Tag Archive for: Professional

BIGGA Professional Leadership Programme to Launch

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BIGGA Professional Leadership Programme to Launch: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has announced that its new Professional Leadership Programme will be ready for delivery from September 2026, marking a significant step forward in the association’s commitment to developing confident, capable leaders across the golf and turf management sector.

Mapped at Level 4, the Professional Leadership Programme has been specifically designed to bridge the gap between Level 3 supervisory and technical, and Level 5 management and agronomic qualifications . It provides a vital progression route for those who have moved beyond technical competence and are beginning to take on leadership, supervisory and management responsibilities, but who may not yet be ready for, or yet suited to, a full Level 5 apprenticeship or equivalent.

BIGGA Professional Leadership Programme to Launch

BIGGA Professional Leadership Programme to Launch

Developed in collaboration with St Andrews Management Centre and Epic Ltd, the programme is tailored to the realities of golf course and club operations. Rather than traditional classroom-based learning, it focuses on applied leadership, real-world management scenarios, reflective practice and practical activities that are directly relevant to participants’ day-to-day roles.

The programme is recognised by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), ensuring it meets nationally recognised standards for leadership and management excellence. On successful completion, graduates will achieve Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) status, providing formal professional recognition and a strong platform for future progression to higher-level study or apprenticeships.

The Professional Leadership Programme is pitched at current and aspiring supervisors, team leaders, deputy head greenkeepers, first assistants and those transitioning into management roles, as well as experienced practitioners who have developed leadership responsibility organically but are seeking structured development and professional recognition.

Commenting on the announcement, Rob Phillips, BIGGA’s Learning & Development Manager (Technical), said:
“The Professional Leadership Programme represents a significant step forward in how we support the development of leaders within greenkeeping and golf club operations. By working closely with St Andrews Management Centre and Epic Ltd, and securing recognition from the Chartered Management Institute, we have created a programme that is practical, credible, and genuinely relevant to the realities of our industry. This is about equipping people with the confidence, skills, and professional recognition they need to lead teams, manage change, and shape the future of golf.”

Rick Bond, Director of St Andrews Management Centre said:

“The St Andrews Management Centre is delighted to be working with BIGGA and Epic Ltd in delivering the Professional Leadership Programme which is recognised by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).  The skills and knowledge that the programme modules bring to the greenkeeping sector, will be immensely valuable to the individuals, and will allow the post nominal of Foundation Charter Manager (fCMgr) to be awarded on completion of the programme. This is a key milestone on the journey to full Chartered Manager (CMgr) status.”

Peter Deakin, Associate Head of Partnerships at The Chartered Management Institute, added:

“The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) is proud to support BIGGA’s Professional Leadership Programme, appreciating it as a vital step in the continued professionalisation of the golf greenkeeping sector. By benchmarking the programme to CMI’s professional standards framework in conjunction with the St Andrews Management Centre, BIGGA demonstrates its commitment to management, essential leadership and strategic skills for greenkeepers and the importance of treating leadership as a core professional standard within greenkeeping. Programme delegates will receive access to resources, tools and services and become part of the 240,000-pan sector community of managers and leaders and we hope many will have ambition to become a Chartered Manager in the future.”

The launch of the Professional Leadership Programme reinforces BIGGA’s wider ambition to provide clear, high-quality education and development pathways for its members, supporting both individual career progression and the long-term sustainability of golf clubs and facilities across the UK and internationally.

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STIGA Announces Its Entry Into The Professional Segment

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STIGA Announces Its Entry Into The Professional Segment: STIGA, Europe’s leading manufacturer of garden care machinery and equipment, announces its entry into the Professional segment with a complete ecosystem of products, batteries, AI-driven technologies and after-sales services.

With over 90 years of experience in designing gardening machinery and as a pioneer in the transition to electric, the company is taking a natural step in its evolution, putting its ability to innovate at the service of gardening professionals. In particular, it is the ePower Pro Battery – the heart of the entire range – alongside APX Pro and ePark Pro that form part of a new generation of resilient, high-performance battery solutions designed to elevate the standards of professional land care: a concrete answer to the constantly evolving needs of “prosumers” – operators and dealers who are increasingly oriented towards autonomous and intelligent solutions. STIGA Professional line-up will be available from early Spring 2026.

STIGA Announces Its Entry Into The Professional Segment

STIGA Announces Its Entry Into The Professional Segment

“Entering the Professional segment is a strategic step for STIGA, – says James Gordon, MD of STIGA UK, because it allows us to share our expertise in technology, electrification and sustainable design with industry professionals. This evolution is a natural extension of our identity: to continue innovating responsibly, offering solutions that improve performance and simplify the daily work of professionals, strengthening STIGA’s role as a key player for those working in garden care every day.”

