Tag Archive for: Join

New recruits join GMA Young Board of Directors

New recruits join GMA Young Board of Directors: The GMA’s Young Board of Directors, sponsored by Reesink Turfcare, has recruited four new talented young grounds professionals to its ranks. The new additions will add fresh energy to the Young Board’s efforts to inspire the next generation of young people to join the sector.

Joining existing members are Meg Lay, Beth Gibbs, Liddy Ford and Jack Langley. Meg, who recently moved from Gloucestershire CC to Lord’s Cricket Ground, and Beth, who is part of Wellington School’s grounds team, join the Young Board fresh off the back of successes in the GMA Industry Awards 2023 where Meg won Newcomer of the Year and Beth won Young Groundsperson of the Year.

New recruits join GMA Young Board of Directors

New recruits join GMA Young Board of Directors

Liddy joins the Young Board with a background in horticulture as well as a BSc in sport and exercise science. Her current role is as a part of the grounds team at St George’s Park, the Football Association’s base for all 23 of England’s national football teams.

Jack joins having progressed from Assistant Grounds person to Deputy Head Grounds person at Ashton Gate Stadium, a multi-sport facility that acts as the home of Bristol City Football Club and Bristol Bears. The four new additions will use their varied backgrounds across sporting and educational facilities, and enthusiasm for grounds management, to represent the GMA in activity that aims to inspire young people to join the sector.

Work will begin with three of the new Board members, Meg, Liddy and Beth, representing the GMA as part of the all-female grounds team preparing the pitch at Emirates Stadium for Arsenal vs Tottenham in the Women’s Super League on Sunday 3 March 2024.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, is delighted to welcome the four new members to the Young Board:

“We established the Young Board of Directors in 2011 with the aim of encouraging more young people to consider careers in grounds management. Since then, a number of the founding members have gone on to achieve great things, including John Ledwidge, Head of Grounds and Landscapes at Manchester City FC, Ryan Golding, Head Groundsman at Leeds Rhinos, and Nick Phillips, Training Center Manager at Tottenham Hotspur FC.

“Beth, Meg, Liddy and Jack, bring fresh ideas and energy, and it’s clear that we’ve brought some exceptionally talented young professionals onto the existing team. We’re delighted to welcomethem all to the Board and are excited to see them contribute to our work on inspiring the next generation to join the sector.”

Gillian Haverson, Marketing & Communications Manager at Young Board sponsors, Reesink Turfcare said:

“Reesink is thrilled to offer its continued support for this great initiative and the excellent work done by the GMA Young Board of Directors. It’s always exciting to see women flourishing in this industry and we look forward to working with each of the new members. With this new injection of enthusiasm, we’re confident the GMA Young Board can only go from strength to strength.”

Beth, Liddy and Meg will all be in action as part of the trailblazing all-female grounds team preparing the pitch at Emirates Stadium for Arsenal vs Tottenham in the Women’s Super League on Sunday 3 March 2024, which will be free to view on the BBC.

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Van Vuuren Turf Harvesters Join Campey Range

Van Vuuren Turf Harvesters Join Campey Range: Campey Turf Care Systems has added the Dutch-made Van Vuuren Turf Harvesters to their industry-leading staple of machines.

Van Vuuren has been the leading supplier of machinery for the turf industry since 1988, with their technological innovations offering turf growers optimal results under any circumstance.

Van Vuuren Turf Harvesters Join Campey Range

Van Vuuren Turf Harvesters Join Campey Range

Lee Morgado Sales Director of Campey is delighted to be adding the Van Vuuren equipment to the Campey line-up. “We’ve known the company a long time and have a good relationship with them. Together, we can provide the sales, service and back-up network to drive the whole range, in particular the The TurfTick® 2316 Universal Stacker and BigTick® 1040 turf harvester, forward in the UK and Ireland.”

The TurfTick® 2316 Universal Stacker and BigTick® 1040 turf harvester follow the traditional Campey attributes of being reliable, widely compatible, easy to maintain and user-friendly whilst excelling in their operation.

TurfTick® 2316 is the ultimate single-operator, Universal Stacker. Compact, proven, economical, and durable, it is ideal for turf growers with a harvesting capacity of approximately 900m2 per hour. Due to its compactness, the TurfTick® 2316 offers less downtime compared to other automated turf harvesters. This results in high production efficiency and low operating costs.

