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Steve Braddock enters the GMA Hall of Fame

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Steve Braddock enters the GMA Hall of Fame: The Ground Management Association (GMA) today announced that Steve Braddock, Head of Grounds Management at the Arsenal Football Club training centre, enters its industry Hall of Fame.

Steve becomes the second recipient of the award, joining the late Eddie Seward MBE who is the former Head Groundsman at the All-England Lawn Tennis Club. Steve has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to sports turf management across professional football, including his innovation and leadership that has helped attract new talent and upskill other grounds staff.

Steve Braddock enters the GMA Hall of Fame

Steve Braddock enters the GMA Hall of Fame

Steve’s influence has also fast-forwarded the careers of many professional sports turf managers maintaining professional sports surfaces across the globe, and he has also supported many grounds volunteers and communities in his work so far.

Steve found himself “in a state of shock” when informed that he has entered the GMA Hall of Fame, especially “considering the contribution that Eddie Seward made to the sector over the course of his career”.

Steve said: “I would of never have been able to achieve this without the backing of Arsenal Football Club, John Beattie and Arsène Wenger. They showed incredible belief in all I do, which has enabled me to raise the influence of grounds management and also train and mentor staff in the way I felt right. Of course, I also want to pay tribute to all the past employees, colleagues and suppliers who made my career possible”.

In more ordinary circumstances, the GMA would be hosting its annual industry awards this month at its trade exhibition, SALTEX, however the organisation has taken the decision to postpone both the event and the awards. Despite this, the GMA is adding positive news to the agenda by celebrating Steve’s remarkable impact and industry influence.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA explained that “it didn’t feel right to hold the GMA awards and judge grounds staff for their efforts this year, given the impact of the pandemic.”

“This year, grounds staff across the UK have had to contend with more than just the weather and budgets. The role of those who have the incredible skill and dedication when maintaining turf and making sport possible must not be ignored. We have exciting activity in the pipeline to celebrate everyone in our fantastic industry, across all levels, which we will be announcing in the coming months.”

Speaking about Steve’s award Geoff continued: “I am very honoured to add Steve to the GMA’s Hall of Fame. Steve is an inspiration to many in the sector and this unique honour is thoroughly deserved. Both Steve and his colleagues at Arsenal have constantly pushed the boundaries of what was possible, and their high-quality pitches are clear for all to see.”

Whilst working from home has been far from ideal for Steve, he still enjoys his “once-a-week dawn raid” where he can enjoy a peaceful walk around his pitches and maintain his fitness levels. Speaking about the honour, Steve said: “I will be forever grateful for such a nice and kind gesture at this very difficult time in my life.”

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Zero deposit and nothing to pay until March 2021 on Pellenc

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Zero deposit and nothing to pay until March 2021 on Pellenc: Pellenc, distributed in the UK and Ireland by Etesia UK, is taking flexible finance to a new level by offering zero deposit and nothing to pay until March 2021.

From 1 November 2020, customers purchasing the Pellenc Landscape Pack, which consists of three market leading ULiB 1200 batteries, Excelion 2000 cow handle brushcutter, Rasion Easy pedestrian mower, Helion 2 Compact hedge strimmer and Airion 3 leaf blower, can take advantage of delivery now and not paying anything until March 2021, with weekly payments at just £66.51 and a competitive APR of just 5.95% over three years.

Zero deposit and nothing to pay until March 2021 on Pellenc

Zero deposit and nothing to pay until March 2021 on Pellenc

Over the three-year finance period it is also estimated that users could save over £10,000 compared to the use of petrol-powered equivalent tools.

Les Malin, Etesia UK’s managing director, says: “At Etesia, we have always aimed to offer customers the best tools for the job, and as such we’ve worked hard to bring to market this new competitive finance option on a range of Pellenc batteries and tools. Customers can take advantage of purchasing their tools now and have nothing to pay until March 2021. When you take into consideration all of the health and environmental benefits of using commercial battery-powered tools, with over £10,000 cost-savings, there has not been a better time to go green.

“This finance option has been designed to help customers buy the tools they need now without compromising cash flow, in a way that suits their current financial situation.”

All Pellenc batteries come complete with a comprehensive market leading four-year warranty and all tools with a commercial three-year warranty.

The new Pellenc finance option is available until 28 February 2021, subject to status and only available in the UK and Ireland through Etesia UK’s finance partner Golf Finance.

Zero deposit and nothing to pay until March 2021 on Pellenc

Zero deposit and nothing to pay until March 2021 on Pellenc

For more details on these and other finance options, customers should contact Etesia UK on 01295 680 120 or email sales@etesia.co.uk

Pellenc is distributed in the UK and Ireland by Etesia UK.

