Tag Archive for: Group

Howardson Group Appoints David Williamson

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Howardson Group Appoints David Williamson: Howardson Group Ltd, home of world-class groundscare for Dennis, SISIS, Syn-Pro, Lloyds and Hunter Grinders, has proudly announced the appointment of David Williamson as its new Commercial Director.

Howardson Group has doubled in size since 2019 due to it’s significant investment in new product development, site and most importantly team. 2023 marked a huge year for the business with growth levels of just shy of 30%. Unheard of in the manufacturing sector.

Howardson Group Appoints David Williamson

Howardson Group Appoints David Williamson

David will oversee and support both the UK and International Sales teams, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards continued long-term growth. With a core focus on delivering unparalleled customer experience, David is set to develop and execute the Howardson Group’s commercial strategy, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of innovation and reliability in the groundscare market.

Speaking about his new role, David expressed his excitement, stating, “The commitment to a quality product manufactured in the UK, coupled with best-in-class customer service, truly resonated with me.The Howardson Group is a solid team, with everyone pulling in the same direction towards the success of the business.”

“Customer service features in everything that I do,” he affirmed. “It sits at the very top of every strategy we develop at the Howardson Group. I’m very much looking forward to continuing the upward trajectory of the organisation and supporting the business as it evolves into the next generation.”

Megan Oliver, future Managing Director of Howardson Group, welcomed David’s appointment, remarking “We are thrilled to welcome David Williamson to our team as the new Commercial Director. His extensive experience and proven track record make him a valuable addition to our leadership team. We are excited about the fresh perspectives and innovative strategies he will bring to the table. David’s appointment reinforces our commitment to delivering excellence in both product quality and customer service. We believe his leadership will further enhance the success and growth of the Howardson Group as we continue to strive for excellence in the groundscare market.”

As the Howardson Group celebrates its 86th year, it remains a family owned and run, British business and David Williamson’s appointment marks a pivotal moment in the company’s journey, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry and paving the way for continued success in the years to come.

For further information visit www.howardsongroup.com

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Bionema Group Launches Tender for Product Marketing

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Bionema Group Launches Tender for Product Marketing: Bionema Group, a leading developer of sustainable biocontrol solutions, is excited to announce a tender for the marketing of their innovative range of environmentally friendly biological products. These groundbreaking solutions are designed to address crop protection and plant health management in the Agriculture, Sport Turf Amenity, Horticulture, Agriculture, and Forestry sectors.

As public awareness and concerns regarding the impact of agrochemicals (pesticides and fertilisers) on human health, biodiversity, soil health and the environment continue to rise, Bionema aims to provide a complete collection of more than 60 biological products and technology that offer effective, eco-friendly alternatives. This strategic move follows Bionema’s transformative deal with Syngenta in 2021, congealing their position as a world-leading biocontrol technology company.

Bionema Group Launches Tender for Product Marketing

Bionema Group Launches Tender for Product Marketing

Over the past 15 months, Bionema has undergone significant growth to meet the progressing needs of the market. Their different product range now includes Biocontrol, Biostimulants, Biofertiliser and Efficacy Booster customised to agriculture, horticulture, forestry, turf & amenities, and public health.

Dr Minshad Ansari, Founder and CEO of Bionema Group, expressed the company’s vision, said, “Our goal is to be at the forefront of Biological Agriculture technology innovator, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. With changing global trends and increasing demands from consumers, society, and regulators, sustainable alternatives are urgently needed. For instance, consider the EU’s aspiring plan to ban 50% pesticides by 2030 and significantly increase organic farming. Achieving such targets requires innovative solutions like the ones we are introducing”.

Bionema’s expanded portfolio significantly enhances their presence in the Biological Agriculture sector, complementing their ongoing R&D, farmer’s training, and additional services focused on advancing biological solutions in different cropping systems.

The company’s innovative formulation and delivery platform technology enable the development of products with 20-30% higher efficacy and productivity compared to existing products.

Dr Ansari stressed, “While we are pleased to introduce our new products, our commitment to innovation and collaboration remains unwavering. We have achieved significant milestones, but our dedication to progress continues, and we firmly believe that the best is yet to come”.

To learn more about Bionema Group and their innovative biocontrol solutions, please visit www.bionema.com.

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FTH hire group continues to invest in Kubota

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FTH hire group continues to invest in Kubota: One of the largest plant and tool hire companies operating in the South-East and London has placed an order for 24 new Kubota mini-excavators from main dealer Lister Wilder as part of an ongoing commitment to ensure its customers have access to the latest market-leading equipment solutions. This is part of a total planned investment in 188 Kubota machines in 2023.

FTH Hire Group, which has its head office in Farnborough, has purchased a combination of 1, 3 and 8  tonne models. Rob Watson, Marketing Manager at FTH Hire Group, commented: “We have a fantastic range of new excavators for hire and pride ourselves on supplying the latest and best equipment available for our customers. Meeting their needs is vitally important and that is why we have a large fleet of Kubota machines, which are powerful and reliable to tackle the toughest tasks.

FTH hire group continues to invest in Kubota

FTH hire group continues to invest in Kubota

“Running a fleet of 670 excavators across our 10 depots in the UK means we couldn’t operate a successful business if the downtime on our machines wasn’t kept to a minimum. That’s why 80% of our diggers are manufactured by Kubota and backed-up by first class service and after-care from Lister Wilder.”

Investing in growth is a key element of the continued success story of FTH Hire Group, which has recently made a multi-million pound investment that includes opening-up depots in Chelmsford, Scotland and Southampton during the past 12 months.

