If there's one subject that's guaranteed to offer up plenty of column inches and in-person chatter each and every year in our sector, that would be trade shows.

Ever since 2001 when I first started working on this magazine (thanks, I don't look old enough do I?) - and clearly way before my time as well - trade shows have been a banker of a subject for discussion.

Are there too many? When should they take place? Where should they be held? For how many days? Are they too expensive? And more recently, what value do they hold in an increasingly digital world?

One other question that gets tossed into the mix time and again, is why don't the organisers of these trade shows team-up for the benefit of attendees and exhibitors? Well, be careful for what you wish for (if you did), because that has happened this week. Sort of. And not with the two associations one might have first assumed.

New kids on the turfcare block GroundsFest and BIGGA of BTME fame have announced a new collaboration that they say is aimed at strengthening both events while bringing together professionals from across the grounds care, landscaping, and golf sectors. What it's not doing, both sides are keen to stress, is merging the shows.

In the announcement they speak of "attending and supporting each other’s events, hosting tailored educational content, and working together on joint marketing campaigns."

I feel this is a genuinely progressive move and should be applauded for its grown-up, sensible approach. With one being a summer outdoor demo event, and the other a winter indoors show including a significant educational element, it's a great idea for them to complement each other with some cross-pollination, mutual promotion. If word can be spread to members of the industry who might not have considered attending the other show, that must be to the benefit of the wider industry? Certainly exhibitors will be delighted if more punters are brought through either gate.

So, well done GroundsFest and BTME. 

However, I guess we do need to address the SALTEX-shaped elephant in the room. Where does this development now leave the GMA's long-established show?

For years all the talk was of the greenkeeper and grounds staff trade associations coming together to form one mega, all-encompassing turfcare trade show. I think they may have even got close to that coming into fruition on occasion. But that moment has seemingly well and truly passed.

With SALTEX now not part of the turfcare trade-show love-in, will they find their attendance and exhibitor levels impacted? I suppose only the evolving market can answer that at upcoming NECs.

From a dealer's perspective, I suspect they will want to know which events their manufacturer suppliers are choosing to invest in and, indeed, where their commercial customers are picking to visit - both of these factors being interlinked. Where customers gather and where the most valuable face-to-face interactions take place will be the shows that thrive. Who organises them, probably doesn't mean all that much to dealers?

The GMA were quick to release a statement after the news broke, pointing out that "every penny generated by the [SALTEX] show is reinvested directly into the grounds management industry, supporting the people that keep sport and community spaces thriving across the nation." A true and admirable fact. How much of an influence that has over businesses choosing to invest their increasingly tight budgets (and time) in multiple exhibitions though, we shall see.

The trade show scene is one that is continually evolving. In our current issue of the magazine we ask Craig Hoare of Toro UK, a company that's been a reliable presence at shows over the years, his thoughts on their importance in today's market. Tellingly, he says, "This is a question I know that myself and many of my peers are grappling with. For any business, you will always try to understand what return on investment you get for any activity and with shows, it can quite often be hard to quantify." 

Decisions are clearly being made in boardrooms across the industry regarding which shows to support. I suspect the days of every company wanting to show support to every exhibition, are long gone. Emotion aside, choices will need to be made that result in a bottom line benefit.

This week's news does feel like the start of a new chapter in the UK turfcare industry's trade show story. For how much longer that is a story that features three major characters, we shall watch with interest.

PICTURED ABOVE: GroundsFest's Christopher Bassett and Christopher Bennett, flank BIGGA's Jim Croxton

The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), organisers of  BTME, and GroundsFest are have announced a new collaboration that they say is aimed at  strengthening both events while bringing together professionals from across the  grounds care, landscaping, and golf sectors. 

In an official statement they say the partnership will see BIGGA and GroundsFest working closely on joint initiatives  throughout the year, including attending and supporting each other’s events, hosting tailored educational content, and working together on joint marketing campaigns. 

At the heart of the collaboration, they say, is a shared desire to encourage crossover between both event communities - helping professionals discover the value that each show offers. 

The statement said of the agreement, "It’s a fantastic opportunity for community-building and cross sector engagement. From greenkeepers and grounds managers to landscapers and contractors, the partnership aims to unite the wider industry."

The statement goes on to describe the two trade shows as "complementary", meaning they are "natural partners". 

Jim Croxton, CEO, BIGGA, said, “We at BIGGA are hugely proud of our flagship event, BTME, and the positive impact  it has, particularly on the golf greenkeeping industry on an annual basis and at a  perfect time of the year to give turf managers a much needed boost, be that to their  morale, their industry knowledge or their skill set. However it is our ambition to  engage with our members and the wider industry far more than just once a year. 

"GroundsFest provides us with a brilliant opportunity to do so at a different time of  year and in a very different environment. We are looking forward to engaging with  many greenkeepers at Stoneleigh Park this September and to working closely with  GroundsFest on a number of initiatives to move our industry forward.” 

Speaking on the collaboration, Christopher Bassett, GroundsFest’s event eirector, said, “The two shows complement one another brilliantly - both in format and timing.  BTME is a long-standing and special event, while GroundsFest delivers a dynamic, summer-based event where people can get hands-on with the latest kit. We’re  proud to be working with BIGGA, a fantastic association, and we believe this collaboration will bring real value to the industry. We very much see this as a long term partnership - action-driven and focused on delivering real benefits to the  sectors we serve.” 

Outside of the two events, BIGGA and GroundsFest say they are also exploring further educational opportunities. BIGGA is known for its training  and professional development programmes, and with the recent launch of the GroundsFest Academy, the two parties believe there is clear potential to co-develop training content that supports professionals across the entire industry.

The offiicial statement signed off with, "As both events continue to grow, this partnership sets the tone for a more collaborative future for everyone working in grounds care, landscaping, and golf," - with more updates promised for soon.

