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STIHL celebrates dealer excellence at landmark STIHL 100 Dealer Conference

June 29, 2026/in Events, News, Press Release/by Admin

STIHL celebrates dealer excellence at landmark STIHL 100 Dealer Conference STIHL GB has celebrated the achievements of its dealer network at its STIHL 100 Dealer Conference, bringing together STIHL Approved Dealers from across the country for a landmark event marking the company’s centenary year. The event marked 100 years since Andreas Stihl founded the business in 1926 […]

Kress and the Portugal Invitational showcase the future of course maintenance

June 29, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Kress and the Portugal Invitational showcase the future of course maintenance The 2026 Portugal Invitational will bring together some of golf’s most respected names and provide a glimpse into the future of how great courses will be maintained. Kress has been named an Official Partner of the tournament, the first PGA Tour Champions event in […]

STIHL celebrates dealer excellence at landmark STIHL 100 Dealer Conference

June 29, 2026/in Events, News, Press Release/by Admin

Kress and the Portugal Invitational showcase the future of course maintenance

June 29, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

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STIHL celebrates dealer excellence at landmark STIHL 100 Dealer Conference

June 29, 2026/in Events, News, Press Release/by Admin

STIHL celebrates dealer excellence at landmark STIHL 100 Dealer Conference

STIHL GB has celebrated the achievements of its dealer network at its STIHL 100 Dealer Conference, bringing together STIHL Approved Dealers from across the country for a landmark event marking the company’s centenary year.

STIHL celebrates dealer excellence at landmark STIHL 100 Dealer Conference

The event marked 100 years since Andreas Stihl founded the business in 1926 and provided an opportunity to recognise the vital role STIHL’s dealer network continues to play in delivering expert advice, service and support to customers nationwide.

The conference, held at STIHL’s British HQ, Contra House, had a celebratory atmosphere with a three-course dinner, live music and a STIHL 100 ice carving made by Mat Chaloner of Glacial Art ice sculptors, carved with a STIHL battery chainsaw for the occasion.

A highlight of the conference was the STIHL Dealer Awards, hosted by renowned garden designer, broadcaster and writer Joe Swift*, who presented awards recognising excellence across the dealer network.

Among the evening’s major winners were Sam Turners & Sons, who received the Marketing Excellence Award, Gammies Groundcare, who received the Leading Battery Dealer award, and Louise Danbury-Peters from Ibbetts who was recognised with the Star of the Dealership Award. Additional awards were presented across a range of categories celebrating outstanding business performance, customer service, and technical expertise.

The final award of the night, the STIHL 100 Award, was presented to Ron Smith & Co. for all-round excellence, recognising their consistent growth and commitment to the highest standards across every part of the business. As well as the award itself, director Mark Smith was presented with a Centennial Edition MS 500i chainsaw, which was launched in May to celebrate the company’s historic anniversary, and sold out in less than a week.

Kay Green, Managing Director of STIHL GB, said: “As we celebrate 100 years of STIHL, it is fitting that we recognise the people who have played such an important role in our success. Our dealer network has always been at the heart of the STIHL business, providing customers with trusted advice, expert support and exceptional service.

The STIHL 100 Dealer Conference was a fantastic opportunity to get together, reflect on our shared achievements and celebrate the outstanding individuals and businesses that continue to set the standard across the network. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and finalists on their well-deserved recognition.”

For more information on STIHL products, visit www.stihl.co.uk or contact your nearest STIHL Approved Dealer.

Find out more about STIHL’s historic milestone, here: https://100.stihl.com.

Find the full list of award winners below:

Marketing Excellence Award – Sam Turner & Sons
Leading Parts & Accessories Dealer – Hire Services (Southern)
Customer Service & Aftercare Award – Sam Turner & Sons
Leading Retail Experience Award – Balmers
Technician of the Year – Wayne Bodinnar, Tudor Environmental
Star of the Dealership – Louise Danbury-Peters, Ibbetts
Leading Garden Machinery Dealer – Ron Smith & Co
Leading Battery Dealer – Gammies Groundcare Ltd
Leading Commercial Solutions Dealer – Denbigh Plant Services
Leading Forestry & Arb Dealer – Gustharts
STIHL 100 Award – Ron Smith & Co

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Kress and the Portugal Invitational showcase the future of course maintenance

June 29, 2026/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Kress and the Portugal Invitational showcase the future of course maintenance

The 2026 Portugal Invitational will bring together some of golf’s most respected names and provide a glimpse into the future of how great courses will be maintained. Kress has been named an Official Partner of the tournament, the first PGA Tour Champions event in Europe, taking place at The Els Club Vilamoura in the Algarve from July 27 to August 2, 2026.

Kress and the Portugal Invitational showcase the future of course maintenance

As part of the partnership, Kress autonomous mowing technology will be deployed at selected golf courses across Portugal, supporting a new approach to course maintenance that combines sustainability, operational efficiency, and exceptional playing conditions.

Trusted by some of the world’s most prestigious golf courses, Kress is helping define a new standard for course maintenance, combining autonomous operation with the consistency and precision demanded by elite venues.

As golf facilities across Europe pursue ambitious sustainability goals, many are looking for practical ways to reduce their environmental footprint without compromising course standards. By replacing diesel-powered mowing equipment with autonomous electric technology, golf courses can significantly reduce emissions, lower noise levels, and preserve the peaceful environment that defines the golfing experience.

Kress and the Portugal Invitational showcase the future of course maintenance

“Great courses are maintained by people. Technology simply gives them more time to focus on what matters most,” said Dario Alonso, CEO Kress South Europe. “The Portugal Invitational is the perfect stage to demonstrate that autonomy, sustainability, and exceptional course conditions can coexist.”

“We are proud to welcome Kress as an Official Partner of the Portugal Invitational,” said

Todd Rhinehart, Tournament Director.

“Their commitment to innovation and sustainability reflects our ambition to showcase not only world-class golf but also the future of the game and the facilities that support it.”

For more information, please visit https://www.kress.com/en-gb/

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Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

STIHL celebrates dealer excellence at landmark STIHL 100 Dealer Conference

Kress and the Portugal Invitational showcase the future of course maintenance

STIHL celebrates dealer excellence at landmark STIHL 100 Dealer Conference

Kress and the Portugal Invitational showcase the future of course maintenance

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

STIHL celebrates dealer excellence at landmark STIHL 100 Dealer Conference

STIHL celebrates dealer excellence at landmark STIHL 100 Dealer Conference

Kress and the Portugal Invitational showcase the future of course maintenance

Kress and the Portugal Invitational showcase the future of course maintenance

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