Tag Archive for: Manager

Syngenta appoints Pete May as new Technical Manager

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Syngenta appoints Pete May as new Technical Manager: Syngenta has appointed Pete May as the company’s new Technical Manager for Turf & Landscape in the UK and Ireland.

Pete brings an important blend of practical skills and experience of turf management, alongside a solid technical knowledge of turf plant science and research.

Syngenta appoints Pete May as new Technical Manager

Syngenta appoints Pete May as new Technical Manager

In his role of Technical Manager with Lawntech for the past 10 years, Pete has pioneered the development of effective Integrated Turf Management (ITM) strategies for the sector – dealing with increasing challenges of disease, pest and weed control in quality fine turf surfaces.

He also established an R&D and trials area, carrying out research on seasonal turf responses to different inputs, testing the effectiveness of products and a dedicated programme of wetting agent trials.

An active participant in industry events and training, sharing insights and innovations, Pete is experienced in the delivery of technical training and resources for turf managers and enhancing team knowledge.

Commenting on his appointment, Pete said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining the Syngenta turf team, with the development of new fungicide, herbicide, biostimulant and wetting agent technologies all approaching launch in the UK.”

He will utilise the huge resource of new trials and research data, as well as golf and sports turf user experience, to help create ITM strategies for turf managers that will help to better cope with challenges of climatic changes and increasing player demands. Along with immense experience and knowledge to help deliver solutions in the lawncare sector.

“Building on the solid legacy of Syngenta technical products, coupled with new innovations in decision support data and application techniques, gives a great opportunity to meet and discuss ideas with turf management customers and agronomists.”

Pete has taken over the role of Sean Loakes, who has been promoted to Syngenta Turf Technical Manager for Europe. Sean will continue to support Pete in working with customers and the existing UK turf research projects.

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Lee Burton Joins Harrowden as Regional Sales Manager

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Lee Burton Joins Harrowden as Regional Sales Manager: Not content with a new website Harrowden has also recruited a new regional sales manager – for the Midlands to the West. In what Lee admits has been a whirlwind few months he has joined a new team, visited both Harrowden farms and seen sedum growing and on a green roof application.

His role is all about strengthening customer relationships whilst developing new ones along the way. That means regular communication through site visits, head office meetings, emails, and calls—whatever it takes to stay connected.

Lee brings extensive experience from the broader horticulture retail sector having held positions with Jewson, Wickes and most recently Huws Gray. Lee also brings a host of skills gained from more than twenty years in the business.

Lee reports into another Lee – Lee Andrew, and joins Chris Carr and Tony Clapcott as key members of the Harrowden sales team.

Lee B – as he is already known – is based in the Midlands so within easy reach of the region’s landscaping businesses:-

“I’ve spent nearly 30 years in building materials – I was ready for a change, and Harrowden really stood out. The passion, pride and strong team spirit felt like the perfect fit. It’s definitely different selling a live product compared to one that simply comes off the shelf!

The scale and detail of what we do is incredible—from maintaining big machinery to hand sowing seeds across multiple sites. It blows my mind… I’m convinced there’s some wizardry involved”.

For more information on Harrowden please visit: https://harrowden.co.uk/

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Apprenticeship Update – Sports Turf Technical Manager

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Apprenticeship Update – Sports Turf Technical Manager: The Sports Turf apprenticeship trailblazer group are pleased to announce that a new Level 5 apprenticeship, with integrated Foundation Degree (FdSc), has been published subject to funding band approval.

The new Level 5 apprenticeship will be titled Sports Turf Technical Manager with delivery proposed for late 2025 or early 2026. The integration of the Foundation Degree in Sports Turf provides a high-quality vehicle for learning and allows the apprentice to achieve an industry leading degree level qualification as part of their apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship Update – Sports Turf Technical Manager

Apprenticeship Update – Sports Turf Technical Manager

As the professional body for grounds management, the Grounds Management Association (GMA) has recently issued a formal letter of recognition to the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) confirming that the qualifications are a suggested requirement for professional recognition at a range of levels of membership across our broad industry.

The sports turf trailblazer view this as a potentially game changing educational development for the Sports Turf Industry, offering a funded educational pathway from initial entry into the industry, to degree level.

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.

Employers are encouraged to check the funding rules for more information and eligibility, but apprenticeship levy payers will receive funds up to the funding band maximum, whilst non-levy payers contribute just 5% towards the cost of training. The funding of the government backed sports turf apprenticeships removes the primary barriers faced by apprentices and employers which in turn should increase uptake of apprenticeships and drive professionalisation at all levels within the industry.

Level 2 Sports Turf Operative https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/st0210-v1-2 . Level 3 Advanced Sports Turf Technician https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/st1323-v1-1 Level 5 Sports Turf Technical Manager https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/st1410

The sports turf apprenticeship trailblazer group is a voluntary group consisting of leading industry professionals, education providers and industry bodies. Trailblazer chairperson Daniel Ratling and Facilitator Dr Jonathan Knowles would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to the development of apprenticeships over the last eight years.

