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Andy Walker Retires After 49 Years the Howardson Group

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Andy Walker Retires After 49 Years the Howardson Group: After nearly five decades of dedicated service, Andy Walker, Field Support Manager at the Howardson Group, is set to retire, marking the end of an era for one of the industry’s most respected figures.

Andy’s journey began in 1976 when, aged just 16, he walked into the SISIS factory on a whim. When asked if he’d been sent from the job centre, he quickly said yes – even though he hadn’t. As luck would have it, the real candidate’s taxi never turned up, and Andy landed a one-month trial. It didn’t take long for him to “cut the mustard,” and he soon secured a permanent role.

Andy Walker Retires After 49 Years the Howardson Group

Andy Walker Retires After 49 Years the Howardson Group

From humble beginnings on the shop floor, Andy’s ambition quickly became apparent. A chance conversation with a manager at a nearby engineering site led to an opportunity in the design engineering department, where Andy thrived. While working full-time, he also completed a five-year engineering course at Stockport Technology College and was later promoted to department manager.

In 1983, Andy took a new path into sales – a move that would define much of his career. After twelve years, he stepped into the role of Product Evaluation Manager, using his deep technical knowledge to test and refine new equipment before it went to market. By 2009, he had taken on the title of Field Support Manager – a role in which he became a true ambassador for both the Dennis and SISIS brands.

When SISIS was acquired by the Howardson Group in 2011, Andy welcomed the change. “It was the best thing that could have happened,” he said. “Dennis and SISIS complement each other perfectly. It was a natural fit, and we’ve only gone from strength to strength since.”

Andy’s career has taken him across the globe – from the UK’s bowling greens to Premier League football stadiums, and everywhere in between. He’s delivered product demonstrations, led mower seminars, and worked with clients from grassroots clubs to government ministers. He’s visited every continent – highlights include a visit to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and a memorable trip to Alcatraz during a stateside demo tour.

One of his proudest achievements was working closely with Manchester City FC. As a lifelong City fan, being part of that project was a personal and professional highlight. “It was a lot of back and forth, a lot of tweaking and testing, but we got there. They ordered over 20 machines.”

Beyond the travel and product launches, it’s the people that have made the journey worthwhile. “It’s a lovely industry to work in,” Andy reflected. “You meet such a range – from people at local bowling greens to heads of sports facilities all over the world. And I’ve been lucky to work with some great colleagues who’ve become lifelong friends.”

Among those he’s closest to is Ben Lloyd, who Andy’s worked alongside for over 20 years. “I’ve probably spent more time with him than anyone else in recent years. We’ve shared some graft, plenty of laughs – and I’ll leave it at that!”

But when asked who deserves the biggest thank you, Andy’s answer is simple: his wife, Linda. “She’s the one who made it all possible. In the early years, I’d be away for three months of the year. With two young daughters at home, she held everything together. I owe her everything.”

As he steps into retirement, Andy plans to thank Linda properly – starting with a tour of the British coastline in their caravan, followed by road trips through France and Spain. “It’s time for our own adventure,” he says.

Andy leaves behind an incredible legacy – 49 years, countless miles travelled, and a lasting impact on turf care both at home and abroad.

“I never dreaded going to work. That’s the truth of it. I’ve had a blast.”

For further information visit www.howardsongroup.com

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Darren McMahon Joins Howardson Group as Head of Marketing

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Darren McMahon Joins Howardson Group as Head of Marketing: Howardson Group is pleased to welcome Darren McMahon as the new Head of Marketing.

Darren’s career has spanned several industries, with roles at Aga-Rangemaster, Valor Fires, and, most recently, Viessmann, a family-owned German company where he spent 14 years leading UK marketing, training, and public affairs. His extensive background in high-quality product manufacturing and customer-focused marketing makes him a perfect fit for Howardson Group, which includes the Dennis, SISIS, Hunter Grinders, and Syn-Pro by SISIS brands.

Darren McMahon Joins Howardson Group as Head of Marketing

Darren McMahon Joins Howardson Group as Head of Marketing

Speaking about what attracted him to the role, Darren said:

“As a family-owned business, decisions are made for the long term. There’s a very high drive for product quality, which I believe is extremely important. Customers should receive the very best product that we can manufacture, and the product should do the job for which it’s purchased. To support these products in the Dennis, Hunter Grinder, SISIS, and Syn-Pro ranges, there’s a crystal-clear focus on delivering the kind of service our customers would expect from a premium business.”

