Headline speakers for Learning LIVE

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Headline speakers for Learning LIVE: Following a record-breaking 2024 edition that delivered over 19 hours of expert-led content to more than 1,000 attendees, the UK’s largest free educational programme in grounds management returns to the NEC Birmingham on 12-13 November 2025.

This year’s programme promises real-world insights for grounds professionals and volunteers at every level. With CPD-accredited sessions, brand new cutting-edge topics and industry legends sharing their expertise, Learning LIVE is a must-attend feature of SALTEX 2025.

Headline speakers for Learning LIVE

Headline speakers for Learning LIVE

The programme has been more precisely tailored than ever, with sessions designed to meet the genuine needs of groundspeople. In fact, many visitors cite Learning LIVE as a key reason for attending the show.

Meet the Headliners:

Alan Ferguson, FIFA Senior Pitch Management Manager, kicks off with a deep dive into ‘The preparation and delivery of FIFA 2026 World Cup’. With nearly 50 years of experience, having overseen 23 FIFA tournaments across all six confederations and more than 1,000 stadium games globally, Alan will share exclusive insights from pitch research at Tennessee and Michigan State Universities, plus a behind-the-scenes look at this year’s FIFA Club World Cup.

“I’m really looking forward to speaking at SALTEX and sharing some of the behind-the-scenes insights into the preparation and delivery of the FIFA 2026 World Cup,” said Alan.

“It’s a unique challenge working across three countries with different climates and pitch technologies, so I’ll be touching on everything from hybrid stitching innovations to learnings from recent tournaments like the FIFA Club World Cup.

“Events like SALTEX are so important because they make high-quality, real-world education accessible to everyone in the industry – and that’s something I’m proud to support.”

Making his SALTEX debut, Graeme Beatt, Course Manager at Royal Portrush Golf Club, will deliver ‘Course success at the 153rd Open Championship’. Discover how Dunluce Links’ was prepared for this year’s Open Championship and the changes and challenges experienced since the event was last hosted at Royal Portrush six years ago.

Sustainability in Focus:

A standout panel tackles ‘Future-proofing turf management: Water resilience in a changing climate’, featuring:

  • Tony Hanson, Managing Director – Environmental Solutions International
  • Roger Davey, Managing Director – Irritech Limited
  • Mark Hunt, Technical Specialist – Prodata Weather Systems

Visitors can expect practical strategies on irrigation innovation, alternative water sources and weather-driven planning – all designed to help you build a resilient water strategy.

Funding for the Future:

Jack Matthews, Director of Programmes at the Football Foundation, shares the latest on multi-sport facility funding in ‘The Football Foundation’s multi-sport funding strategy’. From grassroots to national initiatives, Jack’s session is essential for community clubs and volunteers seeking funding to transform local sports facilities.

UEFA Insights & Hybrid Innovation:

A firm favourite at SALTEX, Lee Guerriero, Stadium Operations and Pitch Expert at UEFA, returns with ‘UEFA Champions League, Nations League final & Women’s EURO 2025 pitch preparations’. Lee, who manages UEFA’s pitch support programmes for major club and national competitions, has contributed to global events including the Olympics, FIFA World Cups and UEFA’s VAR and goal-line technology programmes.

He says: “I’ll be sharing insights from some of UEFA’s biggest recent events, including the Champions League and the upcoming Women’s EURO 2025. SALTEX is a brilliant platform for sharing that knowledge with the wider industry, and the fact that it’s freely accessible makes it even more valuable for those working hard behind the scenes.”

Finally, Neil Rodger, Principal Project Manager at STRI Group, rounds off the programme with ‘The pros and cons of different hybrid pitch surfaces’. Neil is an experienced consultant whose portfolio includes designing Saudi Arabia’s first turf horse racetrack and advising on elite football surfaces in the UK and internationally.

“SALTEX creates a rare space where grounds professionals can access top-class, free education, and I’m pleased to be part of a programme that supports learning across all levels of the industry,” says Neil.

“Hybrid pitches have come a long way in recent years, but understanding the differences is still a challenge for many clubs. I’ll be breaking down the pros and cons of each, with a practical focus on what’s right for different budgets and usage levels.”