The high weight of the machine makes it possible to harvest a constant thickness of turf rolls, even under challenging conditions. In addition, several pallet sizes are stackable, with an optional injector for seven pallets.

The BigTick®1040 is durable, heavy in weight, and has a solid design. It is the best and most economical solution for harvesting high-quality large turf rolls. With the speed of operation offered by the BigTick®1040, a high production capacity of 2400 meters per hour is achieved.

A big turf roll has a maximum width of 40 inches (1m). Harvesting two 20-inch (0.5m) turf rolls is possible by installing the optional centre colter disk. This turf harvesting machine delivers consistent thickness and compact large turf rolls using top-quality blades to ensure first-class turf rolls.

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Join Perennial in creating a culture of mental wellbeing

Join Perennial in creating a culture of mental wellbeing: Since last year, over 55 individuals from 33 companies have successfully qualified as Mental Health First Aiders as part of Perennial’s pilot programme, offering an invaluable first point of contact for those in their workplace that may be struggling.

Trained to have an understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing, as well as the practical skills to spot the signs and symptoms, these MHFAiders® are there to step in, reassure and support their colleagues.

Join Perennial in creating a culture of mental wellbeing

Join Perennial in creating a culture of mental wellbeing

However, according to Clare Downs, Head of Preventative Services there is still the opportunity for more employers to step forward and join Perennial in tackling the issues and widening the conversation around mental health.

“We are absolutely delighted that so many different horticultural employees, from grounds maintenance to managers to HR personnel, have become trained MHFAiders® and champions of the importance of health and wellbeing within the workplace and beyond. But we also know from our research and experience that mental health issues remain one of the biggest contributors to ill health within the industry.+ We welcome organisations to join us in continuing to raise awareness, support more staff to be trained and influence the wider horticulture community to help create a culture of positive mental wellbeing for all.”

As one recently trained MHFAider® says, “We are at work a lot of hours each week and probably spend more time with our colleagues than our family and friends. I want all my colleagues to feel they have a safe and open environment to speak to a person, who can listen and not judge – and hopefully help them understand and find the support they need.  Since doing the course, I think it should be mandatory along with physical first aiders within a business.”

If you are an employer with over 30 employees who proactively wants to increase their team’s mental health and wellbeing, please contact Helen Waddington to find out more about this pilot programme at hwaddington@perennial.org.uk.

Free limited places are now available for training courses being held during May, July, October and November 2023.

Perennial’s pilot programme is delivered in partnership with Mental Health First Aid England.

+ Perennial’s Health & Wellbeing Survey (2021) found that mental wellbeing was among the biggest perceived challenges for people working in horticulture.

  • 85% of people’s mental wellbeing was poor or below average
  • 26% of people listed depression, anxiety, and stress as critical issues
  • 22% said they did not recognise when they were unable to cope or how to deal with these circumstance

For the full findings visit perennial.org.uk/survey

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Greenkeepers selected to join Wentworth team

Greenkeepers selected to join Wentworth team: Members of the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) will gain an unrivalled behind-the-scenes look at preparations for the BMW PGA Championship this September after being selected to join the Wentworth Club’s greenkeeping team for the duration of the event.

Supplementing Wentworth Club’s inhouse greenkeeping team will be 24 volunteers from across the greenkeeping association. The volunteer BIGGA members will fully integrate with the Wentworth greenkeeping team and take on important maintenance tasks to help prepare the course for play each day.

Greenkeepers selected to join Wentworth team

Greenkeepers selected to join Wentworth team

Wentworth Club Courses and Grounds Manager Daniel Clarke said: “We value our relationship with BIGGA highly and given every member of the Wentworth greenkeeping team is a part of the association and has access to the training and education it offers, we know how committed and capable these volunteers will be as we prepare the West Course for the DP World Tour’s flagship event. Over the years the BMW PGA Volunteer Support Team has evolved from being a helping hand to now being an instrumental part of the in-house greenkeeping team and I’m excited to welcome them all to Wentworth Club in September.”

The BMW PGA Volunteer Support Team is just one of a number of exclusive and career-defining initiatives made available to members of BIGGA, the UK’s only dedicated membership association for golf greenkeepers. Head to www.bigga.org.uk for more information.

