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Innovation on Tour – The AriensCo Roadshow

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Innovation on Tour – The AriensCo Roadshow: The AriensCo Roadshow 2025 came to a successful close last weekend. Since the end of July, our sales teams have been on the move across Germany, France and the United Kingdom – meeting dealers and end users directly at their locations.

With up to seven stops in each country, visitors had the chance to get up close with the latest innovations from AS-Motor and Ariens, and more importantly, try them out for themselves.

Innovation on Tour – The AriensCo Roadshow

Innovation on Tour – The AriensCo Roadshow

Bringing innovation to Life

The roadshow was all about bringing our products to life. Each stop featured live demonstrations, expert conversations, and personal consultations that allowed for real hands-on experiences. The focus was not only on showcasing product features, but also on discussing everyday challenges, technical details, and service and spare parts needs with dealers, service professionals, and local authorities.

More Than Just a Demo – Real Conversations with Professionals

“Our roadshow was about more than just product demonstrations; it was about meaningful dialogue with the people who use our equipment every day,” said Sam Lewis, General Manager of AriensCo UK. “Performance data is one thing – but the real test is putting the machine into the hands of the user. That’s when you truly see what it can do.”

Two key innovations took center stage, both unveiled earlier this year at demopark:

AS 990 Tahr RC

This new remote-controlled rotary mower proved its capability on steep slopes, where it delivers faster mowing without the need to turn around after each pass. The open-sided sickle mower cuts cleanly in both directions, while the proven cross blade system from the AS 940 Sherpa ensures exceptional cutting power. It easily handles grass and brush up to 1.5 meters high, using two powerful pendulum blades and an overhead cutter bar for high-speed shredding.

Ariens Summit Pro Zero-Turn Series

The new zero-turn models for professionals showed why they are the new stars of the Ariens lineup. With speeds up to 24 km/h, cutting widths of up to 183 cm, and area coverage of nearly 30,000 m² per hour, the Summit Pro 300 and 500 are built for intensive professional use. Durable mower decks, Parker hydrostats, and premium Kawasaki engines reinforce the machines’ robust and reliable design.

Positive Feedback Across the Board

Across all three countries, the response to the roadshow was overwhelmingly positive. Visitors appreciated the chance to experience the equipment first-hand, while dealers took advantage of the opportunity to deepen their product knowledge. For AriensCo, the roadshow also provided valuable insights from direct conversations with customers and users.

“Roadshows help build trust and provide a genuine product experience,” Sam Lewis concluded. “They’ll continue to play an increasingly important role alongside trade shows and conventional demos in how we connect with our customers.”

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Laura Darlow a winner of 30 under 30 – The Next Generation

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Laura Darlow a winner of 30 under 30 – The Next Generation: Green-tech is delighted to announce that Laura Darlow, Logistics Team Leader, has been named as one of Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation winners for 2025.

28-year-old Laura was chosen for her contribution and rapid career progression within the landscape industry. Now in its tenth year, the 30 Under 30: The Next Generation initiative celebrates 30 rising stars across the arboriculture, garden design, horticulture, and landscaping sectors, aiming to showcase the diverse career opportunities available to young professionals.

Laura Darlow a winner of 30 under 30 – The Next Generation

Laura Darlow a winner of 30 under 30 – The Next Generation

Laura joined Green-tech in 2015 after completing a Diploma in Horticulture at Askham Bryan College. She began her career as a Despatch Assistant before moving into logistics, where she has thrived in a fast-paced and evolving environment. Within just a few years, she progressed to Logistics Team Leader, a role that sees her coordinate the daily movement of customer orders across both UK and international markets. Laura plays a pivotal role in ensuring Green-tech delivers on its promises to customers. She has been instrumental in process improvements that have reduced stock holding, cut freight costs, and ensured compliance with all export orders.

Her achievements were further recognised in 2025 when she completed Green-tech’s Management Development Programme, earning the title of ‘Outstanding Contributor’ from the course trainer.

Speaking about this award, Laura comments, “I’m thrilled to have been recognised as one of this year’s Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30 winners. Working in logistics is fast-paced and varied, and I take great pride in ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. To see my hard work acknowledged in this way is hugely rewarding, and I’m excited to continue developing my career in this fantastic industry.”

Green-tech’s Managing Director, Kris Nellist, added, “Laura is an outstanding member of the Green-tech team, and we are incredibly proud to see her recognised with this award. Her commitment, attention to detail and proactive approach make her a key part of our operations, and she embodies the high standards and ambition that Green-tech stands for.”

Laura will officially receive her award at the Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30 ceremony on Wednesday, 8 October at FutureScape, ExCeL London.

