Tag Archive for: Joins

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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Former Lombard Trophy winner joins Germinal Sales Team

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Former Lombard Trophy winner joins Germinal Sales Team: Germinal Amenity, the market leader in the development and supply of specialist seed products for the amenity sector, is delighted to announce the appointment of former Lombard Trophy winner and golf pro, Doug Brolls, as Technical Sales Representative for the Northeast of England and Scotland.

Originally hailing from Scotland and born in Lockerbie, Doug has spent a lifetime playing, coaching, competing and managing golf courses and playing surfaces. He now resides in the Northeast and is a lifelong Sunderland FC supporter.

Former Lombard Trophy winner joins Germinal Sales Team

Former Lombard Trophy winner joins Germinal Sales Team

Doug has extensive knowledge of golf and golf courses, not only in the Northeast and Scotland, but right across the whole of the UK and beyond. This awareness has been cultivated during his life as a golf professional and coach, and a multiple times winner on the North, Northeast and Northwest PGA circuits, and winning the prestigious Lombard International Trophy in Portugal in 1998.

Commenting, Richard Brown, Amenity Director of Germinal GB & Ireland, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Doug to Germinal Amenity. He has a deep understanding of players, customer service, competing and the amenity sports surfaces industry. He also has an extensive knowledge of the Northeast of England and Scotland as a territory.

As a former golfing pro and player at a exceptionally high level, he brings a unique perspective of the quality and standards that turf managers and players demand. He will be a huge addition to our team and for our customers across the sports amenity, turf management and landscape communities. Welcome on board, Doug!”

Commenting, Doug Brolls said:

“I’m very excited to join Germinal Amenity as Technical Sales Representative for Scotland and the Northeast of England. I am looking forward to using my knowledge and background in turf management with golf clubs, sports venues and turf professionals to deliver high-performance, sustainable surfaces using Germinal’s industry-leading seed and grass solutions. I am also really looking forward to reconnecting with familiar faces, meeting new customers and supporting Germinal’s commitment to innovation, quality and sustainability across the sports and amenity sector.”

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Beth Gibbs Joins GMA As Regional Pitch Advisor

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Beth Gibbs Joins GMA As Regional Pitch Advisor: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is proud to announce that Beth Gibbs has been appointed as the new Regional Pitch Advisor – Rugby Union, for the London and South East region, making her the first female to hold this position in the organisation’s history.

Beth began her grounds management career at Wellington School where she joined as an apprentice and undertook her Level 2 qualification in Sports Turf Maintenance. This early hands‑on experience has laid the foundation for her rapid progression in the profession and remains a defining part of her journey into grounds management.

Beth Gibbs Joins GMA As Regional Pitch Advisor

Beth Gibbs Joins GMA As Regional Pitch Advisor

A rising talent within the sector, Beth brings a track record of leadership and advocacy for early‑career professionals. She is an active member of the GMA’s NextGen group, championing pathways for young people entering the industry.

Her achievements were nationally recognised when she was named Young Groundsperson of the Year by the GMA in 2023.

In her new role as Regional Pitch Advisor for the South East and London, Beth will play a pivotal part in shaping and supporting professional standards across one of the most diverse and dynamic regions in the grounds sector. Her appointment shows the GMA’s continued dedication to improving representation and supporting future leaders in grounds management.

Beth Gibbs said: “It’s an honour to take on this role and to be the first female representative. The GMA has played an important part in my development and I’m excited to help others access the same opportunities. I’m passionate about supporting our community, especially young people starting their journey in the industry.”

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, said: “Beth’s appointment is a significant moment for the GMA and for the wider grounds management industry. Beth brings a fresh perspective and real credibility which is why we’re proud to see her step into this role.”

Jason Booth, COO of the GMA, said: “Beth is an exceptional example of the future of our profession – dedicated, knowledgeable and inspiring to others. Her contribution to NextGen and her achievements to date show exactly why she is the right person for this role. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the team.”

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Tom Curry Joins STIGA as Brand Ambassador

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Tom Curry Joins STIGA as Brand Ambassador: STIGA is delighted to announce England Rugby player Tom Curry as the brand’s newest ambassador. The partnership brings together one of rugby’s most respected and powerful players with one of Europe’s leading garden machinery brands — united by shared values of teamwork, reliability, performance, and community.

Through this exciting collaboration, Tom will be working with STIGA to explore his growing passion for gardening and test a range of innovative products designed to help him create his own “pitch-perfect lawn” at home.

Tom Curry said:

“I’m delighted to be an ambassador for STIGA. The timing of this partnership is perfect as I’m currently in the process of moving house and looking forward to spending lots of time in my garden. I can’t wait to test out STIGA’s great range of products and see what they can do. For when I’m in camp or during busy training periods, the STIGA autonomous robot mower sounds ideal!”

Tom Curry Joins STIGA as Brand Ambassador

Tom Curry Joins STIGA as Brand Ambassador

“I’ve always been passionate about recognising the importance of grassroots rugby — you need strong foundations to grow, achieve, and follow your dreams. That’s why this partnership with STIGA feels so natural. Just like rugby, great gardens start from the ground up.”

Renowned for his uncompromising tackling and relentless work rate, Tom is a player whose performances embody precision, power, and consistency — qualities that STIGA prides itself on delivering in every product.

As part of STIGA’s wider partnership with England Rugby, this collaboration with Tom reflects a shared commitment to supporting the game at every level — from grassroots clubs to the international stage. STIGA’s belief in nurturing potential and creating lasting impact mirrors the way rugby builds communities and inspires the next generation.

James Gordon, Managing Director at STIGA, added:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Tom to the STIGA family. His work ethic, reliability, and commitment to performance — both on and off the pitch — perfectly align with our values. Together, we’re championing growth, from grassroots clubs to home gardens, helping people nurture their own green spaces with pride.”

Shared Values, Shared Impact

At their core, rugby and STIGA are built on the same foundations — teamwork, reliability, performance, and community. It’s this shared spirit that helps both players and gardeners grow, thrive, and make a lasting impact

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Gareth Phillips joins Tim O’Hare Associates

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Gareth Phillips joins Tim O’Hare Associates: Tim O’Hare Associates (TOHA), the industry’s leading independent environmental consultancy specialising in soil science, landscape engineering, and sports agronomy, has welcomed Gareth Phillips in the role of Senior Agronomist to its Wallingford-based team.

Gareth brings over 35 years of experience to the practice, working across the full spectrum of sports turf management and agronomy. He joins TOHA from Ecosol Turf Care, where he provided agronomic and project management support. Prior to that he held significant roles within a leading sports turf design and agronomy consultancy, contributing to various sports turf projects, from racecourses to bowling greens. Gareth also has extensive lecturing experience, teaching at the Welsh College of Horticulture and Reaseheath College, where he delivered courses on sports turf and amenity horticulture.

Gareth Phillips joins Tim O’Hare Associates

Gareth Phillips joins Tim O’Hare Associates

His expertise has been invaluable to a range of high-profile clients, including racecourses; premier, championship, and football league clubs; international stadia; and prestigious organisations such as the Rugby Football Union and Sport England.

Tim O’Hare, Principal Consultant at TOHA, which he set up in 2006, said:

“We are delighted that Gareth has joined us and brought with him his wealth of knowledge and experience in sports and amenity agronomy. Sports pitch design and agronomy is an increasingly important part of our business, where our clients are often from high stakes environments that depend on receiving quality consultancy on their sports surfaces; I am pleased to say that they are already benefitting from Gareth’s expertise.”

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