17 minute read
News
New appointments for Headland Amenity
Will Armitage joins HTA
Advertisement
Headland Amenity has welcomed two new technical managers – Laurence McCrory and Jack Hawkes. Now part of Origin Amenity Solutions, Headland's latest appointments will help with the growth and development of the brand. Laurence and Jack will be responsible for delivering Headland’s scientific advice and guidance on product selection, Laurence to customers in the South of England and Jack to Sports Turf Managers in the South and Central regions.
Laurence has worked in turf care for 26 years, holding various positions at a number of golf courses including his most recent role as Course Manager at Castle Royle Golf Club in Reading. Having used Headland products throughout his career, Laurence relished the opportunity to combine his knowledge and passion for the industry with a change of direction in his career with this new role ¬– and is now on hand to offer additional support to customers from the Bedfordshire area and below.
“I had fantastic first-hand support from Headland throughout my career and it is a brilliant opportunity to now use this confidence and knowledge of their product range to advise and plan programmes for others working in greenkeeping,” he says.
Likewise Jack was also a user of Headland products during his time at Leamington and County Golf Club. He joins in the role of Regional Technical Manager for Sports Jack Hawkes Laurence McCrory
Turf and will support customers from football, rugby, cricket, educational facilities and private estates.
“In the short time I have been at Headland I have broadened my knowledge and have enjoyed working with customers to understand their unique needs and expectations, whether that’s a Premier League football club or local village sports facility!” says Jack. “With Headland now a member of Origin Amenity Solutions, it’s an exciting project to be a part of, with an industry-leading range of tools and opportunities at our disposal to help our customers in achieving their goals.”
Will Armitage, founder of Mulch, a boutique brand for garden gloves and tools, has been appointed as a nonexecutive director at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA). He will join the HTA board to provide a strategic oversight and input to the HTA’s mission and vision of helping its members to flourish.
A well-respected figure in the horticulture industry, Will graduated from Sparsholt College in 1996 after studying game and wildlife habitat management. He started his career at The Barton Grange Group at Woodford Garden Centre before joining Armitage and Sons (Seeds) where he eventually became joint managing director, a role which included a fundamental re-organisation of the business’s garden centres. Will has previously contributed to the leadership of industry associations, notably chairing the Garden Centre Association from 2014 to 2016
After selling Armitage’s in 2015, Will went on to advise investment companies in specialist retail acquisitions, opportunities, and disposal as well as helping and consulting with organisations to develop and improve their businesses.
“I am looking forward to bringing my experience from both the private sector and wider industry to support the HTA board and its members during a hugely exciting period for the sector. It’s an exciting time of change for the industry that holds many opportunities for the association and its members,” says Will.
Of the appointment President of the HTA Boyd Douglas-Davies says: “Wills valuable experience in both retail and the horticulture sector will provide an important perspective for the HTA Board, while also improving its offering for members during this important time for the industry.”
Isuzu ramps up its UK truck operation
Left to right: Pete Murphy and Stuart Beeton
With Isuzu Truck UK (ITUK) now in a strong position after celebrating its 25th consecutive year in the UK, the truck manufacturer is embarking on a planned programme of expansion based on developing a significant increase in sales levels for the Isuzu brand in the UK during 2022.
ITUK’s managing director, Pete Murphy explains: “Following the conclusion of Brexit at the end of 2020, the supply of our product has become a much more streamlined process with the added benefit of the removal of previous volume restrictions. Our vehicles now come fully assembled direct from Isuzu Motors in Japan which will enable us to quickly expand new truck sales within those sectors in which we have built a strong reputation over the last 25 years.”
Throughout 2022, Isuzu Truck UK is forecasting a doubling of the unit sales achieved during 2021, which was previously the best year ever achieved in the company’s UK history. Their UK dealer network is now prepared to handle the industry’s changing operational and legislative requirements.
“ITUK benefit greatly from being a part of a giant global parent company but, at the same time, we are allowed a significant amount of autonomy which enables us to control our own destiny. We are able to make decisions which positively impact directly on the UK market, with the full support of our colleagues in Japan, and can quickly implement those plans and strategies to the benefit of our customers. As a business, we feel this this allows us to move more nimbly and efficiently than some other companies in our industry,” adds Pete.
