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EDITOR'S BLOG

RECRUITMENT WOES
An industry-wide effort is needed
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

It is about time members of our sportsturf and horticultural industries finally came together to find a way of enticing a new generation to come and work in this diverse and unique sector.

I, like most people in this country and around the world, have been thoroughly caught up in the mourning of our late monarch, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. For me, she was a truly inspiring person who dedicated her life to our country.

Also, as a keen photographer, I have been enthralled by the sheer number of images we have seen of the Queen during the last week. No doubt, she must have been one of the most photographed people on the planet.

With millions paying their respects, the sheer size and scale of the period of mourning and yesterday’s state funeral has been quite staggering. It just goes to show what can be achieved if we all pull in the same direction and have the will to work together. I am sure there have been years of planning to achieve this major, once in a lifetime event.

I feel I have never known such a turbulent period in my lifetime. Let’s hope that the new monarch, King Charles III’s new reign will signal a positive change in our fortunes.

With Brexit, Covid and the war In Ukraine our resolve has certainly been tested in recent years. I am hoping that NATO and Europe keep supporting Ukraine to the point that Russia are defeated and we can then begin rebuilding our economies to bring some stability and growth back into our countries for the next generation.

Industry recruitment woes

On the theme of the next generation, it is about time our sportsturf and horticultural industries finally come together to find a way of enticing a new generation to come and work in this diverse and unique sector.

This will only happen if a concerted effort is made by the coming together of several leading organisations, manufacturers and premier sporting governing bodies to finally deliver a national campaign to go into schools to inform on the wide range of opportunities and jobs we have on offer in this industry.

However, we will also need to find a way of improving the working conditions and pay for many of the jobs we have on offer. For far too long these pay scales have been too low.

It is about time businesses began revaluing the work of grounds professionals, not thinking of them as merely grass cutters. For far too many years this has been a term we have been labelled with.

Today’s professional groundsperson is a master of many trades. The skills and knowledge required to deliver a world class playing surface is unrelenting. A strong understanding of plant, soil and water relationships is required. Also essential is an analytic mind to solve the ever-changing scenarios faced on a day-to-day basis. A knowledge and awareness of the machinery, products and services available to do the job is vital. Also integral is the ability to be strong communicator and leader - and not forgetting the ability to understand how to work with the ever-changing weather fronts.

The scope and workload can be endless and the challenges all-consuming when you take into consideration the many different types playing surfaces and environments that must be tended to on a given sports facility, park or public open space.

Then job of any grounds professional is never a nine to five job. It requires many more hours of commitment and dedication to deliver the expectations now required.

Having talked to many businesses, there is a severe problem in recruiting new staff. As confirmed by the GMA and BIGGA, this has been a problem for some time with many professional sports clubs struggling to find staff.

I believe this is principally down to pay and working conditions - however, we do still need to explain to the potential next generation the wide range of job opportunities that this industry offers.

I would like to see a national scheme delivered into schools that sees current top-end professionals go in and explain their roles and careers. I am sure there are thousands of students who are not remotely aware of the career opportunities this industry has to offer.

As mentioned in other previous editions of TurfPro, we also need a national apprenticeship scheme to be set up to potentially cater for 1000-5000 apprentices to enter into our industry annually. Currently it is down to individual companies to deliver ad hock apprenticeship schemes.

This would require a major input from leading companies, governing bodies and educational establishments. I truly believe this could be possible if we collaborated with one another to achieve this fantastic opportunity to bring a new generation into our unique and diverse sports turf and horticulture industry.

NEWS

AS-MOTOR FINDS NEW UK DISTRIBUTION
For full range

In our first WEB ONLY story, from this month A.S Motor's full range of specialised machinery for high grass, slopes and mulching has a new distributor in the UK.

FAIRWAYS & GREENS 'VASTLY IMPROVED'
New era signalled for course

In our next WEB ONLY story, course manager, Neil Lowther, says new owners are passionate about making improvements and are investing in all the right areas.

OLIVER LANDPOWER TO ACQUIRE FELLOW DEALER
Agreement in principle reached

Commercial dealership Oliver Landpower Ltd say the business should be acquired from early October 2022.

Commerical dealers Oliver Landpower Ltd, whose head office is in Luton, have announced that an agreement in principle has been reached to acquire the business of LQG Agri Ltd, the JCB Agriculture main dealer for Warwickshire and surrounding areas from early October 2022.

LQG Agri Ltd, owned by the Lockwood Family have evolved from the origins of Lower Quinton Garages Ltd. Set up by Geoff and David Lockwood in 1972, over the years the business expanded to include sales, parts and service of a range of agricultural machinery and equipment. In 1997 the company moved into the current premises in Goose Lane Upper Quinton, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire.

