ICL Continue to Learn Scholars announced for BTME 2027

ICL Continue to Learn Scholars announced for BTME 2027

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ICL Continue to Learn Scholars announced for BTME 2027

The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has announced the five members selected for the 2027 ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship.

ICL Continue to Learn Scholars announced for BTME 2027

ICL Continue to Learn Scholars announced for BTME 2027

Provided by BIGGA Premium Partner ICL Turf & Landscape, the scholarship helps members access the education programme at BTME in Harrogate. Each scholar receives three nights’ hotel accommodation and a comprehensive education package worth approximately £500.

The latest cohort includes greenkeepers at different stages of their careers, from Olly Laidlaw, who joined Royal Wimbledon Golf Club this year, to head greenkeepers Hayley Beard and Ryan Jackson.

Olly completed a degree in business management before deciding to pursue his interest in turf management and is thrilled to have the opportunity to benefit from the Continue to Learn programme and all that BTME has to offer.

“I was absolutely delighted to hear I’d been selected for the ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship,” he said. “It came as a brilliant surprise, especially so early in my greenkeeping career. I’m currently about six months into my role at Royal Wimbledon, so to receive this kind of support and recognition already means a huge amount.

“I’m really looking forward to BTME and the Continue to Learn programme itself. Being able to build my own combination of classes and conference sessions means I can focus on the areas that will strengthen my knowledge.

“I’m also looking forward to the evening hosted by ICL and meeting the other scholars; being fairly new to the industry, I think there’s huge value in hearing how more experienced greenkeepers have approached their own development.”

Hayley, head greenkeeper at Mawgan Porth Golf Club, is keen to bring what she learns back to her course.

“Being given this opportunity means a lot to me, as I’m passionate about greenkeeping and always looking for ways to develop my knowledge and skills,” she said.

“I’m really looking forward to attending BTME and Continue to Learn, meeting other greenkeepers and industry professionals, and learning from some of the best people within the industry.

“I’m particularly excited about bringing new ideas and knowledge back to my own course and putting what I learn into practice.”

Aimee Davey, Marketing Communications Manager at ICL, said: “We were delighted by both the number of applications received and the exceptionally high standard of candidates. The enthusiasm shown highlights the wealth of talent within our industry, and we are excited to support the successful applicants through the ICL Scholarship Programme. By providing access to industry-leading education and professional development opportunities, we look forward to helping them build their knowledge, confidence and long-term careers within the sector.”

Deb Burnett, BIGGA’s Head of Professional Development, said: “The applications show how much our members want to keep learning, whether they are new to greenkeeping or already leading a team. Continue to Learn gives them the chance to explore subjects relevant to their work and share ideas with people from across the industry.

“We’re delighted to work with ICL to support these five members at BTME, and we look forward to hearing what they take back to their clubs.”

The ICL Continue to Learn Scholars for 2027

Hayley Beard, head greenkeeper, Mawgan Porth Golf Club

David Beatson, greenkeeper, Hogs Haven Golf Club

Ryan Jackson, head greenkeeper, Crow Nest Park Golf Club

Olly Laidlaw, assistant greenkeeper, Royal Wimbledon Golf Club

Nick McEley, deputy head greenkeeper, Milngavie Golf Club

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Inscapes appoints Mike Dixon as Director of Sports to drive next stage of growth

Inscapes appoints Mike Dixon as Director of Sports to drive next stage of growth

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Inscapes appoints Mike Dixon as Director of Sports to drive next stage of growth

Inscapes has appointed Mike Dixon as Director of Sports, as the sports ground engineering, landscaping, drainage and irrigation specialist sets its sights on taking its sports division to the next level.

Inscapes appoints Mike Dixon as Director of Sports to drive next stage of growth

Inscapes appoints Mike Dixon as Director of Sports to drive next stage of growth

Mike joins with 25 years in sports construction, bringing a track record across commercial delivery, project management and client relationships. He’ll lead Inscapes’ sports division, and he’ll also play a wider role in the growth and development of the business.

His focus is clear: developing new opportunities, strengthening relationships and delivering outstanding projects for clients across the UK.

Gareth Rees, Managing Director of Inscapes, said: “Bringing Mike on board is a statement of intent. We already have a strong reputation in sports construction, and with his experience and drive, we’re ready to grow it further. He’s the right person to lead the sports division into its next chapter, and we’re delighted to have him with us.”

Mike said: “Having got to know the team and their ambitions, I knew quickly that Inscapes was the right fit. The business already has a strong presence in sports construction, and I’m excited to be joining at a time when the aim is to make an even bigger impact. There’s plenty to get stuck into and some big opportunities ahead. New chapter, new challenges, new ambitions. Let’s get started.”

