Tag Archive for: Appoints

Bernhard Academy appoints new programme leader

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Bernhard Academy appoints new programme leader: The Bernhard Academy, a global leader in turf care education, has announced the appointment of Barry Drennan as Programme Leader for Technical and Equipment Management workshops.

Coinciding with Drennan’s appointment, the Bernhard Academy has unveiled its new, innovative ‘Bernhard Academy Pathways’ for 2025. These structured learning tracks are designed to empower turf professionals by enhancing their skills across technical, agronomic, and managerial disciplines.

Bernhard Academy appoints new programme leader

Bernhard Academy appoints new programme leader

Barry Drennan joins the Bernhard Academy with more than 35 years of global experience in turf management, having started his career as a greenkeeper in 1987 and qualified as a golf course mechanic in 1991. He has since worked with leading brands such as Toro and Bernhard and Company, operated businesses specialising in golf equipment sales, hire, training, and service, and supported major tournaments including the Ryder Cup and Walker Cup.

Under Drennan’s leadership, the Bernhard Academy is introducing a range of new technical workshops for 2025 to form the core of its Technical and Equipment Management Pathway:

  • Basic Machinery Maintenance for Turf Professionals (NEW)
  • Fundamentals of Turfcare Mechanics Part 1 & Part 2 (NEW)
  • Grinder Refresher and Abrasive Wheels Training (NEW)
  • Cutting Unit Setup and Sharpening Techniques

The Bernhard Academy Pathways for 2025 offer comprehensive development opportunities, by combining numerous different workshops to create dedicated pathways for four different end goals:

  1. Leadership and Management Pathway
    1. Aspiring Manager
    2. Confident Manager
    3. Successful Manager Part 1 & 2
    4. Inspirational Leader
  2. Technical and Equipment Management Pathway
    1. Abrasive Wheel Safety Certificate
    2. Cutting Unit Setup and Sharpening Techniques
    3. Basic Machinery Maintenance
    4. Fundamentals of Turfcare Mechanics Level 1 & 2
  3. Agronomy Pathway
    1. Basic Agronomy
  4. Bespoke Programmes
    1. Golf Course Management for Golf Club Managers
    2. Customised training solutions tailored to client needs

Commenting on his new role, Barry Drennan said: “I’m delighted to join the Bernhard Academy at such an exciting time. I look forward to contributing my experience to provide valuable training in technical and equipment management skills to the industry.”

Sami Strutt, Education Director added: “We are delighted at the appointment of Barry Drennan. His knowledge, experience and skills have been fundamental in the development of the Technical and Equipment Management Pathway, which forms one of the three pillars of the Bernhard Academy. Barry’s enthusiasm and boundless energy will create an enjoyable and productive learning experience. The new pathways and workshops we are introducing will provide amazing opportunities for turf professionals to advance their careers and to shape the next generation of industry leaders.”

To find out more about the Bernhard Academy, visit www.bernhardacademy.co.uk, where you can view more information about workshops and educational pathways.

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ICL appoints Simon Barnaby

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ICL appoints Simon Barnaby: ICL is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Barnaby as National Key Account & Business Development Manager UK & Ireland – Stadia.

Simon brings over 25 years of expertise in the sports turf industry, having held a variety of high-profile roles across the UK, Ireland, and Europe, including Agronomist for STRI, Technical Manager for Syngenta, and Technical Manager for Scotts.

Most recently, Simon has been involved in global turf consultancy projects, delivering world-class solutions for prestigious clients and events.

ICL appoints Simon Barnaby

ICL appoints Simon Barnaby

In his new role, Simon will lead ICL’s efforts within the UK and Irelands stadia and training grounds, working closely with clients to deliver innovative solutions tailored to high-performance environments.

Ed Carter, Business Manager, commented, “Simon’s extensive technical and industry knowledge makes him an exceptional addition to the team. His proven track record in delivering world-class results ensures ICL will continue to excel in supporting our stadia customers. We are thrilled to welcome Simon and look forward to the impact he will bring to the business.”

Simon expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m excited to join ICL and work with such a respected team in the industry. This role gives me the chance to use my experience to help clients achieve their goals and push forward the innovative solutions ICL is known for.”

In this role, Simon will collaborate with ICL’s technical teams, distributors, and key industry bodies to drive growth and innovation in the stadia sector.

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

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

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Aquatrols Europe appoints new distribution

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Aquatrols Europe appoints new distribution: Aquatrols Europe Ltd is pleased to announce that we have entered into a strategic agreement with Grashobber, who operate in Germany and Austria. Effective 1st October 2024, Grashobber has been appointed to distribute our EU portfolio of of soil surfactant and nutritional products within the German and Austrian turfgrass market.

“Grasshobbers beliefs, mission statement and commitment to their marketplace perfectly aligns with how we at Aquatrols like to position our product portfolio. We are confident that this long-term partnership will help to provide easy access to Aquatrols products in both Germany and Austria.” – Graham O’Connor, Director of European Business at The Aquatrols Company.

Aquatrols Europe appoints new distribution

Aquatrols Europe appoints new distribution

“Finding solutions has been our mission for many years. But we haven’t had such a diverse range of wetting agents so far. With Aquatrols, we now have a partner at our side who has the most experience in this topic, which will become increasingly important in the future.

We are proud of this and look forward to offering our customers the best product solutions in the field of soil moisture management solutions.” – Heiko Remmel, Founder & Managing Director of Grashobber GmbH

Grashobber finds sustainable solutions for the variety of challenges faced by greenkeepers and turf managers, accompanies customers and advises on their implementation in practice. Since its foundation in 2007, Grashobberhas stood for nature-conscious turf care that uses less nitrogen and, if possible, does not require any plant protection measures.

