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Book tickets for horticulture’s party of the year!

Book tickets for horticulture’s party of the year!: Party for Perennial this spring at your charity party of the year! Let’s come together to make a difference for all those working with plants, trees, flowers or grass.

Gather your friends and colleagues from across the industry and mark your calendars for Thursday 9 May, 7pm at Core Bar, London. Get ready for an evening buzzing with camaraderie, excitement and generosity in support of Perennial, the charity helping people in horticulture.

Book tickets for horticulture’s party of the year!

Book tickets for horticulture’s party of the year!

In the charity’s 185th year, the fundraiser, proudly sponsored by Core Landscape Products, is a memorable way to dig deep for your industry peers while making new connections and catching up with familiar faces. The ticket price of £35 includes bubbles on arrival and some delicious nibbles, plus the chance to win some great prizes in the Party for Perennial raffle.

“Phil and the team at Perennial play a vital role in our industry. We have been big supporters of the charity for the last few years and try to help wherever we can. Party for Perennial is always a great night out and with the chosen venue being called ‘CORE’ it just made sense to sponsor this fantastic event,” says Manni Keates, Managing Director of CORE Landscape Products.

Anita Bates, Perennial’s Director of Marketing and Fundraising comments: “Our popular annual party is a highly rewarding evening spent with friends and colleagues and an entertaining way to help us raise money to support more people in horticulture. Every time our Perennial Partners and supporters buy a ticket and dig deep, people and their families have a chance to build better lives. Whether taking on a Milestone challenge in May or hosting a fundraising event, your wholehearted efforts all year make a difference in the ways we can help. It’s only through growing our partnerships with businesses and organisations that we can reach more people in need. Tickets are on sale now, so please put the date in your diary and join us!”

Perennial knows only too well that times are tough, particularly amidst the current cost of living crisis. Consequently, there’s been a significant 21% increase in individuals seeking personal support. The charity’s online tools have also become more important with a 27% increase in people in need accessing digital resources.

There are lots of reasons why people turn to the charity, such as bereavement, the impact of an accident, health issues or a family breakdown. As the only UK charity helping everyone working in or retired from horticulture and their families, Perennial relies on support from the industry.

All proceeds from Party for Perennial ticket sales and raffle help support people in need. Every time Perennial’s supporters dig deep, they make a difference to the lives of people in horticulture and their families.

Let’s make this an unforgettable event while making a positive impact in our community!

Book tickets and join the fundraising at www.perennial.org.uk/party

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Green-tech celebrates Ten Years of Membership with GRO

Green-tech celebrates Ten Years of Membership with GRO: This year marks the tenth anniversary as a member of the esteemed Green Roof Organisation (GRO). This milestone highlights Green-tech’s ongoing commitment to sustainable practices and green infrastructure within the landscaping industry.

GRO serves as a hub for professionals dedicated to promoting the benefits and advancements of green roofs and green infrastructure. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, GRO plays a pivotal role in shaping industry standards and fostering innovation.

Green-tech celebrates Ten Years of Membership with GRO

Green-tech celebrates Ten Years of Membership with GRO

Mark Wood, Business Development Director at Green-tech, expressed his thoughts on this significant achievement, saying, “Joining GRO was a pivotal decision for Green-tech, aligning with our core values of sustainability and environmental responsibility. Over the past decade, our partnership with GRO has provided invaluable insights, resources, and networking opportunities that have empowered us to lead the way in green infrastructure solutions.”

He continues, “As we commemorate this milestone, we remain steadfast in our commitment to driving positive change in the landscaping sector. Together with GRO and our industry partners, we will continue to champion the adoption of green roofs and environmentally friendly practices, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.”

Green-tech’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond its membership with GRO. The company offers a comprehensive range of environmentally friendly products and solutions, including biodegradable tree shelters, water management solutions, erosion control, and habitat creation, to support green infrastructure projects of all scales.

For more information about Green-tech and its sustainable landscaping solutions, visit www.green-tech.co.uk or speak to the Green-tech team on 01423 332100.

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Green-tech Shortlisted for ‘Employer of the Year’

Green-tech Shortlisted for ‘Employer of the Year’: Green-tech, the UK’s leading supplier of landscaping and forestry materials is delighted to announce its selection as a finalist in the prestigious Pro Landscaper Business Awards 2024.

