Tag Archive for: 2023

Dates announced for #GroundsWeek 2023

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Dates announced for #GroundsWeek 2023: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has announced that its annual awareness campaign, #GroundsWeek, is returning from 20 – 26 March 2023.

The campaign, now in its third year, recognises the work of turf care volunteers and professionals in the UK, with a focus on inspiring new recruits to consider a career in the industry.

Dates announced for #GroundsWeek 2023

Dates announced for #GroundsWeek 2023

According to research carried out by the GMA, the industry is facing an impending employment crisis. Currently, 40% of the workforce is over 50 years-old and, without an influx of new recruits, this could result in a significant employment gap within 5 years.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, says: “Our job is to look out for the interests of our members and the wider industry. Part of that means ensuring new talent is entering the industry. The turf care industry provides a chance for younger people to learn new skills, work in a wide range of sectors and contribute to making sport possible. It also offers incredible career opportunities and health benefits. Connecting with new recruits is what #GroundsWeek is all about.

“As part of the campaign, we’ll be offering school students the chance to experience the buzz of turf care at the highest level, as they get pitch side at a professional football club. We’ll also be sharing real life stories from young people who are reaping the rewards of their amazing careers in turf care.”

“We’ll be highlighting the incredible work existing volunteers and professionals do to make sport possible and showcasing their invaluable impact on the nation, and making sure they get the recognition they deserve, from the public, sporting organisations and the industry.”

Neil Stubley, head of courts and horticulture at Wimbledon, adds: “Grounds staff up and down the country deserve the spotlight for their invaluable contribution, ensuring millions of people every week can enjoy their favourite sports. I’m looking forward to supporting #GroundsWeek, showcasing our work to a wider audience and helping people understand more about what goes into making sport possible.

“To help the campaign make as big an impact as possible, I urge grounds people across the country to keep an eye out for #GroundsWeek content and share it online. Make sure you and your colleagues are celebrated far and wide.”

To find out more about #GroundsWeek, keep up to date with all the latest content by following the GMA on social media:

–       Twitter

–       Instagram

–       Facebook

–       LinkedIn

You can also contact the GMA to find out how you can get involved by emailing communications@thegma.org.uk

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Redexim’s exciting start to 2023

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Redexim’s exciting start to 2023: Proving that good things can come in threes, Redexim have announced a trio of new machines launching in their natural turf maintenance portfolio for 2023.

First up, and promising to deliver enhanced adaptability to topdressing operations, is the new Rink DS1600 featuring improved functionality with all-new electronic controls. An alternative topdressing solution will also be available in the shape of the redesigned Redexim Multivator, while those looking for an all-in-one ground preparation tool will be impressed with the new additions to the Blecavator range.

Redexim's exciting start to 2023

Redexim’s exciting start to 2023

The Rink DS1600 disc spreader is ideal for those following the ‘little and often’ approach to topdressing. Accommodating spreading widths of between 2m and 14m, the DS1600 features a large 1.6m3 hopper which means fewer trips back to the shed to refill. A range of parameters including throw, belt speed and spreading thickness can all now be quickly and easily adjusted via new electronic controls accessible from the operator’s seat. Efficiency can be further enhanced through an optional digital control unit which allows the operator to pre-set spreading rates ensuring quick and consistent set-up every time. Four large tyres keeping ground pressure to a minimum, making the DS1600 the versatile dresser for tasks throughout the season.

If access or cost implications are restricting the ability to topdress, then the newly redesigned Multivator 1800 could provide the answer. Featuring a roller equipped with nine blades spaced at 200mm, the Multivator decompacts and simultaneously lifts buried soil and rootzone material to the surface to provide an environmentally-effective method of dressing. Completing the operation in a single pass, the operator can also specify an additional front knife roller and optional rear brush to distribute the material for a play-ready finish.

Under the guidance of Redexim’s expert design team, the Blecavator will also be re-engineered and re-launching in two new widths during 2023. The updated Blecavator 145 (1.45m) and 210 (2.1m) models are the ultimate ground preparation multi-tasker – screening stones, debris and levelling the ground ready for the next stage of any grounds work project. Designed to be compact yet capable, the heavy-duty gearbox and drive transmission ensures maximum power is delivered to the rotor to handle all types of soil conditions, while the adjustable screening bar and rear roller leave a uniform finish.

More information can be found on the new and exciting additions, as each are showcased at various events over the coming months starting with the Rink DS1600 – making its debut on stand 532 at BTME, Europe’s premier turf management exhibition, in Harrogate (UK) this January.  Following this in February, visitors to the GCSAA trade show in Orlando, Florida can see the Multivator 1800 on the Redexim booth, number 2527.

