Green-tech Exceeds £30,000 Charity Target

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Green-tech Exceeds £30,000 Charity Target: To celebrate three decades in business, Green-tech, a leading supplier in the landscaping industry, launched its ambitious ‘£30k for 30 Years’ charity campaign at the start of 2024.

The company has proudly exceeded its goal, raising a total of £31,000. The Green-tech team was delighted to present cheques for £6,200 each to five deserving charities at a ceremony on Friday, 8th November, at its North Yorkshire headquarters.

Green-tech Exceeds £30,000 Charity Target

Green-tech Exceeds £30,000 Charity Target

Green-tech’s milestone campaign supports five charities making a real difference in communities across the UK: the BALI Chalk Fund, Candlelighters Trust, Perennial Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Society, Macmillan Cancer Support, and Shelter. These charities address issues ranging from educational support and training to critical cancer care and housing assistance.

Over the course of 2024, the Green-tech team completed six major challenges to raise funds. The year of activities kicked off with a ‘Big Sleep Out’ at Green-tech’s site in March, despite the cold and rain, and concluded with a trek across the Yorkshire Three Peaks in August. Other events included the Roundhay Half Marathon, the physically demanding Total Warrior event, the Knaresborough Bed Race, and a virtual John O’Groats to Land’s End bike ride, where more than 60 team members cycled over 2,000 miles in just five days, far surpassing their initial goal of 874 miles.

Kris Nellist, Managing Director of Green-tech, expressed his pride and gratitude: “Our team’s dedication to supporting these charities has been incredible. This year, we wanted to mark our 30th anniversary not only by celebrating our achievements but also by giving back to the communities we care about. I couldn’t be prouder that we exceeded our target. The funds raised will go a long way in supporting these fantastic charities and their vital work.”

The charities have also voiced their appreciation for Green-tech’s donations:

  • Phil Swainston, Corporate Partnership Manager at Perennial, noted, “This donation from Green-tech will allow us to continue offering critical support to the horticultural community, from financial and wellbeing advice to career training. Their support means a lot to us.”
  • Iain Blackwood Hobbs, Partnerships Executive at Candlelighters, said, “We’ve enjoyed following Green-tech’s journey throughout this campaign. Their donation will make a big impact for families across Yorkshire dealing with childhood cancer, helping us provide the practical, emotional, and financial support they need.”
  • Richard Kay, Trustee of the BALI Chalk Fund, added, “Green-tech’s support helps us further our mission of providing training and certification for students entering the horticulture industry. On behalf of the trustees, a huge thanks to Green-tech for this generous contribution.”
  • Laura Holohan-Keith, Relationship Fundraising Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said, “Green-tech’s support will allow us to continue helping people affected by cancer in North Yorkshire. We’re so grateful for their efforts and commitment.”
  • Ellie Tomlin, Regional Community Fundraiser at Shelter, remarked, “We are delighted by the amazing fundraising efforts from Green-tech. There are currently 2,680 children in Yorkshire living in temporary accommodation who need our help. Thanks to this incredible donation, we can continue to support all those without a safe and stable home. Thank you so much to everyone that’s contributed!”

Supporting charitable initiatives and community projects is integral to Green-tech’s ethos. Their ‘£30k for 30 Years’ campaign represents this commitment, combining a major anniversary with meaningful contributions to organisations that touch lives across the UK.

As Green-tech prepares to enter its fourth decade of business, it remains focused on driving innovation and sustainability within the landscaping and environmental sectors. With a commitment to excellence and forward-thinking solutions, Green-tech aims to lead the industry in delivering high-quality products that meet the market’s evolving needs.

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Transforming Dafscape with Power and Precision

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Transforming Dafscape with Power and Precision: For Daf Price, owner of Dafscape, investing in the Etesia Hydro 80 ride-on mower has transformed his business.

Serving a variety of clients along the scenic St David’s coast, Daf has seen remarkable improvements in efficiency and versatility thanks to this compact machine.

Transforming Dafscape with Power and Precision

Transforming Dafscape with Power and Precision

“I look after mansions, campsites, small gardens, large gardens, and everything in between,” says Daf. “Most of my work is grass cutting and hedge trimming, and I work from January through to mid-November. The majority of the gardens I look after are cut once every two weeks, in all sorts of weather conditions. Some of the gardens can range from formal and tidy to overgrown jungles!”

