Tag Archive for: Demand

GroundsFest Expands to Accommodate Growing Exhibitor Demand

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GroundsFest Expands to Accommodate Growing Exhibitor Demand: GroundsFest 2024 is gearing up for its second year with remarkable growth and expansion.

With an impressive 90% rebook rate from 2023 exhibitors and many new first-time exhibitors, it’s clear that GroundsFest has become a must-attend event for industry professionals. The increased demand has led to significant expansion to accommodate the growing number of exhibitors and attendees.

GroundsFest Expands to Accommodate Growing Exhibitor Demand

GroundsFest Expands to Accommodate Growing Exhibitor Demand

The Outdoor Grand Ring, which now incorporates additional space, is completely sold out and only one spot remains available in Outdoor Areas A and B. Ring B, which is now the first accessible area upon visitors’ entry to the show, has undergone significant expansion to accommodate the increasing demand from exhibitors. Inside, there are only four stands remaining in Hall 1.

This growth is further evidenced by the increase in the number of exhibitors, with 212 already signed up compared to 171 in 2023. What’s more, over 70 new companies have committed to joining GroundsFest 2024, making it the largest event of its kind in the UK.

Christopher Bassett, Event Director of GroundsFest, expressed his excitement about the event’s growth, stating, “It’s truly remarkable to see GroundsFest expanding at such a rapid pace in just its second year. The overwhelming response from exhibitors speaks volumes about the value and impact of the event within the industry. We’re committed to providing a platform that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our exhibitors and visitors.”

GroundsFest 2024 is shaping up to be the highlight of the year. Behind the scenes, the team is working tirelessly to introduce even more hands-on interactive features that have never been seen at a trade show. From innovative hands-on demonstrations to educational seminars and live music, GroundsFest offers a unique and immersive experience that sets it apart from traditional trade shows.

As GroundsFest continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to providing a platform where industry professionals can connect, learn, and see the latest innovations. With its rapid expansion and commitment to innovation, GroundsFest is leading the way in shaping the future of trade shows.

GroundsFest is also committed to investing in the future of the grounds management industry through the GroundsFest Education Fund. The Education Fund offers students financial support for essential items such as course materials, tools, and even driving lessons. Additionally, students can take advantage of accredited training courses covering a range of subjects vital to the industry’s operations.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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Reform Metrac H75 is in demand

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Reform Metrac H75 is in demand: The Blackburn based Stuart Taylor dealership has recently taken delivery of three Reform Metrac H75 bank mowers from UK Agent Simon Richard Ltd.

Tommy Taylor said, “ two of the Reforms are for Stoke City council for maintenance of banked grassed areas and a wide range of open spaces. The authority say they are impressed with both performance and operator safety”

Reform Metrac H75 is in demand

Reform Metrac H75 is in demand

Simon Richard added “ the 75hp Reform Metrac H75 has proven itself to be a year round workhorse for a wide range of groundcare tasks. Steering modes include front, rear, Crab and four wheel steer”

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Exhibitor demand fuels growth of SALTEX

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Exhibitor demand fuels growth of SALTEX: SALTEX is on track to have one of its biggest years yet as exhibitor demand sees the floor plan for 2023 increase by 20 percent to accommodate bookings.

Show organisers at the Grounds Management Association have confirmed early bird bookings are up ten percent from the 2022 show and there’s a 12 percent increase in exhibitor numbers with 6000 sqm of hall space already sold.

Exhibitor demand fuels growth of SALTEX

Exhibitor demand fuels growth of SALTEX

Sarah Cunningham, director of commercial and events at the Grounds Management Association, who has been joined on the sales team by Jill Rodham, comments: “Thanks to the early interest in the show the footprint has been increased by 3000 sqm to accommodate the extra demand for space from exhibitors, making it 20 percent bigger than the 2022 show. And plans are well underway for this year’s event with visitor registration due to open in early June.”

So, what does Sarah contribute this early success to? “That’s down to our incredible exhibitors. Those who are returning year after year thanks to continued success in previous years and an influx of new exhibitors who are keen to see what sales success SALTEX can bring them.”

