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GroundsFest Academy showcases sports surface expertise

GroundsFest Academy showcases sports surface expertise

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GroundsFest Academy showcases sports surface expertise

GroundsFest Academy welcomed grounds professionals from across the industry for its latest CPD-accredited event, Preparing Surfaces for Sports, held at Plymouth Football Club’s Home Park Stadium.

GroundsFest Academy showcases sports surface expertise

GroundsFest Academy showcases sports surface expertise

Delivered in partnership with leading industry specialists Fleet Line Markers, Net World Sports, and Husqvarna, the event provided attendees with practical knowledge, expert guidance and hands-on experience covering the key elements involved in preparing and maintaining high-quality sports surfaces.

Bringing together professionals from a wide range of sectors including sports turf, education, local authorities, contractors and professional sports facilities, the event created an excellent opportunity for attendees to share experiences, build connections and gain valuable insight into the latest techniques, equipment and technology shaping the industry.

The practical, insight-led day featured a programme of expert sessions and demonstrations, covering everything from pitch preparation and line marking to equipment selection, safety procedures and the future of turf maintenance technology.

Delegates began the day with Fleet Line Markers, exploring the 3-4-5 method for setting out pitches, alongside the different types of paint available and how to select the right solution for different surfaces.

A facilities tour of Home Park Stadium then provided an insight into the requirements of maintaining a professional sporting venue, before the afternoon sessions focused on selecting the correct equipment, carrying out safety checks and best practices for storage with Net World Sports.

The event concluded with a session on robotic mowing and the role of automation in modern sports surface management, delivered by Husqvarna, before delegates reflected on the key learnings from the day and received their CPD certificates.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Bradley Tennant, Director of Education at GroundsFest Academy, said:

“It was fantastic to welcome such a diverse group of grounds professionals to this latest GroundsFest Academy event. Preparing sports surfaces requires a combination of knowledge, experience and the right equipment, and the aim of the day was to provide practical advice and insight that attendees can take back and apply in their own environments.

“The sessions delivered by Fleet Line Markers, Net World Sports and Husqvarna showcased the expertise and innovation available within our industry, while the discussions between delegates highlighted the value of bringing professionals from different sectors together. It was a great day of learning, networking and sharing best practice, and we look forward to continuing to deliver events that support the development of grounds professionals.”

GroundsFest Academy continues to provide valuable education and development opportunities for the industry, combining expert knowledge, practical demonstrations and networking to support the ongoing advancement of sports surface management.

The free sustainability assessment tool is now available at www.groundsfestacademy.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on X, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFestAcademy for much more news, reviews and insightful views

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Husqvarna becomes Friend of First Green initiative

Husqvarna becomes Friend of First Green initiative

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Husqvarna becomes Friend of First Green initiative

Husqvarna has become the first major industry body in the UK to sign up as a Friend of First Green, reinforcing the robotic mowing manufacturer’s commitment to supporting the future of the golf industry through education and innovation.

Husqvarna becomes Friend of First Green initiative

Husqvarna becomes Friend of First Green initiative

Delivered by BIGGA, First Green is an outreach initiative designed to introduce young people to careers in greenkeeping and golf course management, using golf courses as outdoor classrooms to inspire interest in science, technology, engineering, maths and environmental stewardship.

Since launching in the UK in 2022, First Green has continued to build momentum across the industry, with 27 events delivered to almost 1,000 students involving 90 BIGGA members across the UK and Ireland. The programme supports both primary and secondary school engagement, helping clubs connect with local communities while showcasing the evolving role of modern turf management.

In becoming a Friend of First Green, Husqvarna will support the programme’s continued growth and help introduce more young people to the opportunities available within an industry increasingly shaped by technology and innovation.

“Supporting the future of the golf industry means helping inspire and educate the next generation about the opportunities available within modern golf course management,” said Jonathan Snowball, Husqvarna UK’s Head of Business Unit Professional. “First Green is playing an important role in introducing young people to the science, technology and innovation behind the industry, while helping challenge perceptions around what a career in greenkeeping can look like.”

