Tag Archive for: Area

ICL Appoints Peter Smith as Technical Area Sales Manager

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ICL Appoints Peter Smith as Technical Area Sales Manager: ICL is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Smith as Technical Area Sales Manager for Scotland North.

Peter brings more than 15 years’ experience working across some of the UK’s most respected golf venues, with a strong track record in delivering championship-standard playing surfaces.

ICL Appoints Peter Smith as Technical Area Sales Manager

ICL Appoints Peter Smith as Technical Area Sales Manager

He began his greenkeeping career at Kingsfield Golf Centre in 2009, where he played a key role in the grow-in of the full course from seed. Peter went on to hold senior positions at several prestigious clubs, including The Royal Burgess Golfing Society, Trump International Golf Links Scotland and Stirling Golf Club. Most recently, he served as Head Greenkeeper at Bathgate Golf Club, where he was responsible for all aspects of course preparation, including PGA and County events as well as long-term course development planning.

Peter’s experience also extends internationally. He completed the Ohio State University Programme, with placements at Oakmont Country Club and Trump National Doral. During this time, he contributed to preparations for major tournaments, including the 2014 Constellation Senior Players Championship and the 2014 PGA WGC.

Alongside his club roles, Peter is an active member of the wider greenkeeping community and has previously served as a board member for BIGGA Scotland.

Commenting on his appointment, Peter said joining ICL represents an exciting new chapter in his career.

“Throughout my time in turf management, I’ve always looked for partners that combine innovation with practical, real-world solutions. ICL has consistently stood out for its product quality, research-driven approach and commitment to supporting turf managers. I’m looking forward to working closely with turf managers and distributors across Scotland to help them achieve the best possible playing surfaces and deliver real value for their customers.”

Phil Collinson, Sales and Business Development Manager – UK North, welcomed the appointment.

“Peter brings a depth of hands-on experience across a wide range of environments, from championship venues to member clubs. His technical expertise, professionalism and understanding of modern turf management will be of real value to our customers and distributors. He is an excellent addition to the team and further strengthens our commitment to supporting the Scottish market.”

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-growingsolutions.com

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KAR UK welcomes new Area Sales & Accounts Manager

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KAR UK welcomes new Area Sales & Accounts Manager: KAR UK has announced the appointment of Oliver Paton as Area Sales & Accounts Manager for Southern England and South Wales, further strengthening its regional support and customer-facing expertise.

Oliver joins the team with over eight years’ experience across irrigation, water treatment and filtration, bringing with him a strong understanding of both the technology and the practical demands faced by customers operating in the field.

KAR UK welcomes new Area Sales & Accounts Manager

KAR UK welcomes new Area Sales & Accounts Manager

“I’ve been working in irrigation and water treatment for a number of years now, so the industry itself is very familiar to me,” Oliver explained. “I understand how systems are put together, how different components work together, and, most importantly, how they’re used in real-world applications.”

Having worked closely with products from the KAR portfolio for several years prior to joining the company, Oliver is already well placed to support customers from day one.

“I know the products, I’m used to selling them, and I’ve dealt with many of the people who are using them,” he said.

In his new role, Oliver will act as a key point of contact for customers across Southern England and South Wales, offering technical guidance, product advice and tailored solutions.

“A lot of the focus in the first six months is about meeting people and making myself known,” he said. “I want to be that first point of call – offering assistance and advice and working closely with the wider KAR team to make sure customers get the best solution for their needs.”

Oliver’s background in delivering bespoke and turnkey projects is expected to be a major asset, particularly as systems continue to become more advanced.

“Technology has moved on massively,” he added. “It’s about understanding the application and matching the right solution to how it’s actually going to be used.”

With KAR’s extensive product portfolio, Oliver is confident he can help customers navigate those choices.

“Meeting people, understanding their challenges, and putting together solutions that really work for them is what I am really looking forward to.”

Outside of work, Oliver enjoys spending time with his young family and playing rugby.

KAR UK looks forward to welcoming Oliver to the team and supporting customers across Southern England and South Wales with his experience, insight and hands-on approach.

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

You can also follow KAR UK on X and Instagram @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026

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Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026: Two John Deere turf dealerships are expanding their areas of responsibility later this year.

Ripon Ground Care and Turner Groundscare will extend their respective geographies from 9 July 2026 when Balmers GM leaves the John Deere dealership network.

Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026

Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026

Part of the Ripon Group, Ripon Ground Care has been selling and servicing John Deere machinery and technology since 1982, with 13 branches located across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Teesside.

For over 40 years, the company has supplied equipment for industries such as golf and sports turf, local authorities, contractors, caravan parks and similar environments.

Similarly, Turner Groundscare has over 30 years’ experience and offers a full range of premium John Deere equipment across Cheshire. The company has an excellent reputation for its servicing and customer support.

“With decades of experience between them, John Deere is proud to have both Ripon Ground Care and Turner Groundscare taking over operations in the Lancashire and West Yorkshire areas,” says Chris Meacock, John Deere’s Division Sales Manager for Golf and Turf.

