Tag Archive for: New

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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New Era For GMA Leadership

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New Era For GMA Leadership: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Martyn Ward as Chair of the Board of Directors, and Neil Stubley as Vice Chair, ushering in a new era of leadership for the Association.

The GMA also extends its sincere thanks and best wishes to outgoing Chair David Carpenter, whose strategic guidance has been instrumental in shaping the Association’s direction over the last two decades.

New Era For GMA Leadership

New Era For GMA Leadership

Martyn Ward, Partner at Ward and Hagon Management Consulting LLP, brings over 40 years of experience in sales, marketing and executive leadership. His career includes senior roles at Foster’s Brewing Group/Courage, Alliance UniChem/Boots, and SSL International, where he served as Regional Managing Director. A strategic and collaborative leader, he offers deep expertise in business development and stakeholder engagement, making him a valuable asset to the GMA Board.

Joining him as the newly appointed Vice Chair is Neil Stubley, Head of Grounds and Horticulture at The All-England Lawn Tennis Club – a well-respected figure in the industry. His practical experience within grounds management makes him a strong complement to Martyn’s strategic vision. His appointment as Vice Chair reflects his longstanding commitment to the grounds management profession and the GMA’s mission.

Neil Stubley commented: “I’m proud to take on the role of Vice Chair and support Martyn and the Board in continuing the GMA’s vital work. Together, we’ll focus on strengthening the industry, supporting our members, and ensuring the value of grounds management is recognised across all sectors.”

As the GMA bids farewell to David Carpenter, the Board expresses its appreciation for his years of service. David has spent the last seven years as Board Chair, and prior to that supported the GMA as an independent Board member. David’s leadership has helped foster a strong, inclusive community and laid the groundwork for future growth and innovation.

Martyn Ward added: “I’m honoured to take on the role of Chair at such a pivotal time for the GMA. I look forward to working with Neil, the Board, and our members to build on the strong foundation laid by David and drive continued progress across the sector.”

Geoff Webb, CEO said: “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to David Carpenter for his invaluable contributions over the past seven years as Chair. Throughout times of challenge, David’s quiet yet confident leadership has been a steadying force and should not be underestimated.

“We’ve also seen the GMA grow steadily, thanks to the support of dedicated individuals like Geoff Burges and James Wright, who now conclude their time on the Board. Their efforts have helped position us strongly for the future.

“Looking ahead, I’m confident that Martyn Ward and Neil Stubley will be a dynamic pairing, well-placed to build on the solid foundations laid so far and to support the executive team as we move forward.”

The GMA remains committed to supporting its members and promoting excellence in grounds management. With this new leadership team, the Association is poised for continued innovation and impact.

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New GKB Deep-Clean to combat microplastic pollution

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New GKB Deep-Clean to combat microplastic pollution: GKB are pleased to launch the next generation of their Deep-Clean machine, introduced in direct response to growing concern around microplastic pollution from artificial turf fields.

Featuring different sieve options to suit various infill types and a self-cleaning filter system, the Deep-Clean – developed in collaboration with SMG Sportplatzmaschinenbau – sieves, separates and collects microplastics with precision.

New GKB Deep-Clean to combat microplastic pollution

New GKB Deep-Clean to combat microplastic pollution

Recent research from the University of Barcelona has raised alarm after finding that up to 15% of the microplastics found in open water originate from artificial turf pitches. These particles, released via fibre wear and tear or from infill materials such as rubber and TBE, accumulate within the surface and eventually contaminate the environment via footfall, rainfall or maintenance activities.

The new GKB Deep-Clean directly addresses this issue, penetrating the surface to extract contamination such as broken fibres as well as smaller particulates nestled within the infill layer.

Redeveloping one of the most popular machines within GKB’s synthetic portfolio, the new Deep-Clean will be available with a 1.2m, 1.5m or 1.8m working widths – all offering effective dust extraction to collect dirt and microplastic contamination, and return clean infill granules back into the surface. Importantly, the unique cleaning system means that dirt automatically falls into the collection container, eliminating the need to replace filters which significantly reduces ongoing maintenance costs.

Its operation couldn’t be simpler. Brushes lift the fibre and infill, before passing the collected material through a vibrating sieve to separate the infill from both large and finer contaminants. The result is a cleaner, safer and more presentable pitch in just one pass.

The introduction of the Deep-Clean is the first major development in the strategic partnership between GKB Machines and SMG, formally announced in March 2025. The agreement sees GKB providing essential maintenance products to the German company and, likewise, market machines developed by SMG under the GKB brand for the combined benefit of customers around the world. Together, the focus is on providing practical, high-performance and sustainable solutions for the construction and maintenance of synthetic sports fields.

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See what’s new at SALTEX 2025

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See what’s new at SALTEX 2025: Europe’s cutting-edge grounds management show, SALTEX, is once again proving why it’s the go-to show for innovation, as a host of top industry brands prepare to launch their latest products and services exclusively at this year’s event.

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 12-13 November, SALTEX will offer visitors an exclusive first look at the latest innovations transforming the future of grounds management. From cutting-edge technologies to smart solutions, the show floor will be alive with fresh thinking and dynamic ideas – each designed to elevate performance across every aspect of grounds management.

See what's new at SALTEX 2025

See what’s new at SALTEX 2025

“SALTEX has always been where the industry comes to see what’s next,” said Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA. “It’s the launchpad for innovation and manufacturers choose SALTEX to debut their most exciting products because they know this is where the people who use them every day come to see them.