Before acquiring the Hydro 80, Daf relied on pedestrian mowers, a method that was both time-consuming and labour-intensive. The Hydro 80, with its 80cm cutting width and hydrostatic drive, has been a revelation. “Since buying the Hydro 80, it has completely changed my business. I’ve been able to go out and work in all conditions, and still do a cracking job. It has made life a lot easier,” he explains.

Equipped with a 15hp twin-cylinder Kawasaki engine, the Hydro 80 is built for performance. Its powerful motor allows Daf to mow through dense, overgrown grass without clogging, something that was a significant challenge with his previous equipment. “It is great for cutting long overgrown grass,” Daf adds, emphasising the machine’s reliability and consistency, even in tough conditions.

One of the biggest benefits Daf has noticed is the time-saving aspect of the Hydro 80. “Since purchasing this machine, it has probably cut my time in half when mowing the gardens, which means it frees up more time. I can see my family more and get other work done.

Saving time for me is everything. It has completely transformed my business, and it makes working a joy. I’ve also noticed a lot less stress on the body because there is less walking and less pushing.”

The Hydro 80’s compact dimensions (197 x 82 x 117 cm) and light weight (240 kg) make it exceptionally manoeuvrable, even in tight spaces. “It is such a compact mower; it can get through small gateways, and you can get into gardens which you wouldn’t think you would get a ride-on in. It fits in the trailer really well, and I can easily transport it between jobs.”

Daf’s work often takes him to picturesque but challenging locations where weather can be unpredictable. The Hydro 80’s ability to perform in all weather conditions has been a critical factor in maintaining his business’s momentum. “Every day this mower surprises me. Last year I was losing quite a lot of days due to bad weather, but now I go out on this – even in the soaking rain. It blows my mind every time I use it. Considering the way the weather has been, with very wet summers and wet winters, I couldn’t keep losing work, so I needed to invest in some kit that would help me get the job done and keep the customers happy. That is exactly what the Hydro 80 has done.”

Beyond its performance, Daf appreciates its simplicity and ease of maintenance. “For me, one of the best features about this mower is how simple it is. It is easy to clean, easy to work on and it is very good on fuel.”

The mower’s grass collection system is another standout feature. The Hydro 80 has a 240-litre grass box, which fills efficiently regardless of the weather, and can be easily emptied with just one lever. “It picks up grass really well, wet or dry. It fills the box no matter what, and it has an easy lever to empty it all.”

Daf also values the proactive support he receives from Etesia. “Etesia is a very proactive company – they get back to me fast, and we have a nice working relationship together.”

The Etesia Hydro 80 has not only transformed Daf Price’s business but has also enhanced his quality of life by freeing up time to spend with his family and reducing physical strain.

With its combination of power, efficiency, and ease of use, the Hydro 80 is an invaluable tool for any lawn care professional looking to elevate their services.

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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BOSS appointed as distributors for AODES

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BOSS appointed as distributors for AODES: BOSS ORV is delighted to announce their appointment as UK and Ireland distributors for AODES Off-Road Vehicles. Established over thirty years ago and headquartered in Shandong, China, AODES is a multinational brand sold in more than 100 countries.

The company opened an R&D and distribution centre in California, USA in 2012, and decades of focusing on the power sports industry culminated in the introduction, in 2021, of the Pathcross ATV Series. The ATVs feature V-Twin engines in 525cc, 650cc, and 1000cc displacements. The appointment of BOSS was finalised at the EICMA exhibition in Milan.

BOSS appointed as distributors for AODES

BOSS appointed as distributors for AODES

“We are very excited to have a new ATV/Quad in our product portfolio.” Says BOSS ORV MD Phil Everett. “The wait has been worth it, as we have finally found a really high quality and price competitive product to suit our challenging market. This Shandong ODES Industry Co Ltd range will fit perfectly with our current products from CORVUS UTV, Powerland Agro Tractor Vehicles Private Limited, Paxster AS, and Faunamaster ApS as it fills a gap to join them all together. We will announce more details over the coming weeks.” The Pathcross ATV will be on show for the first time on the BOSS ORV stand at the LAMMA agricultural show in January 2025.

Pictured at EICMA with Mr Wang, the Shandong ODES founder and owner, are some of the BOSS team, Neil Everett, Phil Everett, Matt Richardson, and AODES global and Italy team.

For more information about BOSS ORV distributed products, you can call 01785 561046

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BIGGA’s presidential nominee leaves amazing legacy

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BIGGA’s presidential nominee leaves amazing legacy: A former Scottish First Division referee who officiated at European matches before becoming head greenkeeper at Buchanan Castle has accepted the nomination to become president of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) in 2025.

