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Sharon Morris retires after 43 years at Mansfield Sand

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Sharon Morris retires after 43 years at Mansfield Sand: After 43 years of working for Mansfield Sand, the ever-popular Sharon Morris is retiring.

Sharon originally trained to be an accountant before working for Mansfield Sand. She started as a credit controller for the company and worked her way through the accounts department in various roles before eventually becoming the office manager. Sharon didn’t stop there, however.

Sharon Morris retires after 43 years at Mansfield Sand

Sharon Morris retires after 43 years at Mansfield Sand

“I had so many different positions to start with because I wanted to learn absolutely everything about the business,” she said. “At some point I was offered the opportunity to get out on the road and the rest is history. I had so many years of doing figures and sitting in front of a computer so going out on the road and being involved in sales was something I was really interested in. It was a bit of a lightbulb moment.”

Sharon’s professionalism and personality quickly shone through in her new role. In fact, she grew her first account into a million-pound-plus customer. She admits that it wasn’t easy and at her first show, BTME Harrogate, she went with colleagues who told her to basically forge her own way and get to know people which she did by visiting every stand at the show and introducing herself. In reflecting on the advice Sharon believes that it was probably the best she ever received.

After that it was a case of visiting all the reps and customers, giving them the confidence that Mansfield Sand was the company they needed to deal with. It was all about getting to know people and going to shows was a golden opportunity.

Throughout her career Sharon specialised in sports turf and most of her customers were based at football and golf clubs. As a huge sports fan there couldn’t have been a better job.

“It gave me a special tingle whenever I went into those wonderful stadiums and golf clubs that I would see on television all the time. I felt so privileged and never once took it for granted. One of my proudest moments was when we started dealing with Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC via a contractor. They were two clubs that had been a goal of mine to work with for many years, so it felt like a huge personal achievement when the clubs and the contractors’ showed faith in myself and Mansfield Sand.”

Sharon admits that the prospect of retirement is daunting, but she is looking forward to the next chapter. As a Nottingham Forest FC season ticket holder since the age of 9, she is planning on watching more games and she revealed that her and her partner will become members of Nottinghamshire Cricket Club. She will also be taking more holidays abroad and she is looking forward to being able to attend concerts and theatre shows during the week without the worry of having to set the morning alarm clock. Her 91-year-old mum will also be getting a lot more of Sharon’s attention.

Although Sharon will have plenty of activities throughout retirement to keep her busy, she will always hold a special place in her heart for her former customers and colleagues.

“It has certainly been a very unique job and I’m proud of the career I’ve had,” she said.  “No one knew me at first, but now wherever I go everyone makes me feel so incredibly welcome.

“Special thanks must go to Mansfield Sand Company and everyone I have worked with over the years, all who have contributed to making my 43 years so enjoyable.”

For more information visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk

You can also follow the company on Twitter – @MansfieldSand and Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldSandSportSurfaces/

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Makita launches outdoor adventure range

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Makita launches outdoor adventure range: Leading power tool manufacturer Makita UK, is giving users the power to go anywhere with its new Outdoor Adventure range. Featuring a distinctive olive green colour, the limited edition products are powered by Makita’s 18V LXT batteries, providing users with a complete system of cordless equipment to use at work, at home and the outdoors.

The new Outdoor Adventure products are part of Makita’s expanding 18V LXT System, and offer the same features, performance, and versatility that is synonymous with the cordless technology giant’s portfolio.

Makita launches outdoor adventure range

Makita launches outdoor adventure range

Ideal for leisure activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, or even a simple picnic in the park, the line-up includes cooler/warmer boxes, an inflator and blower, as well as flashlights, fans, audio equipment, a kettle, coffee maker and more. There are even combi drills available in the new olive green livery for those who want something a little different.

Makita UK’s Marketing Manager, Kevin Brannigan, expects the limited edition range to be a big hit for a wide range of users as people spend more time outside.

“We have launched several limited and special edition products over the years, and they always sell out fast,” said Kevin. “Whether you’re already a Makita user or new to the family, the Outdoor Adventure range provides new options of cordless power and performance for leisure activities, with each product utilising our world renowned LXT technology.”