Part of the recent changes at ITUK’s head office has seen the recent appointment of Stuart Beeton as head of sales, product and marketing. He joined the company having spent all of his career in the commercial vehicle industry at manufacturer and dealer level. He will develop the sales operation at both fleet and dealer levels, together with the introduction of enhanced product development programmes, working with both Isuzu Motors and bodybuilder partners.
“I have joined the business at an exciting time, as the company looks to evolve and grow its UK operation, implementing incremental changes to add to the success of the company over the last 25 years,” says Stuart. “By expanding the sectors that we traditionally compete within successfully, whilst also targeting new markets, and continuing to perform with industry-leading levels of customer service, ITUK is certainly set for achieving its truck parc growth expectations for 2022 and beyond.”
REESINK rebrands irrigation division
Award-winning distributor Reesink UK has rebranded its established irrigation division to reflect increasing market diversity and provide water solutions for all locations.
Reesink Hydro-Scapes encapsulates the long established and industry-leading Toro irrigation systems, controllers, sprinklers and soil sensors. But better represents the growing Otterbine pond and lake aerator business; SRC wall-mounted controllers; Biral lightning detectors and quick-replace Franklin pump systems too.
The move represents the company’s support to its existing brands and growth strategy for the future says Robert Jackson who heads up the division: “In recent years the range and breadth of water solutions we offer our customers has expanded exponentially and there’s a focus to grow that even further.
“Our customers encompass golf courses to insect farms, football stadiums to living walls and urban landscapes to fishing lakes and fruit growers – any venue which would benefit from water control, delivery, management and expertise. We’ve built our team to six to encompass sales and marketing, support and backup, technical training and customer relations – all with a specialism in supplying and installing effective and efficient water-based solutions.”
Reesink Hydro-Scapes joins the Reesink UK portfolio which includes Reesink Turfcare, Reesink Agriculture and Reesink e-Vehicles. Diversification into new markets with new divisions is a strategy that allows Reesink to positively respond to market developments. As in the case of electric power, sustainable water solutions are a hot topic, very much evident in Reesink’s 100 percent increase in Otterbine sales in 2021, witnessing far greater demand than had been expected, for example. Robert continues: “Water is a fundamental part of the matrix in the business we’re all in – caring for the landscape – and as a commodity, its value and importance cannot be overlooked. We’re well aware of the future challenges in managing this precious resource in a sustainable way and providing options for our customers. That has been as much of a driver in launching this new division as anything else.”
Award-winning distributor Reesink UK has rebranded its established Irrigation division to reflect increasing market diversity and provide water solutions for all locations.
Garden fair in the Netherlands
The garden plant fair, Plantarium|Groen-Direkt in the Netherlands is set to open its gates on the 24 -24 August, 2022. Aimed at garden-centre representatives, retailers and those working in the landscaping industries the event it will take place at the International Trade Centre in Boskoop. Aiming to be the largest professional garden plant event in Europe it will feature than 200 plant suppliers.
The fair organisers urge visitors to pre-register as early as possible as it is already becoming apparent that the fair is going to be extremely busy.
More details at plantariumgroendirekt.nl
Exhibitors signing up for SALTEX 2022
Still riding high from the success of the 75th SALTEX show last year, which led the way for the industry back into live events, the organisers report that the number of exhibitors booked for 2022 has already surpassed that of 2021. Sarah Cunningham, director of commercial and events at the Grounds Management Association, SALTEX event organisers, says: “Visitors will be in for a treat at SALTEX this year. We have a bigger and better floorplan designed for the 2022 show.
“With 140 companies confirmed and with many active conversations with new companies ongoing, we can guarantee that number will only increase.”
Big brand names already on board from 2021 include Dennis, ISEKI, Origin Amenity, Redexim, Reesink UK with Toro and Sisis. And coming back to join them after a break away are Barrus, Gianni Ferrari, Ransomes, STIHL and STM.
Rob Edwards, marketing manager – tractor business unit at Kubota, another returning exhibitor, says: "It’s essential for Kubota to promote its products to customers and the turf management marketplace and we choose to use SALTEX, as the premier UK event for the turf sector, to do this. We feel that there is a distinct appetite from the marketplace to meet with industry professionals and suppliers and SALTEX is the best event for that. The combination of the exhibition, alongside the training, learning and expert advice opportunities means that SALTEX is the ‘must do’ event for the turf professional and we look forward to attending it in November."
