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Lee Hatton becomes shareholder of FSI Stump Cutters

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Lee Hatton becomes shareholder of FSI Stump Cutters: It’s been an incredibly busy and exciting 15 months since the formation of the wholly owned UK subsidiary of FSI Stump Cutters.

The establishment and subsequent strengthening of a nationwide dealer partner network and the introduction of the higher horsepower FSI B31-980 are two of many significant developments – the latest of which is the announcement that Sales Director Lee Hatton has officially become a shareholder of FSI Stump Cutters UK Ltd.

Lee Hatton becomes shareholder of FSI Stump Cutters

Lee Hatton becomes shareholder of FSI Stump Cutters

Lee has been a major part of the success of FSI in the UK and Irish stump grinding markets throughout 2024. Coming from a background as an area sales manager, this hands-on experience and sales know-how has created strong foundations for Lee to support both new and highly experienced dealers across FSI’s UK partner network. He has become the port of call for new and prospective customers across the country, reaffirming the belief that owners and operators value interaction with FSI directly, as well as with their local FSI partner – resulting in increased sales and market share.

Engaging with end-users is something FSI as a manufacturer have always prioritised and is why, together with Lee, members of the Danish team have been present at all major UK shows and events. This not only demonstrates FSI’s commitment to the UK but provides a platform for end-user feedback and requests which are helping to shape future developments across the Engine, Hydraulic and Tractor-mounted range. This is something that is set to continue with FSI retaining a strong presence, in both staff and equipment, at The Arb Show this May.

“Lee has worked with us since the establishment of FSI UK and has not only shown impressive results in cooperation with our FSI Partner network, but also that he shares the values of FSI – especially his willingness to go the extra mile for both our customers and our dealers” comments FSI Stump Cutters Managing Director Kim Schmidt. “At FSI we’re in it for the long run, making sure we take the right decisions from day one. Making Lee a shareholder feels like the right decision to ensure progress and long-term stability in our UK subsidiary as we continue to grow.

Looking ahead, we’re in a stronger position than ever to delivering unmatched service and reliable stump grinding solutions for years to come.”

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Tveit Park named European Distributor of the Year

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Tveit Park named European Distributor of the Year: Bernhard and Company, the global leader in fine turf sharpening solutions, has named Tveit Park in Norway as its European Distributor of the Year for 2024. The award recognises outstanding commitment to brand development, customer engagement, and driving sales growth in the region.

Since taking over the company in 2023, Frode Tjelta, Managing Director of Tveit Park, has worked tirelessly with his team to re-establish Bernhard and Company’s presence in the Scandinavian market. Their proactive approach has included organising multiple demonstration events, significantly increasing awareness of the Bernhard and Company brand and its industry-leading grinding solutions. This dedication has already translated into impressive sales results, with a surge in machine deliveries across the region.

Tveit Park named European Distributor of the Year

Tveit Park named European Distributor of the Year

Steven Nixon, Managing Director of Bernhard and Company, commented: “Tveit Park has demonstrated exactly what we value in a distribution partner – commitment, energy, and a clear focus on delivering the best for our customers. Under Frode’s leadership, the company has made huge strides in revitalising our presence in Norway, and we’re excited to continue working together to bring even more education and support to turf professionals across Europe.”

Frode Tjelta, Managing Director of Tveit Park, added: “It’s an honour to receive this recognition from Bernhard and Company. We believe in the quality and precision of their products, and we’ve worked hard to showcase their benefits to our customers. This award is testament to our team’s efforts, and we look forward to continuing to grow our partnership and bring even more value to the market.”

Tveit Park has been proactive in showcasing Bernhard and Company’s industry-leading grinding solutions through a series of ‘Sharper Solutions’ demo days. In late 2024, nearly 40 turf professionals gathered to learn about optimal cutting unit setup, maintenance, and sharpening techniques. The session featured hands-on demonstrations of the Anglemaster 4100 bedknife grinder and Express Dual 4300 reel grinding machine, highlighting their efficiency and precision. These days have been instrumental in increasing awareness if Bernhard and Company’s products, reinforcing Tveit Park’s commitment to education and customer support.

With a strong foundation now in place, Bernhard and Company and Tveit Park are set to expand their collaboration further, ensuring that more turf professionals across Europe benefit from industry-leading sharpening solutions and educational opportunities.