The BIGGA members who have been invited to join the Wentworth team as volunteers for the duration of the BMW PGA Championship are:

  • Wayne Aris, Langley Park GC
  • Callum Atkinson, Prestbury GC
  • Tom Barnett, Drayton Park GC
  • Euan Bogle, Lanark GC
  • David Bruce, The Gleneagles Hotel
  • Martin Coe, China Fleet CC
  • Luke Fitzpatrick, The Buckinghamshire GC
  • Calum Forsyth, Carrbridge GC
  • Jack Hall, Lutterworth GC
  • James Hook, The Bristol GC
  • Greg Jones, JCB G&CC
  • Ryan Lindsay, East Sussex National GC
  • Daniel Long-Greatorex, JCB G&CC
  • Thibault Marcazzan, Le Touquet
  • Charlie Munn-Cocks, Camberley Heath GC
  • Stanley Murphy, Ealing GC
  • Scott Patrick, Prestwick St Cuthbert GC
  • Daniel Rigby, Chigwell GC
  • Andrew Sellars, The Grove
  • Matthew Shaul, Ashby Decoy GC
  • Tom Silcock, Prestbury GC
  • Ben Sixsmith, Ganton GC
  • Philip Slater, West Herts GC

Ross Traill, Kilmarnock (Barassie) GC

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Technical Managers join Headland Amenity

Technical Managers join Headland Amenity: To support continued growth and development as part of Origin Amenity Solutions, Headland Amenity have announced the appointment of two new Technical Managers in the form of Laurence McCrory and Jack Hawkes.

Both will be responsible for delivering Headland’s sound and scientific advice and guidance on product selection, Laurence to customers in the South of England, and Jack to Sports Turf Managers in the South and Central regions.

Technical Managers join Headland Amenity

Technical Managers join Headland Amenity

Laurence has been in the turf care industry for 26 years, holding various positions at a number of golf courses including his most recent role as Course Manager at Castle Royle Golf Club in Reading. Having been an avid user of Headland products throughout his career, Laurence relished the opportunity to combine his knowledge and passion for the industry with a change of direction in his career with this new role – providing additional support to customers from the Bedfordshire area and below.

He commented, “I had fantastic first-hand support from Headland throughout my career and it is a brilliant opportunity to now use this confidence and knowledge of their product range to advise and plan programmes for others working in greenkeeping. Since I joined in October, I have already learnt so much and have met some really dedicated turf professionals who I look forward to working with more in the future.”

Also a user of Headland products during his time at Leamington & County Golf Club, Jack Hawkes joins in the role of Regional Technical Manager for Sports Turf – seeing him support customers from football, rugby, cricket, educational facilities and private estates. A keen sportsman himself, Jack is also an FTMI graduate and was selected as an R&A scholar which provided excellent networking opportunities and the chance to work at the French Open, hosted at Le Golf National.

Technical Managers join Headland Amenity

Technical Managers join Headland Amenity

“In the short time I have been at Headland I have broadened my knowledge and have enjoyed working with customers to understand their unique needs and expectations, whether that’s a Premier League football club or local village sports facility!” adds Jack. “With Headland now a member of OAS, it’s an exciting project to be a part of, with an industry-leading range of tools and opportunities at our disposal to help our customers in achieving their goals.”

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Press join GreenMech for update event

Press join GreenMech for update event: Europe’s leading woodchipper manufacturer GreenMech recently invited the industry media to join them at a venue close to their production site in Warwickshire, for an update event with a festive feeling!

The assembled journalists discovered how GreenMech have overcome the numerous challenges encountered since the event last took place five years ago, together with having an opportunity to get hands-on with some of their latest innovations – including the EVO 205D and brand-new EVO 205D SURE-Trak.

Press join GreenMech for update event

Press join GreenMech for update event

In his presentation, Sales Director Martin Lucas outlined three major factors which have all had an impact on business in recent years. The first of which, and perhaps the biggest challenge for the engineering team, was the introduction of Stage V engine compliance. The need to fit new certified Stage V engines required the re-engineering of in the region of 20 GreenMech models – a massive task that he explained required careful consideration to balance customer expectations, unit performance and cost.

