FSI B31-980 REMOTE proves the perfect fit for NOMA

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FSI B31-980 REMOTE proves the perfect fit for NOMA: When working in domestic gardens and areas with restricted access you quickly learn that, when it comes to equipment, size matters! For Liam Simpson, Director of NOMA, finding the right stump grinder wasn’t about getting the biggest machine – it was about getting the right one, and the FSI B31-980 REMOTE has proven to be a match for every challenge.

Having founded NOMA Property Services several years ago, Liam built the business from property maintenance into waste removal before expanding into tree work five years ago. Predominately tackling stump clearance in city locations, access is key and, at just 74cm wide, the FSI B31 all-but-eliminates the challenges. “It’s narrow enough to pass through alleyways, garden gates and tight spots – we’ve even, on the odd occasion, tracked the FSI B31 through a customer’s lounge” he explains.

FSI B31-980 REMOTE proves the perfect fit for NOMA

FSI B31-980 REMOTE proves the perfect fit for NOMA

Remote Control, Real Difference

The transportation of the FSI B31 is made even more convenient with the machines full-remote operation which Liam describes as a ‘gamechanger’. “Firstly, this means that the unit only requires one person to move and operate. Secondly, compared to our previous pedestrian machine that required constant manual positioning, the FSI B31 reduces vibration and allows us to stand safely away from the work area, improving comfort and productivity over long working days.”

“Tasks that previously took us four to six hours can now be completed in under an hour” he adds. “We’ve eliminated 17 small stumps in a morning with this machine and, on one occasion, 10 stumps in one session while seated comfortably at a safe distance.”

Increased Safety, Reduced Maintenance

Safety is not only enhanced for the operator with the FSI B31, Liam notes the machine’s rubber guards which effectively contain debris – a priority when working in close proximity to homes, fences and domestic clients. “We of course still use the safety barriers, but the rubber guards on the FSI do such a fantastic job. We see significantly less in the way of stones and debris ejecting unpredictably.”

“We also like the fact the B31 is hydraulically-driven as opposed to belt-driven which reduces maintenance demands. Even though we’ve put the machine through its paces, touch wood, we’ve had no downtime which is critical for keeping our calendar on track” Liam says.

After nearly a year of ownership, the verdict for Liam is clear. “This stump grinder has transformed how we work in domestic settings. The combination of its compact design, remote-control operation and high productivity gives us the very best of all worlds.”

You can learn more about NOMA on Instagram via @noma.ltd and find more information on the FSI Stump Cutter range by visiting fsi-stumpcutters.co.uk

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Four GMA NextGen Members Receive Pioneer Marks

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Four GMA NextGen Members Receive Pioneer Marks: Four members of GMA NextGen have been presented with their Pioneer Marks as part of the Pioneer Legacy initiative, recognising the contributions of past and present members of the group.

The Pioneer Mark is a distinctive legacy number that symbolises the impact each member makes on the grounds management profession. The awards were presented during the GMA Industry Awards, held at Edgbaston Stadium last week.

Four GMA NextGen Members Receive Pioneer Marks

Four GMA NextGen Members Receive Pioneer Marks

Luis Arregui (#036) is Deputy Grounds Manager at Real Madrid and plays a key role in maintaining elite playing surfaces at one of the world’s most recognised football clubs.

Flynn Good (#037) is a Skilled Sports Turf Operative at Leicester City Football Club. He first entered the industry at the age of 10 by volunteering at his local club. He then joined Leicester City at 16 and now plays a key role in maintaining the club’s training pitches. Flynn was also named Young Groundsperson of the Year at the GMA Industry Awards 2026, recognising his outstanding contribution and promise within the industry.

Jack Leather (#038) works as a Specialist Groundsperson at Liverpool Football Club. Jack helps deliver high-performing playing surfaces across the club’s facilities, supporting the demands of elite football.

Oliver Mahon (#039) is Head of Grounds at Bradfield College. He oversees the maintenance and development of the school’s sports facilities, ensuring consistently high standards across multiple playing surfaces used by students and teams throughout the year.

All four members joined GMA NextGen in February 2025 and were formally recognised with their Pioneer Marks at the GMA Industry Awards.

Jennifer Carter, GMA Director of Communications and Marketing, said: “The GMA is proud to recognise Luis, Flynn, Jack and Ollie with their Pioneer Marks as part of the Pioneer Legacy initiative. The group plays a hugely important role in representing the next generation of grounds professionals so recognising members in this way celebrates their contribution to the industry and highlights the important role young professionals play in shaping the future of grounds management.”

They join the ranks of respected NextGen alumni who have received their Pioneer Marks, which can be viewed here.

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Husqvarna supports chainsaw excellence during Championships

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Husqvarna supports chainsaw excellence during Championships: Husqvarna is proud to share that the brand’s dedicated team competed at this year’s World Logging Championships (WLC) in Slovenia, with 54 Husqvarna representatives from 16 countries taking part in the major international event.

