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Etesia UK Strengthens Team with Three Key Appointments

Etesia UK Strengthens Team with Three Key Appointments: Etesia UK has announced three new appointments as the company continues to invest in its people, dealer network and customer support.

Steven Massey has joined as Business Development Manager, Jim Maynard has taken on the role of Technical and After Sales Support, and Lisa Brown steps into the position of Office Manager.

Etesia UK Strengthens Team with Three Key Appointments

Etesia UK Strengthens Team with Three Key Appointments

With decades of combined industry experience, the new additions are set to strengthen Etesia UK’s presence across the grounds care sector while reinforcing its reputation for quality products and dependable back-up.

Steven Massey joins Etesia UK following a long and respected career within the grounds care industry. Having left school in 1988, Steven spent 10 years as a mechanic at GGM (Gibson’s Garden Machinery) before moving into sales in 1998 – a role he has held ever since, working exclusively within the sector.

“I’ve always sold grounds care equipment,” Steven explained. “I’ve worked with local authorities for most of my career, which is really my strong point, and I’m well known within the industry and the customer network.”

Steven’s relationship with the Etesia brand spans more than a decade, having worked with the machines during his time at Burrows Grass Machinery and later Sharrocks, both Etesia dealers. That familiarity made the transition into his new role a natural one.

“I want to make sure that Etesia products are at the forefront of people’s thoughts when they’re looking at buying machines,” he said. “People want efficient cut-and-collect machines, and whenever you demo an Etesia product, the feedback is always the same – how easy it is to use and how well it collects, even in the wet. Etesia really sets the standard there.”

As Business Development Manager, Steven’s focus is firmly on growing the brand while maintaining strong relationships with existing customers and dealers. “It’s about keeping existing business but also looking for new business,” he said. “You can never take your eye off either. My goal is to make Etesia the number one choice, when customers are looking to invest in new equipment.”

Joining Steven is Jim Maynard, who brings extensive technical and aftersales expertise to his role as Technical and After Sales Support. Jim began his career as a greenkeeper before moving into contracting and then training as a technician. He spent 21 years with John Deere before taking on senior technical support and training roles at Reesink, where he helped establish and support nationwide dealer networks.

“I absolutely love supporting dealers and technicians,” Jim said. “Helping people, solving problems and giving them the confidence to get the best out of the product – that’s what I enjoy most.”

At Etesia UK, Jim will be responsible for dealer technical support, training, warranty administration and registrations, ensuring that dealers and end users receive the highest levels of aftersales care.

“Excellent aftersales support is about trust,” Jim explained. “If you can gain that trust, you’re halfway there. It’s about being there for people, picking up the phone, helping them when they need it – that support makes all the difference.”

Completing the trio is Lisa Brown, who takes on the role of Office Manager. With experience across sales operations and administration, Lisa will become a key point of contact for Etesia UK, providing vital support to the wider team, dealers and customers alike. Her role is central to the smooth day-to-day running of the business, ensuring communication, coordination and customer service remain at the high standards Etesia is known for.

Together, the three appointments mark an important step forward for Etesia UK. With strengthened business development, enhanced technical support and robust operational management, the company is well positioned for continued success.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Etesia UK on X @EtesiaUK and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/EtesiaUK. You can also view the latest Etesia videos by visiting www.youtube.com/EtesiaUK

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Beth Gibbs Joins GMA As Regional Pitch Advisor

Beth Gibbs Joins GMA As Regional Pitch Advisor: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is proud to announce that Beth Gibbs has been appointed as the new Regional Pitch Advisor – Rugby Union, for the London and South East region, making her the first female to hold this position in the organisation’s history.

Beth began her grounds management career at Wellington School where she joined as an apprentice and undertook her Level 2 qualification in Sports Turf Maintenance. This early hands‑on experience has laid the foundation for her rapid progression in the profession and remains a defining part of her journey into grounds management.

Beth Gibbs Joins GMA As Regional Pitch Advisor

Beth Gibbs Joins GMA As Regional Pitch Advisor

A rising talent within the sector, Beth brings a track record of leadership and advocacy for early‑career professionals. She is an active member of the GMA’s NextGen group, championing pathways for young people entering the industry.

