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York Racecourse looks to the future with GroundTech

February 25, 2025/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

York Racecourse looks to the future with GroundTech: The award-winning grounds team at York Racecourse have gained two new recruits, in the form of an Echo TM-1050 and Echo TM-2050 robotic mower from GroundTech. In the few shorts weeks since their delivery, the pair have been well received by Head Groundsman Adrian Kay as well […]

Origin Amenity Solutions Appoints Richard Walton

February 25, 2025/in News, People, Press Release/by Admin

Origin Amenity Solutions Appoints Richard Walton: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS), a leading provider of innovative products and services for turf management in the sports and amenity sectors, is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Walton as its new Managing Director. OAS is now part of the newly formed Living Landscapes division within Origin Enterprises […]

York Racecourse looks to the future with GroundTech

February 25, 2025/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

Origin Amenity Solutions Appoints Richard Walton

February 25, 2025/in News, People, Press Release/by Admin

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York Racecourse looks to the future with GroundTech

February 25, 2025/in Machinery, News, Press Release/by Admin

York Racecourse looks to the future with GroundTech: The award-winning grounds team at York Racecourse have gained two new recruits, in the form of an Echo TM-1050 and Echo TM-2050 robotic mower from GroundTech.

In the few shorts weeks since their delivery, the pair have been well received by Head Groundsman Adrian Kay as well as visitors to site who have commented that the enclosures and other perimeter areas have never presented better at this time of year.

York Racecourse looks to the future with GroundTech

With a busy race season from May to October, and a calendar compromising of weddings and corporate functions, the maintenance is a year-round operation for Adrian and his team of seven. Like many in the sector, York Racecourse have found recruitment to be a challenge, particularly since the pandemic. They’ve decided to turn to technology to provide a helping hand. “We recognise that people don’t want to be working 60-70 hours per week, or at unsociable hours, much of which was attributable to the time it takes to mow our expanses of lawn. By investing in this pair of robotic mowers, I can redeploy my skilled team to other maintenance tasks, ensuring we can maintain presentation levels” Adrian explains.

Following advice from Echo’s Sam Daybell, they opted for the Echo TM-1050 and TM-2050. “We worked really well together, assessing the size and specification of the prospective areas to find the right fit. The TM-1050 is primarily used on our premium grass car parking areas, and the TM-2050 on the enclosures, parade rings and a number of medium and high spec lawns.”

“We’re already benefiting from all the well-documented advantages that robotics brings – mowing through the night and at weekends, in all manner of weather conditions.” Adrian continues, “It’s also meant that we’ve been able to retain presentation over a difficult, wet winter with the light footprint of the robots. This has not gone unnoticed by visitors to the course.”

“Considering the wider benefits, it means less need to turn to our petrol or diesel mowers which is a big plus from an environmental sustainability standpoint. In 2023 we launched ‘Green Knavesmire 300’ demonstrating our commitment to reaching Net Zero by 2040, with these new editions from GroundTech playing their part in this wider goal.”

Together with the expert support from the team at GroundTech and Echo, Adrian is enjoying exploring the full functionality of the software, allowing him to monitor the robots 24/7. “I’m not sure I should admit this in print, but I find I’m on the app at four in the morning, making sure everything is going according to plan!” he laughs. “But it is very useful, being able to see things like the battery life etc. Every day we’re taking the opportunity to learn more about them and really bed them into our routine before the season kicks off in May.”

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Origin Amenity Solutions Appoints Richard Walton

February 25, 2025/in News, People, Press Release/by Admin

Origin Amenity Solutions Appoints Richard Walton: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS), a leading provider of innovative products and services for turf management in the sports and amenity sectors, is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Walton as its new Managing Director.

OAS is now part of the newly formed Living Landscapes division within Origin Enterprises PLC. The creation of Origin Living Landscapes reinforces the Group’s commitment to the sports, landscape, and environmental markets to address the growing demand for sustainable and environmental product solutions.

Origin Amenity Solutions Appoints Richard Walton

Richard brings over 27 years of experience in commercial leadership roles within the amenity and landscaping industry. Before joining Origin, he held senior positions at Scotts Professional, Everris, and ICL, where he demonstrated a strong track record of driving business growth, strategy development, and acquisition initiatives. Since joining Origin in July 2023 as Commercial Officer for the Sports and Landscapes sectors, Richard has made significant contributions, identifying areas for strategic improvement and implementing initiatives that have delivered measurable value. Richard will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the strategic direction of OAS.

Chris Clark, who previously held the role of MD with OAS, will continue as head of Origin’s Amenity division, currently comprising eight individual businesses. The Amenity division has been divided into two sub-divisions of Sports and Landscapes; Clive Whinnett has been appointed as Managing Director of the Sport division. This restructuring will increase focus on establishing and growing the Origin Living Landscapes brand as the leading solutions provider for the sports, landscape, and environmental sectors.

Chris comments: “Richard’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Origin Amenity Solutions. His extensive industry expertise, passion for innovation, and proven leadership capabilities make him the ideal person to lead OAS. I am confident that he will build on our successes and drive continued excellence in service delivery for our customers.”

Richard Walton added: “I am honoured to take on this role and lead Origin Amenity Solutions at such an exciting time. OAS has an outstanding reputation for delivering future-ready products, services, and advice, and I look forward to working with the talented team to build on this legacy and achieve new levels of success.”

This appointment reflects Origin’s continued commitment to strengthening its leadership team and advancing its strategic objectives within the sports and landscaping sectors. With Richard at the helm, OAS is poised for sustained growth and innovation.

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.

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

York Racecourse looks to the future with GroundTech

Origin Amenity Solutions Appoints Richard Walton

York Racecourse looks to the future with GroundTech

Origin Amenity Solutions Appoints Richard Walton

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

York Racecourse looks to the future with GroundTech

York Racecourse looks to the future with GroundTech: The award-winning grounds team at York Racecourse have gained two new recruits, in the form of an Echo TM-1050 and Echo TM-2050 robotic mower from GroundTech.

Origin Amenity Solutions Appoints Richard Walton

Origin Amenity Solutions Appoints Richard Walton: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS), a leading provider of innovative products and services for turf management in the sports and amenity sectors, is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Walton as its new Managing Director.

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