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Turf Tank in top ten of Innovative Robotics

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Turf Tank in top ten of Innovative Robotics: This year’s list highlights the businesses at the forefront of their respective industries, paving the way for the innovations of tomorrow. These companies are setting the standard with some of the greatest accomplishments of the modern world.

In addition to the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies, 540 organizations are recognized across 54 sectors and regions.

Turf Tank in top ten of Innovative Robotics

Turf Tank in top ten of Innovative Robotics

“It’s an honor for us to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in 2023,” said Mikkel Jacobsen, CEO of Turf Tank. “Since Turf Tank launched in 2015, our robot has revolutionized the sports field-painting industry. We help turf managers around the world create professional fields, efficiently and cost effectively. Every day, we strive to push the boundaries of our technology. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to innovation and the dedication of our team around the world. We will continue to lead the charge in autonomous line marking technology. We are excited for the future.”

https://www.fastcompany.com/90849021/most-innovative-companies-robotics-2023

Turf Tank is the inventor of the world’s first autonomous, GPS-guided line-marking robot designed for painting athletic fields. To date, the company has more than 1,200 robots painting fields across the UK and the rest of the world with more than 1,600 globally, from schools and local authorities, to independent colleges and universities, Premier League, MLS teams, as well as NFL stadiums. The robot is controlled with a tablet, completely transforming the way turf managers paint their fields. One robot can paint a soccer field all by itself in less than 25 minutes, compared to traditional manual methods which require a team of two people up to two hours to paint the same field. With the time saved, the grounds crew is now free to focus on other important tasks around the fields which helps improve the overall quality of the facility.

Turf Tank continues to innovate with its next-generation line-marking software which enhances the robot’s usability and boosts the efficiency of the line marking process. The development of the new system was a result of years of communication with turf managers and aims to improve the overall user experience, enabling them to complete their tasks with greater speed and ease. By simply tapping a few buttons, the user can produce a professionally marked field that adheres to the regulations of different governing bodies. Additionally, the updated software provides turf managers with greater flexibility and complete control over every aspect of the line marking process, allowing them to customize the fields to suit the specific requirements of their organization, a feature never seen in the industry before.

Turf Tank in top ten of Innovative Robotics

Turf Tank in top ten of Innovative Robotics

The company achieved another significant breakthrough with the implementation of the text and logo functionality, which enables sports organizations to enhance their fields by incorporating robot-generated texts, messages, and logos. Previously, only large colleges and professional teams could afford this feature, but now, thanks to Turf Tank’s technology, even small sports clubs and local high schools can provide their fans with an exceptional sports experience. Players can now feel like they’re playing on professional fields, no matter the level of their play. The technology also allows organizations to promote local charities, raise awareness about community issues, and attract sponsorships

Fast Company’s editors and writers sought out the companies making the biggest strides around the globe. They also judged nominations received through their application process.

The World’s Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company’s signature franchise and one of its most highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year. It provides a firsthand look at the inspiring and innovative efforts of companies across all sectors of the economy.

“What a strange and thrilling year it has been to honor this year’s Most Innovative Companies. This year’s list compiles some of the most cutting-edge groundbreakers who are changing our world every single day, from legacy organizations like McDonald’s to upstarts like MrBeast and institutions such as NASA. Everyone on this list does something completely, uniquely different, yet, they all have one thing in common: innovation,” said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan.

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Top-Brush trial becomes working wonder

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Top-Brush trial becomes working wonder: All but eliminating the issue of worm cast removal, the team at Worplesdon Golf Club have been delighted with the performance of their Redexim Top-Brush.

The effectiveness of the 6m wide brush came as no surprise though to Course Manager Paul Robinson, who had been involved with the development of the proto-type model – helping to create the perfect solution for course brushing, dew removal and presentation.

Top-Brush trial becomes working wonder

Top-Brush trial becomes working wonder

Worplesdon’s 18-hole course is located in the classic heathland belt of Surrey and is consistently ranked in Golf Monthly’s UK&I Top 100. The loamy, sandy fairways played a part in Paul’s interest in the development of the Top-Brush. “Having lost chemical treatments, mechanical means of removal are going to become pivotal in maintenance programmes moving forward” he explains. “We were delighted to be one of the first to trial the prototype and provided Redexim with in-field feedback to help shape the final model.”

