Tag Archive for: 2022

BIGGA announces the FTMI Class of 2022

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BIGGA announces the FTMI Class of 2022: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has revealed the 20 ambitious greenkeepers who will participate in the Future Turf Managers Initiative 2022.

Each year Jacobsen and BIGGA invite 20 up-and-coming association members to participate in the intensive training programme, which has been credited with developing some of the greenkeeping industry’s most influential course managers and head greenkeepers. This year Jacobsen and BIGGA celebrated the first FTMI graduate to achieve the links superintendent position at an Open Championship venue in the form of Royal Liverpool’s James Bledge.

BIGGA announces the FTMI Class of 2022

BIGGA announces the FTMI Class of 2022

FTMI was first hosted in 2013 as a two-day education event and since then has expanded around the world, with similar schemes being introduced in Spain, Portugal, Australia and New Zealand.

For 2022 the structure of FTMI has been adjusted to become a hybrid event that combines workshops at Ransomes Jacobsen’s headquarters in Ipswich, online education sessions and two days of education at BTME in January 2023. FTMI focuses on personal and professional development, rather than agronomy-based subjects, and utilises the expertise of leading course managers, dynamic trainers and industry experts to mentor and educate the next generation of industry leaders.

Candidates are selected based upon an anonymous judging criterion, with the panel gaining an insight into the achievements and ambitions of each applicant, who must be educationally active on a national and regional level.

BIGGA Learning & Development Executive Deb Burnett said: “As an increasing number of FTMI graduates achieve success in their careers, we are reminded of what an incredible learning opportunity FTMI is for BIGGA members. When the 10th FTMI class convenes this year, we’ll be welcoming some of those early delegates back as mentors and I look forward to seeing them inspire the 2022 class, who will then gain the knowledge they require to achieve similar greatness in their own careers.

“Our youngest candidate this year is 22, while the oldest is 47 and that shows how FTMI is available to all BIGGA members. All you need is the desire to learn and progress your career and I’m delighted that among the Class of 2022 we have such a varied mix of people who can share ideas and experiences and who have all got through to this stage based upon their own merits.”

The members of the FTMI Class of 2022 are:

  • Aaron Allibon, first assistant at Orsett
  • John Anderson, senior greenkeeper at Prestwick
  • Rhian Barton, assistant greenkeeper at Royal Liverpool
  • Andrew Barr, deputy head greenkeeper at Greencastle
  • Tom Bromfield, assistant greenkeeper at Trentham
  • Ray Cotgrave, deputy course manager at Pleasington
  • Marcus Davies, assistant greenkeeper at Wentworth Club
  • Michael Gibbons, first assistant at Dunham Forest
  • Sean Harvey, senior greenkeeper at Frilford Heath
  • Peter Lewis, senior greenkeeper/irrigation technician at Royal Liverpool
  • Darren McLoughlin, deputy head greenkeeper at Erskine
  • Matthew Milligan, first assistant at Rudding Park
  • Malcolm Mitchell, deputy head greenkeeper at Burghley Park
  • Wayne Mulrooney, deputy course manager at Great Barr
  • Robert Munro, assistant superintendent at Cabot Cliffs
  • Ryan Oliver, assistant greenkeeper at Hornsea
  • Adrian Parsons, assistant greenkeeper at Wenvoe Castle
  • Michael Russell, assistant greenkeeper at Ormskirk
  • Steven Thomas, deputy head greenkeeper at Prestonfield

Elliot Walters, deputy course manager at Robin Hood

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Fantastic 2 days at SAGE 2022

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Fantastic 2 days at SAGE 2022: The UK’s largest outdoor sports and grounds maintenance tradeshow took place on 6th & 7th July at The Three Counties Showground, and it was stunning turnout. Over 55 exhibitors from across the industry headed to the expo to provide live demos to visitors in attendance over the two-day event.

One of the highlights of the event was the first sustainability summit in partnership with Bio-Circle. With sustainability becoming a hot priority, SAGE has provided a vital launchpad for collaboration across the groundcare and similar industries on sustainability projects.

Fantastic 2 days at SAGE 2022

Fantastic 2 days at SAGE 2022

The new forum GRASS (Groundcare, Resources and Sustainable Suppliers) has been formed with industry experts and manufacturing personnel joining force to provide free advice and guidance on sustainable practices across the industry.