Further details on these, and the rest of the Redexim turf equipment range, can be accessed by visiting www.redexim.com

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Sustainability at the heart of SAGE 2023

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Sustainability at the heart of SAGE 2023: Planning for SAGE 2023 is well underway, and this year sustainability is at its core. After a heatwave and drought sweeping the UK this summer, and with the ongoing energy crisis causing increasing uncertainty, it has never been more important for the groundscare industry to take conscious steps to combat climate change.

SAGE is returning for its third year in 2023 and realises the importance of reducing its impact on the environment, so this year is taking extra measures to ensure SAGE 2023 is as genuinely sustainable as possible.

Sustainability at the heart of SAGE 2023

Sustainability at the heart of SAGE 2023

Rather than vague promises of sustainability, SAGE is backing up claims of sustainability with actions that are tangibly good for the environment. Event Manager at SAGE, Vicky Panniers, said: “The deadline for becoming sustainable in the world of sports is now looming and our industry must now start to think of the steps we all need to take to become carbon neutral and comply with the new legislation.”

From using sustainable cleaning products to reducing single-use plastic, SAGE is implementing a wide range of sustainable practices all in line with Eventex’s suggested green practices, as highlighted in its ‘We are Green’ initiative. This initiative aims to inspire sustainability across the event industry, raise environmental awareness, and build a community of green-thinking organisers – something that is central to SAGE’s ethos.

Carbon footprint

What is a trade show without suppliers? In building next year’s exhibition show, SAGE has consciously chosen goods and services from responsible suppliers that share the same sustainability aims. Where possible, SAGE is sourcing local suppliers to reduce the carbon footprint as well as supporting local businesses. Plus, with a large number of expected visitors, SAGE is encouraging guests to travel by public transport to reduce the number of cars on the roads. For those who cannot travel by public transport, there will be free parking available on-site for increased accessibility.

Waste

With every event of this scale, waste can quickly build up. To reduce the impact, all on-site catering will be using fully compostable packaging, and all waste that does amass will be removed from the site, sorted, and then recycled or composted where possible. The remaining waste will be incinerated or turned into eco-friendly refuse-derived fuel.

Single-use plastic

SAGE is taking a stand against single-use plastic. Unlike other trade shows where disposable lanyards are the norm, SAGE is removing plastic badge covers and replacing them with sustainable lanyards.

Instead of plastic cups serving drinks at the bar, hireable glasses will be used at the networking event, where a variety of beers will be served on tap from barrels rather than from bottles. In a bid to tackle the use of disposable water bottles, SAGE is also installing free water refill stations across the showground and encouraging visitors to bring their own reusable bottles.

Venue

Situated in the stunning Three Counties Showground, in the vale of the Malvern Hills, SAGE prides itself on being in a beautiful bio-diverse area, where woodland and wildflower zones are left uncut, encouraging nature and wildlife to flourish. Setting aside these protected nature areas on site helps to preserve the natural habitats of the grounds and reduce the impact of the event on local wildlife.

SAGE is known for its unique outdoor setting, where exhibitors get the opportunity to display machinery in action. For demonstrations, all-natural materials will be sourced locally, such as brush for chippers and feature gardens. The green energy tariff will also be applied to this event.

Partners

SAGE has announced Bio Circle and GRASS as official partners. With the philosophy of “Making Green Work”, environmental surface technology specialist Bio-Circle has over 35 years of expertise in sustainable parts cleaning. Partnering with SAGE, Bio-Circle demonstrates how business can lower their environmental impact by offering environmental solutions for cleaning and maintenance of groundscare equipment. Bio-Circle will also appear on the live panel event at SAGE’s improved ‘Sustainable Solutions for Grounds Specialists Summit’.

SAGE has also partnered with the Groundscare Resources and Sustainability Solutions experts GRASS, who work across the groundscare and sports industry to implement sustainable changes, and will be offering advice on tailor-made sustainability practices. Chairman of GRASS, Mark Tomlinson, highlights their mission: “Through our work together, we will be working with progressive sports sector leaders to implement sustainable changes now and as new opportunities arise.”

Discover. Demo. Network.

With sustainable practices at the heart of the SAGE 2023 event, this exhibition is set to send waves through the industry and set the precedent for years to come.

With the renowned outdoor setting, convenient try before you buy set up, and free demo plot, SAGE is a great way to demonstrate your machinery to visitors. With unbeatable prices from as low as £14 per m2, secure your place now at SAGE 2023 with the early bird offer, which gives you. 10% off any stand until 31/01/22.

For more information, or to book exhibition space, please visit sportsandgrounds.events or contact Vicky Panniers vp@sportsandgrounds.co.uk. To learn more about how SAGE is implementing sustainable practices, read more on their newest blog post.

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