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NEWS ARTICLES

SALTEX provides boost to the industry

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SALTEX provides boost to the industry: SALTEX 2023 welcomed over 7,900 visitors to the bustling two-day exhibition. But it’s not just the quantity of visitors that was so impressive in the face of Storm Ciaran but the quality, say show organisers, the GMA.

Geoff Webb, CEO, Grounds Management Association says: “The show data demonstrates that SALTEX continues to deliver on an extremely high level of quality attendees: 25 percent of visitors hold senior managerial positions at their place of work and nearly 80 percent play a role in the purchasing decision-making.”

SALTEX provides boost to the industry

SALTEX provides boost to the industry

It’s certainly a view held by exhibitors too as Rob Edwards, marketing manager of tractor business unit at Kubota, confirms: “Without doubt, SALTEX ‘23 was a great success for Kubota. As the leading event in the UK for grounds management, it was the ideal way for us to showcase our range, as well as launch our innovative new products to the market.

“The format, where products, services, forums, and training are brought together in one place attracts the right customers and we were very busy throughout the show. The GMA does an excellent job of delivering SALTEX, and we are very pleased with the sales, press and marketing opportunities that the show delivered.”

This year, visitors attended from every corner of the UK, as well as a growing international attendance from across the globe. It’s clear that the global appeal of the show continues to grow, with a 20 percent increase in international exhibitors attending SALTEX this year.

The addition of new feature areas including The Clubhouse brought together people from across different sporting communities including women in turf and the cricketing world. The exciting new Community Sports Zone, also saw buoyant business which proved of great benefit to the grassroots and volunteer audience.

Geoff Webb adds, “SALTEX has delivered for the industry once again – it’s the perfect platform to showcase the UK turf sector globally and is a success story for the UK as a whole. For the show to maintain its position as the leading free grounds management show in Europe is testament to how highly regarded and valuable the show is perceived to be in the industry.”

SALTEX will be back at Birmingham NEC on 30-31 October 2024.

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Reesink and Toro working with 59club

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Reesink and Toro working with 59club: In their continuous drive to maintain and improve standards within the golf community, Toro and Reesink Turfcare are working with leading customer service management specialist and training provider; 59club.

The relationship with 59club focuses on the continuous efforts required to produce the best playing surfaces possible.

Reesink and Toro working with 59club

Reesink and Toro working with 59club

59club provides mystery shopping audits and satisfaction surveys at participating golf clubs to help measure standards. Their insights and expertise are utilised to upskill and train employees, all with a focus on improving customer satisfaction.

Jon Cole, business divisional manager for Turfcare at Reesink Turfcare, explains: “59club supports continuous improvement in the industry, placing the importance on the customer’s experience.

“A big part of the process is looking at the consistency of the tees, greens, fairways and bunkers. An unbiased look at course performance is always a good thing and the results provide valuable feedback on the processes, procedures, methods and equipment used to keep the course inline with expectations.”

While Reesink is one of the best placed suppliers to help with course maintenance and improvements, its involvement with 59club doesn’t stop there.

Will Hewitt, general manager 59club UK, explains: “Our latest brand alignment with Toro and Reesink Turfcare is really exciting, they’re a great match for our values and ethos to provide a measurement of quality across the industry. We’re delighted to announce that they will also sponsor the Greenkeeper of the Year at our annual awards.”

Jon continues: “We’re always looking to shine a light on those working across the UK to create the best fine turf they can. The future of the industry relies on those professionals, and we consider it an honour to create opportunities and be approached to support initiatives to recognise the skill it takes, promote progression and ensure the future of turf management is bright.”

59club have nine territorial divisions serving the UK, Ireland, Europe, USA, Canada, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. They are endorsed and supported by governing bodies such as the PGA, The Asian Industry Golf Federation and the French Golf Federation, 59club are also a chosen partner of the CMAE, European Tour Destinations and PGA Branded Properties.

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BIGGA accepts generous donation for benevolent fund

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BIGGA accepts generous donation for benevolent fund: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has accepted a generous donation from Origin Enterprises after staff at the agri-services organisation selected the Greenkeepers Benevolent Fund as one of its charities of the year.

Origin Enterprises is the parent company of Origin Amenity Solutions, a BIGGA Premium Partner, and employees nominated the benevolent fund for a donation of £1,200 as part of a ‘Spring into Action’ campaign.

BIGGA accepts generous donation for benevolent fund

BIGGA accepts generous donation for benevolent fund

The Greenkeepers Benevolent Fund is the official charity of BIGGA. It exists to assist current or past members and their dependents, to provide financial support and practical help during difficult times.

Speaking at SALTEX, where he accepted the donation on behalf of the association, BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “We all hope never to need the support that a benevolent fund can provide, yet we also know that times are tough for many. If a grant or offer of support can relieve some of the burden and help as a family tries to get back on track, then any small donation can prove priceless. The heartfelt thanks of everyone at BIGGA goes out to our colleagues at Origin Amenity Solutions for this wonderful gesture.”

Origin Amenity Solutions Commercial Director Andy Russell added: “I am delighted that we were able to make this donation to such a worthy cause. Working with, and giving back to the community, is high on our agenda and this is a charity that aligns closely with our values.

“Our teams around the business have been challenged to Spring into Action with a series of fitness-based activities. We had colleagues swimming, running, walking, planting trees, and cycling – anything they chose that got them moving and raised much-needed money for the benevolent fund.”

