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NEWS ARTICLES

GMA Hub set to boost the game

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GMA Hub set to boost the game: The GMA Hub (Stand C190) is set to demonstrate all the benefits to be gained from Grounds Management Association products and services. The hosts and organisers of SALTEX have an impressive line-up, all devised to boost the game, skills, career, and surfaces of visitors to their packed show area.

There will be no shortage of expertise available on the GMA Hub, with the Technical and Learning team available to discuss training and education options for those who have been in the industry for years, and to those just starting out, giving visitors the chance to boost their skills and career.

GMA Hub set to boost the game

GMA Hub set to boost the game

The GMA’s Pitch Advisory Service and sport’s National Governing Bodies will be at the Hub to advise on funding or give visitors a tour of equipment for community sport clubs being displayed in the new Community Sport Zone, located alongside the GMA Hub.

Meanwhile, ready to share their extensive knowledge at the Hub’s dedicated Soil Science area will be soil science experts Dr Kate Entwistle and Alex Vickers, equipped to help tackle common turfgrass problems.

The GMA’s Membership Services team will be at the Hub to talk visitors through the many reasons they should consider joining the leading membership association for the sports, turf, and grounds care sector.

The GMA is also on the hunt for passionate and engaging young people to join its Young Board of Directors and members will be on hand each day from 10.00am until 1.00pm to discuss what is involved with all interested parties.

Hosting the popular GMA Job Clinic, will be careers counsellor Frank Newbury. He will be available to offer expert and current guidance on perfecting your CV, proactive job searching, performing better at job interviews, as well as negotiating pay and perks. And for those on the other side of the interview table, Frank can give valuable insight to on how to select the right candidate for every role.

To take advantage of the wealth of knowledge at the GMA Hub at SALTEX 2023, register now at: https://bit.ly/456l0dA

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EGO highlights importance of dealer engagement

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EGO highlights importance of dealer engagement: Outdoor battery-powered equipment specialist, EGO Power Plus, has announced an expansion to its sales team with the appointment of two new key roles.

David Mortimer joins EGO as Regional Sales Manager for UK & Ireland and has the responsibility of increasing sales by working closely with Henton & Chattell – EGO’s exclusive distributer in the region.

EGO highlights importance of dealer engagement

EGO highlights importance of dealer engagement

David said: “I am delighted to be joining the EGO team. With over a decade of experience in the industry, my extensive relationships within the dealer network highlight my commitment to cultivating lasting partnerships and I look forward to collaborating with both new and familiar businesses across EGO’s network to contribute to the brand’s growth and continued success.”

Elsewhere, Rudi Silkens has joined as Business Development Manager where he will manage EGO’s current Powered by EGO customer group and expanding the company’s network in the outdoor power industry. Powered by EGO is helping manufacturers to leverage the benefits of EGO’s proven battery technology and move away by fitting EGO batteries to their product ranges.

Rudi said: “I have been working in the garden machinery industry for more than 17 years and over that time I have worked across all parts of the distribution process. Due to my extensive experience, I have created a solid personal network and a strong understanding of the customer’s needs to make Powered by EGO a success.

“I am thrilled to be joining the EGO team and look forward to driving the industry towards a more sustainable future.”

This growth comes at a time when the company is looking to increase its collaborative relationship with the dealer network and drive new product development opportunities.

Together, these newly appointed roles will further strengthen EGO’s position in the outdoor power equipment industry, reinforcing its connections throughout the dealer network, and in turn will provide a positive experience throughout the whole distribution channel; ensuring that customers get the most out of what EGO’s tools and battery platform have to offer.

Peter Melrose, Managing Director at EGO, comments: “Maintaining positive relationships across the industry with our exclusive distributers and Powered by EGO partners is of top priority for us, as not only do our new hires provide us with exciting new opportunities for growth but they are also the vital connection between the brand and our valued customers.

“We have brought Rudi and David on board so that we may continue to create innovative new developments for our customers and in turn boost our growth and position in the industry network.”

To find out more about EGO Power Plus, visit: www.egopowerplus.co.uk

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Royal Norwich introduces turfcare academy

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Royal Norwich introduces turfcare academy: Royal Norwich has introduced a new international sports turf qualification for students who want to specialise in golf.

The golf and country club has launched the two-year full-time programme of study which will run in conjunction with the Performance Golf Programme.

Royal Norwich introduces turfcare academy

Royal Norwich introduces turfcare academy

“We’re proud to announce the introduction of our Turfcare Academy and Business Management qualification for students looking to specialise in a golfing background,” says John Kerr, CEO of Royal Norwich.

Upon completion students will receive an internationally recognised certificate in Sports Turf from SRUC Elmwood, St Andrews, Scotland, plus an ILM Level 2 and 3 in Business Supervision and Management.

Support will be provided by industry leading partners – including machinery manufacturer John Deere – delivering extensive additional training and support for students. This will give students access to the next generation of systems, services and skills to manage the golf course of the future.

“This innovative programme combines comprehensive turf management education with specialised business skills, providing a well-rounded foundation for success in this thriving field,” Mr Kerr said.

“The Turfcare Academy and Business Qualification is designed to equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary to excel in sports turf maintenance and management.”

From maintaining lush greens to utilising leading-edge technology, students will gain a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in creating exceptional golf course conditions.

In addition to these qualifications the Royal Norwich will offer its Performance Golf Programme; an exclusive opportunity for students to further enhance their golfing skills. This programme provides a range of exceptional benefits including mid-week unlimited access to the golf course, state-of-the-art swing analysis, 3 x 60-minute coaching sessions delivered by highly skilled instructors, and much more.

Mr Kerr said: “At Royal Norwich we are committed to nurturing the next generation of golf industry professionals.”

