Tag Archive for: hosts

Avant Tecno Hosts Multi-Dealership Training

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Avant Tecno Hosts Multi-Dealership Training: Avant Tecno recently brought Technical Engineers from all of its UK dealerships together for a unique opportunity at the company’s global headquarters in Ylöjärvi, Finland. Over three intensive days, the group received exclusive training directly from the team behind Avant’s industry-leading innovation.

The trip began early on a Monday morning, departing Heathrow for Helsinki before travelling north to Avant’s state-of-the-art manufacturing hub. Far more than a standard factory tour, this was a multi-dealership technical training programme designed to deepen product knowledge, strengthen aftersales expertise, and build lasting connections across the Avant network.

Avant Tecno Hosts Multi-Dealership Training

Avant Tecno Hosts Multi-Dealership Training

Throughout the visit, engineers gained invaluable insight into both the latest advancements coming out of the factory and the brand’s rich engineering heritage. Hands-on sessions enabled attendees to work closely with Avant’s expert trainers, share best practice, and learn alongside colleagues from across the UK and Ireland. The result was not only enhanced technical understanding but also a stronger sense of collaboration and community across the dealership network.

True to Finnish tradition, downtime offered its own memorable experiences. Evenings were spent enjoying great food, relaxing in the sauna and, of course, braving a refreshing plunge into the lake, giving the group a real taste of local culture.

This investment in its people reflects an exciting period of growth for Avant Tecno UK. With its new, state-of-the-art UK headquarters opening last year, the business continues to strengthen its support for dealers and customers alike.

The Finland training event marks another step forward in ensuring that every dealership engineer has the skills, knowledge, and confidence to deliver the exceptional service Avant is known for.

John Spencer, Sales and Marketing Director for Avant Tecno UK, described the trip as an important investment in both people and partnerships:

“Our engineers are at the heart of the customer experience. This trip was all about giving them deeper, hands-on access to the machines and the people who build them. The shared learning, the conversations, and the relationships formed in Finland are just as valuable as the technical training itself. The knowledge they’ve brought back will directly enhance the support we offer customers across the UK and Ireland.”

For more information, please visit www.avanttecno.com/uk

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Origin hosts successful golf irrigation training days

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Origin hosts successful golf irrigation training days: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS), the exclusive Rain Bird Golf distributor for the UK, recently hosted two successful golf irrigation training days, providing delegates with a comprehensive understanding of their irrigation systems and how to optimise their performance.

The first session took place at Luffenham Heath Golf Club, Stamford, on Thursday 30 October, where a new Rain Bird irrigation system has recently been installed. The second event was held at Ashby Decoy Golf Club, Scunthorpe, on Wednesday 5 November.

Origin hosts successful golf irrigation training days

Origin hosts successful golf irrigation training days

Both events were well attended, attracting course managers, greenkeepers and irrigation technicians keen to enhance their technical knowledge. BIGGA CPD points were available to attendees, reinforcing the educational value of the sessions.

The training gave delegates an in-depth understanding of irrigation hydraulics on their own courses, exploring how to make existing irrigation systems operate more uniformly and how to combat dry patch to achieve better results without significant capital investment. The sessions also included an introduction to Rain Bird’s CirrusPRO™ control system, with discussion around how central control technology can help make irrigation more uniform and effective.

The days were hosted by Peter Robin, OAS Irrigation Product Manager, and Angus Finlayson, OAS Irrigation & Digital Solutions Lead, who shared their expertise and practical experience throughout.

Peter Robin commented, “It was fantastic to see so many enthusiastic delegates keen to deepen their understanding of irrigation technology. We aimed to help them get the best out of their systems, and the feedback has been really positive. The engagement and questions throughout both days showed a genuine interest in making irrigation more efficient and effective on the golf course.”

Angus Finlayson added, “Both events were a great success. We focused on broader irrigation principles rather than system-specific demonstrations and the level of participation was excellent. It was rewarding to see delegates leave with more confidence in operating and improving their irrigation systems, regardless of the brand.”

