Tag Archive for: Growth

Stratford Oaks Golf Club enjoys growth with Suståne

Stratford Oaks Golf Club enjoys growth with Suståne

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Stratford Oaks Golf Club enjoys growth with Suståne: Like most, the objective for James Cleaver – Course Manager at Stratford Oaks Golf Club – is to achieve year-round consistency when it comes to plant health and play quality.

A steady, reliable nutrition programme has become a key part of that effort and, over the last 18 months, Suståne’s 5-2-4+Fe slow-release naturel base fertiliser has played an increasingly important role.

Stratford Oaks Golf Club enjoys growth with Suståne

Stratford Oaks Golf Club enjoys growth with Suståne

Rounds are high at the private members club located on the outskirts of Stratford-Upon-Avon, with James and a team of six working hard to retain high performing greens despite high levels of wear and often challenging climatic conditions. To source an organic ‘base feed’ which would keep the greens healthy year-round and, in particular, provide a boost over the winter months, James spoke to Nathan Scarff at GBR Amenity.

“When it’s wet in the winter and difficult to get a sprayer round, switching to a natural-based granular product meant fewer trips around the course and less reliance on spraying during those periods” says James. “After trialling Suståne’s 5-2-4+Fe in autumn 2024, we emerged in the spring in a healthier place which then encouraged us to up the applications to four or five times a year – focusing on the high disease pressure windows.”

Noting the success of their Suståne applications, James highlights one particular result which came following last year’s severe drought. “We had one green which really struggled without irrigation. I spoke to Suståne’s Russell Riley who suggested putting down some extra 5-2-4+Fe to help with the recovery and, interestingly, we’ve noticed that this is the only green which has emerged into 2026 disease-free. Obviously we can’t say for certain that Suståne is the sole reason but it’s the only thing that was done differently and something we’re looking to explore further.”

“Another great thing with this product is it doesn’t trigger a massive flush of growth like you get with some other fertiliser products. Application is also easy – the small prill quickly gets into the sward so, when applied in conjunction with predicted rainfall it doesn’t disrupt our mowing programme.” James continues, “I also appreciate the honest help and advice we get from both Nathan and Russell who actively encourage you not to over-apply products. It’s a refreshing change from the ‘more the merrier’ approach you get from some sales reps!”

5-2-4+Fe is the original Suståne formula, developed in 1988. Its all-purpose nature makes it ideal for a range of sports turf and landscape applications, providing a quick green up followed by long lasting slow-release organic nitrogen. For more information on this, and other products in the professional range, visit www.sustane.com

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Bernhard Academy powers ongoing growth

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Bernhard Academy powers ongoing growth: The Bernhard Academy, a leading centre of expertise for turf care education, has reinforced its reputation with two highly successful training events welcoming turf professionals from across the country.

Established to advance both technical and management skills, the Academy plays a pivotal role in supporting the industry’s workforce and strengthening standards across all areas of golf and sports turf management.

Bernhard Academy powers ongoing growth

Bernhard Academy powers ongoing growth

On 23 September, the Academy hosted its flagship Turf Equipment Technicians Conference, endorsed by the Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation (TETO). 23 technicians gathered for a full day of focused training and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Bernhard Company factory, gaining a unique insight into precision engineering in practice. The conference concluded with an inspiring session from James Breeze, who was recently selected to represent the Bernhard Academy as a volunteer technician at the 2025 US Open at Oakmont Country Club, sharing his experience of international collaboration in elite tournament preparation.

The following day saw the return of the popular Cutting Unit Set-Up and Sharpening Techniques course. The sold-out programme provided hands-on learning in one of the most critical aspects of turf maintenance, giving participants practical takeaways to apply immediately within their roles.

Sami Strutt, Education Director for the Bernhard Academy, commented: “The Bernhard Academy is about more than sharpening skills. It’s about preparing people at every level of the turf industry to meet the challenges of modern turf management. Whether it’s hands-on technical training or leadership development in operations and management, we want every delegate to leave us with knowledge they can put into practice right away.”

While the Bernhard Academy is renowned for its technical training, it also delivers a wide range of management programmes covering areas such as personnel, operations, and budgeting. These courses are designed not only for technicians and greenkeepers, but also for club managers and key stakeholders within golf businesses who want to strengthen leadership, improve decision-making, and maximise the long-term success of their venues.

Following the overwhelming demand for the latest technical course, turf professionals and club leaders alike are encouraged to secure their places early on upcoming Academy programmes to avoid missing out. For more information on future courses and events, visit: www.bernhardacademy.co.uk/courses.

The Bernhard Academy’s Education Director, Sami Strutt, also featured as a panellist at the 2025 Golf Business Expo. Strutt delivered a seminar for delegates about the challenges of attracting talented people to work in the golf industry, while also discussing the evolution of the Bernhard Academy.

To find out more about the Bernhard Academy, visit www.bernhardacademy.co.uk

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Greenleaf makes double appointment amid growth

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Greenleaf makes double appointment amid growth: phs Greenleaf has appointed two new business development managers as the interior and exterior planting business continues to grow across the UK.

Siobhan King joins the team as the new senior business development manager, alongside Debby Pickering who is the new business development manager and biophilic interior designer for phs Greenleaf.

Greenleaf makes double appointment amid growth

Greenleaf makes double appointment amid growth

phs Greenleaf has been providing expert planting and grounds maintenance services to businesses for over 25 years, including indoor and outdoor plants, artificial and live planting, living walls, hanging baskets, grounds maintenance and Christmas trees and decorations.

Siobhan has been in the landscaping business for 26 years and specialises in vertical greenery and living walls and pictures.

