Reesink's BNPL offer allowed Stratford Oaks to do it all

Reesink’s BNPL offer allowed Stratford Oaks to do it all

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Reesink’s BNPL offer allowed Stratford Oaks to do it all

Stratford Oaks Golf Club committed to another five years of course excellence and financial sustainability with a significant reinvestment in Toro machinery, facilitated through the hugely popular ‘buy now, pay later’ finance agreement with Reesink Turfcare.

Reesink's BNPL offer allowed Stratford Oaks to do it all

Reesink’s BNPL offer allowed Stratford Oaks to do it all

With the finance offer secured in December, the latest investment sees the club upgrade and expand its machinery fleet, enabling the team to enhance operational efficiency while simultaneously progressing key course improvement projects.

“We didn’t want to have to put project work on hold while we upgraded the fleet,” says Course Manager James Cleaver. “The option of the ‘buy now, pay later’ deal meant we didn’t have to. We could secure the essential maintenance equipment we needed without compromising on investments elsewhere.”

Following routine due diligence, the Board of Directors concluded that this approach represented the most effective use of the club’s resources. “We invest carefully and it’s vital we get it right first time,” says James.

“A thorough evaluation of pricing versus total cost of ownership, parts availability, and long-term reliability across multiple brands confirmed that in practice and on paper Toro and Reesink would give us the financial predictability and continuity in course maintenance standards we were looking for.”

The five-year payment plan aligned strategically with the club’s machinery replacement cycle and the process itself was described as seamless by James, with Reesink’s team managing the bulk of the administration. “Josh Nash and the team at Reesink handled everything from start to finish. All we needed to do was review and sign off — it was incredibly straightforward.”

The investment comes at a pivotal time for the club, which is currently undertaking a series of major improvement projects. It is in phase two of a four-phase bunker refurbishment programme and replacing all its tees sprinklers. Construction is underway on a new maintenance facility, and it is developing its academy and introducing a new driving range and short game facilities. With these improvements intended to increase value for members while maintaining cost efficiency, it was important they could continue — and with Reesink’s ‘buy now, pay later’ deal they could.

Jon Cole, Divisional Business Manager at Reesink Turfcare, says: “We understand clubs need to balance investment with day-to-day operational demands. The goal of our flexible finance options is to make it as easy as possible to access the right machinery at the right time, without delaying important projects or compromising on quality.”

The deal includes two Toro Greensmaster 3420 mowers, three Greensmaster 1021 and two Greensmaster 1026 walking mowers, Workman utility vehicles, a Groundsmaster 4500 mower and two Reelmaster 3575-D which have been particularly useful for the site as it can get quite wet, says James. “We don’t risk any tearing or scuffing with this mower because they’re so lightweight.”

Looking ahead, Stratford Oaks is closely monitoring advancements in robotic mowing technology. “We’re very interested in how robotics are being adopted across UK golf clubs,” James added. “We expect Toro robotic mowers to play a role in our next machinery investment cycle, particularly on the new driving range.”

Jon concludes: “What stood out with the 2025 ‘buy now, pay later’ offer was just how popular it was. Now more than ever, we can see how much clubs value being able to spread the cost over a structured term, focusing on long-term value, improving efficiency, and planning with confidence — while we handle the process.”

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Replay Maintenance strengthens County FA network

Replay Maintenance strengthens County FA network

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Replay Maintenance strengthens County FA network

Replay Maintenance has announced a series of new and expanded partnerships with County Football Associations across England, reinforcing its commitment to raising standards in grassroots football facilities.

Replay Maintenance strengthens County FA network

Replay Maintenance strengthens County FA network

Leading the latest developments is a new strategic partnership with Lincolnshire FA, alongside expanded collaborations with Derbyshire FA and Nottinghamshire FA, and new agreements with Cambridgeshire FA and Huntingdonshire FA.

The newly confirmed partnership with Lincolnshire FA will see Replay Maintenance deliver specialist maintenance services and technical support across both natural grass and synthetic playing surfaces throughout the county.

Clubs and facilities will benefit from expert guidance and practical support, helping them maintain pitches to the highest possible standards and ensuring surfaces remain safe, reliable and fit for purpose all year round.

Jake Park, Head of Football Development at Lincolnshire FA, said:

“We are both delighted and proud to be partnering with Replay Maintenance to help broaden the support available to clubs and facility providers across Lincolnshire.

“We know that pitch quality is one of the biggest challenges facing grassroots football, so working with a trusted and experienced specialist like Replay Maintenance will help ensure that investment in both natural and artificial pitches delivers the greatest possible benefit for the game locally.”

Replay Maintenance has also strengthened its established partnerships with Derbyshire FA and Nottinghamshire FA through the introduction of its Natural Turf Division.

This enhanced offering enables Replay to provide a fully integrated service across both artificial and natural surfaces, supporting the FAs in their drive to improve pitch quality and deliver against key performance targets.

As part of the expanded support, clubs across both counties can access free site assessments for artificial pitches, as well as expert guidance and contracting services for natural turf projects, particularly those applying to the Football Foundation’s Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund.