The Stratford based business will operate under the new ownership and management of Oliver Landpower Ltd. All existing LQG Agri staff will transfer to Oliver Landpower Ltd and the business will continue to operate from the existing premises.

In a statement Olivers said, "This is yet another important step in Oliver Landpower Ltd.’s continued growth in order to support the needs of our customer base and to provide additional security for the future to the business and the staff alike."

Geoff Lockwood, director of LQG Agri said in a statement to customers published on their website, "It is with sadness that I must advise you that after much deliberation, the Lockwood family have decided to sell the business of LQG Agri Ltd to our neighbouring JCB dealer Oliver Landpower Ltd.

"I am now seventy-six years of age; I miss the support of my brother, David, who I set the business up with 50 years ago and there is no family member to take over. The Lockwood family recognises that the future structure of agricultural machinery dealerships must change to reflect the changes in farming as a whole. Size and geographical area are critical to give a sensible return on the ongoing investment which is needed to meet the requirements of customers and manufacturers and to keep pace with ever rapidly changing technologies.

"We therefore see that this is a necessary and logical decision, as painful as it is after 50 years."

RECRUITING TECHNICIANS OF TOMORROW
Event to be held by major manufacturer

Company will open the doors of their new training centre where candidates will be offered guided tours, practical demonstrations and driving experiences.

John Deere say they are marking the 30th anniversary of its apprenticeship programme with an open day to recruit the next generation of technicians to work across its agriculture, turf and parts business.

Honor Miles, an apprentice technician, at the new John Deere Training Centre

Well in excess of 1,000 apprentices have qualified since 1992, and the company say they are keen to showcase the exciting career path that lies ahead of those who complete the course.

On 6 October, the manufacturer and the scheme’s training provider, ProVQ, will open the doors of its new training centre in Upper Saxondale, Nottinghamshire, where candidates will be offered guided tours, practical demonstrations and driving experiences.

Classrooms and workshops will be staffed by instructors and apprentices, providing an opportunity to view the state-of-the-art learning facilities on offer and talk to those who know all about the programme.

John Deere’s apprenticeship programme sees technicians work within the company’s dealership network as a paid employee while completing either a two or three-year course comprising on-the-job practical learning and classroom studies.

Three courses make up the programme; Ag Tech - focusing on agricultural machinery, Turf Tech - focusing on professional turf equipment, and Parts Tech - focusing on parts service and support.

“It’s a hugely exciting time to be part of the agricultural and turfcare industries - they are evolving and becoming more technologically advanced than ever before,” John Deere branch training manager Allan Cochran says.

“The job is so much more than just servicing and fixing things. The machines and parts our apprentices work on and with are some of the most advanced in the world, many capable of levels of automation or operating at capacities we could only dream of a few years ago.

“With exam results now known and young people planning their futures, we’re encouraging them to join us for our open day to find out how John Deere can ignite their careers.

“It’s not just for people who love tractors - if you want to earn while you learn and be part of a huge, global brand with a reputation for ground-breaking innovations, then a John Deere apprenticeship could be the perfect start to your career.”

The open day will be held on 6 October, with three sessions being run at 10am, 1pm, and 3pm. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day, and entry is free, although pre-booking is a requirement as places are limited.

EVERY EXHIBIT SPACE SOLD
Trade show sells out

Beating all previous records, the organisers of the upcoming event say every inch of exhibit space inside and out has been reserved.

Organisers of the upcoming Equip Exposition and the co-located Hardscape North America, trade show have announced that all exhibit space is now fully sold out, beating previous records.

Equip Exposition (the former GIE+EXPO trade show) will be held October 18-21 in Louisville, Kentucky, at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC). The show draws tens of thousands of landscapers, contractors and others working in the outdoor industries and features nearly 1,000 exhibits. Service Dealer will be attendance again this year.

“This is a first for Expo: Every inch of exhibit space inside the KEC and outside in the newly expanded 30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard has been reserved,” said Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which owns Equip Exposition. “It’s a great year to come to Louisville.”

Kris continued, “The sellout shows the vitality and excitement around Equip Exposition. It’s our industry’s ‘family reunion,’ complete with the food and fireworks - plus digging, mulching, mowing, sawing, and test-driving on a grand scale. You won’t want to miss it.”

Visitors to Equip can 'test before they invest' in the latest outdoor power equipment, ask manufacturers questions face-to-face, plus attend the many education and training sessions available.

Registration includes three days of trade show access, admission to Hardscape North America, a Welcome Party at Louisville Slugger Field, the popular 4th Street Live! Concert Series, award-winning keynote speakers, the UTV Test Track, three days in the 30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard, and Mutt Madness.

