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Baroness UK celebrate Dealers at BTME

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Baroness UK celebrate Dealers at BTME: Following another successful year for both Baroness and the wider Kyoeisha Corporation, Baroness UK were delighted to celebrate 2025’s achievements at BTME with the return of their annual Dealer Awards.

This year saw both Lister Wilder and Hamilton Brothers recognised for their exceptional performance and commitment to the Baroness brand.

Baroness UK celebrate Dealers at BTME

Baroness UK celebrate Dealers at BTME

Introduced to recognise the accomplishments of individuals and teams across the Baroness dealer network, the Baroness UK Dealer awards offer a welcome opportunity to celebrate positivity in what has been another challenging year for the industry. Lister Wilder received the award for the ‘Highest Overall Baroness Machinery Sales’ – retaining the title from 2025. Alongside an outstanding team performance, there was individual recognition for Lister’s Stuart Venn-Dunn, who was presented with the ‘Salesperson of the Year’ award.

“Receiving the award for ‘Highest Overall Machinery Sales’ is fantastic as it recognises the entire teams’ efforts throughout the year” comments Phill Hughes, Sales Director for Lister Wilder. “I am especially pleased for Stuart Venn-Dunn who has been working closely with his golf customers over the last twelve months, as this recognition goes some way to reward him for all the hard work he’s put in. Of course, we couldn’t achieve what we have without the support of Team Baroness and our aftersales departments, so we’d like to thank them all as we look ahead to another positive year in 2026.”

Stuart Venn-Dunn added, “I’m proud to be recognised as Baroness Top Salesperson for 2025. Results like this don’t happen in isolation — they come from collaboration. It starts with the trust of valued customers who offer the initial opportunity and is realised from the hard work and support afforded by the partnership of Lister Wilder and Baroness. When everyone works together, outcomes like this become possible!”

Also honoured were Hamilton Brothers, part of Hamilton Ross Group, securing the accolade of ‘Highest Growth in Baroness Machinery Sales’. Andy Gillies, Groundcare Sales Manager said, “This achievement reflects the dedication of our sales team, together with the wider group whose ongoing commitment and support underpin our performance. Having been a Baroness dealer for six years, we are seeing a positive shift within the industry as awareness and understanding of the Baroness product range continues to grow. By educating our customers and clearly demonstrating the long-term cost efficiencies associated with ownership, including reduced running and maintenance costs, we are helping to support informed purchasing decisions and deliver lasting value.”

He added, “We look forward to continuing our strong working relationship with our Area Sales Manager and the wider Baroness team as we progress on our journey towards becoming the largest machinery dealer in Scotland.”

“All of our dealers once again delivered an outstanding effort throughout 2025, equaling our strongest year to date is an achievement that would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment of our entire network,” said Adam Butler, UK Sales Director at Baroness. “We continue to focus on delivering the very best equipment, supported by world-leading backup, and we are making strong progress year on year. The entire Baroness UK team congratulates the Lister Wilder and Hamilton’s teams and thanks all of our dealers and customers for their continued loyalty and support.”

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John Deere to unveil light utility Gator GS models at BTME

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John Deere to unveil light utility Gator GS models at BTME: Greenkeepers visiting John Deere’s BTME stand in Harrogate in January will be among the first in Europe to see the new Gator GS utility vehicles. 

Built to meet the growing need for a work vehicle which sits between a golf cart and a go-anywhere, all-terrain machine, the Gator GS allows British and Irish greenkeepers to get carry out lighter duties around the course quickly and efficiently without sacrificing on durability and reliability.

John Deere to unveil light utility Gator GS models at BTME

John Deere to unveil light utility Gator GS models at BTME

“Whether it’s course setup, hand watering, hauling mower trailers, or just moving from hole to hole, the Gator GS allows greenkeepers to get those jobs done on time and efficiently,” says Chris Meacock, Golf and Turf Division Sales Manager at John Deere.

The new GS is available now in petrol or electric derivatives, both of which are designed to complete jobs without disruption to the neighbours or early morning golf groups.

The powerful, yet quiet,  14hp petrol electronic fuel injected engine incorporates a unique engine and body design that incorporates baffling and sound deadening materials for quiet operation.

Customers choosing the 48V GS Electric Gator will have an AC drive motor and controller system that helps maintain torque during even the toughest of situations, with eight Trojan T-105 batteries providing the power needed to complete the day’s work.

