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The day I sampled a commitment to quality forged in STIHL

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The day I sampled a commitment to quality forged in STIHL: It’s 22 May and Scott MacCallum has left me a voice mail asking me to give him a ring… I’m out at the RSPB reserve in Loch Leven, just having had a lovely bowl of soup and I head out to phone Scott with a curious mind.

He asks me if I would attend a press day at STIHL and without a pause, I jump at the chance. He then goes on to tell me it’s in Germany and my excitement grows. I only hesitate to tell him my passport expired a few months ago… but hey, a mere detail!

The day I sampled a commitment to quality forged in STIHL

The day I sampled a commitment to quality forged in STIHL

The event is in September, so I have plenty of time to plan.

A new passport and four failed photographs attempts later, I’m off to STIHL!

Arriving at the hotel in Waiblingen, heralds the start of a great adventure as STIHL have even provided chocolates in the shape of chainsaws, dressed in a smart orange ribbon. I demolish the chocolates as the first task on my to-do list.

At the amazing STIHL brand museum, we are introduced to products, personalities and the incredible world of timber sport.

The press gathered today will get to experience several product demonstrations throughout the programme of events.

My particular interest is with the new battery mowers from series 7 and the new FSA70 R battery brush cutter, making lawn trimming easy. Well, I say to myself, I’ll be the judge of that!

We are offered the chance to don the PPE and get cutting and so off I go!

The battery mowers offer low-noise and emission-free power for noisesensitive areas. As a former gardener within a hospital setting, these lownoise options would have been perfect.

The mowers from the 7-series have a power of up to 2.9 kW. They are also equipped with an 8-litre grass catcher box, minimising the need of the operator to stop and empty the catcher as frequently as other mower options demand. On the heavy, wet grass that they are being demonstrated on to today, the RMA 750 and RMA 756 make easy work of the task.

The new backpack BRA 500 and BRA 600, also offer a noise reduction system and a blowing force of up to 32 or 35 newtons, constantly available for the entire battery operating time.

Disruptive frequencies and noise peaks are specifically eliminated, and these powerful battery blowers can tackle heavy, autumn leaves effortlessly.

The BRA 280 B has a blowing force of up to 26 Newtons and a maximum speed of 86 m/s. it is light weight and compact and reduces the strain on the operator. It also has a quick adjustment design of the blowing tube length to allow for varying requirements. Ideal for green cuttings, wet leaves and dirt.

The other item of interest to me is the STIHL FSA70 R battery brushcutter. As someone of a grand height of 5 foot 2 (and a half) inches tall, I am eager to see if this product works well with a smaller operator.

I put on the PPE and harness etc and clip on the strimmer. I’m merrily trimming the lawn for a while when I’m stopped and told it’s time to move on to the next demonstration. I can honestly say, that using that piece of kit was the most enjoyable trimming experience I have had and that it was indeed genuinely ergonomically superior to any other option I have tried.

Don’t get me started on the rapidquick system that allows mowing heads to be replace easily at the touch of a button…I’d be here all day singing its praise. The advanced EasySpool winding mechanism is simply a gamechanger and this piece of equipment is now firmly on my Christmas present wish list.

It is now time for us to head inside the factory where we are told no photographs are allowed. I suddenly feel as giddy as Charlie did when he won the Golden ticket and was about to meet Mr Wonka inside the chocolate factory. Indeed, with the brand’s trademark orange, I wonder for a moment if we will encounter Oompa Loompas…?!?

We head in and there are only professional, highly skilled and passionate employees.

In the “drum testing” room, batteries are placed in a cement mixing drum and left to withstand what damage they can…. We are given a battery to inspect that has endured such an experience. With only a few scuffmarks on its exterior, the batter has survived with operational abilities intact.

The day I sampled a commitment to quality forged in STIHL

The day I sampled a commitment to quality forged in STIHL

This level of testing to ensure the consumer and prosumer, have only the very best quality of product, is awe-inspiring and the commitment to the buyer is in a class of its own. Batteries with long life and durability are certainly on show today.