Grashobber’s customers are greenkeepers and managers of sports turf surfaces, those responsible for public greenery and private lawn professionals. The Grashobber mission: sensible, resource-saving lawn care, in harmony with nature.

More than 60 years ago, Aquatrols introduced the world’s first commercially available soil wetting agent. Since creating an entirely new product category to address water management challenges and opportunities, the company has remained a top innovator and producer of high-performance soil surfactants and related technologies. Aquatrols is the world leader in the development of cutting-edge soil surfactants and other specialty technologies used in the professional turf, ornamental, and agricultural industries. Aquatrols has committed itself to changing the way the world grows by developing and supplying innovative products and solutions for sustainably managing soil, water, and plant interactions.

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Corvus appoints Ark ATV

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Corvus appoints Ark ATV: Somerset ATV dealer Ark ATV has joined the Corvus Off-Road-Vehicle network. The announcement was made by BOSS ORV, the UK Corvus distributor, whose Managing Director, Phil Everett, has previously worked with Ark director Rob Blomfield-Richards.

“I am delighted to be reunited with him and his team, as I know how professional they are and what fantastic support they offer to their customers,” says Phil.

Corvus appoints Ark ATV

Corvus appoints Ark ATV

ARK ATV Ltd has been family-owned and operated since 1997, supplying farmers and other workers with high-quality ATVs from their Minehead area base. BOSS ORV’s National Sales Manager, Neil Everett, has also known Rob and the team for many years and says he has seen them demonstrate extremely high customer service levels and a great understanding of the working ATV/UTV market. They will cover the area across Somerset and North Devon.

Neil says, “with their current line-up lacking a UTV and us requiring coverage in such a strong area for UTV sales, it seemed almost natural for us to open up discussions regarding the Corvus franchise.”

Ark will sell and support the Corvus Terrain ranges of diesel and electric UTVs. BOSS say they are extremely pleased to have such a longstanding, credible ATV/UTV specialist added to their dealer network. They believe Ark ATV will provide the highest standard of sales and aftercare support for all new and existing customers within the area. For Ark, becoming Corvus dealers gives them access to the full Corvus range, and allows them to cater to their customers’ needs by providing true commercial work ATVs, both diesel and electric. BOSS add that not only are they extremely pleased to have them on board, but they are also very much looking forward to working with Rob and Ark MD, James Westwood, in the coming years.

For more information about the Corvus Terrain range, you can call 01785 561046

E-mail: sales@bossorv.co.uk Web: www.bossorv.co.uk

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Bionema Appoints Stephen Ford

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Bionema Appoints Stephen Ford: Bionema Group Ltd, winner of King Awards in Innovation, a leading biocontrol technology developer specialising in sustainable biopesticides, biostimulants, and biofertilisers, is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Ford as Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

Mr. Ford brings a wealth of expertise in agricultural biotechnology and pathology, particularly in developing eco-friendly solutions for crop protection and sustainable farming practices.

Bionema Appoints Stephen Ford

Bionema Appoints Stephen Ford

With over 20 years of experience, Stephen Ford is a seasoned innovator and plant pathologist with a strong background in mycology and phytopathogenic diseases. He has an impressive track record in founding and leading companies focused on sustainable agriculture across New Zealand, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. His expertise spans agricultural biotechnology, research and development, pest and disease management, and product commercialisation. As the founder of Biotelliga Holdings Ltd , Ecolibrium Biologicals Holdings Limited and Cellora Limited, Stephen was pivotal in developing and commercialising new biological insecticides and securing strategic partnerships with major industry players, including Syngenta. His proven leadership in bringing innovative products to market instils confidence in Bionema’s future.

In his new role as CTO at Bionema, Mr Ford will drive the company’s technological vision and strategy. He will establish a centre of excellence in biocontrol in Wales, leading a team of 10 skilled scientists and researchers. His leadership will be crucial in overseeing the development of innovative biotechnology products and ensuring the company’s technology development aligns with its strategic goals. Stephen will also play a key role in managing the build-out of a new research facility in Wales and production facilities overseas. These facilities will be instrumental in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and the successful commercialisation of Bionema’s products.

Prof. Dylan Jones, Chairman of Bionema Group Ltd, expressed his confidence in Stephen Ford’s ability to lead the company’s technological advancements. He stated, “We are thrilled to have Stephen join our executive team. His vast experience in biotechnology and sustainable agriculture and his proven leadership in bringing innovative products to market make him the ideal person to drive Bionema’s technological advancements. We are confident that our research and development efforts will reach new heights under his leadership, further solidifying Bionema’s position as a leader in sustainable crop protection.”

Dr. Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder of Bionema Group Ltd, added, “Stephen’s appointment as CTO marks a significant milestone for Bionema. His deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in our industry, coupled with his passion for sustainable farming, will be instrumental in achieving our mission to develop environmentally friendly solutions for crop protection. We look forward to working closely with Stephen to bring our innovative products to market and make a lasting impact on global agriculture.”

Stephen Ford commented on his new role: “I am excited to join Bionema and contribute to the company’s mission of promoting sustainable farming practices. The opportunity to lead a talented R&D team and work on pioneering biotechnology solutions aligns perfectly with my passion for developing sustainable alternatives to traditional agricultural chemicals. I look forward to driving innovation and helping Bionema deliver on its commitment to enhancing crop protection and plant health”.

Stephen Ford holds a Master’s in Plant Pathology and a Bachelor’s in Horticulture Science from Massey University, New Zealand. He has been recognised for contributing to the agricultural biotechnology industry with several awards, including the prestigious Auckland University Entrepreneurs Challenge and the NZ Bio Award.

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