Policy, practice and resilience take centre stage at Amenity Forum conference

Policy, practice and resilience take centre stage at Amenity Forum conference

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Policy, practice and resilience take centre stage at Amenity Forum conference

Government, regulators, industry and practitioners will come together at the Amenity Forum Annual Conference this October to explore the changes shaping professional amenity management – from evolving policy and regulation to responsible delivery and future resilience.

Policy, practice and resilience take centre stage at Amenity Forum conference

Policy, practice and resilience take centre stage at Amenity Forum conference

Under the theme Navigating Change: Regulation, Stewardship and the Future of Amenity Management, the 2026 Annual Conference will take place at the British Motor Museum, Warwickshire, on Thursday 8 October.

The programme has been structured around three questions: what is changing around us, how should the sector respond responsibly in practice, and how do we prepare for what comes next?

The opening session, Policy, Regulation & Practice – What’s Changing for Amenity?, will bring together perspectives from Defra, HSE’s Chemicals Regulation Division, the Environment Agency and Bayer Crop Science, examining the direction of pesticide policy, the changing regulatory landscape, what inspections are telling us and the implications for professional amenity management.

Attention will then turn to delivery on the ground in From Expectation to Reality – What Works on the Ground? LanGuard and GB Railfreight will share practical experience of contractor delivery and vegetation management at scale, while the Weed Resistance Action Group (WRAG) will consider resistance risk, stewardship and what the sector needs to do now.

The final session, Building Resilience – Adapting Amenity for the Future, will look ahead to the pressures shaping professional amenity management, with perspectives around soil, water and drought resilience, and the future management of public spaces. Further speakers for this session will be announced shortly.

Ian Graham, Chairman of the Amenity Forum, said: “Professional amenity management is operating in a period of considerable change. Policy and regulation are evolving, expectations around environmental management continue to increase, and those responsible for managing amenity spaces need to deliver effective outcomes while preparing for new pressures.

“Our conference is an opportunity to bring those different perspectives together – from policy makers and regulators to the people responsible for delivering work on the ground – and have an informed conversation about how the sector responds.”

The Amenity Forum Annual Conference takes place on Thursday 8 October 2026 at the British Motor Museum, Warwickshire. Registration opens at 8.30am and the conference runs from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Delegates can also attend the Amenity Forum Annual Dinner on Wednesday 7 October at Ashorne Hill, Warwickshire, providing an opportunity to meet and network with colleagues from across the sector ahead of the conference.

For further information, to view the programme and to book, visit the Amenity Forum website – include weblink.

For further information about the Amenity Forum, visit: www.amenityforum.co.uk

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Campey Turf Care Mourns the Loss of Neil Armstrong

Campey Turf Care Mourns the Loss of Neil Armstrong

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Campey Turf Care Mourns the Loss of Neil Armstrong

It is with immense sadness that Campey Turf Care announces the passing of our Company Secretary and Accounts Manager, Neil Armstrong, at the age of just 43.

Campey Turf Care Mourns the Loss of Neil Armstrong

Campey Turf Care Mourns the Loss of Neil Armstrong

Neil passed away on Saturday 29 August following an incredibly short illness, having been diagnosed with brain cancer only days earlier.

His sudden illness and passing have come as an enormous shock to everyone at Campey Turf Care. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Neil’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

Neil was part of Campey Turf Care for 16 years and, in that time, became an integral and much-valued member of the company. As Company Secretary and Accounts Manager, he played a vital role in the day-to-day running of the business, and we came to rely enormously on his knowledge, experience and support.

But after 16 years together, Neil was far more to us than his job title. He was a colleague, a friend and a cherished part of the Campey family.

His contribution to the company was considerable, and his familiar presence will be greatly missed, not only by everyone at Campey Turf Care, but also by the many customers, suppliers and friends across the industry who came to know him.

Richard Campey, Chairman of Campey Turf Care, said:

“Neil’s passing has come as a tremendous shock to us all. At only 43, and after such a sudden illness, it is incredibly difficult to comprehend.

“After 16 years with Campey Turf Care, Neil was so much more than a colleague. He was someone we trusted and relied upon enormously, but, more importantly, he was our friend and a very important part of the Campey family.

“He shared so much of the company’s journey with us, and his absence will leave a huge gap. He will be very sadly missed by everyone here and by the many people who had the pleasure of knowing him.

“Our thoughts are first and foremost with Neil’s family at this unimaginably difficult time.”

Neil gave Campey Turf Care 16 years of dedication and friendship. To lose him at just 43 is devastating, and we will remember him with enormous affection and gratitude.

He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Funeral and cremation service to be held at Macclesfield Crematorium on Wednesday 30th September at 12.15pm. 87 Prestbury Road, Macclesfield SK10 3BU.

Those wishing to attend are warmly invited to join the family and please kindly meet at the Crematorium and afterwards at the Cavendish Golf Club, Watford Road, Buxton SK17 6XF. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Neil are gratefully appreciated, to the NorthCare Charity – The Critical Care Unit at Salford Royal Hospital.

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STIHL welcomes Irish dealers ahead of 2027 launch

STIHL welcomes Irish dealers ahead of 2027 launch

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STIHL welcomes Irish dealers ahead of 2027 launch

STIHL GB has welcomed more than 70 dealers from across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to a dedicated launch event ahead of the formation of STIHL UK and Ireland in January 2027.