Ronnie Myles, 67, has immediately stepped into the role of BIGGA Vice President, supporting John Keenaghan for the remainder of his term. Ronnie will then formally be appointed BIGGA President at the BIGGA Annual General Meeting, taking place in January.

BIGGA’s presidential nominee leaves amazing legacy

BIGGA’s presidential nominee leaves amazing legacy

Ronnie said: “I was absolutely flabbergasted to be asked to become BIGGA President. Having been a member of greenkeeper associations for more than 50 years, I feel very proud and honoured to be asked to represent BIGGA in this way.

“This year I hope we’re able to enhance the profile of greenkeepers and continue the progression of our association, which has come a long way over the last 10 to 15 years. Fifty years ago greenkeeping was thought of as a dead end profession, but now, there are real opportunities that come with greenkeeping and you have the chance to build a great career.”

Ronnie began his career at East Kilbride Golf Club in 1971 and he would move on to Cathkin Braes, Erskine, Helensburgh and Scarcroft in West Yorkshire, before finally settling at Buchanan Castle, where he worked until his retirement in 2022.

Ronnie was a stalwart of the BIGGA West of Scotland Section for over 20 years, acting as chairperson and secretary. He was vice-chairperson of the BIGGA Scotland and Northern Ireland Region before being appointed the Region’s first President in 2023.

Despite his retirement, Ronnie continues to work seasonally at Stirling Golf Club and is an active member of the BIGGA Scotland Legacy Club, which seeks to offer support and guidance to the next generation of greenkeepers.

Away from greenkeeping and Ronnie had a remarkable career as a high level match official, once running the line for an Old Firm game before being selected for six European Cup matches, including a hair-raising trip to East Germany. Remarkably, Ronnie also spent two seasons as Broxi Bear, the matchday mascot of Rangers Football Club.

As BIGGA Vice President and President, Ronnie will act as an ambassador for the association, representing BIGGA at various events throughout the year. He will also join the BIGGA Board of Management and utilise his experience to guide the board in their decision making.

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Ronnie throughout my 13 years with BIGGA and I know how warmly he’s thought of in BIGGA Scotland and Northern Ireland, where he’s a popular and well-known figure.

“When he was proposed as BIGGA President 2025 the nomination was received enthusiastically by the BIGGA Board of Management and I’m looking forward to working alongside him. The coming year stands to be a crucial time in the history of our association as we seek to reshape our membership offering and build a structure that provides even more support and advice to greenkeepers at every stage of their career.”

You can read more about Ronnie’s career on the BIGGA website

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Makita adds XGT hedge trimmers

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Makita adds XGT hedge trimmers: Makita has added two powerful cordless hedge trimmers to its range of 40VMax XGT grounds maintenance tools. The 500 mm bladed UH020G and 600 mm UH021G both deliver highly efficient and effective cutting and have been designed for ease of use.

The UH020G and UH021G deliver an impressive 4,200 cutting strokes per minute and have a maximum blade opening of 20mm and will cut branches up to 10 mm in diameter. The new hedge trimmers feature single-sided blades with obliquely angled, triple-ground teeth for effortless cutting. The design of the blade also ensures excellent branch capture to provide smooth and complete trimming without branches escaping. It also features a reverse function to quickly and easily clear the blade in the event of a branch jam.

Makita adds XGT hedge trimmers

Makita adds XGT hedge trimmers

As part of Makita’s powerful XGT 40VMax platform, the new hedge trimmers deliver both high performance and excellent run times. Using a 4.0Ah battery, the UH020G and UH021G will achieve run times of approximately 110 and 105 minutes respectively before needing to swap the battery. The fast recharge times achieved by Makita’s XGT batteries means the 4.0Ah battery will be ready to use again in just 45 minutes.

In addition, the UH020G and UH021G have been engineered for user comfort and ease of operation. Both have a lightweight design with the blade guide bar manufactured from aluminium to improve the balance and reduce user fatigue. The two machines also feature a redesigned switch lever on the handle that is easier to press in any orientation for simpler control. For safety, the UH020G and UH021G have an electric brake, anti-restart function and a double layered housing to minimise vibration.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK said: “Developed from similar products in our 18V LXT range, these lightweight but powerful XGT hedge trimmers help to streamline the task by providing users with the performance and cutting efficiency required. These are just the latest addition to our continually expanding range of 40VMax XGT forestry and grounds maintenance tools, which includes chainsaws, lawn mowers, blowers, brush cutters, linetrimmers and sweepers.”

To find out more about Makita’s XGT range visit www.makitauk.com.

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