Headquartered in Bridgend, with offices in Cardiff, Tring, Virginia Water and Shrewsbury, Inscapes has more than 25 years of experience delivering sports ground engineering, commercial landscaping, environmental, drainage and irrigation projects across the UK.

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A Toro fleet that works as hard as the team and course

A Toro fleet that works as hard as the team and course

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A Toro fleet that works as hard as the team and course

Rockliffe in County Durham has committed to another five-year partnership with Toro, Reesink Turfcare and Lloyd Ltd, taking the longstanding relationship to 18 years. The club has invested in 50 new machines to support the greenkeeping team and the continued development of its championship golf course.

A Toro fleet that works as hard as the team and course

A Toro fleet that works as hard as the team and course

As part of an extensive resort redevelopment, the 18-hole, Hawtree-designed course is undergoing a significant overhaul. Having the right machinery available is essential to the success of the project and the ongoing maintenance of the course.

For Golf Course Manager Jon Wyer, the investment supports a broad programme of course improvement, presentation and landscape management, giving his team the capacity and flexibility to work effectively.

“Ensuring the team has reliable equipment and better information means we’re in a stronger position to improve and maintain the course to the standard our members expect,” says Jon.

“It’s a busy operation, with a lot of different jobs taking place at the same time, and without the correct machinery available we wouldn’t be as productive or efficient. This deal gives the team the dependable equipment they need to get on with the job.”

Rockliffe’s fleet is increasing from 42 to 50 machines. The expanded fleet includes three Reelmaster 5010-H hybrid mowers, two Multi Pro sprayers with GeoLink technology and machine-to-machine communication, alongside the new Intelli360 connected fleet management platform. This enables more machines to be allocated to specific areas rather than continually shared between teams.

Intelli360 also makes Rockliffe one of the first golf courses in the UK to benefit from real-time machinery visibility, bringing information together to simplify fleet management.

Jon explains: “With a large number of machines operating across the golf course and wider estate, having that visibility will make it easier to understand how individual machines are being used, helping us manage the fleet more effectively and make better-informed decisions.

“Ultimately, I’d like Intelli360 to become part of our normal working process, helping us manage the fleet proactively rather than simply reacting when there’s a problem.”

At Rockliffe, precision is essential when managing applications across such a vast area. Toro’s GeoLink technology supports this through GPS and precision mapping, individual nozzle control and sub-inch application accuracy using Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) correction technology.

“Having two sprayers able to communicate and work simultaneously will streamline the spraying process. Having information available, rather than relying purely on people remembering what has been done, makes the process much more straightforward. It’s beneficial from both an efficiency and environmental point of view,” says Jon.

Eight Toro Workman UTX utility vehicles form a key part of the fleet, providing the versatility to move people, materials and equipment across the extensive estate. For an operation of this scale, with projects such as the 78-bunker reshape underway, that flexibility is critical to keeping the greenkeeping operation moving.

The partnership reflects the longstanding relationship between Rockliffe, Toro, Reesink, and Lloyd Ltd with equipment, technology and support evolving alongside the needs of the course.

Rob Hogarth, Dealer Development & Key Account – North, Reesink Turfcare, comments: “Rockliffe is a great example of how the right combination of equipment, technology and long-term support can help a golf course meet the demands of an ambitious operation. With the fleet expanding and innovations such as Intelli360 and GeoLink being introduced, the team has greater visibility, flexibility and precision across the estate.”

Lloyd Ltd sales representative Carl Handley says, “This deal reflects Rockliffe’s positive experience with Toro and the strength of our relationship. Toro is ideally suited to maintaining a course of this calibre and we look forward to continuing to develop the partnership going forward.”

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Leicester City inspires future grounds professionals

Leicester City inspires future grounds professionals

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Leicester City inspires future grounds professionals

Young people from local schools stepped behind the scenes at Leicester City FC’s training ground for an immersive careers experience designed to showcase the exciting opportunities available in sports turf and grounds management.

Leicester City inspires future grounds professionals

Leicester City inspires future grounds professionals

Delivered through the Grounds Management Association’s (GMA) NextGen programme, the Schools into Stadia event connected students with industry professionals and provided first-hand insight into the skills, technologies and career pathways that underpin elite sport.

The event gave pupils exclusive access to Leicester City’s training ground facilities, where they explored the vital role grounds teams play in maintaining playing surfaces, supporting athlete performance, and ensuring professional sporting environments operate at the highest level.

Designed as a careers and industry insight day, the event showcased the breadth of opportunities available beyond the players and coaches seen on matchdays. Students participated in a guided tour of the training ground and Sports Turf Academy facilities before taking part in a series of practical workshops covering pitch preparation, turf science, equipment maintenance and grounds operations.

The day also highlighted the many routes into the profession, including apprenticeships, further education, volunteering, and work experience opportunities, helping young people better understand how they can build a career within the sports turf industry.