Head of Environmental and Sustainability Stadia Projects at Bio-Circle, Mark Tomlinson led discussions to give valuable insights regarding the future of sustainability solutions and products. GRASS now provides a point of contact for everyone in the industry to ask questions and get support for their sustainability projects, and we are excited to see it grow over the next year.

A networking event to remember

On Wednesday afternoon everyone made a beeline for the networking event, where drinks were flowing from the open bar. Entertained by some amazingly talented music artists, people had the chance to let their hair down and meet their industry colleagues in a fun atmosphere, within the luxury facilities of The Three Counties Showground.

Perks and prizes

The free event was so beneficial for everyone in attendance, with free training courses taking place, as well as competitions and free perks and product discounts.

Following the success of the event, planning has already started for SAGE 2023 and next year’s event should be even bigger and better with support growing annually the future for SAGE is massive.

This year’s exhibitors have benefitted greatly from being able to meet prospective customers face-to-face and build relationships with people in an outdoor environment. Two days of live demos, has enabled exhibitors to boost their marketing strategies, we look forward to welcoming them back in 2023, as well as many more.

Businesses that are interested in exhibiting at SAGE 2023 can sign up for the early bird offer which will be released shortly, Click here to register your interest today.

Make sure you are following us for all upcoming news there is exciting plans to be released.

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GMA launches 2022 Industry Awards

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GMA launches 2022 Industry Awards: The GMA is inviting nominations to recognise the contribution of volunteers and professionals working across the grounds care industry. Winners will be announced at the association’s annual awards dinner at the Birmingham Vox Conference Centre on 2 November.

Marking a return following the outbreak of the pandemic, this year’s awards ceremony will provide the perfect opportunity to reconnect with industry colleagues and recognise the outstanding performance of individuals and teams across the grounds care sector.

GMA launches 2022 Industry Awards

GMA launches 2022 Industry Awards

Nomination categories have been expanded this year to include:

  1. Origin Amenity Solutions Young Grounds Person of the Year
  2. Newcomer of the Year
  3. Kubota UK & Redexim Volunteer Sports Grounds Team/Individual of the Year
  4. Community Sports Grounds Team/Individual of the Year
  5. Bowls / Croquet Grounds Team/Individual of the Year
  6. Best Managed Artificial Surface of the Year
  7. Best Environmental and Sustainability Impact
  8. Professional Cricket Grounds Team of the Year
  9. Infinicut Professional Tennis Courts Grounds Team of the Year
  10. Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year
  11. Professional Rugby Football League Grounds Team of the Year
  12. Professional Rugby Football Union Grounds Team of the Year
  13. AMS Robotics Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year (A)
  14. SGL Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year (B)
  15. University/College Grounds Team of the Year
  16. Independent School Grounds Team of the Year
  17. International Impact Award

Nominations must be submitted via an online form before 17.00 on Friday 29 July 2022.

Grounds Management Association CEO, Geoff Webb says:

“The association’s Industry Awards has long been a prestigious stage to recognise the achievements of those working in the grounds care sector at all levels. This year’s ceremony feels particularly special after an incredibly challenging few years. The event gives us the opportunity to come together, reflect on what has been achieved, and celebrate those who work tirelessly to make sport possible.”

To discuss sponsorship and other brand partnership opportunities, email Grounds Management Association Director of Commercial and Events, Sarah Cunningham at scunningham@thegma.org.uk.

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2022 Garden Trend Report

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2022 Garden Trend Report: A new study by garden furniture retailer, Moda Furnishings, has looked into a variety of data sources to see what types of gardens people are looking at for inspiration this year, their favourite colours, furniture trends, flowers and more.

As spring is here people are looking to give their garden a refresh or maybe even a total makeover. Moda Furnishings has put together their 2022 Garden Trend Report showing all the most popular garden trends!

