Tag Archive for: Welcomes

Howardson Group Welcomes Tom Worthy

Howardson Group Welcomes Tom Worthy: The Howardson Group is pleased to announce that Tom Worthy has joined the team as Regional Sales Director. Tom brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for the turf care industry.

Upon leaving school Tom joined the John Deere Turf Tech Apprenticeship, a three-year programme in land-based service engineering focusing on horticultural machinery, followed by a fourth-year diploma.

Howardson Group Welcomes Tom Worthy

Howardson Group Welcomes Tom Worthy

His commitment and skill were quickly recognised, leading to a pivotal opportunity to begin his career as a Service Technician. In this role, he was tasked with setting up a commercial workshop, before advancing to After-Sales Manager.

Tom’s career then took a new direction as a Commercial Manager for a French electronics manufacturer, where he developed his commercial acumen. This role laid the foundation for his subsequent position at Timberwolf, where he spent four years, first as UK Sales Manager and then as Export Manager, overseeing global sales and expanding market reach.

Reflecting on his new chapter at the Howardson Group, Tom says, “From leaving school and studying fine turf equipment through my apprenticeship, it feels like coming home. I’m excited to work with the best in the business, especially with brands like Dennis, SISIS and Hunter Grinders, which are market leaders in professional turf care machinery.”

As Regional Sales Director, Tom’s role centres on ensuring consistent and exceptional customer experiences worldwide. “My job is to support and develop our routes to market outside the UK. I want to ensure that a customer buying our equipment in Vietnam, for example, has the same experience as a customer purchasing from a local dealer in Derby,” Tom explains. This involves building infrastructure, training dealers, and fostering direct relationships with key clients. “We need to make sure our dealers have all the tools, training, and knowledge they need to provide unparalleled customer service.”

Tom has also been struck by the significant investments the Howardson Group has made to lay strong foundations for growth. “I didn’t quite realise the scale of investment in the business to give it structure and set it up for future success. It’s inspiring and motivates me to contribute to pushing the company to the next level,” he says.

For Tom, exceptional customer service is at the heart of Howardson Group’s operations. “Customer service is 100% at the core of what we do. We want every interaction to be memorable so that when customers are in the market, we’re the first brand they look to,” Tom states. He underlines that the company’s dedication to innovation ensures there’s no reason for customers to look elsewhere.

Tom is also impressed by the company’s rich history and the loyalty of its employees. “Many staff members have been with the business for over 30 years. Their experience, knowledge, and relationships with customers are unparalleled. I’ve seen firsthand how these relationships go beyond transactions; customers are not just numbers—they are friends,” Tom adds.

Looking ahead, Tom’s vision is to expand global market coverage and deepen customer connections in every territory. “Success for me means having increased visibility and strong relationships within key market segments, especially in regions where we’re less known,” he explains. “Attending and hosting educational events and exhibitions to showcase who we are and what we stand for is also vital.”

Outside of work, Tom enjoys spending quality time with his young family, friends, and participating in various sports.

The Howardson Group is excited to welcome Tom Worthy as he leads the charge in expanding the company’s global reach, upholding their legacy of excellence, and forging lasting relationships with customers worldwide.

For further information visit www.howardsongroup.com

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SALTEX welcomes most diverse audience

SALTEX welcomes most diverse audience: SALTEX 2024 reached new levels of international engagement, attracting a diverse audience from around the world including attendees from China, Cyprus, India, Japan, Mexico, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. 

This year’s show offered high-quality interactions among industry leaders, creating connections that could deliver substantial partnerships and collaborations across borders. With over 7,300 visitors, SALTEX reaffirmed its position as the must-attend exhibition for the entire grounds management industry.

SALTEX welcomes most diverse audience

SALTEX welcomes most diverse audience

The ever-popular Learning LIVE programme, which was attended by over 1,000 visitors, addressed current and future trends in the industry, covering topics from sustainability practices to technological advancements – giving visitors the insights to drive progress within the industry.

With the latest innovations in grounds management technology on display in the shape of 30+ new product launches, exhibitors were able to showcase their state-of-the-art equipment and solutions designed to advance the sector.

