Tag Archive for: Launch

GMA supports launch of new Sports Turf apprenticeship

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GMA supports launch of new Sports Turf apprenticeship: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has welcomed the creation of a new Level 5 Sports Turf Technical Manager apprenticeship, developed by the industry-led Sports Turf Apprenticeship Trailblazer Group.

The new apprenticeship, which includes an integrated Foundation Degree (FdSc), has now been published, subject to final funding band approval. Delivery is proposed for late 2025 or early 2026.

GMA supports launch of new Sports Turf apprenticeship

GMA supports launch of new Sports Turf apprenticeship

Designed to meet the technical demands of modern turf management, the apprenticeship offers a clear and funded progression route into higher-level learning. The inclusion of the Foundation Degree in Sports Turf means apprentices can achieve a high-quality, industry-relevant qualification as part of their training.

As the professional body for grounds management, the GMA has submitted a letter of professional recognition to the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) to support the mandate of the qualification.

The apprenticeship also aligns directly with the Grounds Management Framework, which brings together a range of training and education opportunities provided by both the GMA and other providers, including apprenticeship providers, to ensure a clear and coherent career pathway for those working, or wishing to work, in sports turf maintenance and management.

Levy-paying employers can draw down funds up to the approved maximum, while non-levy payers contribute just 5% towards training costs. The accessible funding model helps remove barriers for both apprentices and employers, encouraging wider participation and supporting the continued professionalisation of the industry.

Jason Booth, Chief Operating Officer at the GMA, said: “This new Level 5 apprenticeship is a significant step forward for the sports turf sector. It creates a vital link between hands-on experience and degree-level learning. Currently, just under 17% of the professional workforce has come through apprenticeships so by offering a technical qualification that aligns with industry needs, we hope to widen access and attract more people to a rewarding and skilled profession.”

The Sports Turf Apprenticeship Trailblazer Group is a voluntary collaboration involving Whitgift School, Leicester City Football Club, STRI Group, Myerscough College, LANTRA, International Greenkeepers for Hire, Ashton Gate Stadium, Grounds Management Association, The RFU, Bridgewater and Taunton College, Warwickshire CCC, Warwick Schools, Wiltshire College, Perfect Pitches, York Racecourse.

The full apprenticeship standards are available here:

Expressions of interest for the Level 5 Sports Turf Technical Manager apprenticeship are welcome via this form.

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Makita’s latest launch scrubs up well

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Makita’s latest launch scrubs up well: Makita has expanded its range of 40VMax XGT cleaning products with the launch of the high-performance PS001G Scrubber Polisher.

A versatile option, by changing the brush or pad attachment, it can undertake a variety of tasks in a range of interior and exterior applications, including cleaning dirt and removing stains, as well as polishing wax on floors.

Makita's latest launch scrubs up well

Makita’s latest launch scrubs up well

The cordless PS001G Scrubber Polisher is ideal for both inside and outdoors as it is IPX4-rated for splash protection. It can be used for hard floor coverings that require deep cleaning and polishing such as tile, marble or concrete, and across a wide range of settings including schools, hospitals, warehouses, shopping centres, and courtyards.

Users will benefit from its lightweight construction, which makes it easy to manoeuvre. For hard-to-reach areas such as walls or tiled floor joints, the splash guard can be removed for closer access. The handle can also be adjusted up to 354mm and the comfortable grip ensures the PS001G can be used over prolonged periods. A handy built-in job light allows users to see clearly in areas where visibility is restricted, helping to ensure all areas are cleaned.

The scrubber is also designed with reverse rotation, which allows for different brushes and cleaning pads to be fitted and removed without the use of additional tools or the need for the operator to touch the cleaning accessory with their hands. Whether performing a deep clean or a light buff, there are a range of floor pads and brushes available to cater for all cleaning and polishing requirements.

Powered by one Makita 40VMax XGT battery, the PS001G can provide up to 140 minutes of use. A soft start feature brings the machine up to power in a gentle increase and three speed options (low, medium, and high) allow users to match speed to application with constant speed control to ensure stable operation. Finally, it has been designed with a brushless motor, which means less friction, translating into more power, performance, and runtime as well as offering the additional advantage that replacement brushes are not needed.

Andrew Farrell, Key Account Manager – Special Projects at Makita, said: “Cleaning contractors and facilities management teams should find that the PS001G Scrubber Polisher makes an excellent addition to their range of equipment, helping to improve productivity and the quality of cleaning. The machine is powerful, versatile and designed to be comfortable and easy to use, making it an ideal option for a wide range of premises.”

To find out more about Makita and its products visit: www.makitauk.com.

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ICL & Syngenta Launch Ultimate Offers for 2025

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ICL & Syngenta Launch Ultimate Offers for 2025: ICL and Syngenta are excited to announce the return of their Ultimate Offers for 2025, providing turf managers with cost-effective packages designed to deliver exceptional turf performance.

Each package includes Primo Maxx II, a proven growth regulator, along with other high-quality products to ensure reliable results. These offers deliver significant savings and allow turf managers to earn up to 15 Turf Rewards points.

