Agricultural engineering apprentices invited to apply for £500 bursary

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Agricultural engineering apprentices invited to apply for £500 bursary: Young people starting their careers in agricultural engineering are being invited to apply for a £500 Midlands Agricultural Engineering Apprenticeship Award. 

The award is run by the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (NNAS), in association with the Midlands Machinery Show, and provides a £500 bursary, paid in two instalments, to apprentices aged 17–25 to help with training and career development.

Agricultural engineering apprentices invited to apply for £500 bursary

Agricultural engineering apprentices invited to apply for £500 bursary

To qualify, applicants must be working for an agricultural engineering business, studying at an academic institution, and employed by a company exhibiting at this year’s Midlands Machinery Show.

William Vines from Chandlers Farm Equipment in Spilsby, Lincolnshire, was one successful applicant who was presented with his award in 2024. He said: “I applied for the award because I felt like it was a really good way to bring in new apprentices to the industry.

“The £500 is massively helpful. It’s expensive to buy tools nowadays, tools that you do need in order to do your job better and more efficiently. It’s definitely worthwhile getting involved and applying for the award.”

Simon Eccleston, Chief Executive of NNAS, said: “We’re very proud of our long-standing initiative which shines a spotlight on young engineers at the very start of their careers.

“Apprentices are vital to the future of agricultural engineering. They bring energy, fresh thinking and new skills into businesses at a time when machinery performance, efficiency and productivity has never been more important to businesses.

“This award not only gives them recognition, but also provides practical financial support to help them invest in tools, training or resources that will set them up for the long term.”

The winners will be announced at the Midlands Machinery Show on Wednesday 19 November 2025, when the event returns in a new one-day format at Newark Showground.

Application forms and full entry criteria are available at www.midlandsmachineryshow.com with the deadline for submissions set for Friday 10 October 2025.

Now in its eleventh year, the Midlands Machinery Show brings together a wide range of exhibitors and features everything from the latest tractors and machinery to agri-tech innovations, business services and live demonstrations.

Highlights of the 2025 show will include the NFU’s Conference, BASIS and NRoSO points, machinery and UTV test drives, plus a packed schedule of events in the demonstration ring and plenty of networking and social opportunities around the showground.

Entry to the show is free for visitors who register in advance at www.midlandsmachineryshow.com.

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Toro UK’s succesful first-ever dealer hub at GroundsFest

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Toro UK’s succesful first-ever dealer hub at GroundsFest: The launch of Toro U.K.’s Dealer Hub at GroundsFest 2025 – the UK’s largest groundscare festival – proved a roaring success. Placing groundscare dealers at the centre of their offering for this year’s edition, Toro’s dealer hub offered the opportunity to liaise with the full Toro team, including Sales, Marketing, Product Development and Engineering.

Over dealers from across the country – as well as other end-users and gardening professionals – were given the chance to discuss new product lines, investment and partnership opportunities across the UK. Visitors to the hub also got a first-ever look at the new range of Toro clothing.

Toro UK's succesful first-ever dealer hub at GroundsFest

Toro UK’s succesful first-ever dealer hub at GroundsFest

Craig Hoare, Sales and Marketing Manager at Toro U.K. Limited, had this to say about the event:

“We are immensely proud of all the hard work completed by our Toro U.K. staff, as well as incredibly grateful for another successful event organised by GroundsFest. This was our largest GroundsFest showcase ever, with over 80 products on display and a whole range of new Toro clothing – which was flying off the shelves from the moment the showground opened.”

Hayter®, holder of the Royal Warrant for Horticultural Equipment and brother brand of Toro U.K., saw similar success at the show – where the British legacy brand shared a stage with Toro®.

The latest iteration of their longstanding Harrier® 56 lawnmower was nominated for the Innovation Award, hosted by Technical Editor at Horticulture Week, Sally Drury, where the machine was awarded runner-up.

They also demonstrated upgrades to their rear rollers, their new 56 and 48 Harrier battery lawnmowers and the long-awaited groomer brush and side skirt attachments for their mowers – an accessory which has been in high demand by gardening professionals.

Hoare commented: “The buzz and atmosphere felt by both end-consumers and dealers was palpable and we can’t wait to march full steam ahead with our dealer partners, who we had the pleasure of speaking to at our first-ever Dealer Hub.”

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GroundTech robotics and renewables work in perfect partnership

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GroundTech robotics and renewables work in perfect partnership: Rushden Golf Club has introduced three Echo TM-2050 robotic mowers to maintain its newer back nine holes, in a partnership with autonomous specialists GroundTech.

