Replay Group appoints James Kimmings

Replay Group appoints James Kimmings

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Replay Group appoints James Kimmings

Replay Group has appointed James Kimmings as its new Digital and Online Analyst, reinforcing the company’s commitment to growing its digital presence and supporting its continued expansion.

Replay Group appoints James Kimmings

Replay Group appoints James Kimmings

James joins Replay after almost four years at Pitchcare, where he gained extensive experience across journalism, social media management, videography, content creation, magazine production, video editing and digital communications.

At Replay, James will be responsible for growing the company’s digital footprint through website development, search engine optimisation (SEO), content creation and social media, while supporting the sales team with digital marketing activity designed to increase leads and raise the company’s profile across the sports turf, landscaping and grounds maintenance sectors.

James studied Sports Business Management at Northumbria University before completing a Master’s degree in Media and Journalism at Newcastle University. During his studies he gained valuable experience with a local newspaper and radio station before beginning his career at Pitchcare in 2022.

He was attracted by the opportunity to take on a new challenge in a role created specifically to support Replay’s future growth.

“What really appealed to me was the opportunity to build something from the ground up,” he explained. “Replay has ambitious plans for its digital presence, and this role gives me the chance to help shape that journey from the very beginning.

“It’s exciting because there’s so much potential. I can bring together everything I’ve learned over the last four years and apply it in a way that’s focused on growing the business and creating new opportunities.”

One of James’ biggest motivations is seeing measurable growth from his work.

“I’m looking forward to establishing some baseline figures and then watching the website traffic, enquiries and digital engagement grow over time. That’s something that’s really exciting because it’s a much more commercially focused role, where you can clearly see the impact of the work you’re doing.”

Having spent his entire professional career in the turf industry, James is also pleased to remain part of a sector he has come to know well.

“The people make this industry what it is,” he said. “I’ve had the privilege of interviewing countless greenkeepers, grounds staff and industry professionals over the last few years, and they’re passionate people who don’t always receive the recognition they deserve.

“I’m grateful to have stayed within the industry because it’s a fantastic community. Replay may have maintenance at the heart of its business, but it’s still very much part of the wider grounds sector. I’m excited about the challenge ahead, looking forward to working with the team and helping Replay continue to grow its digital presence.”

Replay Group welcomes James to the team and looks forward to the expertise, creativity and enthusiasm he brings as the company continues to strengthen its digital offering.

For more information, visit www.replaymaintenance.co.uk

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Cobra expands into professional sports turf sector

Cobra expands into professional sports turf sector

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Cobra expands into professional sports turf sector

Cobra has announced the much-anticipated arrival of its new Fortis Stadium 34 machine, a powerful new professional cylinder mower designed specifically for semi-professional and professional sports turf environments. Engineered for football pitches, cricket squares, golf facilities, bowls greens and sports academies, the new model marks a major step forward for Cobra as it fully enters the professional sports turf category.

Cobra expands into professional sports turf sector

Cobra expands into professional sports turf sector

The Fortis Stadium 34 represents a significant evolution for Cobra, bringing together modern turfcare technology with the experience and heritage of Henton & Chattell’s 95 years in the garden machinery industry. Designed to deliver precision cutting, versatility and long-term reliability, the machine is aimed squarely at grounds teams seeking professional performance with practical affordability.

To meet the evolving needs of modern grounds teams, Cobra is launching the Fortis Stadium 34 in two configurations; a Honda-powered petrol model for proven performance, and an EGO battery-powered model offering the same 34” cut with reduced noise, zero emissions at the point of use and lower running costs – ideal for stadiums where sustainability and noise control are priorities. Offering both power options provides facilities with the flexibility to adopt battery technology at their own pace while maintaining operational reliability. For large pitches and extended mowing sessions, the Fortis Stadium 34 can be fitted with an optional premium trailer seat, helping to reduce operator fatigue while maintaining precise control.

