Tag Archive for: Appointment

New Indigrow appointment

/in , /by

New Indigrow appointment: Indigrow are delighted to announce the appointment of Tom White as an area sales manager, helping us expand and enhance our areas of operation within the UK.

Tom has worked in the sports turf industry throughout his career working his way up from an Assistant to Head Greenkeeper. His most recent role was as a Deputy Head Greenkeeper at a course where Indigrow products formed a key element of the turf management programme giving Tom a head start with knowledge of our exciting product range.

New Indigrow appointment

New Indigrow appointment

Tom will be responsible for the East Midlands and Yorkshire. His knowledge and expertise from the world of sports turf and agronomy are priceless to us and invaluable to our customers. If you wish to contact Tom, his new details are as follows: Tom White 07749 583 483 twhite@indigrow.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.

Appointment to Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group

/in , /by

Appointment to Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group: The Greenkeepers Training Committee (GTC) has revealed that Trentham Golf Club’s course manager, Ed Stant, has been appointed chairperson of the group that works to produce and administer formal educational opportunities for greenkeepers in the UK.

The appointment was made following The Richmond Golf Club Course Manager Les Howkins MG’s decision to step down as chairperson of the Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group following an incredibly-successful tenure.

Appointment to Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group

Appointment to Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group

Trailblazer groups are responsible for developing a new apprenticeship for an occupation and then revising the apprenticeship as needed. Since becoming chairperson in 2021, Les has steered the group expertly, navigating the collaboration with the Sports Turf Trailblazer Group to develop the Level 3 Advanced Sports Turf Technician apprenticeship, which was approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) in October 2022.

No sooner had the new Level 3 apprenticeship been approved than Les began leading the group to review the Level 2 Golf Greenkeeper apprenticeship. Great strides have been made so far and this work will continue under the leadership of Ed, who will step up from the vice chairperson role. Gavin Sowden, environment and health & safety officer at Woburn Golf Club, will become vice chairperson. Both will move into office at The GTC-BIGGA standardisation meeting for training providers, being held in Harrogate during BTME in January.

Les Howkins MG, outgoing chairperson of the Golf Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group, said: “After two years as the Trailblazer chairperson, I am pleased to announce that Ed Stant will be taking over as chairperson in January 2023. Ed has been an excellent deputy for several years and has proved to have a very strong understanding of the role and the apprenticeship scheme. I am sure Ed will fulfil the role with honour and pride and ensure the greenkeeping apprenticeships remain world leading and fit for purpose for many years to come.

“Stepping into the deputy role is Gavin Sowden. With the full support and backing of Woburn Golf Club, I have no doubt Gavin will form a strong partnership with Ed and together the greenkeeping apprenticeship will go from strength to strength.

“I have enjoyed my years as Trailblazer chairperson and I must thank The GTC’s Fiona Lyttle for all her hard work and dedication to the scheme. Without Fiona, none of what we have achieved would have been possible.”

Ed Stant said: “I am delighted to accept the position of Trailblazer chairperson, taking over from Les Howkins MG, who has done a fantastic job over the past few years. Apprenticeships are such a vital route into our profession and often the building blocks for many young people entering the world of greenkeeping. I hope I can do the position proud and offer BIGGA and The GTC the support and encouragement they need. Special thanks goes to Fiona Lyttle at The GTC, who works so tirelessly for greenkeeping.”

Gavin Sowden said: “It is an honour to accept this appointment and be involved with the Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group. Having been in the industry for over 30 years and working closely with numerous apprentices starting their working lives as greenkeepers, I understand the importance of ensuring we have the correct education programme in place for our future golf course greenkeepers and course managers.”

Fiona Lyttle, BIGGA learning & development executive (The GTC), said: “It has been a honour and a privilege to work with Les over the last few years. His wealth of knowledge and determination to ensure greenkeeping apprentices are at the forefront of greenkeeper education is second to none. He has taught me a lot and hopefully I can now impart some of that knowledge further to continue the work of the Trailblazer group.

“We are delighted to appoint Ed and Gavin as the new Trailblazer chairperson and vice chairperson respectively. Being active employers and advocates for greenkeeping education, the Trailblazer group and I are looking forward to working with them to maintain the level of apprenticeships our employers have become accustomed to and to ensure they have quality golf facilities for their members to enjoy.”

The Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group and Trailblazer Apprenticeship programme is supported by golf facilities and governing bodies including England Golf, BIGGA, The Richmond Golf Club, Trentham Golf Club, Woburn Golf Club, Frilford Heath Golf Club, Gaudet Luce Golf Club, Leyland Golf Club, Portmore Golf Park, Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Sunningdale Golf Club, The London Golf Club.

For more information on the Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group, contact The GTC’s Fiona Lyttle on (01347) 838 640 or fiona@the-gtc.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.

