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EDITOR'S BLOG

INVESTMENT, SUCCESSION & EXPANSION
New facility opens
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

I attend a British family-run turf machinery manufacturing business's unveiling of a new £1.5m facility and hear how it has strengthened its leadership team to meet future demand.

Last week I, along with other members of our trade press, were invited to the official opening of a new building at the Howardson Group’s factory site at Kirk Langley, near Derby, by the company’s managing director, Megen Oliver.

The factory site is now home for brands such as Dennis, SISIS, Lloyds, Hunter Grinders and Syn -Pro.

Howardson Group is a family run engineering business that was established in 1938, run and cared for since then, by the same family in Derbyshire. The business has evolved over the decades to become the world-class design and manufacturing facility it is today.

With over 70 employees, the business has continued to grow and maximise its potential, boasting the ability manufacture all their products on site.

The latest investment is a new £1.5 million facility that provides storage and office space, along with providing further key production areas for their new Hunter Grinder products. It also houses additional Randex sorting bays for parts to speed up production.

The company’s new MD, Megan Oliver, took over the reins of the business from her father Ian Howardson two years ago to enable Ian the time to project manage this new facility.

Megan began working full time for the company some six years ago with the aim to take over the running of the company as part of their succession planning, that in recent times has also seen the appointment of several new members of staff.

The official opening of the new building began with a few words by Megan to thank all the press for coming and explained the importance of this new facility and what it meant for the company. After the cutting of the ribbon, we were given a guided tour around this impressive facility and had the chance to hear from Megan and senior staff members in the new impressive board / training room. All were keen to elaborate on their roles within the company and to talk about future opportunities.

Three new key members of staff are Darren McMahon as the new head of marketing, David Williamson, commercial director who oversees all sales teams and Chanel Crocker heading up a new HR department. Megan was keen to point out the welfare of the staff is critical for the success of any business. Having Chanel on board brings a wealth of new HR initiatives, such as developing appropriate training and corporate staff days to thank them for their ongoing commitment to the company.

As for Darren’s role, what attracted him to join the company was in his own words, “the fact Howardson is a family-owned business, decisions are made for the long term. There’s a very high drive for product quality, which I believe is extremely important. Customers should receive the very best product that we can manufacture, and the product should do the job for which it’s purchased. To support these products in the Dennis, Hunter Grinder, SISIS, and Syn-Pro ranges, there’s a crystal-clear focus on delivering the kind of service our customers would expect from a premium business.”

Since joining, Darren has already had an immersive introduction to the industry. Within his first five weeks, he attended three major exhibitions in the UK and USA, met with dealers, customers, and industry experts, and even got hands-on experience using Dennis and SISIS machines on both natural and synthetic surfaces.

All three new members have been warmly welcomed and are looking towards the many challenges they face in keeping the company brands at the forefront of the industry’s diverse and ever-changing working environments both here and abroad.

As the Howardson Group celebrates its 86th year, its investment into new products and the fact that it is willing to embrace new technologies certainly bode well in solidifying its position in the sports turf and amenity industry.

The recent acquisitions of Hunter Grinders and Lloyds will no doubt attract a lot of new potential customers. For me, the opportunity to buy a set of simple, effective trail gang mowers that are easy to use, service and much cheaper than a ride-on triple mower will be a big attraction for many grassroots cricket, football and sports clubs.

I would like to thank Megan and her staff for their kind hospitality and for the opportunity to view their developments which will play an important role in the further development and success of a unique family run business.

NEWS

THEME ANNOUNCED FOR SALTEX
And registration opened

In our first WEB ONLY story organisers say they are introducing introducing "fresh features and new thinking" this year.

LAWN MOWER RACING ADDED TO LINE-UP
At upcoming trade event

Lawn Mower racing has been added to the trade show's lineup

In our next WEB ONLY story taking place across both days of the event, organisers describe it as one of their boldest and most exhilarating attractions yet.

25 YEAR PARTNERSHIP CELEBRATED
Between course and supplier

L-R: Neil Coulson, Amy Dahl and Alastair Rowell

Anniversary marks one of the longest-standing formal relationships between the manufacturer and a customer globally.

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.”

CHRIS BIDDLE RETIRES (FINALLY!)
Podcast comes to an end

After producing more than 130 episodes, founder of TurfPro, Chris Biddle, has put his podcast 'to bed'.

Chris Biddle, the founder of TurfPro writes:

“Last December I announced a pause in my Inside Agri-Turf podcast as Trish and I were about to move from our home of 30 years in Salisbury to Southbourne on the Dorset coast. My intention was to re-start production after a couple of months

However, with the move successfully completed, I have decided to put Inside Agri-Turf ‘to bed’ permanently after an exhilarating and satisfying five years producing more than 130 episodes for the land-based engineering community.

It brings to an end my direct involvement with this wonderful industry. More than 60 years that have been, always challenging, never dull, constantly evolving, endlessly fascinating - with a cast of the most talented and innovative folk you will find in any industry.