At the heart of the Fortis Stadium 34 is a precision-engineered cylinder cutting system, designed to deliver the immaculate striped finish and consistent cutting performance required on sports surfaces. Whether maintaining football pitches, cricket outfields, golf approaches or bowls greens, the Fortis Stadium 34 provides the control and accuracy grounds professionals demand.

The mower is fully compatible with the Fortis Turf Management Cartridge System, enabling operators to quickly switch between interchangeable lawncare cartridges. This allows grounds teams to carry out a wide range of essential turf maintenance tasks with one machine, including aeration, scarification, verticutting and brushing — keeping playing surfaces in peak condition throughout the season.

The launch of the Fortis Stadium 34 signals Cobra’s strategic move into a key segment of the professional turf market: the mid-tier professional user. This includes organisations such as grassroots and championship football clubs, universities, sports academies and professional grounds maintenance contractors. These facilities often require professional-grade turf equipment but seek a more accessible alternative to elite stadium machinery.

Peter Chaloner, managing director of Cobra, discusses how by combining professional capability with competitive pricing, Cobra is positioning the Fortis Stadium range as a new challenger within the sports turf sector: “Our new Fortis Stadium mower bridges the gap between traditional professional turf capability and practical operational flexibility — ideal for grounds teams transitioning from petrol to battery or needing both. We have designed them with the operator in mind, giving ultimate control and comfort during long mowing sessions with precision cutting and all while keeping budgets in mind”.

The move into professional sports turf reinforces Cobra’s commitment to developing equipment that meets the needs of modern grounds teams, while maintaining the brand’s reputation for delivering performance, reliability and value.

For more information on Cobra visit www.cobragarden.co.uk.

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Kilmacolm GC enjoys quieter mornings with Jacobsen ELiTE 360

Kilmacolm GC enjoys quieter mornings with Jacobsen ELiTE 360

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Kilmacolm GC enjoys quieter mornings with Jacobsen ELiTE 360

Renfrewshire’s Kilmacolm Golf Club is already reaping the benefits of electric mowing following the arrival of a new Jacobsen Greens Mower ELiTE 360 supplied by Fairways GM.

Kilmacolm GC enjoys quieter mornings with Jacobsen ELiTE 360

Kilmacolm GC enjoys quieter mornings with Jacobsen ELiTE 360

Delivered in May, the battery-powered mower is the first Jacobsen machine purchased by Course Manager John Dale for the club, although he was already familiar with the brand from previous roles elsewhere.

Together with Fairways GM’s Jonathan Rae and Stuart Cameron, John explored the available options before selecting the ELiTE 360. As part of the process, he sought the views of fellow course managers who had already introduced Jacobsen electric technology into their fleets.

“I spoke to several and the feedback was consistently positive,” he explained. “Jacobsen was already well established in the electric mower market and everyone was impressed with the performance and cut quality.  After the demonstration, I had no hesitation.”

The ELiTE 360 has quickly become an important part of the club’s maintenance programme, particularly because of its exceptionally low noise levels.

“Both our large practice putting green and a chipping green are close to neighbouring houses, traditionally, I’ve been reluctant to work in those areas too early in the morning because of the potential disturbance. The ELiTE 360 has completely changed that. It’s so quiet that we can prepare much earlier, which really helps us make the best use of the day.”

With a team of five maintaining the course and greens cut six times per week, consistency and presentation are essential.

“Our members expect high standards and one feature I particularly like is the ability to adjust the cut rate,” he continued. “It’s very straightforward to make changes depending on conditions or upcoming competitions. If we’ve got a Friday competition, it’s easy to alter the settings to achieve exactly the finish we want. It gives us another level of control.”

Battery performance has also exceeded expectations. “We’re comfortably getting more than 36 holes from a charge, which covers everything we need for two days. With fuel costs continuing to rise, electric technology makes increasing sense from an operational perspective.”

To support the purchase, Kilmacolm Golf Club also opted for a full-service agreement with Fairways GM.

“The machine has been fantastic so far and having the backing of a full-service contract gives us additional peace of mind,” concluded John Dale.

