Turf News is the perfect place for professionals working within the UK’s vibrant turf industry – keeping you up-to-date with topical news, latest market developments and much more across all areas of the industry.
NEWS ARTICLES

Eight Industry Leaders Join GMA As Platinum Supporters

/in , /by

Eight Industry Leaders Join GMA As Platinum Supporters: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is proud to welcome eight industry‑leading organisations as Platinum Supporters: Cramer, GKB, ISEKI, MJ Abbott, Premier Pitches, Howardson Group, Kubota and ICL.

These highly respected brands represent leaders in grounds care, turf management, engineering and sustainable innovation. Their partnership shows a joint effort to invest in the future of the grounds management industry. They support the thousands of professionals and volunteers who take care of the UK’s sports surfaces and green spaces.

Eight Industry Leaders Join GMA As Platinum Supporters

Eight Industry Leaders Join GMA As Platinum Supporters

A powerful collective of industry experts:

Together, the eight Platinum Supporters contribute a broad range of expertise:

  • Cramer – Innovators in advanced battery-powered equipment for sustainable grounds care.
  • GKB – Providers of high‑quality grounds care products and nationwide technical support.
  • ISEKI – Specialists in high-performance turf maintenance machinery used across the UK, and proud Platinum Sponsor of the 2026 GMA Industry awards and Conference
  • MJ Abbott – Experts in sports turf construction, irrigation, drainage, and engineering.
  • Premier Pitches – One of Europe’s leading specialists in the Installation and Renovation of all types of reinforced sports pitches.
  • Howardson Group – Manufacturers of the renowned Dennis and SISIS turf maintenance brands.
  • Kubota – Global leaders in machinery solutions for grounds, landscaping, and land management.
  • ICL – A global leader in turf nutrition, grass seed and plant protection, who are proud sponsors of the GMA’s 35 under 35 programme.

Their involvement strengthens the GMA’s expanding network of supporters who are committed to promoting standards across the UK.

“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Cramer, GKB, ISEKI, MJ Abbott, Premier Pitches, Howardson Group, Kubota and ICL as our newest Platinum Supporters,” said Ben Muschamp, Head of Commercial at the GMA. “Each organisation brings significant value to our community. Their investment helps us continue supporting the professionals and volunteers who care for the nation’s sports surfaces and green spaces. We’re excited about what we can achieve together.”

As Platinum Supporters, the organisations will be instrumental in powering the GMA’s most important work – driving stronger membership support, elevating professional standards, amplifying sector advocacy and advancing vital research. Their involvement will also strengthen SALTEX, Europe’s premier stage for innovation and excellence in sports turf, amenities and landscaping.

As the highest tier within the GMA’s supporter framework – alongside the Bronze, Silver and Gold levels – the Platinum Supporter programme is designed for organisations seeking to make the greatest sector impact. It enables deeper partnership working and a more active voice in shaping the content and initiatives delivered across the year.

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

BASIS Appoints Interim Chief Operating Officer

/in , , /by

BASIS Appoints Interim Chief Operating Officer: BASIS Registration has appointed Mark Spurdens as Interim Chief Operating Officer.

Mark brings extensive experience across the Agri-Food sector and professional development, including senior leadership roles within fresh produce and technical operations. He also supports Professional development through pro bono work  in education and as a member of the Institute of Food Science and Technology Scientific Committee.

BASIS Appoints Interim Chief Operating Officer

BASIS Appoints Interim Chief Operating Officer

In his interim role, Mark will lead operations while BASIS moves forward with the recruitment of a new permanent Chief Executive. following the resignation of Corrina Urquhart

William Burgess, Chairman, said: “Mark brings valuable operational experience and sector knowledge. His appointment ensures continuity while we proceed with the recruitment of a permanent Chief Executive.”

Mark said he is pleased to be supporting BASIS during this period and looks forward to working with the team and stakeholders as the organisation continues to deliver for members.

The recruitment process for a permanent Chief Executive will continue in due course.

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

KAR UK welcomes new Area Sales & Accounts Manager

/in , , /by

KAR UK welcomes new Area Sales & Accounts Manager: KAR UK has announced the appointment of Oliver Paton as Area Sales & Accounts Manager for Southern England and South Wales, further strengthening its regional support and customer-facing expertise.

Oliver joins the team with over eight years’ experience across irrigation, water treatment and filtration, bringing with him a strong understanding of both the technology and the practical demands faced by customers operating in the field.

KAR UK welcomes new Area Sales & Accounts Manager

KAR UK welcomes new Area Sales & Accounts Manager

“I’ve been working in irrigation and water treatment for a number of years now, so the industry itself is very familiar to me,” Oliver explained. “I understand how systems are put together, how different components work together, and, most importantly, how they’re used in real-world applications.”

Having worked closely with products from the KAR portfolio for several years prior to joining the company, Oliver is already well placed to support customers from day one.

“I know the products, I’m used to selling them, and I’ve dealt with many of the people who are using them,” he said.

In his new role, Oliver will act as a key point of contact for customers across Southern England and South Wales, offering technical guidance, product advice and tailored solutions.

“A lot of the focus in the first six months is about meeting people and making myself known,” he said. “I want to be that first point of call – offering assistance and advice and working closely with the wider KAR team to make sure customers get the best solution for their needs.”

Oliver’s background in delivering bespoke and turnkey projects is expected to be a major asset, particularly as systems continue to become more advanced.

“Technology has moved on massively,” he added. “It’s about understanding the application and matching the right solution to how it’s actually going to be used.”

