Tag Archive for: GroundsFest

Introducing the GroundsFest Academy

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Introducing the GroundsFest Academy: GroundsFest is proud to announce an exciting new initiative: the GroundsFest Academy, which has been designed to provide free education for anyone working in groundscare and landscaping. By reinvesting profits from GroundsFest back into the industry, the Academy aims to boost education, nurture talent, and help bridge critical skills gaps.

A Mix of Theory and Practical Learning

The GroundsFest Academy offers a unique blend of theoretical and hands-on practical education, covering a wide range of essential topics. In its first year, the Academy will focus on key subjects such as drainage and irrigation, machinery maintenance, synthetic surfaces, line marking, and end-of-season renovations. These topics are just a taster of what the Academy has planned, with even more areas of expertise to be covered.

Introducing the GroundsFest Academy

Introducing the GroundsFest Academy

Participants will not only gain insights from some of the most knowledgeable professionals in the field but will also earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points and certification, further enhancing their credentials and career prospects.

Accessible and Inclusive Learning

The GroundsFest Academy will see free educational days taking place at various accessible locations across the UK. Whether you’re an experienced professional looking to stay ahead of the curve or a student eager to enhance your studies, the GroundsFest Academy has something for everyone.

This initiative is also valuable for organisations, companies and local authorities. By providing free, high-quality training, the Academy supports employers in developing their teams and filling critical skills gaps. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for students to gain industry-specific knowledge, helping them transition into the workforce with confidence.

Supporting the Next Generation

GroundsFest has teamed up with Sports Turf Lecturer Bradley Tennant to lead the delivery of the Academy. Bradley brings years of industry experience and a passion for education.

“Education is key to the continued success and development of our industry,” says Bradley. “The GroundsFest Academy is an incredible opportunity for anyone in the industry to gain free access to valuable training. It’s about equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive, and I’m proud to be leading this initiative.”

Bridging the Skills Gap

“In many organisations, time and resources for training can be limited,” continues Bradley. “Through no fault of their own, senior management often lack the time or capacity to provide one-on-one training in essential skills and certain topics simply aren’t covered in traditional education pathways. The GroundsFest Academy addresses this gap by offering targeted training on subjects that matter most to professionals and employers alike.

“Whether you’re looking to advance your career, improve your team’s skills, or explore new areas of expertise, the GroundsFest Academy is here to help.”

This initiative highlights GroundsFest’s commitment to giving back to the industry that supports it. By reinvesting profits into education, GroundsFest continues to make an impact that goes far beyond the event itself.

More information on the GroundsFest Academy, including session dates and locations, will be announced soon along with a dedicated education and training portal.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

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

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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GroundsFest Education Fund Helps Student Land Career

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GroundsFest Education Fund Helps Student Land Career: The GroundsFest Education Fund is already making a significant impact on the next generation of grounds management professionals, with several students already benefitting from its support.

The most recent success story is George Legg, a student studying Sports Turf NVQ Level 2 at Wiltshire College and an Apprentice at Stanley Park Sports Ground. Thanks to the Fund, George was able to finance essential qualifications that played a key role in him securing a full-time position at Stanley Park Sports Ground after completing his Level 2 qualification.

GroundsFest Education Fund Helps Student Land Career

GroundsFest Education Fund Helps Student Land Career

One of the key certifications George was able to pursue through the Education Fund was the PA1 qualification in the Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides, as well as the PA6 qualification for the Safe Use of Pesticides with Handheld Applicators. These qualifications are crucial for anyone working in grounds management, particularly when it comes to managing fertilisers and ensuring the safe application of pesticides—a vital aspect of maintaining sports turf and other landscapes.

“The Education Fund helped massively,” George explains. “Once I had those qualifications on my CV, it was a massive boost. It made me more qualified to do certain things and definitely made me more employable.”

He continues, “I needed some extra funding to be able to do these courses, and the PA6 is especially important for grounds management with fertilisers and calibrations. It linked in perfectly with everything I was studying. Having those extra qualifications was big for me and for Stanley Park, especially because they didn’t have to fund them themselves.”

The Education Fund not only enabled George to obtain these qualifications, but it also allowed him to gain valuable skills without burdening his employer, Stanley Park Sports Ground, with the costs. This, according to George, is crucial in a time when the grounds management industry is facing a shortage of qualified professionals. “The GroundsFest Education Fund is great for creating opportunities for people like me,” he says. “It’s crucial because we are seeing more and more people drop out of the industry. There’s already a lack of groundstaff, and without funding or support, it becomes much harder for people to progress.”

In January, George will begin his new role as a full-time Groundsperson at Stanley Park, where he will be responsible for day-to-day tasks such as line marking, mowing, calibration, and operating machinery safely. Looking ahead, George hopes to continue advancing in his career. “I’d like to eventually become a Grounds Manager,” he shares.

Christopher Bassett, Event Director of GroundsFest, expressed his excitement about George’s success and the broader impact of the Education Fund. “This is fantastic news,” he says. “We are currently working hard on entering the next phase of the Education Fund, which will see the profits from the event reaching an even wider range of people in the industry. Watch this space.”

The GroundsFest Education Fund is an integral part of the event’s mission to invest in the future of the grounds management industry. The Fund is helping to address the challenges facing the sector, from skills shortages to the declining number of young people entering the industry. Through initiatives like this, GroundsFest is playing a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of industry leaders.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

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

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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GroundsFest: Proud to Sponsor the LBEL Awards 2024

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GroundsFest: Proud to Sponsor the LBEL Awards 2024: GroundsFest was honoured to once again sponsor the Sports Turf and Greenkeeping category at the prestigious Land-Based and Environment Learner of the Year Awards 2024, held on Thursday, 21 November, at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham.