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The Rental Summit returns with two international events

The Rental Summit returns with two international events

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The Rental Summit returns with two international events

Briggs & Stratton is pleased to announce the return of The Rental Summit, sponsored by its commercial power solutions brand Vanguard, with two dedicated regional events taking place in Europe and North America.

The Rental Summit returns with two international events

The Rental Summit returns with two international events

Both events will feature expert-led presentations, keynote speakers and networking opportunities, with the two dedicated regional events taking place at Frankfurt International Airport, Germany and Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Building on the success of the previous editions, the Rental Summit 2026 will bring together decision-makers of rental companies, rental associations, OEMs, service partners and technology innovators from across Europe and North America to discuss the trends, technologies and strategies driving the future of the rental sector.

As the rental industry navigates a pivotal shift where traditional business models meet new technological imperatives and evolving regulations, staying ahead requires more than adaptation; it requires collaboration. The Rental Summit 2026 will again provide a platform for industry stakeholders to exchange ideas, address shared challenges, and explore the opportunities driving change in the industry.

Rental Summit 2026, Europe

On September 29th, 2026, the EMEA Rental Summit 2026 will bring together some of the rental industry’s most influential voices to explore the factors shaping total cost of ownership (TCO) and what they mean for the future profitability and sustainability of rental fleets. As rental companies look to maximise profitability while navigating rising operating costs, increasing utilisation demands and evolving environmental regulations, understanding the full cost of equipment ownership has become a key business priority.

Taking place at Frankfurt International Airport, the exclusive one day event will welcome senior decision-makers from across the rental value chain for a programme of expert insight, industry discussion and high-level networking. Hosted at the FRA Visitor Center, the summit will feature keynote presentations from Carole Bachmann, Secretary General of the European Rental Association; John Smeets, Director Fleet Uptime Compliance & Excellence at Boels Rental; Frederic Lietaer, CEO of ELIET; Neil Bravery, Commercial Director at Hire Association Europe; David Frank, Senior Vice President & President of Electrification at Briggs & Stratton; and Harald Schreibmüller, Head of Sales at Hainzl Motion & Drives.

Drawing on experience from across rental, manufacturing, technology and industry associations, speakers will share practical perspectives on fleet performance, equipment utilisation, operational efficiency and the commercial factors influencing long-term fleet investment decisions.

Beyond the conference programme, attendees will gain exclusive behind-the-scenes access to one of Europe’s busiest aviation hubs before concluding the day at the FRA Lounge near Terminal 3, providing a unique setting for networking, collaboration and knowledge sharing with industry peers.

US Rental E-Summit 2026

Meanwhile, the US Rental E-Summit 2026 will focus on the commercial realities of electrification. As electric power continues to move from concept to commercial deployment, successful adoption requires more than equipment alone. It requires collaboration between OEMs, rental companies and technology providers to address integration challenges and develop practical, rental-ready solutions.

The exclusive day and a half event will bring together North America’s leading rental stakeholders at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, US, on October 6th and 7th 2026. Attendees will explore strategies that maximise utilisation, support fleet electrification and deliver measurable return on investment. In addition to a full day of summit discussions and networking, attendees will have the opportunity the next day, to take a guided tour of Vanguard’s battery manufacturing facility in Tucker, Georgia, offering first-hand insight into the technologies driving the industry’s transition to electrification.

Sjoerd van de Velde, Managing Director at Briggs & Stratton EMEA, said: “The Rental Summit 2026 provides a unique opportunity for industry leaders to come together, share expertise and collaborate on solutions that will shape the future of rental. Following the success of our previous summits, we look forward to expanding The Rental Summit in 2026 with dedicated regional events in Europe and North America, creating even greater opportunities for meaningful discussion, knowledge sharing and industry collaboration.”

David Frank, SVP & President of Electrification at Briggs & Stratton , adds: “We are proud to enable this event through our sponsorship once again. The rental sector is a dynamic, forward-looking industry of great significance, and it is a privilege to deepen established partnerships while fostering the next generation of strategic collaborations. This event is something truly special, a vital platform for the entire industry, and we are honoured to support its continued growth.”