Representing Great Britain and utilising Husqvarna’s elite tools were esteemed arborists Richard Elliott and Mark Edwards and U24’s representative Ben Jones. The trio competed against the world’s best logging athletes and showcased speed, teamwork and technical precision across six classic disciplines. An 11th place finish in the overall team category is to be greatly respected, given the standard of the competition.

Husqvarna supports chainsaw excellence during Championships

Husqvarna supports chainsaw excellence during Championships

During the event, the team participated across five individual disciplines as well as a team relay race, using specially modified Husqvarna 572XP chainsaws. Participants test their skills in activities such as limbing, mast felling and precision bucking.

Husqvarna is not only a main sponsor of the World Logging Championships 2026, but the event also highlights Husqvarna’s commitment to innovation, precision and trust when it comes to chainsaws.

The Great Britain team was selected by a series of qualifying events, held throughout the UK during 2025.

“Competing at the World Logging Championships is an incredible experience,” said Richard Elliott, member of the Husqvarna UK team. “You’re up against the best loggers in the world, so every discipline pushes your skills, focus and precision to the limit. In a discipline like ours, it’s crucial to rely on top-tier equipment, so utilising the high-performance tools from Husqvarna gave us the confidence and precision needed to perform at our best.”

Through activities such as ongoing support of global and regional championships, and innovative training initiatives alongside leading education providers, Husqvarna plays an active role in developing professional logging talent and promoting chainsaw excellence on the global stage.

Please find further information available on the Husqvarna website HERE and assets linked HERE

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Bernhard names Mecagreen as European Distributor of the Year

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Bernhard names Mecagreen as European Distributor of the Year: Bernhard and Company, the global leader in fine turf sharpening solutions, has named Mecagreen as its European Distributor of the Year for 2025. The award recognises outstanding commitment to brand development, customer engagement, and driving sales growth across their territory.

Throughout 2025, Mecagreen has demonstrated exceptional dedication to strengthening Bernhard and Company’s presence within its market.

Bernhard names Mecagreen as European Distributor of the Year

Bernhard names Mecagreen as European Distributor of the Year

Steven Nixon, Managing Director of Bernhard and Company, commented: “Mecagreen has shown exactly what we look for in a distribution partner – professionalism, market expertise, and a clear focus on supporting turf professionals to achieve the highest standards. Their proactive approach throughout 2025 has delivered tangible results, and we’re proud to recognise their achievements with this award.”

Laurent Donnay for Mecagreen added: “We are delighted to be named European Distributor of the Year by Bernhard and Company. Their reputation for precision and innovation makes them a trusted partner for our customers, and this recognition reflects the hard work of our entire team. We look forward to continuing to grow our partnership and supporting turf professionals across our region.”

With continued investment in education, technical support, and customer engagement, Bernhard and Company and Mecagreen are set to build further momentum across Europe in 2026.

For more information on Bernhard and Company’s distributor network, head to: https://bernhard.co.uk/contact/

You can also find Bernhard and Company on Twitter at @BernhardCompany, on Instagram at @bernhardcompany, and on Facebook and LinkedIn by searching Bernhard Company.

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Elevating Grounds Care with Battery

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Elevating Grounds Care with Battery: Authorised Hayter® dealer MP Machinery has supplied three new Hayter Harrier® 56 Pro 60V battery-powered lawnmowers to RHS® Garden Harlow Carr, helping the site take a significant step forward in its sustainability strategy.

RHS® Harlow Carr has been a long-standing user of the petrol Harrier® 56 Pro, and the decision to transition to the 60V battery platform reflects both confidence in the Harrier® range and the trusted relationship the garden has built with MP Machinery over many years. The dealer worked directly with the RHS® team to specify and supply the machines, ensuring they met the garden’s professional performance requirements.

Elevating Grounds Care with Battery

Elevating Grounds Care with Battery

Toro U.K. Limited’s Territory Manager Ben Kirkby supported the installation on-site, where the new machines were introduced to the horticultural team. Images captured during the handover show the Harrier® 56 Pro 60V models in position across the grounds, demonstrating how seamlessly battery technology can be integrated into professional operations.

Craig Hoare, UK Sales & Marketing Manager for Toro U.K. Limited, commented: “MP Machinery has been instrumental in supporting RHS® Harlow Carr’s transition to battery power. Their product expertise and long-standing relationship with the garden team ensured the Harrier® 56 Pro 60V was the right choice for their sustainability goals. We’re proud to work with dealers who champion the move toward cleaner, quieter and more efficient grounds-care solutions.”

The adoption of the 60V platform highlights the combined commitment of Hayter® and its dealer network to delivering future-ready, high-performance equipment for professional users across the UK.

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