Tag Archive for: Industry

Exhibitor Line-Up Expands as Industry Support Grows

Exhibitor Line-Up Expands as Industry Support Grows

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Exhibitor Line-Up Expands as Industry Support Grows

The Turfgrass Growers Association (TGA) is pleased to confirm an expanded line-up of exhibitors and sponsors for the 2026 TGA Demonstration Day, taking place on Thursday 2 July 2026 at Grasslands Turf, Kent.

Exhibitor Line-Up Expands as Industry Support Grows

Exhibitor Line-Up Expands as Industry Support Grows

The Demonstration Day is the Association’s flagship technical field event, bringing together professional turfgrass growers, suppliers and industry specialists from across the UK for a full day of live demonstrations, knowledge exchange and networking.

The event is expected to attract around 150–200 delegates from across the industry.

The TGA is delighted to confirm the following exhibitors:

• Campey Turfcare
• Trimax
• Brocks Wheel & Tyre
• Industrial Pallet & Transport Services Ltd
• Rovadi Turf Equipment
• LS Products BV
• Tama UK
• Trebro UK Ltd
• Wessex International Machinery
• ICL
• Perennial
• Barenbrug UK

Exhibitor interest remains strong, with further announcements expected in the coming weeks.

The TGA extends its sincere thanks to event sponsors for their support in helping deliver the 2026 Demonstration Day. In particular:

• Agrigem Ltd – Show Programme Sponsor
• ICL – Registration and Lanyard Sponsor

Their support is key to the continued success of the event and reflects strong industry backing for the TGA and its work across the turfgrass sector.

Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available.

The event will feature:

• Live machinery and equipment demonstrations
• On-field trials and technical showcases
• Trade stands from leading industry suppliers
• Networking opportunities with growers, agronomists and manufacturers

Discussion aligned with TGA production standards and sustainability priorities The Demonstration Day forms a key part of the TGA’s ongoing commitment to supporting professional turf production, promoting best practice and strengthening collaboration across the supply chain.

The TGA welcomes delegates from across the professional turfgrass industry to attend and encourages early booking to secure a place at this key industry event.

Tickets are now on sale, with strong early interest from across the industry.

For tickets, exhibitor bookings or sponsorship enquiries, visit www.turfgrass.co.uk or contact the TGA office.

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Winners Of The 2026 GMA Industry Awards Announced

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Winners Of The 2026 GMA Industry Awards Announced: The winners of the 2026 GMA Industry Awards were announced last night at a prestigious ceremony at Edgbaston Stadium.

The awards took place alongside the new GMA Conference, which ran throughout the day and brought the industry together for workshops and discussions.

Winners Of The 2026 GMA Industry Awards Announced

Winners Of The 2026 GMA Industry Awards Announced

Hosted by renowned broadcaster Kelly Somers, the awards celebrated the people and teams who show outstanding skill across the grounds management sector.

With #GroundsWeek just around the corner, taking place from 23-29 March, the awards also served as a reminder of the vital role grounds staff play in making sport possible.

The 2026 winners are:

  • Young Groundsperson of the Year (Sponsored by Origin Amenity Solutions)
    • Flynn Good
  • Newcomer of the Year (Sponsored by ICL)
    • George Legg
  • Volunteer Groundsperson/Team of the Year (Sponsored by Chappell Enterprises UK)
    • Trubshaw Cross
  • Community Groundsperson/Team of the Year (Sponsored by National Governing Bodies of Sport)
    • Stoneham Lane Football Complex
  • Best Managed Artificial Surface of the Year
    • University of Warwick
  • Environmental & Sustainability Impact Award
    • Liverpool F.C
  • Bowls & Croquet Groundsperson/Team of the Year
    • Dean Gibbons
  • Professional Cricket Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Barenbrug)
    • Marylebone Cricket Club
  • Professional Tennis Courts Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Advanced Turf Technology LTD)
    • The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
  • Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year
    • Warwick Racecourse
  • Professional Rugby League Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Agronomic Services Ltd)
    • Castleford Tigers
  • Professional Rugby Union Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by MJ Abbott/Premier Pitches)
    • Bristol Bears
  • Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Reesink)
    • Lincoln City F.C
  • Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year (Elite) (Sponsored by SGL)
    • Manchester City F.C
  • University & College Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Kubota)
    • University of Warwick
  • Independent School Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by ISEKI)
    • Whitgift School
  • GMA Grounds Manager of the Year (Sponsored by DLF Seeds Ltd)
    • Karl McDermott

Geoff Webb, GMA CEO said: “The GMA Industry Awards are always a key highlight in our calendar. They give us the chance to celebrate the hard work that drives our industry forward. We received a record number of entries this year which shows real strength and pride across grounds management. I want to congratulate all our winners and thank them for the great work they do every day.”

