Tag Archive for: Industry

BIGGA and GroundsFest Announce Strategic Industry Partnership

BIGGA and GroundsFest Announce Strategic Industry Partnership: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), organisers of BTME, and GroundsFest are proud to announce a new collaboration aimed at strengthening both events while bringing together professionals from across the grounds care, landscaping, and golf sectors.

The partnership will see BIGGA and GroundsFest working closely on joint initiatives throughout the year, including attending and supporting each other’s events, hosting tailored educational content, and working together on joint marketing campaigns.At the heart of the collaboration is a shared desire to encourage crossover between both event communities – helping professionals discover the value that each show offers. It’s a fantastic opportunity for community-building and cross-sector engagement. From greenkeepers and grounds managers to landscapers and contractors, the partnership aims to unite the wider industry.

BIGGA and GroundsFest Announce Strategic Industry Partnership

BIGGA and GroundsFest Announce Strategic Industry Partnership

The complementary nature of the two events makes them natural partners: BTME is a long-established, much-loved winter event held in January in the scenic surroundings of Harrogate, while GroundsFest offers a vibrant, hands-on summer experience where visitors can see live equipment demonstrations in action.

Quote from Jim Croxton, CEO, BIGGA:

“We at BIGGA are hugely proud of our flagship event, BTME, and the positive impact it has, particularly on the golf greenkeeping industry on an annual basis and at a perfect time of the year to give turf managers a much needed boost, be that to their morale, their industry knowledge or their skill set. However it is our ambition to engage with our members and the wider industry far more than just once a year. GroundsFest provides us with a brilliant opportunity to do so at a different time of year and in a very different environment. We are looking forward to engaging with many greenkeepers at Stoneleigh Park this September and to working closely with GroundsFest on a number of initiatives to move our industry forward.”

Speaking on the collaboration, Christopher Bassett, GroundsFest’s Event Director, said:

“The two shows complement one another brilliantly – both in format and timing. BTME is a long-standing and special event, while GroundsFest delivers a dynamic, summer-based event where people can get hands-on with the latest kit. We’re proud to be working with BIGGA, a fantastic association, and we believe this collaboration will bring real value to the industry. We very much see this as a long- term partnership – action-driven and focused on delivering real benefits to the sectors we serve.”

Outside of the two events, BIGGA and GroundsFest are also exploring further educational opportunities. BIGGA is widely recognised for its exceptional training and professional development programmes, and with the recent launch of the GroundsFest Academy, there is clear potential to co-develop training content that supports professionals across the entire industry – from golf greenkeeping to wider grounds and landscape management.

As both events continue to grow, this partnership sets the tone for a more collaborative future for everyone working in grounds care, landscaping, and golf. More updates will be shared soon.

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Green-tech Hits the Road for Key Industry Events

Green-tech Hits the Road for Key Industry Events: Green-tech, the UK’s leading landscaping and urban greening solutions supplier, is proud to announce its attendance at four key industry events throughout summer and autumn 2025.

With a firm commitment to supporting sustainable land management, innovation in amenity landscaping, and regenerative practices, Green-tech will be out in force at the following shows:

