre cubed reservoir to enable the club to irrigate the course using a sustainable water source. Thanks to the investment, 100% of the water used on-site is derived from sustainable sources. This has also allowed the club to avoid supply and demand issues in drier periods.

Commenting on the club’s sustainability journey, Operations Director for BGL Golf, Guy Riggott, said: “Our success with sustainability initiatives so far is something we are very proud of, and we are excited to continue to follow our seven step commitment as we take that to the next level. Through these efforts, our goal is to benefit the environment as well as our employees, members, and visitors.”

Riggott, added: “The work and commitment from Wycombe Heights towards improving sustainable practices is incredible. Across the group, we’re passionate about finding new ways to reduce energy, water consumption, and overall carbon footprint. We are excited to see the continuation of this programme with new initiatives that align with our seven step commitment to sustainability.”

Wycombe Heights Golf Centre is located in High Wycombe, in the heart of Buckinghamshire. The property boasts two 18-hole courses, including a main and short course. In addition, Wycombe Heights has an impressive driving range, fitted with state-of-the-art TrackMan technology.

BGL’s seven step commitment to sustainability is group-wide, across the portfolio of 10 BGL Golf venues around the UK. BGL is a pioneer in the UK golf industry, currently operating 22 golf courses at 10 venues around the country. The company has been a flag-bearer for sustainability, becoming the first and only major multi course operator to have all its venues GEO certified, in 2016.

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Club Car portfolio on show at BTME

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Club Car portfolio on show at BTME: Club Car, the industry-leading manufacturer of small-wheel, zero emissions vehicles, will showcase its innovative collection of golf and utility cars at BTME next week.

Among the vehicles on display at Europe’s premier turf management exhibition, held at Harrogate Convention Centre, will be a Lithium-Ion-powered Club Car Carryall 500, which was launched in Europe last summer.

Club Car portfolio on show at BTME

Club Car portfolio on show at BTME

The versatile Carryall range has long been the favoured utility vehicle of superintendents and groundskeepers around the world with its exceptional reliability and best-in-class ergonomics.

The new Lithium-Ion versions charge up to 40% faster than lead acid batteries, do not degrade over time and are around 180kg lighter, allowing for smoother operation over manicured terrain and less turf damage.

Also on the stand will be Club Car’s acclaimed Tempo golf car – featuring Lithium-Ion battery, Visage GPS technology and premium seats – and an Urban, Club Car’s innovative new road-legal utility vehicle which boasts automotive-grade safety features and low operational costs.

Andy Bourke, Club Car’s Regional Sales Manager for UK, Ireland & Scandinavia, said: “With our broad portfolio of sustainable transport solutions, it’s hugely important for our customers to be able to see what we have to offer.

“BTME is a great opportunity to meet up with our customers and dealers to hear their feedback, and it’s always a good barometer of the year ahead for the industry.”

Club Car’s expert sales team will be on hand at stand 626 to highlight the vehicles’ key features and benefits and to discuss visitors’ requirements.

For more information, visit www.clubcar.com, or to book a time slot at BTME contact Andy Bourke, Club Car’s Regional Sales Manager, UK, Ireland & Scandinavia: Andrew.Bourke@clubcar.com.

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