Tag Archive for: Announces

SALTEX announces retirement of Derek Walder

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SALTEX announces retirement of Derek Walder: SALTEX, the UK’s premier event for the grounds management professionals and volunteers, announces the retirement of ‘Mr SALTEX’, Derek Walder – its long-standing Operations Manager.

He will step down following SALTEX 2024 on the 30th and 31st of October at the NEC Birmingham, marking his 42nd and final exhibition.

SALTEX announces retirement of Derek Walder

SALTEX announces retirement of Derek Walder

Derek’s career spans more than six decades, beginning in the early 1960s in horticulture as a gardener on a private estate in Sussex. His love for working on lawns then led him to become Assistant Head Greenkeeper at a golf course in Hertfordshire. In 1970, he became the Grounds Manager at a major sports field complex in Southwest London, famously used as the training ground for Wimbledon FC during the “Crazy Gang” era.

His involvement with the Grounds Management Association (GMA) dates back to 1969 when he joined the then-National Association of Groundsmen. His first engagement with SALTEX came as a volunteer when the show was held at Motspur Park, Southwest London. After eight years of volunteering, Derek took on the role of Operations Manager when the exhibition moved to Windsor Racecourse in 1979. Over the decades, he has watched SALTEX evolve first-hand, overseeing its tenancies at Windsor, Peterborough, and the NEC, Birmingham.

During his time with the GMA, Derek has held positions of General Secretary and Chairman and his dedication to the industry has been widely recognised, earning him a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 1988 for services to groundsmanship. In 2014, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the GMA Industry Awards and, in the same year, he was awarded up the ‘Unsung Hero’ award by the Association of Event Organisers. Derek was subsequently inducted into the GMA Hall of Fame in 2021 as an acknowledgement of an illustrious career in the industry spanning more than half a century.

Speaking on his upcoming retirement, Derek said: “Looking back at SALTEX, I never imagined that on a cold autumn day in 1979, when we arrived at Windsor Racecourse for the ‘Windsor Exhibition’, I’d still be involved 42 years later. Over those years, we have seen so many changes in the industry of which the exhibition has adapted to, and for 56 of those years I was in the profession so I could appreciate what needed from a visitor perspective. Even now, I still get the same buzz when the doors open as I did in 1979.”

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, said: “Derek’s dedication to SALTEX and the grounds management industry has been remarkable. His expertise and leadership have played a vital role in shaping the exhibition into the premier platform it is today. His legacy extends far beyond the various roles he has held within the GMA – he is embedded in the culture of grounds management, having served most notably with the ‘Crazy Gang’. Over the years, what has stood out to me is Derek’s passion for SALTEX, which he has developed as a personal commitment. His work has provided the GMA with a strong foundation for the future. What many people may not know is the incredible amount of voluntary work Derek has done for both the association and SALTEX, of which we are grateful for and wish him all the best in his retirement.”

SALTEX 2024 will be an opportunity for the industry to celebrate Derek’s contributions and to honour his dedication not only to the exhibition but to the industry as a whole. Register for your free ticket now: https://www.saltex.org.uk/.

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Masons Kings announces return of Dominic Burt

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Masons Kings announces return of Dominic Burt: Family-run agriculture and professional turfcare dealership, Masons Kings, has announced the return of Dominic Burt as the company’s new General Manager.

The John Deere dealership based in south-west England says this marks a significant step in its commitment to continuing to deliver exceptional service and innovative solutions to its customers.

Masons Kings announces return of Dominic Burt

Masons Kings announces return of Dominic Burt

Dominic brings over 35 years of experience in the agricultural and machinery industry, which includes many years previously working for the company. His extensive knowledge of the industry, combined with a strong track record of driving growth and operational excellence, makes him an ideal fit for Masons Kings. Dominic’s expertise and vision will be instrumental in guiding the company through its next phase of growth and development.