Through its autonomous mowing solutions and continued investment in turf care technology, Husqvarna is helping golf facilities explore new approaches to long-term maintenance. Working directly with golf facilities, tournament venues and industry bodies across Europe to demonstrate how robotic technology can support high-quality playing conditions while helping golf facilities improve operational efficiency.

“It has been fantastic to see First Green continue to grow across the UK, helping introduce more young people to the world of modern golf course management,” said Jenny Bledge, BIGGA Workforce Project Manager. “Showcasing the science, technology and innovation behind the industry is a key part of the programme, and Husqvarna’s support is particularly valuable as robotics and autonomous technology start to play an increasingly important role in the future of greenkeeping.”

First Green continues to expand across the UK and Ireland, helping golf facilities connect with schools and local communities through hands-on learning experiences focused on ecology, machinery, technology and land management.

Husqvarna will be actively supporting First Green events across the UK over the coming 12 months and is keen to hear from any golf facility planning to host a session.

For further information on Husqvarna, visit https://link.edgepilot.com/x/0NiafhRmgKbXGY-AOnr_ca0?u=https://www.husqvarna.com/uk/

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Jack Roberts joins Toro UK as Territory Manager

Jack Roberts joins Toro UK as Territory Manager

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Jack Roberts joins Toro UK as Territory Manager

Toro U.K. Limited has appointed Jack Roberts as Territory Manager for the North of England and Scotland, further strengthening support for Dealers and customers across both the Hayter® and Toro® brands.

Jack Roberts joins Toro UK as Territory Manager

Jack Roberts joins Toro UK as Territory Manager

Jack joins the business with extensive experience in the grounds care industry, having worked in Dealer Development, technical support and commercial sales. His background includes time with Stihl GB, where he worked closely with UK Dealers on sales campaigns and product training, followed by a role as Area Sales Manager at Cramer, supporting Dealers with commercial customers and product demonstrations. Craig Hoare, Sales & Marketing Manager – Toro U.K. Limited, said:

“I am really pleased to have Jack join the team. We had several highly qualified applicants for the role, so it was a very competitive field. But it was Jack’s drive and enthusiasm, combined with his commercial experience which clinched it. I look forward to Jack utilising his sales and demo experience to support our network of Dealers.”

In his new role, Jack will support both Hayter and Toro residential and landscape contractor portfolios across his territory. He began with Toro UK on 6th July.
Commenting on his appointment, Jack said:

“I am really excited to be taking on this new challenge. I look forward to meeting with some old and some new faces across the territory, where I feel I can add real value to the Toro UK dealers.”

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Origin Amenity strenghtens biostimulant portfolio

Origin Amenity strenghtens biostimulant portfolio

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Origin Amenity strenghtens biostimulant portfolio

Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) has expanded its nutritional portfolio with the introduction of Fiata Boost, an advanced microbial biostimulant developed to help turf managers maintain stronger, more consistent playing surfaces against the backdrop of increasingly challenging conditions.

Origin Amenity strenghtens biostimulant portfolio

Origin Amenity strenghtens biostimulant portfolio

As budgets tighten, weather patterns become more unpredictable and playing schedules intensify, products to support plant performance throughout the season are becoming evermore critical. Designed to compliment existing agronomic programmes, Fiata Boost from Envu provides a practical solution for improving consistency without requiring significant changes to established maintenance practices.

Unlike products focused primarily on masking stress or enhancing colour, Fiata Boost combines carefully selected microbial and biostimulant technologies – working alongside existing nutritional programmes to encourage enhanced root development, improved resource efficiency and promote more resilient turf surfaces.

In extensive internal and external trials, areas treated with Fiata Boost have repeatedly shown improved turf quality and uniformity, particularly during periods of environmental stress where untreated surfaces become patchy or inconsistent. Trials have also highlighted enhanced resilience and recovery following exposure to heavy wear, heat and drought, with stronger rooting helping the plant to make more efficient use of available water and nutrients.

