Tag Archive for: Amenity

Rob White Joins Agrovista Amenity

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Rob White Joins Agrovista Amenity: Agrovista Amenity has strengthened its team with the appointment of Rob White as an Amenity Specialist. With 17 years of experience in greenkeeping, including a successful tenure as Head Greenkeeper at Wollaton Park Golf Club, Rob brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role.

Rob always felt his career would be in greenkeeping—until Agrovista Amenity came calling. “I was contacted and asked if I’d be interested in a phone call, and you never say no,” Rob explained. “It wasn’t something I had ever thought about before, but after speaking with Agrovista Amenity, I was really excited about the opportunity.”

Rob White Joins Agrovista Amenity

Rob White Joins Agrovista Amenity

The decision to join Agrovista Amenity was solidified after thorough research into the company’s reputation and values. “It seemed like a great business to work for,” Rob said. “From the interview stage, it was clear that the company provides fantastic support for its employees. Plus, it offers me a much better work-life balance, which is really important as I have young children.”

Rob will be Midlands-based and will manage an extensive and varied client portfolio. His responsibilities will cover a broad range of sectors, including universities, golf courses, and local councils. Initially, he has been focused on making connections and establishing relationships with clients. “My first priority has been reaching out to everyone to introduce myself,” he said. “Now, I’m in the process of arranging meetings and getting out to see people face-to-face.”

Having spent nearly two decades dedicated to the meticulous upkeep of golf courses, Rob is eager to bring his expertise to a wider audience. “When you’re working on a golf course, you’re putting all your efforts into helping one site reach its full potential. But in this role, I get the opportunity to help a lot of people across different sectors achieve their goals, which is something I’m really looking forward to.”

Away from work, Rob is actively involved in his local community. He serves as a parish councillor and dedicates time to coaching children’s rugby teams. A passionate sportsman, he enjoys playing both golf and rugby in his spare time.

As Rob embarks on this new chapter with Agrovista Amenity, he is eager to make a positive impact and support clients in optimising their turf management strategies. “I’m really looking forward to getting out and working with people to help them achieve the best possible results,” he said. “It’s an exciting opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started.”

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

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Origin Amenity Solutions Appoints Richard Walton

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Origin Amenity Solutions Appoints Richard Walton: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS), a leading provider of innovative products and services for turf management in the sports and amenity sectors, is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Walton as its new Managing Director.

OAS is now part of the newly formed Living Landscapes division within Origin Enterprises PLC. The creation of Origin Living Landscapes reinforces the Group’s commitment to the sports, landscape, and environmental markets to address the growing demand for sustainable and environmental product solutions.

Origin Amenity Solutions Appoints Richard Walton

Origin Amenity Solutions Appoints Richard Walton

Richard brings over 27 years of experience in commercial leadership roles within the amenity and landscaping industry. Before joining Origin, he held senior positions at Scotts Professional, Everris, and ICL, where he demonstrated a strong track record of driving business growth, strategy development, and acquisition initiatives. Since joining Origin in July 2023 as Commercial Officer for the Sports and Landscapes sectors, Richard has made significant contributions, identifying areas for strategic improvement and implementing initiatives that have delivered measurable value. Richard will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the strategic direction of OAS.

Chris Clark, who previously held the role of MD with OAS, will continue as head of Origin’s Amenity division, currently comprising eight individual businesses. The Amenity division has been divided into two sub-divisions of Sports and Landscapes; Clive Whinnett has been appointed as Managing Director of the Sport division. This restructuring will increase focus on establishing and growing the Origin Living Landscapes brand as the leading solutions provider for the sports, landscape, and environmental sectors.

Chris comments: “Richard’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Origin Amenity Solutions. His extensive industry expertise, passion for innovation, and proven leadership capabilities make him the ideal person to lead OAS. I am confident that he will build on our successes and drive continued excellence in service delivery for our customers.”

Richard Walton added: “I am honoured to take on this role and lead Origin Amenity Solutions at such an exciting time. OAS has an outstanding reputation for delivering future-ready products, services, and advice, and I look forward to working with the talented team to build on this legacy and achieve new levels of success.”