For information on upcoming events and training opportunities, visit www.originamenity.com.

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Bernhard Academy hosts successful turf care mechanics training

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Bernhard Academy hosts successful turf care mechanics training:  The Bernhard Academy recently held a highly successful three-day Fundamentals of Turf Care Mechanics – Level 1 training course at Moortown Golf Club, led by industry expert and Bernhard Academy course leader, Barry Drennan.

The course welcomed equipment technicians and turf care professionals for an intensive, hands-on learning experience focused on the essential mechanical skills required to maintain high-performance turf equipment. Over three days, delegates developed their knowledge of petrol and diesel engines, rotary blade sharpening and balancing, 12-volt battery systems, hydraulics, cutting unit setup and repair, electrical systems, and safety switch diagnostics.

Bernhard Academy hosts successful turf care mechanics training

Bernhard Academy hosts successful turf care mechanics training

Sami Strutt, Education Director at the Bernhard Academy, praised the success of the event, saying: “Courses like this are vital for developing the next generation of equipment technicians turf care professionals. Barry’s expertise and practical approach ensure that attendees leave with real-world skills they can apply immediately. Our Academy venue at Moortown Golf Club continues to be an outstanding location for delivering high-quality education.”

She added: “All delegates left extremely happy with their experience and rated the workshop five stars across the board. It’s wonderful to see such positive feedback from professionals who are passionate about enhancing their skills.”

Delegates also spoke highly of the course, describing it as “real-life hands-on training” and “a great class that’s ideal for both beginners and experienced technicians.” Others commented that “the class was very hands-on, so we got to physically do everything we were learning.”

The next Fundamentals of Turf Care Mechanics – Level 1 course will take place at Gleneagles, Scotland, from 11-13 November 2025. This follows the recent success of the Turf Technicians Conference hosted by the Bernhard Academy, further highlighting its commitment to advancing professional turf care education.

For more details and to book upcoming courses, visit: www.bernhardacademy.co.uk/courses

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Toro Hosts Inspiring Factory Visit

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Toro Hosts Inspiring Factory Visit: Toro UK has proudly welcomed Liverpool-based landscape contractor Kieran Wallace, founder of Swan Landscapes, to its manufacturing facility in Spellbrook, Hertfordshire, in recognition of his entrepreneurial spirit, charitable outlook and viral journey to business growth.

Kieran first gained widespread attention in January 2025, when he encountered business mentor and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Simon Squibb – renowned for his viral videos offering investment opportunities to aspiring entrepreneurs. During their impromptu meeting, Simon invested £2,000 into Kieran’s gardening business after hearing his heartfelt pitch during a book signing.

Toro Hosts Inspiring Factory Visit

Toro Hosts Inspiring Factory Visit

Five months on, Simon and Kieran met once again in a follow-up video where Simon asked Kieran: “If there is a company listening that could sponsor the equipment for you, who would it be?” Kieran responded: “Toro – I will get all your tools and take them all around Liverpool, I’ll use them in every garden job.”

The video rapidly gained traction, reaching over 5.7 million views on TikTok and capturing the attention of the Toro UK team. Inspired by Kieran’s ambition and passion for his craft, Toro invited him to their Spellbrook facility, where Toro manufactures golf, commercial and home-use gardening machinery. The site is also the home of Hayter, where they have manufactured battery and petrol mowers for nearly 80 years.

During the visit, Kieran received a guided tour of the facility, insight into Toro and Hayter’s engineering and production processes, and was gifted a selection of professional landscaping tools to support the growth of his business.

Craig Hoare, Sales and Marketing Manager for UK and Ireland, had this to say about Toro’s experience hosting Kieran at the Spellbrook factory:

“It was a pleasure to meet Kieran in person, hear his inspiring story and to then be able to offer our support by donating him the latest equipment. Toro has a long tradition of supporting community projects, and Kieran’s work presents the perfect opportunity to give back to both him and the people of Liverpool.

