John Deere named among top employers of veterans

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John Deere named among top employers of veterans: John Deere has been recognised in the 2025 ranking of the UK’s top 50 employers for the armed forces community following the success of its Military Hiring Programme.

The GREAT British Employers of Veterans programme is a prestigious benchmark recognising those organisations setting the national standard in veteran employment.

John Deere named among top employers of veterans

John Deere named among top employers of veterans

Inclusion in the highly competitive top 50 reflects a genuine, measurable, and sustained commitment to the Armed Forces community in the UK.

Allan Cochran, Branch Training Manager for the UK and Ireland, said: “Following on from the success John Deere has had in recruiting thousands of skilled armed forces veterans in

America, it has been fantastic to see our own Military Hiring Programme roll out across the UK and Ireland over the past three years.

“The skills and the mindset of those leaving the forces are perfectly suited to the roles being

offered by our dealerships, and those who have resettled into the John Deere family have cited many similarities in a working environment that’s built around team effort and camaraderie.

“We’re honoured to be recognised in this way. It will further fuel our passion for offering service veterans a next step in their careers across the agricultural and professional turfcare sectors.”

The groundbreaking initiative to attract ex-service personnel into new careers at John Deere dealers was launched in the UK in 2023.

The Military Hiring Programme matches ex-members of the armed forces with technician role vacancies at dealerships across the country.

The next Insight Day, designed to show veterans what a career with the brand could look like, takes place at John Deere’s Langar headquarters on 8 July.

The 50 GREAT British Employers of Veterans was created to provide a definitive, data-backed guide to the UK’s most exemplary forces-friendly employers. It stands as a mark of excellence for organisations whose support is embedded, enduring and effective.

Each year, more than 15,000 individuals leave the British armed forces. Highly trained, values-driven and mission-focused, they represent one of the most capable and under-utilised talent pools in the labour market. Yet barriers remain to building a meaningful second career.

Ben Rossi, founder of the global Forces in Business Awards series and 50 GREAT British

Employers of Veterans programme, said: “This comprehensive ranking of forces-friendly employers has become a cornerstone resource for veterans, reservists and their families – and a powerful benchmark for organisations seeking to lead in veteran employment. To feature in the top 50 is to stand among the most committed supporters of the armed forces community.

“Inclusion is not easily earned. The 2025 list reflects a growing coalition of employers who truly understand military talent, setting best practice and proving that investing in the Armed Forces community is not just the right thing to do – it’s a clear strategic advantage.”

Service members and ex-service members interested in the John Deere Military Hiring

Programme can find out more by visiting Deere.com/JDMHP.

They will be put in touch with an ex-services person within the John Deere network to discuss all potential options.

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A trio of Toro for turfcare excellence at Hayston

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A trio of Toro for turfcare excellence at Hayston: Under the stewardship of Head Greenkeeper Alan Brown since 2018 and with wise machinery choices, course presentation at Hayston Golf Club is the best it’s been in 50 years according to members. With a further boost from three new Toro machines that looks set to continue well into the future.

The club’s latest investment includes the Toro Greensmaster 3250-D, Greensmaster TriFlex 3420 Hybrid and Reelmaster 5610-D, chosen for their durability, comfort and long-term performance.

A trio of Toro for turfcare excellence at Hayston

A trio of Toro for turfcare excellence at Hayston

The timing is perfect as they arrive as Alan and his team of four build on recent successes by reshaping bunkers, enhancing green drainage and continuing to elevate the overall playability and aesthetics of the course.

Central to achieving these goals is the partnership with Toro and its distributor, Reesink Turfcare, says Alan. “When you’re aiming for the best results, you need the best equipment – and in turfcare, Toro is top of the class.”

Alan was already familiar with Toro’s capabilities from his previous position at Kilsyth Lennox Golf Club and was pleased to find a 20-year-old Toro rough mower still performing reliably when he joined Hayston six and a half years ago. “That speaks volumes about the durability and performance of Toro machines when they’re properly maintained,” he notes.

Speaking about the importance of proper maintenance and servicing, Alan highlights the value of Reesink’s support: “The team at Reesink are fantastic – always responsive, knowledgeable and ready to assist. They’ve helped us stay on top of servicing and keep us informed about any equipment updates.”

And best of all, the team at Hayston is enthusiastic about the new additions: “The guys really enjoy using these new mowers,” says Alan. “They’ve been working with Toro equipment for some years, so getting familiar with how they work and are maintained was second nature. Plus, the comfort is exceptional – especially the seat positioning, which makes a huge difference when you’re on the machine for long hours, day after day.”

Reflecting on the team’s achievements, Alan comments: “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together. The feedback from members and visitors has been overwhelmingly positive – we’ve had comments about how this is the best the course has looked in 50 years. That means a lot.”

Learn more about the ways Toro’s turfcare solutions help you elevate your course. Contact Reesink Turfcare at 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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Strategic realignment at AriensCo

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Strategic realignment at AriensCo: AriensCo announces a change of leadership in the EMEAA region (Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia). This is a logical step in the current generational transition of the family business. The EMEAA region is crucial to drive global growth and strengthen international activities.

Jochen Schneider leaves AriensCo

Jochen Schneider (Executive Vice President AriensCo EMEAA) has left the company with immediate effect. AriensCo thanks him for his commitment and wishes him all the best for his future endeavours.