This appointment reflects Origin’s continued commitment to strengthening its leadership team and advancing its strategic objectives within the sports and landscaping sectors. With Richard at the helm, OAS is poised for sustained growth and innovation.

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Ben Morgan becomes new DLF Amenity Technical Manager

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Ben Morgan becomes new DLF Amenity Technical Manager: DLF are pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Morgan as their new Regional Amenity Technical Manager for the North East.

With more than two decades of hands-on experience in the turf industry, Ben is well placed to support customers across the DLF portfolio of brands on grass seed selection and sustainable surface management.

Ben Morgan becomes new DLF Amenity Technical Manager

Ben Morgan becomes new DLF Amenity Technical Manager

Driven by a sense of accomplishment in growing businesses and solving challenges, Ben is a true professional who takes pride in every blade of grass he nurtures – and having been in the industry for 24 years, that’s a lot of blades! During his tenure as a Consultant Agronomist for the STRI Group, Ben developed a deep technical knowledge and understanding which was combined with a genuine passion for sustainable turfgrass management. Holding a BSc (Hons) and a Foundation Degree in Sustainable Turfgrass Management, along with BASIS and FACTS certifications, he’s built an impressive career across technical sales roles within Countrywide, AGS and Origin.

Ben’s expertise extends beyond the theory, with years of ‘on-the-tool’ greenkeeping work in both the UK and USA under his belt. His career highlights include working at prestigious sites such as St Andrews’ The Old Course and Pinehurst Golf Resort in North Carolina USA. Whether as a greenkeeper or an agronomist, Ben has cultivated a reputation for delivering results and tackling turfgrass challenges, with a firm belief that seed holds the key to many future solutions.

On his new position, Ben comments, “As a self-confessed turf enthusiast, working with the team at DLF was an opportunity I could not turn down. The incredible research and development taking place across DLF’s global breeder network puts us in great stead to provide the right solutions for our customers now and long into the future. I look forward to hitting the road and helping facilities across the sporting spectrum to make informed, tailored decisions on their seed selection over the coming months and years.”

When not ‘talking turf’, Ben enjoys a range of different hobbies. You’ll often find him fishing for barbel on the River Derwent or tending to his 15 colonies of bees. A black belt in kickboxing, he balances a love for precision and discipline with an appreciation for light-hearted banter with colleagues, customers and friends.

Ben can be contacted on 07801 459623 or via email on Ben.Morgan@dlf.com

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Origin Amenity Solutions Launches Microlite

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Origin Amenity Solutions Launches Microlite: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS), a leader in innovative turf care solutions, proudly launched its highly anticipated Microlite range at BTME 2025. The unveiling of this cutting-edge fertiliser range captivated turf professionals attending the industry’s premier event, setting a new benchmark for precision nutrition and turf health.

The Microlite range, featuring unique micro-granulation technology, was designed to address the challenges modern turf managers face. Offering superior coverage, rapid granule dispersion, and specialist formulations, Microlite provides a solution for consistent turf performance with a flexible, reliable approach.

Origin Amenity Solutions Launches Microlite

Origin Amenity Solutions Launches Microlite

Jamie Lees, Nutrition and Specialities Product Manager at OAS introduced the range at BTME, highlighting its benefits, “Microlite represents the culmination of our commitment to delivering innovative turf management solutions and understanding both requirements and challenges faced by turf managers. This range was carefully formulated considering nutritional expectations in different markets, to provide a product range of the highest level.”

The Microlite range comprises six expertly formulated products tailored to meet specific turf requirements:

  • Microlite Links (4-0-4+4Fe) – For a low-input approach, containing seaweed, Naturvigor, and iron for six weeks of natural colour and healthy growth.
  • Microlite Advance (8-0-16+3.3MgO+4Fe) – Designed for managing summer stress, with gradual nitrogen release and enhanced colour response.
  • Microlite Performance (12-0-12+8CaO+3MgO+2Fe) – Balanced analysis for high-quality sports surfaces, ensuring consistent growth and vibrant colour.
  • Microlite Complete (10-2-5+15MgO+3CaO+2Fe) – An all-season solution delivering robust plant health and vibrant colour, even in cooler conditions.
  • Microlite Premier (15-0-10+9CaO+3MgO) – Suited for recovery from wear damage, providing high nitrogen availability and promoting plant health.
  • Microlite All-Round (6-0-20+10CaO+2Fe) – A versatile year-round product for stress resistance and immediate aesthetic improvements.

