British Sugar TOPSOIL announces Bursary recipient

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British Sugar TOPSOIL announces Bursary recipient: First announced in February to mark the launch of its new TOPSOIL Academy online learning resource, the British Sugar TOPSOIL £500 Training Bursary has now been awarded to Richard Brusaferro, a former NHS Senior Theatre Assistant and recent career-changer.

Richard, 51, who has worked at Ipswich Hospital for the past 14 years, has always been a keen amateur gardener and, wanting to make his passion his career, he took a part-time course in Practical Horticulture at Suffolk Rural College. Having subsequently taken the plunge and left the NHS, he is now employed on a private estate near Ipswich as a gardener, putting his knowledge to practical use and building his wider experience of the horticulture sector.

British Sugar TOPSOIL announces Bursary recipient

British Sugar TOPSOIL announces Bursary recipient

“Completing the initial course at Suffolk Rural College and then being awarded the TOPSOIL bursary has given me the confidence to follow my heart and change careers” Richard explained. “I have taken quite a salary cut to follow my dream and so the bursary will allow me to fast-track my learning journey by studying for the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture from September. I can’t wait!”

National TOPSOIL Manager at British Sugar, Andy Spetch, is delighted that Richard is grasping this opportunity with both hands: “The training bursary selection panel was impressed by Richard’s obvious passion for horticulture and his determination to follow his dream and work in the sector, despite the financial implications of his decision. We unanimously decided that the bursary could make all the difference to Richard’s chances of building a successful career within an acceptable timeframe.”

In addition to the financial contribution to Richard’s horticultural training, mentoring will be an important element of the support the TOPSOIL Training Bursary will provide. Andy Spetch said: “Richard is now working in an entirely different sector and I hope that I will be able to assist him by introducing him to others working in landscaping and horticulture and making him aware of industry exhibitions and organisations that will be of help to him as part of professional development. I wish him every success.”

www.bstopsoil.co.uk  Twitter @Topsoil­_BS

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New upgrades to land across Polaris dealerships

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New upgrades to land across Polaris dealerships: Polaris Off Road Vehicles announces its 2023 line-up today with an impressive range of new upgrades and colours introduced across its RANGER, RZR, General and Sportsman models.

Keen to set the standard for tailored options to fit its customers’ style, tastes and preferences, Polaris continues to add new choices to its latest off-road vehicle offering, as well as continued upgrades to its range for optimal performance.

New upgrades to land across Polaris dealerships

New upgrades to land across Polaris dealerships

POLARIS RANGER

Designed for comfort, engineered for work and built to last, the top-of-the-range Ranger XP 1000 is available in the new Azure Crystal colour option for 2023 alongside a new ergonomic handbrake handle and Pro Armor® X-Terrain 27-inch tyres on the Premium model, Crew model, Hunter Edition and Nordic Pro Edition.

  • 2023 Ranger XP 1000 EPS in new Azure Crystal [EU / Quad L7e / Tractor T1b / Tractor T1a / ZUG/LOF homologation]
  • 2023 Ranger XP 1000 EPS with ABS in new Azure Crystal [Tractor T1b homologation]
  • 2023 Ranger Crew XP 1000-6 EPS in new Azure Crystal [MD / Tractor T1b homologation]
  • 2023 Ranger XP 1000 EPS Hunter Edition in Pursuit Camo [ZUG / Tractor T1a / Tractor T1b homologation]
  • 2023 Ranger XP 1000 EPS Nordic Pro Edition in Black Pearl [Tractor T1a / Tractor T1b homologation]

The Ranger 1000 – Polaris’ answer to top-level full-size performance at a great price point – is available in White Lightning for 2023, in both 3-seat and Crew models. A new handbrake handle can be seen across 3-seat and Nordic Pro edition models.