The GMA would like to extend a special thank you to our platinum sponsor ISEKI UK & Ireland as well as conference & award sponsors Origin Amenity Solutions, ICL, Chappell Enterprises UK, National Governing Bodies of Sport, Barenbrug, Agronomic Services Ltd, MJ Abbott/Premier Pitches, Reesink, SGL, Kubota, DLF Seeds Ltd and Advanced Turf Technology LTD, whose support made this event possible.

This year’s charity partner, MND Association, was at the heart of the evening, with guests generously donating to support its vital work in improving access to care, research and campaigning for people affected by motor neurone disease. Thank you to everyone who contributed, your generosity will make a genuine difference.

As we celebrate this year’s award winners, we also encourage the industry to continue raising awareness of the profession by getting involved in #GroundsWeek from 23-29 March. Our annual awareness campaign is all about championing the hard work of grounds staff, inspiring future talent and highlighting the crucial role they play in making sport possible.

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GroundsFest Joins Forces with Industry Initiative

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GroundsFest Joins Forces with Industry Initiative: A collaborative initiative ‘Roots for the future, skills for today’, supported by leading industry bodies and influential individuals, is pleased to announce that GroundsFest has officially joined the mission to promote the landscape architecture and horticultural industries to the wider public.

As part of its support, GroundsFest will take the lead by building the industry’s flagship stand at New Scientist Live 2026 which takes place at London’s Excel, October 10-12. The project aims to bring together prominent organisations from across the breadth of UK landscaping and horticulture, to collaborate on an exhibit to raise perceptions through public engagement. The ultimate aim is to address the skills crisis by showcasing the sectors as high-tech, scientific and sustainable, to a large STEM-focused audience. Educational and commercial partners are sought from across sports turf, groundskeeping, forestry, landscaping, ornamental and edible production, garden retail, environmental management, gardens and parks. Sufficient stand sharers are required by 24th March to move the project to its next stage of booking space.

GroundsFest Joins Forces with Industry Initiative

GroundsFest Joins Forces with Industry Initiative

New Scientist Live, held annually in London, attracts over 26,000 visitors including students, school staff, families and science enthusiasts, making it the premier platform to inspire a large public and the next generation.

Award-winning GroundsFest, the UK’s leading annual event for the grounds management, landscaping and arboriculture industries, will bring unparalleled expertise to the project. Their team will oversee the construction of an immersive, interactive stand that demonstrates the technological, engineering and environmental science required to build and maintain the nation’s world-class green spaces and deliver horticultural output.

Christina Walker, leading the project, commented: “I’m thrilled to welcome GroundsFest to this crucial initiative. Their commitment to the landscaping and grounds maintenance industries, plus their award-winning skill in producing events and exhibits makes them the perfect partner to bring this vision to life. By building a stand that is both interactive and scientifically grounded, we can show the New Scientist Live audience the vast array of inspirational and aspirational STEM careers across the landscape and horticulture sectors. I need stand sharers and sponsors to come forward – I’m particularly keen that we have a sport activity to engage visitors around soil science and an urban element is absolutely central to the exhibit.”

Christopher Bassett, Event Director of GroundsFest, added: “Joining this mission was a natural fit for us. At GroundsFest, we are passionate about the future of the industry and reinvesting in the next generation. Building the stand at New Scientist Live 2026 allows us to showcase the incredible craftsmanship and innovation within our sector on a national stage. We look forward to working with our colleagues to create something truly inspiring.” The partnership follows a growing movement within the industry to unify efforts in career promotion, as recently discussed at a cross sector Focus Group. By combining the resources of trade bodies and commercial sponsors with the practical prowess of GroundsFest, the project ensures that the horticulture and landscape architecture sectors will have a commanding and educational presence at one of the world’s largest science festivals.

Stand sharers and sponsors are asked to contact Christina Walker chris1coombes@googlemail.com before 24th March.

About GroundsFest GroundsFest is the UK’s largest annual event for the grounds management, landscaping, and arboriculture sectors. It features a unique combination of indoor and outdoor exhibits, live machinery demonstrations, and the GroundsFest Academy, which provides free educational seminars and training for industry professionals.

About New Scientist Live New Scientist Live is an award-winning science festival that brings together the biggest names in science and technology. The event features immersive experiences, incredible exhibits, and talks from world-leading experts, aimed at inspiring people of all ages about the wonders of the universe.