Both machines have a top speed of 17.5mph to enable greenkeepers to get more done in less time.

Operation is simple with a pedal start and infinite speed selection that doesn’t require shifting thanks to a continuously variable transmission drivetrain.

Measuring just 49.3 inches across, the body design allows for transport through tight areas while avoiding turf damage on the edges of cart paths.

Cargo space has been optimised for tools and materials, with 371 litres of space and a 363kg cargo box weight capacity. The Gator GS has an easy-to-access and effortless cargo box latch to make it easy to unlock, tilt, and quickly unload materials.

The Gator GS is ready to tow with a standard factory installed 50.8 mm rear receiver hitch and a 544.3 kg towing capacity.

Built with operator comfort in mind there are high-back bucket seats, two standard USB ports, low-effort steering system design, and multiple storage compartments for gloves, small hand tools and mobile devices.

“The John Deere Gator is one the most versatile vehicles that a golf course manager and their team can use, and the GS and GS Electric adds to that versatility with its size and manoeuvrability,” says Chris.

The Gator GS and GS Electronic will be on show at BTME from 20 to 22 January at Harrogate Convention Centre, and can be ordered through dealers now.

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EcoBunker to Introduce LOKSAND at BTME

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EcoBunker to Introduce LOKSAND at BTME: EcoBunker has agreed a partnership with LOKSAND Global that gives the erosion control specialists and leaders in synthetic bunker edge technology exclusive rights to the distribution of LOKSAND in the U.K. Details on the partnership and new products will be available to view at BTME in Harrogate from 20th January.

LOKSAND is a soil amendment featuring interlocking, crimped fibres that bind and stabilise soil and sand profiles. Deployment of the LOKSAND soil amendment allows greenkeepers, contractors and architects to tackle the problem of poor turf quality in heavily trafficked areas, including strengthening cart-path entry and exit points, walkways and green exits — without resorting to repair or hardscape options.

EcoBunker to Introduce LOKSAND at BTME

EcoBunker to Introduce LOKSAND at BTME

“We can honestly build nearly anything with LOKSAND,” said Danny Potter, owner of global distributor Centaur Holdings. “We’re still establishing the limits of what it can do. We’ve used it to stabilize the steep noses that dive into bunkers, rolled-over edges, slopes where golfers enter and exit bunkers or green complexes, and obviously, grass walkways. It binds and keeps everything in place without compromising percolation in any way. What’s more, LOKSAND can be mixed using whatever soils and sands you have on site, so there’s no need for any expensive import of particular sand mixes. If you have a project where the soil needs stability, strength, durability and drainage, then LOKSAND is the perfect solution.”

The first LOKSAND installation in the U.K., is set to begin at Woodhall Spa this week. It is being used in conjunction with EcoBunker hidden edges and EcoTec bunker liners, showing off the perfect combination of technology now available through EcoBunker. This follows the success of the recent Hann Reserve installation in the Philippines that saw LOKSAND used to re-inforce deep bunker shaping underpinned by EcoBunker edges at the interface with the sand.

“LOKSAND is a brilliant innovation. It allows greenkeepers, architects and contractors to lock in design features in areas that are traditionally vulnerable to wear,” said Richard Allen, CEO of EcoBunker and inventor of synthetic bunker technology.” Add in the superb drainage attributes, the consistency of surface that can be achieved and the lifespan of the product, you can see why we jumped at the opportunity. Our first installation is going in at Woodhall Spa alongside two of our core technologies and we can’t wait to show off how the joint innovation bring long lasting benefits to the course.”

Danny Potter will be present on the EcoBunker stand – 246, Hall 2 – at BTME from 20th January, where he and Richard Allen will introduce the benefits of LOKSAND technology to the European turfcare industry. Alongside LOKSAND, EcoBunker will present their brand new pre-cut tile technology, offering visitors the opportunity to see for themselves how pre-cut can halve the time of synthetic bunker builds.

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

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The R&A to enhance learning at BTME 2026

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The R&A to enhance learning at BTME 2026: The R&A’s Sustainable Golf experts will once again be present at BTME in Harrogate this January, with the introduction of The R&A Clubhouse, a dedicated space designed to support learning, discussion and professional development throughout the show.

