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Matt Bartle appointed Group Head of Commercial Strategy

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Matt Bartle appointed Group Head of Commercial Strategy: Replay Group has appointed Matt Bartle as its new Group Head of Commercial Strategy, a newly created role designed to support the business’s continued growth, diversification and long-term strategic direction.

The appointment comes at a significant time for Replay Group, following private equity investment and the evolution of the business into four distinct divisions: Replay Maintenance, Replay Resurfacing, Replay Racquets and Replay Natural Turf.

Matt Bartle appointed Group Head of Commercial Strategy

Matt Bartle appointed Group Head of Commercial Strategy

Matt brings with him more than two decades of experience across sport, infrastructure and facilities development. His career began in 2001 at the Football Foundation, where he was part of the organisation from its inception, before moving to The FA, where he spent around ten years working across a range of national projects

In 2017, Matt founded Tri Sports Consultancy, an infrastructure masterplanning business supporting grassroots sport and organisations with projects ranging from 3G and natural turf pitches to training facilities. Throughout that time, he maintained close links with Replay.

“I’ve always had a strong association with Replay,” said Matt. “When the opportunity came to join the organisation, it was a no-brainer. The trajectory of the business and what the next three to five years could look like made it a really exciting proposition.”

Matt’s new role combines elements of commercial leadership, business development and strategic oversight. While not a traditional sales director role, the commercial team and function sit firmly within his remit.

“One of the key drivers behind becoming Replay Group is being able to talk more about the breadth of what we do,” he explained. “Maintenance is what we’re best known for, but there’s so much more to the organisation.”

That diversification includes the formal separation of Replay Resurfacing, an area the business has been delivering for more than a decade. By bringing resurfacing into its own division, Replay can take a more proactive approach, offering lifecycle planning, financial modelling and long-term solutions to its extensive client base.

“We’re already a trusted maintenance partner to over a thousand organisations nationwide,” said Matt. “Clients were already asking us about resurfacing, so formalising that offer allows us to add even more value, while maintaining that connection with them throughout the lifecycle of their facilities.”

The Replay Racquets division is another key growth area, encompassing tennis, pickleball and padel.

“There’s a huge boom in padel at the moment, but standards are critical,” he said. “We work closely with organisations like SAPCA to ensure everything we do adheres to technical guidance and best practice. We won’t compromise on quality because safety, longevity and trust matter.”

Matt is also excited by the launch of Replay Natural Turf, which further strengthens the Group’s ability to support clients with joined-up solutions.

“At its core, this is about adding value,” he added. “Whether it’s maintenance, resurfacing, rackets or natural turf, the Replay standard is non-negotiable. We want to continue leading the market, innovating and being a trusted resource for our clients for the next 20 years – just as we have been for the last 20.”

Commenting on Matt’s appointment, Nick Harris, Managing Director of the Replay Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome Matt Bartle as our new Head of Commercial Strategy.

Matt brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight and will play a key role in driving our commercial growth and strengthening partnerships as we continue to expand. We’re delighted to have him on board and look forward to the impact he will make.”

For more information, visit www.replaymaintenance.co.uk

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STIHL launches PKA 30 battery-powered pump head

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STIHL launches PKA 30 battery-powered pump head: Designed for efficient and precise application, STIHL has launched the PKA 30 battery-powered pump head, delivering automatic and constant pressure for even spraying and pumping of water, without the need for manual pumping, saving users time and boosting productivity. 

Providing a consistent pressure range between 1.5 to 2.5 bars, the pump head uses the STIHL AS System battery and can be added to the STIHL SG 30 manual sprayer or cut-off machine water tank. It is easily adjusted to suit a range of applications, optimising the amount of liquid applied or water flow required, while reducing waste.

STIHL launches PKA 30 battery-powered pump head

STIHL launches PKA 30 battery-powered pump head

For ultimate convenience, the pump automatically switches off when the tank is empty, or when no longer in use. This helps to reduce energy consumption, extend battery life, and minimise maintenance costs over the tool’s lifecycle.

For simple and intelligent operation, the pump head includes variable pressure adjustments, an easy-to-use ON/OFF switch, and a clear battery level indicator, ensuring that users can work efficiently. Weighing just 0.9 kg (without battery), this compact pump head is a lightweight, portable solution for everyday use.

The PKA 30 has an air compressor pump which prevents liquid contact inside the pump system, reducing the risk of deposits, for smooth operation during prolonged use.

To learn more about the STIHL PKA 30 battery-powered pump head, visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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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

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Corey Finn Wins Department Head Award at Yas Island Ruwad Awards

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Corey Finn Wins Department Head Award at Yas Island Ruwad Awards: Corey Finn, Cluster Director of Agronomy for Viya Golf Abu Dhabi, has been honoured with the prestigious Department Head Award at Yas Island’s Ruwad Awards. 