ICL & Syngenta Launch Ultimate Offers for 2025

ICL & Syngenta Launch Ultimate Offers for 2025

The 2025 range includes the following packages, all featuring Primo Maxx II:

  • Ultimate Offer NK – earns 5 Turf Rewards points
    • 1 x 5L Primo Maxx II
    • 1 x 200L Greenmaster Liquid NK
    • 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles
  • Ultimate Offer High N – earns 5 Turf Rewards points
    • 1 x 5L Primo Maxx II
    • 1 x 200L Greenmaster Liquid High N
    • 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles
  • Ultimate Offer S&S – earns 5 Turf Rewards points
    • 1 x 5L Primo Maxx II
    • 1 x 200L Greenmaster Liquid Spring & Summer
    • 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles
  • Ultimate Offer CalMag – earns 5 Turf Rewards points
    • 1 x 5L Primo Maxx II
    • 1 x 200L Greenmaster Liquid CalMag
    • 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles
  • Ultimate Offer WSF/18 – earns 10 Turf Rewards points
    • 1 x 20L Primo Maxx II
    • 18 x 15kg Sportsmaster WSF High N
    • 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles
  • Ultimate Offer WSF/36 – earns 15 Turf Rewards points
    • 2 x 20L Primo Maxx II
    • 36 x 15kg Sportsmaster WSF High N
    • 1 x Syngenta Art of Application Kit
  • Ultimate Offer Iron – earns 5 Turf Rewards points
    • 1 x 10L Primo Maxx II
    • 1 x 200L Sportsmaster Liquid Fe
    • 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles
  • Ultimate Offer SMX – earns 5 Turf Rewards points
    • 1 x 5L Primo Maxx II
    • 8 x 1kg Sportsmaster WSF SMX
    • 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles

The Ultimate Offers for 2025 have been carefully designed to meet the needs of greens, stadia, fairways, roughs, and multi-pitch surfaces. With Primo Maxx II at the heart of every package, these offers provide turf managers with reliable, cost-effective solutions that combine quality, value, and rewards.

To learn more about the 2025 Ultimate Offers visit www.icl-growingsolutions.uk or contact your local distributor.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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Makita nails it with latest launch

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Makita nails it with latest launch: Makita has added a new 18V LXT Framing Nailer to its range of high-performance cordless tools. The new DBN900 offers significant advantages over pneumatic and gas nailers including improved ease of use and greater working flexibility.

The DBN900 18V LXT Framing Nailer, designed specifically for first fix framing applications, can be used in the same way as a pneumatic nailer but without the additional setup time, complication and restriction of a compressor and air lines. In addition, unlike gas nailers, the DBN900 has no additional consumables, reducing the cost and inconvenience of replacing the cartridges.

Makita nails it with latest launch

Makita nails it with latest launch

The latest addition to Makita’s range of cordless nailers, the DBN900 is compatible with clipped head nails between 50 mm and 90 mm and nail gauges between 2.9 mm and 3.3 mm. Its magazine will accommodate up to 58 collated nails and incorporates a quick and easy reloading mechanism. The inspection window makes it simple to check the number of nails remaining. It also features a variable drive depth, with the required adjustment made using the easy-to-use dial on the nose of the tool.

Furthermore, the DBN900 features two operation modes. In sequential actuation mode, it drives a nail each time the trigger is pressed, while the contact actuation mode allows continuous nailing, with a nail driven every time the tip is pressed to the material for as long as the trigger is held. Using a Makita 6.0Ah LXT battery (BL1860B), it can drive up to 1000 nails on a full battery charge at a rate of up to two nails per second.

The DBN900 has been designed for both convenience and enhanced safety. The anti-slip nose of the tool makes working on angled materials easier and more accurate, while the LED job light with pre-glow and after-glow function improves visibility of the work surface. It features both a rafter hook and belt hook, allowing it to be hung on ladders, scaffolding and timbers or clipped to the user, keeping it close at hand. The DBN900 also includes both an anti-dry-firing mechanism, which activates before the last nails in the magazine are driven to prevent missed nails, and an anti-restart function to prevent accidental activation.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK said: “Our new, long awaited DBN900 18V LXT framing nailer is an excellent alternative to the conventional pneumatic or gas nailers and has been engineered to streamline framing tasks and similar first fix work. It is easy to use, even in restricted spaces and offers far greater flexibility when compared to traditional pneumatic tools.”

To find out more about the DBN900 and Makita’s wide range of 18V LXT tools and equipment, visit www.makitauk.com.

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PSD to launch EcoCure at BTME

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PSD to launch EcoCure at BTME: PSD Groundscare are all geared up for next week’s BTME show, which will see the promotion of the ELIET Turfcare range and the launch of a new product, EcoCure.

Over the past decade, ELIET has established itself as a complete supplier for lawn care and fine turf renovation and the manufacturer is now offering a new product to add to the range of climate range solutions. – the ELIET EcoCure ZR WS, a self-propelled topdresser which improves lawn and turf quality.

PSD to launch EcoCure at BTME

PSD to launch EcoCure at BTME

The ELIET EcoCure ZR WS is only 90cm wide fits through narrow spaces. The movement drive is fully hydrostatic with continuously adjustable forward and reverse speed, making the machine very manurable and allowing optimal topdressing both forwards and reverse.

Other features include:

  • A large 400 litre load container
  • Large tyres to distribute the load so the machine leaves no marks
  • A 45cm wide conveyor belt, hydraulically driven and electrically activated via a switch
  • Spreading materials fall on to two fast rotating hydraulically-driven spreading discs to evenly eject materials up to 5 metres

BTME is hailed as Europe’s premier turf management exhibition – the must attend event for anyone involved in the golf course or turf management sector.

In addition. PSD will also be showcasing their recently launched SABO range of mowers. The Export Sales Manager from SABO Hermann Kowalenko, along with Gracienne Geenens, the ELIET Sales Director, will both be attending the event, offering customers and prospective dealers the opportunity to get expert advice first hand.

Stuart Mercer of PSD said:

“We are exceptionally excited to have the opportunity to promote our product range at BTME and to launch the exciting new EcoCure and take our comprehensive range of SABO and GRIN mowers to market. It is sure to be a fantastic event.”

STAND DETAILS: PSD Groundscare, Stand 116 –

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