  • 2023 Ranger 1000 EPS in White Lightning [EU / Tractor T1b / Tractor T1a / ZUG/LOF homologation]
  • 2023 Ranger Crew 1000-6 EPS in White Lightning [MD / Tractor T1b homologation]
  • 2023 Ranger 1000 EPS Nordic Pro Edition in Black Pearl [Tractor T1a / Tractor T1b homologation]

Durable, dependable, and capable, the Ranger Diesel and Ranger Diesel Deluxe models have a new isolated front drive. The rubber mounting isolates the front drive vibration from the chassis and passengers by providing for flex and movement based on driveline torque, improving passenger comfort. The upsized mounting hardware provides 45% more strength, five key changes to provide maximum driveline confidence, and a 15% stronger chassis specifically redesigned around the new front-drive isolation mounts. Both Diesel models also feature a new handbrake handle and Pro Armor® X-Terrain 27-inch tyres. The Ranger Diesel Deluxe is now available in the new Super Graphite colour option.

  • 2023 Ranger Diesel in Sage Green [Tractor T1b / MD homologation]
  • 2023 Ranger Diesel Deluxe in new Super Graphite [Tractor T1b homologation]

The entire full-size Ranger line-up, including petrol and diesel models, receives new side view mirrors equipped from the factory for 2023, allowing for a crisp line of sight of the rear bed and tyres with curved automotive-grade glass, fully adjustable with easy break-away function and fully compatible with Ranger cab systems between the door and cage mount options.

The mid-size Ranger SP 570 in Sage Green and Hunter Edition both receive new mudguards, under-seat storage capabilities, and a three-position Polaris pulse bus bar. Ranger SP 570 Nordic Pro Edition sees all-new USB charging available in-cab.

  • 2023 Ranger SP 570 in Sage Green [MD / Quad L7e / Tractor T1b / Tractor T1a / ZUG homologation]
  • 2023 Ranger SP 570 Hunter Edition in Pursuit Camo [Tractor T1b/ Tractor T1a / ZUG homologation]
  • 2023 Ranger SP 570 Nordic Pro Edition in Black Pearl [Tractor T1b / Tractor T1a]

POLARIS SPORTSMAN

Trusted by over 1.6 million riders and counting, Polaris Sportsman takes its bestselling ATV line-up to a new level for 2023 with new graphics and colours. The new generation of Sportsman 570 introduced to the market last year receives new 6-ply Wanda tyres on 12-inch wheels. The 570 platform also sees the rich Orange Rust colourway added to the EPS model, whilst the Agri Pro special edition continues to be available in classic Sage Green in a paint finish, rather than in-mold, the Öhlins Edition in new Spirit Blue colour, the Black Edition in striking Onyx Black Smoke and the Sportsman 570 SP model in bold Sunset Red.

  • 2023 Sportsman 570 in Sage Green [EU / T3b / T3a / ZUG] and White Lightning [T3b / T3a homologation]
  • 2023 Sportsman 570 EPS in new Orange Rust [T3b / T3a / ZUG/LOF homologation] + Sage Green and White Lightning
  • 2023 Sportsman 570 SP in new Sunset Red [EU / T3a / T3b / ZUG homologation]
  • 2023 Sportsman 570 SP Öhlins Edition in new Spirit Blue [T3a / T3b homologation]
  • 2023 Sportsman 570 EPS Agri Pro in Sage Green paint [T3b / T3a / ZUG/LOF homologation]
  • 2023 Sportsman 570 EPS Hunter Edition in Pursuit Camo [T3a / T3b / ZUG homologation]
  • 2023 Sportsman 570 EPS Black Edition in Onyx Black Smoke [T3a / T3b / Quad L7e homologation]

Boasting extreme capabilities, power and strength, the Sportsman XP 1000 EPS is now available in Chalk Gloss, whilst the Touring model sees a new, deep Crimson Metallic finish.

  • 2023 Sportsman XP 1000 EPS in Chalk Gloss [Quad L7e homologation]
  • 2023 Sportsman Touring XP 1000 EPS in Crimson Metallic [Quad L7e homologation]
  • 2023 Sportsman XP 1000 S in Super Graphite [EU / T3a / T3b / ZUG / Quad L7e homologation]

POLARIS RZR

Polaris RZR pioneered the performance side-by-side category. Known for its unmatched performance, and rider-centric vehicle design, RZR has established itself as the top choice for recreational enthusiasts for more than a decade. Today, the 2023 RZR XP 1000 EPS, both two- and four-seat versions, has a new and striking colour added to the lineup: Indy Red. The RZR Trail S in Ghost Gray features new FOX 2.0 Podium X Shocks for 2023.