New to the show are Asecos Limited, BigChange, EGHOLM A/S, FJ Dynamics, Grundfos Pumps Ltd, Hopespare Limited, Hubscape, QCR, Syngenta UK Ltd and Watermatic Ltd. New World Sports and Trafalgar Cleaning Equipment were last at the show in 2019 and 2017 respectively and are coming back in 2023.

A successful early bird signing period has also led to big industry names returning to SALTEX including Baroness, Dennis and Sisis, Husqvarna, ICL, Kubota, Ransomes, Reesink UK, Toro and Weibang amongst many others.

Sarah continues: “The 2022 show confirmed the confidence visitors and exhibitors have in SALTEX – it’s an event worth their time to attend. Deals happen, learning takes place and networking is enjoyed, all in a place conveniently located for most of the country. To be in the 77th year of a show and still commanding this level of commitment from the sectors we represent, is proof that the show is as relevant now as it ever was.

“I think people appreciate this is a show which contributes significantly to the growth and success of the industry. SALTEX and the Grounds Management Association work hand in hand – SALTEX is powered by the GMA and in turn SALTEX feeds into the GMA’s extensive work in supporting, and raising the profile of, the groundscare industry in all its guises.”

The show takes place at Birmingham NEC on 1-2 November 2023. Exhibitors wishing to secure their place at Europe’s largest free sports turf, amenities, and landscaping trade exhibition, should contact GMA Sales Manager, Jill Rodham at jrodham@thegma.org.uk or 07754 552405.

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Demand for trenchers ‘sky high’

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Demand for trenchers ‘sky high’: Trencher Hire UK has had its busiest August ever since starting out a decade ago – bucking the usual  trend of a slowdown during this, the main month in the holiday season.

Operations Manager Steve Kingdom commented: “We’ve been working flat-out delivering and picking up machines, then preparing them prior to hiring out to the next customer. Demand has exceeded supply and we are now having to offer dates in September.

Demand for trenchers 'sky high'

Demand for trenchers ‘sky high’

 

“The weather has been for the most part sunny and the ground conditions dry and very hard in places, but nothing to worry our fleet of trenchers which are real workhorses that just keep neatly digging-out out sometimes hundreds of metres of channelling in a day.

“September looks like being a very busy month too – so it’s best to make an inquirer sooner rather than later.”

The current fleet of units comprise Toro and Vermeer machines covering trenching depths of between 150mm up to 900mm.  The units available to hire comprise: Toro TRX-16, Toro TRX-20, Toro TX-525 with trencher head, Vermeer RTX200 and Vermeer RTX525.

To find out more about Trencher Hire UK call: 01939 211900, or email: team@trencherhire.com, or visit our website: www.trencherhire.com

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Perennial prepares for increase in demand

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Perennial prepares for increase in demand: Perennial is the safety net for people in the horticulture industry and are here to help anyone working in, or retired from any job involving trees, plants, flowers or grass.

As the effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continue to evolve for the whole industry, including everyone working in turf or groundscare, Perennial is urging anyone who is worried or has questions about how it will affect them, or their family, to get in touch. The team’s clear message is ‘we’re in this together’ and wants everyone in the industry to know they are there to support you. Perennial’s helpline is operating as usual on 0800 093 8543 or visit www.perennial.org.uk for the latest updates.  

Perennial prepares for increase in demand

Perennial prepares for increase in demand

Julia Hayne, Director of Services at Perennial, says: 

“We know people are worried; it’s only natural to be concerned about your own health, your ability to continue working and to support your family. We’re here to reassure, advise and help you through the coming weeks and months. We all need to work together on this. We are all facing unprecedented challenges as we adjust to new ways of working and Perennial is determined to remain available and active for everyone we help.” 

Perennial has a range of support services online and its advisers are available by phone, email or video call free of charge and in complete confidence. The online budgeting tool can be used to help understand finances and makes it simple to see what is coming in and out, with useful hints and tips to support you to adjust to changes in income. Perennial’s online mental health network, launched earlier this year in partnership with Big White Wall, can help everyone maintain their mental wellbeing.  

