The best bits from SAGE

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The best bits from SAGE: With blue skies (mostly!) beaming down over the Three Counties Showground, SAGE 2023 was an event to remember for exhibitors and visitors alike. Held on 19th and 20th July, the event featured interesting talks on a variety of subjects, a Learning Hub designed for those entering the industry, and of course, the UK Loggers National Championships – demonstrating feats of precision and skill.

As part of the packed agenda, market leaders shared their thoughts on the future of chemicals in grounds maintenance, exploring the pros and cons of a zero-chemical future.

The best bits from SAGE

The best bits from SAGE

Mark Tomlinson, Head of Environmental & Sustainability Stadia Projects at Bio-Circle Surface Technology Ltd also shared his wisdom on the importance of washdown systems. Visitors also enjoyed meeting with experts who came together to provide support, assistance and expertise on how businesses can best get started and progress on a sustainable journey.

Market leaders also shared their thoughts on electric machinery, while over at the Green Business Expo, Alex Pearson from Midlands Net Zero Hub and Dominic Lavelle, Managing Director at Go Green Experts discussed whether going green is viable for a business, delving into the details of equipping a business with strategy and practical knowhow on moving forwards.

An expert-led panel talked about creating a successful tender bid, after which Fusion for Business discussed managing rising energy costs. Also at the Green Business Expo, visitors had the opportunity to meet a panel of innovators who talked about how pioneering methods can challenge the norm by tackling market leaders and traditional methods.

In the Learning Hub, visitors were able to join experts for live workshops, talks and interactive knowledge sharing and competitions, as they delved into the challenges land-based colleges face.
Guests enjoyed a live panel talk on Wednesday and an open workshop on Thursday.

Vicky Panniers, organiser of SAGE, said: “We want to say a massive thank you to everyone who attended the event – both exhibitors and visitors. We know that many of our exhibitors made some big-ticket sales and that lots of hot leads were also taken, which is fantastic to hear. Watch this space to hear more about details for next year!”

Please visit https://sportsandgrounds.events/ for more information.

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Amenity Specialist joins Origin Amenity Solutions

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Amenity Specialist joins Origin Amenity Solutions: James Wright has joined Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) as their Technical Sales Representative for the South Yorkshire region, following the retirement of widely respected and long-standing predecessor, Mike Brear.

James returns to the company having previously worked for the Rigby Taylor brand (now part of OAS) some 8 years ago. He re-joins following his most recent role at Agrovista Amenity as a BASIS qualified Amenity Specialist

Amenity Specialist joins Origin Amenity Solutions

Amenity Specialist joins Origin Amenity Solutions

With a wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion to bring to the OAS team, James is currently finishing his BSc (Hons) in Sportsturf Science & Management at the University of Central Lancashire.

Phil Dewhurst, Northern Area Sales Director comments on the appointment, “I am delighted to welcome James to OAS. His practical experience coupled with his wealth of technical knowledge will make him a valuable resource for our customers and the rest of our team.”

Origin Amenity Solutions brings together market leading companies, Headland Amenity, Rigby Taylor, Symbio and Turfkeeper. Together the business has over 60 Technical Sales Representatives across the UK.  The Amenity Division has grown significantly over recent years and continues to do so; If you feel you have the skillset to add to the group, email a covering letter and your CV to recruitment@originukoperations.co.uk

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DLF host the UKLCA

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DLF host the UKLCA: DLF Seeds recently opened the doors of their research & development centre in Didbrook, Gloucestershire, to host more than 20 members from the UK Lawn Care Association (UKLCA).

Following presentations from the DLF team on current and future challenges in seed selection and turf management, attendees were treated to an informative tour around the trial plots to see and compare the cultivars of both today and tomorrow…

DLF host the UKLCA

DLF host the UKLCA

The event in early July opened with a presentation from Regional Technical Manager Ian Barnett who delivered an introduction to DLF, their brands and methodology in producing pure quality seeds for every bag. Dog patch resistant mixtures were also discussed which was a popular topic with those in attendance – primarily working with customers from the domestic market. Technical Manager David Rhodes then followed with a useful session on species identification, followed by a presentation on the development and benefits of the BSPB seed guide.

Visitors were then treated to a tour of the trials area, where attendees could put the mornings theory into practice. The DLF team remained on hand to discuss the various pros and cons of the many different seed varieties in different environments and situations, whilst keeping an eye on new potential developments with a glimpse at some of the cultivars currently being trialled.

Jim Hewlett, UKLCA Vice Chairman said “It was a fascinating day, and there was much to learn from the presentations and test site – which clearly demonstrated the differences between varieties and informed attendees on what goes into research and production of the popular Johnsons, MM and Masterline ranges. Seed selection is extremely important to professional lawn care companies, and seeing this first-hand means we can be sure to choose the right and best cultivars to meet our customers’ requirements.”