  • 2023 RZR XP 1000 EPS in new Indy Red [EU / Tractor T1b / ZUG/LOF homologation]
  • 2023 RZR XP4 1000 EPS in new Indy Red [MD / Tractor T1b homologation]
  • 2023 RZR Trail S 1000 Premium in Ghost Gray [Tractor T1a / Tractor T1b / EU / ZUG / Quad L7e homologation]

The groundbreaking introduction of the RZR Pro XP platform in 2020 pushed the industry to a whole new level with its professional-grade performance that’s been proven across the globe. For 2023, the RZR Pro XP Sport is now available in Ghost Gray with new FOX 2.0 Podium X shocks, whilst the Ultimate trim is now available in Sunset Red – both with new triple-rated rear springs.

  • 2023 RZR Pro XP Sport in Ghost Gray
  • 2023 RZR Pro XP Ultimate in Sunset Red

The latest model in the RZR range, the Turbo R, is a game-changer when it comes to power, strength, and control, delivering unprecedented performance straight off the showroom floor. For 2023, the Sport trim is available in Onyx Black, whilst the Ultimate trim is available in Orange Burst.

  • 2023 RZR Turbo R Sport in Onyx Black
  • 2023 RZR Turbo R Ultimate in Orange Burst

POLARIS GENERAL

Since its introduction to the market in 2016, Polaris General has established itself as the leader in versatility. With its unstoppable performance, unmatched comfort and endless utility applications, General is the perfect no-compromise solution for work, play and everything in between. For 2023, the General 1000 EPS ABS is now available in a premium Stealth Grey colourway.

  • 2023 GENERAL 1000 EPS Deluxe ABS in Stealth Grey [ZUG/LOF / Tractor T1b homologation]

POLARIS YOUTH

The Ranger 150 EFI is the industry’s first youth vehicle with smart safety features, making it the ideal vehicle for children to enjoy the outdoors safely. For 2023, the Ranger 150 EFI is available in Avalanche Grey, replacing the previous White/Blue colours.

  • 2023 Ranger 150 EFI in Avalanche Grey.

2023 also introduces a host of new parts and accessories available across the entire Polaris line-up to enhance every journey and provide several customisation options for any type of rider.

For more information on vehicle availability in specific regions, please contact your local dealer and/or your local Polaris representative.

For further media information on Polaris ORV products, please contact the Polaris ORV Media Office at press@polaris-orv.media.

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STRI Group launches new brand

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STRI Group launches new brand: STRI Group, a global design, engineering and management consultancy, has launched a new brand following a period of growth and diversification. The group’s skills were founded within the design, management and maintenance of sports surfaces, and they continue to deliver and implement strategies for sports facilities and their surrounding infrastructure, as well as working within residential, corporate and commercial spaces.

Since setting up a construction company, Carrick Sports Construction, and adding the Environmental Protection Group to the organisation, as well as investing in their already established planning, design, maintenance, and research services, the breadth of in-house expertise perfectly positions them to handle a wide variety of sports and urban projects.

STRI Group launches new brand

STRI Group launches new brand

The group is also well-renowned for its expertise in scientific research and analysis, monitoring and compliance services, which continue to operate from independent laboratory facilities across the world, with a large research facility at their headquarters in Yorkshire and sites in Queensland and Victoria, Australia.

A number of joint ventures and partnerships adds a strong presence for the Group in the Middle East, with STRI delivering the first ever turf racetrack in Saudi Arabia for the Saudi Cup in 2020. More recently, through their joint venture Aspire Sports Turf based in Qatar, delivering the design, construction supervision and maintenance supervision of all pitches for the Qatar 2022 World Cup on behalf of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.

The group’s new website, strigroup.com, showcases its end-to-end proposition and highlights completed projects across a range of sports and cities. This spans local government sports facilities such as the Blackpool Enterprise Zone through to elite stadia and tournaments including World Cups and the Wimbledon Championships, as well as urban greening and sustainable water management initiatives like Northern Bloc’s blue green roof in Manchester.

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Experience the Aspen difference

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Experience the Aspen difference: Alkylate petrol pioneers Aspen are back at APF for 2022, showcasing the benefits of their ethanol-free fuel for two and four-stroke engines.

