Tag Archive for: Growth

Seismic shift in golf entertainment growth

Seismic shift in golf entertainment growth: Golf clubs and courses can drive new business by learning from the “seismic shift” and growth in the golf entertainment sector, new research from Syngenta and Ipsos has found.

Golf & Social Media: Golf Entertainment, published today, reveals customers new to golf perceive golf entertainment venues to offer “more engaging” and “more welcoming” experiences.

Seismic shift in golf entertainment growth

Seismic shift in golf entertainment growth

Launching the report, which analyzed 16.1 million social media posts, shares and comments in the United States and United Kingdom, Syngenta Global Head of Marketing Mark Birchmore said: “The emergence of golf entertainment has been one of the most seismic shifts we’ve witnessed in the industry in recent years.

“According to the National Golf Foundation (NGF), off-course play has skyrocketed by 55% since 2017, now totalling 32.9m participants, compared with a more modest 8% growth in green grass players.

“It begs the question, have green grass clubs and facilities missed out on new customers by not creating the right offer? Nearly a decade ago we carried out market research to look at youth participation and asked ‘what would encourage young people to start golf?’. This revealed a number of pull factors, including the desire for casual dress, an enjoyable, fun, social environment and golf games and new formats: all areas golf entertainment venues excel at.”

The research found that ranges and putting venues are seen to be more engaging and have a better image and reputation among customers than traditional green grass golf courses. Golf entertainment venues are perceived as open to all, offering informal, inclusive experiences for groups of friends with food and drink on tap.

Social media posts also revealed customers thought golf entertainment venues were more welcoming and less intimidating than green grass clubs and courses, with a relaxed atmosphere and no dress code making it the ideal place to sample golf.

The new report is part of a wider study, Golf & Social Media: The Great Divide, which found that there is a clear division between customers who perceive they are a golfer (Insiders) and those who do not (Outsiders).

Many visitors to entertainment outlets such as Topgolf, where technology, gaming and hospitality combine, fall into the Outsiders camp.

“Golf entertainment venues and their success at attracting a huge, new diverse audience presents a massive opportunity for golf course businesses,” continued Mark Birchmore.

“Creating inclusive, welcoming experiences characterized by fun and informality, promoted online with viral content, is something green grass golf venues can take and adapt. In this way, golf’s image and reputation can also be improved, helping attract and engage new waves of customers.”

The report also shines a light on the people around the world shaping golf entertainment’s growth, such as 3s, the 12-hole floodlit concept backed by Justin Timberlake, and a college student posting viral mini-golf videos on TikTok.

Data for the report was provided by Ipsos, with 16.1 million mentions of golf on social media in the United States and UK analyzed over a three-year period (2019-2022).

To download this report and all previous Syngenta market studies, visit: www.syngentagolf.com/golf-industry-reports

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Using Attraxor for Poa reduction & speed of growth regulation

Using Attraxor for Poa reduction & speed of growth regulation: Founded in 1896, the course at Shipley Golf Club is neatly tucked away in the beautiful wooded valley of Beckfoot, just outside of Bingley in West Yorkshire. The grounds were designed by renowned architect Dr Alistair Mackenzie and present a testing but scenic 18-hole game. 

Chris Wood, Course Manager for Shipley Golf Club, heard about Attraxor’s ability to reduce Poa seedheads through fellow course managers and decided to try it on his greens on a trial basis. Having just completed his first full year of treatment with the plant growth regulator (PGR), he believes it has had a high-quality impact on the greens at Shipley.

Using Attraxor for Poa reduction & speed of growth regulation

Using Attraxor for Poa reduction & speed of growth regulation

Chris said: “I mix 375 grams of Attraxor® with 2 kilograms of nitrogen on the greens every 21 days, a routine which has resulted in reduced Poa seedheads and increased growth regulation. I was very impressed with the speed in which it gets working!”