It all started for me in 1962 as a demonstrator for Ford Tractors, and progressed through management for an ag and grass machinery dealership. Then a change of gear, founding Service Dealer and TurfPro magazines in 1988, before passing the baton to Duncan Murray-Clarke who has taken the publication and events to new heights, supported by the ever-present editor of Service Dealer Steve Gibbs, who joined me in 2001 fresh out of uni - with a degree in film studies!

I've been extremely fortunate to have enjoyed excellent relationships with the industry bodies. BAGMA where I was President-elect ‘back in the day’ (but couldn’t take up the post because my dealership had just acquired another company); with the AEA to whom I extend heartiest congratulations on its remarkable 150th Anniversary this year, and as a Fellow of IAgrE, for whom I produced its house journal, Landwards, for 12 years.

There are so many memories, experiences, highs and lows, all underpinned by enduring friendships. Hardly any of it was planned. Careers in this industry evolve. Doors are constantly opening as technology drives new opportunities.
But now is the time to totally switch off.

Today, my ‘local’ is Sobo Beach, just 100 yards from our new home, a laid-back bar and eatery on Southbourne beach, recently voted one of the best in the UK.

And guess what? One of the first dealer profiles I wrote for Service Dealer in the 1980s featured Christchurch Power Tools. I was back in that very same showroom recently, buying a ride-on. Not a grass cutter, but a mobility scooter to help with my pesky spinal issues. The premises is now occupied by a specialist in these aids – whilst Christchurch Garden Machinery, opened by Chad Hayes of Longham Mowers, occupies a smart showroom on the same site.

So, what goes round . . . Many thanks to everyone who listened to, guested or collaborated with my Inside Agri-Turf podcast - and best wishes to everyone involved in an industry which has dominated my life for so many years.

Judging by the pictures and stories in the media, online, and across social media of smiling, enthusiastic young people who have ‘got the message’ about the opportunities offered in land-based engineering, the industry is well equipped to meet the challenges of the future”

Ciao

Chris

All the episodes of Inside Agri-Turf will be live until the end of July this year.

DEALERSHIP'S FOUNDER RETIRES
After 45 years

Heartfelt thanks offered for Bob Crawford's years of dedication, vision, and support.

Crawfords Group have announced the retirement of its founder and chairman, Bob Crawford.

Bob Crawford

Originally known as R W Crawford Agricultural Machinery Ltd., the dealership was founded by Bob in October 1980, initially focused on the buying and selling of used farm machinery in Essex. Over the years, the business has grown into Crawfords Group - a multi-branch business specialising in the sales, servicing, and parts support of machinery and 4×4 vehicles across the South and South East of England.

Wes Crawford, managing director, said, "On behalf of the Crawford family and the entire Crawfords team, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to my father for his years of dedication, vision, and support. Bob’s leadership has shaped the culture of the business from day one - grounded in passion, trust, family and respect. With a strong customer focus, and a genuine passion for the land-based sectors that we serve. His mentorship has left a lasting legacy that will continue to guide the business for years to come."

Bob added, “What started as a small venture from a yard in Essex has grown into something I’m incredibly proud of. Crawfords has always been more than just a business to me - it’s been a family, a team, and a way of life. I’m grateful to everyone who’s been part of the journey, past and present, from loyal customers and suppliers to the dedicated team who continue to drive the business forward. It’s now time for me to step back, knowing the company is in safe hands with a bright future.”

Bob plans to have his last day within the business on Friday 11th July.

ONLINE TRAINING HELPING AMENITY PROFESSIONALS
Delivering on UK National Action Plan

NAP calls on everyone involved in weed, pest, and disease control to adopt integrated management strategies.

The UK National Action Plan (NAP) for the sustainable use of plant protection products calls on everyone involved in weed, pest, and disease control to adopt integrated management strategies and develop plans often referred to as IPM plans.

BASIS say they whilst still not a requirement, it is at the core of the NAP and the sector needs to fully understand what IPM is and how to develop and implement IPM plans.

To support this, BASIS say they are offering a dedicated course "providing practical, easy-to-access online training tailored specifically for the amenity sector." The course entitled ‘Planning Integrated Approaches in Amenity Situations’ guides users through developing and implementing effective, environmentally responsible management plans.

This course is part of a set of five within the Principles of Sustainable Amenity Management series, created with input from industry experts including former Amenity Forum Chair John Moverley. The full series covers key topics such as navigating policy, enhancing biodiversity, and managing water and air quality in amenity environments.

The courses are described as interactive and self-paced, allowing learners to fit training around their work. Real-life case studies and expert insights mean the knowledge gained can be applied immediately on site.

Jobs

DRIVER
Reesink UK Ltd

The job objective is to provide efficient and safe transport of products across the country in a professional and efficient manner

MOBILE SERVICE TECHNICIAN - BURWELL
Reesink UK Ltd

Job objective is to provide practical, field, technical and repair support to end user customers of the brands enhancing their product satisfaction and experience.

WORKSHOP TECHNICIAN
Reesink UK Ltd

Workshop Technician responsible for all machinery regarding routine maintenance, electrical, brakes, engine performance, hydraulic performance.

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