There are two programmes, the Full Player Programme at £4,750 per annum, and the Education Only Programme at £3,950 per annum, which does not include the Performance Golf Programme.

On-site accommodation is available for students, and interested parties can contact mail@royalnorwich.co.uk to discuss the options available to support their personal career goals.

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BIGGA and ICL reveal scholarship participants

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BIGGA and ICL reveal scholarship participants: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and Premium Partner ICL have revealed the five participants of the eighth ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship. 

From a remote links course on the north coast of Scotland to a nine-hole championship venue close to central London, the ICL Continue to Learn Scholars for 2024 accurately represent the diverse greenkeeping industry and how anyone can make a great career for themselves by grasping the opportunities made available via BIGGA membership.

BIGGA and ICL reveal scholarship participants

BIGGA and ICL reveal scholarship participants

The five successful BIGGA members have been invited to attend Continue to Learn at the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition, taking place in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, in January 2024. Continue to Learn is considered the largest learning experience for those in sports turf management outside the United States.

The ICL Continue to Learn Scholars for 2024 are:

  • Chris Hale, deputy course manager, Taunton & Pickeridge Golf Club
  • Sam Norman, assistant greenkeeper, Abbey Hill Golf Club
  • Kate Stillwell, course superintendent, West London Golf Centre
  • Jason Norwood, greenkeeper, Reay Golf Club
  • Jamie Caswell, Blue Course supervisor, Frilford Heath Golf Club

To earn an ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship, BIGGA members must demonstrate a commitment to developing their own professional abilities by engaging with BIGGA’s Continuing Professional Development scheme. Whether through in-person learning, reading the association’s monthly journal, Greenkeeper International, or by accessing resources on the association’s website, BIGGA members can enjoy thousands of learning opportunities, all aimed at improving their professional abilities.

Jason Norwood has previously enjoyed success with BIGGA, having been crowned the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year in 2019 and participating in the The Open Volunteer Support Team and the Future Turf Managers Initiative. The Reay greenkeeper said: “Living in the far north of Scotland, there is a lack of educational events that you would find in other areas of the UK. Being a lone greenkeeper, this proves challenging to get the time away from maintaining the golf course without it impacting the rest of the working week. The ICL Scholarship will enable me to access the best educational event in the greenkeeping calendar.”

Kate Stillwell is course superintendent at West London Golf Centre, a nine-hole championship golf course just five miles from Wembley Stadium. She said: “I feel very fortunate to have been accepted as there is a huge wealth of knowledge to take advantage of at BTME that I can bring back to share with the team. There is huge importance in continuing to educate ourselves on advances in technology, techniques and knowledge within the groundscare industry. There have been contacts I have made for life at BTME and my hope is to carry on sharing and spreading the knowledge, bringing new people into the industry.”

Continue to Learn at BTME 2024 will take place in Harrogate, North Yorkshire from 21 to 24 January 2024. For further information about BTME and Continue to Learn, visit www.btme.org.uk

The Turf Rewards loyalty scheme from ICL and Syngenta, BIGGA members can claim Continue to Learn education vouchers. Points are gained by purchasing products for use on the golf course. For further information visit www.turfrewards.com

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GroundsFest Announces Education Fund

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GroundsFest Announces Education Fund: Organisers of GroundsFest have announced that event profits are being reinvested back into the industry to form The GroundsFest Education Fund.

The GroundsFest Education Fund has been designed to provide support to help students at land-based colleges overcome specific barriers to participation so they can remain in education. The aim of the Fund is to not only support and enhance a student’s education experience but to encourage more people into the industry by making education more accessible.

GroundsFest Announces Education Fund

GroundsFest Announces Education Fund

Through profits generated from GroundsFest, students will be able to reach their full potential by obtaining funding for a wide range of items such as course literature, stationary, tools, laptops, computers and other electrical goods, driving lessons, and accredited training courses on subjects including machinery, weed management, sports turf maintenance, lawn care, arboriculture and many more.

Commenting on The GroundsFest Education Fund, Event Director Christopher Bassett said: “Unfortunately, the number of young people embarking on a career in grounds management is in decline and collectively, we should be doing all we can to change this. Education is the first step into the industry but the numbers coming through and qualifying are worryingly low.

After several conversations, we were shocked to hear that students are being forced out of education or are being prevented from entering education due to not having the money to purchase necessary items. Our aim was to always give back to the industry through the event and therefore we are extremely proud to be launching The GroundsFest Education Fund.”

The scheme will be trialled for the first year at Wiltshire College & University Centre before being rolled out nationwide. Victoria Fiander, Assessor in Horticulture, and Bradley Tennant, Sports Turf Lecturer, both from Wiltshire College, were instrumental in the development of The GroundsFest Education Fund.

Commenting on the new scheme, Bradley said: “The Education Fund is a fantastic initiative for students to access opportunities they may otherwise not have. Coming from a public school, and a council area background I would have loved to have had an opportunity like this, having personally paid for my own certificates such as spraying, tractor driving, and chainsaw tickets, knowing this is a key area that holds many back from pay rises or even progression within their workplace.

“Working with students, I know they often can’t find work due to travel arrangements. We are located in a very rural area, and having access to The GroundsFest Education Fund has the potential to bring more young people into our industry. Something as simple as driving lessons could pave the way for their future to become an industry leader.

“Land-based colleges are the point of entry for the vast majority of horticulture, from sports turf stadiums to the local garden centre. It’s vital we support our colleges. There are currently only 12 land-based colleges within the UK, which is a worrying number considering you can’t turn your head without seeing something that’s been involved with horticulture in some form.

The industry is struggling from top to bottom and education is the way forward.”

To watch the show highlights please click here

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views. 

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

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