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EDITOR'S BLOG

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF INNOVATION
At Campey's special event
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

I was delighted to attend Campey Turfcare's anniversary event last week, that was a celebration of the people, partnerships and ideas behind the machines.

NEWS

SPORTS PITCHES TURNED INTO RENEWABLE HEAT SOURCE
In Dutch project

A network of pipes is installed beneath the pitch

In our next WEB ONLY story pioneering project in the Netherlands is using synthetic sports pitches to capture and store solar heat, with the technology offering the potential to provide renewable energy.

DELEGATES ANNOUNCED FOR FTMI CLASS OF 2026
BIGGA name chosen greenkeepers

Each year, 15 up-and-coming BIGGA members are chosen to participate in the training programme credited with developing some of the most influential course managers and head greenkeepers.

BIGGA and Jacobsen have announced the delegates for the 2026 Future Turf Managers Initiative (FTMI).

Each year, 15 up-and-coming BIGGA members are chosen to participate in the training programme credited with developing some of the most influential course managers and head greenkeepers.

First hosted in 2013 as a two-day education event, FTMI has since expanded around the world, with similar schemes now operating in Spain, Portugal, Australia and New Zealand.

Deb Burnett, BIGGA's head of professional development, said, "The class of 2026 reflects the strength and depth of talent coming through the industry, and we are excited to support them as they build the skills, confidence and networks that will help them take the next step in their careers."

The initiative has benefited over 200 BIGGA members, with many citing their FTMI experience as key to their development. BIGGA says the programme has been designed to provide practical tools and guidance to help candidates pursue their career aspirations. Working with professional trainers, mentors, Jacobsen and BIGGA staff, graduates gain a clear understanding of what the future holds and a realistic overview of the expectations that come with the role of manager.

FTMI begins at Ransomes Jacobsen's headquarters in Ipswich and is followed by a series of online education sessions before culminating in two days of education at BTME in January.

Candidates are selected based upon an anonymous judging criterion, with the panel gaining an insight into the achievements of each application, who must be educationally active on a national and regional level.

FTMI class of 2026

Ruben Aitchison, deputy head greenkeeper, Tain Golf Club
Matthew Cox, deputy course manager, Whitecraigs Golf Club
Jonathan Dykes, assistant greenkeeper, Harleyford Golf Club
Harry Glover, first assistant greenkeeper, Lee Park Golf Club
Oliver Hopkin, first assistant, Hollinwell
Ruaridh Marshall, assistant greenkeeper, Sunningdale Golf Club
Laurie Owen, course supervisor/first assistant, Gog Magog Golf Club
Harvey Sims, first assistant, Hayling Golf Club
Gregory Smith, first assistant, The Berkshire Golf Club
Toby Smith, deputy course manager, Redlibbets Golf Club
Tommy Spender, greenkeeper, Highwoods Golf Club
Harlie Stokes, assistant greenkeeper/irrigation technician, Sandiway Golf Club
Bradley Taylor, first assistant, Beau Desert Golf Club
Jethro Wilson, senior greenkeeper, Loch Lomond Golf Club
Dominic Wright, spray technician/senior greenkeeper, Fulford Golf Club

NEW DIRECTOR APPOINTED
By Amenity Forum

New man brings more than 30 years' experience in the amenity and turf sector.

The Amenity Forum has appointed Ian Barnett, regional technical manager (South West UK) at DLF Seeds, to its board of directors.

The Forum says Ian brings more than 30 years' experience in the amenity and turf sector, working with local authorities, contractors, sports facilities, turf growers and land managers across the UK. His appointment further strengthens the breadth of expertise represented on the Forum's Board.

Ian Graham, chair of the Amenity Forum, said, "We are delighted to welcome Ian to the Board. He brings a wealth of technical expertise and practical experience from across the amenity sector, together with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing those responsible for managing our landscapes, sports facilities and public spaces.

"As the sector responds to changing environmental expectations, regulatory developments and the need to attract and develop skilled professionals, Ian's insight and experience will be invaluable. We look forward to working with him as the Forum continues to promote best practice, professional competence and responsible amenity management."

