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New GMA Conference Set To Bring The Sector Together

December 5, 2025/in Events, News, Press Release/by Admin

New GMA Conference Set To Bring The Sector Together: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is thrilled to announce a major new addition to the industry calendar: the GMA Conference 2026 – a full day of practical learning and big industry conversations. Hosted at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham on Thursday 12 March, the landmark […]

Kerr’s Grounds Services Goes Robotic with the RM21

December 4, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Kerr’s Grounds Services Goes Robotic with the RM21: When it comes to managing multiple sites and tight schedules, efficiency is everything. For Charlie Kerr, owner of Kerrs Ground Services Ltd, investing in cutting-edge robotic technology has revolutionised the way he works – and the RM21 Combo Mower, distributed exclusively by Agrovista Amenity in partnership with […]

New GMA Conference Set To Bring The Sector Together

December 5, 2025/in Events, News, Press Release/by Admin

Kerr’s Grounds Services Goes Robotic with the RM21

December 4, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

New GMA Conference Set To Bring The Sector Together

December 5, 2025/in Events, News, Press Release/by Admin

New GMA Conference Set To Bring The Sector Together: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is thrilled to announce a major new addition to the industry calendar: the GMA Conference 2026 – a full day of practical learning and big industry conversations.

Hosted at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham on Thursday 12 March, the landmark event will bring together leading experts and experienced practitioners from across the UK and beyond for an immersive programme designed to inform, inspire, and connect.

New GMA Conference Set To Bring The Sector Together

What to expect

Backed by Platinum Sponsor ISEKI, and industry organisations such ICL, Origin Amenity Solutions, Reesink UK, Agronomic Services Ltd, SGL, MJ Abbott and Premier Pitches, the 2026 programme offers real-world sessions with immediate takeaways:

Expert Speakers: Hear from industry leaders including: Ruth Mann (Head of Integrated Crop Technologies, Agrii), Tony Hanson (Environmental Solutions International), Daniel Ratling (Grounds and Estate Manager at Whitgift School), broadcaster Mark Clemit, Chris Hunter (GMA), Will Brierley & Mark Ferguson (All England Lawn Tennis Club), and John Lawrence (Edgbaston Priory Tennis Club), with more names to be announced soon.
Practical Sessions: Gain actionable insights with real-world case studies, including:
- A behind-the-scenes look at Lord’s full-scale pitch renovation
- Strategies for future-proofing facilities under new water regulations
- Workshops on soil health, workforce development, and leadership skills
Interactive Panels: CPD-rich discussions tackling the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector right now.
Soft Skills Matter: Build leadership, communication and team management skills to complement your technical expertise. These sessions will ensure you leave not only with technical know-how, but also the interpersonal skills essential for long-term success.

Attendees can build their own agenda to focus on the skills and knowledge most relevant to their career whilst accessing the latest research and emerging best practice – a snapshot of where grounds management is heading.

Networking runs throughout the programme with plenty of time to connect and meet new peers. A guided tour of Edgbaston’s world-class facilities will offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at excellence in action.

After the conference, delegates are invited to stay for the GMA Industry Awards, the annual celebration of the people and achievements driving standards across the sector.

The conference will complement other GMA educational events throughout 2026, offering a wider programme of learning opportunities for grounds professionals at every stage of their career.

Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be launching a dedicated conference for the sector in 2026. Grounds professionals operate in a fast-changing environment, and there’s a real appetite for events that combine practical learning with the chance to connect with others facing similar challenges.

“One of the real strengths of this programme is that delegates can tailor their day by choosing the sessions and speakers that are most relevant to their role. This conference delivers exactly that – flexibility and depth. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Edgbaston for what promises to be a standout day.”

Full programme details will be announced soon, but you don’t need to wait to secure your place. Register your interest now to be among the first to get early access for this must-attend conference.