CRICKET CLUB PRAISES GERMINATION SPEED
And recovery of existing pitches

Gordon Gill, head groundsman, says speed is important with a busy fixture list where up to 100 days of cricket can be hosted a season.

Gordon Gill, head groundsman at Bath Cricket Club, has praised the qualities of MM50 grass seed, saying the speed of germination is a standout feature.

Gordon has been the head groundsman for close to twenty years at Bath Cricket Club. Recognising his passion for grounds management at a young age he started as a part-time volunteer at his local recreational cricket club in the autumn of 1980, before embarking on several relevant courses.

He eventually completed his NVQ2 at Hartpury College before landing the job at Bath Cricket Club during the late summer of 2002.

It was during his time at Hartpury College that he met Matt Gresty (MM & Designer sales and brand manager for DLF UK) who was working in the sports turf department. The two struck up a long-standing relationship and it was Matt that introduced Gordon to the range of MM seed.

Gordon has been using MM50 for some time now and says he has always been pleased with the germination speed from renovation and repair work.

He said, “The speed of establishment and also recovery of existing pitches after use plays an important role in maintaining consistent even grass coverage across the square, this is important with a very busy fixture list where we can host up to 100 days of cricket a season.

“The colour it produces is fantastic, and it has high disease resistance too. Regardless of my friendship with Matt, I would still be using MM50 because it is such a good seed.

“We have to be 100% confident in the products that we use, to absolutely know that we are going to get the best results and MM50 gives us that reassurance.”

Sponsored Content

EQUIP EXPOSITION 2022
Louisville, Kentucky, October 18-21

This October, travel to Louisville, Kentucky, and make your mark at Equip Exposition; the outdoor living, landscape, and power equipment industry's international trade show.

Equip Expo, formerly GIE+EXPO, is the proving ground—the one trade show where you can “test before you invest” in new products, innovations and even ideas for your business.

See the Latest Products and Manufacturer Lines
Entertainment Includes Trace Adkins Performance on October 20
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To book discounted lodging and to learn more about Equip Expo on October 18-21 go to equipexposition.com

SALTEX 2022
Birmingham NEC 2-3 November

Over 400 brands will be on display at SALTEX

Passionate about keeping green spaces and playing surfaces safe, accessible, and sustainable, and keen to stay ahead of the game in the grounds care industry, then SALTEX is the show for you.

SALTEX 2022 continues to attract the best in the business - with visitor registrations from over 30 countries already confirmed, a roll call of domestic and international exhibitors signed-up, and an impressive lineup of expert speakers and industry specialists standing ready to provide support, insight, and real solutions to key industry issues.

SALTEX is Europe’s leading FREE sports turf, amenities and landscaping exhibition

FREE to attend, the show includes the ever-popular Learning LIVE programme, a key element in the SALTEX offering, which has this year been extended to over 30 FREE sessions with influential speakers addressing a range of key issues impacting the industry. High on the agenda are sustainability and environmental issues.

The FREE Learning LIVE sessions will put water usage under the spotlight

Among those bringing their insights and advice to the stage will be Tony Hanson from Environmental Solutions International, Robin Price from Anglian Water and Bob Hillier from the Environment Agency discussing, in a presentation not to be missed their paper on ‘Reducing the impact of future water restrictions on golf and sports turf’ – an extremely timely subject as the sector deals with the results of climate change and the impact that extreme weather is having on sports grounds and green spaces.

Other seminar highlights include Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA) discussing the options, implications, and cost of recycling synthetic turf in the UK. Speaking on the subject will be Colin Corline from SAPCA, David James from Labosport LTD and Alastair Cox from the European Synthetic Turf Council.

SALTEX attracts the most exhibitors in the industry to one place at any one time. And new exhibitors keep coming on board weekly, with 2022 already set to be the biggest and best show yet.

Over 400 brands will be on display at SALTEX

Overseas visitors’ enthusiasm for the event is at an all-time high with over 30 countries already registered bringing with them insights into how they do things in their countries.

One of those is Daryl Davidson, head groundsman at Sydney University and of the International Greenkeepers Association, travelling from the other side of the world for “this great opportunity to catch up with a heap of new and old friends from our great industry,” it was he says, “an easy decision to jump on board”.

SALTEX is an event grounds people have always made the time to attend. We know from visitor and exhibitor feedback surveys that the networking opportunities are a massive draw and never more so than in the post-pandemic landscape. 2021 survey data showed that almost half (46%) of visitors attend for networking opportunities; over two-thirds (68%) attend to source new products, services, and suppliers; topped by an extremely high satisfaction rating of 83% voting the show as Good, Very Good or Excellent.

SALTEX does not disappoint and registering for a free FREE ticket to Europe’s largest sports turf, amenities and landscaping trade exhibition has never been easier thanks to the event’s new website - saltex.org.uk.

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