Ian Barnett added, "The Forum plays an important role in bringing the sector together, promoting best practice and helping to ensure those working in amenity management are informed, connected and supported.

"I look forward to working with fellow Directors and stakeholders from across the industry to help advance the Forum's objectives and support the continued development of the sector."

DEALERSHIP BREAKS GROUND ON NEW BRANCH
Part of 60th anniversary investment

Designed to support continued growth, the new depot will include larger workshops, improved staff and customer facilities and an impressive showroom.

South West groundcare, agricultural and construction machinery dealer Vincents broke ground in June on a new purpose-built branch in Cullompton, marking a major milestone in its 60th anniversary year.

Nick, Alec (centre) & Paul Vincent celebrate breaking ground onsite at Vincents new purpose-built Cullompton branch, just off the M5, opening spring 2027. CREDIT Guy Harrop

The third-generation, family-run business supports customers across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset and is investing in a new long-term base just off the M5. The company says the Cullompton branch is due to open in spring 2027.

Designed to support continued growth across Devon and Somerset, the new freehold branch will include larger workshops, improved staff and customer facilities and an impressive showroom showcasing an extensive range of machinery from brands including Kubota, Merlo and Kverneland. It will bring together Vincents’ existing Smithaleigh and Wellington operations into a single, modern, permanent site and will operate alongside its established branches in Fraddon and Holsworthy.

Vincents say the new location in Cullompton places the business close to established rural retailers such as Mole Valley and on key routes used by many of its customers, strengthening access and regional connectivity.

Brothers Alec and Nick Vincent, third-generation managing directors of the family-run business, said, “As we reach our 60th year, this investment is about securing the right long-term base for our Devon and Somerset operations. Moving to an owned freehold site is a key strategic step for us, giving us the capacity and stability to support customers and continue growing for the long term.

“We’ve built strong relationships across the region, and this new site ensures we’re well positioned to support customers into the future.”

The business, which prides itself on Ken’s founding principle of ‘service at the centre of everything’, continues to benefit from the experience of the second and first generations, with Paul and Ken Vincent remaining actively involved.

Vincents say their service model - including overnight parts delivery - will remain unchanged, with most support continuing to take place at customers’ premises.

“As a family business, maintaining that day-to-day consistency of service is incredibly important to us,” Nick and Alec said. “Our teams will continue to operate out in the field, with the Cullompton site giving us the space, facilities and infrastructure to support that even more effectively.”

Smithaleigh and Wellington will remain fully operational throughout the build period they say, with all roles transferring to Cullompton when the site opens.

You can read more about Vincents' expansion and anniversary in an upcoming edition of Service Dealer magazine.

FORTY DEALERS SIGNED
Providing national coverage

L to R: Jddela Miah, Toby Mansfield, Oliver Mansfield, Steph Brooks, Solly Mansfield of Baggleys with Neil Everett of Boss ORV

ATV and UTV supplier say they are say pleased to be offering full national sales and support for the brand.

Boss Off-Road Vehicles has appointed Baggleys Machinery as an Aodes dealer for the East Anglia region.

This appointment brings the supplier's count to 40 to provide national coverage for the range of UTVs and ATVs.

L to R: Jddela Miah, Toby Mansfield, Oliver Mansfield, Steph Brooks, Solly Mansfield of Baggleys with Neil Everett of Boss ORV

Baggleys, based in Norwich, was started by Solly Baggley in 1999, working from a garden shed, and he is well known in the industry for his personalised approach towards his customers. The business has grown and required continuous expansion over the years to become one of Norfolk’s largest garden machinery businesses. Solly says he is most proud of having his two sons in a joint partnership in the company, illustrating the true definition of a family-run business.

Phil Everett, Boss ORV managing director, said, “We have worked with Baggleys previously with some of our other brands such as Faunamaster ApS and really value the quality of service and customer loyalty they bring. We are really looking forward to working with Solly Mansfield, Oliver Mansfield and all the Baggleys team again.”

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