This accolade celebrates exceptional leadership and excellence in departmental management, celebrating Corey’s’s instrumental role in overseeing golf course operations and ensuring top-tier conditions for world-class events such as the DP World Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links.

Corey Finn Wins Department Head Award at Yas Island Ruwad Awards

Corey Finn Wins Department Head Award at Yas Island Ruwad Awards

With over eight years of experience working within Aldar golf facilities, Corey has been pivotal in managing world-class golf courses, including Yas Links Abu Dhabi, ranked the number one course in the Middle East and Africa region. His expertise in sustainable agronomy and tournament preparation has set new benchmarks in golf course management, ensuring the highest standards for prestigious international events like the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

Corey played a crucial role in hosting the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, a key tournament in the DP World Tour’s season-ending playoff series. Under his leadership, Yas Links consistently met the highest standards required for professional play, enhancing both the quality of competition and the global reputation of Yas Island as a premier golf destination.

The Ruwad Awards, launched by Miral, celebrate the outstanding individuals and businesses that contribute to the growth and success of Yas Island as a global destination. This recognition highlights Corey’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence, reinforcing Yas Island’s position as a premier location for world-class sporting events.

“I’m truly honoured to receive this award,” said Corey Finn. “It’s a recognition of the passion and dedication I put into my work, and I’m incredibly grateful to be acknowledged among such talented professionals in the industry.”

In addition to this award, Corey’s contributions have been widely recognised, including winning the 59club Agronomy Team of the Year award for Best Conditioned Golf Course at Yas Links in 2021 and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club in 2022. Over the years, he has also mentored and empowered team members, fostering the next generation of turf management professionals.

The Ruwad Awards ceremony took place at Hilton Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, bringing together leading professionals, influencers, and industry experts to celebrate excellence and achievement in the businesses that shape Yas Island’s success.

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Bionema’s RootVita® SP Increases Maize Head Size by 50%

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Bionema’s RootVita® SP Increases Maize Head Size by 50%: A groundbreaking field trial in South Africa has demonstrated that RootVita® SP, Bionema Group’s innovative biostimulant technology, can increase Maize head size by 50%, marking a significant advancement in sustainable agriculture.

A prominent Maize farmer in South Africa tested this product in partnership with Bionema Group to evaluate its effectiveness in enhancing root development, nutrient uptake, and overall plant health.

Bionema’s RootVita® SP Increases Maize Head Size by 50%

Bionema’s RootVita® SP Increases Maize Head Size by 50%

The Global Importance of Maize

Maize is the most widely grown cereal crop in the world, feeding over 1.2 billion people globally. It is a staple food for over 300 million Africans, accounting for 30–50% of daily calorie intake. With increasing climate challenges, soil degradation, and fertiliser price volatility, improving Maize productivity is critical for developing nations’ food security and economic stability.

Why This Matters for Africa

Africa’s Maize production is expected to fall by up to 30% by 2050 due to climate change and depleting soil nutrients, threatening the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers. South Africa, one of the continent’s largest Maize producers, faces rising input costs and erratic rainfall, making sustainable solutions like RootVita® SP crucial.

The successful 2024–2025 field trials of RootVita® SP demonstrated:

✔ 50% increase in Maize head size.
✔ Improved soil microbiome activity for long-term fertility.
✔ Higher resilience to environmental stress.
✔ Reduced reliance on synthetic fertilisers.

Field Trial Findings: Transforming Maize Productivity

The trial, conducted across multiple farms in South Africa, was initiated in late 2024 and continued through the 2025 maize-growing season. The region’s soils often suffer from nutrient deficiencies, and climate variability has made crop production more challenging.

RootVita® SP, when integrated into standard Maize farming practices, significantly improved nutrient absorption, root development, and overall plant vigour, resulting in larger Maize heads and improved grain quality. These findings highlight the critical role of biostimulants in modern agriculture.

Sustainable Agriculture: Reducing Dependence on Chemical Fertilizers

With the rising costs of synthetic fertilisers and stricter global regulations on chemical inputs, farmers are turning to biological alternatives to maintain productivity without harming the environment. RootVita® SP offers a cost-effective, sustainable alternative that boosts yield and improves soil health and crop resilience against climate stress.

Dr. Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder of Bionema, said, “This trial reinforces Bionema’s commitment to creating innovative biological solutions that transform modern agriculture. A 50% increase in Maize head size is a game-changer, particularly in regions where food security and soil health are pressing concerns. RootVita® SP is proving to be a sustainable alternative that allows farmers to maximise yields while reducing their reliance on chemical inputs.”

About Bionema Group

Bionema Group is a pioneering biotech company specialising in biocontrol and biostimulant solutions for sustainable crop production and plant health management. With a strong focus on biological alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals, Bionema’s products support farmers and growers in improving yields, enhancing soil health, and reducing environmental impact.

For more information on RootVita® SP and its application in Maize and other crops, visit: www.bionema.com

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