The company has been shortlisted in the esteemed ‘Employer of the Year’ category, recognising its commitment to implementing and encouraging a supportive and balanced workplace environment.

Green-tech Shortlisted for ‘Employer of the Year’

Green-tech Shortlisted for ‘Employer of the Year’

Green-tech is also celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, marking three decades of service to the landscaping industry. Established in October 1994 the company has grown to become a trusted supplier and partner for landscapers, contractors, and architects, offering a comprehensive range of products and solutions to enhance outdoor spaces.

The Pro Landscaper Business Awards celebrate excellence and innovation within the landscaping industry, highlighting companies that demonstrate outstanding achievements and contributions to the field. Being shortlisted for the ‘Employer of the Year’ category is a testament to Green-tech’s dedication to nurturing talent, promoting professional development, and prioritising employee well-being.

“We are honoured to be recognised as a finalist in the Pro Landscaper Business Awards 2024,” said Kris Nellist, Managing Director of Green-tech. “This achievement, especially in our 30th anniversary year, reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a positive and empowering workplace culture where our employees can thrive and reach their full potential. We are incredibly proud of our team and grateful for their hard work and dedication.”

The winners of the Pro Landscaper Business Awards 2024 will be announced at an awards ceremony on Friday, 19th April 2024, at the prestigious Old Billingsgate in London. The event promises to bring together industry leaders, innovators, and influencers to celebrate and network with peers.

“We are eagerly anticipating the awards ceremony and looking forward to celebrating the achievements of our fellow finalists,” added Kris. “This recognition reinforces our resolve to continue leading the standard for excellence in the landscaping industry and to drive positive change within our organisation and beyond.”

For more information about Green-tech visit www.green-tech.co.uk or speak to the Green-tech team on 01423 332100.

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Redexim scoop ‘Product of the Year’ at SAPCA Awards

Redexim scoop ‘Product of the Year’ at SAPCA Awards: The Verti-Top® TB from Redexim has been crowned the winner of ‘Product of the Year’ at the 2024 SAPCA Awards.

One of just six awards presented at the annual gala dinner held at the Mattioli Woods Welford Road stadium at the end of February, the Verti-Top® was also a highly commended runner-up in the ‘Sustainability Award’ category.

Redexim scoop ‘Product of the Year’ at SAPCA Awards

Redexim scoop ‘Product of the Year’ at SAPCA Awards

Now into their ninth year, the SAPCA Awards celebrate the achievements of SAPCA members across the sports and play facility construction industry. The six categories are designed to highlight the valuable contribution that SAPCA members make to facilities and communities up and down the country.

Shortlisted in two categories, the Verti-Top® Tow Behind (TB) works on the same principle as the Verti-Top® 1200 and larger 1800 PTO driven series but utilises a 6.5hp engine. This allows the machine to be towed by any vehicle without the requirement for a PTO, thus reducing combined weight while offering effective cleaning and dust/debris extraction. It’s ability to screen and clean sand and natural infill materials means the Verti-Top® TB is suited to industry standards of the future – actively reducing bacterial and airborne contamination and other health risks.

On collecting the trophy for ‘Product of the Year’ Paul Langford, Commercial Director for Redexim UK, said, “We have always been ahead of the curve when it comes to providing the maintenance solutions demanded by the industry and this award reflects the effort of the whole Redexim team to ensure we are continuously meeting the environmental and industry challenges of today, and those into the future. A big thank you to SAPCA for hosting a brilliant event and congratulations to all the other winners and nominees.”

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50 years of excellence

50 years of excellence: Irish Farm & Garden Machinery (IFGM) celebrates 50 years of business this year. The company, one of Europe’s leading independent distributors of outdoor power equipment, remains family owned and run, now managed by second generation Paul Butterly (Managing Director), and brother Kieran (Technical Director). Although retired, Mum (and co-founder) Eileen, continues to pop into the Dublin office around three days a week – just to ensure that the business continues to operate smoothly.

“We’re thrilled to have reached this milestone” says Paul. “This is a tough industry and the fact that we’re here in 2024, bigger and stronger than ever, is simply amazing”.