“Kieran was already a Toro fan, but he was blown away when we took the chance to show him around our UK factory, try some machines in our test fields and more. We look forward to following Kieran’s journey and seeing the impact he continues to make, now with new top-of-the-line equipment.”

Following the factory tour, Kieran has been made an official Toro sponsor, being gifted a Toro 53cm 60V Proline lawnmower, as well as Revolution Hedge Cutter, String Trimmer and Blower Cannon power tools – complete with two 8.0Ah batteries, one 4.0Ah battery and two fast chargers, as well as a load of Toro professional wear.

Kieran had this to say about his experience:

“I was blown away by how organised and clean the factory was – it was a dream come true to see how all the parts and pieces of these machines that I use come together. I couldn’t have gotten a better experience from anyone.

“The experience has overwhelmed me, because I’ll be driving home buzzing, feeling empowered to keep going. I know what I can do, and I know anything is now possible. Thank you to Toro for this experience – I absolutely loved it.”

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Etesia UK Hosts Successful Dealer Day

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Etesia UK Hosts Successful Dealer Day: Etesia UK recently welcomed dealers from across the UK and Ireland to an insightful and engaging dealer day at Primrose Hill Farm in Oxfordshire. Attendees gathered to explore Etesia’s latest product innovations, gain industry insights, and connect with key figures in the sector.

A major highlight of the day was the official UK launch of the Pellenc Essential range, which generated significant interest among dealers looking to expand their battery-powered offerings. In addition, four new models were unveiled in the ET Lander range, further strengthening Etesia’s commitment to delivering high-performance, eco-friendly solutions.

Etesia UK Hosts Successful Dealer Day

Etesia UK Hosts Successful Dealer Day

Attendees were also treated to an exclusive preview of new battery and flail products, which are set to be officially launched at GroundsFest this September. These innovations signal Etesia’s continued investment in battery technology, reflecting the growing shift within the industry towards sustainable equipment.

The dealer day featured an impressive line-up of speakers, offering valuable insights across a range of topics:

  • Thomas Meyher, President of Etesia SAS – Highlighted the company’s global vision and ongoing commitment to innovation.
  • Leo Copping, Kramp – Discussed Etesia’s partnership with Kramp and the importance of efficient parts stocking.
  • Matt Fasham, AEA – Delivered an informative session on the safe handling and storage of batteries.
  • Nick Darking, BAGMA – Outlined the benefits of BAGMA membership and its relevance to dealers.
  • Andy Stafferton – Spoke about working capital finance and stocking plans, helping dealers navigate financial considerations.

Attendees were split into three groups and rotated between three stations, allowing them to experience a variety of interactive sessions. This approach ensured that dealers had ample opportunity to engage with the new products and deepen their understanding of Etesia’s latest offerings.

The event left a lasting impression on attendees, with many praising the opportunity to see new equipment up close, as well as the balance between practical demonstrations and informative presentations.

Nathan Lewis, Lewis Gardening Services, appreciated the opportunity to learn about new battery technology:

“It has been a great day; good to come and see kit that I know and have used, but it has also been nice to see the new and upcoming kit from Etesia. The speakers have enlightened me on some battery equipment that I wasn’t aware of regarding safety, so it has been a good and insightful event.”

Etesia UK Hosts Successful Dealer Day

Etesia UK Hosts Successful Dealer Day

Scott Reynolds, RT Machinery, emphasised the value of staying informed about evolving technologies:

“The new products that we’ve seen today have been an eye-opener. A huge amount of our customers are talking about battery products every single day and are introducing them into their businesses. It has been a really good event – a great balance between indoor presentations and hands-on demonstrations.”

With the growing emphasis on battery technology and the unveiling of exciting new products, Etesia UK continues to strengthen its position as a leader in providing sustainable, high-performance equipment for the landscaping and groundscare sectors.

A video overview of the day can be found by clicking here.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Etesia UK on Twitter @EtesiaUK and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/EtesiaUK. You can also view the latest Etesia videos by visiting www.youtube.com/EtesiaUK

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