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Technology specialist Alex Thorneycroft Taylor joins Kress UK

Technology specialist Alex Thorneycroft Taylor joins Kress UK

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Technology specialist Alex Thorneycroft Taylor joins Kress UK

Kress UK has strengthened its commercial team with the appointment of Alex Thorneycroft Taylor as Business Development Manager, bringing with him more than two decades of experience in precision technology, customer support, and business development.

Technology specialist Alex Thorneycroft Taylor joins Kress UK

Technology specialist Alex Thorneycroft Taylor joins Kress UK

Alex’s career began in 1999 working with GPS technology during its early adoption within the agricultural sector. Since then, he has built extensive experience across multiple industries, developing a strong understanding of how technology can help businesses improve efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.

More recently, Alex worked within the John Deere dealership network before joining PGX Trimble, a leading supplier of precision GPS technology. In that role, he focused heavily on sports turf applications, working with Premier League clubs including Liverpool, Bournemouth and Southampton to implement retrofit steering and guidance solutions.

In his new position with Kress UK, Alex will be responsible for supporting and developing the company’s dealer network across the South East, while helping to drive new business opportunities and showcase Kress’s growing portfolio of autonomous and battery-powered technologies.

“My biggest attraction to Kress was the drive and ambition behind the business,” said Alex.

“The company is constantly looking ahead, investing in sustainable technology and autonomous solutions, while maintaining a very close relationship with both its dealers and customers.

“There’s a genuine desire to stay one step ahead and continually improve, and that really appealed to me.”

Alex’s day-to-day role will involve working closely with dealers and end users, supporting demonstrations, installations and customer engagement activities, while helping customers understand how Kress technology can address some of the key challenges facing the industry.

“What excites me most is the opportunity to build on the fantastic work already being done with our dealer network,” he said. “Battery-powered technology and autonomous equipment are creating huge opportunities for customers to reduce carbon emissions, improve efficiency and address ongoing labour challenges.

“We want to continue showcasing what’s possible and help organisations understand how these technologies can support their long-term goals.”

Having worked with technology throughout his career, Alex believes Kress is well positioned to help shape the future of the sector.

“People often talk about autonomy as if it’s something that’s coming in the future, but in reality, it’s already here,” he said. “The technology is proven, it’s delivering results, and we’re seeing more and more organisations embracing it.

“At the same time, businesses are placing greater emphasis on sustainability, carbon reduction and employee wellbeing. Kress is in a strong position because its solutions directly support many of those objectives.”

With a strong background in customer relations and a lifelong interest in technology, Alex is looking forward to helping customers unlock the full potential of autonomous and battery-powered equipment.

Outside of work, Alex is actively involved in grassroots cricket, coaching young players aged eight to fifteen and supporting ECB Dynamos and All Stars programmes. He also assists with his wife’s successful dog training business.

As he begins his new role, Alex is keen to connect with customers, dealers and industry professionals across the region.

“The biggest thing for me is communication,” he said. “Pick up the phone, get in touch and have a conversation. I’m always happy to talk, always happy to help, and I’m looking forward to building relationships throughout the industry.”

For more information, please visit https://www.kress.com/en-gb/

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ICL Supports Perennial’s Kick for a Cause 2026 Charity Tournament

ICL Supports Perennial’s Kick for a Cause 2026 Charity Tournament

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ICL Supports Perennial’s Kick for a Cause 2026 Charity Tournament

ICL Turf & Landscape UK & Ireland was proud to sponsor and participate in the Perennial Kick for a Cause 2026 charity football tournament, kindly hosted by Fulham FC at their training ground in Motspur Park, Surrey.

ICL Supports Perennial’s Kick for a Cause 2026 Charity Tournament

ICL Supports Perennial’s Kick for a Cause 2026 Charity Tournament

The event brought together teams from across the horticulture and landscaping industries to raise funds and awareness for Perennial, the UK’s only charity supporting people working in or retired from the horticultural and landscaping industries. Through its range of free and confidential services, Perennial helps individuals and families facing challenges including physical injury, mental health concerns, financial hardship and the pressures associated with working in the industries.

Representing ICL, the ICL All Stars joined teams from across the sector for a day of friendly competition and fundraising. Participants had the opportunity to play on some excellent natural grass surfaces, which were a credit to the Fulham FC grounds team.

The event highlighted the strong sense of community that exists within horticulture and landscaping, with businesses coming together to support a cause that benefits many people throughout the industry.