Strategic realignment at AriensCo

Strategic realignment at AriensCo

Jim Young (Chief Financial Officer at AriensCo) will assume interim responsibility for the region in close coordination with Nick Ariens (President AriensCo) and the Ariens family.

“Looking to the future, we are convinced that greater family involvement in the EMEAA region is crucial to realising our long-term vision,” says Nick Ariens.  “In addition to our home market, the EMEAA region is hugely important for our global development. We want to further strengthen our commitment in this region with the AS-Motor and Ariens brands.”

The innovations that AriensCo presented at demopark 2025 in Eisenach, Europe’s largest open-air exhibition for the green sector, emphasise the strength and future potential of both brands. “Together with our EMEAA team, we look forward to further developing the product portfolio, further expanding our sales channels and growing market share throughout Europe.”

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Howardson Group Unveils State-of-the-Art Facility

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Howardson Group Unveils State-of-the-Art Facility: Howardson Group, home to market leading brands Dennis Mowers, Hunter Grinders, and SISIS Machinery, officially opened its new purpose-built facility, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth and investment.

The new building, located on the original Howardson site in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, will serve as a central hub for office space, warehousing, and cutting-edge training facilities, further solidifying Howardson’s commitment to training, education and customer support within the sector.

Howardson Group Unveils State-of-the-Art Facility

Howardson Group Unveils State-of-the-Art Facility

The grand opening commenced with an exclusive press day, offering attendees a unique and engaging experience. Members of the trade media were invited to participate in a variety of activities, including archery, rifle shooting, and clay shooting, fostering a memorable and interactive environment.

The following day, the official ribbon-cutting ceremony took place, with Managing Director Megan Oliver formally inaugurating the impressive new building. Following the ceremony, guests were treated to a tour of the modern facility, showcasing its advanced design and capabilities.

A key highlight of the event was a comprehensive round table discussion featuring the Howardson Group’s senior management team. Managing Director Megan Oliver, alongside representatives from sales and marketing, engineering, and HR, engaged in an insightful dialogue with the press. Discussions covered a wide range of pertinent subjects, including future product developments, the company’s enhanced training provisions, broader industry trends, and the market perception and future developments of the esteemed Howardson brands.

“This new building represents a pivotal moment for the Howardson Group,” stated Megan Oliver, Managing Director. “It is a tangible demonstration of our unwavering commitment to continued investment in infrastructure, equipment, and new products. This state-of-the-art facility will not only enhance our operational efficiency but also provide an exceptional environment for our team and customers. We are confident that this investment will future-proof our business for years to come, enabling us to continue leading the way in the industry.”

The new Howardson Group building underscores the company’s dedication to providing top-tier machinery and support to the sector globally, reinforcing its position as an industry leader.

For further information visit www.howardsongroup.com

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Schools Into Stadia Heads to Home Of Cricket

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Schools Into Stadia Heads to Home Of Cricket: The Grounds Management Association’s (GMA) NextGen group is taking its inspiring Schools Into Stadia initiative to new turf, literally for the first time, as it heads to the legendary Lord’s Cricket Ground on Friday 27 June for its first ever cricket edition.

Designed to inspire a younger generation of groundspeople, Schools Into Stadia opens the doors to iconic sporting venues, offering local students a rare behind-the-scenes look at the world of grounds management, showing off the wide range of career opportunities in a sector that supports sport, recreation and community spaces across the UK.

Schools Into Stadia Heads to Home Of Cricket

Schools Into Stadia Heads to Home Of Cricket

From pitch prep to turf science, students will get hands-on with the skills and technology that keep the game running smoothly.

Created by the GMA’s passionate NextGen group – rising stars in the industry – Schools Into Stadia is all about sparking curiosity and showcasing the exciting career paths in grounds management. With support from Reesink UK, the initiative is building a future-ready workforce by championing the vital role of grounds teams in sport, recreation and community life.

Having already inspired students at venues like Wimbledon’s All-England Club, Anfield Stadium, Goodison Park and the King Power Stadium, the programme now steps up to the crease at Lord’s – cricket’s most hallowed ground.

The event will see local students experience the day-to-day responsibilities of a groundsperson including pitch preparation and understanding the science behind turf care. They’ll also hear first-hand from professionals about the pathways into the industry and how their work impacts everything from elite sport to grassroots facilities.

With workforce development a growing priority across the sector, initiatives like Schools Into Stadia are a vital part of the GMA’s strategy to engage the next generation and build a sustainable pipeline of talent.

Meg Lay, GMA NextGen Co-Chair and Groundsperson at Lord’s, said: “We’re excited to bring Schools Into Stadia to Lord’s and shine a light on the work that grounds staff do in cricket. Events like this give young people a real glimpse into the industry and help us show that this is a rewarding, hands-on career. If we want a thriving industry in the future, it starts with inspiring the next generation today.”

Lord’s Head Groundsman, Karl McDermott, said: “We’re proud to support the GMA and the NextGen group in delivering this event at Lord’s. Grounds staff play a vital role in making sport possible at every level, and we’re pleased to give students a chance to see that in action at the Home of Cricket. We hope it opens eyes and perhaps even sparks some future careers in the industry.”

To find out more about the GMA NextGen group and how they’re shaping the future of the industry, visit www.thegma.org.uk/nextgen.

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