Head to the BIGGA website for more information about the Greenkeepers Benevolent Fund.

Donations for the benevolent fund are accepted via the membership renewal form, directly to BIGGA HQ or via the JustGiving website.

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OAS supports the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal

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OAS supports the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) has joined forces with photographer Richard Pinches and Grounds Maintenance contractor Groundtel Ltd to create a giant poppy in support of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

The giant poppy has been painted on Mills Meadow in Henley-on-Thames to launch the 2023 Poppy Appeal. It has been drawn by OAS’s robotic line-marking machine and then filled in by hand using a backpack sprayer using IMPACT paint.

OAS supports the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal

OAS supports the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal

The idea came from drone operator, Richard Pinches, who was commissioned by Henley Town Council to photograph a King’s Cypher that was painted in the same location for the King’s Coronation in May.  Richard has been a keen supporter of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal and poppy collector ever since the death of his father in 2016.

Simon Hughes, Line Marking Sales Manager for Origin Amenity Solutions explains, “Richard approached me for help, and we were only too delighted to donate the necessary machinery, paint, and time needed. I programmed the GPS-guided robotic line marker to paint the poppy outline and then Danny Perkins from Groundtel Ltd. infilled using our IMPACT paint in white, red, and black.

The ability to mark out custom logos and designs is the latest feature on the TinyLineMarker Pro X robotic line marker distributed exclusively in the UK by Origin Amenity Solutions.

The robots are designed to spray ready-to-use paint technology such as the IMPACT range. To give an idea of the efficiencies, the machines use as little as 1.1 litres of paint per standard-sized football pitch and eliminate the messy, time-consuming inconsistencies associated with dilutable concentrate paints. With significant time and money-saving benefits robotic line markers are increasingly valued as a smart investment.

Simon Hughes adds, “This revolutionary feature has been heavily requested, and we are delighted with how well received it has been. It is fantastic to see how our customers are using it and I’m delighted with how well the poppy has turned out. It looks stunning.”

Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day as it’s best known, marks the day that World War One ended in 1918. A two-minute silence is held across the country at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month to remember those who have died in any conflict.

Book a free demonstration of the TinyMobileRobot Pro X by visiting www.tinymobilerobots.com/field-marking-robot/tinymobilerobots-uk/

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Pitch Perfect at Morecambe FC

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Pitch Perfect at Morecambe FC: EFL League Two Club, Morecambe is celebrating the condition of their pitches after adopting the Grow-In Programme from Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS).

Head of Grounds Rob Davidson comments, “I am over the moon with this year’s pitches. I am incredibly proud of the results.”

Pitch Perfect at Morecambe FC

Pitch Perfect at Morecambe FC

Rob joined the club in 2021 following the renovation period and during the first year he struggled to keep coverage on the shaded area of the pitch.

During a visit to Origin Turf, Science and Technology Centre, Rob had the opportunity to review the research data comparing tetraploid and diploid grass seed mixes.

For his first renovation Rob selected R140 grass seed mix from the R range because of the tetraploid content. He remarks, “Since using R140 at the stadium we have seen improvements in coverage, density, colour and over all turf health, especially in the shaded areas of the pitch. The germination and establishment could not have been better this year.”

“Visiting the OAS Turf, Science and Technology Centre has given me additional confidence in the products and the technical support offered by the Origin team has been excellent. With support from Origin, we have tailored the OAS Grow-In plan to suit the pitch requirements. Having a structured Grow-In programme has allowed us to get the best out of the products with a limited budget.”

It’s not just about the products through. Rob adds, “Working with OAS has allowed me to enhance my education and understanding of the products I use and how to get the best from everything I apply. Their events also provide networking opportunities and a chance to meet with peers and form relationships, which I believe is an important part of our industry.”

Rob has used the OAS Grow-In Programme for his second year at the club. The Grow-In programme is borne from extensive R&D at the OAS Turf, Science and Technology Centre. It is a two-step approach which comprises a mix of products to be applied at renovation and at emergence.

The mix for application at renovation stage includes an organic soil amendment – a composted cow manure and Humic Acid soil conditioner, Tricure AD™ Granular – a residual wetting agent, and Mycorrhizal Inoculant – a microbial inoculant.

At emergence, the programme uses an organo-mineral fertiliser and biostimulants that feature nitrate nitrogen and molasses providing early carbohydrates and instantly available nitrogen to promote growth and enhanced plant health.

Rob reports, “The addition of the liquid mix applied at emergence alongside the C-Complex 14.2.5 has given us a quick grow response. Cutting schedules have commenced earlier and cutting frequency has meant third leaf stage has been reached quickly to allow for Primo Maxx applications. The biostimulant applications and organo-mineral fertilisers, supported by Verti-drain aeration has promoted a healthy root system.”

Andy Merry, Key Account Manager from OAS said ‘it has been great working with Rob over the last few years. His professionalism and communication with the club has established a trusting relationship, enabling the renovation work required to produce a surface that performs. Rob is enthusiastic and committed to providing pitches of the highest quality using modern techniques and technology. He has improved the standards across all pitches and produced surfaces that play well and look impeccable. It has been a joy to see the results.”

For further information or to discuss a future Grow-In programme for your club contact the OAS team on 0800 138 7222 or email sales@originamenity.com

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