Perennial’s team of professional, highly trained caseworkers and debt advisers can:  

  1. help people understand and get access to government arrangements for financial  support 
  1. help people make arrangements to reduce or delay bill payments, including credit debts where necessary 
  1. provide financial assistance to cover essential items, particularly food and heating 

Peter Newman, Perennial’s Chief Executive, says:  

“In these unprecedented circumstances many people will be anxious about both the present and the future. For 180 years Perennial has stood alongside people in horticulture and our unswerving determination is to continue to be available to help through these difficult days.” 

Over the last few days Perennial’s whole workforce has responded to the evolving government guidance and will continue to monitor daily updates and promote the clear home-working, self-isolation and social distancing guidelines. The charity’s gardens at York Gate near Leeds and Fullers Mill near Bury St Edmunds will not now open as planned, and all volunteer activity has been suspended until further notice. Peter Newman continues: 

“The focus of the whole Perennial team is now on meeting the practical and social needs of people in horticulture, as the entire country faces up to the COVID-19 challenge, and its aftermath.” 

Perennial’s team of advisers all work from home and are available for phone calls, emails and video calls. Perennial are posting daily updates to an information hub on their website giving people up to date information on how you can manage your current situation, how Perennial can support individuals affected by the pandemic and links to other organisations who may be able to help. To keep up to date with new information as it emerges, follow Perennial on social media or sign up to the charity’s e-newsletters. If you have any concerns about how Coronavirus COVID-19 will affect you or your family, Perennial can be contacted by phone on: 0800 093 8543 or visit www.perennial.org.uk/coronavirus for further information.  

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Muthing flails much in demand

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Muthing flails much in demand: Simon Richard Ltd, UK Agents for the Muthing flail range, report an excellent start to the year for their front mounted MU-FM 140 and 160 flail mowers, from Shibaura, Kubota, Ransomes and John Deere dealers.

Simon Richard says, “Financial pressures mean local authorities are looking to maintain spaces with fewer staff and cuts per year. As a result flail mowing has become more important to maintain to the standards required and the Muthing front mounted MU-FM 160 has become a ‘go to’ product for local authorities and contractors all over the UK and Ireland, whether the requirements are for rough grass or fine cut finish.

Muthing flails much in demand

Muthing flails much in demand

The quality of cut afforded by flail mowers has increased dramatically over the years, to the point where these machines are no longer kept just for rougher areas. Smaller, lightweight versions are now finding employment on golf courses and cricket wickets.

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JCB stops production as demand slows

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JCB stops production as demand slows: JCB is today stopping production at all of its UK manufacturing plants as disruption resulting from the worldwide Coronavirus pandemic causes an unprecedented reduction in global demand.

The company is halting production for the rest of this week and the whole of next week at its nine manufacturing plants in Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Wrexham.  Shop floor employees affected by the move will be paid in full during this period.  No decision has yet been taken on what happens from the week commencing Monday, March 30th and beyond. Office staff will continue to work a 39-hour week, with many working from home, in support of the Government’s social distancing policy.

JCB stops production as demand slows

JCB stops production as demand slows

JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald said: “These measures are unprecedented in the history of JCB but are absolutely necessary to protect the business. As we continue to deal with the health implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become more challenging to maintain business continuity in this volatile economic climate. JCB is a global exporter and worldwide demand for our products has dropped sharply as customers cancel orders and defer deliveries. This is not just a UK issue, it is worldwide and with countries like France, Spain and Italy going into lock-down, those key markets for construction equipment disappear overnight.

“In light of this fast-changing situation, we need to re-plan our production and, as a result, manufacturing at all UK factories will cease for the rest of this week and all of next week. This will allow us to take stock of the situation, re-plan our order book, prioritise products that are definitely required by customers, and ensure parts and components are reassigned to support the production of these products.”

JCB’s plant in Pudong, near Shanghai, ceased production last month as the impact of the pandemic initially took hold. After several weeks of disruption, the factory is now fully operational again.

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Woods 12ft Batwing in demand

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Woods 12ft Batwing in demand: Simon Richard Ltd, the UK agent for the Woods Equipment range, say they are receiving an increasing number of enquiries for the companies BW12 Batwing model, from golf courses, parks, private estates and small farms, for use with smaller tractors from 50hp upwards.

