Innovation takes centre stage at SALTEX

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Innovation takes centre stage at SALTEX: SALTEX has solidified its status as the ultimate event for the entire grounds management industry, putting high-calibre visitors and cutting-edge innovation at the forefront.

This year’s exhibition at the NEC Birmingham, the 78th edition, drew thousands of industry professionals and volunteers, where in-depth conversations led to strengthened relationships.

Innovation takes centre stage at SALTEX

Innovation takes centre stage at SALTEX

Visitors were able to see more than 30 new products making their UK debut, underscoring SALTEX as the premier platform for innovation. With over 20% of exhibitors attending for the first time, SALTEX continues to attract fresh talent and businesses eager to connect with influential industry leaders.

Susanna Anderson-Lewis from TurfSolv said: “SALTEX 2024 has been a very successful show for us. In addition to the number and quality of visitors to our stand, we were able to use this platform to launch and showcase our two new grass care products. Also, before the exhibition, the SALTEX team were more than helpful in cheerfully accommodating our stand requirements. The TurfSolv team look forward to exhibiting next year at SALTEX 2025.”

The high calibre of visitors this year underlines SALTEX’s status as a must-attend event. Almost 80% of attendees were senior decision-makers, with visitors from Premier League football clubs including Liverpool FC, Cheslea FC, Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as world-class sports venues including Allianz Arena (FC Bayern Munich), Lord’s Cricket Ground, Red Bull Arena (RB Leipzig), Wembley Stadium, Doncaster Racecourse and Mattioli Woods Welford Road (Leicester Tigers).

Additionally, SALTEX welcomed representatives from leading educational institutions including Harrow School, Myerscough College, Eton College and Magdalen College School, alongside prominent universities such as Oxford University, Cambridge University, University of Leeds and Trinity College Dublin.

Many local authorities were also represented at SALTEX including Bristol City Council, Leeds City Council and Nottingham City Council, as well as notable estates such as Sandringham and The Royal Parks.

A growing representation of County Football Associations showcased the vital role of the volunteer network in grassroots sports. Among those in attendance were the London FA, Birmingham FA, Liverpool FA, and Sheffield and Hallamshire FA.

Geoff Webb, Grounds Management Association CEO said: “We’re really pleased with the success of SALTEX 2024. Each year, we work closely with the industry to ensure that SALTEX remains relevant, impactful and forward-thinking. Listening to our industry’s needs and evolving the event to match those expectations is at the heart of what we do.

“This year’s turnout, the quality of conversations and the level of innovation on display reflect that commitment. We’re already looking ahead to SALTEX 2025 and are excited to bring even more opportunities for engagement and collaboration to our attendees and exhibitors.”

Next year, SALTEX will return to its traditional November slot of 12-13 November 2025, better aligning with industry preferences and the grounds management calendar. SALTEX 2025 will also see a relocation to Halls 17, 18 and 19 at the NEC, introducing a refreshed layout designed to enhance the experience for both visitors and exhibitors.

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Green-tech Supports Tilhill Forestry

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Green-tech Supports Tilhill Forestry: Green-tech, the UK’s leading landscape supplier to the landscaping and forestry sectors, has recently collaborated with Tilhill Forestry to enhance the natural beauty of a Scottish site.

Olivia Fitzgerald, Forest Manager at Tilhill, shared her insights on the project, emphasising the importance of Green-tech’s products in achieving their goals. “Following harvesting, the landowner was keen to create a new area of riparian broadleaves at the entrance to their site. The tree shelters and guards from Green-tech will be essential for protecting the young trees from the local deer population. In years to come, visitors to this forest will be welcomed with cherry blossom in the spring and brilliant yellow leaves of autumnal aspen. Thank you to Green-tech for providing such a responsive and reliable service.”.

Green-tech Supports Tilhill Forestry

Green-tech Supports Tilhill Forestry

The project saw Green-tech supplying 1300 Tubex tree shelters, each 1.2 meters high, and 1.35-meter softwood stakes. These shelters and stakes are vital for ensuring the young trees can grow safely, free from damage caused by wildlife. The use of these products reflects Green-tech’s commitment to supporting sustainable forestry practices and enhancing the UK’s natural landscapes.

A riparian zone is the area of land along a river or burn.  Planting native broadleaf trees along these zones will help with climate change and biodiversity, creating robust wildlife corridors.