With KAR’s extensive product portfolio, Oliver is confident he can help customers navigate those choices.

“Meeting people, understanding their challenges, and putting together solutions that really work for them is what I am really looking forward to.”

Outside of work, Oliver enjoys spending time with his young family and playing rugby.

KAR UK looks forward to welcoming Oliver to the team and supporting customers across Southern England and South Wales with his experience, insight and hands-on approach.

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

You can also follow KAR UK on X and Instagram @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

DLF’s strongest ever seed line-up showcased

/in , /by

DLF’s strongest ever seed line-up showcased: With the turn of a new year, comes the delivery of the new Johnsons Sports Seed brochure and two updated wildflower guides from DLF, packed with new formulations for the season ahead. The updated ranges showcase the latest advancements in seed breeding and mixture development, including ten new fine turf formulations from the industry-leading Johnsons range and a brand-new wildflower mixture designed for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) in Pro Flora 17.  

The Johnsons Sports Seed range continues to set the standard for turf quality, sustainable management and reliable results 365 days of the year.

DLF’s strongest ever seed line-up showcased

DLF’s strongest ever seed line-up showcased

Highlights from the updated golf range include the new formulation of J Green which includes 20% Sybille. In the pursuit for ever-improved sustainability, Sybille is a highly ranked slender creeping red fescue which demonstrates exceptional shoot density and disease resistance – helping to supress unwanted weeds and diseases and reducing the need for chemicals. Sybille is also incorporated in the 2026 formulations of J Ultrafine Rye Green, J Fescue, J Links, J Premier Fairway, J Sustain Fairway, J Ultrafine Rye 25 and J Ultrafine Rye 50.

The 2026 Johnsons fine turf range also incorporates browntop bent into the popular J Fairway and J Premier Fairway mixtures. Recognising the risks to pure fescue swards under hot, dry conditions, the inclusion of browntop bent contributes to fairways with improved sward density, tolerance of close mowing and the ability to tolerate longer spells of drought and/or higher temperatures.

Not content with refining mixtures for fine turf, the 2026 Johnsons range continues to deliver class-leading formulations for winter sports. The 2026 J Premier Pitch mixture blends six top-rated perennial ryegrass cultivars, ideal for natural and hybrid pitches and providing significantly improved Brown Patch resistance thanks to the addition of Monroe and Gildara.

While new formulations of J Premier Pitch and J 4Turf 50 promise enhanced performance for winter sports pitches, J Premier Wicket continues to lead the way as a class-leading mixture for cricket – with four top-rated cultivars promising rapid establishment, high disease resistance and camera appeal as standard.

Turf managers, contractors and conservationists looking to enhance biodiversity and increase visual merit can find all of the answers to wildflower seed selection in the new Colour Boost and Pro Flora brochures. Those after high-impact, amenity flower mixtures have nine mixtures to choose from in DLF’s popular Colour Boost range, with Pro Flora complementing the line-up with 18 native origin wildflower mixtures.

New to the range is Pro Flora 17, blending moisture tolerant grasses and native wildflowers to create a resilient, diverse sward able to withstand fluctuating water levels, extended dry spells and nutrient-poor soils. With mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain now shaping planning decisions, Pro Flora 17 offers a practical way to deliver ecological uplift in situations like swales, infiltration basins and multifunctional wetland landscapes while keeping specification simple and implementation effective.

To view the new 2026 brochures, visit dlf.co.uk or speak to your local DLF Technical Manager to receive a copy. 

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

Kress Mega 600 redefines sports turf maintenance

/in , , /by

Kress Mega 600 redefines sports turf maintenance: The arrival of the new Kress Mega 600 robot mower marks a pivotal moment for sports turf management.

The KR238E Kress Master series Mega 600 has been developed for continuous, overnight operation across large and demanding turf areas autonomous mowing system delivers tournament-quality results while addressing the persistent challenges of labour costs, environmental impact, and consistency that have long plagued groundskeepers.

Kress Mega 600 redefines sports turf maintenance

Kress Mega 600 redefines sports turf maintenance

What sets the Mega 600 apart is its precision engineering tailored specifically for sports surfaces. The 620mm deck with on-board roller paired with high-speed blades operates at 3,800 rpm, creating professional striping patterns between three and six meters wide that rival traditional mowers. But unlike conventional equipment, this robotic solution maintains these standards autonomously, completing 22,000 square meters in just twelve hours with remarkable consistency.

The technology behind this efficiency is equally impressive. Centimetre-level RTK satellite positioning eliminates the need for boundary wires while ensuring systematic coverage in parallel lines. Terrain-adaptive dual floating decks adjust automatically to undulating surfaces, preventing scalping and delivering an even cut regardless of ground contours. The system achieves an industry-low 10mm cutting height with millimetre precision, crucial for sports fields where playing surface quality directly impacts athlete performance and safety.

Perhaps most significant for facilities managers is the operational flexibility. Fast 30-minute charging cycles with nearest-dock return functionality maximise working time, while the quiet electric operation allows nighttime mowing without disturbing neighbouring communities. This scheduling freedom means sports fields can be maintained during off-peak hours, eliminating conflicts with practice schedules and events.

The environmental benefits are substantial. Zero emissions, reduced noise pollution, and elimination of fuel costs align with growing sustainability mandates facing the industry. For sports turf professionals seeking to elevate surface quality while controlling costs, the Kress Mega 600 represents not just an equipment upgrade, but a fundamental reimagining of what’s possible in field maintenance.

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters