Avant Tecno Hosts Multi-Dealership Training

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Avant Tecno Hosts Multi-Dealership Training: Avant Tecno recently brought Technical Engineers from all of its UK dealerships together for a unique opportunity at the company’s global headquarters in Ylöjärvi, Finland. Over three intensive days, the group received exclusive training directly from the team behind Avant’s industry-leading innovation.

The trip began early on a Monday morning, departing Heathrow for Helsinki before travelling north to Avant’s state-of-the-art manufacturing hub. Far more than a standard factory tour, this was a multi-dealership technical training programme designed to deepen product knowledge, strengthen aftersales expertise, and build lasting connections across the Avant network.

Avant Tecno Hosts Multi-Dealership Training

Avant Tecno Hosts Multi-Dealership Training

Throughout the visit, engineers gained invaluable insight into both the latest advancements coming out of the factory and the brand’s rich engineering heritage. Hands-on sessions enabled attendees to work closely with Avant’s expert trainers, share best practice, and learn alongside colleagues from across the UK and Ireland. The result was not only enhanced technical understanding but also a stronger sense of collaboration and community across the dealership network.

True to Finnish tradition, downtime offered its own memorable experiences. Evenings were spent enjoying great food, relaxing in the sauna and, of course, braving a refreshing plunge into the lake, giving the group a real taste of local culture.

This investment in its people reflects an exciting period of growth for Avant Tecno UK. With its new, state-of-the-art UK headquarters opening last year, the business continues to strengthen its support for dealers and customers alike.

The Finland training event marks another step forward in ensuring that every dealership engineer has the skills, knowledge, and confidence to deliver the exceptional service Avant is known for.

John Spencer, Sales and Marketing Director for Avant Tecno UK, described the trip as an important investment in both people and partnerships:

“Our engineers are at the heart of the customer experience. This trip was all about giving them deeper, hands-on access to the machines and the people who build them. The shared learning, the conversations, and the relationships formed in Finland are just as valuable as the technical training itself. The knowledge they’ve brought back will directly enhance the support we offer customers across the UK and Ireland.”

For more information, please visit www.avanttecno.com/uk

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The AODES Workcross arrives in style

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The AODES Workcross arrives in style: BOSS Off-Road Vehicles has announced the arrival of the AODES Workcross 1000-3 HVAC utility vehicle in the UK. As the sole UK distributor, BOSS is supplying its growing AODES dealer network with the AODES range, which boasts high-quality vehicles at very competitive prices.

The Workcross 1000-3 HVAC features a V-Twin 75hp 1000cc engine to take on all the usual rough terrain tasks demanded of a UTV. Fuel is delivered through electronic fuel injection. A walk round reveals adjustable suspension and shock absorbers, an electronically remote-controlled winch, and a large-capacity tippable rear bed.

The AODES Workcross arrives in style

The AODES Workcross arrives in style

The HVAC stands for the creature comforts of a climate-controlled cab with Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. Luxury continues with a touchscreen multifunctional digital display for your radio, Bluetooth and USB sockets, offline navigation, and a reversing camera, which makes hooking up to a trailer a cinch. Beadlock wheels are a nice touch to the clean lines of the vehicle, which comes with a variety of bonnet colours, including Desert Brown, seen in the picture.

The drivetrain is 2WD-4WD and the smooth drive is enhanced with electric power steering. Parking is made easy with a gearbox brake. The AODES Workcross 1000-3 HVAC is arriving at most AODES dealers across the UK and at the surprisingly competitive price of £15,199, which gives you a great deal of a workhorse at a relatively low outlay.

The UTV also comes with a 2-year limited warranty for additional peace of mind.

For more information about BOSS ORV distributed machinery, you can call 01785 561046

E-mail: sales@bossorv.co.uk Web: www.bossorv.co.uk

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J Sustain Fairway starts futureproofing fairways

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J Sustain Fairway starts futureproofing fairways: Maintaining top-quality fairways on the rugged west coast of Wales has always been a challenge at Cardigan Golf Club.

With shallow soils averaging just 3-4” over bedrock, achieving strong turf establishment has tested the greenkeeping team for many years – particularly in 2025 with close to no rainfall for many months. That’s why the outstanding results have come as even more of a surprise for Course Manager Stuart Adams, who now wants to shout the benefits of Johnsons J Sustain Fairway from the rooftops!

J Sustain Fairway starts futureproofing fairways

J Sustain Fairway starts futureproofing fairways

“Traditionally, our shallow, sandy soils made it difficult for anything to get a good hold” Stuart explains. “We went back to basics and looked at what was native on the fairways and found that Hard and Sheeps Fescue seemed to cope with our links condition, and for the last few years we’ve been using a bespoke ‘Cardigan mix’ from DLF containing 25-30% Hard Fescue. When Johnsons launched J Sustain Fairway with 40% Hard Fescue in early 2025, the switch was a no-brainer.”

Despite a challenging year weather-wise, the results of the inaugural overseeding operation were so impressive Stuart was quick to share the news with his DLF Regional Technical Manager Ian Barnett. “As soon as the rain returned in September, the strike rate was simply incredible – I couldn’t believe my eyes! It was the best establishment I’ve seen from any mix in the last six or seven years.”

Blending 40% Hard Fescue with 15% Sheeps Fescue and other top performing Slender Creeping, Strong Creeping and Chewing Fescue cultivars, J Sustain Fairway from the Johnsons Sports Seed range is a high-performance, fine-turf fairway formulation equipped to withstand the environmental challenges of the future. Ideal for links and heathland venues, it delivers a natural tolerance to a broad range of turf stresses and requires less nutrient, water and chemical inputs to thrive.

“It’s tough, resilient and perfect for coping with hotter, drier summers and wetter winters which is critical for futureproofing our course” he adds. Beyond resilience and rapid establishment, Stuart has also noticed unexpected benefits. “We used to suffer with leatherjackets and pecking damage but haven’t seen that this year. It could be that the toughness of the Hard Fescue roots is making it harder for pests to get through.”

Due to the lack of irrigation on their fairways, Cardigan’s overseeding programme is fixed to the autumn, with J Sustain Fairway already firmly in their maintenance for 2026.

“When something doesn’t work, everyone is quick to point it out” he notes. “But when something works as well as this, it should be shouted from the rooftops!”

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Alan Prickett Appointed Managing Director of Iseki UK

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Alan Prickett Appointed Managing Director of Iseki UK: Iseki UK & Ireland is pleased to announce the appointment of Alan Prickett as its new Managing Director. Alan succeeds David Withers, whose imminent retirement follows a remarkable period of growth and success for the business.

Alan brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent nearly three decades working closely with David, fostering a shared management ethos and strategic vision that has underpinned numerous successful initiatives in the UK and export markets.

Alan Prickett Appointed Managing Director of Iseki UK

Alan Prickett Appointed Managing Director of Iseki UK

Alan re-joined Iseki UK & Ireland at the beginning of 2020, initially serving as Business Development Manager before moving into the role of Director, with responsibility for both operational and sales activities.

His extensive background in the groundcare industry includes a 23-year tenure at Ransomes Jacobsen, where he held various positions across the UK and internationally, culminating in his appointment as Managing Director in 2014.

“The future direction of Iseki UK & Ireland under my leadership will remain largely unchanged from the present successful path, with an ongoing focus on quality products, good staff and dealers, plus the provision of excellent after-sales care,” said Alan.

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David Withers Announces Retirement from ISEKI

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David Withers Announces Retirement from ISEKI: David Withers, Managing Director of Iseki UK and Ireland, will retire at the end of 2025 following a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in the turf care and grounds maintenance industry.

Speaking at the SALTEX show in 2025, David reflected on his time at ISEKI, describing the process of building the brand as “one of the most fun and satisfying things I have done in my career.” Under his leadership, the company has doubled its sales over the last eight years and continues to grow.

David Withers Announces Retirement from ISEKI

David Withers Announces Retirement from ISEKI

David  began his career demonstrating verti-drains for Charterhouse Turf (now Redexim), followed by 25 years at Jacobsen, including six years as President. His eight-year tenure at ISEKI UK & Ireland as a stand-alone entity marks the culmination of his full-time professional journey.

“I feel it is time to finish full time work… I may still do a bit of consulting and advise for a couple of companies, but plan to end serious work and focus on developing a golf swing and a tan!” he said.

Expressing confidence in the future of ISEKI UK & Ireland, David said that he had worked with Alan Prickett for around 30 years and am very comfortable leaving the business in his hands to keep it growing and prospering for many years to come.

He also extended his gratitude to dealers, customers, and fellow manufacturers for their support and partnership throughout his career, wishing them continued success.

In addition to his role at ISEKI, David has been an influential figure within the industry, serving as a director of the Agricultural Engineers Association for many years and as its president in 2022. During the recent AEA 150th celebrations, he spoke at an event in the Houses of Parliament.

He has also recently taken up a Directorship at the Grounds Maintenance Association and intends to continue contributing to the organisation in his retirement.

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