I firmly believe our sports turf and amenity industry is one of the best industries to work in with such a diverse variety of job opportunities on offer.

Having worked in the industry for well over 45 years, I can honestly say that without question, the opportunity to learn and develop new skills and work in an ever-challenging environment is there for all to experience.

What industry gives you the opportunity to work in such a broad range of environments and deliver playing surfaces, parks and open spaces for the benefit of thousands of people.

However, the skills and expertise required is also very challenging. We need to arm ourselves with the right technical abilities, skills and knowledge to manage these facilities.
To be able to operate in a safe manner we also must understand what laws and regulations need to be adhered to - ensuring we comply and keep ourselves and those around us, safe.

As practitioners it is our duty to have the appropriate certificates and qualifications to do our jobs effectively and efficiently, demonstrating that we understand our role when carrying out certain operations and activities.

This is particularly important when operating machinery or applying chemical protection products.

For many years we have seen the introduction of awards and practical assessment schemes run by colleges, universities and training providers. A recent trip to Harper Adams University enabled me to meet up with Ian Pryce, short courses manager at Harper Adams and David Fisher, market development manager from Lantra, who invited me along to see one of Lantra’s first pesticide recertification events being held at the university and also to find out more about some new courses being offered.

These events give instructors a chance to showcase their skills and earn CPD points whilst keeping themselves updated with any industry changes.

Lantra is the leading awarding organisation for the land-based and horticultural industries supporting both individuals and companies to achieve personal and business growth.
As a nationally recognised awarding organisation, they have over 40 years' experience of developing quality training and qualifications. Their products are designed to specifically meet the business and individual needs of those primarily working within the land-based and environmental sectors.

Offering a diverse range of training and qualifications, all their courses are developed with professional industry bodies and employers to ensure their training is of the highest quality.

Their portfolio offers opportunities for individuals from all ages and backgrounds and includes one-day training-only courses, integrated training and assessment and qualifications at various levels.

All of their courses are delivered via a nationwide network of expert providers, instructors and assessors, all of whom are quality assured to their own high standards.
All their products are recognised by the regulatory bodies Ofqual, SQA and Qualifications Wales. This means that you can be sure any of their qualifications are nationally recognised.

In order to maintain their high-quality standards, their partner network (including all providers, instructors and assessors) are reviewed annually with robust quality assurance visits completed on a regular basis.

Ian is very pleased with the association Harper Adams University has with Lantra and pleased that their working relationship continues with the development of new courses as they come online.

They continue to develop training and qualifications to fulfil industry needs, so as the demand for non-chemical weed management alternatives escalates, Lantra’s upcoming Integrated Weed Management course looks set to generate plenty of interest.

In fact I myself may apply and take the opportunity to undertake this course - as the saying goes you are never too old to learn!

If you’re currently a Lantra pesticide instructor you’ll need to attend a recertification event

Get in touch with the instructor network team for more information on future events - instructornetwork@lantra.co.uk

Complete Weed Control has announced a series of roadshow events to provide essential guidance for the amenity sector dealing with the application of glyphosate.

The half day seminars will detail the latest information from Bayer regarding glyphosate as well as informative sessions dealing with the application of glyphosate for hard surfaces utilising Complete Weed Control’s Weed-IT technology.

In addition, there will be advice with regard to handling public objections to weed control activities, with concise information to take away from the event.

Findings from the most extensive trials into Japanese knotweed and its control will also be provided along with advice as to how best manage the problem and its associated issues.

There will also be a live demonstration of the Weed-IT machine.

Dates and venues for November have been confirmed as:

• 14th Kendleshire Golf Club (near Bristol) Henfield Rd, Coalpit Heath BS36 2UY
• 15th Jury’s Inn, Hinckley Island Hotel (near Leicester) Watling St, Burbage, Hinckley LE10 3JA
• 22nd Battle of Britain Bunker (Hillingdon) Wren Ave, Uxbridge UB10 0FD
• 28th King's Manor Library, University of York, Exhibition Square, York YO1 7EP
• 29th Stirling Court Hotel, Airthrey Road, Stirling, FK9 4LA

The Seminar includes a complimentary lunch. Places are limited, so book to avoid disappointment by clicking the above event you would like to attend.