Attraxor® is formulated for rapid foliar uptake, as the active PGR ingredient, prohexadione, can get to work in as quickly as four hours post-application. The active substance inhibits the gibberellic acid pathway, resulting in a reduction of turf height and turf biomass. Although it can still be applied in cooler soil conditions of around seven degrees centigrade, the key time to treat turf is March through to September for best results.  Chris has been using Attraxor during this main season to support turf growth.

Chris said: “Alongside the decreased Poa, I have also noticed that the grass sward is smoother, resulting in a truer ball roll and increased playability – which is a bonus!”
Attraxor® can also decrease time and money spent on turf maintenance due to its ability to regulate longitudinal turf growth, lessening the frequency of mowing and clipping volumes.

Chris said that he had noticed the need to mow less: “We have been able to skip cutting days due to Attraxor’s growth regulating abilities, which has meant my time can be spent doing other key maintenance jobs around the grounds.

“Overall, I believe that Attraxor® has increased the quality, regulation and playability of the greens at Shipley, although after some applications the turf did lighten slightly – but this doesn’t last and soon wears off.”

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Exhibitor demand fuels growth of SALTEX

Exhibitor demand fuels growth of SALTEX: SALTEX is on track to have one of its biggest years yet as exhibitor demand sees the floor plan for 2023 increase by 20 percent to accommodate bookings.

Show organisers at the Grounds Management Association have confirmed early bird bookings are up ten percent from the 2022 show and there’s a 12 percent increase in exhibitor numbers with 6000 sqm of hall space already sold.

Exhibitor demand fuels growth of SALTEX

Exhibitor demand fuels growth of SALTEX

Sarah Cunningham, director of commercial and events at the Grounds Management Association, who has been joined on the sales team by Jill Rodham, comments: “Thanks to the early interest in the show the footprint has been increased by 3000 sqm to accommodate the extra demand for space from exhibitors, making it 20 percent bigger than the 2022 show. And plans are well underway for this year’s event with visitor registration due to open in early June.”

So, what does Sarah contribute this early success to? “That’s down to our incredible exhibitors. Those who are returning year after year thanks to continued success in previous years and an influx of new exhibitors who are keen to see what sales success SALTEX can bring them.”

New to the show are Asecos Limited, BigChange, EGHOLM A/S, FJ Dynamics, Grundfos Pumps Ltd, Hopespare Limited, Hubscape, QCR, Syngenta UK Ltd and Watermatic Ltd. New World Sports and Trafalgar Cleaning Equipment were last at the show in 2019 and 2017 respectively and are coming back in 2023.

A successful early bird signing period has also led to big industry names returning to SALTEX including Baroness, Dennis and Sisis, Husqvarna, ICL, Kubota, Ransomes, Reesink UK, Toro and Weibang amongst many others.

Sarah continues: “The 2022 show confirmed the confidence visitors and exhibitors have in SALTEX – it’s an event worth their time to attend. Deals happen, learning takes place and networking is enjoyed, all in a place conveniently located for most of the country. To be in the 77th year of a show and still commanding this level of commitment from the sectors we represent, is proof that the show is as relevant now as it ever was.

“I think people appreciate this is a show which contributes significantly to the growth and success of the industry. SALTEX and the Grounds Management Association work hand in hand – SALTEX is powered by the GMA and in turn SALTEX feeds into the GMA’s extensive work in supporting, and raising the profile of, the groundscare industry in all its guises.”

The show takes place at Birmingham NEC on 1-2 November 2023. Exhibitors wishing to secure their place at Europe’s largest free sports turf, amenities, and landscaping trade exhibition, should contact GMA Sales Manager, Jill Rodham at jrodham@thegma.org.uk or 07754 552405.

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Using Attraxor for growth regulation

Using Attraxor for growth regulation: A Scotland based golf club has explained the key benefits of using Attraxor for growth regulation and the suppression of Poa annua.

Head greenkeeper, John Cunningham, based at the Isle of Skye Golf Club, explains that he has been using Attraxor for the past two years on golf greens and surrounds.