According to new figures released by the AEA the number of agricultural tractors registered in the UK in June remained well below the seasonal average - however, they point out that the year-on-year decline was the smallest since November.

Agricultural economist at the Association, Stephen Howarth, said, "The monthly total of 852 machines was only 2% lower than the number recorded in June 2024. However, it was only around three-quarters of the average number registered in June over the previous five years."

These figures brought the total for the first half of the year to 4,869 machines, 17% fewer than in January to June 2024 and 25% below average.

"This is the lowest level recorded by this point in the year since 1998," added Stephen.

Toro UK has recently welcomed Liverpool-based landscape contractor Kieran Wallace, founder of Swan Landscapes, to its manufacturing facility in Spellbrook, Hertfordshire, in recognition they say of his entrepreneurial spirit, charitable outlook and viral journey to business growth.

Kieran Wallace with Craig Hoare

Kieran first gained widespread attention in January 2025, when he encountered business mentor and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Simon Squibb - renowned for his viral videos offering investment opportunities to aspiring entrepreneurs. During their impromptu meeting, Simon invested £2,000 into Kieran’s gardening business after hearing his heartfelt pitch during a book signing.

Five months on, Simon and Kieran met once again in a follow-up video where Simon asked Kieran, “If there is a company listening that could sponsor the equipment for you, who would it be?” Kieran responded, “Toro - I will get all your tools and take them all around Liverpool, I’ll use them in every garden job.”

The video rapidly gained traction, reaching over 5.7 million views on TikTok and capturing the attention of the Toro UK team. Inspired by Kieran’s ambition and passion for his craft, Toro invited him to their Spellbrook facility.

During the visit, Kieran received a guided tour of the facility, insight into Toro and Hayter’s engineering and production processes, and was gifted a selection of professional landscaping tools to support the growth of his business.

Keiran trailing equipment with Craig

 
Craig Hoare, sales and marketing manager for UK and Ireland, said, “It was a pleasure to meet Kieran in person, hear his inspiring story and to then be able to offer our support by donating him the latest equipment. Toro has a long tradition of supporting community projects, and Kieran’s work presents the perfect opportunity to give back to both him and the people of Liverpool."

Following the factory tour, Kieran has been made an official Toro sponsor, being gifted a 53cm 60V Proline lawnmower, as well as Revolution Hedge Cutter, String Trimmer and Blower Cannon power tools - plus two 8.0Ah batteries, one 4.0Ah battery and two fast chargers, as well as a load of Toro professional wear.

Kieran added, “The experience has overwhelmed me, because I’ll be driving home buzzing, feeling empowered to keep going. I know what I can do, and I know anything is now possible. Thank you to Toro for this experience - I absolutely loved it.”

Austrian specialist tractor manufacturer Reform has announced a change of management. 

Dr Clemens Malina-Altzinger congratulates Markus Wieshofer on his appointment as CEO of Reform Werke

On June 30, 2025, CEO Reinhard Riepl handed over his responsibility to Markus Wieshofer. He remains with the Group in an advisory capacity until the end of the year. 

Markus Wieshofer takes over the sole board of directors and forms the management board together with Wolfgang Zauner.

Reinhard Riepl originally joined the company, based in Wels, more than a quarter of a century ago as head of finance. In 2005, he was appointed to the executive board of Reform Group as managing director of Reform-Werke Bauer & Co GmbH. Appointment as CEO of the Group followed in 2019.

Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Dr Clemens Malina-Altzinger said, "Reinhard Riepl has led the company through many dynamic years with vision and a steady hand. We thank him very much for that."

Markus Wieshofer has been with the company since 2023 and will assume the role of sole member of the Executive Board of Reform-Werke Bauer & Co Holding Aktiengesellschaft and Chair of the Executive Board of Reform-Werke Bauer & Co Gesellschaft m.b.H. 
 
Reform’s specialist tractors are distributed in the UK by Simon Richard Ltd.

Toro, in collaboration with its UK distributor Reesink UK and St Andrews Links Trust, recently celebrated a 25-year partnership, marking one of the longest-standing formal relationships between Toro and a customer globally.

L-R: Neil Coulson, CEO, St Andrews Links Trust; Amy Dahl, vice president international, The Toro Company; Alastair Rowell, managing director, Reesink UK

The manufacturer says this collaboration “underscores a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in golf course management, helping shape the modern landscape of greenkeeping at the ‘Home of Golf’ and beyond.”

“St Andrews Links is where tradition meets innovation,” said Amy Dahl, vice president International at The Toro Company. “For 25 years, we’ve had the privilege of supporting their dedication to excellence through trusted equipment, sustainable solutions, and shared values. This milestone represents not just a partnership, but an ongoing legacy of progress.”

James Ralley, commercial director at St Andrews Links Trust, said, “We are delighted to be celebrating such a significant milestone with Toro, one of our longest standing partners. Over the past 25 years, Toro has played an important role in the continued development of our greenkeeping practices, allowing us to provide world-class playing conditions across the seven courses here at St Andrews Links. This partnership is one we value greatly, and we look forward to continuing this for years to come.”

Neil Coulson, CEO at St Andrews Links Trust, added, “As custodians of St Andrews Links, we have a responsibility to not only provide great playing conditions year-round, but to also manage the historic courses in a responsible and environmentally conscious way. For 25 years Toro has been a valued partner in our efforts to implement sustainable practices, particularly in the electrification of our mower fleet and the continued improvement in our irrigation systems. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together and pleased to celebrate this milestone.”

Alastair Rowell, Managing Director at Reesink UK, said, “We’re proud to play a role in this remarkable journey. This partnership exemplifies the best of what can be achieved when industry leaders come together with a long-term vision and a passion for excellence.”

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