For more information on Bernhard and Company’s distributor network, head to: https://bernhard.co.uk/contact/

To find out more about Tveit Park, visit: https://www.tveitpark.no/

You can also find Bernhard and Company on Twitter at @BernhardCompany, on Instagram at @bernhardcompany, and on Facebook and LinkedIn by searching Bernhard Company.

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Lantra Announces Appointment of Next CEO

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Lantra Announces Appointment of Next CEO: Lantra is pleased to announce the appointment of Nick Juba as its new CEO. Nick will be joining the business in June.

Nick joins Lantra with a wealth of experience as a Director, Chief Executive and Non-Executive Director.  Starting his career at the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority before progressing to become a consultant to the European Commission. Nick then worked in the Higher Education sector, leading the University of the Arts Awarding Body where he drove a successful growth strategy.

Lantra Announces Appointment of Next CEO

Lantra Announces Appointment of Next CEO

He then held Chief Executive positions in Further Education, before moving to his current post at Capita Group Plc where he has been Director of Learning since 2020 overseeing the delivery of all shore-based education and training for the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines.

Chair of the Lantra Board of Trustees, Dr David Llewellyn, said:

“We are delighted that Nick Juba will be joining Lantra at an exciting time for the organisation.  Nick will bring a wealth of experience in skills development and training, from the world of education and latterly, from a commercial environment, leading the delivery of education and training across the entire Royal Navy and the Royal Marines”.

“Lantra is working hard to support skills development and training in the land-based and environment sector, and to invest in activities that will help policy makers recognise the vital role that these industries play in the national economy.  We are certain that Nick will play an important part in these activities as well as in Lantra’s wider connections with the land-based industries across the UK”.

“We would also like to pay tribute to our current CEO, Marcus Potter, who will be retiring later this year when Nick takes on his new post.  Marcus has made an enormous contribution to Lantra, and our partners, over the last decade and we wish him all the very best in his forthcoming retirement”.

Commenting on his appointment, Nick said: “I have spent the last 25 years working to improve outcomes for learners across further, higher and technical education and I care passionately about the role skills play in supporting individuals, communities and businesses to achieve their goals.

“I am both excited and humbled by the opportunity to join Lantra and to support the land-based and environment sectors to flourish in a time of policy, environmental and technological change.

“I hope to meet as many of you as possible in my first few months in post and to work in partnership to deliver the skills we need for the success of our local, regional and national economies”.

Lantra continues to work proactively with the land-based and environment sector to ensure that skills needs are met through the development of high-quality training and qualifications.

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Third of Brits now want artificial grass banned

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Third of Brits now want artificial grass banned: Artificial grass rose to popularity several years ago due to its cleanliness, consistently perfect aesthetic, and its ease to maintain. However, last year, data revealed that 24 per cent of people living in Britain would support a ban.

Just 12 months later, new statistics show this figure has now risen to 36 per cent in support of a full ban on the product – a rise of 50 per cent in just one year.

Third of Brits now want artificial grass banned

Third of Brits now want artificial grass banned

According to research from MyBuilder.com, the reliable way to hire tradespeople, more than a third of people living in the UK want to ban artificial grass. This explains the drop in popularity for the product, with data from the company itself showing enquiries for artificial grass installation were down 48 per cent year on year in 2023. Google data supports this finding, with searches for the product down 20 per cent since 2023 – and 50 percent since 2021.

The new statistics show that support for a ban is universal across all age groups and is consistent for both men and women. Geographically there are some variations, with Scottish capital Edinburgh showing the strongest support. In Edinburgh, more than half (53 per cent) of residents would support a full ban. Manchester was the least supportive – although 32 per cent still stated that they would like to see the product banned. Other results included:

  • Cardiff 41%
  • Liverpool 39%
  • Plymouth 39%
  • Leeds 39%
  • Southampton 38%
  • London 36%
  • Birmingham 36%

MyBuilder.com ran the research across its European territories, which also showed strong support for a ban. Perhaps unsurprisingly, green-focused Netherlands residents stated they would like a ban. Results across Europe included:

  • Data from the Netherlands showed that 43 per cent of residents support a ban
  • Data from France showed that 26 per cent of residents would support the ban
  • Data from Germany showed that 31 per cent of residents would support the ban
  • Data from Austria showed that 30 per cent of residents support a ban

James Lewis, expert gardener from MyBuilder.com, said widespread negativity in the press, and concerns about how artificial grass affects wildlife, has caused concerns with homeowners.

