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EDITOR'S BLOG

TIME TO COME TOGETHER
For the benefit of the industry
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

I personally believe it’s time - and I have said this for many years - that the industry must come together to produce a new international show that covers all aspects of our industry.

Firstly, to follow on from last week’s blog, it seems that the organisers of SALTEX are happy with this year’s attendance figures. They have issued a press release stating that around 7,300 visitors attended the show over the two days.

The GMA say they believe this has reaffirmed the show’s position “as the must-attend exhibition for the entire grounds management industry.”

They also said that the Learning LIVE programme attracted over 1,000 visitors, addressing many of the current and future trends in the industry.
I personally enjoyed the show. It will, however, be interesting to see how our industry events pan out in the coming years. They may need to change to meet future demands and to attract the necessary visitors to make them a viable attraction.

Talking to many exhibitors, a major issue for them is cost. They are asking themselves, do they have the time and resources to attend all events or do they need select the ones that give them the best return on their investment? Some exhibitors have told me that taking a smaller stand helps reduce cost dramatically, saving on transporting large, heavy machinery to the shows.

They also must balance the need to attend and support other regional, county and local shows.

I personally believe it’s time - and I have said this for many years - that the industry must come together to produce a new international show that covers all aspects of our industry. I think we need to see the ag, arb, landscape industry, sports turf and golf sectors come together to have one large show. This new format would, if successfully managed, be the showcase for our wonderful industry. Also as part of this show, we should have one day that is dedicated for schools to attend.

This would enable the next generation to see the range of career opportunities our industry has to offer. This new event should be aiming to attract more than 20,000 people over a possible three days. And perhaps the show could be held at various locations around the country - or we stick to the midlands.
I feel there will come a time when both of our leading organisations, BIGGA and the GMA, will have to consider the possibility of working together, alongside new partners and organisations to deliver a new show that can promote the essence and value of our diverse and important industry.

Dealer of the Year Awards

Finally, last week I was privileged to be asked to form part of the judging panel for this years’ Service Dealer magazine’s Dealer of the Year Awards - alongside Keith Christian, Steve Gibbs and Duncan Murray-Clarke.

We were so pleased with the number of dealerships and individuals who entered into the awards this year - the competition is intense and the quality of nominees high!

We can’t wait to announce the category winners on the 28th November 2024 at Service Dealer’s annual conference which is to be held in Stratford upon Avon.

The categories judged along with the prestigious sponsors were:

Garden Machinery Dealer of the Year sponsored by Husqvarna
Farm Machinery Dealer of the Year sponsored by Ibcos Computers
Forestry Equipment Dealer of the Year sponsored by Societe Generale Equipment Finance
Professional Turfcare Dealer of the Year sponsored by Toro UK
ATV / Quad Dealer of the Year sponsored by Yamaha ATV UK
Apprentice of the Year sponsored by Kubota
Star of the Dealership sponsored by EGO Power Plus
Best New Initiative Award sponsored by STIHL
Leadership Award sponsored by AGCO
Overall Dealer of the Year 2024 sponsored by Kress UK and Ireland

Good luck to everyone who’s entered!

NEWS

BILL TO BAN PESTICIDE USE BY PUBLIC AUTHORITIES INTRODUCED
Second reading in Parliament next year

A new Bill has been introduced to Parliment

In our first WEB ONLY story, an MP has introduced a Bill to Parliament, which would ban the use of pesticides by public sector authorities.

FOLEY ACQUIRE GROUNDSCARE MACHINERY MANUFACTURER
Maker of extensive line of products

In our next WEB ONLY story Foley say the diverse portfolio complements their existing offerings, positioning both companies for "enhanced growth and innovation".

AWARD FOR INDUSTRY EXHIBITION
Trade Show of the Year

The Exhibition News Indy Awards recently recognised the event for the groundscare sector with two prizes.

The recently held Exhibition News Indy Awards recognised GroundsFest 2023, awarding it both the Best Independent Trade Show Launch and Trade Show of the Year.

The GroundsFest team with presenter, comedian Zoe Lyons

The award judges said they were impressed with GroundsFest’s fresh approach, noting how it has "modernised the grounds care and landscaping sector with an inclusive and fun festival atmosphere" and describing it as a “well-overdue shake-up” in live industry events.

Reflecting on the award, event director Christopher Bassett said, “We’re truly honoured to receive these awards, especially considering the calibre of trade shows we were up against. GroundsFest was a vision we built from the ground up, and to have it recognised at this level is beyond what we expected.”