While the transition period of Stage V was extended due to COVID-19, the wider impact and knock-on effects of the pandemic were also discussed. With their own dedicated manufacturing facility, Martin detailed how GreenMech endeavour to produce as much as they can themselves, however like a lot of manufacturers, rely on the availability of third-party components – some of which, including hydraulics and electric components, remain in short supply. This meant lead time management was another hurdle GreenMech have had to overcome, with the proactiveness of their dealer network noted in helping to shorten the customers exposure to long delivery times.

The third area discussed was Brexit. With exports accounting for roughly 70% of their business, the implications of the new European guidelines have seen added complexities and a big increase in the amount of paperwork GreeMech need to complete to get a machine to its final destination. However, there are indeed reasons to be chipper, as Martin explained that the appetite for UK manufactured product remains strong, with a keenness from their European distribution partners to remain committed to the brand.

Despite the adversity, the creativity of GreenMech shone through as Martin and members of the marketing team discussed the launch of the highly successful EVO series – with a new market image and approach meaning the EVO now accounts for a significant proportion of all orders placed. First launched at the 2019 Arb Show, the EVO 165D set a new precedent for GreenMech, in terms of the specification which delivered more aggressive torque, bite and throughput. A tracked version, the EVO 165DT followed, then shortly after a 37hp petrol engine was introduced to bring the new EVO 165P into the sub-750kg category. More recently the ‘big brother’ came to market in the form of the EVO 205D – an 8” unit powered by a 50hp Kubota diesel engine.

The newest launch, the EVO 205D SAFE-Trak and SURE-Trak models, provides the operator with ultimate safety and stability when working across slopes of up to 35o. The media became some of the first to see the brand-new EVO 205D SURE-Trak in the flesh as this was lined-up, alongside other models from the EVO range, for a series of working demonstrations.

After getting hands-on, the press were then given an insight into how the machines are made with a step-by-step virtual factory tour. Jonathan Turner, GreenMech Managing Director, closed proceedings by saying “We’re proud of our achievements and how we’ve overcome such a challenging couple of years, but now is the time to be even more positive and excited about our future. We will be continuing to work on industry-leading new products, designed to perform without compromise with the support of a great network of colleagues and dealers around us.”

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New recruits join amenity team

New recruits join amenity team: Grass seed breeder and producer Barenbrug UK has boosted its amenity team with the appointment of David Howells and Joshua Thomason.

David Howells is Regional Sales Manager responsible for the North of England and North Wales.

New recruits join amenity team

New recruits join amenity team

A keen gardener and Leeds United supporter, David began his career in the British Army, completing his greenkeeper training at Askham Bryan College and working as a greenkeeper and course manager at Harrogate and Shropshire Golf Clubs, including responsibility for the construction and grow-in of a 27-hole golf course, before moving into technical and sales support. He joins Barenbrug after his most recent role at Headland Amenity where he provided technical, sales and agronomic support to course managers and head groundsmen at golf courses, premier football venues and training grounds in the North of England.

He comments: “The increasingly high expectations for quality sports surfaces, environmental restrictions for part or full withdrawal of amenity products and climate change have compounded abiotic and biotic stresses within the grass plant. For turf managers, introducing high quality grass species and cultivars has never been as important. Barenbrug has been a major grass seed producer backed by extensive investment in research and development and is renowned for high-quality products that meet the challenges that greenkeepers and groundsman face. A focus on sustainability has also resulted in over two thirds of its seed grown in the UK. Whether golf course, winter sports pitch or turf grower, I’m looking forward to meeting customers, helping them improving their sward composition and tackle disease, wear, or specific issues in particular locations. My invitation is to get in touch and see what Barenbrug can offer from both a professional technical advice and support perspective”.

David can be contacted on 07887 503796 or by email at dhowells@barenbrug.co.uk.

Joshua Thomason is Regional Sales Manager covering South England and South Wales.

A recipient of the prestigious R&A Greenkeeping Scholarship and Myerscough College graduate, Joshua’s career has included course manager and greenkeeper roles, with major tournament experience at exclusive golf venues in the UK, Austria, USA and Australia including the new West London Links opening in 2023, Roehampton and Royal Wimbledon Golf Clubs. With significant international expertise in modern agronomic techniques, experience in differing climates and with warm and cool season grasses, he also looks forward to supporting greenkeeping teams to further improve their playing surfaces.