Expressions of interest for the new L5 Sports Turf Technical Manager are welcome here https://forms.office.com/e/edTeaZfv3E

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Origin Welcomes New Seeds and Turf Product Manager

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Origin Welcomes New Seeds and Turf Product Manager: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) is pleased to announce that Luke Hunt has been appointed as their new Seeds and Turf Product Manager, effective Monday, 19th May 2025.

Luke brings over two decades of industry experience, a strong technical background, and genuine enthusiasm for turf and seed, making him an exciting addition to the business.

Origin Welcomes New Seeds and Turf Product Manager

Origin Welcomes New Seeds and Turf Product Manager

Luke joins OAS from Barenbrug UK, where he was the Amenity Business Development Manager responsible for managing a portfolio of distributor accounts and helping bring new research-led products to market.

With a career that spans 24 years, including a decade spent as a greenkeeper, Luke has a reputation for his practical knowledge, strategic thinking, and collaborative approach. He has extensive experience across both grass and wildflower seed markets.

Luke will work closely with the wider OAS team to advance the company’s seed strategy. He will also play a key role in developing innovative and sustainable products that support customer-led initiatives, integrated supply chains, and marketing campaigns in line with the company’s longer-term strategic goals.

Commenting on the appointment, Jayne Leyland, Portfolio Director for OAS, said, “I am delighted to welcome Luke to Origin Amenity Solutions. His depth of experience and technical expertise are clear, but his passion for the industry and his ability to connect with customers stand out. I am looking forward to seeing the positive impact he will make.”

Luke Hunt adds, “I’m genuinely excited to join the OAS team at such a progressive and forward-thinking time for the business. Origin’s values around sustainability, innovation, and strong customer relationships resonate with me. I’m looking forward to working alongside a passionate and knowledgeable team, building on the existing momentum, and helping to evolve the seeds and turf offering to deliver real value for our customers and the environments they manage.

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Bernhard & Company’s new Territory Manager for Turf Technologies

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Bernhard & Company’s new Territory Manager for Turf Technologies: Bernhard and Company, industry leader in grinding solutions and turf care technology, has announced the appointment of Jason Connaughton as its new Territory Manager for Turf Technologies in a brand-new role for the company.

Connaughton has an extensive career in golf turf, having started out as a greenkeeper in Ireland, then spending a year working in Australia at the Australian Club in Sydney. He eventually moved to the UK, becoming a qualified mechanic and eventually Golf Course Manager at Yeovil Golf Club, his most recent position before joining Bernhard and Company. His practical experience feeds directly into Bernhard’s strategy as a pioneer of data-driven technology solutions.

Bernhard & Company's new Territory Manager for Turf Technologies

Bernhard & Company’s new Territory Manager for Turf Technologies

“It’s really exciting to be part of the Bernhard and Company team,” said Connaughton. “The turf care industry is moving so rapidly towards data collection – it’s become such a powerful tool. With the products and technology that we are now distributing and selling, we can help turf managers both collect important data and understand how to use it to make smart decisions and operate in the most efficient way possible.”

Bernhard and Company is a driving force in the modern turf industry, which is embracing and harnessing the power of data collection. Connaughton’s role as Territory Manager for Turf Technologies means overseeing the array of Bernhard solutions, and working with companies like Maya Global that is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence for sustainable land management. Bernhard’s research also shows that 75% of turf grass problems occur beneath the surface, so understanding how to better manage those is crucial to turf management.

Bernhard and Company Turf Technologies and Solutions:

Soil Scout – Soil Scout provides the most advanced fully buried underground wireless soil sensors and monitoring solution for professionals in golf and sports turf maintenance. Details: https://bernhard.co.uk/products/soil-scout/

Maya Global – Maya Global provides an intelligent software platform for sustainable land management, offering real-time insights, task optimisation, and data-driven decision-making for golf courses, vineyards, parks, and sports pitches creating ultimate efficiencies. Details: https://bernhard.co.uk/products/maya

SubAir – SubAir is the world’s leading subsurface aeration and moisture management solution, designed to moderate and control environmental subsoil conditions. Details: https://bernhard.co.uk/products/subair/

TurfBreeze – The leading global name in sports surface aeration, TurfBreeze fans generate essential surface air movement to create high quality playing surfaces. Details: https://bernhard.co.uk/products/turfbreeze/

Connaughton cited Bernhard’s industry leading reputation as a vital factor in his transition to his new role, alongside his positive experience as a long-time customer of Bernhard in his previous roles.

“They are a great company with a solid reputation. You always want to work for a good business, and I’ve known them for years as industry leaders. Joining Bernhard felt like a natural progression for me.

“I’ve used Bernhard and Company equipment right from the beginning of my career. They are synonymous with excellent turf health. The turf technologies that they have more recently added to the offering are an integral part of modern turf management.”

To learn more about Bernhard and Company and the turf technologies on offer, visit: https://bernhard.co.uk/turf-tech/

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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