This marks the second consecutive year that GroundsFest has supported this vital initiative, showcasing its commitment to inspiring the future of the industry.

GroundsFest: Proud to Sponsor the LBEL Awards 2024

GroundsFest: Proud to Sponsor the LBEL Awards 2024

This year, the category celebrated the exceptional achievements of Craig Jordan, who was named Apprentice of the Year, and Matthew Tofts, the FE Learner of the Year. Both winners demonstrated extraordinary dedication and talent in their respective fields, exemplifying the promise of the next generation of land-based professionals.

Event Director Christopher Bassett shared his thoughts on the event, which is a collaborative effort between Landex and Lantra:

“GroundsFest is always looking to support initiatives that elevate the industry’s educational landscape. By championing awards like these, we hope to inspire the next generation of talent and highlight the incredible opportunities within the land-based and environmental sectors.”

GroundsFest’s sponsorship reflects its dedication to encouraging innovation, growth, and learning within the grounds care and landscaping industries.

“Congratulations to all the winners and finalists—your achievements shine a light on the future of this vital sector!” added Christopher.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

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

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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GroundsFest Wins Trade Show of the Year

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GroundsFest Wins Trade Show of the Year: The recently held Exhibition News Indy Awards recognised GroundsFest 2023 in an extraordinary way, awarding it both the Best Independent Trade Show Launch and the prestigious Trade Show of the Year.

These honours celebrate the innovation and unique character that GroundsFest has brought to the industry, standing out among top-tier independent trade shows across Europe and beyond.

GroundsFest Wins Trade Show of the Year

GroundsFest Wins Trade Show of the Year

GroundsFest made waves by introducing a new experience to the industry—a blend of live machinery demos, indoor exhibits, free LANTRA-approved training, and even a live music festival, all at a highly accessible event designed to attract professionals from grounds management to landscaping.

Judges were impressed with GroundsFest’s fresh approach, noting how it has “modernised the grounds care and landscaping sector with an inclusive and fun festival atmosphere” and describing it as a “well-overdue shake-up” in live industry events. They commended GroundsFest’s dedication to the community, with one judge remarking, “There is a real drive to do something different and provide value to the market. Admirable that profits are reinvested into the industry.” Another judge celebrated GroundsFest’s engaging format: “Bringing an industry to life is what events are about, and this event has pulled it off in a superb way.”

Reflecting on the award, Event Director Christopher Bassett expressed his gratitude for the double award win. “We’re truly honoured to receive these awards, especially considering the calibre of trade shows we were up against. GroundsFest was a vision we built from the ground up, and to have it recognised at this level is beyond what we expected.”

GroundsFest offers a fresh approach to trade shows within the grounds management and landscaping industries, inviting attendees to engage with the latest equipment in action while providing an array of exhibitor stands, interactive sessions, and live entertainment.

The success of its inaugural event has propelled GroundsFest to continue pushing boundaries. The event’s future aims not only to attract an even broader audience but to further solidify its role as a game-changer in the industry. With a commitment to community and a focus on delivering real value to exhibitors and visitors alike, GroundsFest is primed for continued growth.

“We’re beyond thankful to our incredible exhibitors, visitors, partners, and suppliers for making this possible. GroundsFest is a real team effort, and this win is for all of you,” Christopher added.

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.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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GroundsFest Registration Prize Winner Announced

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GroundsFest Registration Prize Winner Announced: The winner of the GroundsFest 2024 registration prize has been announced. Warwickshire-based landscaper Trevor Day was thrilled to recently collect his brand-new Toro ProStripe 560 pedestrian mower – a machine that promises to take his business to the next level.

Every person who registered for GroundsFest 2024 was entered into the prize draw for a chance to win the Toro ProStripe 560. Renowned for its precision and clean striped finish, the ProStripe is a favourite among grounds professionals, excelling in both sports fields and fine turf applications.

GroundsFest Registration Prize Winner Announced

GroundsFest Registration Prize Winner Announced

Trevor, who runs his own landscaping business, couldn’t be more excited about his new mower. “I’m itching to start cutting some grass with it. I’ve heard a lot about the Toro ProStripe, and I know it’s going to hugely benefit my business,” he said. “It was the cherry on top after attending the fantastic GroundsFest 2024. The event was exactly what the industry has been crying out for—somewhere you can not only see new products but actually get hands-on and try them out. It’s so refreshing to attend an event that allows us to make informed decisions, rather than just talking specs and features. GroundsFest lets you experience the products firsthand, which is a game changer for anyone in the industry.”

Matthew Coleman, Sales Manager Professional Landscape Contractor & Site Works Equipment for the UK Direct Market, echoed Trevor’s enthusiasm. Toro UK sponsored the registration prize and reported an overwhelmingly successful debut at the show.

“It was a pleasure to sponsor the registration prize at GroundsFest this year, our first year of exhibiting as Toro UK, and what a great first year it was,” Matthew said. “I can see the future potential in GroundsFest and see how this event will help us promote our offerings to a large proportion of our markets. The show provides everything required to showcase both ends of our vast portfolio—hats off to the GroundsFest Team.”

He added, “A huge congratulations to the winner of our sponsored prize! It was fantastic to see how appreciative Trevor was in receiving his new Toro ProStripe. It was quickly evident the ProStripe has gone to a deserving winner and someone who’s very excited to create his first Toro stripes!”

GroundsFest continues to deliver memorable experiences for both exhibitors and attendees, and Trevor’s win is just one example of the many highlights from the event.

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.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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