“We are thrilled to welcome back Dominic back into the Masons Kings family,” said Roger Prior, Director of Masons Kings. “His wealth of experience and industry knowledge will be invaluable as we continue to expand our product offerings and enhance our customer service. We are confident that Dominic’s leadership will help us achieve our ambitious goals.”

In his new role, Dominic will oversee all aspects of Masons Kings’ operations, including sales, service, and support. He will work closely with the team leaders to ensure that the company continues to meet the evolving needs of its customers while maintaining the high standards of quality and reliability that Masons Kings is known for. Dominic’s strong long-standing connections to the agricultural industry, along with his passion to develop and grow the turf division, will be key assets as Masons Kings looks to future-proof the company and maintain its family-run business ethos.

“I am excited to be returning to Masons Kings and lead such a talented team,” Dominic said. “Masons Kings has a long-standing reputation for excellence, and I look forward to contributing to its ongoing success. Together, we will strive to deliver the best possible solutions and support to our customers.”

Dominic’s strong relationships with John Deere and numerous other manufacturers will be invaluable in maintaining Masons Kings’ commitment to providing premium support for their premium products.

Peter Endacott, who has played a vital role in the company, will remain with Masons Kings to help with the transition and focus on his selling role. His continued presence will ensure a smooth transition and sustained excellence in our operations.

Masons Kings has been serving the agricultural and horticultural communities for over 40 years, providing a wide range of machinery, parts, and services. With Dominic at the helm, the company is poised to continue its tradition of excellence and innovation, providing premium support for premium products.

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SALTEX announces first round of speakers

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SALTEX announces first round of speakers: SALTEX is renowned for its exceptional range of professional development opportunities, showcased through its industry-leading Learning LIVE programme. 

This year, over 20 industry pioneers, technical specialists, and experts will speak across three stages, including the brand-new Community Sports Stage, over two days – making it the largest free live learning event in the sector. Many visitors cite Learning LIVE, which also offers the opportunity to gain CPD points, as a key reason for attending the show.

SALTEX announces first round of speakers

SALTEX announces first round of speakers

The Main Stage will feature discussions on the latest hot topics and issues, engaging visitors in the big conversations of the moment. Day one highlights include Lee Guerriero, UEFA Stadium Operations and Pitch Expert, presenting the ‘UEFA EURO 2024 Pitch Quality Review’.

He said: “I’m excited to share the UEFA 2024 Pitch Quality Support Program with the visitors at SALTEX. My session will cover the program’s strategy, findings, and learnings, offering insights from the main stadia to the training pitches used throughout this year’s tournament.”

Also on day one, Robert Sullivan, CEO of The Football Foundation, will discuss ‘Funding The Future of Sport’.

Day two on the Main Stage will feature Professor David James, Group CEO at LABOSPORT Group, delivering the ‘FIFA Football Turf Quality Programme’.

He said: “I’m thrilled to be sharing my insights at SALTEX once again. Working closely with FIFA, I help shape new standards and test methods for football infrastructure. This talk will offer an exciting overview of FIFA’s innovative approach to enhancing the quality of football turf surfaces.”

Additionally, Mark Ferguson, Agronomist at All England Lawn Tennis Club,  will present on ‘Raising Tennis Surfaces Standards – From Grassroots to Major International Championships’. His session will cover the expanding grass court season, grass court characteristics, grassroots venues, preparation for Wimbledon, and the growth of grass court tennis.

SALTEX will also see the return of the Spotlight Stage, featuring crowd-pullers in an ask-the-experts-style forum. On day one, Paul Bannister, with 28 years of experience in commercial horticulture, landscaping, and sports turf industries, will deliver ‘How to Provide a Safe Working Environment – Are You Compliant?’.

Day two will see Professor John Moverley OBE, former executive chairman of the UK Amenity Forum, present ‘Principles & Practices of Sustainable Amenity Management’. This session will review policy drivers, key elements of sustainable management, and integrated approaches to management and operational practice.

Geoff Fenn, Research & Development Director at Origin Amenity Solutions, will also present ‘Independent Turfgrass Research – Latest Results’, sharing insights from his extensive experience in turf management.