This year’s exhibition attracted a high calibre of senior decision-makers from organisations such as Premier League football clubs including Liverpool FC, Chelsea FC and Manchester City, as well as prestigious sporting venues such as Wembley Stadium, Wimbledon, Allianz Arena and 2025 Open Championship venue Royal Portrush Golf Club.

The presence of over 130 educational institutions (including universities, colleges and independent schools) and almost 100 local authorities further emphasised SALTEX’s importance as a key networking platform for the whole grounds management sector.

SALTEX saw a rise in younger visitors, with over 20% under the age of 30. The increase shows the exhibition’s strong appeal to the next generation in grounds management.

The expanded Community Sports Zone created even more opportunities for engagement. The larger space welcomed a strong turnout of volunteers and County FA representatives, all eager to enhance their facilities.

Ian Mather-Brewster, Cricket Key Account Manager at the Grounds Management Association (GMA), said: “It was great to see so many volunteers and county pitch advisors as well as County FA and County Cricket Board representatives come together in the expanded Community Sports Zone. These are the people who are dedicated to improving community sports facilities and making their playing surfaces the best they can be for players of all ages. SALTEX offers the perfect opportunity to connect and explore the latest funding opportunities.” 

Malcolm Farrow, a grassroots volunteer from Mowbray Rangers FC said: “Being a volunteer it’s been good to see all the different aspects of turf and seeding and everything else that goes with being involved in grounds. It was definitely worth coming to see all the stands and machinery here and all the information you get that we wouldn’t usually get as a volunteer. The atmosphere has been absolutely brilliant, everyone is friendly and has got time to talk to you, and the information has been second to none. Everyone’s been so helpful and friendly, there’s such a friendly atmosphere. SALTEX has been a brilliant experience, it’s been set out so well and I can’t wait to do it again.” 

Revenue generated from SALTEX is reinvested directly into the grounds management industry, helping to fuel growth and advance industry standards. As a not-for-profit organisation, the GMA channels this revenue to subsidise memberships and training, while also offering vital resources like independent advice and information.

Beyond training and membership, SALTEX revenue funds several impactful GMA programmes. The annual Industry Awards celebrate excellence in grounds care, bringing recognition to professionals and volunteers across the sector. The annual #Groundsweek campaign, reaching over 18 million online in 2024, promotes the contributions of grounds staff and encourages new talent to join the field.

Additionally, SALTEX funds support diversity initiatives like the ‘Women in Grounds’ event at Emirates Stadium, spotlighting the role of women in grounds management and reaching an audience of 188 million.

Rhys Adams, National Sales Manager at Milwaukee Tools said: “SALTEX has been really good for us, and it’s been busy as always. For us it’s a nice central point for us to meet customers and there’s lots of new products coming out so it’s a great opportunity to see that. We find that there’s a lot of end users here and it’s great to see them using our products. For the users that haven’t used our products, it’s a fantastic opportunity to put the product in their hands and speak to some of the larger councils and new dealerships.” 

Geoff Webb, CEO at the Grounds Management Association, said: “The success of SALTEX 2024 reaffirms its role as an essential meeting ground for the global grounds management community. This year, SALTEX continued to attract a broad audience from across the globe, which shows the international relevance of the exhibition as the industry’s hub for knowledge sharing and innovation. It was also clear to see the significant investment from exhibitors in their stands and setups, with a large number of exhibitors choosing SALTEX as the destination to launch their brand-new products. 

“Our Learning LIVE programme continues to be one of the standout features offering visitors the latest insights on topics such as sustainability and technological progress, and more ensuring they have the tools to address today’s challenges and anticipate tomorrow’s needs. 

“We’re committed to ensuring that SALTEX remains not only the go-to event in the UK but also a significant event on the international stage, with a layout and programme tailored to serve the evolving needs of the grounds management industry.” 

Looking ahead, SALTEX will return to its traditional November slot next year, taking place on 12-13 November 2025. The event will also relocate to Halls 17, 18 and 19 at the NEC, introducing a refreshed layout designed to enhance the experience for both visitors and exhibitors.

