Tag Archive for: Mark

Agrigem appoints Mark Pyrah as New Managing Director

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Agrigem appoints Mark Pyrah as New Managing Director: Agrigem, a leading UK supplier of amenity and horticultural products, is delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Pyrah as its new Managing Director. The strategic appointment signals an exciting period of growth and development for the company.

Mark brings an exceptional level of industry knowledge and leadership experience to Agrigem, having dedicated nearly four decades to the sector. His extensive career has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies of the amenity and horticultural landscape.

Agrigem appoints Mark Pyrah as New Managing Director

Agrigem appoints Mark Pyrah as New Managing Director

Before joining Agrigem, Mark held several high-profile roles that underscore his expertise in amenity, distribution and manufacturing. Commenting on his appointment, he said: “I am thrilled to be joining Agrigem at such a pivotal time for the business and the industry.

“Agrigem has established a fantastic reputation for quality products and excellent customer service. I look forward to working with the talented team to build on this success, drive innovation, and ensure we remain the trusted partner for our customers across the UK.”

The company’s leadership expressed enthusiasm for the new direction; Clive Whinnett, Origin Enterprises UK Managing Director Sports Division, commented: “Mark’s impressive track record and deep sectoral knowledge of the amenity sector make him the ideal leader to guide Agrigem through its next phase of expansion.

“His strategic vision and commitment to customer success will be invaluable as we continue to grow our market presence and enhance our product offering.”

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Mark Andrews appointed Managing Director of Landscapes

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Mark Andrews appointed Managing Director of Landscapes: Origin Enterprises plc (‘Origin’ or ‘the Group’), the international group championing sustainable land use solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Mark Andrews as Managing Director of Landscapes, a newly created role within the Group’s Living Landscapes division.

Mark assumes overall responsibility for Origin’s Landscapes businesses, currently comprising four companies: Green-tech, Suregreen, British Hardwood Tree Nursery and Groundtrax. He will lead the design and delivery of the Landscapes strategy, drive operational performance, and play a central role in supporting both organic growth and M&A activities.

Mark Andrews appointed Managing Director of Landscapes

Mark Andrews appointed Managing Director of Landscapes

This appointment marks a significant step in strengthening the Group’s management depth, ensuring the Living Landscapes division is well positioned to deliver on its long-term strategic objectives and growth ambitions.

Mark has over 20 years of commercial and operational leadership experience across the sector, with a strong track record in value creation, team leadership, and developing best-in-class commercial capabilities in commoditised and competitive businesses. His career spans roles in the UK, North America and EMEA, including senior leadership positions at Saint Gobain/British Gypsum, Knauf Insulation, BMI Group, and most recently, Aliaxis Group where he served as VP UK and Ireland.

Origin is confident that Mark’s appointment will bring additional expertise, insight, and momentum to the Group’s Landscapes sector as it enters its next phase of development and growth.

TJ Kelly, Managing Director, Living Landscapes, commented: “Mark is an excellent addition to Origin and our Living Landscapes leadership team. His deep sector knowledge and proven global leadership experience will be instrumental in shaping and delivering our Landscapes strategy. This appointment reflects our ambition to scale our presence in the Sports, Environmental, and Landscapes sectors.”

Mark Andrews, Managing Director of Landscapes, commented: “I am excited to be joining Origin at a strategically important time for the Living Landscapes division. Leading the Landscapes portfolio presents the opportunity to drive organic growth, expand our capabilities and unlock new opportunities, underpinned by a shared commitment to sustainability, innovation, and delivering value to Origin’s customers and other stakeholders.”

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Toro, Reesink UK and St Andrews Links Mark a Milestone

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Toro, Reesink UK and St Andrews Links Mark a Milestone: Toro, in collaboration with its UK distributor Reesink UK and St Andrews Links Trust, proudly celebrates a 25-year partnership, marking one of the longest-standing formal relationships between Toro and a customer globally.

This enduring collaboration underscores a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in golf course management, helping shape the modern landscape of greenkeeping at the ‘Home of Golf’ and beyond.

Toro, Reesink UK and St Andrews Links Mark a Milestone

Toro, Reesink UK and St Andrews Links Mark a Milestone

A Legacy of Innovation

St Andrews Links has long been a symbol of golf’s heritage, tracing its roots back to the 15th century. It was here that Old Tom Morris was one of the first to revolutionise course care with many new practices including topdressing, the practice of using sand to create smooth greens and teeing grounds, now a fundamental technique worldwide. Building on this legacy, Toro has delivered cutting-edge technologies to support the evolving demands of turf management, from precision irrigation to advanced electric mowing systems.

“St Andrews Links is where tradition meets innovation,” said Amy Dahl, vice president International at The Toro Company. “For 25 years, we’ve had the privilege of supporting their dedication to excellence through trusted equipment, sustainable solutions, and shared values. This milestone represents not just a partnership, but an ongoing legacy of progress.”

James Ralley, Commercial Director at St Andrews Links Trust, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating such a significant milestone with Toro, one of our longest standing partners. Over the past 25 years, Toro has played an important role in the continued development of our greenkeeping practices, allowing us to provide world-class playing conditions across the seven courses here at St Andrews Links. This partnership is one we value greatly, and we look forward to continuing this for years to come.”

Driving Standards in Turf Management Through a Shared Commitment

Over the past two and a half decades, Toro and Reesink UK have supported the Trust with groundbreaking equipment and irrigation systems, helping it remain a benchmark for golf course quality worldwide.

