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GMA launch Grounds Management Framework

March 22, 2023/in News, Press Release/by Ollie Swan

GMA launch Grounds Management Framework: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has officially launched the Grounds Management Framework (GMF) at an event hosted at Lord’s Cricket Ground and attended by key industry personnel, including GMA members and representatives of the National-Governing Bodies. To support the sporting industry in better understanding how to maintain natural turf sports […]

Toro Invests in Landscape Contractor Business

March 22, 2023/in News, Press Release/by Ashleigh Bradshaw

Toro Invests in Landscape Contractor Business: Following the launch of Toro’s Revolution Series Z Master and Grandstand commercial mowers which feature the company’s proprietary Hypercell battery technology, Toro U.K. Limited is pleased to announce leadership changes to focus on growing its position in the Landscape Contractor Business. Ben Kirkby, who joined the company in August […]

GMA launch Grounds Management Framework

March 22, 2023/in News, Press Release/by Ollie Swan

Toro Invests in Landscape Contractor Business

March 22, 2023/in News, Press Release/by Ashleigh Bradshaw

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GMA launch Grounds Management Framework

March 22, 2023/in News, Press Release/by Ollie Swan

GMA launch Grounds Management Framework: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has officially launched the Grounds Management Framework (GMF) at an event hosted at Lord’s Cricket Ground and attended by key industry personnel, including GMA members and representatives of the National-Governing Bodies.

To support the sporting industry in better understanding how to maintain natural turf sports surfaces to the best possible level, as well as presenting grounds management as a viable career path, the GMA has developed the GMF, a set of standards for natural turf sports surfaces.

GMA launch Grounds Management Framework

With the quality of playing surfaces directly impacting the standard, and amount, of sport played on them, the GMF shines a spotlight on the importance of grounds management to sport. It does so in a way that is simple to understand for people outside of the industry, like club chairmen and directors.

Developed by the GMA and experienced Sports Consultant, Tim Nicholls, the GMF combines long-standing Performance Quality Standards with relevant skills and knowledge.

Backed by National-Governing Bodies, the easy-to-use framework will determine whether users are at a ‘basic’, ‘good’, ‘advanced’, ‘high’, or ‘elite’ level and will ensure that those responsible for pitches are aware of the characteristics, resources, skills and knowledge required for their playing surface, and how to progress to the next level.

The framework is already in use on the Football Foundation’s revolutionary web app, PitchPower, in addition to the GMA’s training programmes, where courses and qualifications have been aligned to the levels of the GMF.

Speaking about the framework, GMA CEO, Geoff Webb says:

“The Grounds Management Framework has been in development for a long time and has been a big focus for us as an organisation, so it’s great to finally see it launched officially.

“The grounds management industry already employs around 26,000 people, with over 37,000 part-time volunteers, but more are needed if we are to keep up with the demand for sport. We need 1000 people a year to join our sector to keep up with demand, but we know that, with improved surfaces, almost 2 million more children will benefit.

“Our work is focused on getting the best for the industry and highlighting the hard work, knowledge and skill that goes into making sport possible – this framework will make it clearer for people inside and outside of the industry, from club chairman to stadium managers, to understand what it takes to prepare playing surfaces at all levels and will better support matching training and experience to quality of playing surfaces.”

Playing a key role in the development of the framework, Sports Consultant, Tim Nicholls says:

“The Grounds Management Framework has taken a lot of work and time to get it to where it is today. Although it’s just been launched, it’s already playing an essential role in innovative new strategies to improve our pitches, through programmes like PitchPower – I’m looking forward to seeing where it takes our industry, and its place in sport, over the coming years.”

The Grounds Management Framework is free-to-use and is targeted at grounds staff, grounds managers, club committees, and senior management at all levels including community clubs, local authorities, education, and professional sports clubs.

For more information and resources about the Grounds Management Framework, please visit: https://thegma.org.uk/GMF

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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Toro Invests in Landscape Contractor Business

March 22, 2023/in News, Press Release/by Ashleigh Bradshaw

Toro Invests in Landscape Contractor Business: Following the launch of Toro’s Revolution Series Z Master and Grandstand commercial mowers which feature the company’s proprietary Hypercell battery technology, Toro U.K. Limited is pleased to announce leadership changes to focus on growing its position in the Landscape Contractor Business.

Ben Kirkby, who joined the company in August 2021 as a Territory Manager for Northern England and Scotland to focus on the Toro and Hayter residential ranges, will be increasing his responsibilities to support growth of the Toro Landscape Contractor Business. He will also help support the Siteworks ranges of Forestry and Construction equipment.

Toro Invests in Landscape Contractor Business

Matt Coleman, UK Sales Manager for the Toro Landscape Contractor and Sitework ranges, will continue to oversee the portfolio and dealer network, and will utilise Ben to support demand from dealers and end users.

“I have spent the last 2 ½ years establishing and growing our professional dealer network and building awareness with customers so it will be great to have Ben helping support this important segment,” said Coleman, Sales Manager, Landscaper Contractor & Siteworks equipment – Toro U.K. Limited. “I look forward to utilising Ben’s sales and demo experience, from his time selling commercial machinery and building his knowledge of the Toro Landscape Contractor range.”

Ben who has recently taken delivery of a new Ford Ranger Wildtrak and will soon take delivery of a trailer, will be fully setup to support the Toro Dealer network in Northern England & Scotland and their customers.

“I am really excited to be taking on this new challenge,” said Kirkby. “It has been great to build relationships with the Toro dealers in my area and I look forward to supporting their needs with the Toro Landscape Contractor and Siteworks ranges, especially with the new industry-leading Revolution Series battery products.”

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

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GMA launch Grounds Management Framework

Toro Invests in Landscape Contractor Business

GMA launch Grounds Management Framework

Toro Invests in Landscape Contractor Business

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GMA launch Grounds Management Framework

Toro Invests in Landscape Contractor Business

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