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BIGGA launches new ‘BIGGA Elevates’ initiative

January 12, 2026/in Industry News, News, Press Release/by Admin

BIGGA launches new ‘BIGGA Elevates’ initiative: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association (BIGGA) are proud to announce the launch of BIGGA Elevates – a new initiative that is designed to support, inspire and connect women working in golf and turf. The inaugural event will take place at the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) at […]

John Deere names FCN as charity partner for 2026

January 12, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

John Deere names FCN as charity partner for 2026: The UK and Ireland branch of John Deere has announced that The Farming Community Network (FCN) will be its official charity partner for 2026. The commitment will see John Deere staff receive specialist wellbeing support training from FCN, as well as opening the door to a […]

BIGGA launches new ‘BIGGA Elevates’ initiative

January 12, 2026/in Industry News, News, Press Release/by Admin

John Deere names FCN as charity partner for 2026

January 12, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

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BIGGA launches new ‘BIGGA Elevates’ initiative

January 12, 2026/in Industry News, News, Press Release/by Admin

BIGGA launches new ‘BIGGA Elevates’ initiative: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association (BIGGA) are proud to announce the launch of BIGGA Elevates – a new initiative that is designed to support, inspire and connect women working in golf and turf.

The inaugural event will take place at the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) at Harrogate.

BIGGA launches new ‘BIGGA Elevates’ initiative

It will be held in The R&A Clubhouse area within Hall 4 of the Harrogate Convention Centre on Wednesday 21 January at 4pm – and is being delivered in collaboration with The R&A and Syngenta.

Aimed at empowering women who work in a traditionally male-dominated industry, BIGGA Elevates will provide a welcoming, inclusive and relaxed environment where attendees can share experiences, access guidance, and build confidence.

The initiative’s aim is to foster a supportive community, helping women working in golf and turf to feel comfortable, free and confident in their careers.

The event will feature a panel session with inspiring speakers, including Jackie Davidson, Director – Golf Education at The R&A, TV presenter Sarah Stirk, and a female greenkeeper who will share her personal journey in the industry.

The panel will answer audience questions and provide insight into their experiences, offering practical advice and encouragement for women navigating their careers.

Lauren Frazer, Head of Commercial & Marketing at BIGGA, said: “We want BIGGA Elevates to be more than just an event – it’s about creating a community.

“We hope it brings women together to share experiences, learn from each other, and access resources and guidance. Working in this industry can be daunting at times, and this initiative is about giving women a platform to relate, connect and gain confidence.”

Sarah Hughes, SPS Business Manager UK & Ireland at Syngenta, said: “We’re proud to support the BIGGA Elevates event at BTME along with The R&A.

“It will be a great networking opportunity recognising the important contributions of women in turf care. Working in this industry myself, I see firsthand both the challenges women face and the exceptional skill they bring to the industry.

“It will be good to connect with greenkeeping professionals whose dedication and excellence are already inspiring future generations to join our industry. This event will provide a welcoming space for women to connect with each other at BTME, building the community and support networks that help us thrive.

“At Syngenta, we’re passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion because we know it makes for a stronger, more innovative golf sector.”

If your team includes any female greenkeepers, please ensure they register for this event. It’s open to all women attending BTME, with no BIGGA membership required.

The initiative reflects BIGGA’s commitment to promoting diversity and supporting women at all stages of their careers, creating pathways to growth and recognition.

For further information, please follow this link https://www.bigga.org.uk/about/women-in-golf-charter/bigga-elevates.html or contact Lauren Frazer via email: Lauren@bigga.co.uk

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John Deere names FCN as charity partner for 2026

January 12, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

John Deere names FCN as charity partner for 2026: The UK and Ireland branch of John Deere has announced that The Farming Community Network (FCN) will be its official charity partner for 2026.

The commitment will see John Deere staff receive specialist wellbeing support training from FCN, as well as opening the door to a range of volunteering opportunities.

John Deere names FCN as charity partner for 2026

Thousands of pounds will also be raised through fundraising initiatives to help FCN further its reach and impact across the rural community.

“We all have a responsibility to safeguard the health and wellbeing of those living and working in rural areas,” says Joedy Ibbotson, Division Business Manager at John Deere.

“FCN is a charity that does incredible work in this area. Its outreach touches our staff, our network, our customers, and throughout the communities we operate in. It is a great fit for us and the partnership is something that really resonates with our team.”

John Deere employees have a strong track record of fundraising for good causes, both national and local.

Previous efforts include tackling the Peak District Ultra Challenge in aid of Cancer Research UK, raising more than £13,000. Staff are encouraged to come forward with their own ideas for volunteering and fundraising, with the company pledging to support these initiatives.

The FCN partnership was announced at an all-employee meeting at John Deere’s Langar headquarters in Nottinghamshire.

Georgina Lamb, Head of Partnerships with FCN, said: “We are delighted to partner with such a well-respected company as John Deere, which as well as providing vital funds for the charity has given us the platform to promote our work to the wider agricultural community. We look forward to working with the team in the coming months.”

As part of the event, staff were trained by FCN with a bespoke course in wellbeing support for the agricultural community.

Joedy added that the organisation was particularly keen to add its reach to the charity’s Nip it in the Bud campaign, which is part of the UK-wide Rural Communities Cancer Project between FCN and Macmillan Cancer Support.

The focus of the campaign is on early detection of cancer and making time to see the GP if someone notices a change in their health.

“Farmers and their families are so busy that health concerns can often get pushed to the bottom of the to-do list,” he said. “Rural communities often also have lower access to cancer services and support due to living in more isolated areas.

“However, early diagnosis is essential, so John Deere is keen to encourage people to be more familiar with the early signs of cancer, and to take the necessary steps to get checked and nip it in the bud.

“FCN plays a crucial role in supporting the farming community through difficult periods and times of change, and we’re proud to be standing alongside them this year.”

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Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

BIGGA launches new ‘BIGGA Elevates’ initiative

John Deere names FCN as charity partner for 2026

BIGGA launches new ‘BIGGA Elevates’ initiative

John Deere names FCN as charity partner for 2026

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

BIGGA launches new ‘BIGGA Elevates’ initiative

BIGGA launches new ‘BIGGA Elevates’ initiative: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association (BIGGA) are proud to announce the launch of BIGGA Elevates – a new initiative that is designed to support, inspire and connect women working in golf and turf.

John Deere names FCN as charity partner for 2026

John Deere names FCN as charity partner for 2026: The UK and Ireland branch of John Deere has announced that The Farming Community Network (FCN) will be its official charity partner for 2026.

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