From a greenkeeper who plies his trade at a modest Northumbrian golf club to the head greenkeeper responsible for preparing the course for The Open at Carnoustie, BIGGA members from all corners of the golf industry will benefit from the experience of participating in the BIGGA Delegation to the Golf Industry Show sponsored by Bernhard Company.

San Diego Convention Center

And the reach of the association isn’t just restricted to the UK, as the selection of a deputy course manager in New Zealand showcases.

Each year the delegation provides members of BIGGA with the opportunity to attend the GCSAA’s Golf Industry Show in America, where they benefit from fantastic networking opportunities and hands-on access to world-leading golf course and facility management solutions. The delegates will also attend some of the GIS’s education seminars, presentations and workshops.

The successful BIGGA members selected to take part in the delegation are:

• Scott Aitchison, deputy course manager, Royal Dornoch Golf Club
• Craig Boath, head greenkeeper, Carnoustie Golf Links
• Stefan Carter, senior greenkeeper, The Wentworth Club
• Lyle Davidson, deputy head greenkeeper, The Carrick & Cameron House
• Gwynn Davies, course manager, unattached
• Graham Down, course manager at Harewood Downs Golf Club
• Craig Earnshaw, course manager, Harleyford Golf Club
• Peter McVicar, course manager, Hesketh Golf Club
• Tom Pattison, deputy head greenkeeper, Blyth Golf Club
• Yannick Weber, deputy course manager, Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, New Zealand

The GCSAA and NGCOA-organised Golf Industry Show takes place at the San Diego Convention Center on 2 to 7 February 2019.

Tom Pattison, deputy head greenkeeper at Blyth, said, “I just couldn’t believe it when they said I was on the trip, I was absolutely shocked. It’s going to make a massive difference to me personally, not just because of the trip itself, but also the opportunity to get to know other BIGGA members from top courses such as Carnoustie. I’m going to be asking so many questions that I wouldn’t like to be the person sat beside me on the flight to San Diego!”

Steven Nixon, Director at Bernhard Company, sai, “The high calibre of the candidates again this year has made the decision-making process a real challenge. We are very proud to share this experience with the 10 gentlemen who have been selected. We will encourage anyone who has not been selected to try again next year. We are looking forward to spending time with the delegates and helping them further their personal development and career.”

BIGGA Chief Executive Officer Jim Croxton said: “Selection for the BIGGA Delegation with Bernhard is through a rigorous process and I’m delighted that members from a wide range of backgrounds have earned a place on this year’s trip. The name of the golf club they work at is irrelevant and we focus upon the dedication to the profession of the candidates, choosing those we feel will benefit most from the experience and be outstanding ambassadors for the profession.

“Just by looking at the wide range of backgrounds of those chosen to join the BIGGA Delegation, you get a real insight into the eagerness to develop and learn that flows through all levels of the golf greenkeeping industry.

“Congratulations to every one of the BIGGA delegates and thank you once again to Bernhard Company for providing this brilliant opportunity for our members, which I am certain will once again prove to be a tremendous success.”

Applications for the 2020 Bernhard Delegation will be launched early in the new year.

The “fantastic” success of Hever Castle’s use of Rigby Taylor’s Euroflor urban meadow flower seed mixes has spurred the Kent-based stately home to not only increase the number of areas that will be planted next year and existing plots enlarged, but it has also led to additional, similar projects off-site and the potential launch of a retail scheme which could see the flower seeds being offered to visitors.

Sitting on an estate covering over 400 acres, including an adjoining golf course, the project initiated by Hever Castle Golf Club head greenkeeper Rob Peers to “encourage visitors to both the golf course and the estate to fully enjoy and be immersed by and engaged with the complete site” has, he says, “been an overwhelming success” with the varied displays attracting:

• A social media frenzy of visitor photos, plus local and national press coverage;
• An endless stream of laudable comments from visitors, as well as from Hever Castle staff and proprietors; and
• Numerous requests (from visitors) asking how they can achieve similar displays of the eye-catching colours and wonderful scents.

After carefully choosing a number of strategic areas for meadow flower seeding, some by the golf course and others between the course and the estate, a variety of Euroflor mixes (from Top Green) were selected; mixes identified as ‘best fit’ options in terms of colour and height, as well as in texture and form. 