One of my favourite parts of the STIHL factory must be the sound room. My imagination is running away with me as we enter the sound room, and I am anticipating Gene Wilder stepping out and singing “Pure Imagination”. They really shouldn’t have given me those chocolates; I think the sugar has gone to my head!

Anyway, in this room the decibels of each machine are measured, and tests are carried out to make noise reduction possible.

Other products that cannot be left without commenting on is the vast range of chainsaws and I was given the opportunity to use a chainsaw for the very first time during the workshop outside. The power is impressive and so is the effort gone in by STIHL to ensure safety is paramount.

A few weeks ago, I had a conversation with a couple of groundsmen, and one asked the other why is a STIHL saw called a STIHL saw, the answer was simply “because the best made saws are arguably made by STIHL”. It is engrained on our mind that STIHL make saws and with the emergency services opting for STHIL over other manufactures, that is truly a testimonial. The STIHL MSA 300 Rescue and STIHL TSA 300 Rescue are ideal for fire brigade and disaster relief teams and are available on the market now.

When I left Wonka-world, sorry I mean STIHL world and got back to the UK, I made a trip to an event called “Farming of yesteryear”. Among all the tractors, old ambulances and antique fire engines, was an old STIHL chainsaw… this is truly a brand that has withstood the test of time and has a well-deserved place in the hearts of those who are dependent on its power and performance to get the job done well and safely.

STIHL understand the people they create their products for, and every effort goes in from start to finish, to ensuring that the quality of manufacturing is unsurpassable.

GVA become the preachers of benefits of Aspen Fuel

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GVA become the preachers of benefits of Aspen Fuel: ‘Your environment, our responsibility’ is not just the strapline of contractors GVA – it’s very much a motto the company embody everyday in their operations with National Highways, utility providers, countryside managers and other leading land agencies throughout the UK.

Longstanding users of Aspen 2 and Aspen 4 across their machinery fleet, their confidence in the environmental and operator benefits of alkylate fuel has moved from being simply their fuel of choice to a core element of their brand new GVA Training school.

GVA become the preachers of benefits of Aspen Fuel

GVA become the preachers of benefits of Aspen Fuel

Already familiar with the firm from over 20 years’ experience in the arboricultural industry, Andrew Fletcher joined GVA in September 2024 to become their new Corporate Training Instructor and Coordinator. He came with a clear vision – to build a training centre that reflects best practice across the industry and just a few short months later, and with LANTRA qualifications to teach across 10 specialist disciplines under his belt, that vision became a reality in the form of GVA Training.

“It’s been incredibly exciting – to develop this new project within such an established and well-respected business” Andrew explains. “Because of GVA’s growth, we see a steady stream of new recruits so it made complete sense to develop a training model to run alongside our operations which supports our clients and demonstrates our commitment to continual professional development and high safety standards.”

Courses are open to anyone, and include a dedicated segment on fuelling – focussed on the science, environmental and operator health benefits and practical advantages of Aspen Fuel over regular petrol. “We see it in our day-to-day business – the reduction in smoke/haze, the lack of strong odour, the benefits it brings to engine life and equipment performance. It’s now about informing the next generation, many of whom have heard about Aspen but some who only experience it hands-on for the first time when they come and learn with us. They notice the difference straight away” he adds.

“During the morning maintenance session, trainees get the chance to inspect machines from GVA’s own fleet which is where they can clearly see Aspen’s cleaner burn and reduced carbon deposits. Come the afternoon, its outdoor training using both battery tools and conventional equipment fuelled exclusively with Aspen.” This combination of theory and practice, Andrew says, helps to overcome any perceived barriers some of the attendees sometimes have. “Cost always comes up, but when you factor in that Aspen is pre-mixed with 2-stroke oil, the reduction in machinery maintenance, downtime, not to mention the health benefits, it pays for itself. We’re fully converted which makes it easy to present with confidence.”

With support from their local Aspen distributor Stuart Taylors International, GVA Training has welcomed over 100 students since the scheme launched in April 2025 and with demand steadily increasing, they expect numbers to grow rapidly over the coming year. “We use Aspen because it works. Now it’s brilliant that we can teach so many others why!”