Makita’s LXT System is the world’s largest compatible cordless tool system powered by 18V slide-style batteries. Makita’s purpose-built motors, battery technology, and enhanced communications work together to deliver unmatched power, speed, and run times. The system encompasses over 300 products that are trusted by trade and industry professionals in every sector.

Kevin concluded, “This new olive green range, which has been inspired by the environment and manufactured as a limited production run, will make an iconic statement in your kit bag and provide ultimate flexibility and mobility when enjoying the outdoors or at work.”

Makita’s Outdoor Adventure products are available as body only, or in kit format with battery and charger, depending on the type of product. To find out more about Makita’s limited edition range, visit www.makitauk.com/outdoor-adventure.

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Perennial’s impact greater than ever

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Perennial’s impact greater than ever: With Perennial’s impact on people’s lives revealed as greater than ever, the charity helping people in horticulture is calling for the industry to help sustain its community.

The charity’s 2022 Impact Report and recent figures show the pressing need for its services across the industry. 24,000 preventative services and activities were delivered last year, with 1,895 people and their families receiving direct personal support to improve their lives.

Perennial’s impact greater than ever

Perennial’s impact greater than ever

During the first half of 2023, Perennial provided services to 1,184 people, compared to 897 in the first half of 2022. This steep increase of 31% highlights the urgent need for increased support for Perennial’s work from the industry.

Perennial’s vision is for all those who work with plants, trees, flowers or grass to know about Perennial and how it can help. The charity relies on and is grateful to those demonstrating a commitment to support the horticultural community and invest in its future. In 2022:

  • 123 businesses were part of Perennial’s Partner Scheme contributing £93k worth of funding.
  • Four major wholesale nurseries collaborated to form Plants for Perennial. The joint initiative is an example of how businesses can work together to raise funds and awareness through plant sales.
  • 45 businesses supported employees through Perennial’s mental health first aiders’ pilot scheme that was launched to create a culture of mental wellbeing in the workplace.
  • 700 trade show visitors monitored their health using Perennial’s health kiosk, blood pressure checks and grip strength tests.

Perennial’s Chief Executive Peter Newman says: “This report highlights our impact on thousands of lives in 2022 thanks in large measure to our generous supporters and volunteers. We help those facing challenging times as well as providing advice and guidance to prevent small issues from becoming big problems. We enable people to be more in control of their health, financial and social wellbeing. With dedicated online resources, tools and apps alongside our one-on-one support services, we aim to offer something of benefit to everyone within the UK’s horticultural community and ask the industry to show its support and help us spread the word.”

“We recognise the important role that Perennial plays in providing essential support to horticulture and we want to keep being a part of that,” says Steve Walley, Managing Director, London Stone – Diamond Perennial Partner.

A better quality of life is within reach for everyone in horticulture. Through its services surrounding health and wellbeing, networks and financial wellbeing Perennial will continue to improve lives. The horticulture industry can help by spreading the word about Perennial and by raising funds to support its work.

Read more about Perennial’s impact on the lives and futures of people in horticulture at perennial.org.uk/impactreport2022.

Free services for people in horticulture that the industry can promote are:

  • Nudge, the free personalised money management tool introduced to help improve people’s financial wellbeing with relevant financial information that can have a positive impact on their money management. 115 people took control of their money and financial wellbeing within the first few weeks of its launch.
  • A Health & Wellbeing platform and app offered to support the body, mind and life, with people regularly engaging with recipe ideas, fitness plans, meditations, articles, podcasts and videos. 420 users were guided by the health and wellbeing app last year.
  • Help with training – Upskilling and training support trebled in 2022 compared to 2021, enabling 76 people to enhance their careers.
  • Helpline: For advice, information and support use the online Services Contact Form at perennial.org.uk/services-contact-form or call 0800 093 8543.

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Yamaha partners with Henton and Chattell

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Yamaha partners with Henton and Chattell: Yamaha has partnered with Nottingham-based ground care specialist Henton & Chattell to extend its dealer network. The new appointment will provide enhanced customer service in the East Midlands region for Yamaha ATV, side-by-side and golf car customers.