Green-tech Hits the Road for Key Industry Events

Green-tech Hits the Road for Key Industry Events

  1. Groundswell, Hertfordshire: 2nd & 3rd July
    Focused on regenerative agriculture, Groundswell provides a forum for farmers and growers to learn about regenerative farming systems’ theory and practical applications. The Green-tech team will be on hand to showcase a range of tree planting products and its John Chambers Wildflower Seed mixes to support biodiversity and sustainable farming.
  2. GLAS (Garden Landscape Amenity Sportsturf), Dublin: 17th July
    A flagship event for Ireland’s landscape and amenity sector, GLAS offers a fantastic opportunity for Green-tech to support and connect with Irish contractors, designers, and local authorities. They will highlight practical solutions for urban redevelopment, green infrastructure, wildflower establishment, and sustainable drainage, supporting healthier, greener towns and cities.
  3. The Agroforestry Show, Hertfordshire: 10th–11th September
    As interest in agroforestry continues to grow, Green-tech is excited to attend this unique outdoor event exploring the integration of trees into farming systems. Our presence will support knowledge-sharing on tree protection, soil improvement, and rural land enhancement.
  4. Water & Environmental Management Expo, NEC Birmingham: 17th–18th September
    This specialist event brings together experts in sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), wastewater management, and environmental engineering. Green-tech will spotlight its portfolio of SuDS-compatible products, including the TreeParker and Mona Pluvia systems.

Richard Gill, Sales Director at Green-tech, comments, “These events provide great opportunities to engage with the industry, listen to challenges, and offer practical, sustainable solutions. Whether it’s enhancing biodiversity in rural landscapes or supporting green infrastructure in urban spaces, we’re committed to helping shape a more resilient future for land management and development.”

Green-tech’s technical specialists and specification team will be available at the events to offer advice and support on everything from tree planting to urban greening strategies.

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GMA Industry Awards Kick Off #GroundsWeek

GMA Industry Awards Kick Off #GroundsWeek: The GMA Industry Awards 2025 brought the grounds management community together for an unforgettable evening at Anfield Stadium, celebrating the exceptional achievements of professionals across the sector.

With #GroundsWeek just around the corner from 17-23 March, the awards also served as a reminder of the vital role grounds staff play in making sport possible.

GMA Industry Awards Kick Off #GroundsWeek

GMA Industry Awards Kick Off #GroundsWeek

Sky Sports presenter, Kyle Walker, led the night’s celebrations which showcased the very best in the industry, recognising those who go above and beyond to maintain world-class playing surfaces and green spaces.

A huge congratulations to all this year’s winners and finalists:

  • Young Groundsperson of the Year (Sponsored by Origin Amenity Solutions)  
    • Thomas Heppell-Mooney – Lancaster University
  • Newcomer of the Year of the Year (Sponsored by ICL)   
    • Matthew Barr – Warwick Independent Schools Foundation
  • Volunteer Groundsperson or Team of the Year (Sponsored by Husqvarna)   
    • Tom Banks – Kirkoswald Football Club
  • Community Groundsperson or Team of the Year 
    • Stoneham Lane Football Complex
  • Environmental and Sustainability Impact Award (Sponsored by Syngenta)
    • London Youth Sports Trust
  • Bowls & Croquet Groundsperson or Team of the Year 
    • Dean Gibbons – Wantage Bowling Club
  • Best Managed Artificial Surface of the Year 
    • Stoneham Lane Football Complex
  • Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year 
    • York Racecourse
  • Professional Tennis Courts Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Infinicut)   
    • Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club
  • Professional Cricket Grounds Team of the Year 
    • Lancashire Cricket Club
  • Professional Rugby Union Grounds Team of the Year 
    • Leicester Tigers
  • Professional Rugby League Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Agronomic Services Ltd)    
    • Castleford Tigers
  • Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Reesink UK)   
    • Stockport County Football Club
  • Professional Football Grounds Team (Elite) of the Year (Sponsored by SGL)   
    • Liverpool Football Club
  • University/College Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by Kubota UK Ltd)   
    • Lancaster University
  • Independent School Grounds Team of the Year (Sponsored by ISEKI UK & Ireland)    
    • Eton College
  • GMA Grounds Manager of the Year (Sponsored by DLF Seeds Ltd) 
    • William Rigg – Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club

The GMA would like to extend a special thank you to our platinum sponsor ISEKI UK & Ireland and award category sponsors, DLF Seeds Ltd, Syngenta, ICL, Agronomic Services, SGL, Husqvarna, Infinicut, Reesink Turfcare, Kubota UK and the National Governing Bodies of sport, whose support made this event possible.