Located alongside The R&A’s stand in Hall 4, The R&A Clubhouse will complement the existing exhibition presence by providing an environment for structured talks, informal conversations and shared learning opportunities.

The R&A to enhance learning at BTME 2026

The R&A to enhance learning at BTME 2026

Led by R&A professionals and industry specialists, The Clubhouse programme will run across the three days of the trade exhibition, offering practical insight, experience-led discussion and discussions on the key challenges facing modern golf course management.

As in previous years, The R&A will be represented by a broad team drawn from across the organisation, including Sustainable Agronomy, Championship Agronomy, Golf Course 2030 Research and Education programmes. Specialists attending from Great Britain and Ireland, Europe and Asia-Pacific will be available throughout the week to engage with industry professionals, share experience and contribute to conversations around sustainable, performance-led course management across different environments and regions.

The R&A team will be based in Hall 4, providing a central point for visitors to find out more about the independent agronomy support available to golf venues and to speak directly with R&A agronomists and specialists working at both a strategic and practical level.

The R&A Clubhouse programme begins on Tuesday 20 January with a focus on Excellence in Agronomy – Performance Delivered Sustainably, exploring how course teams can balance performance expectations with long-term sustainability. On Wednesday 21 January, the theme turns to International Insights into Sustainability and Greenkeeping, drawing on global perspectives and shared experiences from across the industry. The programme concludes on Thursday 22 January with Championing Leadership of Golf Courses, supporting collaboration and understanding between course managers, club leaders and decision-makers.

Richard Windows, Assistant Director – Sustainable Agronomy Services at The R&A, said: “BTME provides an invaluable opportunity to bring the industry together and encourage open discussion around the issues that matter most to golf courses. The R&A Clubhouse has been designed to facilitate meaningful learning, with contributions from our own specialists and wider industry experts, allowing attendees to gain insight that is both relevant and practical.”

Daniel Lightfoot, Director – Sustainable Golf at The R&A, added: “Having colleagues from across Sustainable Agronomy, Championship Agronomy, Golf Course 2030 Research and our education programmes together in Harrogate allows us to support a wide range of conversations. By combining R&A expertise with industry-led discussion in the Clubhouse, we hope to provide a forum that encourages shared understanding and informed decision-making.”

BTME 2026 takes place at Harrogate Convention Centre, with the trade exhibition running from 20–22 January 2026. You can find out more on each of the clubhouse activities here: https://www.btme.org.uk/attendees/what-s-on/feature-areas/the-r-a-clubhouse.html

For more information on The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service, or to arrange a meeting with the team at BTME, please contact sustainableagronomy@randa.org

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Amenity sector launch for Techneat Hire at BTME

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Amenity sector launch for Techneat Hire at BTME: A new hire scheme direct from Techneat Engineering will give greenkeepers, groundsmen and amenity managers convenient and low-cost access to the company’s range of innovative precision application equipment.

To be launched at BTME in January 2026 (Stand 106), Techneat Hire manager, Rui Santos, highlights the opportunity to try-before-you-buy some of Techneat’s pioneering developments – such as the high performance Pro-ESpray battery-powered pedestrian sprayer.

Amenity sector launch for Techneat Hire at BTME

Amenity sector launch for Techneat Hire at BTME

“Hiring equipment direct from Techneat brings all the convenience and flexibility of owning a machine for a required part of the season, without the capital cost or upkeep when it’s not required, and no commitment if future plans or requirements should change,” explained Rui.

“For time sensitive turf applications hiring a precision sprayer enables treatment when it’s convenient and in the optimum conditions. Grounds managers may only want access to a de-icing applicator for a period each year, for example, which can be available through the hire scheme.

“Using Techneat Hire to supply a sprayer you will always have the most up to date machine, that has been fully serviced by specialists in the factory and ready for work.”

Rui adds that the on-line hire scheme gives turf and amenity managers  the chance to pre-plan machinery requirements ahead of the season. However, the company also has a stock of machines and fittings to help out in many situations of unforeseen breakdowns or changes in plans and to try out advances in application.

He cites vegetation control specialists could hire a quad-mounted Weed Wizard, for precision optical spot spraying of weeds on pavements and hard surfaces, for example, to evaluate the cost savings and benefits for customers, without the economic tie of ownership.

Techneat Hire scheme is available across the range of Techneat precision application equipment also on show at BTME.

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