Media Contact: Christina Walker 07703 592589
chris1coombes@googlemail.com@googlemail.com

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Bionema Launches NemaGen® to Support Turf Industry

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Bionema Launches NemaGen® to Support Turf Industry: The UK natural turf sector, valued at approximately USD 501 million in 2024 and projected to continue growing, is facing sustained pressure from crane fly and chafer larvae, following the withdrawal of chlorpyrifos and imidacloprid from amenity use.

The amenity turf sector includes golf courses, sports pitches, racecourses, and airfields, where soil insect damage directly affects surface quality, safety, and renovation costs.

Bionema Launches NemaGen® to Support Turf Industry

Bionema Launches NemaGen® to Support Turf Industry

Industry observations across multiple UK golf courses and sports facilities indicate leatherjacket populations have increased from historic levels of approximately 30 larvae per m² to peaks of 100–600 larvae per m² at affected sites. Turf managers report increased renovation, labour and surface repair requirements as a result.

In response, Bionema has launched NemaGen® Hd, a cold-tolerant entomopathogenic nematode platform active from soil temperatures of 8°C. UK field trials have demonstrated 60–70% control of leatherjackets and chafer grubs under defined soil temperature and moisture conditions.

NemaGen® Hd offers:

  • Extended seasonal application from early spring through autumn.
    • Structured temperature-timed deployment guidance.
    • Compatibility with wetting agents to optimise dispersal.
    • Direct technical support from Dr Minshad Ansari, specialist in entomopathogenic nematodes.

In addition, the improved formulation enhances product stability, delivering a shelf life of up to 10 weeks under recommended storage conditions, with encapsulated formats offering extended stability for specialist applications.

“With regulatory changes reducing curative insecticide options, the sector requires reliable biological alternatives that are correctly timed and technically supported,” said Dr Ansari. “NemaGen® Hd is designed as a deployable biological solution within integrated pest management programmes, restoring confidence in biological turf insect control.”

Commercial supply for the 2026 season is now open.

NemaGen® Hd is suitable for golf courses, sports pitches, racecourses, airfields and managed lawns.

Bionema is currently selecting one to two UK and EU distribution partners for the 2026 season.

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Eight Industry Leaders Join GMA As Platinum Supporters

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Eight Industry Leaders Join GMA As Platinum Supporters: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is proud to welcome eight industry‑leading organisations as Platinum Supporters: Cramer, GKB, ISEKI, MJ Abbott, Premier Pitches, Howardson Group, Kubota and ICL.

These highly respected brands represent leaders in grounds care, turf management, engineering and sustainable innovation. Their partnership shows a joint effort to invest in the future of the grounds management industry. They support the thousands of professionals and volunteers who take care of the UK’s sports surfaces and green spaces.

Eight Industry Leaders Join GMA As Platinum Supporters

Eight Industry Leaders Join GMA As Platinum Supporters

A powerful collective of industry experts:

Together, the eight Platinum Supporters contribute a broad range of expertise:

  • Cramer – Innovators in advanced battery-powered equipment for sustainable grounds care.
  • GKB – Providers of high‑quality grounds care products and nationwide technical support.
  • ISEKI – Specialists in high-performance turf maintenance machinery used across the UK, and proud Platinum Sponsor of the 2026 GMA Industry awards and Conference
  • MJ Abbott – Experts in sports turf construction, irrigation, drainage, and engineering.
  • Premier Pitches – One of Europe’s leading specialists in the Installation and Renovation of all types of reinforced sports pitches.
  • Howardson Group – Manufacturers of the renowned Dennis and SISIS turf maintenance brands.
  • Kubota – Global leaders in machinery solutions for grounds, landscaping, and land management.
  • ICL – A global leader in turf nutrition, grass seed and plant protection, who are proud sponsors of the GMA’s 35 under 35 programme.

Their involvement strengthens the GMA’s expanding network of supporters who are committed to promoting standards across the UK.

“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Cramer, GKB, ISEKI, MJ Abbott, Premier Pitches, Howardson Group, Kubota and ICL as our newest Platinum Supporters,” said Ben Muschamp, Head of Commercial at the GMA. “Each organisation brings significant value to our community. Their investment helps us continue supporting the professionals and volunteers who care for the nation’s sports surfaces and green spaces. We’re excited about what we can achieve together.”

As Platinum Supporters, the organisations will be instrumental in powering the GMA’s most important work – driving stronger membership support, elevating professional standards, amplifying sector advocacy and advancing vital research. Their involvement will also strengthen SALTEX, Europe’s premier stage for innovation and excellence in sports turf, amenities and landscaping.

As the highest tier within the GMA’s supporter framework – alongside the Bronze, Silver and Gold levels – the Platinum Supporter programme is designed for organisations seeking to make the greatest sector impact. It enables deeper partnership working and a more active voice in shaping the content and initiatives delivered across the year.

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