Since joining, Darren has already had an immersive introduction to the industry. Within his first five weeks, he attended three major exhibitions in the UK and USA, met with dealers, customers, and industry experts, and even got hands-on experience using Dennis and SISIS machines on both natural and synthetic surfaces.

“I think I joined at the best time to get a good feel for the company and the industry,” Darren said. “It’s been incredibly busy, but I have a growing appreciation for the hard work that goes into the preparation and maintenance of playing surfaces by groundscare professionals and how difficult the job is.”

Darren’s vision for the role focuses on two key objectives:

“I can break my objectives down into two areas,” Darren explained. “First, is to protect the historic legacy that’s gone into building the brand perceptions and reputations of today as a result of the hard work of others up to this point. Second, it’s to use that strong base to support further expansion of the Howardson Group, both locally in the UK and Irish markets and more internationally around the world where there are further opportunities for high-quality machines coupled with superior service.”

Away from work, Darren is an avid cyclist, finding peace in long countryside rides.

“There’s nothing I enjoy more than getting on my road bike on a crisp day, heading into the countryside, and enjoying the beautiful country we live in but usually take for granted rushing from one place to another,” he shared.

Howardson Group is excited to have Darren on board and looks forward to his contributions in driving the company’s growth while upholding its legacy of quality and service.

For further information visit www.howardsongroup.com

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

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Howardson Group Staff Take on National Three Peaks Challenge

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Howardson Group Staff Take on National Three Peaks Challenge: A team from Howardson Group is preparing to take on the formidable National Three Peaks Challenge in memory of their much-missed colleague, Joe Emery, who sadly passed away in July last year.

The challenge will see the team scaling the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours, all in support of the British Heart Foundation.

Howardson Group Staff Take on National Three Peaks Challenge

Howardson Group Staff Take on National Three Peaks Challenge

A gentle Giant

Joe was a cherished member of the Howardson Group family, working in the warehouse and factory. Known as a true “gentle giant,” Joe was deeply respected and admired by all who knew him.

He was a well-known figure in the cricketing world, always cheerful, kind, and willing to lend a helping hand.

His hardworking and honest nature made him an integral part of the team, and his intelligence shone through as a member of the winning quiz team at Howardson’s 2024 event.

Joining the Howardson team for the challenge are Mark Willerton, Sales Manager from Russell Groundcare, and Paul Thompson, Head Groundsperson at Derby County FC.

A Demanding Journey

Together, they will be guided by Mountain Bear Adventures as they take on this demanding journey.

Taking place on the 5th and 6th of June, the National Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing a total of 3,064 meters (10,052 feet) over 23 miles (37 km), with a gruelling 462 miles of driving between peaks. The mountains they will tackle are:

  • Ben Nevis (Scotland) – 1,345m
  • Scafell Pike (England) – 978m
  • Snowdon (Wales) – 1,085m

Supporting The British Heart Foundation

This extraordinary effort is a testament to the impact Joe had on those around him.

Howardson Group is proud to support the British Heart Foundation through this fundraising effort. Donations will go towards life-saving research and support for those affected by heart conditions.

To support the team and donate to the cause, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/howardson-3peakchallenge

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Howardson Group Bids Farewell to Roger Moore

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Howardson Group Bids Farewell to Roger Moore: After 17 years of outstanding service, Roger Moore has announced his retirement from the Howardson Group.

Roger has been a familiar and respected figure within the company. Having joined as a Customer Manager, his role evolved to encompass sales, marketing, and customer support, making him an integral part of the business. Over the years, he has built strong relationships with key industry organisations, including the GMA, BIGGA, SAPCA, EBA, SBA, WBA, CGBA, and numerous representatives from cricket, football, rugby, tennis, and croquet, as well as the press.

Howardson Group Bids Farewell to Roger Moore

Howardson Group Bids Farewell to Roger Moore

Alongside his colleagues, particularly Alison Pickering, Roger has played a leading role in organising and developing events in the UK and abroad, dealer days, press days, export dealer events, and the company’s brochures, websites, and overall marketing strategy.

The highly regarded seminar programmes for bowls, cricket, croquet, football, and rugby have been running for over 20 years, and Roger and his team have continuously refined and enhanced them. These programmes provide valuable insights from industry experts, supporting everyone from volunteers to professional turf managers.