Entering the Professional segment also represents a decisive leap forward in terms of environmental & social responsibility. The new battery-powered ecosystem eliminates the use of fuel, reduces emissions and noise, and guarantees high performance with low environmental impact, marking another milestone in the company’s commitment to electrification. By automating repetitive mowing, the new self-operated mowers reduce physical strain and fatigue while operators can focus on skilled tasks that require human expertise. As a pioneer in the industry, STIGA continues to lead the way by enabling users to shift to battery-powered and automated products – and the new electric ecosystem for professional use really makes a difference in this progress.

ePower Pro Battery – The technological core of the system

It all starts with the new ePower Pro Battery, the modular system developed in-house by STIGA and used across the entire Professional range, delivering high performance, unlimited capacity and maximum flexibility. Designed to withstand intensive, multi-site use, the battery is removable, portable and swappable between different machines, allowing for independent charging, diagnostics and maintenance. Thanks to its modular design, it offers the possibility of combining multiple batteries to extend autonomy, ensuring operational continuity even in the most demanding and lengthy work contexts, with fast recharging cycles and long life.

APX Pro – AI-powered robotics for professional use

The flagship of the new offering is APX Pro, the first autonomous robot for large areas designed specifically for professional use. Ideal for the maintenance of public parks, sports fields and large green spaces, the machine integrates a full system of sensors to ensure the safest and most efficient work possible. AGS, GPS-RTK, LIDAR and gyroscope technologies provide precision and accuracy in robot positioning and navigation. Then, it integrates STIGA Vista Technology, an AI-driven on-board camera, and an ultrasonic sensor to detect and avoid anything, fixed or moving obstacles, on the lawn. The robot handles obstacles, slopes, grass density and complex zones with precision, operating safely even in spaces frequented by people or animals. APX Pro is equipped with the Combi ePro 110 Q Plus cutting deck, 110 cm wide, engineered to deliver top-tier performance on complex terrains. Designed for multi-site work, the robot is easily transportable and fully manageable via the STIGA.GO App and Stiga Web Pro App, which enable activity planning and predictive maintenance. With a single charge (6 ePower Pro batteries), APX Pro can cover up to 27,000 m², ensuring a uniform, safe and highly productive cut.

ePark Pro – The electric evolution of the iconic Park Pro

A symbol of reliability and performance in the world of front mowing, the iconic STIGA Park Pro – beloved by professionals and green space operators – has been completely revamped to usher in a new era: introducing ePark Pro, its electric evolution. Completely re-engineered, the new model retains the essence that made the Park Pro famous: extraordinary manoeuvrability, cutting precision and versatility of use in all seasons. Designed for maintaining large residential and urban areas, ePark Pro delivers the same performance as a combustion engine tractor, but with zero emissions and significantly reduced noise levels. The modular ePower Pro battery enables up to 6 hours of uninterrupted work and covers up to 27,000 m² in mulching mode. Its advanced ergonomics, professional interface and easy maintenance make it the perfect solution for everyday use. Just like the other products in the range, the ePark Pro can be managed via the STIGA.GO App, for full control of the mowing session from the convenience of the mobile device.

STIGA Web Pro App

In addition, STIGA introduces the new Web Pro App, a browser-based platform accessible via desktop, tablet, and smartphone. Designed for professionals who manage multiple STIGA products or use their equipment across different locations, it helps streamline operations and boost productivity. The platform allows users to oversee all products simultaneously from a single interface, providing clear status overviews, predictive alerts, self-service guidance, and rapid diagnostics to minimise downtime and maximise operational efficiency.

With this announcement, STIGA inaugurates a new phase, positioning itself as a key player in the electric transition of the garden care industry, now extending into the professional segment. The company has already defined a development roadmap that includes the launch of additional dedicated products and accessories, as well as the expansion of its specialised dealer network. This includes technical training, after-sales support, spare parts availability and digital tools for machine and customer management.

Learn more about the STIGA PRO range at www.stiga.com/uk/eparkpro-battery-front-mower

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EGO introduces professional backpack sprayer

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EGO introduces professional backpack sprayer: Battery-powered outdoor power equipment specialist, EGO Power+, has launched its first backpack sprayer, designed for precise, comfortable, and efficient spraying within the garden.

With a 15L capacity, the battery-powered BSP3500E Backpack Sprayer features onboard variable flow control of up to 24 bar to deliver the pressure required for a variety of jobs around the garden. Designed for spraying pesticides during the spring to late summer seasons, the sprayer is also powerful enough for light cleaning jobs in the garden.

EGO introduces professional backpack sprayer

EGO introduces professional backpack sprayer

Featuring four nozzles, a stainless-steel wand and a double filtration system, the backpack sprayer provides the versatility to tackle a wide range of jobs. Clog-free performance within the nozzles and heavy-duty rubber hose ensures long-lasting performance, while a translucent tank maximises ease of use.