Unmatched Performance with Innovative Technology

Microlite’s micro-granulation technology allows for flexible application rates down to 15g/m² without the risk of speckling. The blend of nitrogen sources, from nitrate for an immediate response, to methylene urea for longevity, provide solutions for cold-weather growth, stress resilience, and recovery from wear.

The launch of Microlite at BTME 2025 received widespread acclaim, with turf professionals praising its versatility, ease of application, and ability to support exceptional playing surfaces.

To learn more about Microlite and other OAS solutions, visit www.originamenity.com.

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Peter Pattenden announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year

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Peter Pattenden announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year: Peter Pattenden, spray tech at the Cheshire championship golf resort, Carden Park, has won the prestigious title of Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year.

Peter’s ASOOTY award presentation was made as part of the glittering BIGGA industry awards at BTME in Harrogate this week (21 January 2025), along with the competition’s other finalists, Sarah Phillips of Complete Weed Control (South & Central Wales) and Mark Sippitt of Top Grass UK.

Peter Pattenden announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year

Peter Pattenden announced as Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year

The ASOOTY awards highlight best practice and experience in the challenging role of ensuring accurate application on all amenity surfaces.

Sponsored by ICL and Syngenta and managed by the Amenity Forum, the awards seek to share top tips and advice that will raise the standards of spray application across the amenity industry.

The ASOOTY judges particularly praised Peter’s commitment to complete a comprehensive checklist of mechanical and practical points before every application, including calibration of the sprayer and assessment of the specific requirements for any products being used.

“Although only a relatively young age, Peter ably demonstrated a deep understanding of the principles of sprayer mechanics and operation, along with the implication of how any changes could impact on application,” reports Syngenta Technical Manager, Sean Loakes.

“He also showed an excellent awareness of the environmental aspects of good sprayer operation that will mitigate any impact of off-target spray drift or over application. His commitment and attention to achieving accurate application was exemplary and makes him a great role model for other sprayer operators to learn from.”

The judges also highlighted how Peter had embraced new technologies in a move towards precision application to ensure more of the products hit the intended target, as well as adopting digital tools including sprayer set up advice, turf management Apps and application record keeping.

Other ASOOTY finalists at the Awards included Sarah Phillips of Complete Weed Control (South & Central Wales), who was commended for her pioneering work in developing a comprehensive and effective training programme for the company’s spray technicians, which draws on her extensive experience and knowledge as a highly professional operator.

Mark Sippitt, of Warwickshire-based Top Grass UK, was also praised for the way he had successfully developed integrated turf management strategies for lawn treatments including herbicides, iron treatment, nutrition and mechanical controls – where accurate knapsack application was at the centre of the company’s approach. Ongoing training and regular in-house assessment ensures Mark and other Top Grass operatives are always fully up to date with developments and techniques.

ICL Landscape & Industrial Business Development Manager, Lewis Blois, added: “We were once again hugely impressed with all the finalists’ dedication to ensuring every application is made as effectively as possible. They all take exceptional care to achieve a good result, as well as immense pride that they have made a real difference with a job well done.

“This year the Awards have recognised the range of spray application techniques and the differing skills involved across the amenity sector. It will provide a unique and vitally important resource for all involved in spray application.”

Presenting the award at BTME, Ian Graham, Chairman of the Amenity Forum, said: “The skills required to competently apply professional plant protection products are often overlooked. Along with the formal training and accreditation process, there is the experience that takes years to acquire.

“Winners of this award have elevated the application process to an art, be that with a knapsack or a boom sprayer, to help create great playing surfaces  all year round, managing amenity areas efficiently and cost effectively, along with maintaining immaculate lawns for customers,” he adds.

“The Amenity Forum is delighted to work with ICL and Syngenta as the sponsors of this award and would like to congratulate Peter for upholding the highest of professional standards.”

Look out on the Amenity Forum website for more details and entry form for the launch of next year’s ASOOTY and your chance to win.

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