Tag Archive for: BTME

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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Hunter Grinders to Showcase Precision Grinding Solutions at BTME

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Hunter Grinders to Showcase Precision Grinding Solutions at BTME: Hunter Grinders, part of the Howardson Group, will be exhibiting at BTME 2026, taking place at the Harrogate Convention Centre, where visitors can see its professional grinding solutions on stand 217.

Designed for modern turf equipment workshops, the Hunter Grinders range is engineered to deliver accuracy, consistency and repeatable results, supporting efficient servicing of cutting units to exact manufacturer standards.

Hunter Grinders to Showcase Precision Grinding Solutions at BTME

Hunter Grinders to Showcase Precision Grinding Solutions at BTME

Jupiter ‘All-in-One’ Grinder

Taking centre stage on the stand is the Jupiter, a fully automatic relief and spin grinder built for professional workshop environments. Constructed on a solid cast bed and supported by heavy-duty linear rails, the machine provides smooth, stable movement throughout every grinding cycle, delivering precise and repeatable results.

Automated traverse, indexing and in-feed functions allow the Jupiter to operate independently, improving efficiency while freeing operators to focus on other workshop tasks.

For BTME 2026, the Jupiter ATI is presented with key enhancements to improve handling and control. The addition of a tail-lift option simplifies loading and unloading of machines up to 300 kg, while upgraded servo drives provide smoother, more precise operation across grinding functions.

A liquid coolant system manages heat and dust for a cleaner, safer working environment. Fully programmable controls include automatic wheel-head docking and cycle countdown, while the machine can grind both the top and front faces of bottom blades and accommodate cylinders up to 1067 mm (42”). A 360-degree electric hoist option further supports safe and efficient handling.

Amazon Grinder – Efficient Bottom Blade Precision

Also on display at BTME 2026 is the Amazon grinder, offering a fast, accurate solution for bottom blade sharpening with a consistent, high-quality finish.

A variable-speed traverse motor allows precise control of material removal, while automatic in-feed on the front face ensures consistent pressure and repeatable results. The Amazon offers a 36” bottom blade capacity when using both grinding heads, extending to 42” when operating with a single grinding head. Automatic simultaneous grinding of both the front and top faces further improves workshop productivity.

An adjustable mounting system ensures the bottom blade remains parallel throughout the grinding process, supporting an accurate, even grind.

Visit Hunter Grinders on stand 217 at BTME 2026 to see how precision grinding solutions can improve workshop efficiency and cutting performance.

For further information or to arrange a no-obligation demonstration, contact Hunter Grinders on 01332 824 777 or visit www.huntergrinders.com.

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It’s time for Harrogate – BTME 2026 Preview

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It’s time for Harrogate – BTME 2026 Preview: From 20-22 January, BIGGA hosts Europe’s largest and most influential indoor turf management exhibition – three action-packed days filled with new ideas, new technology and new opportunities, running alongside, from 18-22 January, the Continue to Learn programme offering a comprehensive world-class education programme tailored for turf professionals.

I attended my first BTME in January 1996.

I’d been Editor of Greenkeeper International for just under a year and had spent the months leading up to Harrogate promoting the occasion through its pages – there weren’t any social media platforms, or even the internet, in those days.

So when came to drive up to the famous old town I thought I knew what to expect. I didn’t. BTME was much more than I could have imagined and it has remained part of my life for the subsequent 30 years.

It has grown, shrunk and grown again over that period but, other than the one Covid year and the next when it was moved to March, it has remained as a constant in what has become an increasingly fast-moving industry.

What was once dominated by machinery and fertiliser bags has been overtaken by robots and AI. Large display monitors have replaced flags and banners and faces that I first became familiar with three decades ago are looking a little more wrinkled and topped by a thinner thatch! Not least my own. Smiles are just as wide now as they were in the last century, however.

So, I’m looking forward to this year’s BTME. The Halls will buzz during the day and the streets, pubs and restaurants will buzz during the evening.

I look forward to catching up with many of you there.

Scott MacCallum, Editor

It's time for Harrogate - BTME 2026 Preview

It’s time for Harrogate – BTME 2026 Preview

Prize draw bonus for attending

Every January, Harrogate transforms into the beating heart of the turf management world as BTME and Continue to Learn bring thousands of grounds professionals together for a week of innovation, inspiration and unmissable learning.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned expert, BTME 2026 promises a fresh start to the year. Expect a powerful blend of hands-on education, forward-thinking insights and practical solutions crafted by the people who understand the industry best.

Continue to Learn features everything from intensive full-day technical workshops to bite-sized seminars and a two-day management conference. Topics span agronomy, irrigation, sustainability, leadership and more, each session built to deliver immediately applicable knowledge.