Using Attraxor for growth regulation

Using Attraxor for growth regulation

Officially formed in 1988, the Isle of Skye golf club boasts an 18 hole course across 9 greens, nestled at the foot of the Red Cuillins. The club welcomes golfers of all ages and abilities to visit and enjoy the wonderful scenery it has to offer.

John discussed the reason he began using Attraxor at the Isle of Sky Golf Club: “I began using Attraxor mainly as a growth regulator, and I believe it is the best growth regulator on the market. Its longevity out performs other competitors.”

Attraxor has been shown to effectively regulate growth of managed amenity turf. The active substance, Prohexadione-calcium, inhibits the gibberellic acid pathway, which results in a reduction of turf height and turf biomass. Root growth is also promoted through use of Attraxor whilst turf colour and quality are maintained.

John confirmed: “Using Attraxor has led to lower maintenance levels across the course, resulting in a reduced need to cut and roll.”

Attraxor also limits the spread of annual meadow grass, Poa annua, by reducing seed-head production and physiological weakening. John states: “Attraxor has obliterated Poa annua seed heads. It’s absolutely fantastic and very quick acting.”

John has also noticed that there has also been improvement in grass quality: “Since using Attraxor the sward has thickened, providing a smoother, more uniform putting surface”.

John was very impressed with the results from using Attraxor compared to other PGR products: “I have previously used other alternatives, and none work as well as Attraxor. Its longevity also outperforms other competitors.

“Using Attraxor has reduced costs, there’s no doubt about it. The growth regulation results in less cutting and less rolling. It’s a win-win all round.”

To find out more about Attraxor, visit https://www.pestcontrol.basf.co.uk/en/Products/Overview/Growth-Regulator/Attraxor.html#section-benefits

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

HSE records growth in HAVS cases

HSE records growth in HAVS cases: The company behind HAVSPRO, the solution for the accurate, real-time measurement and monitoring of workplace vibration, is highlighting the latest Health & Safety Executive (HSE) figures, released in November 2022, which show a 375 percent rise in new Hand Arm Vibration.

Over 300 new cases of HAVS were reported in 2021, in addition to 165 new cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (up 412 percent) and 255 new instances of Depuytren’s Contracture (a rise of 392 percent). HAVSPRO points out that these conditions are all easily preventable with appropriate measures in places to protect the workforce.

However, in addition to this disturbingly high rise in cases, the HSE report also shines a light on the extensive array of industries (some previously unconsidered) in which workers are exposed to such debilitating conditions.

Whilst the HSE statistics show the construction and mining industries have long been seen as key contributors to risk in this area, a number of new sectors are revealed as being areas of concern, including ‘service’ industries. The reported data sets include repair of motor vehicles, accommodation and food service activities, and transport and storage as part of the Service sectors that are reporting over 50 percent of new cases in 2021.

More than two million people are at risk from developing HAVS and approximately 300,000 people suffer from HAVS in the UK alone, with companies already feeling the impact of successful worker litigation to the tune of £2.5m in fines alone in the last 7 years – and almost £1.4m of these fines have been since 2018.

Russ Langthorne, Managing Director of SIXIS Technology, the company behind HAVSPRO, and a personal HAVS sufferer himself, is concerned at these significant increases; “These statistics are particularly concerning because the number of new cases is at a five-year high, and not just skewed as a result of the recent pandemic. It is clear that companies need to be taking this growing risk factor more seriously, given the significant impact it can have on both their workforce and their bottom line. Action must be taken now.”

HSE regulations stipulate that “An employer who carries out work which is liable to expose any of their employees to risk from vibration shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk created by that work to the health and safety of those employees, and the risk assessment shall identify the measures that need to be taken to meet the requirements of these Regulations”.

However, the regulations further state that “There is no legal requirement for continual monitoring and recording of vibration exposure and that to do so would probably not be a good use of your or your employees’ time, unless there are very specific circumstances.”