In a statement the event’s organisers said its future aims are "not only to attract an even broader audience but to further solidify its role as a game-changer in the industry. With a commitment to community and a focus on delivering real value to exhibitors and visitors alike, GroundsFest is primed for continued growth."

Christopher concluded, “We’re beyond thankful to our incredible exhibitors, visitors, partners, and suppliers for making this possible. GroundsFest is a real team effort, and this win is for all of you."

CHANGE OF COLOUR SCHEME
For manufacturer's groundcare machinery

Company says the aim is to strengthen their corporate identity through the standardisation of colour schemes within their different divisions.

As part of its brand strategy, and from the new price list in December 2024, the Amazone Group has announced a change to the design of its groundcare and hoeing divisions to a green and orange colour combination.

This, they say, continues the standardisation of its differing colour schemes within the different divisions of the company. All product lines will therefore match the long-established Amazone agricultural machinery colour scheme, which in many countries is protected under trademark law. Their aim is to strengthen the corporate identity throughout the entire group of companies.

The company's groundscare range, with products such as mounted and self-propelled mowers and collectors, was previously available in green and beige. They say there will now be a transitional phase in both the groundcare and hoeing divisions, during which both types of implement will still be shown at exhibitions and sold in their existing colours.

In a statement, the manufacturer said, "The standardisation of the colour scheme across all product lines shows that the Amazone Group is sending out a clear signal for its innovative green and orange colours and is thus aiming to further strengthen the market presence of the Amazone brand worldwide in the long term."

GOLF CLUB PREPARES FOR 150th CELEBRATIONS
Third oldest in the world

Course manager Matt Baird (centre) and The Golf Club House, Elie’s greenkeeping team

With all the renovations going on, there’s a long list of jobs to complete, says course manager Matt Baird who has taken delivery of new hybrid mowers.

The Golf House Club, Elie is gearing up for its 150th anniversary celebrations and as part of its preparations has taken delivery of three new Toro Greensmaster TriFlex 3420 hybrid mowers.

Course manager Matt Baird (centre) and The Golf Club House, Elie’s greenkeeping team

The traditional links course, located just 12 miles from St Andrews, is the third oldest in the world, with a rich golfing tradition dating back to 1589.

Course manager, Matt Baird, said, “Though our golfing history dates back to the 16th century, the club was founded in 1875, so we’re eagerly anticipating our 150th anniversary next year. It’s going to be a huge occasion and we’re busy renovating tees and preparing the course - that’s where the new Toro mowers will come in.”

Matt continued, “With all the work ahead of our 150th anniversary, it was the perfect time to expand our fleet and bring in more hybrid power.

“We’re working hard to improve surfaces, especially tees and approaches. On a traditional links course like ours, people expect to be able to putt from approaches - with their precise quality of cut, the new 3420s will help ensure our surfaces are immaculate.”

But the deal is as much about the people as it is the brand, according to Matt: “Working with John Rankin and Reesink has been a breeze. With all the renovations going on, there’s a long list of jobs to complete, but they’ve been efficient and reliable and that’s made life much easier for us.”

ETESIA ADD TO DEALER NETWORK
New chapter for dealer

Dealership were predominantly in the domestic market, but have started to take on more commercial products in a boost sales.

Etesia UK has announced that Fisco Farm & Garden Machinery, a long-standing family business based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, has officially become its latest dealer.

The partnership marks a new chapter for Fisco, enabling the company to expand its commercial product offerings while reinforcing the manufactuer's presence in the region.

Fisco Farm & Garden Machinery has been a family-run business in Wakefield for over 60 years. Founded by Clifford Broadhead as Farmers Ironmongery Supply Co, it later expanded to meet the changing needs of the agricultural industry. Today, Fisco continues to evolve, now offering brands to enhance its product range for both domestic and commercial clients.

Ryan Powala-Higgins, manager of Fisco Farm & Garden Machinery, explained that becoming an Etesia dealer is a strategic move to grow the company’s commercial opportunities. “We are a single branch, and for a long time we were predominantly in the domestic market,” said Ryan. “But over the past few years, we’ve started to take on more commercial products to boost sales in that area. We felt like we were missing out, and that’s why we decided to take on Etesia.”

Ryan credited Etesia UK’s business development ,anager, Stephen Muir, for making the dealership process smooth and efficient. “Stephen came out to see us and he was very accommodating. The whole company is a pleasure to deal with. We appreciate that Etesia is willing to come and talk to us face-to-face. It’s refreshing in a time when so much business is done online.”