Registration for The Rental Summit 2026 is now open via the event website the-rental-summit.com. Further information on speakers, agenda updates and event announcements will be published in the coming months.

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RHS and water partners join forces to help reduce outdoor water use

RHS and water partners join forces to help reduce outdoor water use

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RHS and water partners join forces to help reduce outdoor water use

The RHS and industry partners will measure for the first time how much water is used for different outdoor purposes by households, paving the way for tailored advice on the most impactful activities.

RHS and water partners join forces to help reduce outdoor water use

RHS and water partners join forces to help reduce outdoor water use

The research responds to a predicted mains water deficit of 5 billion litres per day by 2055 if no action is taken. Existing research shows mains water use peaks in the summer months, in large part due to outdoor use, but the exact quantities and triggers remain unknown.

Funded by Ofwat’s Water Efficiency Fund through the Water Efficiency Lab, and including partners Artesia Consulting, Watergate, Weir The Agency and University College London, the study will work with volunteer householders across the country to quantify how much water is being used outdoors through the use of smart meters and flow measuring.

This insight, coupled with a detailed understanding of why people use mains water and the barriers that prevent switching to alternative water sources, will lead to the creation of a toolkit for water companies to deploy to drive reductions in mains water demand. This might take the form of responsive and regionally specific alerts and prompts as well as seeking to explain the importance of conserving mains water for essential use.

The full list of partners working on Helping homes save water outdoors, after a £1.1million award from the Water Efficiency Lab, are the RHS, Artesia Consulting, Weir The Agency, UCL, Watergate AI, Waterwise, Thames Water, Severn Trent, Southern Water, United Utilities and Affinity Water.

Nicholas Cryer, RHS Water Scientist, said: “We cannot manage what we do not measure. As climate change and population growth place increasing pressure on water resources, understanding outdoor water use has never been more important. This project will provide the first detailed picture of how households use mains water outdoors, helping us identify where the greatest opportunities exist to reduce demand.

“The insights gained will support practical behaviour change, encourage greater use of alternatives such as rainwater harvesting, and help protect the valuable benefits that gardens bring to people, communities and the environment. By making water go further, we can help build resilience for the future while continuing to enjoy healthy, thriving gardens.”

Gareth Thomas, Commercial Director at Watergate, said: “Water is one of our most precious resources, yet outdoor water use remains one of the least understood parts of household demand. By combining Watergate’s high-resolution monitoring technology with smart meter data and advanced analytics, this project will create a level of insight that simply hasn’t existed before. We’re excited to help develop the data, intelligence and tools needed to transform how the water sector understands and manages outdoor water use.”

As high temperatures continue and gardeners consider reaching for the hose pipe or watering can this week, the RHS is calling on gardeners to bide their time. With soils replenished from recent rain, the South East overnight, only newly planted flowers will benefit from a daily top-up. It also advises:

  • Water thoroughly every ten days to encourage deep roots.
  • Mulch plants to help retain moisture, reduce competition from weeds, and protect roots
  • Use rainwater stored in water butts versus mains water. This also allows space for the collection of more rainwater during summer downpours.
  • Greywater – water that has been lightly used for washing, bathing and in paddling pools – can be used when rainwater stores are exhausted but can lead to saline build up if used exclusively over a long period.
  • Let lawns go brown – they will recover when rain returns.
  • Shade pots and baskets exposed to direct sun and water over a drip tray to collect run-off that can be used again.

For more information on managing water in your garden visit the RHS website and https://www.rhs.org.uk/science/mains2rains).

The Water Efficiency Lab is delivered by innovation prize experts Challenge Works (part of Nesta), in partnership with Arup and Isle Utilities, and funded by Ofwat’s Water Efficiency Fund. To find out more about all seven winners of the first Water Efficiency Lab or to find out more about future competitions, visit waterinnovation.challenges.org

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