“After clearing the unused, mainly overgrown plots -which largely entailed the removal of grass, brambles and weeds - the areas were prepared for seeding and there is no doubt that the key to flowering success was in the preparation of the beds, especially the applications of weedkiller,” says Rob.

“We sowed on May 21-23 and within just five days saw the first seeds germinate. Despite having no rain for the following 62 days, we enjoyed a fantastic display beginning at the end of July - and it continues to last now [October] well into late autumn.”

Lack of natural rainfall this summer put obvious pressure on germination and plant growth: “But I was determined the project wouldn’t fail, and it was a case of all hands to the pump - including family members - to keep the seeds/flowers watered using bowsers and watering cans three times a week. Since the end of July, when it did rain again, the plots have largely taken care of themselves.”

He adds: “It would be egotistical to say that the displays have added to the footfall here - Hever Castle puts on many added-value attractions throughout the summer to attract visitors - but there has clearly been more people making their ways to the areas of the estate where we planted and there’s been lots of favourable comments.”

In addition, Rob says, “I’ve never seen so many pollinators on the estate - a wonderful sight” - an aspect that is in tune with his enthusiasm for biodiversity and environmental issues.

For 2019, a number of the areas will be left ‘to do their own thing’ in terms of re-seeding, while other patches will be expanded and new areas added. In addition, the success of the meadow flower seed mixes has also generated plans for plantings on other properties.

And now, due to visitor response, discussions are taking place about the possibility of retail offerings - perhaps packets of seed, or potted wildflowers or, indeed, a ‘lay down and plant’ package using Rigby Taylor’s FloraFleece biodegradable matting, which will eliminate the need for extensive soil preparation.

On 14th & 15th November this week at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn, Northern Ireland, Johnson Gilpin & Co will celebrate 50 years in business with The Johnston Gilpin & Co Showcase.

Johnston Gilpin & Co

The Lisburn-based dealers say the Showcase will encompass the entire Johnston Gilpin & Co franchise network to form an event which they say will include the "largest dealer display of agricultural and horticultural equipment ever seen in Ireland, from the smallest garden machine to the largest tractor in production today".

The event will include live demos, product launches and product specialists will all be on hand to answer visitors' enquiries. 

A full range of Johnston Gilpin and John Deere merchandise will also be available to purchase.

Opening times are 2pm-10pm on Wednesday 14th and 10am-10pm on Thursday 15th November.

Since the start of the year, Tadmarton Heath Golf Club near Banbury in Oxfordshire has seen investment in a new management team, strategic changes to the course under the eye of course architect Ken Moodie and its first ever course maintenance equipment fleet deal with John Deere and local dealer Farol Ltd.

Tadmarton Heath Golf Club general manager Matt Draper, John Deere territory manager Nick Ashman, course manager Jim McMurdo, dealer Mike Wheeler of Farol and golf operations manager John Stubbs, with greenkeepers Jordan Cotterell, Daniel Welford, Marcus Hendy and Neil Markham in the back row.

The avowed ambition of golf operations manager John Stubbs, course manager Jim McMurdo and general manager Matt Draper is to achieve a place in the UK’s top 100 golf courses. Already ranked at #91 in National Club Golfer's Top 100 courses in England, Taddy - as the locals call it - is a classic heathland layout featuring gorse and broom, with an ‘inland links’ character. It has been described by NCG editor Dan Murphy as “absolutely delightful and quintessentially English, with a pretty stone clubhouse at its centre.”

The new machinery has been bought on a five-year John Deere Financial lease deal, including PowerGard maintenance and protection. The package features 12 John Deere machines, including 220SL walk-behind and 2500E electric hybrid greens mowers, A Model fairway mowers, a 1600T wide area mower and Gator utility vehicles in addition to a Tru-Turf greens roller, Fleming trailers and a Weidenmann Super 600 three-in-one flail mower, collector and verticutter for the rough.

“We wanted to rationalise the existing machinery fleet and deal, which was coming up for renewal,” says John Stubbs. “As part of the tender process we met the Farol team for the first time, including golf & grass director James Moore and area sales manager Mike Wheeler. We were looking for a completely open, honest and transparent deal at the best possible price, and we found that Farol and John Deere were very easy to work with all the way through the process.

