SALTEX the flagship event

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SALTEX the industry’s flagship event: Findings from the SALTEX 2019 post-show survey have revealed that attendees are continuing to embrace SALTEX as the groundscare industry’s flagship event.

From 30 to 31 October a record-breaking 9,104 visitors streamed into the NEC, Birmingham to explore the latest trends and products in groundscare.

SALTEX the industry’s flagship event

The growth in visitor numbers at SALTEX 2019 was supported by a large proportion of first-time attendees. An encouraging 34 per cent visited SALTEX for the first time this year compared to 28 per cent in 2018, 27 per cent in 2017, 26 per cent in 2016 and 23 per cent in 2015.

The busy atmosphere in the exhibition halls was fantastic and a massive 93 per cent of survey respondents rated their overall show experience as being either very good or excellent.

SALTEX visitors came from far and wide as the show continues to attract a growing international audience. This year’s show saw attendees from 49 overseas markets, topping the previous record of 45 countries which was set at SALTEX 2016.

International visitor Frederico Galardini, who maintains the pitches at Federale di Coverciano – the central training ground and technical headquarters of the Italian Football Federation, visited the show to gain UK groundscare expertise.

“I think, no matter where you are in the world, it is important that you come to SALTEX because British groundscare is regarded as the best. In Italy the pitches are not at the same level as the pitches in the UK, but we are slowly getting there and this is why a trip to SALTEX can only be beneficial in helping us to improve,” he said.

The post-show survey also confirmed the high calibre of visitors, most of whom came from groundscare contracting companies, local authorities, dealerships, schools and universities, and sports clubs.

The buying power of SALTEX attendees was also high, with 36 per cent of survey respondents confirming that the purchasing responsibility was solely theirs, while 43 per cent contribute to the buying process and 32 per cent have the authority to sign-off on purchases up to £50,000.

Many exhibitors agree that SALTEX 2019 was the most financially beneficial yet and the 40 per cent of survey respondents that said they made purchases on the show floor is perhaps testament to this.

The Leicester City FC grounds team were certainly on the hunt for new equipment at SALTEX according to Callum Allsop, head groundsman at the club’s training ground. “We will be spending a lot of money on a new fleet of equipment over the next year. So being able to look at equipment options at SALTEX and having the opportunity to speak to all of the distributors in one place is ideal.”

The post-show survey findings also revealed top priorities for attending with 68 per cent saying they visited SALTEX to source new products/services/suppliers; 66 per cent attended out of general interest; 44 per cent wanted to see the latest industry innovations; 39 per cent attended to network with other like-minded individuals and 35 per cent to witness machinery demonstrations.

Andy Miller, head groundsman for Northampton Saints, says: “I always plan ahead on what I want to do and who I want to see at SALTEX, but plans often change when I’m on the show floor. I may bump into someone, get talking and gain new ideas.”

Product innovations were a big pull this year, and 87 per cent of attendees rated the mix of products on display as excellent. The show also offered visitors the opportunity to see a number of these products in action through Eco Village demonstrations and this new feature did not disappoint with 78 per cent of survey respondents also rating the Eco Village as excellent.

Products and innovations aside, SALTEX attendees also made use of the training, advice and educational opportunities. The 57 free-to-attend, CPD-accredited seminars in the Learning LIVE programme proved popular with 84 per cent of survey respondents claiming the education offering was either very good or excellent; 83 per cent made the most of the Ask the Expert feature and 77 per cent said the Pathology and Soil Science LIVE was also an excellent feature.

SALTEX will be celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2020 and will take place at the NEC, Birmingham on 4 and 5 November and 95 per cent of SALTEX 2019 visitors concluded the survey by indicating that they will be returning.

James Wright, grounds & gardens team leader at the University of Leeds, believes that the success of SALTEX indicates a bright future for the industry. “This year was the best SALTEX I have experienced to date and its popularity proves that we are in a great place to take the industry we are all so passionate about into the next decade and beyond.”

For more information please visit www.iogsaltex.com

Follow SALTEX on Twitter @IOG_SALTEX and Facebook – www.facebook.com/IOGSALTEX

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Billericay strive to improve surface

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Billericay striving to improve surface: Billericay Town vice-chairman Greg Lake insists the club is doing everything it can to make sure less home fixtures are called off in the weeks ahead.

Town have seen numerous contests at New Lodge called off this season due to an unplayable pitch.

