Tag Archive for: Management

Management change at Reform

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Management change at Reform: Reinhard Riepl hands over the sole management of Reform-Werke Bauer & Co Holding Aktiengesellschaft and the Chair of the Executive Board of Reform-Werke Bauer & Co Gesellschaft m.b.H. to Markus Wieshofer.

Leading Austrian specialist tractor manufacturer Reform has announced a change of management.

Management change at Reform

Management change at Reform

On June 30, 2025, CEO Reinhard Riepl will hand over his responsibility to Markus Wieshofer. He will remain with the Reform Group in an advisory capacity until the end of the year.

Markus Wieshofer takes over the sole board of directors and forms the management board together with Wolfgang Zauner.

Mr Riepl has played a key role in shaping the company‘s strategy and will continue to support the Reform Group in an advisory capacity until the end of 2025.

Reinhard Riepl originally joined the company, based in Wels, more than a quarter of a century ago as Head of Finance. In 2005, he was appointed to the Executive Board of Reform Group as Managing Director of Reform-Werke Bauer & Co GmbH. Appointment as CEO of the Group followed in 2019.

“Reform Group was always more than just a place of work for me during these years that have seen some exciting major changes and successful re¬organisation. I would like to emphasise in particular the cooperation, based on trust, with the main owner of the company, Clemens Malina-Altzinger,” said Mr Riepl. “I am very pleased to know that this responsibility is now in the good hands of Markus Wieshofer.”

Chairman of the Supervisory Board Dr Clemens Malina-Altzinger pays tribute to Mr Riepl’s commitment: “Reinhard Riepl has led the company through many dynamic years with vision and a steady hand. We thank him very much for that!”

Markus Wieshofer has been with the company since 2023 and is the experienced and successful CSO who will assume the role of sole member of the Executive Board of Reform-Werke Bauer & Co Holding Aktiengesellschaft and Chair of the Executive Board of Reform-Werke Bauer & Co Gesellschaft m.b.H.

Reform’s specialist tractors, which offer a range of features for operation in steep and challenging conditions and can be used with a multitude of implements, are distributed in the UK by Simon Richard Ltd.

For more information contact: simon@simon-richard.co.uk

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Discover The Future Of Grounds Management

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Discover The Future Of Grounds Management: Kicking off on Tuesday 13 May at the iconic Ashton Gate Stadium, GMA Connect Bristol brings a day of live demos and direct access to the latest in grounds maintenance.

These brand-new regional events offer a valuable opportunity to discover the latest practical solutions and see a wide range of machinery and tools in action – all in one day.

Discover The Future Of Grounds Management

Discover The Future Of Grounds Management

Designed as a one-stop hub for knowledge-sharing, the Grounds Management Association’s (GMA) new regional Connect series has been created to make industry support more accessible across the country. Alongside talks and demos, attendees will benefit from direct access to industry-leading brands showcasing the latest in professional turf management.

The exhibitor and demo line-up at GMA Connect Bristol offers plenty to explore:

  • Cramer will be showcasing a fully battery-powered range, including robot mowers, a zero-turn model and all-terrain pedestrian mowers.
  • For the best in precision line marking, both Fleet and The Pitchmark Group will be demonstrating cutting-edge precision line marking technologies.
  • GKB and ISEKI will join forces to bring a 25hp tractor fitted with GKB’s Combi Tool, alongside a larger 40/50hp unit equipped with a deep aerator, perfect for tackling soil compaction and improving root development.
  • Campey Turf Care will be on hand, featuring compact machines including the Vredo Turf Buddy, Electric Sarel Roller and Seed Shot, as well as their UniRake – designed for and used by leading groundspeople.
  • Abundigro will spotlight the benefits of biostimulants in sports turf, introducing OxyTurf as a slow-release aeration solution that supports long-term soil health.
  • Aquatrols adds to the agronomic insight with a look at its trusted water management range and a first look at the new VerdeLNX nutritional products.
  • Redexim will be highlighting a toolkit of maintenance essentials that no grounds team should be without.
  • Trimax rounds things off with its ProCut S5 and Striker mowers, built for clean, consistent results across a range of grass surfaces.

Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA, said: “We’re really excited to have so many respected, industry-leading brands joining us at GMA Connect Bristol. It’s not often you get the chance to see this much equipment demonstrated in one place in a way that’s so hands-on and accessible. Whether you’re looking for new machinery or just want to stay up to date with what’s out there, GMA Connect gives you that opportunity to see kit in action.”

Entry is free for GMA members, £15 for non-members. Non-members who join the GMA within 14 days of GMA Connect Bristol will have their ticket value deducted from the membership fee.

As a GMA member, you’ll gain access to expert advice, industry insights, training opportunities and a network of professionals who share your passion for quality spaces.

Click here to register.

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Integrated Weed Management Conference 2025

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Integrated Weed Management Conference 2025: The inaugural conference on Integrated Weed Management for the Amenity Sector is to be hosted by Kersten UK on Thursday 5th June in Birmingham’s Highbury Hall.

The conference couldn’t be more prescient with the publishing of the National Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan in February and the new Pesticides National Action Plan being finally published just last month. The new Pesticides National Action Plan particularly highlights Integrated Management, a sustainable strategy using biological, cultural, and mechanical methods to manage pests including weeds to minimise the reliance on conventional chemical pesticides, and the conference aims to inform and discuss the diverse ranges of weed management practices within the UK Amenity sector.

Integrated Weed Management Conference 2025

Integrated Weed Management Conference 2025

Presentations will include speakers from the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on the implications of the new Pesticide National Action Plan for the Amenity sector and from Cambridge City Council on a case study in becoming pesticide free and developing their Herbicide Reduction Plan after declaring a Biodiversity Emergency in 2019.

Parks for London will also be unveiling its Updated Integrated Weed Management Guidance and LANTRA will be launching its new qualification in Integrated Weed Management at the conference.

As part of the conference, attendees will be able to learn about the latest technological advancements in weed control such as various thermal and electrical weed control methods. Manufacturers from across Europe will be present to showcase how “mechanical alternatives can effectively maintain urban green spaces while minimising environmental impact” (UK Pesticide National Action Plan).

Attendees will also be able to participate and answer important questions in an audience-led discussion panel hosted by Bradley Tennant of International Greenkeepers for Hire with panellists including Professor John Moverley OBE, FRAgs, previously the independent chairman of UK Amenity Forum now running JMMSolutions Consultancy, and Nick Mole of Pesticide Action Network UK.

The conference hopes to bring together stakeholders of our amenity spaces, from council parks, streetscene and highways teams to Grounds Maintenance Contractors to exchange expertise and discuss the management of green urban spaces.

Sean Faulkner, the integrated weed management specialist from Kersten UK, who kicks-off the conference with an introduction to Integrated Pest Management says “My hope for the conference is that this will be a fertile ground to share how an integrated pest management philosophy can deliver a cost effective and sustainable weed control solution for the amenity sector.”

Tickets can be found on eventbrite, with early bird registration ending on the 5th May at which time tickets become full price.

Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/integrated-weed-management-conference-tickets-1111246049849?aff=oddtdtcreator 

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Expert Speakers To Address Turf Management Challenges

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Expert Speakers To Address Turf Management Challenges: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is pleased to confirm the speaker line-up for its upcoming GMA Connect events at Ashton Gate Stadium and Durham County Cricket Club.

GMA Connect is designed to bring the grounds industry together at a regional level, offering a valuable opportunity for grounds professionals to connect and exchange ideas. These practical events will feature expert seminars, live demonstrations and insights from leading manufacturers – all in one day.

Expert Speakers To Address Turf Management Challenges

Expert Speakers To Address Turf Management Challenges

Renowned weather expert and industry leader, Mark Hunt, will present ‘Turf Management in the Current Climate’ which will explore the impact of changing weather patterns on turfgrass management, with advice on reading forecasts and managing issues like dew formation and disease risks.