Simon Richards adds, “The BW12 model is the perfect solution for cleaning up weeds, tall grass, and brush where a durable, hardworking machine is required. A deep deck chamber and tall side frames allow you to handle more cut material and drive through deeper with a lot less horsepower. The BW12 Batwing rotary mower can make short work of brush and weeds and also provide a dramatic reduction in mowing time compared to most rigid deck cutters. A lighter-duty 12-foot unit works well on utility tractors of 50 to 80 hp”

Woods 12ft Batwing in demand

Woods 12ft Batwing in demand

An unrivalled 6 year gearbox warranty, including seals, is also included.

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Madrid Demand Best Of Groundsman

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Madrid Demand Best Of Groundsman: “The expectations of Real Madrid are to have the best,” they could easily be the words from a famous player or coach, but it is instead the club’s groundsman Paul Burgess who is reflecting on the demanding culture at the Spanish club.

Burgess’s work will be seen by an estimated television audience of 650 million people when newly crowned world champions Madrid host Barcelona in El Clasico on Saturday (1200GMT, 1500EAT).

Madrid Demand Best Of Groundsman

However, he is used to dealing with that pressure having been lured to Real in Galatico style in 2009 after winning Premier League groundsman of the year three times in 12 years at Arsenal.

“Real Madrid and Spain is like the dream move for anybody whether it be the groundsman, the footballer or the press officer,” Burgess told AFP on a cold and grey Madrid morning with preparations for the Clasico in full swing.

“That’ll be the sunniest place in Madrid today,” he added pointing to the rows of high-powered lights beaming down on one side of a pitch that has to cope with plus 40 degree heat in summer and freezing temperatures in winter.

“For El Clasico there is obviously more build-up, more cameras on the side of the pitch, everyone is talking about it so there is more pressure from the outside.”

A two-week layoff since Real’s last home game, though, has ensured Burgess’s best work will be on show for the big day.

“The pitch for El Clasico will be better than say a Champions League game because for a Champions League game you have the opposition training the night before,” he said.

“Going into El Clasico we’ve got a two-week build up, the conditions look pretty good so the pitch will be in great condition not only for Real Madrid but also for Barcelona. It will be a nice pitch and the best team will win.”

The best team in recent times has tended to be Madrid, who have won five trophies in a calendar year in 2017 for the first time in the club’s storied history.

“100 percent,” joked the affable 39-year-old when quizzed as to how much success is down to him. “I think the pitch certainly adds value, but the bottom line is the pitch is the same for both teams and it is down to the team to perform on the day. We do our best to give them what they want.”

‘SERIOUS MONEY’ AT STAKE

Unlike Real’s star names and faces, though, Burgess tends to only get the criticism when things go wrong rather than acclaim as the trophies roll in.

“The only time I get feedback is if there is a problem. That is the correct way. I don’t go round looking for compliments, I don’t say to Cristiano (Ronaldo) ‘nice goal’. That’s his job and my job is to produce a good surface.”

He recalls a “tough” conversation with Jose Mourinho on the eve of the Portuguese’s first match in charge in 2010 due to a summer “outbreak of disease”.

However, the importance of a perfect pitch isn’t just reflected in how good it looks on TV, but can be vital in keeping multi-million euro players fit.

“They are paying serious money for these guys and they want them playing football, not injured. Something like 80 percent of injuries are non-contact with another player, so the only contact is with the grass.

“That doesn’t mean 80 percent of injuries are the fault of the grass, it could be bad diet, fatigue, but certainly a percentage is down to the pitch so it is very important we have dialogue between the medical department and my department to try and create consistent, comfortable surfaces for them to play on.”

That desire to stop avoidable injuries has seen Burgess travel the world looking at the latest technologies to bring back to the Bernabeu and Madrid’s vast Valdebebas training complex.

“I’m always trying to be a bit of a pioneer in my industry. By doing that you do make mistakes as well, but you try to be at the forefront of any new technology and Real Madrid reap the rewards of that.

“They invest in that, they should be applauded for what they are doing. They want to be the best and want to do everything they can to be the best.”
Just like for players and coaches, that investment brings increased pressure.

“When you are working for a big club it is more extreme. If we win it is the best thing in the world, if we lose it’s a disaster.

“I’m just part of that, but we have more good days than bad days and that’s the important thing.”

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