But Lake stresses Billericay are doing everything they can to get the surface into a better state.

In a club statement, Lake said: “Billericay Town FC, like all clubs, follow the protocols laid down by the FA and keep everyone informed as much as we can.

“As recent fixtures show this can then lead to a mixture of outcomes.

“However, there is no doubt that our pitch is currently in a poor condition.

“Billericay Town would like to assure everyone that we really are doing everything possible to get these games played.

“We do use protective sheets to cover the worst areas, we have industrial blowers, the machinery and manpower if required.

“It is certainly not a question of not providing everything that we can.

“Indeed, we’ve had other ground specialists down to support our own groundsman!

“However, we do have to recognise the sheer volume of rain that we have had over the last couple of months.

“Couple that with a pitch that has historical issues and has been dug up, new drainage installed and then relaid every summer for the last few years and there is undoubtedly a major ongoing situation to resolve.”

Billericay’s latest postponed fixture came on New Year’s Day, when they were due to host Concord Rangers in a National League South clash.

And Lake wants an artificial pitch in place for next term.

“We have already indicated our intention is to pursue an artificial surface for both the current playing surface and a brand new facility behind the far stand,” added Lake.

“This will bring an end to this type of situation and we are hoping to make that a reality in time for next season – certainly for the main pitch.

“It will also allow us to make New Lodge a true base for the whole club, bring training in house and make it more flexible in terms of hours.”

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Dennis & SISIS off to STMA

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Dennis & SISIS off to STMA: Dennis and SISIS are heading to West Palm Beach, Florida on January 13-16, to exhibit at the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) Conference & Exhibition.

The British manufacturers have exhibited at the show for a number of years, which takes place in various states across America yearly and have on each occasion reported huge success.

Dennis & SISIS off to STMA

For the 2020 show, visitors to the stand (booth 131) can expect a fabulous insight into the array of world-class turf maintenance products manufactured by the British innovators.

Products appearing on the stand will include:

Syn Pro SVR 1500 – for synthetic turf

The SVR 1500 deep turf cleaner is a tractor mounted system that removes not only large debris from the infill but also finer dust particles before returning the ‘cleaned’ infill back to the surface.

Designed for use on either sand or rubber filled surfaces, the SVR 1500 is ideal for deep cleaning and aiding de-compaction. Operators will notice that this process allows water to permeate through, which can help to reduce bacteria, algae and moss and minimize the risk of player injury.

SISIS Javelin Aer-Aid 1500 – for aeration

This popular machine injects air directly into the root zone speeding up the aeration process, moving air uniformly throughout the root zone for complete aeration and not just where the tines have penetrated the surface. Those operating the Javelin Aer-Aid have the flexibility to alternate tines for other operations such as hollow coring prior to top dressing. Other benefits include a fast forward speed for excellent productivity, minimal maintenance and a smooth and quiet operation.

Dennis G860 – for that perfect finish

The G860 cylinder mower features a large diameter front roller with an adjustable scraper which has been designed for a precise height of cut control, giving an excellent finish. Weighing just 166kg, it is light and extremely versatile due to the interchangeable cassette system. With a simple one-minute changeover, users have the option of fitting thirteen different types of heads including scarifiers, verticutters, brushes, spikers, slitters and cutting cylinders

Dennis ES-860 – environmentally friendly

This 34” battery powered turf management system delivers maximum versatility and the range of thirteen interchangeable cassette options provide a solution to many day-to-day maintenance tasks such as cutting, scarifying, brush, slitting and aeration.

A robust keypad screen is an integral feature of the handlebar console providing the operator with a multitude of information options including speed, clip rate, service checks, lifetime running reports and battery information.

Dennis PRO 34R – for debris collection

The Dennis PRO 34R is a 34” (860mm) rotary mower which has been designed to help groundsmen achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance and desired playing surface. It is ideal for sports pitches and lawns producing the enviable ‘Dennis Stripes’ while a powerful vacuum flow collects debris quickly and efficiently

The angle of the cutting deck and twin blades can be easily adjusted using a single ‘click adjuster’ ensuring the mower is suitable for changing conditions and meeting groundsmen’s requirements

A number of experienced turf experts from Dennis and SISIS will be on hand at the exhibition to speak in more detail about the products.