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The Show Goes On with Kubota Fleet at The NEC

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The Show Goes On with Kubota Fleet at The NEC: A fleet of 30 G261 units from Kubota’s G-Series are helping to keep waste and facilities services on track at one of the country’s leading exhibition centres. The delivery from Hunts Engineering to The NEC Birmingham in March 2025 was well received by Darren Hawkins, Head of Soft Services, and a large team of OCS Group operatives who are now benefitting from Kubota comfort, convenience and reliability across the NEC, Vox Conference Centre and BP Pulse Arena.

OCS Group have been responsible for cleaning, waste, cloakrooms, portering and the wider estates at the NEC Group’s venues since 2012. Encompassing five venues in total, the need arose to replace the vehicles which are pivotal to the maintenance operation at three of the campus’s busiest sites. “We narrowed our search down to two brands before speaking to Richard Lucas from Hunts Engineering who brought us a Kubota G261 on demonstration” explains Darren. “We really put the machine through its paces, determined to find the limits of its capability and quite quickly discovered it could deliver everything our previous machines could with the added benefit of fantastic support from Richard and the team.”

The Show Goes On with Kubota Fleet at The NEC

The Show Goes On with Kubota Fleet at The NEC

With a couple of additional bespoke features – such as the fitting of amber safety beacons – to ensure the G261’s were fully fit for purpose, the first delivery of 20 units was made in March 2025, later joined by an additional 10 in July. “Their main task is to tow 1280 litre bins to various points, collecting litter and other waste during event build ups and breakdowns. As the old saying goes ‘the show must go on’ whether we’ve got machines to collect the litter or not so reliability is critical for us. So far, the Kubota’s haven’t missed a beat.”

The reliability of the fleet of G261’s reaffirms the sentiments of the NEC Estates Team, who have benefitted from the trusty power and performance of a Kubota M5-092 for the last 18 months. “It was the positive feedback from the Estates Department that really spurred me on to look at smaller machines in the Kubota range” Darren adds.

Depending on the event calendar, it’s not unusual for 20 or more of the G261’s to be out working on any given day. “The team have all received training on their operation which has made the transition relatively seamless, and hopefully means we’ll be able to better protect our investment.” Moving forwards, a combination of in-house monitoring and routine maintenance and servicing by Hunts will ensure the venue can continue to depend on the performance of the G261’s for years to come.

Steve Cartmell, NEC Group FM Contract Support Manager added, ““The teams’ choice of working with Hunts to provide Kubota machinery has ensured that the services OCS provide across our site can continue with improved reliability, fuel efficiency and user safety features, making the operation from event to event seamless.”

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The Outdoor Room claim top honour at BALI awards

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The Outdoor Room claim top honour at BALI awards: The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) announced the Grand, Special and Principal winners of the National Landscape Awards 2025, in a spectacular event held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London on Friday 5 December.

Just over 1,000 BALI members and their guests saw Surrey-based The Outdoor Room capture the prestigious Grand Award for their standout project Hawthorn House, a scheme celebrated for its ambition, technical mastery, and exceptional craftsmanship.

The Outdoor Room claim top honour at BALI awards

The Outdoor Room claim top honour at BALI awards

The winning project impressed the judging panel with its elegant and expansive design, delivered despite stringent access restrictions, challenging weather conditions and frequent expansion of the project scope. Coordinating with multiple third-party contractors, The Outdoor Room produced a landscape described by judges as “full of visual beauty that belies the complex nature of the work that went into it.”

Presented by Headline Sponsor Origin Enterprises, via their Living Landscapes Division, the Grand Award recognises the company’s ability to balance high-level problem-solving with meticulous execution. The project team resolved significant drainage issues, delivered intricate hard-landscaping features, and installed a refined planting scheme, all while maintaining seamless workmanship throughout. The team brought to life a landscape the judges deemed exemplary in every respect.

