Tag Archive for: Event

Howardson Group hosts successful dealer training event

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Howardson Group hosts successful dealer training event: The Howardson Group recently brought together over 100 delegates from their dealership network across the UK, Europe and the Far East, over a three week period which proved to be an invaluable opportunity for all involved.

Held at the picturesque Morley Hayes Golf Club in the Derbyshire countryside and Derby County Football Club’s training ground, the events showcased the company’s extensive portfolio of product groups, including Dennis, Hunter Grinders, Lloyds SISIS and Syn-Pro.

Howardson Group hosts successful dealer training event

Howardson Group hosts successful dealer training event

The agenda for the event was packed with informative sessions, including sales and product training that delved deep into the benefits and features of the Howardson Group’s products for end-users. Attendees gained insight into future developments and had the chance to network and share experiences with other like-minded individuals.

One of the standout features of the event was its “hands-on” approach, allowing attendees to interact directly with the equipment. This approach, covering both new and existing key products, was aimed at enhancing their understanding of the Howardson Group product ranges.

Attendees were also invited for a behind-the-scenes factory tour, where all the products are manufactured, and gave them the chance to see first-hand some of the recent investments. The group were also given rare access to the All British Precision factory where components for the machines are meticulously produced on site in Kirk Langley.

Howardson Group hosts successful dealer training event

Howardson Group hosts successful dealer training event

Feedback from those who attended the event was overwhelmingly positive. Robert Snedden from Thomas Sherriff commented, “Brilliant, well-organised, and above all, slick. We have looked at 37 machines, spoke about them all and learnt a lot. The timing was perfect, the content was perfect, and I couldn’t fault it at all.”

Jim Clarke from Jim Clarke Fine Turf Machinery said, “I’ve really enjoyed the event and seen a lot of machinery that we wouldn’t have normally seen. It has been a great experience.”

Andy Melville, Commercial Director at GGM Groundscare, highlighted the value of hands-on training, stating, “The event has been very useful, very informative. It is great to physically see the machines in action. It gives you the opportunity to see what they can actually do, rather than just look at a brochure and read some specification.”

Overall, the event was a resounding success, providing attendees with valuable insights, networking opportunities, and a first-hand experience of the Howardson Group’s impressive range of products. With such positive feedback from attendees, the Howardson Group looks forward to hosting similar events in the future, continuing to support and empower their dealer network.

For further information visit www.howardsongroup.com

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Greenkeepers selected to support PGA Tour’s flagship event

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Greenkeepers selected to support PGA Tour’s flagship event: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and Premium Partner John Deere have revealed the six greenkeepers who will head to TPC Sawgrass to join the agronomy team for The Players Championship 2024.

The five BIGGA members from the UK and an international member from Canada will be completely immersed in the hosting of the PGA Tour’s flagship event, with flights, accommodation and other costs included. While there, the greenkeepers will work alongside more than 100 turf professionals from across the globe and gain experience of elite championship agronomy, which they can bring back to their home venues.

Greenkeepers selected to support PGA Tour’s flagship event

Greenkeepers selected to support PGA Tour’s flagship event

The scheme is open to full BIGGA members over the age of 21 and the trip takes place from 9-19 March 2024.

Lucas Andrews, assistant director of agronomy at TPC Sawgrass, said: “We’ve been working with BIGGA and John Deere for the last 10 years, bringing in delegates to join our tournament support team for The Players Championship. The energy and drive they bring is phenomenal. This is a special place and the volunteers have their own expectations of us and we strive to live up to those. We look forward to continuing this programme for many years to come.”

You can hear more from Lucas on the BIGGA YouTube channel.

Chris Meacock, John Deere’s Division Sales Manager for Golf and Turf, said: “This partnership between BIGGA, John Deere and TPC Sawgrass goes from strength to strength, as evidenced by the record number of applications received this year. Those who have been successful will embark on a unique, career-enhancing experience, being involved in one of the greatest tournaments in golf. John Deere is extremely proud to be able to help these ambitious greenkeepers build contacts and see new techniques, which will inspire fresh thinking for when they return to their home clubs.”

The 2024 BIGGA volunteers are:

  • Aidan Wright, deputy course manager, Camberley Heath Golf Club
  • Adam Brackley, head greenkeeper, La Grand Mare Hotel
  • Colin Hopper, head greenkeeper, Elsham Golf Club
  • Ian Kirwan, course manager, Chorlton-cum-Hardy Golf Club
  • David Feeney, deputy head greenkeeper, Prestwick Golf Club
  • Adam Champion, superintendent, Bearspaw Golf Club, Canada

Head to the BIGGA YouTube channel to meet the 2024 volunteers.

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John Deere to hold careers event

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John Deere to hold careers event: John Deere is holding a careers event in September to help resettling military personnel take the next step in their careers.

The virtual event on 20 September at 7pm is the first major event to be held by the company where details of the landmark John Deere Military Hiring Programme in the UK and Ireland will be set out.

John Deere to hold careers event

John Deere to hold careers event

The initiative was launched in July and helps those leaving military service find jobs working with some of the world’s most advanced agricultural and professional groundscare machinery.

Attendees of the free virtual event will find out how they can bring their unique skill sets and experience to technician roles in dealerships, and hear from individuals who have transitioned from military service into various roles connected to the John Deere brand.

“The armed forces produces people who are highly skilled, motivated, and extremely competent, and many already have the engineering skills needed to become qualified technicians,” says Allan Cochran, John Deere Branch Training Manager.