SALTEX’s Learning LIVE is the largest dedicated learning programme in the grounds sector – and it’s completely free! Join us at the NEC, Birmingham, on 12-13 November 2025.

Register now and power up your skills with expert-led sessions that shape the future of grounds management. Everyone who has registered will be entered into a prize draw to win a Cramer Tools All Terrain Lawn Mower ATM53A, complete with charger and battery, worth £2,240!

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Wildwood Machinery’s first Open Day a success

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Wildwood Machinery’s first Open Day a success: A host of the biggest brands in ground and turfcare were on show at Wildwood Machinery’s first Open Day, at East Horton Golf Club on 3 July, attended by groundcare professionals and buyers from across Southern England.

Wildwood Machinery Managing Director, James Bastian said: “We put on the Open Day to thank our partners, suppliers, staff and customers. It was an opportunity to showcase our growing range of state-of-the-art machinery, and I wanted to do it in an environment where everyone could relax and have a bit of fun, but also try putting the machinery through its paces.”

Wildwood Machinery’s first Open Day a success

Wildwood Machinery’s first Open Day a success

“We’re very lucky that East Horton Golf Club is a core part of our family business and it proved to be the perfect venue. Lots of our guests were also able to enjoy a round of golf as part of the day – a perfect mix of business and pleasure!”

“We can all sit at our desks sending emails and making phone calls”, says James, “but ultimately, we want the end user to get their hands on this equipment and see just how good it is.”

Manufacturers showcasing their wares included: Aspen, DeWalt, ECHO Robotics, Gambetti Amenity & Golf, INFINICUT, ISEKI, Jacobsen, Ransomes, Raymo, RovMo, Stogger and Wessex International.

According to James Bastian, the Wildwood Machinery Open Day was “such a huge success that we’re already looking forward to doing it again next year – but bigger and better!”

“The whole environment had a lovely vibe about it today. We’ve had great support from our manufacturers and our customers have turned out in force. What more could we have asked for?”

The next major event for Wildwood Machinery, marking the company’s rapid growth since launching in 2022, is the opening of a purpose-built new showroom and headquarters on the East Horton site, scheduled for late 2025.

With a growing number of elite sports clubs, local authorities, estates and schools tapping into Wildwood’s unmatched range of manufacturer partnerships and reliable after-sales service, the business has grown steadily throughout 2025, necessitating more showroom and workshop space.

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Agrovista Amenity Announces DJ Turfcare Agreement

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Agrovista Amenity Announces DJ Turfcare Agreement: Agrovista Amenity has reached an agreement with DJ Turfcare that will see it become the exclusive distributor for the Viano range of organic fertilisers and lawn care products throughout the UK (excluding Northern Ireland), effective from 21 July 2025.

The agreement signals an exciting development for Agrovista Amenity as it strengthens its offering to both the professional and retail markets. Best known for the hugely popular MO Bacter organic-based fertiliser, the Viano brand is RHS-endorsed and well-established in the UK, with a loyal customer base.

Agrovista Amenity Announces DJ Turfcare Agreement

Agrovista Amenity Announces DJ Turfcare Agreement

“This agreement further demonstrates our commitment to the development and expansion of Agrovista Amenity,” said Dan Hughes, Head of Commercial at Agrovista Amenity. “Viano is a long-standing, respected brand with an extensive customer base, and we’re proud to be taking on the responsibility of representing it across the UK. David Jenkins (Managing Director – DJ Turfcare), Barbara Jarman and the team at DJ Turfcare have done an exceptional job in growing the Viano brand over many years, and we look forward to continuing that journey.”

As part of the agreement, Agrovista will work to supply the existing UK distribution network and ensure continuity. A dedicated internal team will support the transition and ongoing development of this part of the business.

David Jenkins will also be working closely with Agrovista Amenity as a consultant to ensure a smooth handover and continued high levels of service and support to customers.

David would like to thank all suppliers and customers who have shown such loyalty to Viano products over the past 25 years. He is delighted that Agrovista has agreed to continue marketing and supplying the Viano range in the UK. Confident that demand will keep growing, David believes the public’s increasing awareness of the nourishing and ecological benefits of organic and organic-based fertilisers will drive future success. He extends his best wishes to both Agrovista and Viano for the next chapter.