Many courses are deliberately small and interactive, giving delegates valuable time with leading practitioners who know the pressures and complexities of maintaining exceptional turf.

On the exhibition floor, BTME delivers six halls packed with innovation. From cutting-edge machinery to the latest technological breakthroughs, it’s the ideal place to see what’s emerging, compare solutions and plan future investment – all free of charge.

Just as importantly, BTME acts as the profession’s annual meeting point, offering space to network, recharge, share challenges and reconnect with colleagues from across the UK and beyond.

A standout moment of the week is the BIGGA Celebration sponsored by Bernhard Academy and hosted by Sky Sports’ Sarah Stirk, where the BIGGA Awards shine a spotlight on the individuals and teams raising standards across the industry.

And for 2026, there’s an added bonus: thanks to support from KRESS, everyone who registers will be entered into a special prize draw – making this the perfect start of the year for one lucky attendee.

If you’re looking to sharpen your skills, expand your network and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry, Harrogate in January is the place to be. BTME and Continue to Learn remain the essential professional development experience for anyone serious about turf management.

Exhibitors of note at BTME

Agrovista Amenity – Stand 126

Aquatrols – Stand 114

BAGMA – Stand 642

Baroness – Stand 624

Campey Turf Care – Stand 220

ClearWater – Stand 612

Consolidate Turf – Stand 234

Dennis Mowers – 252

DLF – Stand 124

DSV Seeds – Stand 213

Foley – Stand 528

GKB – Stand 644

GroundsFest – Stand 233

Groundsman Industries – Stand 108

Hunter Grinders – Stand 217

ISEKI UK & Ireland – Stand 646

KAR UK – Stand 550

Kress – Stand 136

Kubota UK – Stand 624

Manfield Sand – Stand 242

MM Seed – Stand 124

Origin Amenity Solutions – Stands 230 and 200

Price Turfcare – Stand 122

Redexim – Stand 532

Reesink – Stand 662

SISIS Machinery – Stand 252

Team Sprayers – Stand 518

Techneat Hire – Stand 106

Turf Tracker – Stand 140

Wiedenmann UK – Stand 524

SISIS to Showcase Proven Turf Performance at BTME

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SISIS to Showcase Proven Turf Performance at BTME: SISIS, part of the Howardson Group, will return to BTME 2026 with a focused range of professional turf maintenance machinery, designed to support consistent playing conditions across golf courses and fine turf environments. Built for durability, serviceability and long-term performance, SISIS equipment is trusted by greenkeepers seeking reliable results season after season.

Multislit

The SISIS Multislit provides a proven alternative to traditional hollow tining. Using narrow blades to create clean slits, it improves water infiltration, gas exchange and root development with minimal surface disruption.

SISIS to Showcase Proven Turf Performance at BTME

SISIS to Showcase Proven Turf Performance at BTME

Unlike hollow tining, which removes material and can interrupt play, Multislit aeration allows greenkeepers to maintain playability while delivering meaningful agronomic benefits. Its speed and low-impact operation make it particularly valuable during the playing season.

Triplay with Fine Grooming Rakes

The SISIS Triplay is a single-pass maintenance system developed to improve efficiency without compromising surface quality. Ideal for golf fairways, it can be mounted to tractors via a three-point linkage or to utility vehicles with the appropriate frame, making it suitable for natural turf and hard porous surfaces.

Fitted with Fine Grooming Rakes, the Triplay delivers controlled surface grooming and thatch management. The 5mm spring tines lift grasses to improve presentation, help create a tilth in worn areas and provide effective grooming with minimal surface disruption.

Flexibrush

Designed for large turf areas such as golf fairways and sports grounds, the Flexibrush provides fast, effective brushing. It is ideal for brushing in topdressings, dispersing dew and lifting grasses prior to mowing, helping to deliver a clean, uniform finish. Floating brush sections allow accurate contour following, while hydraulically folding outer sections simplify transport and storage.

Rotorake TM1000

The Rotorake TM1000 is a tractor-mounted scarifier and linear aerator engineered for effective thatch control and surface preparation. Floating units follow ground contours for consistent depth, while the contra-rotating reel throws debris forward to produce a clean, even finish. Interchangeable reels and simple depth adjustment make it a dependable renovation tool.

Javelin Aer-Aid

The Javelin Aer-Aid is a compact aeration solution designed to relieve surface compaction and improve air and moisture movement in fine turf areas such as greens and tees. Robustly built and straightforward to operate, it supports healthier root development and consistent playing performance.

Expert Support from the SISIS Team

The SISIS team will be available on Stand 252 throughout BTME 2026 to discuss turf challenges and provide practical guidance on selecting the right solutions.

For further information or to arrange a no-obligation demonstration, contact SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit www.sisis.com

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