Russ adds: “Clearly, this huge rise in new cases in a number of related HAVS conditions and across a host of industries, indicates that there is now a very real requirement for businesses to prioritise vibration exposure measuring and monitoring, both to protect their workers and to avoid costly litigation and fines.

“The game changing and simple to adopt HAVSPRO system provides continuous measuring and monitoring of vibration exposure, allowing for a proactive, ALARP-focused approach to vibration risk management. There is no longer any excuse for companies not to engage in doing everything possible to manage the risk from vibration exposure, to as low as reasonably practicable, and to #MakeHAVSHistory.”

For more information, visit the HAVSPRO website.

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

New growth structure Green-tech

New growth structure Green-tech: Green-tech is delighted to announce a host of promotions within the business as it continues to evolve and build for the future.

Dean Jackson, previously one of three Sales Managers, has been promoted to Head of Sales. This appointment allows Sales Director Richard Gill to focus on more of a higher-level Business Development dynamic to his current role, exploring new market opportunities for the company to expand and develop.

New growth structure Green-tech

New growth structure Green-tech

In his new role Dean will be responsible for leading the full 30+ strong sales team and driving sales to help achieve the company’s yearly sales budgets.

Filling Dean’s role, Josh Forster becomes the company’s youngest ever Sales Manager, a year after being named the company’s youngest ever Team Leader. He was also named as a ProLandscaper 30 under 30 in 2020. Josh joined Green-tech as a school leaver and now aged 25 he will take responsibility for leading a sales team within the company, delivering his teams’ collective budget, and driving sales to help achieve overall company targets.

Chris Swan has also been elevated to Buying & Product Development Director due to his increased responsibilities for the procurement side of the business, reflecting the level in which he works and his significance in supporting the senior management team.

Finally, Georgia Gilbert has been promoted to Key Account Manager for John Chambers Wildflower Seed, following her significant contribution to the consistent and sustained growth in sales for the wildflower arm of the Green-tech business.

Managing Director Kris Nellist comments, “Green-tech has been performing incredibly well since our acquisition by Origin Enterprises PLC in March 2021 and to reflect our peoples’ exceptional performance and accomplishments, we are delighted to reiterate our commitment to helping develop our staff with this latest bout of promotions.”

Sales Director Richard Gill comments, “At Green-tech we’re always planning for business growth and staff development. These promotions reflect outstanding individual performance and accomplishments and I’m delighted to recognise and reward their hard work. The team spirit at Green-tech is strong and the individuals recently promoted are an integral part of this team”.

Green-tech currently has numerous opportunities to join their successful team. For anyone interested in joining Green-tech and building a career within the landscaping industry, click the link below to check out their careers page with all current vacancies.

https://www.green-tech.co.uk/about-us/careers

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Building for growth

Building for growth: The  Blackburn based dealership Stuart Taylor Internationl have completed the construction of a new purpose built premises, two miles from their existing site.

For the company Sarah Taylor said, “since launch in two thousand and three the business has outgrown the existing building, resulting in the requrement for more space and all staff will be based on the new site”.

Building for growth

Building for growth

Tommy Taylor added, “we have enjoyed an excellent last two years trading accros our broad groundcare and agricultural equipment product range and we are confident the new build will now support further growth and expansion into new markets”

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

BASF invests in growth

BASF invests in growth: Leading pest control solutions manufacturer, BASF has invested in new vessels at its specialist nematode production facility, which is the only one of its kind in Britain. The operation produces nematodes used by amateur gardeners and commercial growers globally as a natural pest-control solution for slugs and other pests.

Based in Littlehampton, the 4,000 m2 facility has been producing up to 12 trillion nematodes every month, but the installation of the new vessels in which to grow them will see this increase by 14% per month, whilst also creating a more robust manufacturing process, ensuring reliable supply to customers.

BASF invests in growth

BASF invests in growth

The project was conceived at the end of 2020 and work began in earnest at the beginning of 2021, with completion due at the end of Q1 2022.