Dan added: “We’re delighted that David will be working with an experienced and skilled member of our team, Jack Fishman, to support a seamless transition and help manage the existing Viano customer base. The further expansion of our organic and organo-mineral portfolio of products is testament to our focus on finding market leading sustainable solutions and technologies for amenity situations.”

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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Bernhard and Company unveils new 3000LV Equipment Lift

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Bernhard and Company unveils new 3000LV Equipment Lift: Bernhard and Company, a global leader in turf management solutions, is proud to announce the launch of the all-new 3000LV Equipment Lift, an essential new addition to its line-up of workshop machinery.

Designed to complement Bernhard’s renowned reel and bedknife grinding systems, the 3000LV is engineered to assist equipment managers, greenkeepers, and mechanics with the safe and efficient lifting and loading of cutting units.

Bernhard and Company unveils new 3000LV Equipment Lift

Bernhard and Company unveils new 3000LV Equipment Lift

This trusted dual-lift solution features a full-width rear tray that removes the need for ongoing adjustments once set up, streamlining daily workshop operations. With adjustable front wheel forks, the lift allows precise setup of cutting units, directly contributing to an improved quality of cut. Built for adaptability, the 3000LV Equipment Lift is compatible with a wide variety of turf maintenance equipment, including mowers without overhead beam obstructions, ensuring greater operational flexibility.

Commenting on the launch, Steven Nixon, Managing Director at Bernhard and Company, said: “The equipment lift 3000LV is a natural fit for our product family. It’s a practical, workshop-ready solution that adds real value to turf maintenance operations by improving safety, increasing efficiency, and ensuring precision when setting up cutting units. We’ve listened to the needs of our customers, and this lift is a direct response to making their daily work more manageable and their turf performance more consistent.”

By combining robust design with practical innovation, Bernhard and Company continues its commitment to helping turf professionals achieve peak equipment performance. The 3000LV Equipment Lift is now available through Bernhard and Company’s international distributor network.

For more information on the equipment lift 3000LV, visit: https://bernhard.co.uk/products/equipment-lift/

To learn more about Bernhard and Company and the turf technologies on offer, visit: https://bernhard.co.uk/turf-tech/

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Green-tech to Exhibit at GLAS 2025

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Green-tech to Exhibit at GLAS 2025: Green-tech has confirmed it will be exhibiting at GLAS 2025, Ireland’s leading trade event for the horticulture, landscape, and sports turf sectors.

The team will be on Stand F3, showcasing the company’s extensive range of landscaping and tree planting products and inviting visitors to stop for a chat and expert advice.

Green-tech to Exhibit at GLAS 2025

Green-tech to Exhibit at GLAS 2025

With thousands of landscaping products available, including specialist soils, urban tree planting systems, irrigation, fertilisers, and wildflower seeds, Green-tech supports contractors, landscape architects, and specifiers with reliable solutions for successful soft landscaping projects.

Green-tech’s presence at GLAS 2025 reflects its growing commitment to the Irish market, following the launch of its dedicated depot in Derry in 2023. This investment enables faster delivery times, improved local availability and tailored support for projects across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Richard Gill, Sales Director at Green-tech, commented, “GLAS is always a fantastic event for us. It gives us the opportunity to meet with our Irish customers and showcase some of the innovative solutions we supply across the landscaping sector. With our Irish depot, we are well-positioned to offer improved service levels to customers across the region. We are looking forward to another busy and productive show.”

At last year’s GLAS, Green-tech won the Best New Product Award for their TreeParker urban tree planting system. This modular system is designed to support healthy tree growth in hard landscapes and urban environments. This year, they are hoping to be a strong contender for the Supplier of the Year award. People can vote online at – Supplier of the Year Award – GLAS IRELAND

Visitors to Stand F3 will have the opportunity to view a selection of Green-tech’s most popular and innovative products, meet the team and discuss their upcoming projects in more detail.

Registration for GLAS 2025 is free, via the official GLAS website – Home – GLAS IRELAND

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