“Their approach gave us confidence that they could deliver what we needed to help achieve our ambition of becoming the premier all year round course in this area. We had plenty of help and advice on which machines would provide the most efficient and affordable solution for the golf course and the club, and in the end the decision to partner with John Deere and Farol was a very straightforward one.”

John Stubbs and Jim McMurdo with the new John Deere 2500E electric hybrid greens mowers in front of Tadmarton Heath’s stone clubhouse

As it boasts one of the last remaining areas of proper heathland left in the county, the course has undergone a five-year regeneration project as part of the club’s vision to put the traditional heath back into Tadmarton Heath. More recently all the bunkers have been redesigned or rebuilt, and Jim McMurdo has begun a process of improving the greens, reducing the more punitive rough areas and raising the overall standard of the course presentation.

“The initial aim has been to make the golf course look a lot more professional and make the greens and rough fairer,” he says. “One of the first jobs was to bring the fairway cutting height down to 13mm, which made a massive improvement straight away - the increased differentiation means golfers now find it easier to see where to play and where to avoid.

“We’ve also opened up all the bunker areas and defined the run-offs around the greens, to help improve the overall playability. It’s really a very simple approach - it’s about uniformity and attention to detail, so that everything in the eye is set up the same way, to create the best overall impression.”

John Stubbs adds, “The new investment created an amazing wave of interest in the improvements - people regularly come up to me to say how pleased they are with the way things are going, and new members are joining all the time. It was certainly a great confidence boost for us to get the Board’s approval to spend what is admittedly a large sum of money for a private golf club.

“It was also good for Jim and his greenkeeping team to know that every single recommendation that was asked for has been delivered. Our goal is to maintain the traditions of the golf course, with its history and heritage, but packaged in a forward thinking way, while also providing a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere as well as first class service throughout the club.”

Despite being loyal to another machinery brand for the past 18 years, Smytham Holiday Park in Devon, has made the switch to TYM and purchased a new T353 tractor.

Set in an idyllic valley and surrounded by 33 acres of parkland, the grounds require 10 acres of grass to be cut and collected up to twice a week in peak season. As a result, reliability, durability and power are essential traits for the machinery purchased for the park, says owner, Tony Harper.

L-R: Smytham Holiday Park owner, Tony Harper, with Rob Read from Devon Garden Machinery

“We needed something simple and straightforward that meets the demands of a holiday park. It’s important for us to have a reliable workhorse with a lot of power, but small enough to manoeuvre between the caravans with cutting units attached.”

He continues: “We’ve been brand-loyal since we started the business, but the TYM T353 was a similar size to our previous machine, with the added bonus of a higher lift capability. Plus, the way the hydraulics were put together was a lot tidier. I’ve operated it myself, it’s simple to use, good for switching from one task to another and handles all my attachments perfectly. I’m confident it will improve the quality of the park.”

A demo, organised by Devon Garden Machinery (DGM), saw Tony and his family try out the T353 for themselves.

“We were able to organise a free, onsite demonstration within a week of first discussing the T353, as TYM’s distributor Reesink Turfcare delivered really quickly,” comments DGM sales dealer, Robert Read. “Tony was impressed by the tractor as soon as he saw it, it’s a great size for the holiday park environment. After the demonstration, Tony decided there and then he would purchase it.”

Speaking of the demonstration, Tony added: “Robert was very knowledgeable, he showed us the safety measures and how it worked, but then stepped back and let us give it a try. The tractor spoke for itself really, I knew once I’d seen it in action it was the best product out there for the price. And it was a definite bonus that he could leave the tractor with us and we could trade in our old machine that day - it made buying an easy decision!”

The T353 is already being put to good use. Along with keeping the park in top order, the tractor has been used to move a 12-foot-wide caravan, weighing five tonnes, offsite.

“It’s a bit of a funny sight, seeing a little tractor pull a big caravan like that, but it just shows the power it has,” said Tony.

AQUA-AID EU BV has completed a move into new offices and recruited two new staff members as the Dutch company continues to grow in line with demand.

L-R: Hans de Kort, Annemiek Ogbolu-Vonk and Michael van der Veeken

They say the desire for its products in Europe, the UK, Ireland and internationally has led to the Breda based company scaling up its operation by moving into new offices and recruiting two management assistants.