Aimee Davey, Marketing Communications Manager for ICL Turf & Landscape UK & Ireland, said: “Perennial provides invaluable support to people working across horticulture and landscaping, often during some of the most challenging periods of their lives. We are proud to support a charity that delivers practical help and guidance to those who need it most. The Kick for a Cause tournament was a fantastic example of our industries coming together to support an important cause, and we were delighted to be involved.”

The ICL All Stars remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, securing the overall trophy, while the event successfully raised awareness of the vital work carried out by Perennial on behalf of the horticulture and landscaping community.

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GMA appoints Jason Booth as Chief Executive Officer

GMA appoints Jason Booth as Chief Executive Officer

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GMA appoints Jason Booth as Chief Executive Officer

GMA has announced the appointment of Jason Booth as its next Chief Executive Officer, following a comprehensive and competitive recruitment process.

GMA appoints Jason Booth as Chief Executive Officer

GMA appoints Jason Booth as Chief Executive Officer

Jason brings more than 12 years’ experience within GMA, during which he has held a range of senior roles and made a significant contribution to the organisation’s development. His deep understanding of GMA’s work and membership places him in a strong position to lead the organisation into its next phase.

As part of a planned and orderly transition, current CEO Geoff Webb will remain in post until March 2027, with Jason formally assuming the role in April 2027. This approach will ensure continuity and stability while supporting a smooth leadership handover.

Martyn Ward, Chair of the Board for the GMA, said: “We are delighted to appoint Jason as our next CEO. He brings a wealth of experience, a strong track record of leadership, and a deep understanding of both our organisation and the needs of our members. The Board is confident he is the right person to lead GMA forward. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Geoff for his continued leadership and his commitment to ensuring a seamless transition.”

Commenting on his appointment, Jason Booth said: “I’m incredibly proud to be stepping into the role of CEO at GMA. Having spent the past 12 years here, this is a very meaningful moment for me. The GMA, our members and the wider grounds management sector is something I care deeply about.

“Over the last decade, I’ve had the privilege of working with colleagues and getting to know many of our members, and those experiences have shaped how I see the organisation and its future.

“Supporting our members will continue to be at the heart of everything we do. I look forward to building on our strong foundations and working together to deliver even greater value in the years ahead.”

Geoff Webb, current CEO, added: “It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of the GMA and to work with such a dedicated team and engaged membership. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and confident that, in Jason, the organisation has a leader who understands its values, its strengths and its future potential. I look forward to supporting a smooth transition in the months ahead.”

The GMA remains focused on delivering its strategic priorities and supporting its members, with continuity in leadership and a clear direction for future growth.

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Kubota proves a partnership that’s built to last at The Glasgow Academy

Kubota proves a partnership that’s built to last at The Glasgow Academy

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Kubota proves a partnership that’s built to last at The Glasgow Academy

Since Robert Cheape joined The Glasgow Academy in 1985, the school and accompanying sports grounds have expanded significantly! His tenure as Head Groundsman has been underpinned by a long-standing partnership with dealers Hamilton Ross Group, and much of the success he has attributed to the reliability and versatility delivered by Kubota tractors in use at the grounds for over 30 years.

Kubota proves a partnership that’s built to last at The Glasgow Academy

Kubota proves a partnership that’s built to last at The Glasgow Academy

Founded in 1845, The Glasgow Academy is the oldest continuously fully independent school in Glasgow, now providing a private coeducational day school for 1700 pupils. The school is renowned for its sporting prowess – with rugby and hockey played by both the students and Glasgow Accies Sports club in the winter months, then switching to primarily cricket, tennis and athletics during the summer. Working alongside Robert on the maintenance of the natural turf and artificial surfaces is a busy team of six, with three of the staff having over 120 years of service between them.

“With sport played daily, we rely heavily on having the right, reliable equipment to produce pitches that can withstand the pressure of constant wear” Robert says. For more than three decades, powering that maintenance operation has been Kubota. “In the shed we have a Kubota B1550 from the early 1990’s which still runs and is used for lighter jobs around the sites, a B2650 and, more recently, we added an L2622 to the fleet.”

“While we can see the improvements and things like the controls and operator-friendliness has moved on they’re still, fundamentally, well-built, comfortable, reliable workhorses. For that reason, I’ll never use anything else” he adds.

The L2622 delivered in August 2025 brings increased power and productivity, featuring a 61hp stage-V diesel engine and the highest rear lift capacity in its class. “With time of the essence, we found we were relying on larger, more power-hungry implements and the L2622 has proven the perfect partner for implements such as our Verti-Drain – which we’re increasingly relying on with the more regular periods of prolonged and heavy rainfall.”

