The GMA has said it is "highly encouraging" to see the support they have received from the industry regarding their decision to postpone 2020's SALTEX.

Speaking on behalf of the GMA Board, Geoff Webb, CEO at the GMA commented, “We would like to thank our exhibitors, visitors, partners and suppliers for their support and patience during this challenging time.

"It has been highly encouraging to see the industry come together and support the GMA’s decision.

“We feel we have acted quickly, working hard to secure these new Spring dates, in order to deliver the event the industry deserves.”

The GMA says their announcement has been well received by exhibitors and those working in the industry who have praised the timing of the decision.

David Cole, managing director of Reesink Turfcare, said, "We are pleased to see the GMA take decisive steps to deal with the growing doubt and anxiety about SALTEX going ahead in November. It would have been a difficult decision for a variety of reasons, but for us the right one to remove uncertainty and replace it with a forward date that we can look forward to with optimism. Early March keeps us in the ‘pre-season’ window to be able to give focus to the exhibition before the pressures of the season takeover."

David’s views were echoed by Caroline Shaw, European marketing manager for Trimax Mowers. Caroline said, “The decision to postpone the largest show of the year couldn’t have been easy but the decisive action, coupled with the determination to put the health and well-being of our industry professionals first, is something we are proud to support.”

Tom Shinkins, operations manager at GKB Machines, believes that the new dates could be advantageous, saying, “I believe the new dates will actually be more beneficial because we’ll be able to arrange demonstrations with prospective new customers straight after the show.

“With the show previously in November, we would meet lots of visitors on our stand but quite often we would not be able to carry out demonstrations for them until the new year due to the unpredictable weather. Now we will have the whole of Spring to visit SALTEX customers.”

Industry professional end users also had postive things to say about the move. Neil Stubley, head of courts and horticulture at the All English Lawn and Tennis Club, Wimbledon, said, "It’s a sensible decision which allows everyone to concentrate on the here and now and then focus for 2021."

Karl McDermott, head groundsman at Lord’s, said, “Sad news but the right decision. I always see SALTEX as a great way to finish off the cricket season but now it is going to be a nice warmup for next season. I’m looking forward to March 2021.”

SALTEX will now take place on 3 and 4 March 2021 at the NEC, Birmingham.