For turf managers, ease of application is another major advantage. Fiata Boost integrates seamlessly into existing spray programmes and is designed to complement nutritional and plant protection strategies already in place. Its use is particularly well suited to early season transition, periods of summer stress, intensive playing schedules and post-renovation recovery.

Technical and Research Lead for OAS, Kelly-Marie Clack, said “With the addition of Fiata Boost to our portfolio, we continue to lead the way with innovative technologies that deliver real, practical benefits and support the production of high-quality playing surfaces throughout the year. When used proactively as part of a planned seasonal programme, Fiata Boost looks set to help fine turf and sports turf managers build greater consistency and resilience before challenging conditions arise.”

For more information on Fiata Boost visit www.originamenity.com or speak to your local OAS Technical Sales Manager.

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Jenkins Garden Machinery appointed as Redexim dealer for South Wales

Jenkins Garden Machinery appointed as Redexim dealer for South Wales

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Jenkins Garden Machinery appointed as Redexim dealer for South Wales

Redexim has strengthened its dealer network with the appointment of Jenkins Garden Machinery, bringing the company’s renowned range of turf maintenance equipment to customers across South West Wales.

Jenkins Garden Machinery appointed as Redexim dealer for South Wales

Jenkins Garden Machinery appointed as Redexim dealer for South Wales

Based in Carmarthenshire, Jenkins Garden Machinery is a family-run business with deep roots in the industry. Established 16 years ago by Howell Jenkins, alongside his wife Glynis and sons Emyr and Gareth, the company has evolved from its domestic machinery origins into a respected supplier of commercial equipment for sports turf professionals, contractors and local authorities.

Today, the business employs a dedicated team of specialists and has built a reputation for expert advice, strong customer relationships and exceptional after-sales support.

Managing Director Emyr Jenkins believes the partnership with Redexim is a natural fit.

“We’re very focused on selling the right machine to the right people,” he said. “There are businesses out there that will sell whatever is in stock or whatever generates the biggest margin, but that’s not how we operate. We take the time to understand what the customer actually needs and recommend the machine that’s right for them and their budget.”

The opportunity to become a Redexim dealer arose after Jenkins Garden Machinery received enquiries for specialist turf maintenance equipment. Initial discussions quickly developed into a dealer partnership when Redexim began seeking representation in the region.

According to Emyr, shared values played a major role in bringing the two companies together.

“What I really like about Redexim is that they see dealerships as genuine partnerships rather than simply businesses to sell products through,” he explained. “They’re committed to working alongside their dealers to make sure customers receive the right product and the right support.

“We’ve always valued long-term relationships with our suppliers and customers. This industry is very personal and relationships matter. Redexim shares that same philosophy, which made it a very easy decision for us.”

The addition of Redexim’s extensive portfolio fills an important gap in Jenkins Garden Machinery’s offering, enabling the company to provide customers with a complete range of high-quality turf maintenance solutions.

“There was a gap in our portfolio for these types of machines and Redexim fills that perfectly,” said Emyr.

Among the products expected to generate strong interest is the iconic Verti-Drain®, widely regarded as one of the industry’s leading aeration machines.

“I think the Verti-Drain will become our flagship Redexim product,” said Emyr. “We’ve also seen interest in equipment for maintaining 3G surfaces, but my feeling is that the Verti-Drain will be particularly popular with our customers.”

Since joining the Redexim network, Jenkins Garden Machinery has already experienced the manufacturer’s commitment to dealer support firsthand.

“Our experience with Redexim has been second to none,” Emyr added. “The commitment from the team has been phenomenal. They genuinely want to help dealers succeed and I’ve got nothing but praise for them.”

Customers across South Wales can now access Redexim’s market-leading range of natural and synthetic turf maintenance equipment backed by Jenkins Garden Machinery’s local expertise and customer-focused approach.

Summing up what the partnership means for customers, Emyr said: “Customers should be excited because they’re getting access to a phenomenal range of products, backed by two companies that genuinely care about support and service. They’re getting a quality product from a quality company, with the local after-sales support they’re used to receiving from us.”

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

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