Debby is a qualified interior designer and ran her own office design business in South Africa for eight years before moving to the UK.

Speaking about phs Greenleaf, Siobhan said: “The commercial landscaping market can feel crowded but phs Greenleaf stands out. We take a vibrant and modern approach and have a reputation for our continuity of service and cost-effective solutions. We have the best talent in the market, and we have the power and robustness of the phs Group and Bidvest behind us.

“I’m looking forward to working with more businesses, particularly FMs, to help transform their commercial spaces with innovative and creative planting solutions that really work for them.”

Debby said: “The scope of work at Greenleaf is a really exciting opportunity. We work with the hospitality sector, retail, public buildings, leisure venues, commercial premises and more, and each design reflects that business’ needs.

“My passion is biophilia – bringing that innate connection to nature to life in a commercial space. People now understand the importance and the benefits that plants bring to our health and well-being and are embracing the concept of biophilia in their designs.

“With many businesses focused on getting more employees back to the office, creating a positive, healthy and uplifting working environment is key.”

Part of the phs Group, phs Greenleaf supplies over 8,000 customers right across the UK with full, high quality horticultural services.

Its 2025 range of pre-decorated and lit Christmas trees and accessories for businesses are available to view on its website now. phs Greenleaf also offers bespoke Christmas tree designs.

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Growth In GMA’s Training And Turf Care Advisory Services

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Growth In GMA’s Training And Turf Care Advisory Services: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has expanded its Technical and Learning department with two strategic appointments, boosting the support and expertise available to the sector through high-quality training and consultancy.

Bojan Jovanovic has been appointed as Learning Programme Lead, and Fiona Lyttle takes on the role of Turf Care Advisory Support Lead. Together, they bring extensive experience that will enhance the GMA’s educational and advisory services for both professionals and volunteers.

Growth In GMA’s Training And Turf Care Advisory Services

Growth In GMA’s Training And Turf Care Advisory Services

Bojan has worked closely with the GMA for over five years as an online tutor, supporting learners undertaking GMA qualifications. He brings a unique blend of educational and practical turf care expertise, having spent more than a decade teaching land-based qualifications at Further Education institutions. Earlier in his career, Bojan specialised in construction and maintenance of elite sports surfaces, contributing to high-profile projects across tennis, croquet, elite football and the London 2012 Olympic equestrian facilities.

Fiona brings a deep understanding of the sports turf industry, particularly in learning and development. Well known for her work with the Greenkeepers Training Committee (GTC), which works closely with the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) on education and training, she offers valuable educational insight and industry knowledge. Her appointment will support the continued growth and delivery of the GMA’s Turf Care Advisory (TCA) services.

The appointments mark a significant step in the GMA’s ongoing mission to provide high-quality training and consultancy, supporting the development of skills and standards across the entire industry.

Dan Prest, GMA Technical and Learning Manager, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Bojan and Fiona to the team. They both bring incredible industry knowledge and fresh perspectives that will help us grow our education and consultancy offer. Bojan’s background in both turf management and further education is a perfect fit for our evolving learning programmes. Fiona’s insight into training and development, along with her knowledge of the industry, will be so important in strengthening our Turf Care Advisory support. This is a real boost for the industry as a whole.”

Bojan Jovanovic, GMA Learning Programme Lead, said: “Having worked with the GMA for several years as a part-time tutor to many learners, I’m excited to step into this new role and help shape the learning journey for professionals and volunteers. Education is a vital part of raising standards in the sector, and I’m passionate about helping people succeed both on the ground and in the classroom.”

Fiona Lyttle, GMA Turf Care Advisory Support Lead, said: “I’m thrilled to join the GMA at a time when support and guidance are more important than ever. I’m looking forward to working on and developing the consultancy provision offered by the association and supporting those working across the breadth of the grounds management industry. It’s all about helping people feel confident and connected in their roles, allowing them to provide safe and fit for purpose playing surfaces.”

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GreenBest Explores Indo-Pacific Export Growth

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GreenBest Explores Indo-Pacific Export Growth: GreenBest recently participated in the Made in the UK, Sold to the Indo-Pacific event at Birmingham University, hosted by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). Representing the company, Jeremy Johnson engaged in expert-led discussions and 1-2-1 meetings focused on expanding UK exports to key Indo-Pacific and Asia-Pacific markets.

The event featured a keynote address by Harjinder Kang, HM Trade Commissioner for South Asia, as well as panel discussions with experienced exporters who shared insights into successfully entering and growing within international markets. One of the key sessions explored the next steps for Indo-Pacific expansion, outlining government support available to UK businesses, international financing options, and strategies for accessing new opportunities in the region.

GreenBest Explores Indo-Pacific Export Growth

GreenBest Explores Indo-Pacific Export Growth

A dedicated session on Opportunities in India provided a deeper understanding of market potential, reinforcing the demand for high-quality products and solutions within the country’s rapidly developing industries.

Strengthening International Connections

As part of the event, Jeremy Johnson met with key trade representatives covering:

  • Australia & New Zealand
  • Vietnam
  • Korea
  • India & South Asia

These discussions highlighted promising opportunities for GreenBest’s export growth, particularly within the professional turf and horticulture sectors. Following the event, the company is arranging distributor meetings in Mumbai and Delhi, aligning with its upcoming participation in FutureScape Global 2025 in the UAE.

The event underscored the significant potential for UK businesses in the Indo-Pacific region, and GreenBest remains committed to expanding its global presence. The company looks forward to further engagement with international trade partners and participation in future DBT-led trade initiatives.

For more information about GreenBest’s international expansion or to discuss partnership opportunities, please contact sales@greenbest.co.uk or visit www.greenbest.co.uk.

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