Sarah continues: “If companies are serious about reaching new and potential customers then SALTEX is a must for the calendar. The feedback from last year’s exhibitors covered how the show provided the platform for meeting high quality business leads from strong visitor numbers as well as giving the opportunity for networking and entertaining with existing customers.”
Taking place at Birmingham’s NEC over two days, 2-3 November, 2022, SALTEX is Europe’s largest free to attend sports amenities and landscaping trade exhibition, catering for all sectors of the grounds care industry. It showcases the sector’s latest innovations and technologies, features an education programme with CPDaccredited seminars, and hosts expert speakers providing insights and solutions to current sector-wide issues. It also provides a great opportunity to network with industry colleagues and build new business relationships.
To discuss the option of buying stand space at the 2022 show, email Sarah at scunningham@thegma.org.uk. For visitors keen to register their interest, check online at gmasaltex.co.uk in mid-June.
EP Barrus MD to retire
The Board of E P Barrus Ltd has announced that in December 2023, Mr Robert Muir will retire after 32 years with the company – the past 11 as its managing director. Robert joined Barrus in 1990 from Ransomes Consumer Ltd, where he was managing director. He has contributed enormously to the growth and success of Barrus during his time, firstly as finance director, then as sales director and managing director. As well as being a popular leader of the company, he is hugely respected by both Barrus’ suppliers and customers.
Robert was instrumental in taking Barrus into the garden tools market, first with Wolf-Garten, then Wilkinson Sword and Town & Country. More recently he has been leading the drive on electrification within the markets that Barrus operates in, not least with the design and building of a hydrogen fuel cell powered inland waterways vessel.
Odgers Berndtson has been appointed to lead the search to identify Robert’s successor.
“It is hard to know where to start to thank Robert for his dedication to Barrus and his friendship to me and my family. There have been some interesting times over the last 32 years and Robert’s unwavering commitment has served us very well,” says Robert Glen, owner of Barrus.
“I have known and worked with Robert for over three decades. He is a tremendous leader and on a personal level, adviser, so I am thrilled that we will retain his wise counsel and expertise as he has agreed to remain on the board of the company as a non-executive director,”adds Tara Glen, Barrus chairman.
A Scottish building materials supplier celebrated its continuous success with the opening of one of the country’s largest hard landscaping display by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Cartmore Building Supply Co Ltd (Cartmore), a company in the Purvis Group – the largest local employer in Fife – opened the new 1,000 square-metre area in Lochgelly with the former Prime Minister’s help. The event showcased Cartmore’s latest expansion, which has been fuelled by the company’s Partner status within the National Buying Group (NBG) – a UK-wide buying group for independent builders’ merchants.
Gordon Banks, director and co-founder of Cartmore, explains: “Having a display like this is fundamental for any landscaping business, and after we moved to new premises in May 2021, we wanted to ensure ours was state-of-the-art. We are very proud to now own one of the biggest such displays in Scotland and were very honoured that Gordon was able to officially declare it open for business.
“Our continued upwards trajectory would not have been possible without our involvement with NBG. Being an NBG Partner is a crucial part of our business model, as it allows us to compete at the top table with nationals when it comes to pricing. This is why we are the group’s longest continually serving member in Scotland and we look forward to our future in collaboration with NBG.”
“Landscaping is highly visual by its very nature, so being able to demonstrate how a project will look when it is finished is extremely important,” says Gordon Banks. “As such, we anticipate the fact contractors now have a highly effective and accessible tool here at Lochgelly that will lead to more work in the area. We are proud to be able to drive local business in this way, and this would not have been possible without our total commitment to NBG.”
“The NBG is proud to have counted Cartmore as a Partner for so many years, and to have witnessed its continued success,” adds Nick Oates, Managing Director at National Buying Group. “They stand as a great testament to what is possible for businesses working within the buying group model, and we look forward to seeing the further growth they will experience having opened this new and impressive landscaping display.”
GMA announce judges for 2022 industry awards
Gearing up for LANDSCAPE Show 2022
The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has announced the names of this year’s judging panel for the 2022 GMA industry awards.