When SISIS was acquired in early 2011, Roger was instrumental in developing a detailed 90-day integration plan to successfully merge Dennis and SISIS—a significant challenge that had never been undertaken before. The senior team fully backed his plan, and its success helped shape the company’s future.

Roger’s meticulous attention to detail has been a defining trait throughout his career. His commitment to quality in every aspect of marketing—whether exhibition stands, advertisements, brochures, or digital content—has left a lasting impact. A prime example of his expertise was the 2022 Dennis Centenary Year celebration, which he and Alison planned with precision, ensuring the event ran seamlessly.

As a senior team member, Roger’s wisdom and experience have played a crucial role in the company’s growth, contributing to an almost ninefold increase in sales during his tenure.

Beyond his professional contributions, Roger, a lifelong Liverpool FC supporter, has also been the company quizmaster, known for his encyclopedic knowledge of sport—especially football.

Managing Director Megan Oliver, Chairman Ian Howard, and everyone at Howardson Group extend their sincere gratitude to Roger for his dedication and contributions over the years and wish him all the best in his retirement.

For further information visit www.howardsongroup.com

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Howardson Group Welcomes Tom Worthy

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Howardson Group Welcomes Tom Worthy: The Howardson Group is pleased to announce that Tom Worthy has joined the team as Regional Sales Director. Tom brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for the turf care industry.

Upon leaving school Tom joined the John Deere Turf Tech Apprenticeship, a three-year programme in land-based service engineering focusing on horticultural machinery, followed by a fourth-year diploma.

Howardson Group Welcomes Tom Worthy

Howardson Group Welcomes Tom Worthy

His commitment and skill were quickly recognised, leading to a pivotal opportunity to begin his career as a Service Technician. In this role, he was tasked with setting up a commercial workshop, before advancing to After-Sales Manager.

Tom’s career then took a new direction as a Commercial Manager for a French electronics manufacturer, where he developed his commercial acumen. This role laid the foundation for his subsequent position at Timberwolf, where he spent four years, first as UK Sales Manager and then as Export Manager, overseeing global sales and expanding market reach.

Reflecting on his new chapter at the Howardson Group, Tom says, “From leaving school and studying fine turf equipment through my apprenticeship, it feels like coming home. I’m excited to work with the best in the business, especially with brands like Dennis, SISIS and Hunter Grinders, which are market leaders in professional turf care machinery.”

As Regional Sales Director, Tom’s role centres on ensuring consistent and exceptional customer experiences worldwide. “My job is to support and develop our routes to market outside the UK. I want to ensure that a customer buying our equipment in Vietnam, for example, has the same experience as a customer purchasing from a local dealer in Derby,” Tom explains. This involves building infrastructure, training dealers, and fostering direct relationships with key clients. “We need to make sure our dealers have all the tools, training, and knowledge they need to provide unparalleled customer service.”

Tom has also been struck by the significant investments the Howardson Group has made to lay strong foundations for growth. “I didn’t quite realise the scale of investment in the business to give it structure and set it up for future success. It’s inspiring and motivates me to contribute to pushing the company to the next level,” he says.

For Tom, exceptional customer service is at the heart of Howardson Group’s operations. “Customer service is 100% at the core of what we do. We want every interaction to be memorable so that when customers are in the market, we’re the first brand they look to,” Tom states. He underlines that the company’s dedication to innovation ensures there’s no reason for customers to look elsewhere.

Tom is also impressed by the company’s rich history and the loyalty of its employees. “Many staff members have been with the business for over 30 years. Their experience, knowledge, and relationships with customers are unparalleled. I’ve seen firsthand how these relationships go beyond transactions; customers are not just numbers—they are friends,” Tom adds.

Looking ahead, Tom’s vision is to expand global market coverage and deepen customer connections in every territory. “Success for me means having increased visibility and strong relationships within key market segments, especially in regions where we’re less known,” he explains. “Attending and hosting educational events and exhibitions to showcase who we are and what we stand for is also vital.”

Outside of work, Tom enjoys spending quality time with his young family, friends, and participating in various sports.

The Howardson Group is excited to welcome Tom Worthy as he leads the charge in expanding the company’s global reach, upholding their legacy of excellence, and forging lasting relationships with customers worldwide.

For further information visit www.howardsongroup.com

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

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