Tom Sollitt, Key Account Manager at Green-tech, added. “We were very pleased to be involved with this project. Olivia and the Tilhill team in South Scotland are always a pleasure to work with; their knowledge, dedication, and professionalism helped to make this a success for the client. We’re proud to have contributed to the enhancement of the natural landscape in a beautiful part of the country.”

Tilhill Forestry is renowned for being the UK’s leading sustainable forest and timber harvesting company. They offer a comprehensive range of services to woodland owners, public bodies, farmers, landowners, and private companies across the UK. Their expertise and commitment to sustainability make them an ideal partner for projects that endeavour to preserve and enhance natural habitats.

The successful relationship between Tilhill Forestry and Green-tech showcases the importance of reliable partnerships and high-quality products in sustainable forestry. As the newly planted riparian broadleaves mature, they provide both a stunning visual experience for visitors and contribute to the ecological health of the area.

Green-tech’s involvement in this project highlights its position as a major supplier to the UK’s landscaping and forestry sectors, dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and natural beauty.

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BIGGA invites greenkeepers to share their opinions

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BIGGA invites greenkeepers to share their opinions: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) is this week launching a survey that invites all greenkeepers – whether members of the association or otherwise – to share their opinions on the structure and role of the association itself.

The survey is intended to ensure that greenkeepers are at the heart of plans to develop the activities and structure of BIGGA and ensure it is well-placed to meet the challenges of future years.

BIGGA invites greenkeepers to share their opinions

BIGGA invites greenkeepers to share their opinions

The survey is the first step in a consultation phase that is being undertaken in collaboration with Sporting Insights, the leading sports marketing research organisation. The survey can be completed here.

The questionnaire will give all greenkeepers the opportunity to have their say about BIGGA itself, whether positive or otherwise. Questions will cover the BIGGA membership offering, the value of benefits and initiatives that are currently available and how these might change. There will also be questions on membership categories, the role of volunteers and how BIGGA advocates for its members within the industry.

Those who complete the questionnaire will be entered into a draw to win £500 in Amazon vouchers.

Scott Reeves, BIGGA Head of Membership, said: “BIGGA has a proven history of advancing the profession of greenkeeping and providing its members with innovative benefits and opportunities. As the association approaches its 40th anniversary, we recognise that the industry is rapidly changing and if we are to remain an influential force within the golf and turf management industries, we must listen to all stakeholders, whether within membership or those who opt against joining BIGGA. This is a genuine opportunity for everyone in greenkeeping to influence the direction BIGGA takes over the coming years and we are committed to listening to all voices, whether supportive or otherwise.”

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “The greenkeeping industry never stands still. Greenkeepers are renowned for being self-critical and always wanting to improve their facilities and their own knowledge. At BIGGA we aim to have a similar mentality, which is why we are again seeking clear feedback to ensure our offering to our members and the wider industry is as fit for purpose as it can be.

“I’m proud of the strides BIGGA has made during its lifetime but we cannot rest on our laurels and I hope very many of our members and other stakeholders in the industry will help us to achieve even more in the next few years.”

Steve Lloyd, BIGGA Chairperson and The Worcestershire Golf Club Course Manager, said: “Participating in this survey gives each of us a voice in shaping the future of our association and, ultimately, our profession. As greenkeepers, our insights and experiences are invaluable in defining the direction and support we need from BIGGA.

“Completing this survey is a chance to make sure the structure and role of the association truly reflect what’s most important for our work and the industry. I encourage all greenkeepers to take part and contribute to this vision for the future.”

BIGGA has long been an association that has evolved to suit the ever-changing needs of its members. A desire to improve professionalism and knowledge led to the development of the Continue to Learn education programme and the implementation of an industry-first Continuing Professional Development system. In recent years, challenges with workforce recruitment and retention and increasing concern relating to mental health have led to the significant investment intended to support members in these areas.

Complete the survey here.

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Fisco Farm & Garden Machinery Joins Etesia Dealer Network

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Fisco Farm & Garden Machinery Joins Etesia Dealer Network: Etesia UK is delighted to announce that Fisco Farm & Garden Machinery, a long-standing family business based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, has officially become the latest dealer for Etesia products.

The partnership marks an exciting new chapter for Fisco, enabling the company to expand its commercial product offerings while reinforcing Etesia’s presence in the region.