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GroundsFest 2025 Raises the Bar Again

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GroundsFest 2025 Raises the Bar Again: GroundsFest 2025 cemented its place as the UK’s largest industry trade show after just three years, with an incredible 9,037 visitors over two days. The event’s rapid growth was clear for all to see: more exhibitors, more visitors, and more innovation than ever before.

The show offered hundreds of brands, cutting-edge product launches, and a community spirit that made GroundsFest stand out. The atmosphere was electric – relaxed yet vibrant – with interactive games on stands, smiling faces throughout, and a genuine sense of excitement as professionals and volunteers from every corner of the industry came together.

GroundsFest 2025 Raises the Bar Again

GroundsFest 2025 Raises the Bar Again

Innovation at the Heart of the Show

Innovation was everywhere. From world-first product launches to interactive demonstrations, GroundsFest once again proved itself as the home of forward-thinking solutions. Visitors were among the first to experience never-before-seen equipment and technology that is shaping the future of the sector.

The first-ever GroundsFest Innovation Awards, in association with Hort Week and sponsored by Cramer and Bosch, drew over 100 entries, showcasing the best of new product design alongside proven favourites that have stood the test of time.

Winners:

  • Maintenance and workshop equipment – New product – Foley Company for the 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder
  • Stood the test of time – Clearwater Recycling Systems
  • Services – New product – Origin Amenity Solutions for Machine keeper
  • Transport – New product – LCVT for Side Tipping Beavertail
  • Tractors and implement carriers – New product – AEBI, Schmidt UK for Aebi TT 282
  • Tree care – New product – CMC Lift UK for CMC S20
  • Landscape consumables – New product – Wildflower Turf Ltd for Enhanced Wildflower Biodiversity Range
  • Stood the test of time – DLF Seeds for The Pro-Flora range of mixtures
  • Landscape equipment – New product – Westermann UK for WR870 EGO Battery Moss Brush
  • Stood the test of time – The Professional Sprayer People for Mankar ULV Sprayers
  • Turf maintenance consumables – New product – Fargro for the DCM Vital Green
  • Turf maintenance equipment – New product – Redexim UK for Redexim Scarivator
  • Stood the test of time – Redexim UK for Verti Drain
  • Grass cutting equipment – New product – STIGA for Nexus
  • Stood the test of time – Trimax for Pegasus

Over 30 Hours of Free Education and Inspiration

Over 30 hours of free education were delivered across five seminar theatres, with top speakers providing invaluable insights and CPD points for attendees. The Landscape Zone, in partnership with BALI, was significantly busier than in 2024, with packed-out education sessions on design, planning, and outdoor construction. Many seminars became talking points throughout the halls, sparking fresh conversations and new collaborations.

Crowd-Favourite Features

Feature areas continued to thrive and expand. Machinery Nation LIVE wowed audiences with its “Chainsaws – Past, Present and Future” showcase, featuring brands like STIHL, EGO, Milwaukee, and Dewalt alongside rare vintage models. Visitors also enjoyed the Stand-On Mowers head-to-head challenge and an adrenaline-fuelled machinery relay.

Lawn Mower Racing, in partnership with Kramp UK and the West Midland Lawn Mower Association, made its debut and proved to be a huge crowd-pleaser.

Visitors also had the chance to win prizes ranging from robotic mowers to premium hand tools, adding extra excitement to the show.

GroundsFest 2025 Raises the Bar Again

GroundsFest 2025 Raises the Bar Again

Festival Vibes

GroundsFest’s unique blend of trade show and festival atmosphere set it apart once again. The live music festival returned bigger and better, with great food, drink, free bumper cars, and the world’s best Oasis tribute band delivering a set that struck a chord with attendees.

Christopher Bassett, Event Director of GroundsFest, said:

“This show wouldn’t be possible without the support of our incredible exhibitors, visitors, and partners. We’re truly humbled and we’ll continue to reinvest profits from GroundsFest back into the industry through the GroundsFest Academy. The key is to always keep listening and evolving – to give the industry a show they can be proud of.”

With its unbeatable mix of innovation, education, community, and festival energy, GroundsFest has firmly established itself as the go-to event for the industry. If 2025 is anything to go by, the show’s future is brighter than ever.

GroundsFest 2026 will return to Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 16th and 17th September.

For more information visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on X, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views

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Winners announced for the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year

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Winners announced for the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), Reesink Turfcare and Toro have revealed the winners of the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards 2025 at a spectacular event at Rudding Park in North Yorkshire.

Two talented greenkeepers were rewarded at the 36th Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards, cementing their place among an illustrious list of past winners.

