Kubota announces further expansion

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Kubota announces further expansion: Kubota (UK) Ltd is pleased to announce that George Browns Ltd has opened a new depot. Located in Witney, West Oxfordshire, this new site creates a wider spread of dealership locations across its sales area, that better meets the needs of its customers.

Essentially a depot relocation, the opening of the Witney branch has seen George Browns’ groundcare-only Haddenham depot close its doors to enable the development of this latest full-line tractor dealership in West Oxfordshire.

Kubota announces further expansion

Kubota announces further expansion

“Geographically, our new depot in West Oxfordshire puts George Browns and Kubota within easier reach for many more customers,” explains Steve Brown, managing director of George Browns. “This is another strategic move for our long-term business partnership with Kubota, to grow the groundcare and agricultural machinery aspects of the business.”

As a result of good infrastructure in west Oxfordshire, the new site offers easy access for customers and more usable space for the workshops – both internally and externally. Longer term, the plan is to employ a total of 12 staff at the depot, and the business is keen to encourage an uptake of apprentices across the business, for parts and service roles.

“It’s great to be part of the local economy, by bringing business and job creation into the area,” says George Browns’ group sales manager for agriculture, James Gibbins. “And as a full-line depot, Witney will be providing sales, service, parts and support for the Kubota tractor and implement ranges, in addition to Kubota groundcare equipment.”

Henry Bredin, general manager of Kubota (UK)’s Tractor Business Unit, fully supports the relocation.

“We’re delighted that George Browns continues to develop its partnership with Kubota,” he says. “This new depot is a tactical move that actively supports a wider customer base in both agricultural and groundcare sectors, across the Browns’ area.”

George Browns’ Witney location complements existing depots in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Essex, with the Chesham and Buckingham branches now supporting those existing groundcare customers who used the former Haddenham site.

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Lantra to promote turf care training

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Lantra to promote turf care training: Lantra are exhibiting at Europe’s largest turf management show, SALTEX next week to continue its ongoing Instructor recruitment drive and promote a NEW forward-thinking course aimed at meeting major challenges in the sector and advances in science and technology.

Members of the Lantra team will be available on exhibition stand K124 at SALTEX 2022 to update industry professionals on their NEW Landscape Multi-Tools course which has been developed in light of feedback from both land-based industries and training Providers.

Lantra to promote turf care training

Lantra to promote turf care training

SALTEX is Europe’s leading turf management show for grounds care volunteers, professionals, suppliers, and manufacturers.

The two-day event, which will be held at the Birmingham NEC November 2-3, attracts industry experts and hundreds of leading brands every year and gives exhibitors and event visitors the opportunity to see the latest technological and product developments – and this year SALTEX marks its 76th year by introducing a new look for 2022.

As well as sharing details on its new Landscape Multi-Tools course, Lantra will also be on hand to provide information on its wide range of other courses in turf industries, such horticulture, sports turf and landscaping, and give advice on how people can become training Instructors and Providers.

People can take their ‘green careers’ further by choosing from a wide range of courses in the horticulture industry which contributes a massive £9 billion each year to the UK economy.

Courses include – Safe Operation of Ride-On Mowers, Awareness of Integrated Weed Management, Installation of Artificial Grass Surfaces and Ground Care Machinery Maintenance.

Lantra also provides training and qualifications in the Safe Use of Pesticides which includes CRD-recognised certificates of competence.

David Fisher, Lantra’s Head of Industry Partnerships for the area, said: “We’ve been reviewing and updating our Landscape tools assessed training courses with sustainability in mind.

“To meet demand we have seen from Providers, we have also extended the content of some of our courses to include coverage of battery-operated equipment, and have developed a specific course for Landscape Multi-Tools which will be launched at the event.

“The two-day course consists of modules covering small engine maintenance, grass trimmers, hedge trimmers and leaf blowers, and will be relevant to both petrol and battery powered machines.

“SALTEX is the ideal place to launch the updated courses and materials, as it is where industry professionals come together to learn the latest developments for turf industries, and to share best practice.

“At Lantra, we recognise that, like so many other land-based industries, a shortage of suitably skilled labour is a major issue in the landscape sector. A key solution to addressing this skills gap, and growing the sector, is without doubt high quality, industry-recognised training and qualifications.

“That’s why we believe it’s crucial we attend events like SALTEX to share details of our latest training initiatives and keep our finger on the pulse in terms of what’s needed in the real world of work.

“This year, we’ll also be continuing with our drive to recruit experienced industry experts as training Instructors who can inspire, motivate, and educate both the current and future landscape workforce.”

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Support your employees with their mental health

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Support your employees with their mental health: Perennial, the charity helping people in horticulture, is calling for organisations to become ambassadors and participate in its Mental Health First Aider training programme. As part of the charity’s health and wellbeing focus the programme aims to put more Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace.

One in four people experience mental health problems which is the biggest contributor to ill health and is consistent with the people who come to us for support.

Support your employees with their mental health

Support your employees with their mental health

Perennial’s Health & Wellbeing Survey (2021) found that mental wellbeing was among the biggest perceived challenges for people working in horticulture. 85% of people’s mental wellbeing was poor or below average and 26% of people listed depression, anxiety, and stress as critical issues. A further 22% said they did not recognise when they were unable to cope or how to deal with these circumstances.