Annemiek Ogbolu-Vonk brings a wealth of management experience to the company as well as being adept in a number of international languages. Michael van der Veeken brings vast knowledge of enterprise resource planning and has worked in a similar role for a number of years and will work together with Annemiek to support the continued expansion of the company.

With this core team in place, owner and director of AQUA-AID EU, Hans de Kort, says he hopes to continue providing exceptional customer service and instant support where required.

He said, “Welcoming Annemiek and Michael to the company is a very important step for us because it signals a significant step forward.

“To date, we have achieved a lot in the professional turf care, horticulture and agriculture markets because of the service we provide and products we offer and moving into new offices with new additions to our team allows us to continue providing that service on a larger scale.”

A recent joint A-Plant and Land & Water event to showcase products available to the Environment Agency was used by Simon Richard Ltd, along with Loxston Groundcare to demonstrate the value of the Reform bank tractor, Muthing flail and Woods Equipment ranges.

Simon Richard said, "The event was a great opportunity to demonstrate our products, particularly the recently launched Reform Metron P48 RC, the first radio controlled equipment carrier with real hybrid drive."

Simon contnued, "The Metron’s concept is based on a 48hp Kubota petrol engine powering a generator which supplies energy to the battery pack and the electric wheel motors. Metron can also have other power sources such as hydrogen cell, when available. The generator has a direct drive which drives the mechanical front PTO shaft, allowing it to operate all attachments mechanically. Control at up to 400 metres range is via a ergonomic radio hand-set with integrated colour display.

"The hybrid drive also allows Metron to operate purely electrically. If more power is required, the petrol engine can be switched on. Permanent all-wheel drive to four same size wheels, low centre of gravity and five different steering modes combine to give optimum slope capability. A range of attachments such as flail mowers, rotary mowers, snow blowers, ploughs, brooms and more can also be mounted."

AN OPTIMISTIC SALTEX
Innovation was the buzzword

SHOW TIME
A celebration of our industry

ARTIFICIAL WORRIES
Injuries and infections in the news

CHANGE, CHALLENGE & OPPORTUNITY
At the Amenity Forum Conference

PARKS IN DEEP MIRE
Problem highlighted by national newspaper

RYDER CUP GLORY
Dedicated greenkeepers shine in Paris

DREAMS COME TRUE!
Dedication pays off

REASONS TO BE GLEEFUL
Trade show illustrates diversity of our industry

INTEGRATED USE OF PESTICIDE PRODUCTS
Following good practice

UNDERSTANDING YOUR SOIL
Challenging conditions this year

THE SHOWS MUST GO ON
Our main industry events are a must visit

CRICKET RENOVATIONS
Plan and prepare early

CRISIS FOR GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL PITCHES
And the selling of Wembley Stadium

GREEN NOSE DAY
Highlighting the work of turf professionals

SUMMER CHALLENGES
Difficult time for our whole industry

WORLD CUP MANIA
Every pitch stood up to the demands

RAISING THE FLAG
In praise of the The Green Flag Award® scheme

LAURENCE GALE: During my recent attendance at this year’s Amenity Forum Conference I was intrigued by commercial director for Hortech Ltd, Duncan Jones’ presentation. His talk provoked a lot of issues we need to address to ensure that we as industry professionals can continue to deliver effective weed control services for the amenity sector.

His words rang true regarding the current state of our industry and the issues we will face with the potential loss of further active ingredients for the control of pest weeds and diseases.

Duncan’s presentation was as follows: -

Duncan Jones

“Why do we do the right thing? Why join the Amenity Forum or maintain Amenity Assured status?

Why invest in staff training or try and maintain professional standards? Why employ BASIS advisors or even have staff with PA1 or PA2 qualifications? What benefit is there, in playing by the rules if the rules are not enforced or don’t carry any weight during either the procurement process or contract term. Is it only about the price? Why bother when many large national grounds and facility companies aren’t members of the Amenity Forum or have Amenity Assured status? Am I being a little negative or overly dramatic? Well, I don’t think so.