Sarah Cunningham, Director of Commercial and Events at the Grounds Management Association, said: “We’re incredibly excited about this year’s SALTEX, especially the Learning LIVE schedule. It’s always great to see so many industry-leading professionals come together to share their knowledge. Our aim is to create sessions where everyone feels welcome and can take something extra away with them, we believe this year’s lineup  of speakers and sessions will do just that. There’s something here for everyone.”

For more information on SALTEX 2024 and to register for the event, please visit https://www.saltex.org.uk/.

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ICL Announces Allan Wainwright as New Sales Manager

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ICL Announces Allan Wainwright as New Sales Manager: ICL is pleased to announce the appointment of Allan Wainwright as Sales Manager for the UK and Ireland Landscape & Industrial sectors. Allan joins ICL from Hozelock, where he effectively managed the UK&I Sales for the Commercial division, showcasing his capacity for building relationships and enhancing sales within the lawn, landscape, and industrial sectors.

Before joining Hozelock, Allan’s career included a significant period at Vitax, which equipped him with valuable market insights and customer engagement strategies.

ICL Announces Allan Wainwright as New Sales Manager

ICL Announces Allan Wainwright as New Sales Manager

Upon accepting his new role, Allan said, “I’m thrilled to join ICL and contribute to our sectors’ growth. It’s a great chance to use my skills where they matter most, and I’m eager to help take our team to the next level.”

Lewis Blois, Business Development Manager for ICL’s Landscape & Industrial division, noted “Bringing Allan into our team reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthen our market position by incorporating experienced professionals. His background and approach to account management and sales are well-suited to our objectives.”

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-growingsolutions.uk and icl-growingsolutions.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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Bernhard and Company announces free Soil Scout sensor trial

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Bernhard and Company announces free Soil Scout sensor trial: Bernhard and Company, exclusive distribution partner for Soil Scout in England, Scotland, and Wales, has unveiled an opportunity for two UK football clubs to take part in a free trial of a state-of-the-art Soil Scout sensor system.

In early summer, Bernhard and Company will also roll out this opportunity for golf facilities around the distribution region.

Bernhard and Company announces free Soil Scout sensor trial

Bernhard and Company announces free Soil Scout sensor trial

To take part, grounds managers have to submit a case study as to how their stadium or training facility would benefit from the addition of Soil Scout sensors within their maintenance routine. The most interesting applicants will be selected to trial a Soil Scout system and learn how they can increase efficiency by using a data-driven maintenance approach.

Managing Director for Bernhard and Company, Steven Nixon, said: “We want to hear from grounds managers and football training facility maintenance professionals in England, Scotland, and Wales, to find out why they believe they’d benefit from data-led decision processes using Soil Scout.

“The end of the football season marks the perfect time to begin turf renovations ahead of the following campaign. So, there’s no better moment to look for new ways to become more efficient in maintaining your turf. This is a great opportunity to be one of the first to trial this cutting-edge technology.”

Soil Scout provides the most advanced, underground wireless soil sensor and monitoring solution for agriculture, golf, and sports turf maintenance professionals. Golf courses and sports stadiums worldwide, including iconic venues such as Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia Phillies, use Soil Scout to ensure the prevention of unnecessary watering while retaining nutrients in the turf and reducing maintenance costs.

To be in with a chance to trial a Soil Scout sensor system for free, football club representatives are required to submit a case detailing the reasons why their club would benefit from the enhanced data collection that comes with the Soil Scout sensor system. The deadline for submissions is 31st May 2024, and to submit an entry, visit: https://form.jotform.com/241203450845348

There will be two further sensor kits allocated to golf course managers as the summer season gets into full swing, enabling sporting venues to enhance their data collection and irrigation processes.

To find out more about Soil Scout sensors and how they can be applied across the turf management industry, visit: https://bernhard.co.uk/soilscout/

Bernhard and Company can be contacted on 01788 811 600 and info@bernhard.co.uk, or visit https://bernhard.co.uk for more.

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