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STRI Group welcomes Sarah Hosmer

STRI Group welcomes Sarah Hosmer: STRI Group is pleased to announce Sarah Hosmer will be joining the business as Principal Consultant.

Bringing her wealth of expertise to the role, Sarah will help to maintain and enhance STRI’s position as leaders in major sports surface design projects across the globe.  With a reputation for her work within the equestrian sector, Sarah will be an integral part of delivering support to new and existing equine clients, as well as working closely with the design and engineering team to develop design techniques from internal research.

STRI Group welcomes Sarah Hosmer

STRI Group welcomes Sarah Hosmer

Tina Jessop, Head of Brand, People and Client Experience commented, “We are delighted to welcome Sarah to the Group, her technical expertise and strategic leadership will be invaluable as we continue to grow and develop our services within the UK and internationally. Sarah is a tremendous asset to the Group, and we look forward to welcoming her to the team.”

For more information about the services STRI Group offers, or to enquire please visit www.strigroup.com or email enquiries@strigroup.com

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Newquay Golf Club welcomes John Deere GPS Sprayer

Newquay Golf Club welcomes John Deere GPS Sprayer: A Cornish golf club has become the first in south-west England to invest in a satellite-guided John Deere sprayer to help keep its course the in the best possible condition.

Newquay Golf Club took delivery of the John Deere HD200 ProGator precision sprayer earlier this month after identifying the machine as a tool to reduce costs and enhance its environmental profile.

Newquay Golf Club welcomes John Deere GPS Sprayer

Newquay Golf Club welcomes John Deere GPS Sprayer

The state-of-the-art unit is the first of its kind to be installed in the region and was supplied by local dealer Masons Kings.

Head Greenkeeper Dan Kendle said the purchase was all about sustainability.

“We like to keep up with advancements in technology because they can make us more efficient and do things more accurately,” he said. “Sustainability is the big thing on golf courses as far as I’m concerned and the GPS functionality in the sprayer allows us to be more targeted in our applications and therefore reducing the impact on the environment.

“Over time, it will enable us to use fewer chemicals, less water and save on fuel and time which are also big plus points.”

John Deere’s GPS sprayer is at the forefront of modern golf course maintenance, promising to enhance application accuracy when applying fungicides, herbicides or nutrients to tee boxes, fairways and greens.

The HD200 ProGator is packed with advanced features including autosteer, data recording, and independent nozzle control which automatically shuts off when the sprayer boom reaches a set boundary.

These innovations ensure efficient and eco-friendly operations, enabling precise treatment applications and minimising waste by avoiding spraying non-target areas such as bunkers and hedges.

Masons Kings’ dedicated Integrating Technologies Team carried out the installation with Dan and the club’s greenkeeping staff, ensuring that the sprayer is fully operational and ready to deliver top-tier performance.

Dan added: “We are extremely grateful for the support from entire Masons Kings team which has been instrumental in bringing this revolutionary equipment to Newquay Golf Club.”

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GreenMech welcomes PS Marsden to network

GreenMech welcomes PS Marsden to network: GreenMech are delighted to announce the addition of PS Marsden (Lawnmower Services) Ltd to their nationwide dealer network – appointed as sales, service and support partners for the counties of Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire and the borders of East Staffordshire. 

Effective immediately, PS Marsden (Lawnmower Services) Ltd will be adding the GreenMech range of towed, tracked and tractor-mounted woodchippers to their already extensive portfolio of Groundcare and arboricultural machinery. An established dealer of over 45 years, their Nottingham depot is home to a number of well-respected and recognised franchises including Toro, Husqvarna and Kioti Tractors.

GreenMech welcomes PS Marsden to network

GreenMech welcomes PS Marsden to network

Commenting on their appointment, Iain Marsden, Director of PS Marsden (Lawnmower Services) Ltd said, “PSM are excited to be working with the team at GreenMech. They have a proven product range and we look forward to delivering sales, service and spares to new and existing customers across our area.“

“We are delighted be adding the knowledge and experience of the PS Marsden team to our network of nationwide experts” adds Martin Lucas, GreenMech Sales Director. “With a bustling arb offering already in their showroom we know that our chipper range, and customers, will both be in safe hands!”

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