For more information, please visit www.pellencuk.com

You can also follow Pellenc on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @PellencUK for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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Duralook appoints David Attwood

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Duralook appoints David Attwood: Duralock – the world’s leading supplier of safe, sustainable, and superior quality PVCu fencing – today announced that David Attwood has been selected for the company’s new Head of Racing and Equestrian position. David bolsters the company’s specialist knowledge in the equestrian market and will be responsible for offering proactive solutions to the unique demands of today’s racecourses.

David brings with him a wealth of experience from his time as Operations Executive for the Jockey Club working at Huntingdon Racecourse. A role which allowed him to experience two Aintree Grand Nationals and various highprofile flat meetings at Newmarket. Most recently, David has been working as Head of Racing and Operations at Leopardstown Racecourse, where he was responsible for everything from the track and buildings to running all the 23 racedays and overseeing an €18million redevelopment of the site.

David Attwood said “I am delighted to be joining such a progressive company at such an exciting time for them. Duralock’s objectives and ethos align perfectly with mine of high-quality solutions delivered by outstanding professionals. I have worked with Duralock on a number of projects over the years and it’s exciting to bring my own expertise and knowledge in helping them to grow and support the racing and equestrian industry during these very difficult times.” Jonathon McGovern, Group CEO said “David is an outstanding addition to the team. He will bring his market awareness and expertise to help further establish the Duralock racing and equestrian brand worldwide.”

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GreenMech rationalise dealer coverage in the South

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GreenMech rationalise dealer coverage in the South: GreenMech Ltd have announced a rationalisation of their dealer network in the South and South East, which will see an expansion in coverage area for existing dealer GA Groundcare Ltd, with effect from 1st January 2021.

Operating from their purpose-built depot in Poulshot, Wiltshire, GA Groundcare Ltd will become exclusive to the GreenMech franchise, offering supply and support across the full pedestrian, road-tow and tracked chipper portfolio – together with stocking a comprehensive range of GreenMech replacement parts. Having originally been appointed in 2017 for the counties of Berkshire, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, the success of the partnership sees their territory extended to cover Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire, Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

GreenMech rationalise dealer coverage in the South

GreenMech rationalise dealer coverage in the South

Commenting on the expanded area, GA Groundcare Ltd Director Ashley Stevens said, “With over 9 years of experience working with the GreenMech product line, I am delighted to be offered the opportunity to develop this further across a broader territory. We will be increasing our sales and aftermarket resources to ensure we can deliver advice and support to customers, both existing and new.”

GreenMech Sales Director Martin Lucas added, “Having seen how well GA Groundcare Ltd have performed with our range, we are confident that they will make a success of raising the level of both sales and aftermarket support in this key territory.”

All existing warranties relating to GreenMech chippers, sold by Hunt Forest Group and Burden Bros Agri, will continue to be supported by GA Groundcare Ltd.

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Good news to soothe a troubled country!

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Good news to soothe a troubled country!: The lawn is the most ubiquitous feature of the British garden. But the survival of the domestic lawn has never looked more threatened. The needs of that lawn have been conspicuously absent at the horticultural top-table – until now.

The newly-launched Lawn Association intends to address this, being the UK’s first and only expert-led organization dedicated equally to the needs of professionals, enthusiasts and even reluctant gardeners.

Good news to soothe a troubled country!

Good news to soothe a troubled country!

Why is this needed? For a long time the underdog in the horticultural world, the domestic lawn is now a symbol of the fight to preserve essential parts of our biodiversity and living, green environment. It’s in our own interests, as David-Hedges-Gower, the association’s Chairman explains:

“We need grass. And we need lawns. Health and science research now routinely cites the lawn as an essential garden component contributing to a healthy environment, biodiversity and lifestyle.  So, after decades of some excoriation and a lifetime of poor lawn care practice, it’s now really important to help everybody – professional and enthusiasts, even reluctant gardeners – to enjoy and maintain healthy lawns.”

Stakeholders: The future of the British lawn sits jointly with three stakeholders – lawn and other horticultural professionals, gardeners, and the influential media. And the Lawn Association is the only authoritative organization to develop integrated support for all three.

How do you choose a lawn care provider?  How do you learn the best modern lawn care practice?  How do you know which are the best sustainable and organic ways of looking after your lawn?  Where do you find reliable information for your audience?

These and more are the questions the Lawn Association will address through its educational programmes, product development and accurate information.

Free membership is available to all gardeners. This will help to maintain and grow enthusiasm for simple but good lawn care, and, by knowing how to assess products and services, they can more confidently play their part in preserving and improving our country’s lawns.

“Lawn professionals, landscapers and garden designers – ecologists, biologists, and environmentalists – keen (and not so keen) gardeners – even the lawn care manufacturing industry – we ALL want the same thing! We want to reverse the decline of the British garden lawn and to enjoy happier, healthier outdoor spaces. We all have a stake in it – and with the Lawn Association’s help, we can make a real difference!”

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