A significant culture change around mental health is needed across the horticultural community. Organisations need to be committed to raising awareness about mental wellbeing and supporting their employees with their mental health. We want people to have an in depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing, the practical skills to spot the signs and symptoms and to have the confidence to step in, reassure and support their colleagues.

We are looking for employers with over 20 employees who proactively want to increase their team’s mental health and wellbeing to join our pilot training programme. Perennial’s training is delivered in partnership with Mental Health First Aid England:

An in-depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing.

Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of a range of mental health issues.

Confidence to step in, reassure and support a person in distress.

Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgemental listening.

Knowledge to help someone recover their health by guiding them to further support.

An understanding of how to keep themselves safe while performing their duties.

Resources include – A reference card for the Mental Health First Aid action plan and the Line Managers’ Resource, an invaluable source of advice on how to support an employee experiencing mental ill health.

Places are still available for our next training course on the 30th November to 1st December and we are running courses throughout 2023, to find out more about, please contact Helen Waddington, Email hwaddington@perennial.org.uk.

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Greenkeepers to represent industry on a global scale

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Greenkeepers to represent industry on a global scale: British greenkeepers selected to represent their industry on a global scale as BIGGA and Bernhard and Company unveil the delegation to the GCSAA’s Conference and Trade Show

Following a record-breaking number of applicants, the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and Bernhard and Company are proud to reveal the 10 association members who have been selected to represent the best of British greenkeeping at the world’s largest gathering of sports turf professionals in Orlando, Florida next February.

Greenkeepers to represent industry on a global scale

Greenkeepers to represent industry on a global scale

A BIGGA Premium Partner, each year Bernhard and Company invites 10 BIGGA members to attend the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America’s (GCSAA) Conference and Trade Show. The BIGGA delegation sponsored by Bernhard and Company is one of the most respected and revered educational opportunities for BIGGA members.

With experiences designed to elevate the careers of those in attendance, the delegation is a week-long educational trip to the coveted GCSAA Trade Show and Conference. The week features site visits to leading golf courses in the region, as well as seminars, networking events and educational demonstrations.

The members selected for the 2023 BIGGA Delegation to the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show are:

  • Alex Brougham, assistant course manager, Trentham Golf Club
  • James Bruder, head greenkeeper, Old Course, Walton Heath Golf Club
  • Michael Budd, course manager, Shirley Park Golf Club
  • Scott Corrigan, deputy course manager, R&A Lethamhill
  • David Edmondson, head greenkeeper, Prestwick Golf Club
  • Andrew Kerr MG, course manager, Surbiton Golf Club
  • Steven Thomas, deputy head greenkeeper, Prestonfield Golf Club
  • Brian Toall, course manager, Baberton Golf Club
  • Jeremy Ward, course manager, Renishaw Park Golf Club
  • Bradley White, senior greenkeeper, Wentworth Club

The BIGGA Delegation with Bernhard and Company has helped define the careers of some of the most ambitious names within the greenkeeping industry. The delegation is known throughout the industry for building business and social relationships that last a lifetime.

Stefan Carter is head greenkeeper on the West Course at Wentworth Club. He said: “I went to San Diego in 2019 and it was a fantastic opportunity. The delegation really helped me expand my horizons and increase my network. You’re with nine other greenkeepers who you can bounce ideas off and share situations.

“At the show you experience the education and you get to look around the show, where they have technology that is unheard of in the UK. You pick up tips and techniques that you bring back home to push the boundaries of what you can achieve.”

Steven Nixon, Managing Director of Bernhard and Company, said: “We are once again excited to take the successful applicants on this incredible educational experience. We are passionate about giving back to the industry we love so much and, in collaboration with BIGGA, we are able to offer 10 of its members this potentially career-defining opportunity.”

The BIGGA Delegation with Bernhard and Company is just one of countless exclusive opportunities that have been specifically tailored to help BIGGA members achieve their professional ambitions and fulfil the association’s overarching ambition of elevating the reputation of greenkeeping in the UK and creating a stronger and more dynamic golfing industry. For more information about BIGGA, head to www.bigga.org.uk

For more information about Bernhard and Company and its products and services, visit www.bernhard.co.uk

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SAGE announces WEIBANG as main sponsor

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SAGE announces WEIBANG as main sponsor: SAGE has announced machinery expert WEIBANG as the main sponsor of the UK’s biggest outdoor trade show for the sports and grounds maintenance industry, which returns to the stunning Three Counties venue in Malvern, Worcestershire, on 19th – 20th July 2023.

Industry heavyweight, WEIBANG, has a wide range of products made from heavy-duty, professional quality components and the highest quality materials, with its range including everything from mowers to leaf and litter vacuums to stump grinders.

SAGE announces WEIBANG as main sponsor

SAGE announces WEIBANG as main sponsor

As well as sponsoring the event, WEIBANG will be exhibiting at the SAGE show in July 2023, where it will also be taking advantage of the live demonstrations and experiences opportunities on offer.

Of the sponsorship, Lewis Anderson from WEIBANG commented: “For us, SAGE is an event where we can show and, most importantly, let our customers get hands-on with the product!

“We believe that allowing customers to try and feel products in the real environment they are designed to work in is invaluable. We see the sponsorship of the show as a commitment that we have at WEIBANG to getting the industry together to allow end users to share knowledge, information and the opportunity to try products to ensure that they are purchasing the best machine for their application.”

For more information, or to book exhibition space, please visit https://sportsandgrounds.events  or contact Vicky Panniers vp@sportsandgrounds.co.uk.

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