Tag Archive for: James

James Haskell to headline at SALTEX

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James Haskell to headline at SALTEX: SALTEX, the UK’s cutting-edge sports turf, grounds care and landscaping exhibition, is set to welcome one of the most recognisable sporting personalities, James Haskell, for an unmissable Learning LIVE and Clubhouse DJ session on day one of the show. 

Held at the NEC Birmingham on 12-13 November 2025, SALTEX promises a vibrant mix of industry insight and entertainment. Haskell, a former England international rugby player, will join the stellar Learning LIVE line up and deliver a keynote session. His talk will explore the parallels between elite sport and professional development, touching on leadership, resilience and the importance of adaptability in high-performance environments.

James Haskell to headline at SALTEX

James Haskell to headline at SALTEX

As a former professional athlete, James understands first-hand the critical role high-quality playing surfaces play in elite performance, and he brings a genuine appreciation for the work of grounds staff and turf professionals at all levels.

He is one of the best-known rugby players and sportspeople in the UK, having played 77 times for his country, as well as competing internationally and for the British and Irish Lions. He’s known as much for his ability on the field as for his personality off it.

James will also perform an exclusive live DJ set at the SALTEX Clubhouse to kick off Happy Hour on the afternoon of Wednesday 12 November. Known for his love for electronic music and high-energy performances, he set is said to bring ‘Café Mambo vibes’ to Birmingham – blending uplifting house beats with a relaxed, Ibiza-inspired atmosphere. The Clubhouse offers visitors a unique opportunity to unwind and network in a vibrant, informal setting.

The SALTEX Clubhouse has been revamped for 2025 to provide even more opportunities to unwind. Open throughout the show, it will host informal meetups and specially designed networking events to help visitors build meaningful relationships.

James Haskell said: “I’m really looking forward to joining everyone at SALTEX this year. I know first-hand the difference that world-class pitches make to performance, so it’ll be great to share my experiences from the professional game with the people who make it all possible.

“High performance isn’t just about elite sport and sportspeople, it’s about mindset and finding ways to bring out your best every day. I can’t wait to dive into that with the visitors, and then round things off with a DJ set in the Clubhouse.”

Since retiring from professional sport in 2019, James has embarked on a multi-faceted career as a podcaster, presenter and professional DJ.

He hosts several podcasts, including The Good, The Bad and The Rugby, one of the biggest sports podcasts in the world. He’s also appeared on hit shows such as I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, The Chase, A League of Their Own, Question of Sport, Fighting Talk, and many more household-name programmes.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have James Haskell joining us at SALTEX 2025,” said Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the Grounds Management Association. “He is one of the UK’s most recognisable sporting personalities and brings a wealth of experience from the very highest levels of performance, both on and off the pitch. His session will offer valuable insight into resilience and mindset but also provide plenty of entertaining stories.

“Adding someone of James’ stature to an already fantastic Learning LIVE programme just shows the breadth of knowledge and inspiration visitors can expect at this year’s show. And of course, what better way to round off the day than with James swapping the microphone for the decks to kick-start Happy Hour in the Clubhouse Bar. It’s going to be a real highlight of the show.”

SALTEX 2025 is expected to welcome thousands of professionals and volunteers from across the sports turf, grounds care and landscaping sectors, with more than 400 brands and 65+ expert speakers confirmed.

Register for FREE at www.saltex.org.uk and be in with a chance of winning a Cramer Tools Lawn Mower, complete with charger and battery, worth £2,240!

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Green-tech’s James Webster a winner

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Green-tech’s James Webster a winner: Green-tech is delighted to announce that James Webster, one of their dedicated Account Managers, has been named a winner of Pro Landscaper’s prestigious ‘30 Under 30 – The Next Generation’ initiative.

25-year-old James Webster was chosen for his impressive contributions and rapid career progression within the landscape industry. The ’30 Under 30: The Next Generation’ initiative, celebrates 30 rising stars across the arboriculture, garden design, horticultural, and landscaping sectors; and aims to showcase the diverse career opportunities available to young professionals.

Green-tech’s James Webster a winner

Green-tech’s James Webster a winner

James began his journey with Green-tech in 2017 straight from education, and his progression is a testament to his hard work and passion for the industry. James started in the operations and warehouse departments; a role that provided him with a solid foundation in the company. His eagerness to advance and a keen interest in sales led him to a sales role in John Chambers Wildflower Seed, a brand under Green-tech. This experience broadened his sales acumen and his appreciation for the positive influence of landscaping and biodiversity on the environment. James then transitioned to a role within Green-tech’s wider sales team, where his dedication and growing expertise led to his promotion to Technical Sales Representative. In 2023, James was promoted to Account Manager. His commitment to fostering strong relationships and delivering exceptional is at the heart of his success.

Reflecting on his achievement, James said, “I am genuinely thrilled to be named a winner of Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30. Climbing the ranks at Green-tech to my current position has been a rewarding journey, and I’m proud that my efforts have been acknowledged outside of my organisation. The landscaping industry is an amazing field to be part of and I’m delighted that I have met the high standards that these awards strive for.”