The judges represent a variety of sectors operating in the grounds care industry, and together, will collectively select a winner for each of the 19 award categories. The panel includes: Adrian Kay, Head Groundsman at York Racecourse; Anthony Facey, Area Sales Manager at Tuckwell Group; Cheryl Hill, Groundswoman at Leicester Tigers Rugby Club; David Roberts, Director at Training Unlimited; Derek Walder, Operations Manager at Saltex; Jackie Evans, Head of Grounds at Wellington College; John Wright, Head of Grounds at Southampton Football Club; Lee Marshallsay, Grounds Manager at Eton College; Lee Metcalfe, Senior Grounds Manager at Manchester City Football Club; Nasa Hussain, Head Groundsman and Facilities Manager at Bradford Park Avenue; Neil Stubley, Head of Courts and Horticulture at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club; stuart Kerrison, Head Groundsman at Essex County Cricket Club
Grounds Management Association CEO, Geoff Webb says: “We are grateful to all of our judges for giving their time to help us recognise the achievements of individuals and teams who are making a real difference in communities, clubs and educational settings across the regions. The GMA Awards are uniquely determined by fellow grounds staff and people who have wide and diverse experience, making the GMA Industry Awards a truly authentic and peer-to-peer-led event. “I would also like to thank our sponsors, Origin Amenity
Solutions, Kubota UK, Redexim, Infinicut, AMS Robotics and SGL, whose support is what makes events like this possible.
“We’re really looking forward to the GMA Awards making its post-pandemic return after two challenging years and we’re delighted to see the nomination entries continuing to flow in.”
Full details of the award categories and how to nominate is listed on the GMA website. Nominations must be submitted before 17.00 on Friday 29 July 2022.
The GMA Industry Awards dinner is taking place at The Vox, NEC Birmingham, on the Wednesday 2 November in the evening of the first day of SALTEX.
To purchase tickets email vnewton@thegma.org.uk. To discuss sponsorship packages email scunningham@thegma.org.uk.
LANDSCAPE - the UK’s premier landscaping exhibition, looks to showcase the industry more than ever before by bringing more exhibitors, more visitors and even more features to Hall 3 at the NEC - National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on the 28th and 29th September 2022.
Welcoming over 250 exhibitors with a vast collection of industry-leading products, services and innovations for the design, build and management of exterior and interior landscaping projects,
The exhibitor list continues to go from strength to strength, year on year, and research has suggested that 86% of visitors are likely to recommend and use an exhibitor for a future project. really do mean it!
This year alongside the highly anticipated CPD accredited seminar programme, LANDSCAPE will be introducing some brand-new features including a Student Showcase by London College of Garden Design, and an additional programme of ‘How to’ seminars for anyone in the industry to learn, be inspired and expand their skills.
Back again at the central bar area will be the popular PechaKucha 20x20 and Meet the Designer programme. LANDSCAPE’s Women in the Industry Day was so well received in 2021 that it’s back with an additional networking morning running in conjunction with #Yes She Can. Also back this year is the highly anticipated design competition, which will be focused on wildlife friendly designs and supported by the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust.
Both the exhibition and all seminar sessions are free to attend. For more information or to register to attend the show, simply visit the registration page online at www.LandscapeShow.co.uk.
Weedingtech launch Foamstream rental service
Weedingtech, developers of the world-leading herbicidefree weed control product Foamstream, have announced the launch of a brand-new rental service – available to customers across the UK. The introduction of the new hire programme provides the opportunity for people to quickly and easily discover the environmentally-friendly Foamstream solution for complete weed and moss control, eliminating the sometimes lengthy and complex capital procurement process.
Since its launch in 2011, Foamstream has redefined nonherbicidal vegetation control. Its patented low-pressure process combines hot water and a biodegradable foam, made from natural plant oils and sugars, which acts as an ‘insulation blanket’ to retain the heat and keep the water in the ‘kill zone’ for longer. In addition to eradicating the plant, Foamstream also sterilises surrounding seeds and spores that haven’t yet germinated, providing a longlasting solution that is safe to use around people, animals and sensitive environments including water courses.
Effective and easy to apply, Foamstream is delivered through one of Weedingtech’s industry-leading machines. The range is mountable on an array of vehicles and UTV’s and encapsulates different power options to deliver the perfect combination to meet the requirements of clients in all areas of grounds and green space management.
The new rental package includes 100L of the organicallycertified foam, the latest high-specification machinery and full technical training for a set weekly rate. In addition, an information of things (IOT) tracker is included as standard, to provide accurate measurement of output and ongoing remote support. Discounts are available for long-term hire of more than six months, with an additional option to purchase the equipment if desired, where 80% of the rental value is returned.
In addition to weed control, the Foamstream machines can deliver additional value when used for other outdoor cleaning tasks such as gum removal, power washing and sanitisation.