“For visitors, it’s a unique opportunity to discover the latest technology and get hands-on with solutions that are shaping the future of grounds management. Year after year, SALTEX proves why it’s the must-attend event for grounds people who want to stay ahead of the curve.”

This year’s exhibitors are bringing a wave of new product developments and exclusive unveilings, including:

AriensCo (C056) – Launching the AS 920 ESherpa 2WD alongside the AS 990 Tahr RC and Ariens Summit Pro Series, offering enhanced performance and operator comfort.

Campey Turf Care Systems (C050) – Unveiling the new lightweight Imants RECYCLINGDRESSER® 1.3, engineered to reduce labour and material costs by recycling and redistributing existing soil across the playing surface.

Raw Stadia (C110) – Demonstrating a new software solution linking surface data with performance decisions, including a live demo and video showcase of its real-world applications.

GreenBest (A060) – Expanding its SmartLawn range with SmartLawn FreshStart Lawn Seed, SmartLawn Hand Spreader and SmartLawn ProCast 20 Push Spreader, built for smarter, greener turf management.

Allett Ltd (B130) – Revealing the LEDMASTER UVC 100, designed for professional mowers and engineered for professional mowers. It is completely autonomous and functions independently of the mower, thanks to its own powerful battery, based on the reliable Metabo LiHD technology.

ISEKI (C100) – Launching the all-new Raymo remote-controlled range, delivering the first of the new GPS Models on show equipped with the 48” Craft Deck a 150Ah battery and a full range of Raymo accessories.

Rhenac (E038) – Presenting the RML 400 lighting product featuring Rhenac’s largest and most advanced mobile lighting system, designed to deliver full-spectrum LED light across 400 m² of turf.

STIGA (G130) – Unveiling a suite of next-generation mowing solutions including the AXL, a Fflly autonomous mower delivering AI-powered precision for large and complex turf areas. ePark Pro – STIGA’s first fully electric front mower, combining zero-emissions with high performance for noise-sensitive and urban environments and Vista Robots – autonomous robotic mowers featuring AI-powered camera recognition, GPS RTK guidance and STIGA’s unique AGS technology.

SMG Machines (A110) – Introducing the TurfBoy TB1 Eco DC, powered by a powerful, emission-free 48 V electric motor with 1,000 kW, which also guarantees low-noise operation at just 99.5 dB.

Net World Sports (H110) – Taking visitors behind the scenes of its FIFA-accredited equipment testing process and showcasing how FORZA goals are engineered to perform at elite level.

Turfcoach (D125) – Launching a brand-new mobile app that brings together all Turf IQ features in one user-friendly platform.

Chappell Enterprises UK (F115) – Introducing new advertising and recruitment services to better connect employers and professionals in the grounds sector.

Plus many more exhibitors who will be showcasing innovative solutions across the show floor, making SALTEX the must-attend event for discovering what’s new and what’s next in the world of grounds management.

Register for FREE and be in with a chance of winning a Cramer Tools Lawn Mower, complete with charger and battery worth £2,240!

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Lantra and BIGGA forge new strategic partnership

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Lantra and BIGGA forge new strategic partnership: The British and International Golf Greenkeeping Association (BIGGA), Lantra and Land-Based Assessment Ltd (LBAL) have commenced a strategic partnership designed to boost skills development across the greenkeeping sector through high quality apprenticeships and robust assessment. The collaboration prioritises clear progression routes via the BIGGA Formal Education Pathway and sector wide Apprenticeship awareness.

The partnership commits to shared evidence and continuous improvement for greenkeeping apprenticeships, with Lantra working closely with BIGGA to support the apprenticeship routes at Level 2, Level 3, and Level 5.

Lantra and BIGGA forge new strategic partnership

Lantra and BIGGA forge new strategic partnership

Lantra will be at BIGGA’s annual flagship event, BTME in January 2026, joining GTC Approved Training Providers at a collaborative exhibition in the GTC Education Hub. Furthermore, to mark the strategic partnership, BIGGA have been announced as a sponsor of the Land-Based and Environment Learner of the Year Awards, which is set to take place later this month at the National Conference Centre, in Solihull.

Commenting on the partnership, Jo-Anne Bryan, Head of Apprenticeships and Standards at Lantra said: “We are really pleased to be partnering with BIGGA on championing apprenticeships within golf greenkeeping.

Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for new entrants starting out as a Golf Greenkeeper, to then progress to an Advanced Sports Turf Technician, at Level 3, and for those wanting to excel to a Golf Course Manager at Level 5. These apprenticeships provide a great career pathway within the industry.

Rob Phillips, Learning and Development Manager – Technical, at BIGGA also commented “This partnership marks an important step forward in uniting our efforts to deliver exceptional education and career development for greenkeepers. By aligning the BIGGA Formal Education Pathway, industry recognized apprenticeship standards, and Lantra’s ongoing commitment to robust assessment, we are creating a clear and credible route for progression that strengthens the future of the profession.”

Together, BIGGA, Lantra, and LBAL will deliver a coordinated programme of promotion and on the ground engagement to strengthen apprenticeship outcomes and professional standards in greenkeeping.

BTME 2026 will take place from 20 to 22 January at the Harrogate Convention Centre, when exhibitors can look forward to an optimised event experience supported by FFAIR’s award-winning technology.

For more information about BIGGA and its various activities including how to become a member, visit www.bigga.org.uk

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