Kris Nellist, Managing Director of Green-tech, expressed his pride, stating, “James is the ninth person from Green-tech to be recognised in the ’30 Under 30: The Next Generation’ since its inception in 2014. I am incredibly proud of our company’s culture that supports and nurtures young talent, helping them reach their full potential. James exemplifies this with his hard work, respect from peers and customers. He has a very bright future ahead and I wish him all the best.”

The official awards ceremony will take place at FutureScape 2024 on Wednesday 16th October where Green-tech looks forward to celebrating James’s achievements.

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John Deere Gator joins James Martin’s collection

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John Deere Gator joins James Martin’s collection: Renowned chef and television presenter James Martin has become the proud owner of a new John Deere Gator.

Supplied by John Deere dealer Hunt Forest Group from its Chilbolton branch in Hampshire, James now has a 4×4 road legal utility vehicle which is perfect for his outdoor pursuits.

John Deere Gator joins James Martin’s collection

John Deere Gator joins James Martin’s collection

The XUV865M model has a towing capacity of 907kg and has a maximum load weight of 454kg – perfect for heavy or bulky loads. Additionally, it reaches a top speed of 31mph.

Ed Smales, Turf & Construction Sales Director at Hunt Forest Group, said: “It was great to see James and help facilitate him with a machine suitable for exploring the great British countryside that he is such an advocate of.

“The XUV865M Gator is absolutely perfect for James to get around in the Hampshire countryside where he is based. Featuring on-demand 4WD and the highest ground clearance of any of our crossovers, the vehicle frees the driver to focus on what’s ahead and go to places other models can’t in tricky conditions.

“With fully independent suspension, power steering, and top-of-the-line power, capacity and comfort, we think James will be perfectly equipped for new adventures and exploring a variety of terrains in his new vehicle.”

At the handover, James was very pleased with his new purchase, giving it a ringing endorsement in his own personal way.

“It’s a proper piece of kit,” he said.

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James Wilkinson chooses Foley

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James Wilkinson chooses Foley: Despite being scarce at UK golf clubs, those with a dedicated mechanic know the workshop is the beating heart of the greenkeeping operation.

Since 2005, James Wilkinson has been Buckinghamshire Golf Clubs Workshop and Equipment Manager, and over 17 years has created a workshop and grinding room befitting of the course where it is located.

James Wilkinson chooses Foley

James Wilkinson chooses Foley

Grinding has been in-house at Buckinghamshire since it opened in 1992. It is a small part of the club’s success that has seen it host the Rose Ladies Series, the Anderson Consulting World Match Play, the European Seniors Tournament Champions hosted by Gary Player and ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters.

The quality on and off the course has gone some way to making the club home of the Ladies European Tour, but away from the impressive course and clubhouse in the greenkeeping shed is where James keeps the operation moving.

In November 2021, after just over two decades with his previous Foley Company grinders, James added an Accu-Pro 633 with AccuTouch3 and an Accu-Pro 672 bedknife grinder to his immaculate grinding room. For James, the new pair of American-made machines are ahead of the curve in terms of features and provide exactly what he needs to keep the Buckinghamshire mowers ready for action.

“There are a lot more benefits with the new grinders. Obviously, technology moved on in the last 20-odd years from our old Foley’s. So, even though we were getting good results before, we’re getting better results now, much more superior and much better quality.

“You now have the digital AccuTouch screen, so you can programme cycles into it, you can see exactly what’s going on, make sure they are parallel and vertical, and there’s so much in-depth information that I don’t even know all of it yet. I’m still learning every single time I use them.”

James has plenty of opportunities to study his new tools with the grinders in use all year round. The heavy work takes place during the winter with all the units stripped down, bearings checked, spin ground and then crucially relief ground, and it is here where he sees the biggest benefit.

On average, he saves ten minutes per unit on preparation for relief grinding back to OEM spec and using automation he can leave both grinders to work while he completes other tasks. However, it is the practice itself that he believes is crucial in getting the highest quality of cut.

“Relief grinding is extremely important. Every equipment manager will have their own way of doing things, and every equipment manager will believe in what they do. Some will believe relief grinding maybe isn’t necessary, and some people will swear by it. If you look at the big three manufacturers, Toro, Jacobsen and John Deere, they will all recommend that you relief grind to their specifications.

“You’re removing metal from the trailing edge of the blade. So, I’m basically forming an angle to reduce the contact area of the cutting edges. I’m going to have less heat and less friction because more metal equals more heat, and this reduces the blade contact, which again gives me less friction.”

Using the advancements in technology to streamline grinding has been a significant positive with the Accu-Pro 633, but when it comes to bedknife grinding, for James, the best got even better.

“The 672 hasn’t changed much from my last one, but the reason it hasn’t changed much is that it was so good. The saying is if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. You can absolutely improve things, but the actual mechanics haven’t really changed a lot.

“With that, it is a semi-automatic bedknife grinder. The bedknife itself is held on by electromagnets, so it holds the bar in place so it cannot move. It means you don’t have to clamp anything to it, there are no brackets, and on other machines, you have to mess around and get it into a holder, but you don’t have any of that on this.

Keeping the Buckinghamshire fleet sharp is part of James’ broader strategy to reduce machinery downtime and ensure that his workshop is always empty and the machines are always ready. Investing in new equipment is crucial to this success, and for the next two decades at least, he is confident he can count on his Foley grinders.

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