Her achievements were nationally recognised when she was named Young Groundsperson of the Year by the GMA in 2023.

In her new role as Regional Pitch Advisor for the South East and London, Beth will play a pivotal part in shaping and supporting professional standards across one of the most diverse and dynamic regions in the grounds sector. Her appointment shows the GMA’s continued dedication to improving representation and supporting future leaders in grounds management.

Beth Gibbs said: “It’s an honour to take on this role and to be the first female representative. The GMA has played an important part in my development and I’m excited to help others access the same opportunities. I’m passionate about supporting our community, especially young people starting their journey in the industry.”

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, said: “Beth’s appointment is a significant moment for the GMA and for the wider grounds management industry. Beth brings a fresh perspective and real credibility which is why we’re proud to see her step into this role.”

Jason Booth, COO of the GMA, said: “Beth is an exceptional example of the future of our profession – dedicated, knowledgeable and inspiring to others. Her contribution to NextGen and her achievements to date show exactly why she is the right person for this role. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the team.”

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Baroness UK celebrate Dealers at BTME

Baroness UK celebrate Dealers at BTME: Following another successful year for both Baroness and the wider Kyoeisha Corporation, Baroness UK were delighted to celebrate 2025’s achievements at BTME with the return of their annual Dealer Awards.

This year saw both Lister Wilder and Hamilton Brothers recognised for their exceptional performance and commitment to the Baroness brand.

Baroness UK celebrate Dealers at BTME

Baroness UK celebrate Dealers at BTME

Introduced to recognise the accomplishments of individuals and teams across the Baroness dealer network, the Baroness UK Dealer awards offer a welcome opportunity to celebrate positivity in what has been another challenging year for the industry. Lister Wilder received the award for the ‘Highest Overall Baroness Machinery Sales’ – retaining the title from 2025. Alongside an outstanding team performance, there was individual recognition for Lister’s Stuart Venn-Dunn, who was presented with the ‘Salesperson of the Year’ award.

“Receiving the award for ‘Highest Overall Machinery Sales’ is fantastic as it recognises the entire teams’ efforts throughout the year” comments Phill Hughes, Sales Director for Lister Wilder. “I am especially pleased for Stuart Venn-Dunn who has been working closely with his golf customers over the last twelve months, as this recognition goes some way to reward him for all the hard work he’s put in. Of course, we couldn’t achieve what we have without the support of Team Baroness and our aftersales departments, so we’d like to thank them all as we look ahead to another positive year in 2026.”

Stuart Venn-Dunn added, “I’m proud to be recognised as Baroness Top Salesperson for 2025. Results like this don’t happen in isolation — they come from collaboration. It starts with the trust of valued customers who offer the initial opportunity and is realised from the hard work and support afforded by the partnership of Lister Wilder and Baroness. When everyone works together, outcomes like this become possible!”

Also honoured were Hamilton Brothers, part of Hamilton Ross Group, securing the accolade of ‘Highest Growth in Baroness Machinery Sales’. Andy Gillies, Groundcare Sales Manager said, “This achievement reflects the dedication of our sales team, together with the wider group whose ongoing commitment and support underpin our performance. Having been a Baroness dealer for six years, we are seeing a positive shift within the industry as awareness and understanding of the Baroness product range continues to grow. By educating our customers and clearly demonstrating the long-term cost efficiencies associated with ownership, including reduced running and maintenance costs, we are helping to support informed purchasing decisions and deliver lasting value.”

He added, “We look forward to continuing our strong working relationship with our Area Sales Manager and the wider Baroness team as we progress on our journey towards becoming the largest machinery dealer in Scotland.”

“All of our dealers once again delivered an outstanding effort throughout 2025, equaling our strongest year to date is an achievement that would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment of our entire network,” said Adam Butler, UK Sales Director at Baroness. “We continue to focus on delivering the very best equipment, supported by world-leading backup, and we are making strong progress year on year. The entire Baroness UK team congratulates the Lister Wilder and Hamilton’s teams and thanks all of our dealers and customers for their continued loyalty and support.”

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Redexim Launches the Turf-Tidy 5000

Redexim Launches the Turf-Tidy 5000: Redexim is pleased to announce the launch of the Turf-Tidy 5000. The Turf-Tidy 5000 is meant for cutting and collecting over large areas.