New appointment at Agrovista Amenity

/in , /by

New appointment at Agrovista Amenity: Agrovista UK has announced the appointment of Doug McLaren as a new Amenity Specialist who will be operating throughout Berkshire across to Essex and up to Northampton.

Doug started his career in greenkeeping after enjoying a summer job at a small nine-hole golf course in the Scottish Highlands. For the next thirty years he proceeded to work at many prestigious courses such as The Wisley Golf Club in Surrey, St Andrews in Scotland, a De Vere club in Lancashire, the Golf de Joyenval in Paris, The Grove Hotel in Hertfordshire, and Batchworth Park Golf Club in Rickmansworth. Along the way he worked hard to gain qualifications including an NVQ in Greenkeeping and both a HND and a HNC in Golf Course Management.

New appointment at Agrovista Amenity

New appointment at Agrovista Amenity

Prior to joining Agrovista Amenity, Doug was taking some time out after recovering from a brain haemorrhage.

“I was very lucky, and it made me take a step back to reassess,” he said. “I felt that it was time to move away from greenkeeping and then I was made aware of an opportunity at Agrovista Amenity. It is a company that I have worked with a lot over the years, so I know the products very well. I felt it would be a good fit.”

With a wide variety of clients in different sectors, Doug admits it has been a whirlwind start, but claims he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I’m a bit of a sponge at the moment,” he said. “I’m really enjoying going around all the different businesses, taking in as much information as I can, as well as passing on my knowledge.

“It’s an exciting time to be at Agrovista Amenity and I’m astonished at just how many products we have,” he continued. “There is absolutely nothing we can’t do as a company – the possibilities are endless and that is the message we are trying to get out there.”

With a strong portfolio at his disposal, Doug is ready to address any emerging trends and he is already seeing a strong desire within the industry to shift towards more eco-friendly products and packaging.

Turf and amenity managers are publicly showing that they are keener than ever to address sustainability with their practices.  Working with the current supplier base Doug sees huge potential within the portfolio to provide solutions to these challenges and other yet to come.

Doug claims that he has identified several growth areas and he will be working hard to achieve his goals. He admits that it won’t be without its challenges and conceded that the pandemic continues to have an impact. However, while most sports and businesses came to a standstill, some are now seeing an encouraging resurgence.

“Covid has without doubt had an impact on sporting venues, but some are returning with a bang – golf in particular. Prior to the pandemic, golf membership was declining throughout the country but now looking to get back to if not beyond the previous levels. I’ve noticed that lots of clubs are benefiting and are now looking to invest in their courses and facilities.

“I know first-hand that it is getting harder and harder for these people to produce the best surfaces they can and I’m looking forward to helping them.”

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

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.

New appointment announcement

/in , /by

New appointment announcement: Following the decision of John Moverley to step down as Chairman from the end of June 2022, the Board of the Amenity Forum is very pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Corbett as its Executive Officer from 1st July 2022.

As part of a review of its structure, the intention is to appoint a Chairman of both the Forum and the Board as a separate post drawn from its own membership. This appointment will be announced shortly.

New appointment announcement

New appointment announcement

Whilst John is stepping down from his current role, certainly for the time being, he will provide some support for Peter in the interim particularly in terms of government affairs and Kate Hopkins will continue to provide full administrative support and have responsibilities for communications.

Peter Corbett is an independent consultant with much experience within the amenity sector and strong technical knowledge. He is very much looking forward to the challenges ahead.

Jim Croxton, a Forum Board member, said ’’We are delighted to welcome Peter. During the 13 years in which the Forum has operated under its current structure, much progress has been made and it has a recognised key role across the UK in promoting best practice in the management of amenity and sports spaces. Peter is the ideal person to now take matters forward and move us into the next phase of development at a crucial time of change for the sector’’

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.

PSD announce new sales appointment

/in , /by

PSD announce new sales appointment: PSD Groundscare, the exclusive UK distributor for AS Motor, Eliet, Koppl and TS Industrie professional groundscare machinery, are pleased to announce the recent appointment of Karl Savill as Business Development Manager covering the South East and East Midlands.

The appointment supports recent growth and ensures that customer’s expectations continue to be exceeded.

PSD announce new sales appointment

PSD announce new sales appointment

Stuart Mercer, Sales Director of PSD Groundscare said:

“Karl brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience including over 12 years working in the agricultural and groundscare industry along with a great amount of enthusiasm and is a fantastic addition to our team. His experience not only covers sales but also parts and service which I’m sure will see him thrive in his new role.”

Karl says of his new role, “I am delighted to have been appointed as the South East & East Midlands Business Development Manager for PSD Groundscare and to be working with a range of high quality brands. My passion has always been groundscare machinery, and I’m really excited and looking forward to working with dealers and getting out and meeting customers and demonstrating the fantastic capabilities and benefits of our machinery”.

Karl can be contacted on:

Mob: 07973 454002    Email: karl@psdgroundscare.com

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.