My evidence, based on contracts Hortech have tendered for over the last 18 months, suggests that clients are becoming less concerned in professional standards, certainly at pre-qualification stage. Over the last 18 months not one tender we have priced has made any reference to minimum professional standards with regard to herbicide application, not one. And that includes FM companies, utility, industrial, local authority and members of the Amenity Forum. The procurement departments of our clients whether utility, facilities management, local authority or industrial seem oblivious to BASIS, Amenity Forum or legal requirements. If that is OK then fair enough. If the Amenity Forum is just for an internal audience so be it. If Amenity Assured is just a feel-good project that we keep to ourselves, then OK.

But here is the contradiction, the shifting sands of public opinion. The growth in stakeholder scrutiny. The social media outcry when someone is seen applying herbicide with or without PPE. The application of herbicides in the amenity environment, whether public spaces or closed industrial sites become more controversial and problematic by the week. ‘Roundup causes cancer’, ‘Monsanto / Bayer are lying to us’, etc. Only last week the headline on the front page of the Shrewsbury Chronical was ‘Weed killer caused my cancer’, a story relating to a former local authority groundsman who had applied 24D to treat sports turf weeds. Now, most will not get past the headline ‘Weed killer caused my cancer’ and will form an opinion based on the headline. Yet the procurers of weed control services, as a single service or as part of a wider suite of services chose not to or don’t know how to quality check potential suppliers. Now I do know that some of you will be able to quote contracts and clients where Amenity Assured and Amenity Forum credentials count for something and that is great, but that is very much the exception rather than the rule.

The voice of the naysayers is getting louder and louder and more and more are joining the debate. A debate fuelled in part by social media, national press and law suits from over the pond.

The call for alternatives to herbicides is growing from clients and stakeholders from acetic acid to hot water systems, flames and electricity. All have their place and we clearly must embrace new technology and reduce herbicide use in order to protect the herbicides we have. However, this is difficult when the primary award factor is cost. Alternatives to herbicide are expensive and we operate in a very cost driven sector often at the wrong end of an extended supply chain.

So, what’s at stake if we continue to procure herbicide services this way? The loss of glyphosate, not through scientific evidence or debate, but through the general public losing confidence in the product and us? Our credibility? Our industry? Is it now counterproductive to have the term ‘weed control’ in your company name or marketing material? I can see some in the room thinking Duncan for goodness sake don’t be so negative. It’s not that bad. And to be fair I am by nature an optimist, a man who does not think of a glass as half full or half empty but as refillable. However, it’s not about being positive or negative it’s about being realistic and affecting change.

And where is the opportunity which I talk about?

So, to the opportunity. This is our industry and let’s face it, there must be easier ways to earn a living, so we must be doing what we do because we believe in what we are doing. I do fear for the future of the weed control sector. I fear that our voice is getting lost amongst the noise, I fear that we are becoming irrelevant.

Our opportunity is to set the agenda, lead the debate and change narrative; it starts with The Amenity Forum and BASIS. The Amenity Forum is a strong platform on which we can and should build our industry. John and his team do a super job in promoting and arguing our case and there has been increased visibility within the industry over the last few years. But, this message is not currently getting to procurement teams.

We have always played nicely, been polite, waited our turn but, I am not sure this is now the best approach.

We need to educate current clients and potential clients, the influencers, our peer group, the educators, the students and the general public about best practice, stewardship, about the importance of using amenity assured contractors, integrated weed control programmes and awarding contracts based on their true value rather than just their monetary value.

First and foremost, we need to persuade our colleagues that our industry is relevant and that the Amenity Forum is the best vehicle to speak truth to power, regarding our values and standards within weed control.

The Amenity Forum currently has 60 members only 22 of which are weed control contractors, the big herbicide users, the biggest national players and influencers are not members. I don’t know why? The Amenity Forum is a credible and well lead organisation, why wouldn’t you want to be part of it? It’s not even expensive or difficult to join. We need to persuade them that we are relevant and stronger together. Some of the largest users of amenity herbicides in the UK including companies like Sodexo, MITIE, Serco, Idverde, Nurture and Ground Control must be encouraged and supported to join us. These companies are good respectable businesses with influence and there are of course many more who should be encouraged to join. In fact, anyone who commercially applies amenity herbicides should join the forum. With increased membership comes increased influence, relevance and opportunity to inform the debate. Compare this with BALI who currently has 906 members across all categories, 543 involved in contracting of which 499 can potentially deliver weed control services to a great or lesser extent.