Derek Smith, DLF Amenity Sales & Marketing Manager added, “It was a real pleasure to host members from the Lawn Care Association. It’s fantastic to be sharing our knowledge of turf grasses and wildflower meadows and is testament to the membership of the UKLCA that they are investing their time to ensure their knowledge is completely up to date with the latest technical data.”

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GMA Awards sponsors announced

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GMA Awards sponsors announced: With nominations and entries within a month of closing, the GMA is delighted to announce confirmed sponsors of the 2023 Industry Awards. With support spanning the entire sector, sponsors range from leading sporting bodies to businesses within the groundscare industry.

ISEKI UK & Ireland has shown its commitment to recognising industry talent and supporting the sector by becoming this year’s Platinum Sponsor, in addition to sponsoring the Independent School Grounds Team of the Year award. Alongside ISEKI, other industry businesses sponsoring awards include:

GMA Awards sponsors announced

GMA Awards sponsors announced

Infinicut – Professional Tennis Courts Grounds Team of the Year

DLF Seeds – GMA Grounds Manager of the Year

Origin Amenity Solutions – Young Groundsperson of the Year

SGL – Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year (Elite)

Agronomic Services Ltd – Professional Rugby League Grounds Team of the Year

Sarah Cunningham, Director of Commercial and Events of Grounds Management Association said:

‘The GMA Industry Awards is one of the highlights of our calendar and we’re delighted to have received such positive support from across the industry. The event is created by the industry to celebrate the achievements of the industry, and it’s great to have leading organisations from the sector supporting the event.

We’re particularly looking forward to the evening being hosted at Headingley Stadium for the first time and are eager to welcome guests to a ceremony of celebration in the surroundings of such a historic sporting venue.’

Premier League, Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football League and England & Wales Cricket Board are amongst the National Governing Bodies who are keen to show their appreciation for the industry’s valuable contribution to sport by sponsoring awards for their respective sports.

Jason Booth, Chief Operating Officer at Grounds Management Association said:

‘To have sporting National Governing Bodies support the GMA Industry Awards this way is testament to the vital role grounds staff play in making sport possible and the importance of celebrating their work. As an organization, the GMA are determined to provide a platform to recognise the grounds care industry and the fantastic examples of work from volunteers to professionals.’

The GMA Industry Awards were created to celebrate excellence within the grounds care industry and in a year of expanded categories, there is now also the opportunity to nominate someone deserving as well as the chance for hopefuls to enter themselves.

The ceremony, which is set to take place on Wednesday 29th November, will be located at Headingley Stadium’s recently renovated events suite. A prime location for all-season sports, the stadium, which is home to Leeds Rhinos and Yorkshire CCC, is a natural fit to host the prestigious ceremony.

Nominations and entries are still open for the GMA Industry awards with sixteen categories available. The last date for nominations is 7th August, whilst entries are open until 14th August.

To apply for an award, complete the form on the GMA Industry Awards website: https://gmaindustryawards.uk/

Find out more about the Industry Award sponsors here: https://gmaindustryawards.uk/sponsors/

To discuss sponsorship and other brand partnership opportunities, email Sales Manager Jill Rodham at jrodham@thegma.org.uk.

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Redexim UK strengthen sales force

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Redexim UK strengthen sales force: Innovators of turfcare maintenance machinery, Redexim UK, are delighted to announce the appointment of Allen Whellans as their new Area Sales Manager for the North.

With over 10 years of experience in groundcare sales and a further eight years working in greenkeeping, Allen is well placed to provide expert knowledge and support to customers across the Northern counties including North Yorkshire, Cumbria, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Redexim UK strengthen sales force

Redexim UK strengthen sales force

Allen fast-tracked his way through an SVQ at Oatridge Agricultural College, completing a level 2 and 3 Amenity and Horticulture (Sports Turf) course in three years as opposed to four. This keenness to learn continued during his role as Assistant Head Greenkeeper at Duns Golf Club, where he went on to complete additional industry training and obtain all relevant qualifications.

A position with a leading groundcare dealership then arose which saw Allen carve out a career in sales, working with leading franchises and playing a pivotal role in the field team, supporting customers across the Lothians and Borders. From here, he then went on to become an Area Sales Manager for STIHL in Scotland, before more recently holding the position of Groundcare Division Manager at Pearsons of Duns/ Border Chainsaw & Lawnmower Services.

This wealth of industry understanding serves Allen well for his new position at Redexim UK – joining during a busy summer period and eager to get stuck into this important role, building strong relationships with customers old and new and working closely with Redexim partners across his area. Commenting on his appointment Allen says, “I’m proud to be joining the Redexim team at such an exciting time in their development and look forward to playing my part in growing the brand and supporting our excellent partners in their endeavors of getting the fantastic product range to market.”

Until recently, you would have frequently found Allen on the rugby pitch outside of work, having played senior rugby for 13 years and spending two years as club captain. With that hobby now put to bed, Allen enjoys the occasional round of golf and is a proud family man, spending as much of his free time as possible with his partner and two daughters.

From the 31st of July Allen Whellans can be contacted by phone on 07831 180275 or via email awhellans@redeximuk.com

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