Commenting on becoming a Yamaha dealer, Henton & Chattell Managing Director Peter Chaloner said:

Yamaha partners with Henton and Chattell

Yamaha partners with Henton and Chattell

“We are excited to be working with Yamaha and filling a gap in our product range with one of the biggest brands in power products. We have had countless enquiries about ATVs, off-road leisure, and utility vehicles, so this partnership has come at an opportune moment.”

Yamaha’s Area Sales Manager, Carl Stuart commented on the partnership saying:

“Henton & Chattell will provide a first-class service to Yamaha customers and we are looking forward to working with the team and building our partnership in the future.”

Henton & Chattell was started by Peter’s grandfather Leslie Henton and Charles Chattell. Today Peter and his two sons, Harry and Jonathan, and wife Elizabeth, are all involved in the business. The business is no stranger to the demands of servicing a wide range of customers as it currently supplies other ground care products from several leading brands.

“We have a history of building long-standing relationships in the region. We carry over 50,000 parts and offer service and support all under one roof. In addition, we also have proactive sales and service technicians who can help customers both at our dealership and remotely,” he explains.

Yamaha vehicles will further support Henton & Chattell’s growth in the agricultural sector. The business will also supply Yamaha’s industry-leading golf car, becoming a Yamaha Service Dealer for golf products.

“We appreciate that Yamaha vehicles carry out demanding work and we are ready and willing to help Yamaha customers old and new to get the most out of their vehicles,” he adds.

The Nottingham showroom will open in the autumn with a full complement of Yamaha vehicles for customers to view and test drive. Henton & Chattell also plans to open a second dealership soon.

“We hope to bring our new dealership on board later in 2023 so that we can service customers over a wider area. Partnering with Yamaha is a big step for us and adding another premium brand to our portfolio is an exciting move that we hope will benefit both businesses,” he concludes.

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Green-tech proud to donate to Best Show Garden

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Green-tech proud to donate to Best Show Garden: Green-tech donated the PlantBox Green Wall system which makes up two walls within the Constructing Minds Show Garden designed by Carolyn Hardern and Jon Jarvis.

The biggest and officially ’the best’ show garden at RHS Tatton 2023 is the brainchild of Garden Designer Carolyn, and Jon the Construction Manager for landscape contractor Ashlea Ltd. The garden was awarded a silver medal.

Green-tech proud to donate to Best Show Garden

Green-tech proud to donate to Best Show Garden

Built by The Landscape Academy, the garden has been designed to raise awareness of mental health within the construction industry. Construction has the highest suicide rate of all industries, where an average of two workers take their own lives, each working day. The garden is designed as a calming space to help those struggling with their mental wellbeing.

The show garden was built using sponsorship donations and volunteers. Green-tech donated the Plantbox system to provide two 2.4metre high walls. The system creates a clever vertical garden, with a unique watering system that makes looking after plants easy.
The walls formed part of the Inner Sanctuary of the garden to offer a semi-enclosed private space that respects confidentiality and provides a degree of emotional security and a different environment whilst retaining the connection to nature. Seating and wildflowers assist with contemplation.

The overall design is based on the Japanese idealism of Shinrin Yoku and the benefits to our health through passive engagement to nature. With over 30 trees, 800 ferns and 100²m of wildflower turf, this is the biggest show garden. After the show, the garden will be moved to Clatterbridge Hospital, Wirral where it can be a place of tranquility for patients, visitors, and staff.

The garden has been designed to support and promote construction industry charities Band of Builders and Mates in Mind. Both Carolyn and Jon are fully committed to raising awareness of the mental health crisis within the construction sector and have worked on the design over a seven-month period.

Jon Comments, “This is a cause close to my heart and I appreciate Green-tech and all the sponsors that have enabled our vision to become a reality. Having Green-tech as national suppliers to the landscape world involved gave our cause traction and raised awareness in the market.”

Green-tech’s Andrea Questari manages the Ashlea account and adds, “This is such a worthwhile cause and great initiative to help raise awareness that we were delighted to help in any way we could. The Plant Box living wall system really does create a quick and easy instant green wall so was the perfect product for the inner sanctuary of the design.”

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