Three years after its first arrival, a fully-developed Top-Brush has now completed its first year on course. “There’s no universal solution for every course, but we used the Top-Brush to incorporate sand during dry conditions and found that this then made any casts that did occur dusty and easy to disperse. It has given us a quick, effective answer to one of the major greenkeeper challenges.”

With a 6m working width and option to have the brushes contra-rotating to the direction of travel, the Top-Brush has found more than one use for Paul and his team of eight. “It’s not a one-trick pony. We’ve used it for removing dew which has played a big role in improving plant health, but also we’ve found it leaves a fantastic finish which has meant we can sometimes reduce the amount of fairway mowing that takes place – saving both fuel and man-hours.”

Paul adds, “With a lot of greenkeeping tasks time is really of the essence, so larger, more efficient machinery is the future for ensuring we can still achieve the perfect finish but in the most effective and sustainable ways. The whole Top-Brush project has been great to be involved with and the result is something which is truly fit-for-purpose.”

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TradeHelp – supporting all trades in 2023

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TradeHelp – supporting all trades in 2023: TradeHelp announces plans to further grow its 15,000 strong network, having extended the free benefits to now support trades of all types.

Originally launched in 2014, TradeHelp has fast become the leading network for tradespeople, primarily supporting SMEs in the heating and plumbing industry with free software and special offers negotiated via a Buying Group.

TradeHelp - supporting all trades in 2023

TradeHelp – supporting all trades in 2023

Now, following a period of exciting progression, with developments to the leading mobile app and the addition of new industry partnerships, the door has been opened for even more trades to benefit from the TradeHelp network.

The free app, along with free desktop log-in, has an abundance of tools enabling trades to manage their businesses from the office, at home or on the road.  With personalised quote and invoice templates, customer and appointment management, electronic forms and works records – to name just a few of the benefits and features – companies can provide professional documents and save time at the touch of a button.  And more importantly, at no extra cost to them.

TradeHelp has also negotiated discounts and special offers with partners including Toolstation (5% off and quarterly prize draws), Trade Direct Insurance (up to 20% off), Trade Marketing (10% off), Enterprise Van Hire (10% off), Atoa Instant Bank Pay (0.5% fees and £40 cashback) plus many more. All ideal for smaller businesses.

Martin Jones, Managing Director of TradeHelp, explained: “We are delighted to be able to support even more tradespeople across the UK, with additions to the software and support from multi-trade merchants and business service partners. With the current economic climate and cost of living increases, there is no better time for businesses to make additional savings. This is where we can help.

“From electricians to builders and locksmiths, TradeHelp offers something for everyone, with no cost or commitment.  Our members simply take advantage of what works for their business. It’s been a great success within the heating and plumbing sector so far and we look forward to continuing this with other trades into the future.”

To join the free TradeHelp Network, visit tradehelp.co.uk or download the free app from the App Store or Google Play.

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Tickets on sale for Party for Perennial 2023

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Tickets on sale for Party for Perennial 2023: Join friends and colleagues from across the horticulture industry on Thursday 4th May at Core Bar in the heart of the City, for an evening of fun and fundraising for Perennial.

It’s the perfect way to make new contacts as well as catch up with established ones in a fun and informal atmosphere. The ticket price of £30 includes a glass of bubbles on arrival and some delicious nibbles, plus the chance to win some amazing prizes in the Party for Perennial raffle.

Tickets on sale for Party for Perennial 2023

Tickets on sale for Party for Perennial 2023

All proceeds from ticket sales and the raffle help Perennial support people in horticulture. The Charity’s primary purpose is to build better futures for all those working with plants, trees, flowers and grass. Providing free confidential support, advice and information through their dedicated team based around the country.