Founded in 1988, Aspen has long been helping to improve operator working conditions, enhance engine performance and reduce the negative impact on the environment – and they’re so confident you’ll agree that visitors to stand D1A can now trial Aspen Fuel with a new money back guarantee!

Experience the Aspen difference

Experience the Aspen difference

Being free from ethanol, benzene and many of the other hazardous hydrocarbons found in traditional pump fuel, Aspen alkylate petrol has been proven to improve equipment performance and reduce the wear on engine components. The cleaner burn not only brings benefit for your equipment, but significantly reduces pollutants into the atmosphere – better for both people and the planet.

These benefits have seen Aspen become a popular choice with professionals, who also enjoy the convenience of having Aspen delivered in bulk, by the can or drum, directly to their site. For those yet to experience the difference, Aspen are introducing a new incentive at APF 2022 where, subject to a bulk purchase, operators can trial Aspen with an option to return the fuel if they change their mind.

Commenting on the offer, Business Development Manager Axel Hildebrand said, “Aspen has a tried and tested record of making a real difference to the working conditions for arb and grounds contractors of all sizes up and down the country. However, all too often, we find people are tentative to give it a try! This initiative will give people the opportunity to put Aspen to the test in their own working environments, and we’re confident that once people discover first-hand the improvements it can make to sustainable working that they’ll not look back.”

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Lawn Top Dressing applicator

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Lawn Top Dressing applicator: Would your business or sports club benefit by using a lawn top dresser to quickly and easily spread, top dressing, sand or compost onto fine turfed lawns, bowling greens, croquet lawns and cricket wickets?

Your company could increase profits by offering this service to existing customers or if you wish carry out this type of work on your sports surfaces, then an Eco 250s spreader, available in the UK from Geko Engineering Limited could make the job easier and faster.

Lawn Top Dressing applicator

Lawn Top Dressing applicator

Spreading top dressing is a time consuming but essential routine task which needs to be carried out at least annually to fill in minor hollows in the surface and also improve soil condition and drainage. The traditional method of using a wheelbarrow and shovel to deposit material on the low spots, then level out with a lute can be used but this is extremely hard work and slow going on anything larger than a small area.

Until now few alternatives were available to smaller companies and sporting clubs who understand the benefits of top dressing and wish to add this service in addition to aeration and scarification as part of an annual maintenance program but could not justify the initial expenditure or charge for the labour time and effort required.

The Ecolawn Eco250s top dresser can spread up to approximately 1 tonne per hour evenly and quickly and is within the finances of most companies especially if a financing option or sports grant is used.

Operation of the machine is simple,

  • fill the hopper, drive the machine to the spread zone,
  • adjust the door opening to select how much material to discharge
  • engage the conveyor and drive the machine forwards at a brisk walking pace.
  • Adding the EcoSeeder attachment allows overseeding to take place simultaneously saving even more time, and offers a further revenue stream.

All Ecolawn powered machines utilise the professional grade Honda GX160 engine ensuring easy starting and reliable running. Machine controls are connected by linkages adjustable from the operating position, making adjustments whilst on the move possible. Servicing and maintenance requirements are minimal and easy to carry out by most people with basic knowledge therefore keeping the machine in good condition at minimum cost. Other advantages of these compact machines are their small size and low weight providing access through most gateways and transport between jobs by medium size van or small trailer.

Geko Engineering Limited are the sole UK distributor for the Ecolawn range, why not contact us now and find out more about Ecolawn machines.

Note to Editors:  Geko Engineering Ltd, supply professional landscaping equipment domestically and internationally. Working with manufacturers and distributors to provide specialist equipment/

Our range includes but is not limited to; Top dressing / compost spreaders, Spray equipment, Tree stump grinder attachment suitable for mini excavators, air spade non contact excavation tool, mowers, debris vacuums, leaf loaders, aerators, powered brushes

We offer UK delivery with personal handover on some products to ensure our customers understand operation and maintenance

(contact details for further information).

Geko Engineering Ltd.

Unit 16 Sherdley Road

Lostock Hall

Preston, Lancashire

PR5 5JF

Tel +44 (0)1772 459049

Mob+44 (0)7770 683679

email sales@gekoengineering.co.uk

Web http://www.gekoengineering.co.uk/

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