“After an extremely wet 2024, Brits are understandably really worried about flooding and the damage it can cause to both property and gardens. Artificial grass has received a fair amount of negativity for the potential it has to increase any flooding risk.

“We’d advise anyone considering installing it to look at all the pros and cons, as there are still many benefits to the product.”

To help those thinking about it decide, experts from MyBuilder.com have compiled a list of the advantages and disadvantages of installing an artificial lawn.

Pros

  1. Looks aesthetically pleasing all year round

No brown spots, bald patches, or muddy puddles here! There’s no denying that an  artificial lawn looks nice and maintains its appearance, whatever the weather.

  1. No need for watering

No live grass equals no need for watering in the summer. Saves you time, and money, off your monthly water bill. Also useful when the inevitable hosepipe ban comes into play.

  1. Low maintenance

No mowing, no watering, no reseeding – there’s no doubt that an artificial lawn is easier to look after than a natural one.

  1. Easy to clean

We all know the risk of unseen pet poo and urine on our lawns, but with an artificial lawn you can easily hose it down to keep it sparkly clean.

Cons 

  1. Cost to buy and install

Although once in place it may save you money, buying and installing your artificial lawn is likely to be a several thousand-pound cost. The average cost for installation in an average size garden is between £1,200 to £2,500.

  1. Impact on natural habitat

Removing natural grass undeniably has a negative effect on the environment, with the loss of habitat for bugs and wildlife.

  1. Drainage implications 

Although this varies depending on product and installation, an artificial lawn does not drain as well as a real one. This can cause issues in areas where flooding is a problem, such as in new build estates built on previous flood plains, or in areas close to bodies of water.

  1. Can get too hot

Artificial lawns can get too hot for little feet and paws, causing blistering and burns. Vets from Joii Pet Care have recently warned owners that artificial grass can be perilous for pets, and advised caution when allowing pets onto it.

If you’re considering a garden project, MyBuilder have a helpful cost guide at https://www.mybuilder.com/pricing-guides/garden-landscaping-cost

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TGA Warns of Further Turf Price Increases in 2025

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TGA Warns of Further Turf Price Increases in 2025: The Turfgrass Growers Association (TGA) has issued a warning about anticipated price increases for turf products in 2025.

Following another year of challenging weather conditions and ever increasing operational costs, TGA members have reported mounting pressures that will inevitably drive up the overall cost of production, and therefore the sale price of turf.

TGA Warns of Further Turf Price Increases in 2025

TGA Warns of Further Turf Price Increases in 2025

This continues a trend in recent years, as the industry grapples with the ongoing effects of extreme and variable weather patterns. In 2024, further widespread wet weather, increased disease management programmes, and in many cases the legacy of the previous winter’s adverse weather have once again driven up production costs across the whole supply chain.

Impact of National Insurance Contribution Changes

Adding to these challenges, the government’s increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions, effective from April 2025, will significantly affect turfgrass producers. Contributions are set to rise from 13.8% to 15%, while the threshold at which employers begin paying contributions will drop from £9,100 to £5,000. These changes will substantially increase payroll costs for labour-intensive industries including turfgrass production.

Richard Owens, Chair of the TGA, commented: “2024 was another particularly challenging year for the turfgrass industry. Alongside continued weather-related disruptions and increasing operational costs, government-mandated fiscal changes are adding further pressures. Price adjustments are essential to ensure the industry’s viability and ability to meet future demand.”

Building on Previous Challenges

The anticipated price rises for 2025 build on the challenges highlighted at the start of 2024, when the TGA warned of price increases driven by extreme weather, rising fertiliser and fuel costs, and supply chain issues.

Looking Ahead

The TGA remains committed to supporting its members by promoting best practices, advocating for industry needs, and exploring innovative solutions to mitigate future challenges. However, with the effects of climate change continuing to impact growing conditions and economic pressures mounting, the association urges stakeholders to anticipate price volatility and plan accordingly for upcoming projects.

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