“We also run a Kubota RTV-X1110 which is another reliable runaround, towing smaller equipment and getting people and tools around the sites quickly and safely.”

Reliability for Robert extends beyond the machines themselves, with Kubota he also has the added peace of mind of first-class dealer support from the team at Hamilton Ross Group. “I’ve dealt with Paul Denholm since 1990 and the school’s relationship with Hamilton’s began even before that! We just know that if we need anything, from a simple advice call or a service visit, that they’ll be there to look after us. That sort of service goes a long way.”

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Green-Tech supports CLECO with woodland creation scheme

Green-Tech supports CLECO with woodland creation scheme

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Green-Tech supports CLECO with woodland creation scheme

Green-tech has supplied planting protection products for a 34-hectare woodland creation scheme in Cheshire, which was delivered by CLECO on behalf of a Local Authority. The project involves establishing 37,124 native trees across a diverse mix of broadleaf and coniferous species, creating a resilient new woodland landscape designed to deliver long-term environmental and ecological benefits.

Green-Tech supports CLECO with woodland creation scheme

Green-Tech supports CLECO with woodland creation scheme

CLECO is a family-run environmental contractor specialising in woodland creation, ecological restoration, and long-term landscape establishment.

A key feature of this project is the inclusion of 42 rare genetic clones of the endangered Black Poplar, bred by Chester Zoo. These were established within parkland-style planting using tree crates as part of an agroforestry wood pasture system designed to support future livestock grazing. This represents a significant contribution to the reintroduction of an endangered native species within the Cheshire landscape.

The scheme is driven by core objectives focused on carbon capture, climate resilience, and biodiversity enhancement. A diverse mix of flowering and fruiting species has been incorporated, particularly within the shrub layer, to maximise ecological value and support long-term habitat creation.

GREEN-TECH INVOLVEMENT AND PRODUCTS SUPPLIED

Green-tech supplied a range of tree protection and establishment products to support successful woodland establishment across the 34-hectare site.

Tubex Standard Shelters were installed across the majority of planting areas to provide protection against browsing wildlife and wind exposure, while helping to create a stable microclimate that supports the early establishment of young trees.

Shrub Guards were specified for the mixed native shrub layer, where biodiversity-led planting required additional protection for smaller whips and shrubs. These areas were designed to enhance ecological value through flowering and fruiting species, and the guards supported consistent establishment in more sensitive zones.

900mm hardwood stakes were used to provide durable structural support across the site, ensuring stability for newly planted trees in a range of ground conditions, including exposed locations.

Together, these products supported reliable establishment across both standard woodland planting and more complex ecological areas, including the Black Poplar parkland plots and agroforestry zones.

Working closely with CLECO, Green-tech provided a flexible and responsive supply service throughout the programme, ensuring materials were delivered in line with phased planting schedules and evolving site requirements.

IMPACT AND OUTCOME

The project represents a significant achievement for CLECO, demonstrating its capability as a direct delivery partner on large-scale Local Authority schemes, managing all aspects of logistics, financial oversight, planting operations and the transition into a five-year maintenance programme.

Supply chain collaboration played a key role in the success of this project. Green-tech worked closely with CLECO to provide the flexibility, trust, and responsiveness needed to coordinate large, time-sensitive material orders for a project of this scale. The relationship served as a seamless extension of their project team, helping them to navigate challenges efficiently.

Green-tech ensured consistent material quality throughout and will support long-term accountability by working with CLECO over the 5-year maintenance period, strengthening ownership of both the establishment and long-term site success.

A key strength of the scheme was the end-to-end delivery approach, from early planning and tender stage through to planting and establishment works. This reinforced CLECO’s position as a credible, delivery-led alternative to larger national contractors, with clear on-site accountability.

The woodland creation and Black Poplar restoration will deliver long-term benefits for carbon sequestration, climate resilience, and biodiversity enhancement, creating a lasting environmental legacy across the Cheshire landscape

Ross Butterworth, Managing Director, CLECO, comments, “Green-tech provided a flexible and responsive service throughout the project. Working closely with our sales advisor, Tom Davison, made a real difference; the communication was second to none, and the friendly, easy-to-work-with manner made the whole process straightforward. Once we outlined what we needed, Green-tech took ownership and made it happen. It genuinely felt like having an extra member of the team. The quality of materials supplied was consistently high and supported smooth delivery on site.”

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