“Over the next six months before this transition takes effect, we will put everything in place to ensure a seamless transfer for John Deere customers who will be dealing with Ripon Ground Care or Turner Groundscare in due course.

“We would also like to thank Balmers GM for their hard work and years of service with John Deere.”

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Hayling Golf Club Practice Area Survives Rare Tidal Event

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Hayling Golf Club Practice Area Survives Rare Tidal Event: Just two weeks after the installation of a high walled, revetted practice bunker by synthetic bunker experts EcoBunker, renowned south coast links course Hayling Golf Club suffered an unprecedented tidal event that put their investment at immediate risk.

“Water resources are very limited on Hayling Island and we don’t have any irrigation on the practice ground,” explained Graeme Roberts, course manager at Hayling Golf Club. “That made EcoBunker the obvious choice for our practice bunker as it would maintain its visual appeal and playability with very limited maintenance.”

Hayling Golf Club Practice Area Survives Rare Tidal Event

Hayling Golf Club Practice Area Survives Rare Tidal Event

However, in early December, just two weeks after the practice bunker was completed, Hayling experienced spring tides and off-shore winds that led to the highest sea levels seen in many years. The unprecedented tides pushed 20 to 30 tonnes of shingle against, and through, the boundary fence, creating a slipway for sea water to run straight into the practice area.

“Over two consecutive nights the teeing and bunker practice area was completely underwater. Sediment was spread across the whole area and our new practice bunker filled up with sea water. By the time the tide had receded on the second morning, we had significant damage across the area from the sea water, including damage to the new turf that had been laid around the bunker,” continued Graeme.

“Remarkably, despite such a significant event, the only evidence that sea water had been in the bunker was the silt deposited on the liner and a sediment line where the water had reached. With a quick brush of the face and a clean of the liner, the bunker was as good as the day it went in.”

EcoBunker CEO and inventor of synthetic bunker technology, Richard Allen commented, “We have lots of evidence from our Floridian customers that EcoBunkers have stood the test of hurricanes, storms and weather events. But I’m not sure we’ve ever heard of a bunker being completely under water for two nights! This was a huge challenge for Graeme and his team, so I’m delighted that our EcoBunker technology withstood the test and was one less thing for Graeme and his team to worry about.”

Less than two weeks after the tidal event, with a quick refresh of their EcoBunker and a significant clear up of the practice area, Graeme and his team are making great progress towards providing members and visitors with the practice experience that they have invested in.

For more information on EcoBunker please visit www.ecobunker.co.uk

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Technical Area Sales Manager (Golf and Fine Turf) – Sussex and Kent

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Location: Sussex & Kent

Salary: Competitive package + Bonus + Car + Benefits

Sector: Golf & Fine Turf | Agronomy | Technical Sales

Technical Area Sales Manager (Golf and Fine Turf) - Sussex and Kent

Technical Area Sales Manager (Golf and Fine Turf) – Sussex and Kent

OAS is one of the largest UK providers of turf grass, plant health and soil solutions, offering knowledge and experience underpinned by research and development. We are a 100+ strong team, working across the UK in sales, R&D, operations, warehousing, distribution and customer service ensuring the right people are on-hand to support you.

Passionate about the sectors we work in, OAS offers quality choice, product innovation and technical support.

The Technical Area Sales Manager is responsible for selling complex technical products and services by combining deep product knowledge with strong interpersonal and sales skills within the golf and fine turf sectors. This role involves identifying customer needs, presenting tailored solutions, and supporting clients throughout the sales cycle.

You will be expected to:

Develop and grow sales within the primary business area by selling OAS product to grounds maintenance professionals across all aspects of the grounds maintenance industry

Work with the Regional Sales Director to identify and develop business opportunities

Deliver agreed sales target both in terms of volume (turnover) and profit margin

Develop customer relations by calling to promote products and take orders where the opportunity arises

Ensure actions arising from calls are followed up on in a timely manner and concluded by maintaining up-to-date records of customer visits

Use company literature and promotional tools to maximise sales opportunities in agreement with Regional Sales Director

Use company database to identify additional sales opportunities and agree development plan with Regional Sales Director

When required contribute to product development and or marketing strategy

Provide market feedback on competitor activity as appropriate as well as other products, service opportunities that may benefit Origin Amenity Solutions.

Attend training events and or seminars, exhibitions as required – some overnight stays may be required

Skills required:

A strong desire to work in a commercial role, i.e. sales acumen, drive, enthusiasm, initiative, etc

Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills

Excellent presentational and communication skills

A ‘can do’ attitude and self-motivation are essential in this role as it will require a lot of individual initiative and unsupervised work

A strong team player with the ability to work with a multi-disciplinary team internally across operations/sites, sales support and administration and the sales and marketing teams

Strong computer skills and working knowledge of MS Office functions, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Clean UK driving licence, with willingness for large levels of travel and overnight stays as required

A proactive and flexible approach

BASIS and FACTS qualifications are not essential but would be an advantage as the company has a policy of delivering these qualifications over time.

Please email your CV and cover letter to  https://originoperations.bamboohr.com/careers/97