“With many transferable skills, those with experience of military machines will be perfectly placed for a new career working with some of the world’s most advanced agricultural and turfcare equipment.

“This virtual event is a great opportunity for ex-servicemen and women to find about a rewarding John Deere career that can take you anywhere in the world, working with an internationally recognised and respected brand.”

Registration is open now via this link, or by searching ‘John Deere virtual careers event’ on www.eventbrite.co.uk.

It was announced that the Military Hiring Programme was being rolled out in the UK and Ireland following its huge success in the USA.

“Those who have served are experts at working under pressure and logically solving problems in order to keep a machine operational,” Allan says. “These are the skills John Deere dealerships need to keep the wheels turning.”

Those signing up to the programme will be offered free technical training to help them apply their current skills to John Deere products and services. There are more than 70 courses on offer.

“Everyone who signs up will be assigned to an employee from the John Deere network who has served in the armed forces who will be there to support each individual during the resettlement process,” Allan says.

Interested service members and ex-service members can learn more and fill out a contact card by visiting www.Deere.com/JDMHP.

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Kubota’s investment outlined in press event

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Kubota’s investment outlined in press event: Media spanning sports turf, landscaping, amenity and equine were recently given a rare insight into the ‘behind the scenes’ workings of one of the most recognisable brands in groundcare, as Kubota UK opened their doors for an update event.

The overarching theme of the two days was Kubota’s ongoing investment into the industry – with press updated on recent acquisitions and new initiatives in the areas of warranty and recruitment, while also having the opportunity to get ‘hands-on’ with some of the latest products from across their mower and compact tractor portfolios.

Kubota’s investment outlined in press event

Kubota’s investment outlined in press event

The sun was shining as Kubota UK Managing Director David Hart and General Manager for Tractor Business Unit (TBU) Henry Bredin welcomed members of the press to their Thame headquarters in early June. After learning about some of the corporate history and more recent global developments, such as the new £0.5bn Kubota Institute of Technology opened in Osaka Japan, attendees were treated to a tour of the facility where many questions on the challenges of worldwide manufacture, logistics and alternative power sources were answered.

Handing the baton to Phil Catley, Kubota UK Groundcare Product Manager and Field Service Manager Tom Lockwood, day two continued on a similar theme as the area of investment in aftersales was addressed. With the vision of creating an industry-leading dealer, technical and commercial support infrastructure, Tom discussed initiatives including the Kubota Service Excellence Awards and Kubota University programme, both of which are designed to develop and deliver training and advice to dealers thus ensuring the very best ongoing customer experience.

Also covered was the Kubota Apprenticeship programme, offered in partnership with Coleg Cambria Llysfasi, and designed to address the skills shortage in the industry. The four-year practical-based training scheme enrolled a record 13 students in 2023, setting the apprentices up for a career in engineering and progressing them into positions within Kubota dealerships across the UK.

Proceedings concluded with a ‘ride and drive’ experience where press had the opportunity to demonstrate a number of machines from across the range, including the recently-launched FC3 and FC4 mowers, and the LXe – Kubota’s first electric compact tractor, in the UK currently for extensive testing.

Commenting on the event, Kubota UK Marketing Manager Rob Edwards said, “We, like all manufacturers, are aware of the issues facing the industry and that doesn’t just stop at having the right products to fit today’s market. It was brilliant to be able to demonstrate to the press the programmes we’re delivering to support our dealers and our customers, and show how proud we are to be re-investing in the needs of the next generation. We extend a massive thank you once again, to all of those who took the time to attend.”

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Origin hosts Amenity Forum Updating Event

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Origin hosts Amenity Forum Updating Event: The Amenity Forum England first Updating Event of 2023 is being hosted by Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) on Wednesday 17th May 2023 at their Turf Science & Technology Centre in Dunmow, Essex.

The amenity forum is the UKs voluntary initiative promoting best practice in all aspects of weed, pest, and disease management. This year’s Updating Events have been delayed in order to include the outcomes and recommendation of the National Action Plan (NAP).

Origin hosts Amenity Forum Updating Event

Origin hosts Amenity Forum Updating Event

The Amenity Forum is seeking to have a clearer view of what their members want from them.  They will be holding a number of facilitated sessions to capture member views. The Updating Events headline sponsor is WeedFree but each Event will have a separate sponsor who will be putting on their own presentation along with a session to look at facilities or cover additional topics.

Origin Amenity Solutions is hosting and sponsoring the first of the England Updating events.  The day will comprise of a Policy Update presented by Amenity Forum and includes a preview of the 2023 National Action Plan.

Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) comprises four major industry brands: Headland Amenity, Rigby Taylor, Symbio and Turfkeeper.com, and is a UK distributor for Rain Bird, the global manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services.

Peter Corbett, Executive Officer of Amenity Forum will present ‘Responding to Policy Update’.  He will highlight what is required to comply with policy changes and will include a response to the current policy landscape and provide an overview of the work of the Water Catchment Partnerships.

Mike Potts, Principal Enforcement Officer from HSE will present on ‘the Role of Pesticide Enforcement Officers’.  He will explain this new post that has been created to ensure sustainable and safe use of PPP’s with the introduction of OCR.

The day will include a tour of Origin Amenity Research & Development Centre, where the latest trial will be shared.

Further events will be hosted by ICL on 31st May at Radley College, followed on 7th June when the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAEFA) will host at the College of Agriculture Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) in Antrim.

For more information or to register for this free event visit https://bit.ly/3ounfXS

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