Anita Bates, Perennial’s Director of Marketing and Fundraising comments: “Our annual party has become a not-to-be-missed date in the diary. It’s a fun evening spent with friends and colleagues and a great way to help us support more people in horticulture. Over the last couple of years we’ve launched a range of new tools to help everyone at any stage of life, including a Health and Wellbeing app and a Financial Management Tool.  People can also access free physiotherapy, legal advice and support to find employment. It’s only through growing our partnerships with businesses and organisations across the industry that we can reach more people so everyone in the industry can benefit from our free, confidential support, advice and information. Tickets are on sale now so visit our website to book your place; put the date in your diary and join us!”

Party for Perennial 2023

Venue: Core, Aldermary House, 10-15 Queen Street Bank, EC4N 1TX

Date: Thursday 4th May2023

Time: 7pm – 11:30pm

Ticket price: £30 (including a glass of fizz on arrival and light bites)

For more information and to book tickets visit:

www.perennial.org.uk/party

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The Scots Turf Show a success

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The Scots Turf Show a success: The 1st of March 2023 was the date everything changed for Turf Professionals in Scotland. The first Scottish turf event for almost 15 years, opened its doors at Hamilton Park Racecourse, and the visitors began to pour in an hour before official registration had even opened.

Connecting the industry

The trial show was devised by 17 of the industry’s most influential companies, to give something back to the Scottish turf community and to connect with the Industry, by providing a local turf event, accessible to a vast swathe of groundsmen and greenkeepers from all areas of sport, that had never had the opportunity to attend a local industry event.

The Scots Turf Show a success

The Scots Turf Show a success

David Roxburgh – Head Groundsman – Rangers Football Club

“Something needed to happen here in Scotland, I think it’s been great. The fantastic turnout here hasn’t surprised me because I think Scotland has been desperate for something like this. It needs a big show, and I think this could possibly be the forerunner of something great.”

The number of registered visitors had risen above the target of200with 287 attending on the day.

The itinerary of early morning bacon rolls, and coffee was a welcome diversion while the visitors signed in and was followed by an introduction to the idea behind the show by Alan Thomson of AllGrass and Richard Heywood of Campey Turf Care Systems. The guests were immediately engaged with two 20 minute speakers, Gary Smith senior agronomist from the STRI, quickly followed by Joe Shaw from SIS Pitches, before heading out into the spring sunshine for the outdoor exhibition area.

After a couple of hours of interaction with the exhibitors, the group enjoyed a lunch in the hospitality suite overlooking the magnificent race track at Hamilton Park. Then it was back to the marquee for two more short seminars, one from Kelly Marie Clarke agronomist from Origin and finally an introduction to Hamilton Park itself by Ashley Moon, Managing Director of Hamilton Racecourse who said, “We are delighted to welcome the Scots Turf Show to Hamilton Racecourse and work alongside such excellent partners”.

It is important to the companies behind this event to gauge the response of the visitors going forward, with a view to expanding the event significantly next year.

Barry McCulloch – Course Manager Caldwell Golf Club commented “It’s something that I’ve been looking forward to for quite some time and hoping that it did happen. It’s been good to come along and support the event. The venue they have picked is probably one of the best areas in Scotland because it’s very easily accessible, you can come from all over the country. You just have to look at the numbers that showed up today to see why it’s a great venue. 50% of my workforce has never been to a turf show, so that is another reason we came along today. It’s good for the younger guys to come and see some of the machinery and get a different perspective of things.”

Jim Dawson – Head Groundsman – BT Murrayfield

We would usually have to travel to events down South to see machinery or even have a chat with other groundsmen. So, today has been good for networking. I’ve met a lot of people here, from football to rugby, golf and horse racing.

I think this could take off. We are all very positive about the event, and I’m very happy for them to be talking about expanding it. I like having the option to attend the seminars, then getting to see some of the machinery in action and meeting the reps as well.”

Alan Thomson from AllGrass is absolutely delighted with the response on the day. As one of the main drivers he explains “From a concept back in 2019 over a McDonald’s Coffee to seeing the reality of such a fantastic event. Don’t get me wrong we are not reinventing the wheel here but simply putting it on a different path and a path that can continue to build excitement for the Scottish and beyond markets. ‘Connecting the Industry’ this is something that Richard and I believe we can do and hopefully with the many ideas for the future we can achieve this.”

So, The Scots Turf Show appears to have been an overwhelming success and looks like it may be here to stay.

Save the date – 6th March 2024

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