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GroundTech appointed as first UK Distributor for Drop-Pit

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GroundTech appointed as first UK Distributor for Drop-Pit: GroundTech is proud to announce its appointment as the first UK distributor for the revolutionary Drop-Pit Ball Management System, developed by VDB Technics – an industry leader in automated driving-range technology.

Specifically developed to work in conjunction with robotic range pickers, GroundTech can now provide a fully automated, highly efficient and exceptionally reliable solution for collecting, washing, transporting and dispensing range balls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

GroundTech appointed as first UK Distributor for Drop-Pit

GroundTech appointed as first UK Distributor for Drop-Pit

Using the Drop-Pit with an autonomous collector such as the Echo Range Picker eliminates the need for manual collection, ball washing, transportation and dispenser loading.

With a capacity of 300 balls per cycle and 20,000 balls in a 24 hour period, the Echo RP-1250 will transfer the load into the Drop-Pit where they’re automatically washed and counted via the electronic control unit. A vacuum system then transports the clean golf balls to the dispenser ready for play. This sophisticated vacuum-transport design keeps the line clear, resulting in significantly less clogging than alternative automated systems.

“Our decision to partner with VDB Technics is not only based on the system’s performance, but for its practicality” explains GroundTech Director Marcus Glover. “Thanks to its modular underground wash zone, compact drop box and long-distance vacuum transport capability it is easier to install than comparative systems and seamlessly integrates with existing driving-range equipment. We’re excited to add Drop-Pit to our portfolio and further cement our status as a leading provider of automated golf course solutions.”

Lode Moies, Sales Manager at VDB Technics added, “We look forward to a long and successful partnership with GroundTech. Their strong market knowledge, professional approach and excellent service support make them the ideal partner to represent our Drop-Pit technology in the United Kingdom.”

For more information on Drop-Pit, or the autonomous Range Picker or mowers available from GroundTech, visit www.groundtech.co.uk

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John Deere names FCN as charity partner for 2026

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John Deere names FCN as charity partner for 2026: The UK and Ireland branch of John Deere has announced that The Farming Community Network (FCN) will be its official charity partner for 2026.

The commitment will see John Deere staff receive specialist wellbeing support training from FCN, as well as opening the door to a range of volunteering opportunities.

John Deere names FCN as charity partner for 2026

John Deere names FCN as charity partner for 2026

Thousands of pounds will also be raised through fundraising initiatives to help FCN further its reach and impact across the rural community.

“We all have a responsibility to safeguard the health and wellbeing of those living and working in rural areas,” says Joedy Ibbotson, Division Business Manager at John Deere.

“FCN is a charity that does incredible work in this area. Its outreach touches our staff, our network, our customers, and throughout the communities we operate in. It is a great fit for us and the partnership is something that really resonates with our team.”

John Deere employees have a strong track record of fundraising for good causes, both national and local.

Previous efforts include tackling the Peak District Ultra Challenge in aid of Cancer Research UK, raising more than £13,000. Staff are encouraged to come forward with their own ideas for volunteering and fundraising, with the company pledging to support these initiatives.

The FCN partnership was announced at an all-employee meeting at John Deere’s Langar headquarters in Nottinghamshire.

Georgina Lamb, Head of Partnerships with FCN, said: “We are delighted to partner with such a well-respected company as John Deere, which as well as providing vital funds for the charity has given us the platform to promote our work to the wider agricultural community. We look forward to working with the team in the coming months.”

As part of the event, staff were trained by FCN with a bespoke course in wellbeing support for the agricultural community.

Joedy added that the organisation was particularly keen to add its reach to the charity’s Nip it in the Bud campaign, which is part of the UK-wide Rural Communities Cancer Project between FCN and Macmillan Cancer Support.

The focus of the campaign is on early detection of cancer and making time to see the GP if someone notices a change in their health.

“Farmers and their families are so busy that health concerns can often get pushed to the bottom of the to-do list,” he said. “Rural communities often also have lower access to cancer services and support due to living in more isolated areas.

“However, early diagnosis is essential, so John Deere is keen to encourage people to be more familiar with the early signs of cancer, and to take the necessary steps to get checked and nip it in the bud.

“FCN plays a crucial role in supporting the farming community through difficult periods and times of change, and we’re proud to be standing alongside them this year.”

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ICL appoints Aimee Davey as Marketing Communications Manager

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ICL appoints Aimee Davey as Marketing Communications Manager: Aimee Davey joins ICL at a key point as the business moves into a busy period of campaign and product activity across its Turf and Landscape portfolio, taking on the role of Marketing Communications Manager for the UK and Ireland.