With a membership of 60 we are just too small. Much greater opportunity and change will come when we speak for a significant portion of the industry and that means a membership northward of 150.

Furthermore, based on the latest information I could find there are 81 companies who are Amenity Assured, sounds like a reasonable number! Not so… 40 of the companies are Complete Weed Control franchises. It is fantastic that Complete Weed Control are leading the way, setting the example and standard, but 41 is a somewhat less impressive number. Why don’t other amenity herbicide users and contractors feel the need to become Amenity Assured? Because it has no commercial relevance? We need to persuade the buyers and procurement specialists why Amenity Assured is important and creditable, to ultimately view it in the same light as the Farm Assured scheme. We need to encourage clients to set Amenity Assured as a pre-qualification red line and membership of the Amenity Forum as highly desirable. We should look to members of the Amenity Forum to encourage their own procurement teams to get the message, members like Severn Trent and Amey.

So, our opportunity is to spread the word regarding measurable best practice and thus sustain our industry of the future.

We need to educate as to what a good contractor looks like and why. We must not be afraid to call out individuals’ or organisations for poor practice. We must not sit on the side lines and say nothing when our industry is criticised. If a contractor should have ‘’Amenity Assured’’ status then we should say so loud and clear. We need to tell our story to the companies who procure the largest weed control contracts: facility management companies, utilities and local governments. We should lobby clients and potential clients to set minimum procurement standards regarding weed control in the facilities management, utility, amenity, infrastructure and industrial sectors.

Who are the industry influencers and are they doing what they can to support us?

We need to publicly embrace new technology to help demonstrate stewardship and sound weed management and advocate an integrated weed control strategy.

And finally, change!”

--------------------------

LAURENCE GALE: Well yes, I too believe we need to change as an industry or run the risk of going the way of the dinosaur. More volume, more debate, more discussion, more comment, more challenge, more action, more unity of purpose. Change is possible and desirable. Change is in our own hands.

I was keen to find out more of Duncan’s thoughts on our industry and his role at Hortech, so cordially invited myself down to their Midland’s based office in Moddershall, nr Stone Staffordshire.

Duncan joined Hortech in 2000 taking on the role of Projects Manager. He began his career working as a parks apprentice working for Shrewsbury and Oswestry councils before moving into contract management with Cliff Evans. Working as a contract’s manager enabled Duncan to learn many procurement skills before they were taken over by a larger company. Looking for a new challenge, Duncan soon found himself leaving for pastures new at Hortech Ltd.

Hortech was founded in 1987 and has since established itself as a leader in the landscape management industry. Their attitude and approach to not only the contract specifics but also to their client’s prerequisites, has allowed them over the years to diversify their services and provide award winning contracts. The net result has been the securement of some long-established contracts with many household names and blue-chip companies within both the private and public sectors.

Annually they undertake works on 65,000 sites spanning across the whole of the UK. Duncan along with all the staff pride themselves on their ‘can-do’ attitude and have an enhanced commitment to health and safety alongside their customer service.

Hortech have over 160 employees working from 14 depots dotted around the country, thus enabling them to respond fast to clients’ needs. Duncan is very keen to ensure all his staff are appropriately trained and hold the relevant qualifications to do their jobs efficiently and effectively. Extensive knowledge, commitment and training (delivered by their in-house training team) guarantees that the company deliver the services expected by their clients.

The company are trained and geared up to provide a wide range of services which include amongst many others grass cutting, specialist weed control and pest control. They also provide experienced specialists within their fields that are available to work alongside clients to produce a bespoke consultancy packages.

Hortech also directly employ full time BASIS Advisors ensuring that chemical choice is wholly impartial and solely governed by the task in hand. The advisors are responsible for the selection of approved herbicides for use on all contracts, the rates that they are applied, the methods used for storage and their transport and application.

And finally, the company run and manage their own plants nursery, Boultons, established over 100 years ago that they use to supply commercially grown plants to their customers and clients.

Recent developments have seen more emphasis on peat free compost and a significant shift to more environmentally friendly ways of peat free plant production.

It would seem from my visit that Duncan, like so many of us who work in this industry, is passionate and always striving hard to improve services and the professionalism of this unique industry. Duncan’s enthusiasm is clear to see, hence his remarkable presentation made at the recent Amenity Forum Conference.