Rob concluded: “The wider geographical spread of our depots enables us to enhance our business operations, and further improve our ability to meet the needs of our customers – bringing us closer geographically to many more”.

For more information on Kubota and its extensive range of solutions for the construction industry, visit www.kubota-eu.com.

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Appointment to Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group

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Appointment to Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group: The Greenkeepers Training Committee (GTC) has revealed that Trentham Golf Club’s course manager, Ed Stant, has been appointed chairperson of the group that works to produce and administer formal educational opportunities for greenkeepers in the UK.

The appointment was made following The Richmond Golf Club Course Manager Les Howkins MG’s decision to step down as chairperson of the Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group following an incredibly-successful tenure.

Appointment to Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group

Appointment to Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group

Trailblazer groups are responsible for developing a new apprenticeship for an occupation and then revising the apprenticeship as needed. Since becoming chairperson in 2021, Les has steered the group expertly, navigating the collaboration with the Sports Turf Trailblazer Group to develop the Level 3 Advanced Sports Turf Technician apprenticeship, which was approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) in October 2022.

No sooner had the new Level 3 apprenticeship been approved than Les began leading the group to review the Level 2 Golf Greenkeeper apprenticeship. Great strides have been made so far and this work will continue under the leadership of Ed, who will step up from the vice chairperson role. Gavin Sowden, environment and health & safety officer at Woburn Golf Club, will become vice chairperson. Both will move into office at The GTC-BIGGA standardisation meeting for training providers, being held in Harrogate during BTME in January.

Les Howkins MG, outgoing chairperson of the Golf Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group, said: “After two years as the Trailblazer chairperson, I am pleased to announce that Ed Stant will be taking over as chairperson in January 2023. Ed has been an excellent deputy for several years and has proved to have a very strong understanding of the role and the apprenticeship scheme. I am sure Ed will fulfil the role with honour and pride and ensure the greenkeeping apprenticeships remain world leading and fit for purpose for many years to come.

“Stepping into the deputy role is Gavin Sowden. With the full support and backing of Woburn Golf Club, I have no doubt Gavin will form a strong partnership with Ed and together the greenkeeping apprenticeship will go from strength to strength.

“I have enjoyed my years as Trailblazer chairperson and I must thank The GTC’s Fiona Lyttle for all her hard work and dedication to the scheme. Without Fiona, none of what we have achieved would have been possible.”

Ed Stant said: “I am delighted to accept the position of Trailblazer chairperson, taking over from Les Howkins MG, who has done a fantastic job over the past few years. Apprenticeships are such a vital route into our profession and often the building blocks for many young people entering the world of greenkeeping. I hope I can do the position proud and offer BIGGA and The GTC the support and encouragement they need. Special thanks goes to Fiona Lyttle at The GTC, who works so tirelessly for greenkeeping.”

Gavin Sowden said: “It is an honour to accept this appointment and be involved with the Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group. Having been in the industry for over 30 years and working closely with numerous apprentices starting their working lives as greenkeepers, I understand the importance of ensuring we have the correct education programme in place for our future golf course greenkeepers and course managers.”

Fiona Lyttle, BIGGA learning & development executive (The GTC), said: “It has been a honour and a privilege to work with Les over the last few years. His wealth of knowledge and determination to ensure greenkeeping apprentices are at the forefront of greenkeeper education is second to none. He has taught me a lot and hopefully I can now impart some of that knowledge further to continue the work of the Trailblazer group.

“We are delighted to appoint Ed and Gavin as the new Trailblazer chairperson and vice chairperson respectively. Being active employers and advocates for greenkeeping education, the Trailblazer group and I are looking forward to working with them to maintain the level of apprenticeships our employers have become accustomed to and to ensure they have quality golf facilities for their members to enjoy.”

The Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group and Trailblazer Apprenticeship programme is supported by golf facilities and governing bodies including England Golf, BIGGA, The Richmond Golf Club, Trentham Golf Club, Woburn Golf Club, Frilford Heath Golf Club, Gaudet Luce Golf Club, Leyland Golf Club, Portmore Golf Park, Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Sunningdale Golf Club, The London Golf Club.

For more information on the Greenkeeping Trailblazer Group, contact The GTC’s Fiona Lyttle on (01347) 838 640 or fiona@the-gtc.co.uk

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Howardson Group acquire Lloyds Mowers

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Howardson Group acquire Lloyds Mowers: Howardson Group, manufacturers of the Dennis and SISIS range of grounds maintenance equipment, are delighted to announce the acquisition of Lloyds Mowers of Letchworth and Hunter Grinders.

This strategic alliance builds on the Dennis range of mowers with the addition of the Lloyds Paladin cylinder mower – renowned for cricket, bowls and golf along with the trailed Leda and Giant gangs, used extensively for wide area mowing.

Howardson Group acquire Lloyds Mowers

Howardson Group acquire Lloyds Mowers

Hunter Grinders is known worldwide in golf and stadia for their superior grinding performance on cutting cylinders and bottom blades.

“We see a lot of potential with both brands,” Ian Howard MD of Howardson Group commented. “We have been in discussion with Lloyds for quite some time.  We consider the brands much like our existing ones – well built, designed to do the job and with longevity.”

Clive Nottingham, the well-known face of Lloyds and Hunters, will work closely with the Howardson senior management team as the two brands are embedded into the wider group of companies at Kirk Langley.

The brands will be showcased at BTME 2023 with their own dedicated stand.

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