As well as this, the durable harness is designed for comfortable operation, while the lance handle allows users to intuitively control the spray, ensuring efficient coverage and reduced fatigue during extended work sessions.

Andrew Frohock, Product Manager for EGO, said: “We are proud to have built a reputation for delivering high-performance battery-powered gardening equipment, so our first backpack sprayer feels like a natural addition to our range and we’re proud to be launching it in 2025.

“We are always thinking of how we can use our battery technology to further aid customers with their work, and with this product, they can expect to find the same level of power, comfort and durability that they experience with our landscaping tools.”

Powered by EGO’s 56V ARC LithiumTM battery technology and a brushless motor, the BSP3500E works with any portable battery from the EGO range, the 5.0Ah battery is particularly recommended as it delivers up to 120 minutes of use. To protect the battery when in use, the tool has an integrated cover ensuring moisture cannot reach it.

Featuring a three-plunger pump and supplied with an adjustable cone, fan, shower, and foaming nozzles, the BSP3500E retails at £349, batteries are available separately.

To learn more visit: https://egopowerplus.co.uk/products/lifestyle/bsp3500E-15l-backback-sprayer

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EGO powers up with new professional chainsaw

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EGO powers up with new professional chainsaw: Leading battery-powered outdoor power equipment specialist, EGO Power Plus, has added a high-performance professional chainsaw to its range for forestry and garden professionals.

The CSX5000 is the first in a new generation of rear-handle chainsaws designed for demanding work. With a 30m/s chain speed, it provides comparable performance to established petrol saws; but brings all the benefits of battery power.

EGO powers up with new professional chainsaw

EGO powers up with new professional chainsaw

Chris Buck, Product Manager at EGO, said: “The most demanding ground saw applications require precision, power, and good ergonomics. The CSX5000 delivers all three in a saw that matches or exceeds the performance of petrol saws.”

Ideal for bar lengths of 40cm – 50cm, the CSX5000 has a 50cm full chisel chain for fast and efficient cutting and metal bumper spikes for extra stability when cross-cutting. Perfect for light forestry work, it copes comfortably with felling and cross-cutting tasks. An integrated felling line enhances safety by ensuring the user can see in which direction the tree or branches will fall.

Weight distribution is integral to the saw’s performance and safety, so EGO’s product development team have ensured the CSX5000 has a centralised battery position to provide optimal tool balance. The handle positions also ensure comfort when both cross-cutting and felling.

The saw also features a new display screen that enables the user to quickly check all the key parameters of the saw, such as oil level, battery capacity and set speed. The operator can use the LCD control panel to change the chain speed down to 25 or 20m per second and control the oil rate to ensure the most efficient cutting possible. In addition, there is a translucent oil tank for easy level viewing and a flat filling position to minimise the risk of spills.

“The CSX5000 is a truly powerful and robust chainsaw that is specifically designed for forestry and garden professionals as well as landscapers and grounds care specialists,” added Chris. “With zero emissions as well as far lower operating overheads and maintenance costs, it offers a great return on investment.”

The CSX5000 is part of the new PRO X series of hard-wearing and powerful tools for professionals, which also includes a lawn mower, hedge trimmers, brush cutters, and grass trimmers.

For more information on the new PRO X series from EGO, visit; www.egopowerplus.co.uk

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Cramer 82TBX20 Professional Brush Cutter

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Cramer 82TBX20 Professional Brush Cutter: The Cramer 82TBX20 is an 82V class leading battery brush cutter designed specifically for the professional market, and is the most powerful professional brush cutter Cramer have ever produced.

Offering strong durability thanks to its robust design and use of magnesium components, and unrivalled power and torque from its digital 82V 2.0kW brushless motor, with the Cramer 82TBX20 even the most demanding jobs can be carried out quickly, efficiently and safely.

Cramer 82TBX20 Professional Brush Cutter

Cramer 82TBX20 Professional Brush Cutter

Cramer’s 82V technology rivals an equivalent 40cc petrol trimmer yet has significantly lower running and ownership costs, making it a viable option for any professional user or business.

As well as the cost and performance benefits, the Cramer 82V range offers additional safety in the workplace, with low vibration, low noise, and zero emissions or harmful fumes for the operator when trimming. Additionally, the 82TBX20 features a fully adjustable bike handle and includes an ergonomic harness to ensure operator comfort while working in larger areas.

As part of the Cramer 82V professional line-up, the battery is interchangeable in any of the 82V range from lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, blowers, and even power cutters.

To find your nearest Cramer retailer, go to: www.cramertools.com/gb/en/dealers

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