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

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Kerr’s Grounds Services Goes Robotic with the RM21

December 4, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Kerr’s Grounds Services Goes Robotic with the RM21: When it comes to managing multiple sites and tight schedules, efficiency is everything. For Charlie Kerr, owner of Kerrs Ground Services Ltd, investing in cutting-edge robotic technology has revolutionised the way he works – and the RM21 Combo Mower, distributed exclusively by Agrovista Amenity in partnership with XDC, has been at the heart of that transformation.

Charlie’s passion for turf management began over a decade ago.

Kerr’s Grounds Services Goes Robotic with the RM21

“I started working at a school mainly on cricket and rugby pitches,” he explained. “That’s where I got the bug for being a groundsman. From there I joined a sports turf contracting company, then worked at Dartford FC for a few years before moving on to Chelsea FC.”

After a short stint away from the industry, Charlie found himself missing life on the turf. “I started with small maintenance jobs, but it wasn’t the same. I got back into football when Cray Wanderers FC needed a groundsman, and things just took off from there. Now I look after Cray Wanderers FC, Welling United FC, carry out some work at Sidcup Rugby Club, and a few private sites too.”

Managing several venues meant long hours and challenging logistics – until Charlie discovered the RM21 Combo Mower.

“I was spending four or five hours every Friday marking pitches by hand. In winter, when the days are shorter, it was brutal,” said Charlie. “Then I saw the RM21 on my phone one night and thought, ‘That looks incredible!’ A mower and a line marker in one? I booked a demo straight away – and I was blown away.”

The RM21 Combo Mower is a fully autonomous unit that cuts and line marks simultaneously, using advanced GPS technology. Controlled via a tablet or mobile app, it allows users to map, edit, and save pitch layouts, meaning even complex training grids or tournament layouts can be recreated at the touch of a button.

Charlie says the benefits were immediate:

“I’ve left the RM21 cutting at Welling while I’m doing other work at Cray Wanderers – it’s like having an extra employee. It basically allows me to do two days’ work in one.”

Since introducing the RM21, Charlie has noticed huge savings in both time and materials.

“I’m using less paint than before. One tank of concentrate now does all my pitches. The lines are cleaner, brighter, and perfectly straight – and I don’t have to mess around with strings and pegs every week.”

The machine offers two operation modes: high-efficiency for quick turnarounds, and precision mode for detailed line marking, ensuring professional results for every situation.

Battery performance has also impressed him.

“You get around 12 hours of line marking or five hours of mowing on a full charge. I’ve marked and cut multiple sites in one day without even dropping below half a battery.”

Noise and safety were also big considerations for Charlie, especially when working around busy community grounds.

“It’s so quiet you can’t hear it from the other side of the pitch. I’ve used it at seven in the morning, and no one even noticed. Plus, it’s much safer than using big tractors when you’ve got dog walkers and kids around.”

The RM21’s compact size and portability mean Charlie can easily move it between sites.

“It drives straight onto my trailer – simple as that. If I get a last-minute call for a pitch, I can be in and out in an hour. It’s a complete game changer.”

Charlie’s experience has been so positive that he’s already thinking about expanding.

“I’ve started promoting GPS line marking on social media and had new enquiries coming in already. There’s nothing else like it in this area – and with the time I save, I can take on more work without burning out. I call it my ‘Kerminator’ – and it’s living up to the name!”

For Charlie Kerr and Kerr’s Grounds Services, the RM21 Combo Mower isn’t just another piece of kit – it’s a business-changing investment that’s redefining what’s possible for small, independent turf professionals.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit https://amenity.agrovista.co.uk/

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)

New GMA Conference Set To Bring The Sector Together

Kerr’s Grounds Services Goes Robotic with the RM21

New GMA Conference Set To Bring The Sector Together

Kerr’s Grounds Services Goes Robotic with the RM21

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

New GMA Conference Set To Bring The Sector Together

New GMA Conference Set To Bring The Sector Together: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is thrilled to announce a major new addition to the industry calendar: the GMA Conference 2026 – a full day of practical learning and big industry conversations.

Kerr’s Grounds Services Goes Robotic with the RM21

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