The investment marks a major step forward in both sustainability and efficiency with the trio, powered by bespoke solar panels, alleviating the pressure on a busy greenkeeping team of four.

GroundTech robotics and renewables work in perfect partnership

GroundTech robotics and renewables work in perfect partnership

The historic Northamptonshire course has gone through a number of redevelopments and expansion since its formation in 1919. The back nine, opened in 2013, offers an interesting contrast to the original parkland front nine, with a flatter, more open layout. Ideal terrain for an autonomous mower, Director Paul Newell got in touch with GroundTech. “I’d been keeping an eye on the new technologies and identified how much time robots could save us, freeing up our skilled team to focus on improvements in other areas of the course” he explains.

“After a demonstration, the whole team were impressed with the outstanding quality of cut and presentation from the Echo mowers – arguably more accurate and consistent than traditional machines.”

There was just one more issue to overcome, the distance the mowers would be operating away from mains power. “GroundTech’s Marcus Glover quickly suggested a solution in the form of solar panels, which ensures the mowers can operate efficiently when not in close proximity to mains power. This was key to making the whole package work for us and, just a few months on from install, we couldn’t be happier with the whole set-up.”

The TM-2050’s – the largest of the Echo commercial range – can mow up 75,000m2 making them ideal for situations that require high performance and high productivity. At Rushden, the robots are responsible for cutting all areas except the tees and greens, and members have been quick to spot the improvements. “It’s clearly the future of course management, and as one of the first clubs in Northamptonshire to make the jump, we’re delighted the members can already see the difference in presentation and have been so willing to embrace innovation” he adds.

Paul was also quick to praise the club’s first collaboration with GroundTech. “They’ve been brilliant at guiding us through the transition, ensuring the team are all fully happy with the technology and working with us to find solutions such as the solar panels that really meet our needs. We are excited to explore extending the scope of the Echo units in other areas of the course over the coming months and years. “

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Reesink celebrates excellence with dealer awards

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Reesink celebrates excellence with dealer awards: Reesink UK has once again recognised its outstanding dealer network with the 2024 Aftermarket Dealer Awards, celebrating exceptional standards in customer support, service, skills, and parts.

Alastair Black, Technical Support and Training Manager at Reesink UK, explains how the relationship between Reesink and its dealers is central to everything it does and how the awards are essential in recognising that: “Dealers are often the first and most regular point of contact for customers, so their service reflects directly on us as a distributor.

Reesink celebrates excellence with dealer awards

Reesink celebrates excellence with dealer awards

“The Aftermarket Dealer Awards highlight the importance of that role and recognise the hard work, commitment and customer-first mentality that keeps our standards high across the UK.”

The awards cover five categories: Excellence in Service, Parts and Skills, alongside overall Aftermarket Dealer of Excellence and Improved Performance recognitions.

This year, Reesink Scotland took home the Gold Award for both Aftermarket Dealer of Excellence and Excellence in Skills. Mike Turnbull, Branch Manager at Reesink Scotland, commented: “These two awards reflect all the changes and hard work done by the whole service team in Scotland over the last year.

“Since taking over as branch manager we have set out to implement several changes to elevate the standards of the aftersales service for customers at our Livingston branch, which has resulted in helping reduce downtime and running costs on their Toro equipment and improving the overall customer experience.”

The Excellence in Parts Gold Award went to the Ted Hopkins dealership, and Robert Skipp, Aftersales Manager at Ted Hopkins Ltd said: “This is a fantastic recognition of the whole team’s dedication to delivering the highest standard of service and support. It reflects our proactive approach to ensuring customers receive the parts they need, when they need them, and our commitment to supporting the wider industry with the reliability and expertise of the Toro brand.”

Reesink East Anglia confirmed its outstanding support capabilities by securing the Excellence in Service Gold Award, while the Keys Brothers from Northern Ireland were named the 2024 Improved Performance winner. Andy Keys, Company Director at Keys Brothers, said:

“We’re delighted to have won the Improved Performance Award – it honours the hard work and commitment from everyone at Keys Brothers, as well as our focus on building strong relationships with customers, always striving to provide the best service and support, and continuing to contribute positively to the wider industry.”

Keys Brothers also secured the Silver Award for Excellence in Parts, while Cheshire Turf Machinery won the Silver Awards for Aftermarket Dealer of Excellence and Excellence in Service. Finally, the Silver Award for Excellence in Skills went to Reesink South East.