Winners announced for the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year

Winners announced for the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year

Bradley Taylor, student at Myerscough College, and Matthew Strutt Donnelly, who attends Berkshire College of Agriculture, emerged victorious after impressing judges across a series of assessments designed to test their knowledge, skill and passion for greenkeeping.

Bradley, first assistant at Beau Desert Golf Club, in Staffordshire, was awarded the main Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year prize, while Matthew, an apprentice at Stoneham Golf Club, in Hampshire, secured the Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year award.

Following regional judging earlier in the year, eight finalists were selected to compete in the finals at Rudding Park, near Harrogate.

Over two days, they undertook a range of practical and theoretical tests, from seed and grass identification to presentations and interviews, giving them a platform to showcase their expertise and enthusiasm for the industry.

Jamie Beattie, assistant greenkeeper at Royal Liverpool, was the runner-up for the main award, with fellow Myerscough College student and Parkstone apprentice Oli Badger claiming that spot in the Young category.

The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards will return in 2026.

More information, including how to nominate a student greenkeeper and the prizes on offer, is available on the BIGGA and Reesink Turfcare websites.

You can see a list of the previous Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award winners here.

Quotes

Bradley Taylor, Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year 2025

“I was straight on the phone to my girlfriend. I shed a little tear when I spoke to her; it was just a moment of realisation setting in. I’d been carrying that trophy around, it’s so heavy, and I was still all tensed up. Speaking to her was like, ‘I’ve done this now, the hard work has paid off’. I was also lucky to have a few people I know up here to share it with too.”

Matthew Strutt Donnelly, Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year 2025

“The first time I went to BTME, I went to the Young Greenkeepers’ Conference and there was a segment about Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year with previous winners talking about it. I remember thinking, ‘I could do something like that, I want to put myself forward’. So I did, and here we are.”

Jon Cole, Divisional Business Manager at Reesink Turfcare and main award judge

“This year’s finalists all brought something different to the competition, making being a judge a tough job. The range of perspectives, qualities and strengths on display were of a very high standard. Bradley though had the edge. He demonstrated a wealth of talent, delivered a fantastic presentation, and showed us an in-depth knowledge of the field in his interview. It was interesting and gratifying to see how dedicated he is and his passion for the industry. Well done, Bradley!”

David Timms, National Accounts Manager for Reesink Turfcare and Young award judge

“Matthew is a deserving winner. He shone on the course walk, with his personal project and in the exam and grass identification, but what gave him the edge was his confidence. He’s hungry for it and that made all the judges really excited for his future and what he might achieve. He’s a fantastic ambassador for young greenkeepers and his club, and we’re excited to watch him progress in the industry.”

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO

“Congratulations to Bradley Taylor and Matthew Strutt Donnelly, two very worthy winners among an exceptionally strong list of finalists. The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards have again proven to be an inspirational occasion, and I would like to thank our friends at Reesink Turfcare and Toro for a memorable event. Seeing the calibre of the finalists fills me with optimism for the future of our industry.”

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Registration Now Open for The MENA TURF SHOW 2026

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Registration Now Open for The MENA TURF SHOW 2026: Organisers of The MENA TURF SHOW are delighted to announce that registration is officially open for the 2026 event, scheduled for Friday 17 April 2026, at the prestigious Park Hyatt Dubai.

Celebrating its impact on turf, landscaping, and green space management across the Middle East and North Africa, The MENA TURF SHOW brings together industry leaders, specialists, and decision-makers for a powerful day of innovation, education, and collaboration.

Registration Now Open for The MENA TURF SHOW 2026

Registration Now Open for The MENA TURF SHOW 2026

“We are thrilled to open registration for this year’s MENA TURF SHOW,” said Nick Brown of Campey Turf Care Systems. “The UAE region has lacked a dedicated event where professionals can meet, connect, and exchange knowledge—until now. With a perfect spring date and the iconic Park Hyatt Dubai venue, we’re focused on driving conversations around sustainability, turf science, smart irrigation, and best practices specific to our regional climate.”

2026 MENA TURF SHOW Highlights:

• Expert-led sessions bringing education that can transform how we care for sports surfaces and
landscapes in this unique environment
• Networking with top suppliers, contractors, groundskeepers, and golf/sports turf managers
• Exclusive insights on regional challenges

Secure your place now for an event not to be missed!

Venue: Hall: Creek A, Park Hyatt Dubai, UAE
Date: 17 April 2026

Register or learn more: www.themeanturfshow.com

Stay up to date—follow us on social media with #MENATurfShow2026 for insights, speaker announcements, and exhibitor reveals.

Connect. Discover. Grow. See you at The MENA TURF SHOW in Dubai on 17 April 2026.

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