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GKB Powering the Progress of Parkers Pitches

March 26, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

GKB Powering the Progress of Parkers Pitches Supporting contractors Parkers Pitches in their ongoing expansion is a fleet of efficient, robust equipment from GKB Machines. Pushing firmly into larger drainage and construction projects across East Anglia has demanded machinery that can step-up, and stay reliable under pressure and that’s exactly what owner Will Parker says […]

GMA NextGen Welcomes Three New Industry Trailblazers

March 26, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

GMA NextGen Welcomes Three New Industry Trailblazers The Grounds Management Association’s (GMA) NextGen group is pleased to welcome three new members: James Williamson, Sonny Keywood and Calum Clarkson. The trio join after a strong application process with an impressive number of candidates from across the sector. The GMA NextGen group brings together young professionals who […]

GKB Powering the Progress of Parkers Pitches

March 26, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

GMA NextGen Welcomes Three New Industry Trailblazers

March 26, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

GKB Powering the Progress of Parkers Pitches

March 26, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

GKB Powering the Progress of Parkers Pitches

Supporting contractors Parkers Pitches in their ongoing expansion is a fleet of efficient, robust equipment from GKB Machines. Pushing firmly into larger drainage and construction projects across East Anglia has demanded machinery that can step-up, and stay reliable under pressure and that’s exactly what owner Will Parker says they’ve enjoyed with their V-Strong, Combinator and, most recently, their SP100 topdresser.

GKB Powering the Progress of Parkers Pitches

Will together with wife Lydia run Parkers Pitches, with a further team of three full-time operatives on the ground. In just a few short years, the contractors have built a strong reputation for cricket and football renovations, increasingly undertaking projects on other sports surfaces including drainage-led projects in golf. “As we began to expand, we found we were picking up more topdressing work and needed something faster and with more capacity” explains Will.

With a V-Strong and GKB Combinator already demonstrating fantastic build quality and versatility, Will was confident enough to purchase the Sandspreader without the need for a demonstration. They opted for an SP100, a broadcast disc-dresser with a 1.0m³ hopper – the ideal size for mounting on their existing John Deere ProGator.

“It’s been absolutely bulletproof” he exclaims. “We’re putting thousands of tonnes through it every year and you wouldn’t know it. It runs perfectly every time, we’ve barely had to put a spanner on it… even the paint is still immaculate inside the hopper! This productivity and reliability is crucial for keeping our schedule on track in tight renovation windows.”

The performance of the SP100 has come as no surprise to the team, with similar qualities on show from their V-Strong scarifier and Combinator. “The V-Strong is exactly that – unbelievably strong! Cricket square can be really hard come the end of a season and where our previous machine would struggle on renovations, the V-Strong doesn’t blink – getting the job done in less than half the time.”

“Our 1.6m Combinator also is getting used more and more and, again, it’s rarely missed a beat. On the odd occasion we’ve needed support, GKB’s Tom Shinkins and the team at Ernest Doe have gone above and beyond to get us back up and running and keeping us on track.” Will concludes, “As we continue to grow and move into new areas, we know we have the right equipment and right support with GKB to make it a success.”

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GMA NextGen Welcomes Three New Industry Trailblazers

March 26, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

GMA NextGen Welcomes Three New Industry Trailblazers

The Grounds Management Association’s (GMA) NextGen group is pleased to welcome three new members: James Williamson, Sonny Keywood and Calum Clarkson.

GMA NextGen Welcomes Three New Industry Trailblazers

The trio join after a strong application process with an impressive number of candidates from across the sector.

The GMA NextGen group brings together young professionals who act as ambassadors for the industry. Their mission is to inspire and support more young people into careers in grounds management, helping to secure a skilled and sustainable workforce for the future.

Introducing the New Members

James Williamson, Club Development Partner at Cricket Wales, has been a passionate sports person from a young age. Growing up in Cornwall, he supported sports development through a variety of coaching roles before moving to Cardiff in 2019 to study Sport and Exercise Science (BSc). After graduating, he chose to stay in Wales and turn his passion for sport into a full-time career. James now helps Cricket Wales create welcoming, sustainable cricket facilities across the country. James is particularly motivated to help young people discover the wide range of opportunities within the sector.

Sonny Keywood, Groundsperson at Brighton & Hove Albion FC, has always loved sport and spending time outdoors, making grounds management a perfect career. Sonny first learned about the industry through his dad, realising early on that it offered far more variety and opportunity than he had imagined. He enjoys the fast pace of his role and the day-to-day challenges that come with maintaining elite playing surfaces. He sees NextGen as a platform to raise the profile of the profession and help young people see grounds management as a respected and rewarding career choice.

Calum Clarkson, Groundsperson at George Heriot’s School, takes great pride in preparing top-quality cricket pitches and sports surfaces. Alongside his work maintaining the grounds at George Heriot’s School, he is Head Groundsman at Royal High Corstorphine Cricket Club. Growing up in sport, he understands how much high-quality surfaces matter for safety, performance and player experience. Having once been unaware of the career routes available in turf care, he is now committed to championing the profession and inspiring future talent.

Jack Langley, Co‑Chair of the GMA NextGen group, said: “James, Sonny and Calum bring real energy and industry insight to the existing group. Each of them has a brilliant story about how they found their way into grounds management, and they share a willingness to supporting young people entering the profession. We’re excited to have them on board and to see the impact they’ll make.”

Meg Lay, Co‑Chair of the GMA NextGen group, added: “The NextGen group exists to give young professionals a voice and to help drive the industry forward. James, Sonny and Calum each bring fresh perspectives and valuable experience. Their excitement is exactly what we need as we continue promoting the sector and inspiring the next generation.”

Find out more about the NextGen group by visiting www.thegma.org.uk/nextgen

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)

GKB Powering the Progress of Parkers Pitches

GMA NextGen Welcomes Three New Industry Trailblazers

GKB Powering the Progress of Parkers Pitches

GMA NextGen Welcomes Three New Industry Trailblazers

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

GKB Powering the Progress of Parkers Pitches

GKB Powering the Progress of Parkers Pitches

GMA NextGen Welcomes Three New Industry Trailblazers

GMA NextGen Welcomes Three New Industry Trailblazers

Introducing the New Members

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