As is the case for the other 6 manufacturing vessels already on site, the new equipment was designed and manufactured to exacting requirements in Burton upon Trent, a town famous for its brewing – which is apt, as the vessel is reminiscent of a brewery fermenter, with similar technology employed in its production.

The 316L Stainless Steel vessels, with ground and polished welds for sterility, are designed and tested to withstand 150ºC, 5.2 barg pressure and full vacuum, with a cooling jacket built into the shell, to prevent the nematodes from ‘cooking’ by the heat generated from their mass reproduction. Even when empty the vessels weigh an astonishing 7,150 kg.

The vessel installation took place over a weekend, but the mammoth task of mechanical and electrical installation will take approximately 10 weeks, with work due to begin this month.

Thomas Goddard, operations manager at BASF Agricultural Specialities commented: “This is an exciting time for the company, as we invest in our resources, which reflects the growing appetite for biological pest control and our unique place in the market.”

For further information about nematodes, please visit https://www.nemasysinfo.co.uk/ and follow basf_nemasys_uk on Instagram.

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

SALTEX Exhibitor Growth Continues

SALTEX Exhibitor Growth Continues: Now in its 74th year, SALTEX is continuing to grow from strength to strength at the NEC.

In fact, already 70 per cent of the SALTEX 2019 floorplan has been allocated with more than 180 SALTEX 2018 exhibitors returning. Over 40 of these exhibitors have increased the size of their stand and a further influx of debut exhibitors are looking to engage with the show this year.

SALTEX Exhibitor Growth Continues

Campey Turf Care Systems will be building on its success at SALTEX 2018 by upgrading its stand and showcasing an even wider range of turf machinery.

“The SALTEX exhibition has proved it is still popular with the professional groundsperson attracting visitors from both here and abroad. Last year we trialled a smaller stand with an area for seating and refreshments for our visitors. This was very successful, so this year we are taking a larger stand to create an even more welcoming space for our customers while at the same time increasing the number of machines on display,” said managing director Richard Campey.

AS Communications, a provider of industry-leading technology to the amenity and agricultural sectors, has enjoyed many successful SALTEX exhibitions over the years and according to marketing manager Holly Jones, now is the time to maximize its show presence.

“We’ve been exhibiting at SALTEX a number of years now and have always found it to be a good event. SALTEX allows us to meet numerous turf professionals across the grounds industry in a very focused environment. The show is going from strength to strength, something we are aspiring to do too, hence investing in our stand space and design.”

Lister Wilder is a new exhibitor for 2019 and division sales director Phill Hughes revealed that the company will be using its first appearance at the NEC as an opportunity to promote its impressive hire division.

“I’ve been monitoring show attendance and feedback prior to making a commitment. My view of last year was that it felt like there was a level of excitement around the manufacturers. The customers attending appear to be of good quality and in good spirit, something which I believe has been achieved by combining the IOG Awards with the show.

“Over the last few years we have seen a rise in the number of commercial fleet customers looking for both long and short-term hire as an alternative to purchasing assets and we look forward to promoting our commercial hire division to a wider audience in order to increase our current customer base.”

For Arysta LifeScience, a global agricultural company specialising in the marketing and distribution of innovative crop protection and biosolution brands, the opportunity to meet distributors and end users was a major factor in deciding to exhibit at SALTEX for the first time and following the acquisition of Arysta LifeScience by UPL in January, the two companies will become one, with Arysta LifeScience presenting itself as UPL at SALTEX.

Campaigns & communications manager Janine Heath, said: “As we continue to drive into new cropping sectors we thought it would be a good idea to exhibit at SALTEX.

“Although we sell through distributors, we also aim to connect with end users. If we raise the brand awareness amongst them, then it’s more than likely to drive back up the chain.

“We’re always looking to expand our customer base and build business and SALTEX is a great occasion to meet everyone in one place.”

SALTEX 2019 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham on October 30 and 31.

For more information visit www.iogsaltex.com

Follow SALTEX on Twitter @IOG_SALTEX and Facebook – www.facebook.com/IOGSALTEX

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

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.