50 years of excellence

50 years of excellence

Asked how IFGM has successfully navigated multiple recessions, turbulent trading conditions and technologically driven changes in consumer demand over the past 50 years, Paul says: “We’ve always focused on keeping the company very nimble and this gives us a lot of flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions. We’ve been careful in the rate of our expansion, gradually building the business over time, only working with the very best brands in the industry. No matter what is happening in the economy, people will always buy quality product that offers the best value-for-money.”

In 2006, the business purchased U.K distributor Claymore Grass Machinery, now known as FGM Claymore, an acquisition that greatly extended the reach of the company. In 2022, the business was awarded U.K distribution rights for ECHO which, following the appointment in Ireland a few years earlier, made IFGM the third largest ECHO distributor in Europe.

The team at IFGM celebrated the anniversary during a special event held on the 28 February in Athlone. Dealers from all over the country, alongside special guests from Briggs & Stratton and Yamabiko, joined the Butterly family to celebrate this important anniversary.

Paul gave a special presentation that covered the history of the company, sharing anecdotes alongside the major milestones that made up the IFGM story. There were congratulatory video messages from garden machinery suppliers in New Zealand, Japan, and Italy, alongside special in-person presentations from Briggs & Stratton and Yamabiko.

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New recruits join GMA Young Board of Directors

New recruits join GMA Young Board of Directors: The GMA’s Young Board of Directors, sponsored by Reesink Turfcare, has recruited four new talented young grounds professionals to its ranks. The new additions will add fresh energy to the Young Board’s efforts to inspire the next generation of young people to join the sector.

Joining existing members are Meg Lay, Beth Gibbs, Liddy Ford and Jack Langley. Meg, who recently moved from Gloucestershire CC to Lord’s Cricket Ground, and Beth, who is part of Wellington School’s grounds team, join the Young Board fresh off the back of successes in the GMA Industry Awards 2023 where Meg won Newcomer of the Year and Beth won Young Groundsperson of the Year.

New recruits join GMA Young Board of Directors

New recruits join GMA Young Board of Directors

Liddy joins the Young Board with a background in horticulture as well as a BSc in sport and exercise science. Her current role is as a part of the grounds team at St George’s Park, the Football Association’s base for all 23 of England’s national football teams.

Jack joins having progressed from Assistant Grounds person to Deputy Head Grounds person at Ashton Gate Stadium, a multi-sport facility that acts as the home of Bristol City Football Club and Bristol Bears. The four new additions will use their varied backgrounds across sporting and educational facilities, and enthusiasm for grounds management, to represent the GMA in activity that aims to inspire young people to join the sector.

Work will begin with three of the new Board members, Meg, Liddy and Beth, representing the GMA as part of the all-female grounds team preparing the pitch at Emirates Stadium for Arsenal vs Tottenham in the Women’s Super League on Sunday 3 March 2024.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, is delighted to welcome the four new members to the Young Board:

“We established the Young Board of Directors in 2011 with the aim of encouraging more young people to consider careers in grounds management. Since then, a number of the founding members have gone on to achieve great things, including John Ledwidge, Head of Grounds and Landscapes at Manchester City FC, Ryan Golding, Head Groundsman at Leeds Rhinos, and Nick Phillips, Training Center Manager at Tottenham Hotspur FC.

“Beth, Meg, Liddy and Jack, bring fresh ideas and energy, and it’s clear that we’ve brought some exceptionally talented young professionals onto the existing team. We’re delighted to welcomethem all to the Board and are excited to see them contribute to our work on inspiring the next generation to join the sector.”

Gillian Haverson, Marketing & Communications Manager at Young Board sponsors, Reesink Turfcare said:

“Reesink is thrilled to offer its continued support for this great initiative and the excellent work done by the GMA Young Board of Directors. It’s always exciting to see women flourishing in this industry and we look forward to working with each of the new members. With this new injection of enthusiasm, we’re confident the GMA Young Board can only go from strength to strength.”

Beth, Liddy and Meg will all be in action as part of the trailblazing all-female grounds team preparing the pitch at Emirates Stadium for Arsenal vs Tottenham in the Women’s Super League on Sunday 3 March 2024, which will be free to view on the BBC.

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Using Attraxor for Poa reduction & speed of growth regulation

Using Attraxor for Poa reduction & speed of growth regulation: Founded in 1896, the course at Shipley Golf Club is neatly tucked away in the beautiful wooded valley of Beckfoot, just outside of Bingley in West Yorkshire. The grounds were designed by renowned architect Dr Alistair Mackenzie and present a testing but scenic 18-hole game. 