Fisco Farm & Garden Machinery Joins Etesia Dealer Network

Fisco Farm & Garden Machinery Joins Etesia Dealer Network

Fisco Farm & Garden Machinery has been a family-run business in Wakefield for over 60 years. Founded by Clifford Broadhead as Farmers Ironmongery Supply Co, it later expanded to meet the changing needs of the agricultural industry. Today, Fisco continues to evolve, now offering leading brands like Etesia to enhance its product range for both domestic and commercial clients.

Ryan Powala-Higgins, Manager of Fisco Farm & Garden Machinery, explained that becoming an Etesia dealer is a strategic move to grow the company’s commercial opportunities. “We are a single branch, and for a long time we were predominantly in the domestic market,” said Ryan. “But over the past few years, we’ve started to take on more commercial products to boost sales in that area. We felt like we were missing out, and that’s why we decided to take on Etesia.”

Etesia, a company known for high-quality grass-cutting equipment since 1989, has become a key player in both the professional and domestic markets. Their extensive product range includes walk-behind and ride-on mowers, brush cutters, and innovative green technology solutions, such as the award-winning ET Lander electric utility vehicle. Fisco’s decision to partner with Etesia aligns with the growing demand for reliable, high-performance commercial machinery that can handle the toughest conditions.

Ryan added that Etesia had been on their radar for some time: “We’ve known about Etesia for a while. There was a bit of a gap in our portfolio, and a lot of customers were asking about the brand. We’ve always known the products are good.”

Ryan credited Etesia UK’s Business Development Manager, Stephen Muir, for making the dealership process smooth and efficient. “Stephen came out to see us and he was very accommodating. The whole company is a pleasure to deal with. We appreciate that Etesia is willing to come and talk to us face-to-face. It’s refreshing in a time when so much business is done online.”

Part of the appeal of Etesia, Ryan explained, is their focus on mowers that perform exceptionally well in all weather conditions—especially when it comes to grass collection.

“Etesia’s ability to collect grass even in wet conditions is a key selling point for landscapers, grounds maintenance companies, and local councils,” Ryan shared. “In terms of collection, nothing beats Etesia.”

Among the products that have already caught Fisco’s attention are the Etesia Hydro 80 ride-on mower and the 18-inch pedestrian mowers, which Ryan described as “perfect machines” for their customer base. “The feedback we’ve had from clients who already own Etesia machines is overwhelmingly positive. They say these are the machines to have.”

Looking ahead, Ryan expressed enthusiasm about the future of Fisco’s partnership with Etesia. “We’re very excited about what’s to come,” he said.

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 Twitter @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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The first dedicated vacuum in STIHL’s AP System

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The first dedicated vacuum in STIHL’s AP System: Designed for professional landscapers and grounds maintenance teams, the SHA 140 vacuum shredder is the most powerful in the STIHL lineup, offering 15% improved suction power compared to the petrol SH 86. Ideal for the autumn and winter months, the SHA 140 makes light work of collecting and shredding leaves and green material. 

The variable speed trigger provides the operator full control to match the power output to the task at hand, whether that’s working around delicate flower beds, or utilising the boost mode to collect damp leaves. The reinforced suction tube can be used to loosen stubborn leaves, ensuring nothing is left behind.

The first dedicated vacuum in STIHL’s AP System

The first dedicated vacuum in STIHL’s AP System

The wide positioning of the rubberised handles ensures comfortable handling and excellent maneuovrability, allowing the user to work quickly with minimal fatigue or arm strain. Perfect balance has also been acheived thanks to the central location of the battery between the handles. Like many battery-powered tools, the SHA 140 is lightweight and quiet in operation, eliminating the requirement for hearing protection.

Featuring an adjustable shoulder strap, the 55l collection bag sits comfortably at the operators side without impairing movement. The robust metal buckle openings are able to withstand the toughest working conditions, while the large opening leads to quick and complete emptying with minimal effort.  Ventilation openings can be used to deliver constant suction power, regardless of the fill level or the degree of dust and dirt in the bag.

Easy transport and storage have also been factored into the design, with fast and tool free removal of the catcher bag and suction tube to make dismantling the tool effortless.

With the recommended AP 300 S battery, the SHA 140 has a long working time of up to 60 minutes. For more information on STIHL’s range of AP System tools, please visit www.stihl.co.uk

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