Aimee brings strong experience from the professional turf sector, having led marketing activity at GreenBest across product launches, brand development and customer communication. Her background working alongside technical and sales teams gives her a clear understanding of what turf managers and distributors need from reliable, well-structured marketing.

ICL appoints Aimee Davey as Marketing Communications Manager

ICL appoints Aimee Davey as Marketing Communications Manager

In this role, Aimee will lead all UK and Ireland marketing activity across the Turf and Landscape portfolio. Her responsibilities include campaign planning, product launches, events, PR, digital content and coordination with external agencies. She will work closely with the sales and technical teams as the business prepares for a full calendar of activity.

Ed Carter, Business Manager for the UK business, said that Aimee’s sector knowledge and practical approach make her a strong addition to the team and will support the continued development of marketing activity across the business.

Aimee said she is looking forward to joining the team and building on the strong marketing work already in place. “ICL has a clear technical foundation, and a strong programme of activity planned. I’m pleased to be joining at this point and look forward to supporting the team, our customers and our distributors.”

Aimee’s appointment follows Kevin Whitby’s move into the newly created position of International Marketing Communications Manager for Turf and Landscape, where he will focus on global communication strategy and supporting local teams.

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

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Tom Curry Joins STIGA as Brand Ambassador

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Tom Curry Joins STIGA as Brand Ambassador: STIGA is delighted to announce England Rugby player Tom Curry as the brand’s newest ambassador. The partnership brings together one of rugby’s most respected and powerful players with one of Europe’s leading garden machinery brands — united by shared values of teamwork, reliability, performance, and community.

Through this exciting collaboration, Tom will be working with STIGA to explore his growing passion for gardening and test a range of innovative products designed to help him create his own “pitch-perfect lawn” at home.

Tom Curry said:

“I’m delighted to be an ambassador for STIGA. The timing of this partnership is perfect as I’m currently in the process of moving house and looking forward to spending lots of time in my garden. I can’t wait to test out STIGA’s great range of products and see what they can do. For when I’m in camp or during busy training periods, the STIGA autonomous robot mower sounds ideal!”

Tom Curry Joins STIGA as Brand Ambassador

Tom Curry Joins STIGA as Brand Ambassador

“I’ve always been passionate about recognising the importance of grassroots rugby — you need strong foundations to grow, achieve, and follow your dreams. That’s why this partnership with STIGA feels so natural. Just like rugby, great gardens start from the ground up.”

Renowned for his uncompromising tackling and relentless work rate, Tom is a player whose performances embody precision, power, and consistency — qualities that STIGA prides itself on delivering in every product.

As part of STIGA’s wider partnership with England Rugby, this collaboration with Tom reflects a shared commitment to supporting the game at every level — from grassroots clubs to the international stage. STIGA’s belief in nurturing potential and creating lasting impact mirrors the way rugby builds communities and inspires the next generation.

James Gordon, Managing Director at STIGA, added:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Tom to the STIGA family. His work ethic, reliability, and commitment to performance — both on and off the pitch — perfectly align with our values. Together, we’re championing growth, from grassroots clubs to home gardens, helping people nurture their own green spaces with pride.”

Shared Values, Shared Impact

At their core, rugby and STIGA are built on the same foundations — teamwork, reliability, performance, and community. It’s this shared spirit that helps both players and gardeners grow, thrive, and make a lasting impact

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Lee Burton Joins Harrowden as Regional Sales Manager

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Lee Burton Joins Harrowden as Regional Sales Manager: Not content with a new website Harrowden has also recruited a new regional sales manager – for the Midlands to the West. In what Lee admits has been a whirlwind few months he has joined a new team, visited both Harrowden farms and seen sedum growing and on a green roof application.

His role is all about strengthening customer relationships whilst developing new ones along the way. That means regular communication through site visits, head office meetings, emails, and calls—whatever it takes to stay connected.

Lee brings extensive experience from the broader horticulture retail sector having held positions with Jewson, Wickes and most recently Huws Gray. Lee also brings a host of skills gained from more than twenty years in the business.

Lee reports into another Lee – Lee Andrew, and joins Chris Carr and Tony Clapcott as key members of the Harrowden sales team.

Lee B – as he is already known – is based in the Midlands so within easy reach of the region’s landscaping businesses:-

“I’ve spent nearly 30 years in building materials – I was ready for a change, and Harrowden really stood out. The passion, pride and strong team spirit felt like the perfect fit. It’s definitely different selling a live product compared to one that simply comes off the shelf!

The scale and detail of what we do is incredible—from maintaining big machinery to hand sowing seeds across multiple sites. It blows my mind… I’m convinced there’s some wizardry involved”.

For more information on Harrowden please visit: https://harrowden.co.uk/

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