2022 Garden Trend Report

2022 Garden Trend Report

As warm weather hits the UK people are beginning to plant their flowers for the Spring and Summer seasons. Moda analysed search patterns to discover what flowers people were most interested in as spring approaches. Violets came out on top with over 659,000 searches and tulips were not far behind in second with 558,100 searches. View the full list here:

Flower Searches
Violets 659,000
Tulips 558,100
Ammaryllis 442,900
Daffodils 373,100
Hyacinth 286,600
Primrose 207,800
Forget Me Nots 194,200
Ranunculus 186,900
Pansies 175,800
Lillies 104,800

The study analysed Pinterest data and was able to find the number of pins used for each key term to determine which ones people were getting the most excited about. The winner was in fact “Colourful gardens” with almost 1.5 million pins in users’ inspiration boards, showing that people are wanting a splash of colour in their garden as we move closer to the warmer and longer days. Coming in a very close second is “Natural gardens” with 1.3 million pins, which shows that people are taking inspiration from the current climate to create more natural-looking spaces.  See the full list below:

THEME NAME PINS
Colourful Garden 1,435,672
Natural Garden 1,340,090
Entertaining Garden 1,034,231
Modern Garden 903,350
Sustainable Garden 672,280
Cottage Garden 567,210
Wild Garden 448,540
White Garden 256,788
Balcony Garden 132,475
Foliage Garden 101,435

Moda also looked at what colours seem to be trending this year when searching for garden furniture, flowers and accents. The most popular colours people were incorporating into their gardens are natural colours like greens, nudes, whites and greys or pastels, blues, purples and surprisingly yellow.  

With the warmer weather and longer days on the horizon people might be looking for some furniture to kit out their garden or balcony, but the big question is what type of furniture are people looking at this year? Rattan garden furniture took the top of the list with almost 9.1X as many searches as the second place, wooden furniture. I think it is safe to assume rattan furniture reigns supreme this year. See below for the full list!

TYPE OF FURNITURE SEARCHES
Rattan 301,000
Wooden 33,100
Aluminum 14,800
Metal 12,00
Teak 9,900
Wicker 6,600
Plastic 5,400
Iron 3,600
Bamboo 2,900
Recycled Materials 1,100

As we all know trends come and go so sometimes the best way to spruce up your garden is with an accent piece. Moda looked at searches across garden furniture trends to see which trends are booming this year. Firepits have quickly risen to the top of the list this year with the always favourite “egg chair” close behind. Check out the full list to see other ways you can bring your garden to life!

ACCENT PIECE SEARCHES
Firepits 433,000
Egg Chair 299,000
Outdoor Rugs 195,000
Unique Lighting 169,000
Bistro Set 97,400
Large Sofa 82,600
Water Feature 82,400
Outdoor Bar 71,800
Sunbed 58,000
Dinning Set 46,600

To read more about Moda and its products please visit here.

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MKM launch 2022 landscaping brochure

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MKM launch 2022 landscaping brochure: MKM Building Supplies, the U.K’s largest independent builders merchant, has launched its new 2022 landscaping brochure detailing its complete offering of garden and outdoor space products.

The new volume includes popular landscaping features such as decorative aggregates, decking, artificial grass, fencing and a selection of porcelain, natural stone and concrete paving options among much more – allowing patrons to turn any garden or outdoor space into a little piece of heaven. A host of creative designs and varying materials are also featured with real-world examples of landscaping projects completed with MKM products included, encouraging inspiration and highlighting the supplier’s expert knowledge and leading offering.

MKM launch 2022 landscaping brochure

MKM launch 2022 landscaping brochure

“The 2022 landscaping season is fast approaching, and with more time spent in the comfort of our own home and garden now more than ever, the trend of renovation and expansion to outdoor spaces is growing,” explains Nicola Ollett, Head of Marketing MKM Building Supplies. “Our new landscaping brochure provides choice, inspiration and top-quality products to those looking to turn their outdoor spaces into areas they’re proud of and can spend more time in.”

As outdoor dining and entertaining becomes increasingly popular, seating, patios, fire pits and other outdoor features such as lighting and heating become required in order to host friends and family during those sought-after long summer evenings. While garden outbuildings are also growing in popularity as the perfect location for an office space, personal bar, tranquil hideaway or al fresco dining.

“Unlike other merchants, these fantastic designs and products are not just for trade customers, they’re equally available to the general public looking to develop personal spaces themselves,” continues Nicola. “With our in-branch landscaping specialists, friendly and experienced team and free local delivery, anyone can pay a visit to their local MKM branch and get started on their next project, today.”

Most MKM branches across the nation have their own landscaping displays for budding landscapers to use as inspiration, with landscaping specialists also on hand to help identify hidden opportunities and discuss project ideas. And, with every branch across the U.K, offering free local delivery, it’s never been easier to finalise that personalised garden or outdoor space.

To find out more about landscaping opportunities, download the new brochure, or contact your local MKM branch, visit mkmbs.co.uk

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