New recruits join amenity team

New recruits join amenity team

He comments: “I’m looking forward to creating long-lasting relationships that will, through use of Barenbrug products, enable end-users to create exemplary turfgrass surfaces that deliver superior performance while reducing inputs and enhancing the environment“.

Joshua can be contacted on 07818 206757 or email at jthomason@barenbrug.co.uk

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Dennis and SISIS join AGIF

Dennis and SISIS join AGIF: Dennis Mowers and SISIS Equipment, leading British manufacturers of innovative professional sports grounds maintenance equipment, have become a member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF).

Divisions of the Howardson Group, Dennis and SISIS have more than 90 years of experience helping people create their desired end result and have invested heavily in the future with new products, new facilities, latest machine tools, people skills and design technology.

Dennis and SISIS join AGIF

Dennis and SISIS join AGIF

Synonymous with reliable, high-quality equipment and after sales service, Dennis and SISIS offer a wide range of cylinder mowers, scarifiers, aerators, slitters, sweepers and brushes that enable groundsmen, greenkeepers and gardeners to create their perfect surface.

“Our machines are used at high profile international stadia around the world, many top football, cricket, golf and bowling clubs as well as local authorities, schools, colleges and universities,” said Toby Clarke, the company’s International Business Director.

“Our reputation is built not only on the quality of our products but also on the high level of customer and technical support provided by our experienced field and office-based teams and our professional dealership network. We are committed to exceeding expectations by the loyalty customers place in our brand, products and people.

“I’ve been working here for 26 years and all I’ve seen is growth. To see the company develop in this way and to be a part of it now at a more management and strategic level is fantastic,” added Clarke.

Dennis and SISIS have been long-time supporters of industry associations and are corporate members of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), STRI (formerly the Sports Turf Research Institute), the Federation of European Golf Greenkeepers Associations (FEGGA), the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) and Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA).

Clarke said: “We’re delighted to expand our reach by becoming a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation. From tee-to-green, Dennis and SISIS provide a full range of equipment for all golf course maintenance requirements. Superintendents, owners, technicians and other golf management professionals can look forward to seeing a great line-up of products at forthcoming events around the region, including November’s AGIF Expo in Bangkok.”

Eric Lynge, the AGIF’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Dennis and SISIS have long been respected and trusted names in the turf maintenance industry in the United Kingdom and Europe. We look forward to working with Toby and his colleagues and helping them to enhance their businesses in Asia.”

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KAR UK & Hunter join forces at BTME

KAR UK & Hunter join forces at BTME: KAR UK and Hunter Industries are joining forces to exhibit at BTME 2020 on Stand 270 in the Red Zone.

KAR UK, the leading wholesaler of irrigation equipment in the UK and an integral distributor of Hunter Industries irrigation equipment, will once again be exhibiting at the Harrogate based show. Visitors to the joint stand can expect to discover a wide range of market leading irrigation products that could make significant improvements to turf.

KAR UK & Hunter join forces at BTME

Here is a glimpse of what to expect:

NEW Hunter TTS rotors

The Hunter TTS-800 rotors provide maximum uniformity and longevity. The high-torque gear drives are the strongest in the industry, so the challenges of reclaimed water use or poor water quality are mitigated. An extra-large, fast-access flange compartment comfortably accommodates wire connections and other components.

The new 800 series feature Hunter’s patented TTS (Total-Top-Service) technology which allows for every serviceable element of the rotor to be accessed through the top. Mechanical and electrical, big and small, you can get to every component without disturbing the playing surface. That means there’s no more digging, no more unsightly scars, and more importantly, one less item on a busy turf manager’s schedule.

NEW ST-1700V rotor

Another highlight on the KAR UK and Hunter stand will be the recently launched ST-1700V rotor which offers unrivalled high-performance irrigation for synthetic turf. Simplicity is the key to the ST-1700V as it integrates Valve-in-Head (VIH) capabilities and a TTS design to simplify installation and maintenance.

I-80 rotor

Engineered for sports turf, the I-80 is built with a robust, dirt-tolerant gear drive that offers the highest torque output of any rotor in the commercial sphere, and extends a radius range from 11.3 to 29.6 meters. The I-80 features a wide range of highly efficient, dual-trajectory, wind-fighting nozzles for highly efficient performance in a range of applications. It also provides TTS via its integrated, surface-mounted snap-ring for no-dig easy maintenance.