Big capacity means big results. It holds up to 5,000 litres and features a dust-suppression-cover, a seat-controlled rear camera for easy maneuvering, blades that can be changed quickly without tools and a high-tipping angle that ensures a fast and complete release.

Redexim Launches the Turf-Tidy 5000

Redexim Launches the Turf-Tidy 5000

Turf-Tidy 5000 – Big capacity. Big results.

Turf-Tidy is designed for the cutting and collecting of material, creating a presentable surface. More capacity means more time cutting and less time emptying, making the Turf-Tidy 5000 efficient for large areas. It boasts a 5,000 L hopper capacity.

Additionally, the Turf-Tidy 5000 brings several enhancements to make using the machine easier day-to-day. Its rear-mounted camera enables safe reversing.

A dust-suppression-cover keeps material and debris contained. When it comes to emptying material, it tips high and steep, ejecting material efficiently and completely. Its blades can be changed quickly and without the use of tools.

The Turf-Tidy 5000 offers the flail-mowing, scarification, dethatching and collecting we have come to expect from the Turf-Tidy range, such as the Turf-Tidy 3000 and the compact Turf-Tidy 1100. They are built to last with durable designs that deliver reliable cutting and collecting season after season.

Global Commercial Director, Curtis Allen said “We are pleased to be bringing the Turf-Tidy 5000 to market, having been asked by our customers for a higher capacity cut and collect unit which incorporates the very popular floating-head technology of the smaller Turf-Tidy 3000 along with the proven high-tip emptying feature.”

The Turf-Tidy 5000 will be well suited to large areas such as horse racetracks and AFL fields where hopper capacity is key. The development, testing and launch of another new product by Redexim is a testament to our continued drive to respond to the needs of customers with dependable turf care solutions.

It requires a minimum of 45 HP while scarifying and 25 HP while sweeping. It has a working width of 1.8 m and a maximum working depth of 30 mm while scarifying and 80 mm while mowing. Its weight is 2,550 kg and its capacity is 5,000 L. Features include a debris cover, tool-less quick blade change, a seat-controlled rear camera for safe reversing and a high-tipping angle for quick, complete material release.

For more information, visit https://www.redexim.com/uk/ 

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STIHL enhances user experience with new top-handled chainsaw

STIHL enhances user experience with new top-handled chainsaw: The MSA 220.1 T offers an outstanding performance to professionals carrying our tree removal and crown maintenance tasks. Now, boasting a lighter weight and increased torque for improved productivity. 

Providing 10% more torque compared to its predecessor, the MSA 220.0 T, the updated design can now be used with STIHL’s AP 200 S battery, which is compatible with the MSA 220.1 T’s new ‘Power Boost’ feature. This allows the model to temporarily draw on the battery’s peak electrical output of 1.8kW, while offering a standard output of 1.25 kW.

STIHL enhances user experience with new top-handled chainsaw

STIHL enhances user experience with new top-handled chainsaw

The saw’s compatibility with the AP 200 S also delivers an improved user experience by lightening the machine’s overall weight, reducing user fatigue. Further comfort is granted by the MSA 220.1 T’s 2-in-1 strop adaptor, which also contributes to a lighter weight. For ease-of-use, ergonomic transportation on climbing harnesses is enabled, thanks to the saw’s comfort ring, allowing for simple attachment to a carabiner clip.

Just like the MSA 220.0, the MSA 220.1 T delivers 2.1kW of electrical power with STIHL’s AP 300 S battery, providing up to 29 minutes of working time. For longer use requirements, the AP 500 S can also be used. Also contributing to an improved user experience, the new saw provides a longer active time upon the pressing of its ergonomic trigger system.

The new and improved model comes equipped with an adjustable oil pump and an 180° LED display, ensuring the operator always has a clear overview of the operating status of the saw and the chain brake position. In addition, the MSA 220.1 T has an oil sensor that notifies the user when the chain oil tank is empty, helping to reduce downtime.

Other features include side-mounted chain tensioning, a captive nut on the sprocket cover, and tool-free oil tank cap. The MSA 220. 1 T also has an easy-to-clean air filter for long service life and optimum motor cooling.

For more information on the STIHL MSA 220.1 T, visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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