Flynn Good, First Assistant Pitch Manager Leicester City FC, and Chair of the GMA NextGen Board, said: “Schools into Stadia is about showing young people that there’s a whole world of opportunities behind the scenes of sport. Grounds management is a rewarding, skilled and innovative profession that plays a critical role in every sporting experience, yet many young people are unaware it exists as a career option.

“By bringing students into environments like Leicester City FC’s training ground, we’re helping them see what’s possible, meet the people working in the industry and understand the many pathways available to them. It’s inspiring to see the enthusiasm and curiosity these events generate, and we’re proud to be helping shape the future workforce of our industry.”

Jennifer Carter, Executive Sponsor of the GMA NextGen Board, added: “The future of our industry depends on inspiring and supporting the next generation of talent. Schools into Stadia gives young people the opportunity to see first-hand the breadth of careers available within grounds management and sports turf, while connecting them with the people and organisations helping to shape the profession.

“By opening the doors to elite sporting environments such as Leicester City FC’s training ground, we’re able to showcase the skills, innovation and passion that underpin every great playing surface. It’s fantastic to see students engaging so enthusiastically with the opportunities available and considering careers they may never have previously encountered.”

The event concluded with a pitch and putt competition, giving students another opportunity to engage with industry professionals while experiencing the collaborative and practical nature of careers within the sector.

Paige Watson- Quilter, Premier League Inspires Coordinator from Leicester City in the Community said: “The day gave our participants a valuable insight into the world of grounds management, offering hands-on learning opportunities and the chance to explore the skills, knowledge and career paths within the industry. The experience has inspired them to consider grounds management as a future career and opened their eyes to the exciting opportunities available across the sports industry.”

Schools into Stadia forms part of the GMA NextGen programme, which aims to inspire, educate and connect the next generation of grounds professionals by providing direct access to employers, industry experts and real-world sporting environments. By opening doors to elite venues such as Leicester City FC’s training ground, the initiative is helping to build awareness of the diverse and rewarding careers available across sports turf and grounds management.

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Amenity Forum Conference brings sector together to navigate change

Amenity Forum Conference brings sector together to navigate change

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Amenity Forum Conference brings sector together to navigate change

The breadth of professional amenity management was firmly in the spotlight as 80 attendees gathered for the Amenity Forum Annual Conference at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, on 8 October 2026.

Amenity Forum Conference brings sector together to navigate change

Amenity Forum Conference brings sector together to navigate change

Held under the theme Navigating Change: Regulation, Stewardship and the Future of Amenity Management, the conference brought together professionals from across the sector for a day of lively discussion, knowledge sharing and practical demonstrations.

The programme reflected the diversity of professional amenity management, bringing together speakers from regulators, manufacturers and suppliers of products and technology, contractors, railway vegetation management, turf and grounds management, alongside organisations supporting professional standards and best practice.

Discussions explored the evolving pesticide policy and regulatory landscape, inspections and compliance, responsible vegetation management and the challenges of delivering effective solutions across different amenity environments.

The afternoon programme turned attention to building resilience, with presentations exploring soil health, water management and technological innovation. Practical demonstrations brought these themes to life, providing delegates with tangible examples of how knowledge and technology can support professional practice.

Strong delegate engagement was a feature throughout the day, with questions and discussions highlighting the value of bringing together different disciplines to share experiences, explore common challenges and learn from one another.

The conference also saw the launch of new glyphosate resistance guidance, developed in partnership with the Weed Resistance Action Group (WRAG), reinforcing the Forum’s commitment to providing practical guidance and supporting best practice across the sector.

Speaking following her first annual conference since taking up the Executive Officer role in May 2026, Corrina Urquhart said:

“One of the real strengths of the Amenity Forum is the diversity of the sector it represents. Although our members work in very different environments, they face many shared challenges. What was particularly encouraging was the level of engagement throughout the day and the genuine appetite to exchange ideas, share experiences and learn from one another.

“At a time when the pesticide policy and regulatory landscape is evolving, bringing together regulatory insight, operational experience and practical innovation is more important than ever. We’re building on the Forum’s progress, strengthening relationships and working with members and stakeholders to shape our longer-term priorities.”

Members of the Amenity Forum Board also played an active role in the conference, chairing sessions and helping to facilitate discussions throughout the day.

The Amenity Forum extends its sincere thanks to all speakers and session chairs for sharing their expertise and contributing to the day’s discussions, and to delegates for their enthusiastic participation.

Special thanks go to Kate Hopkins, whose many years of dedication to organising the annual conference continue to play an important part in its success.

The Forum also thanks conference sponsors Complete Weed Control, Languard, NSTS, BASIS, Lantra, ProGreen, ICL, Origin Amenity Solutions, Grounds Management Association and Weedfree for their valued support.

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