Chris Wood, Course Manager for Shipley Golf Club, heard about Attraxor’s ability to reduce Poa seedheads through fellow course managers and decided to try it on his greens on a trial basis. Having just completed his first full year of treatment with the plant growth regulator (PGR), he believes it has had a high-quality impact on the greens at Shipley.

Using Attraxor for Poa reduction & speed of growth regulation

Using Attraxor for Poa reduction & speed of growth regulation

Chris said: “I mix 375 grams of Attraxor® with 2 kilograms of nitrogen on the greens every 21 days, a routine which has resulted in reduced Poa seedheads and increased growth regulation. I was very impressed with the speed in which it gets working!”

Attraxor® is formulated for rapid foliar uptake, as the active PGR ingredient, prohexadione, can get to work in as quickly as four hours post-application. The active substance inhibits the gibberellic acid pathway, resulting in a reduction of turf height and turf biomass. Although it can still be applied in cooler soil conditions of around seven degrees centigrade, the key time to treat turf is March through to September for best results.  Chris has been using Attraxor during this main season to support turf growth.

Chris said: “Alongside the decreased Poa, I have also noticed that the grass sward is smoother, resulting in a truer ball roll and increased playability – which is a bonus!”
Attraxor® can also decrease time and money spent on turf maintenance due to its ability to regulate longitudinal turf growth, lessening the frequency of mowing and clipping volumes.

Chris said that he had noticed the need to mow less: “We have been able to skip cutting days due to Attraxor’s growth regulating abilities, which has meant my time can be spent doing other key maintenance jobs around the grounds.

“Overall, I believe that Attraxor® has increased the quality, regulation and playability of the greens at Shipley, although after some applications the turf did lighten slightly – but this doesn’t last and soon wears off.”

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Redexim announce return of free seed promotion

Redexim announce return of free seed promotion: Redexim UK are pleased to announce the return of their ‘Free Seed’ promotion for 2024. Following the popularity of the initiative last year, more facilities can now benefit from free seed up to the value of £500 from the world’s largest grass seed breeders, DLF, when they purchase a qualifying disc or dimple seeder from any Redexim Regional Partner.

Recognising the ongoing and ever-tightening economic pressures facing sports facilities across the country, Redexim’s promotion re-launched at BTME in January with the news that, for 2024, the selected seed supplier is DLF. This announcement gives customers access to mixtures from the market-leading Johnsons Sports Seed, MM and Masterline sports and landscape ranges, together with ProFlora and ColourBoost wildflower collections.

Redexim announce return of free seed promotion

Redexim announce return of free seed promotion

The voucher will be generated following the purchase of an Overseeder 3D disc seeder, or SpeedSeed or Multi-Seeder from the Redexim dimple seeder range, from their nationwide network of Regional Partners.

Paul Langford, Commercial Director for Redexim commented, “We know that cost increases across the board are having a real impact on maintenance programmes, that’s why we’re delighted to have teamed up with the industry’s biggest seed distributor to support venues with materials that they so desperately need. The flexibility of having hundreds of seed mixtures to choose from means that clubs can tailor the deal to suit their individual requirements and come away with a package that delivers real value.”

Derek Smith, DLF’s Amenity Sales and Marketing Manager added, “We’re pleased to be working with Redexim in supplying seed solutions that can improve turf quality and performance, while also being kinder to budgets and the environment. DLF’s global research programme has contributed to our strongest, most sustainable seed line-up to date, and we look forward to sharing this with existing and new customers via this exciting partnership.”

For further information, please speak to your local Redexim Regional Partner – the details of which can be found on the Redexim UK website.

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Green-tech help to reduce the risk of flooding in Leeds City

Green-tech help to reduce the risk of flooding in Leeds City: Leeds City Council is working with the Environment Agency on their Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 2 (FAS2) to reduce the risk of flooding of a 14km stretch between Leeds Train Station and Apperley Bridge.

The project is designed to protect 1,048 homes and 474 businesses through a combination of traditional engineering methods and natural flood management. Due for completion in Spring 2024, it is expected that the flood risk will be reduced to a 0.5% probability of occurring in any given year (a 1-in-200-year level of flood protection).