Tom Crabtree, Senior Facilities & Partnerships Officer at Derbyshire FA, commented:

“Improving grass pitch quality is a key priority for us, and this added expertise will give Derbyshire clubs even greater support. It’s another positive step in helping our grassroots game grow on better, safer surfaces.”

David Whyatt, Facilities & Investment Lead at Nottinghamshire FA, added:

“Good quality pitches are essential to players’ experience and development at every level. By extending their expertise across both artificial and natural surfaces, Replay can provide our clubs and facilities with valuable support and help us continue to raise standards.”

Further extending its footprint, Replay Maintenance has also announced new strategic partnerships with Cambridgeshire FA and Huntingdonshire FA.

These agreements will deliver a comprehensive package of maintenance services, technical expertise and tailored support to clubs across both counties, with a focus on improving pitch performance, safety and longevity.

Katie Critchley, Football Development Manager at Cambridgeshire FA, said:

“This partnership brings a clear focus on improving the quality and sustainability of grass pitches. Replay Maintenance will deliver expert inspections, practical advice and tailored maintenance plans, giving clubs the guidance they need to make lasting improvements.”

Brett Fairholm, Chief Operating Officer at Huntingdonshire FA, added:

“Maintaining safe, high-quality artificial and grass playing surfaces is vital for stabilising and growing participation across grassroots football. This partnership gives our clubs access to guidance, practical support and valuable learning opportunities from the experts.”

Together, these partnerships highlight Replay Maintenance’s growing role in supporting County FAs and their affiliated clubs, ensuring that playing surfaces across the country are maintained to the highest possible standards.

By combining specialist expertise with a collaborative, FA-led approach, Replay is helping to protect vital community assets, improve player experience and support the long-term sustainability of grassroots football.

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

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Green-Tech supplies landscaping materials for linear park

Green-Tech supplies landscaping materials for linear park

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Green-Tech supplies landscaping materials for linear park

Like most large cities, urban green space is often in short supply, particularly in places such as Leeds, which was a key manufacturing centre during the Industrial Revolution.

Green-Tech supplies landscaping materials for linear park

Green-Tech supplies landscaping materials for linear park

Quality of life, including spending time outdoors, is becoming increasingly more important to people. However, land is always at a premium, especially in the city, and when ground space is in short supply, people start looking skywards. This has led to a marked increase in green roof gardens. But it is not just roofs that provide this opportunity for urban greening, but also abandoned infrastructure, such as the Monkbridge Viaduct, built in the 1840s. The viaduct ceased to be used in the 1960s following the closure of Leeds Central Railway Station and remained in a state of decay and disrepair for over 40 years.

Since then, the Grade II listed railway structure has been transformed into a stunning, 300-metre-long linear garden, named Viaduct Gardens. It connects more than 600 new homes to retail outlets, bars, restaurants, and public spaces as part of The Junction residential development.

It was intended that the new linear park would provide a pleasant green transit corridor for pedestrians while encouraging social interaction between residents. Just like previous projects, such as New York’s High Line elevated railway, which has been converted into a linear green space, as has Manchester’s Castlefield Viaduct.

GREEN-TECH INVOLVEMENT AND PRODUCTS SUPPLIED

Over a period of 16 months, Green-tech worked in partnership with the main contractor, Galliford Try and the landscape contractor, Gavin Jones, both of whom have a long-standing relationship with Green-tech dating back 20 years.

The viaduct transformation included landscaped pedestrian walkways, lawned areas, and planting beds, featuring a mix of trees, shrubs, and John Chambers Wildflowers 80/20 wildflower mix. Across the 300-metre-long linear park, the largest component by far was the soil. Due to the immense strength of the viaduct, there was no need to use lightweight aggregate, as would normally be required for a podium-type structure, so Green-tech supplied Green-tree BS3882:2015 topsoil in a mix of full loads and bulk bags, depending on the schedule. In total, over 2,000 tonnes of soil was used throughout the site.

Each tree planted was supplied with a Mona Relief Aria irrigation ring, a perforated 60mm Ø pipe ring that sits around the top third of the root ball. When filled via the filler pipe, water is distributed evenly to the rooting area. The Aria filler cap is an open design that allows air into the system, helping to aerate the soil.

Ancillary products included:

  • 131 x 80-litre bags of Rootmaster compost to promote strong root development
  • 170 linear metres of GT RootBarrier to protect the planting from invasive roots
  • 3,000 x 70-litre bags of ornamental bark for surface dressing, help retain moisture and support weed suppression

IMPACT AND OUTCOME

The finished project not only reconnects the Leeds-Liverpool Canal to the West End of Leeds but also transforms the viaduct into a vibrant linear park that enhances urban biodiversity, encourages community interaction, and provides a calm, green space for residents and visitors to enjoy. Its combination of landscaping, planting, and accessible walkways creates a lasting social and environmental legacy in the heart of the city.