“We’re incredibly proud to receive the Grand Award at the BALI National Landscape Awards,” said Mark Britton, Managing Director of The Outdoor Room. “These awards represent the highest level of recognition in our industry. To be acknowledged by such experienced and knowledgeable judges is an honour, and achievements like this inspire and motivate our whole team, especially our younger members.”

BALI Chief Executive Wayne Grills praised the achievement, noting the exceptional standard of entries: “The standard this year was one of the best we’ve ever seen, so this is a hugely deserved win for Mark and his team. Every year I continue to be amazed by the creativity, innovation and expertise demonstrated by our members. The Awards remain the pinnacle of landscaping excellence because of their dedication and skill.”

It was double delight for The Outdoor Room, as Senior Foreman and Director James Sponder bagged a Special Award for individual professional achievement.

Alongside the announcement of the Grand Award winner and Principal winners, Water Gems (Alba) received a Special Award for their project “Maggie’s Forth Valley”, while John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance was presented with the Environmental Awareness Award for “Biodiversity Boost”.

Next year, the 2026 Awards will mark a milestone 50th Anniversary celebration, with Origin Enterprises confirmed to reprise their role as headline sponsor.

For the full list of winners, event photographs, and future entry information, visit baliawards.co.uk

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New GMA Conference Set To Bring The Sector Together

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New GMA Conference Set To Bring The Sector Together: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is thrilled to announce a major new addition to the industry calendar: the GMA Conference 2026 – a full day of practical learning and big industry conversations.

Hosted at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham on Thursday 12 March, the landmark event will bring together leading experts and experienced practitioners from across the UK and beyond for an immersive programme designed to inform, inspire, and connect.

New GMA Conference Set To Bring The Sector Together

New GMA Conference Set To Bring The Sector Together

What to expect

Backed by Platinum Sponsor ISEKI, and industry organisations such ICL, Origin Amenity Solutions, Reesink UK, Agronomic Services Ltd, SGL, MJ Abbott and Premier Pitches, the 2026 programme offers real-world sessions with immediate takeaways:

  • Expert Speakers: Hear from industry leaders including: Ruth Mann (Head of Integrated Crop Technologies, Agrii), Tony Hanson (Environmental Solutions International), Daniel Ratling (Grounds and Estate Manager at Whitgift School), broadcaster Mark Clemit, Chris Hunter (GMA), Will Brierley & Mark Ferguson (All England Lawn Tennis Club), and John Lawrence (Edgbaston Priory Tennis Club), with more names to be announced soon.
  • Practical Sessions: Gain actionable insights with real-world case studies, including:
    • A behind-the-scenes look at Lord’s full-scale pitch renovation
    • Strategies for future-proofing facilities under new water regulations
    • Workshops on soil health, workforce development, and leadership skills
  • Interactive Panels: CPD-rich discussions tackling the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector right now.
  • Soft Skills Matter: Build leadership, communication and team management skills to complement your technical expertise. These sessions will ensure you leave not only with technical know-how, but also the interpersonal skills essential for long-term success.

Attendees can build their own agenda to focus on the skills and knowledge most relevant to their career whilst accessing the latest research and emerging best practice – a snapshot of where grounds management is heading.

Networking runs throughout the programme with plenty of time to connect and meet new peers. A guided tour of Edgbaston’s world-class facilities will offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at excellence in action.

After the conference, delegates are invited to stay for the GMA Industry Awards, the annual celebration of the people and achievements driving standards across the sector.

The conference will complement other GMA educational events throughout 2026, offering a wider programme of learning opportunities for grounds professionals at every stage of their career.

Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be launching a dedicated conference for the sector in 2026. Grounds professionals operate in a fast-changing environment, and there’s a real appetite for events that combine practical learning with the chance to connect with others facing similar challenges.

“One of the real strengths of this programme is that delegates can tailor their day by choosing the sessions and speakers that are most relevant to their role. This conference delivers exactly that – flexibility and depth. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Edgbaston for what promises to be a standout day.”

Full programme details will be announced soon, but you don’t need to wait to secure your place. Register your interest now to be among the first to get early access for this must-attend conference.

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