STIHL welcomes Irish dealers ahead of 2027 launch

STIHL welcomes Irish dealers ahead of 2027 launch

Held at Shamrock Lodge in Athlone, the event gave prospective STIHL dealers the opportunity to learn more about the company, meet key members of the STIHL team and discover the extensive support that will be available to them from next year.

Following welcome refreshments, dealers received a full introduction to STIHL through a series of presentations led by STIHL GB Managing Director Kay Green and colleagues from across the business.

The morning sessions provided an overview of the STIHL brand, its product portfolio and its approach to working in partnership with its network of specialist dealers. This was followed by a buffet lunch, giving attendees the opportunity to meet the STIHL team and discuss the plans for the Irish market in more detail.

During the afternoon, dealers heard more about the comprehensive support they can expect from STIHL, including dedicated technical services, product and business training, and Commercial Solutions support. The STIHL marketing team also outlined its plans for supporting the brand and dealer network across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

To conclude the event, attendees visited the STIHL On Tour mobile showroom, which travelled to Athlone for the occasion. The interactive showroom gave dealers a first-hand look at a wide selection of upcoming STIHL products and innovations.

Kay Green, Managing Director of STIHL GB, said: “The launch event was an important opportunity for us to meet dealers from across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, introduce them to the STIHL team and share our plans for the future.

“Our specialist dealer network is critical to the STIHL business, providing customers with expert advice, exceptional service and trusted aftersales support. As we prepare for the formation of STIHL UK and Ireland in January 2027, we are committed to building strong relationships with our new dealer partners and providing them with the training, technical expertise, marketing activity and commercial support they need to succeed.

“It was fantastic to see so many dealers in Athlone and to experience such enthusiasm for STIHL and the opportunities ahead. We look forward to working closely with them as we establish and grow the STIHL dealer network across Ireland.”

For more information visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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A new chapter for a respected name in golf construction

A new chapter for a respected name in golf construction

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A new chapter for a respected name in golf construction

For  more than four decades, the name John Greasley has been synonymous with quality golf course construction throughout the United Kingdom. From championship golf course remodeling and complex drainage installations to new course construction, the company has earned a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and technical expertise, delivering projects at many of the country’s most prestigious golf clubs.

A new chapter for a respected name in golf construction

A new chapter for a respected name in golf construction

In 2026, that legacy entered an exciting new chapter.

Premier Turfing Limited acquired the staff, operational assets, specialist machinery and on going work previously undertaken by John Greasley Limited, leading to the formation of Premier Golf Limited-a dedicated golf contracting business that will continue serving the golf industry with the same experienced people, specialist knowledge and commitment to quality that customers have relied upon for generations.

While this marks a new chapter, the relationship between the two businesses is far from new. Over the past twenty years, Premier Turfing has worked alongside John Greasley Limited as a trusted subcontractor on numerous golf course construction, drainage and renovation projects throughout the UK. During that time, both companies developed a strong working relationship built on shared values, quality workmanship and mutual respect.

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Baroness LM66’s exceed expectations

Baroness LM66’s exceed expectations

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Baroness LM66’s exceed expectations

When Chris Marker, Course Manager at Waterlooville Golf Club, began looking for new hand mowers as part of the club’s machinery replacement programme he had already heard plenty about Baroness and the quality of cut their machines could produce. Two years on, he says their trio of LM66 mowers for tees have not only lived up to the hype – they’ve exceeded expectations.

Baroness LM66’s exceed expectations

Baroness LM66’s exceed expectations

Chris has been at Waterlooville for 11 years, overseeing a demanding, tree-lined parkland course maintained by a team of seven greenkeepers. To ease some of the pressure on the busy team, the club sought a new fleet of hand mowers to replace the existing tees set-up which consisted of older, narrower mowers. “We demoed all makes and models, looking for something that would cover more ground without compromising cut quality or presentation” he explains.

“I’ve known Luke Collins of Baroness for a long time and obviously he was keen for us to give the LM66’s a try. I was intrigued as I’d heard a lot about the cutting cylinders on these machines, so we gave them a go to see if they actually lived up to their reputation.”

And the result? “The quality of cut is outstanding. They stay on cut incredibly well meaning, not only do we have a wider more productive unit, we’re saving further time in terms of initial set-up and not having to continuously re-adjust the cut” Chris says.

Today, the trio of Baroness LM66’s are in use three times a week to maintain the tees, collars and aprons, with the team impressed by more than just the cut performance. “The simplicity of operation is another big plus with these machines, together with their balance and reliability.” He adds, “They’re bulletproof – probably the machines that require the least amount of maintenance and upkeep in the shed.”

The positive in-field experience has also been backed by strong aftersales service from both Luke, and Mark Carter from local dealer Lister Wilder. “They’ve both been on hand to answer any questions we’ve had. Being able to speak directly with the manufacturer is a nice thing and just brings further confidence in our purchase and in the brand.”

Chris concludes, “These machines have really opened our eyes to the possibilities with Baroness and, with the cut being so good, they’ve definitely put themselves in contention when we come to review some of our other cutting equipment in the future.”

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