Another way Reesink helps raise the level of excellence and expertise in the industry is through its wide offering of training programmes. Special recognition goes to Darrell Richards from Reesink Southeast and Norann Chambers from Ted Hopkins, who recently completed the prestigious Master Service Technician Award (MST).

By completing Reesink’s MST programme – developed in collaboration with Toro’s factory experts – both technicians have proven their expertise in the latest hybrid and electric technology, as well as their ability to stay at the forefront of new product developments, warranty processes and best practice service techniques.

Their success ensures that their dealerships can continue to offer customers the highest level of service, keeping fleets running efficiently and helping turf professionals get the very best from their Toro machinery.

For more information on Reesink’s aftermarket support or becoming a Master Service Technician, call 01480 226800 or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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All-female grounds team make history

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All-female grounds team make history: For the second time in as many years, history will be made on the pitch, but by the team preparing it.

On Saturday 27 September, an all-female team of 15 grounds professionals will take charge of the pitch at Allianz Stadium ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final and bronze medal match. It marks the first time in rugby history that a women-only grounds team has prepared the surface for a showpiece global final.

All-female grounds team make history

All-female grounds team make history

Brought together by the Grounds Management Association (GMA), along with England Rugby and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, the 15 behind the 15 will feature pioneering pitch professionals and volunteers from some of sport’s most iconic venues, from Wimbledon and Wembley to Lord’s, Leicester Tigers, UK Ryder Cup Venue, The Belfry and Ipswich Town FC – as well as leading schools and colleges.

The landmark initiative aims to spotlight female talent in grounds management and inspire more women to consider careers in the sector. It follows the landmark moment at the Emirates Stadium in March 2024, when the first-ever all-female grounds team prepared the pitch for Arsenal vs Tottenham in the Women’s Super League.

The move shines a light on both opportunity and challenge in the sector. The latest GMA industry data shows 77.5% of head grounds managers feel recruitment is the biggest challenge facing the industry. Almost half of groundspeople are aged 45–64, and around 1,500 retire every year. Women are key to closing the employment gap but currently make up less than 10% of the professional workforce.

Head of Grounds at Allianz Stadium Jim Buttar, says: “Encouraging more women to consider a career in grounds management is so important and where better to profile the profession than at Allianz Stadium during the Rugby World Cup Final.

“We are really pleased to be working with the Grounds Management Association and Women’s Rugby World Cup to bring in an all-female team for the final. Our team is really looking forward to meeting the 15 highly skilled women involved and supporting them as they prepare the pitch for the teams.”

The all-female grounds team is made up of:

  • Georgia Edge, All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon
  • Liddy Ford, Wembley Stadium
  • Beth Gibbs, Wellington School
  • Cheryl Hill, Leicester Tigers
  • Rachel Hunter-Worrell, Queen Ethelburga’s York
  • Jessica Jackson, Wellington College
  • Meg Lay, Lord’s Cricket Ground
  • Pippa Lewis, Haberdashers Boys School
  • Naquita Lloyd-Edwards, Weymouth and Portland Rugby Club
  • Emma Lynch, Lord’s Cricket Ground
  • Jasmine Nicholls, Yorkshire County Cricket
  • Anna Nilsson, Brabazon Golf Course at The Belfry
  • Zibby Parker, Ipswich Town FC and Essex County Cricket Club
  • Lucy Rogers, Kings Lynn Golf Club
  • Sofia Sousa, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College

Jennifer Carter, Director of Communications and Marketing at the GMA , said: “Everyone involved is proud to be part of history and looking forward to creating the perfect pitch for the showpiece matches.

“Last year we put women in grounds management on a national stage. Now, we’re taking this a step further, showcasing their skills and leadership on a global scale with the view to encouraging more people to consider in the industry.

“These females are fantastic role models – not only for their peers in the industry but for the next generation of women aspiring to work in sport and grounds.

“As a female myself having worked in the sports industry for many years, I know first-hand the perceptions and assumptions that are often made in a male dominated industry – we are here to break down barriers.”

Jennifer adds: “Groundspeople make sport possible, from grassroots games to the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final. It’s a fantastic career offering unique opportunities – like working at world-class venues such as Allianz Stadium.”

The event is part of the wider work the GMA is doing to secure the future of the industry. This includes the NextGen team, young ambassadors inspiring the next generation of groundspeople, and a new online hub to help people take their first steps in the sector.

To find out more about careers in grounds management, visit www.thegma.org.uk/what/support-the-sector/get-into-the-industry/

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