Turf consultant, Alex Vickers, will deliver ‘Reading Your Soil’, a hands-on workshop exploring soil profiles, sampling methods, and spotting signs of compaction. Expect to get your hands dirty in this interactive session!

On the new GMA Connect events, Alex Vickers said: “These new GMA Connect events are a fantastic opportunity for professional grounds people to learn and share experiences. The format is really unique, offering an intimate setting where attendees can engage directly with experts and explore today’s challenges in depth. The chance to take part in hands-on workshops and network with peers makes these events invaluable.”

The GMA’s Ian Mather-Brewster will walk attendees through his sessions ‘Carrying Out a Surface Assessment’ and ‘Using a Playing Surface Assessment to Upgrade Your Facility’, providing practical advice on conducting assessments and presenting findings to encourage investment.

‘What’s in Your Shed?’ is a special practical workshop taking place across both events. Jack Langley (Ashton Gate Stadium) will lead the session in Bristol, whilst Vic Demain (Durham County Cricket Club) will take the lead in Durham. This workshop gives a behind-the-scenes look at the machinery, fertilisers and irrigation methods used to maintain top-quality surfaces.

Both events will also include a panel session looking at ‘Dealing with Climate Change Challenges at Professional Venues’. At Bristol, panellists include Jack Langley, Sean Williams (Gloucestershire CCC), and Alex Vickers. The Durham panel features Vic Dermain, Alex Vickers, and Aaron Tong (Hull City MKM Stadium).

Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA, said: “It’s fantastic to have such knowledgeable experts speaking at GMA Connect, and there’s more to be announced, too! Their practical advice will be invaluable to everyone attending. These events are designed to provide hands-on learning and direct access to industry specialists, making them an essential opportunity for grounds professionals looking to develop their skills and improve their facilities.”

Tickets for GMA Connect are free for GMA members, while non-members can attend for £15. Membership offers even more value, providing access to exclusive resources, training and learning discount, Member Assistance Programme including high street discounts plus much more!

For more information about the GMA Connect series, or to register, please visit thegma.org.uk/events/.

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Wiedenmann Super 500 to super charge rough management

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Wiedenmann Super 500 to super charge rough management: Panmure Golf Club in Carnoustie, Angus, has added a Wiedenmann Super 500 sweeper collector to its fleet, principally for rough management duties.

“Our last machine had over 30 years’ service; but as conditions needed to be dry for it to collect, it limited us to cutting rough in September. Changing the dynamics of the golf course at that stage of the season, didn’t suit, so we knew it was time for a replacement,” explained Head Greenkeeper, Gary Nicoll.

Wiedenmann Super 500 to super charge rough management

Wiedenmann Super 500 to super charge rough management

With the arrival of the Wiedenmann Super 500 in mid-January, Gary says it has brought renewed vigour to their programme.

“Our programme was in a good place, but a few areas had become tricky and unmanageable. I always knew the new machine would turbo-charge efforts. We can work in different conditions, even when it is damp or if there’s frost. It just powers through. When you start it up, it just sounds efficient and full of energy, literally, it is tearing through everything, cutting and collecting in one pass. We cut against the way the grass is lined up, so it’s a more aggressive cut. We are also reaching into areas previously off limits. We run it with our Wiedenmann Terra Rake. We’re about to spray sulphate iron as we have a bit too much moss. Our rake will take out rank grasses and we’ll  go in again with the flail and give it another tidy up. We’re just mastering how to judge the hopper capacity, but I couldn’t be more pleased with our choice.”

As well as a Wiedenmann Terra Rake and Super 500, the club has a Whisper Twister Blower and a Terra Spike GXi 8 HD deep aerator.

Installation and induction training was by Wiedenmann UK’s lead demonstrator, Andy Kerr and Mike Lindsay, Area Sales Manager, from local dealer. Fairways GM, at Kinross.

The Carnoustie site has 14 acres of managed grassland. The historic course combines the best elements of links and heathland, with tight fairways, challenging carries, undulating greens and sandhills forged by nature.

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