Green-tech help to reduce the risk of flooding in Leeds City

Green-tech help to reduce the risk of flooding in Leeds City

BAM Nuttall is a construction and civil engineering company that delivers key pieces of infrastructure across the UK, from railways to wind farms. They use digital engineering and a net zero carbon approach, placing sustainability at their core.

Part of the scheme included work on the bank of the river Aire upstream of Kirkstall Bridge using an earth embankment or steel sheet piled flood walls in some areas. The embankment will tie into flood walls, that will extend up to the existing Kirkstall Bridge. This section of railway line connects Leeds with Shipley and Bradford and has flooded several times in the past, and currently remains at risk.

Alongside the embankment and flood walls, 2.4 hectares of landscape and ecological enhancements are being implemented in Kirkstall Meadows. This work includes the creation of wetland scrapes and various interventions to support local wildlife.

The project was subject to planning conditions that required reinstatement or protection of vegetated features along the riverbank where the construction of hard flood defences would otherwise have compromised the permanent river-side ecology.

Sub-agent Jim Mitchell, comments, “Green-tech was chosen as the products they offered were designed exactly for this purpose. They were able to supply products that complied with the project specification and offered expert advice on alternative solutions that improved buildability and function’.

For this part of the project, Green-tech supplied 45 pre-established Coir Edge Sods which comprise 5 different aquatic plant species mixes. This unique system incorporates pre-established vegetation within the face of stone-filled gabions which is an integral part of the erosion control solution for a water’s edge, even where the projects require hard engineering solutions. This innovative, green erosion control system helps when the stability of engineering with gabions is combined with the benefits of immediate vegetation to provide rapid environmental and ecological regeneration.

20 gt Coir Log Rolls were supplied. These are cost-effective and an excellent technique for establishing marginal vegetation around lake edges, streams, and river banks. Compressed coir fibre encased in woven polyethylene or coir netting, gt Coir Log Rolls can be supplied pre-established with UK native species or unplanted.

These were accompanied by 20 gt Rock Rolls – designed to help reduce and prevent long-term erosion and allow for the ground to stay stabilised. Commonly used around watercourse shorelines, high-flow riverbanks, and streams, gt Rock Rolls are UV-stabilised polypropylene mesh filled with gabion stones. They are ideal for creating a solid foundation for installing pre-vegetated coir products – the roots of the emergent plants grow into the voids of the rock rolls, giving long-term erosion control and bank support. Gt Rock Rolls installed below coir units can also be used to support a filter fabric or biodegradable matting.

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Acquisition of Groundtrax Systems Ltd

Consistent with our strategy to broaden the Origin Group’s current offering alongside our continued commitment to growing our existing businesses to give us a more balanced portfolio, the Amenity Division has grown significantly over recent years. 

To meet our future strategic goals, the Amenity and Ecology Divisions are expected to experience strong organic, synergistic, and acquisitive growth over the next five years. 

Acquisition of Groundtrax Systems Ltd

Acquisition of Groundtrax Systems Ltd

 Origin Amenity acquires Groundtrax Systems Ltd, the UK’s number one specialist supplier of ground protection and reinforcement systems. (www.groundtrax.com

 Groundtrax Systems was founded in 2011 by Simon Adams and provides a range of permanent and temporary ground protection and ground reinforcement systems for applications such as pedestrian access, roads, car parks, storage areas and commercial sites with the capabilities to support heavy goods vehicles and construction plant equipment. 

 Simon Adams, Managing Director of Groundtrax comments ‘’I am delighted to be joining Origin Amenity. Having a strategic partner like Origin will allow us to accelerate our growth plans and explore new opportunities. Origin shares our vision for Groundtrax and the development of sustainable drainage and this was a key driver in our decision to partner with them. Origin’s core values align with my own, their commitment to the sector and their people is evident. This cemented in my mind that they were the only Company suitable for the Groundtrax business for the future”. 

 Commenting on the announcement, Origin Amenity Managing Director, Chris Clark, said: “Groundtrax are an excellent fit for Origin to broaden our product range for our existing customers as well as entry into new markets that Groundtrax currently serve. Groundtrax products as part of Sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) are key to mitigating more frequent flooding events linked to climate change. We are delighted to welcome the Groundtrax team to the Origin Group and look forward to working together.”

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