This year’s charity partner, LFC Foundation, was at the heart of the evening, with guests generously donating to support its vital work in creating life-changing opportunities for young people within the local Liverpool postcodes of L4 and L5. 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 17-23 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.

The GMA Industry Awards continue to grow, and we’re already looking forward to what’s upcoming for 2026. Stay tuned for more updates and, in the meantime, keep an eye on our social channels for event highlights and winner interviews.

Thank you once again to all attendees, finalists, winners and sponsors, for such a brilliant evening of celebrating the grounds management industry.

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Kyle Walker To Host GMA Industry Awards

Kyle Walker To Host GMA Industry Awards: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is delighted to confirm that renowned sports broadcaster Kyle Walker will host the GMA Industry Awards 2025.

With a broadcasting career spanning Sky Sports, Premier League Productions (PLP) and the BBC, he has become a familiar face to sports fans, presenting programmes such as The Transfer Show, Saturday Social and Sky Sports’ ePremier League coverage.

Kyle Walker To Host GMA Industry Awards

Kyle Walker To Host GMA Industry Awards

His love for football has led him to interview many high-profile figures in the sport, including his namesake, AC Milan and England defender Kyle Walker.

In 2018, he landed his own show on BBC Radio Manchester, The Dead Good Show, before moving to BBC 5Live to host Talking Balls from 2019 to 2020. He also became a regular reporter for BBC Football Focus and Match of the Day.

He soon became the presenter of Sky Sports’ Transfer Show, the host of the Sky Sports ePremier League Show and a regular on Saturday Social and The Early Kick Off Show. His on-air talent was recognised when he was nominated for an SJA Award in The Ones to Watch – On-Air category.

2022 saw him co-present Sky Sports’ ‘Good Morning Euros’ and he was also a key part of Sky Sports’ coverage of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Kyle Walker, GMA Industry Awards host, said: “I’m really looking forward to hosting the GMA Industry Awards and celebrating the work of grounds teams up and down the country. These are the people who make sure playing surfaces are in top condition, and their work often goes unnoticed. It’s going to be a fantastic night, and I can’t wait to be part of it.”

The GMA Industry Awards, the leading celebration of professional and volunteer grounds staff, return in 2025 to recognise contributions across a range of categories within the industry.

Taking place at the iconic Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool Football Club, on Thursday 13 March, the awards are an unmissable occasion to acknowledge the talent within the entire grounds management sector.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, said: “We’re really pleased to have Kyle Walker hosting this year’s awards. He’s got a fantastic energy and a real appreciation for the work that goes on behind the scenes in sport. The GMA Industry Awards are all about celebrating the people who make sport possible, and I know that Kyle will help us to shine a spotlight on their achievements.”

Tickets for the GMA Industry Awards 2025 are available from £110 (GMA Member price). Experience the awards amongst the industry’s finest and celebrate the achievements of grounds staff at every level.

Further details about the awards, including ticket information and sponsorship, can be found here: gmaindustryawards.uk

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GMA launches industry survey

GMA launches industry survey: The Grounds Management Association (GMA), in partnership with the National Governing Bodies of sport, is pleased to launch its industry survey aimed at grounds staff and volunteers.

This survey is a crucial tool in understanding the impact of economic and environmental factors on you and the grounds management industry.

GMA launches industry survey

GMA launches industry survey

To ensure the survey is relevant and tailored to individual roles, it is divided into two versions: one for professional (paid) staff and another for volunteers.

Click Here For PROFESSIONALSClick Here For VOLUNTEERS

In appreciation of the time and effort spent on completing the survey, all participants will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Amazon gift voucher.

All responses will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. No individual responses will be disclosed, and the data will be used exclusively by GMA staff and research contractors for industry analysis purposes.

The survey will close on Friday 16 August 2024.

The GMA encourages all grounds staff and volunteers to participate and share their insights to help shape the future of the industry.

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