ACC2 and ICC2 controllers

Hunter’s line-up of controllers offer an array of user-friendly features and smart controller water-saving options built to fit any sports and landscape irrigation system. The modular design of the ICC2 and the ACC2 controllers set yet another industry standard for easy-to-use and expandable automatic irrigation controllers.  KAR UK will also demonstrate the new Centralus Software which is available to the ICC2 and ACC2. Both of these controllers will be showcased on the stand at BTME.

Pilot PC-based central control system

A PC-based software package that makes central control of large-scale irrigation systems affordable, usable, and comprehensible.

Experienced members of staff from both KAR UK and Hunter Industries will be on hand throughout the three-day event to provide advice and support for any of your irrigation projects.

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com or www.hunterindustries.com

You can also follow KAR UK on Twitter @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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idverde and TCL Group join forces

idverde and TCL Group join forces: idverde has acquired TCL Group, the national provider of Landscaping, Play products and Grounds Maintenance services to a diverse UK customer base.

idverde Group is Europe’s leading provider of Green Services with a turnover in excess of €600m, employing over 6,000 colleagues throughout France, Holland and the UK.

idverde and TCL Group join forces

With Regional hubs in Derby, Northampton, Dorking and Melksham, TCL has annual sales of £65m and employs over 850 colleagues, delivering its products and services to a range of Blue Chip and Public Sector clients. This acquisition expands idverde’s UK portfolio of services, providing a complementary offer to existing clients in both companies and further develops idverde’s extensive national coverage delivered by idverde colleagues. idverde UK now has over 3,850 directly employed colleagues across the UK which enables its service capability to be far reaching to serve clients both locally and nationally.

Simon Cashmore, Executive Chairman of TCL, and his executive management team will take up senior roles within idverde UK.

Doug Graham, CEO at idverde UK, commented: “We have been tracking TCL for some time and have been impressed with the way in which the business has developed and are really pleased to have secured the deal to truly make idverde the undisputed market leader in the UK. In addition to its grounds maintenance services delivered through the royal warrant holding Burleys division, with TCL’s Playforce products and services and Housebuilder landscaping services, TCL brings new and enhanced service capability to idverde and it strengthens our strategy to be the green services provider of choice, which is underpinned by our 3,850 directly employed colleagues. I am delighted to welcome Simon and the TCL team to the business as they continue into the next chapter of the journey as part of the idverde team.”

Simon Cashmore, Executive Chairman of TCL added: “Alongside Simon Abley and a number of close colleagues it has been a huge pleasure to have had the opportunity to lead TCL Group since 2007 and build the business from a single site Midlands based operation into a multi-channel / multi-services organisation, operating across a national footprint. Joining forces with idverde represents an incredibly exciting opportunity for colleagues working within the group and indeed for our customers, with many advantages for both as a result of becoming part of the UK market leader.  The range of services provided by idverde and TCL are hugely complementary and combine to create a really compelling proposition for the enlarged group’s many customers. I would like to thank BGF and Investec, and previously Caledonia Investments plc, for the role they have played in supporting the growth of the business and I look forward to being able to play a part in helping the business continue to flourish within idverde.’’

Hervé Lançon, President at idverde Group, remarked: “We are very proud to welcome TCL to the idverde Group. idverde UK is a very important contributor to the success of the idverde Group pan-European strategy. Under the leadership of the UK CEO, Doug Graham, the team are driving the UK development through a successful build up strategy in addition to solid organic growth. Simon Cashmore and his TCL colleagues demonstrated to us that they share many of the values that we promote at idverde and I look forward to continuing to work with the team.”

Doug Graham, CEO at idverde UK, went on to add: “The acquisition of TCL marks the fifth transaction that Livingstone has advised us on and they have played an integral role in delivering our ambitious international growth strategy. We highly value their sector insight, ongoing advice and hands-on execution support and we look forward to continuing our working relationship.”

Karen Dawaf Harron, Director at Livingstone, concluded “Livingstone is delighted to have played a part in delivering the TCL acquisition – our fifth transaction advising idverde in four years. The UK Green Services sector is a vibrant, thriving arena and TCL significantly enhances idverde’s presence in the private sector presence, its capabilities around landscape construction and its geographic coverage.”

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