Neil Coulson, CEO at St Andrews Links Trust, said: “As custodians of St Andrews Links, we have a responsibility to not only provide great playing conditions year-round, but to also manage the historic courses in a responsible and environmentally conscious way. For 25 years Toro has been a valued partner in our efforts to implement sustainable practices, particularly in the electrification of our mower fleet and the continued improvement in our irrigation systems. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together and pleased to celebrate this milestone.”

Alastair Rowell, Managing Director at Reesink UK, added: “We’re proud to play a role in this remarkable journey. This partnership exemplifies the best of what can be achieved when industry leaders come together with a long-term vision and a passion for excellence.”

Looking Ahead

As this milestone is celebrated, all three partners remain focused on what lies ahead. The collaboration between Toro, Reesink UK and St Andrews Links Trust is not just a reflection of the past 25 years—it’s a foundation for continued innovation in sustainable course management and support for the next generation of greenkeepers.

For more information, please visit www.toro.com

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The only autonomous robot mowers Quiet Mark certified

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The only autonomous robot mowers Quiet Mark certified: STIGA, a leader in intelligent garden care solutions, proudly announces that its range of autonomous robot mowers has been officially certified by Quiet Mark, making STIGA the only autonomous robotic mower brand to receive this prestigious recognition.

Quiet Mark, the global certification programme associated with the UK Noise Abatement Society charitable foundation (est. 1959), rigorously tests and identifies the quietest high-performance appliances. Its certification assures consumers of products that contribute to a more peaceful and healthy environment through reduced noise pollution.

The only autonomous robot mowers Quiet Mark certified

The only autonomous robot mowers Quiet Mark certified

Over 84% of British people surveyed in 2023 said it was important to have quiet time to recharge themselves, something you definitely get with a STIGA autonomous robot mower!

STIGA’s autonomous robot mowers combine cutting-edge innovation with eco-conscious engineering, delivering high performance with minimal noise. As the only robot mowers on the market to receive Quiet Mark certification, they represent the gold standard in silent lawn care — ideal for preserving the tranquillity of gardens and residential areas.

“At STIGA, we are committed to designing smart solutions that care not just for lawns, but for the comfort and well-being of our customers,” says Amanda Kincaid, Marketing Manager at STIGA UK. “Being recognised by Quiet Mark underlines our dedication to creating products that support quieter, healthier outdoor living.”

Why Quiet Mark Matters:

  • Scientific Testing:   Products undergo rigorous acoustic testing to ensure both performance and quiet operation.
  • Consumer Confidence: Only the top 10–20% of low-noise, high-performing appliances receive certification.
  • Health & Well-being:   Lower noise levels contribute to improved mental health and a more peaceful environment.

With the Quiet Mark certification, STIGA robot mowers stand out as the ideal choice for those seeking smart, silent, and sustainable lawn care solutions.

Oooh, so quiet — experience the difference with STIGA.

All Quiet Mark-certified autonomous robot mowers can be found on the STIGA website www.stiga.com/uk/

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Man City’s John Ledwidge Awarded Pioneer Mark 001 

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John Ledwidge Awarded Pioneer Mark #001: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is pleased to award John Ledwidge Pioneer Mark #001 in recognition of his contributions to the industry.

The ‘Pioneer Legacy’ initiative celebrates individuals who have made a lasting impact on the industry through the GMA’s NextGen group, formerly known as the GMA Young Board.

John Ledwidge Awarded Pioneer Mark #001

John Ledwidge Awarded Pioneer Mark #001

Pioneer Mark

Each Pioneer Mark is uniquely numbered and represents the individual’s contribution to supporting the next generation of grounds people.

The presentation of John’s award is particularly timely during National Apprenticeship Week, which highlights the crucial role apprenticeships play in creating career pathways in the industry.

Ledwidge, himself, began his career as an apprentice at Coventry City Football Club and, after 18 months away, returned as Grounds Manager where he was also part of the first GMA Young Board cohort between 2011-2014.

As the group’s inaugural chair, he played a key role in laying the foundations for its evolution into GMA NextGen which supports and develops emerging talent within the industry.

Since his time with the Young Board, Ledwidge has progressed through senior positions at Leicester City Football Club and is now Head of Grounds and Landscapes at Manchester City Football Club.

What they said

Jennifer Carter, Director of Communications and Marketing at the GMA, said: “John’s journey not only with the GMA but within the industry highlights his dedication to the profession and his ability to inspire meaningful change.

As the first chair of the Young Board, he showed great leadership that set the foundation for GMA NextGen. Seeing his achievements recognised with Pioneer Mark #001 is a proud moment for everyone who has worked alongside him.”

Commenting on the award, John Ledwidge said: “It is a genuine honour to be awarded with the #001 pioneer mark from the GMA. As the first chair of the young board and part of the founding group, we created something that had never been done before, hopefully laying the foundations for today’s NextGen group to continue the legacy we left.

Personally, I feel we all have a responsibility to encourage and develop new and emerging talent and to share our knowledge and expertise with them. I have always been proud of what I do and will always be grateful for the opportunities this wonderful industry has given me and my family, so it is such a pleasure to receive this recognition from the GMA.”

For more information about the Pioneer Legacy initiative or GMA NextGen, please visit thegma.org.uk/who/ambassadors/.

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