Alasdair Innes, Green-tech Specification Advisor, comments, “This was a wonderful project to be involved with and being local to Green-tech in Yorkshire makes it a little bit more special. The huge amount of soil required meant that logistics and deliveries had to be spot on to dovetail with the landscaping teams. It is always a pleasure to work with the professionalism and organisation of the teams from both Galliford Try and Gavin Jones Ltd.”

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EGO's new lightweight professional-grade line trimmer

EGO’s new lightweight professional-grade line trimmer

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EGO’s new lightweight professional-grade line trimmer

Battery-powered outdoor power equipment specialist, EGO, has extended its range of commercial tools with the launch of a new 42cm line trimmer.

EGO's new lightweight professional-grade line trimmer

EGO’s new lightweight professional-grade line trimmer

Part of EGO’s PRO X range, the STX4200 is a lightweight and manoeuvrable line trimmer and the first in its portfolio to feature a front motor, delivering maximum power with optimal weight distribution.

Engineered for professional landscapers and grounds maintenance teams, the front-mounted brushless motor eliminates the need for an internal drive shaft, delivering up to one kilowatt of power with a 42cm cutting width and 30% more usable power. That’s the equivalent of a 28CC petrol tool but without the noise, fumes or associated maintenance. Even with EGO’s smallest capacity 2.5Ah battery, users can enjoy 60 minutes of runtime at full power.

Supplied with a 2.4mm twist line, the new rapid-reload bump-feed head can fit up to 2.7mm line for when professionals need extra cutting power, and cuts in the anticlockwise direction favoured by professionals to ensure debris is thrown away from the user and into the work area.

A digital speed selector also gives users three steps of cutting control, from full power for clearing long thick grass to eco mode for lighter tasks, with each mode offering full control with the intuitive and responsive variable speed trigger.

Made with a carbon fibre boom, the tool weighs in at just 3kg without a battery, making it the ideal partner for teams with a full day’s work ahead by helping them to complete tasks comfortably, efficiently and with optimum precision. An adjustable loop handle further aids user comfort and balance, while a customisable shoulder strap is included for further weight distribution, especially when in use over longer periods. The tool’s low weight also enables easy switching between trimming and edging functions, with balance and control maintained by using the quick-release to swiftly readjust the loop handle.

Neil McGuinness, OPE Product Development Manager for EGO, said: “In conversations with our professional users, one thing is clear: there’s a strong demand for a grass trimmer that delivers serious power without compromising on weight or manoeuvrability. Achieving the right power-to-weight ratio has long been a challenge, and poorly balanced tools can quickly lead to fatigue over long working days. The latest addition to our PRO X range brings these elements together to offer exceptional power, outstanding balance and all-day comfort for commercial teams who rely on their equipment to perform from start to finish.”

The STX4200 is also fully compatible with EGO’s Connect and Fleet apps, giving access to product and software improvements, tool management services and more.

For more information, visit: https://egopowerplus.co.uk/ranges/professional-x-range

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Redexim UK welcomes Jeremy Vincent

Redexim UK welcomes Jeremy Vincent

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Redexim UK welcomes Jeremy Vincent

Redexim UK has strengthened its team with the appointment of Jeremy Vincent, a highly respected figure within the groundscare industry.

Redexim UK welcomes Jeremy Vincent

Redexim UK welcomes Jeremy Vincent

With more than three decades of experience, Jeremy brings a wealth of knowledge spanning engineering, sales and customer support. His career began as an apprentice at a John Deere dealership in 1988, before progressing through a variety of roles which ultimately led him into the groundscare sector.

Jeremy spent 16 years working with an importer, where he developed his sales expertise representing a range of machinery including Trilo products, before going on to work directly with Trilo for a decade across the UK, Ireland and beyond.

Now joining Redexim UK, Jeremy will take on responsibility for sales across the southern region, supporting dealers, attending demonstrations, and working closely with customers to deliver the company’s extensive range of natural and synthetic turf maintenance equipment.

Speaking about his new role, Jeremy said:

“Ideally, I wanted to stay with a manufacturer, and Redexim really stood out. They are market leaders and their product range speaks for itself. I’ve worked with the equipment before and was always impressed.”

He added: “I’m the sort of person who enjoys being hands-on with machinery, and Redexim’s portfolio really appeals to me. There’s a strong reputation behind the brand and that makes a big difference when you’re out speaking to customers.”

Well known and widely respected across the industry, Jeremy’s appointment has been warmly received by colleagues and contacts alike.

“I’ve had so many kind messages since the news got out,” he said. “It does make you realise what a great industry this is. Everyone is supportive, and it’s genuinely a nice sector to be part of.”

Looking ahead, Jeremy is excited about the future with Redexim UK and the opportunities within his new territory.

“Redexim is clearly a company that’s moving forward and evolving. I’m really looking forward to being part of that journey and helping to grow the business in my area,” he said.

With a strong track record, deep industry knowledge, and a passion for the sector, Jeremy’s appointment marks another positive step for Redexim UK as it continues to invest in its people and strengthen its presence across the UK.

For more information, visit https://www.redexim.com/uk/

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