Further information about the range of maintenance products available can be found by visiting www.dennisuk.com / www.sisis.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on Twitter & Instagram @DennisMowers and SISIS @SISISMachinery. You can like the Facebook page –www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK and www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery. You can also view the latest Dennis videos by visiting www.youtube.com/DennisMowers and www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery

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Greenworks new battery range

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Greenworks new battery range: Greenworks, the world’s leading cordless garden products brand, launches a new twin-battery range for 2020 that will revolutionise the way we maintain our gardens in Britain.

The package includes a 48v cordless lawnmower – with the power provided by two separate 24v batteries.  One of the two light-weight batteries can also be swapped into a line-trimmer or hedge cutter, where weight and manoeuvrability are paramount.

Greenworks new battery range

“Consumers tell us that they want a high-performance from cordless lawnmowers but find the size and weight of a larger voltage batteries a handicap when using them in hand-held line trimmers and hedge cutters.  We have solved by problem by powering the lawnmower with two 24v batteries that run in parallel thus delivering 48v of power.  This way, both batteries are light in weight and can then be used individually in any of the 24v range including the line trimmers and hedge cutters,” says Greenworks’ Mark Moseley.

“Gardeners can have a top of the range cordless lawnmower, a line trimmer and hedge cutter plus twin-charger and two batteries, from the world’s leading producer of cordless equipment, for £318.99.    This will be among the most compelling offers on the market for the start of the 2020 gardening season and moves battery powered gardening to a new level of competitive high performance,” adds Mark.

The line-trimmer and hedge cutter can be bought separately, including charger and single 24v battery for £79.99.   The charging time for a 24v 2ah battery is one hour and a single charge will be perfect to cope with tennis court sized lawns.

Greenworks has a large range of cordless garden products available with a variety of different battery voltages.   The new 2020 lawnmower, line-trimmer and hedge cutter offer is available nationally from garden centres such as Dobbies, sheds and specialist dealers.   All Greenworks products offer the power and performance of petrol with no emissions, simple starting, minimal servicing and ease of use.   As their names says, cordless products operate without the need for trailing power cables.

Greenworks products are manufactured and owned by Globe Tools in China, front-runners in a world that leaves fossil fuels and electric cords behind.  Globe Tools is the world’s largest manufacturer of cordless garden products.  Greenworks garden products are marketed exclusively in the UK by Swindon based Handy Distribution. In 2019 Greenworks achieved more sales in the US and Germany than any other cordless brand.

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Bayer’s role in outstanding conditions

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Bayer’s role in outstanding conditions: Greenkeepers are crucial to a golf course’s success, but inevitably a helping hand is sometimes required to maintain playability throughout the year to maintain stress free turf.

“We don’t know yet what conditions greenkeepers will have to deal with during 2020, in recent years they’ve had to manage both unseasonal dry and wet conditions, and at times it has been a challenge to keep on top of turf stress,” says Neil Pettican, Bayer head of sales.

Bayer's role in outstanding conditions

“Due to the unpredictable nature of the UK climate, we strongly recommend investing in a preventative and integrated approach to turf management to be in a position to handle whatever is thrown at turf throughout the year,” adds Neil.

He says when it comes to disease management implementing a preventative approach is key and can be achieved by incorporating cultural and biological practices alongside chemical solutions prior to the onset of disease.

“Healthy plants are better equipped to combat disease and mitigate stress. Modern fungicides and IPM programs need to do more than just work on the pathogen for disease control, as improving plant heath plays a crucial role,” he explains.

If greenkeepers aren’t invested in this approach, we’re recommending that 2020 should be the year that they change their focus.

“If you prevent diseases before they affect playability, it both reduces long-term costs and any negative effects on the golfers experience,” says Neil.

Bayer's role in outstanding conditions

He recommends that if greenkeepers are looking at using preventative fungicides, they should look out for Stressgard® Formulation Technology as it is proven to improve plant physiological results. It enhances plant health allowing superior disease management and healthier turf, ensuring grass is in a stronger position to withstand further pressures.

“Disease pressure  will inevitably be present during this year, so it’s best to get prepared well in advance,” says Neil.

He adds that for instance it’s been reported that 90% of golf courses suffer with Microdochium patch annually, so it will pay to be prepared early prior to infection, especially as the early stages of Microdochium patch can be very difficult to spot.

“Taking an early stance on preventative, rather than curative, applications will limit the severity of disease outbreaks later in the season, improving consistency of long-term playability and ultimately satisfaction for you and your golfers.”

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