Looking ahead, Ryan expressed enthusiasm about the future of the partnership, saying, “We’re very excited about what’s to come."

COMMUNITY JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB RECEIVES DONATION
Local dealer delivers ride-on

The club that provides football for children of all ages and genders, says the new mower will ensure their grass pitches are fit for training and matches.

STIGA have announced that they have donated a ride-on mower to Mountfield Rovers Junior Football Club through their We Care That You Care campaign.

The club is the oldest junior football club in Bramhall, founded in 1969. They are an FA Charter Standard, community-run club, providing both football training and league matches for children of all ages and genders.

P&H Lawnmowers Ltd in Hyde, the local STIGA and Mountfield dealership, delivered a Mountfield MTF 84M ride-on mower to the team.

Tom Buxton-Cope, chairman of the club, stated "Mountfield Rovers Junior Football Club are a community-led, grassroots club for all ages and genders, but the grass pitches at our historical home are often overgrown and unplayable. It seemed like a match made in heaven when Mountfield lawnmowers kindly offered us the chance to be part of their amazing project to support community groups (we even share the same traditional red and black colours!). The amazing tractor they have so generously donated will help us ensure our grass pitches are fit for training and matches for all of our players and local community to enjoy.”

Amanda Kincaid, marketing manager of STIGA UK said, "We relished the opportunity to offer help to this superb grass-roots football club. It is great to see the players of all ages and genders enjoying the benefits that playing sports can yield in terms of physical and mental wellbeing. Our mower should help the club get their pitch in tip-top condition in no time!"

JOBS

TERRITORY SALES MANAGER - SOIL SCOUT - MAYA
Bernhard and Company

As a leader in smart land management solutions, Maya Global combines technological excellence with a dedication to advancing the future of agronomy and sustainability.

About Bernhard and Company

Bernhard and Company’s considerable knowledge and understanding of turf and its horticultural requirements stems from a long immersed history in the sector. Stephen Bernhard, founder of Bernhard and Company, developed a special interest in the technical issues surrounding the mowing of turf.

In particular, this included the critical effect that reel grinding techniques had on mower performance, maintenance time and cost and on the quality of turf that resulted from alternative approaches.

Bernhard and Company leads the way in providing turf health solutions to the industry and our partners.

Our best-in-class products, training and support partnerships deliver exceptional performance to sports venues worldwide.

About Maya

Maya Global is at the forefront of transforming land management through innovative technology and deep industry expertise. Harnessing cutting-edge AI and advanced data analytics, the platform provides actionable insights for effective management of land and resources.

The solution integrates real-time soil sensing, weather data, and predictive modeling to support sport ground managers in optimising operations and advancing turf management practices. With a commitment to user-centric design and operational efficiency, Maya Global empowers professionals worldwide to achieve exceptional results and drive sustainable change in their fields.

As a leader in smart land management solutions, Maya Global combines technological excellence with a dedication to advancing the future of agronomy and sustainability.

Responsible for:

Achieving sales targets and growth of business for Soil Scout and Maya
Developing and submitting territory sales plans
Identifying and managing new business opportunities
Developing new business initiatives and strategies to maximise sales opportunities
Maintaining operating costs with the area budget
Competitive intelligence

Duties and responsibilities:

Establish annual business plans, strategies, and in-field activities to achieve agreed sales targets. These can include demos, seminar events, customer training,...etc.

Plan and establish area sales forecast and annual sales goals.

Assist in the execution of annual sales goals by:

Sales support activities
Identify, monitor, and maintain opportunities through company CRM
Aid at local exhibitions/conventions/association events
Assist with coordinating support/service activities to correct product issues
Develop and manage relationships with prospects and current customers
Scheduling and making regular visits with prospects and current customers
Assist with negotiating orders with customers
Coordinating field visits to customer locations and key accounts
Assisting with introducing new products and services

Assist Bernard and Company and Maya by:

Attend manufacturer training as required to maintain expertise and skills related to products and sales processes
Report on competitive activity and new product introduction to the market
Support / attend trade shows, activities, demos, meetings, field days, etc., as necessary
Operates remotely with or without administrative support by answering customer calls, maintaining opportunity tracking, scheduling meetings, planning travel, utilizing CRM, and generating reports as needed
To act in the best interests of the Company
Represent the Company positively
Perform other special assignments and duties as may be required

Compensation plan:

The basic salary will be dependent on experience

In addition to the basic salary an additional range of bonuses will be offered based on targets reached. This will be further discussed with the potential candidate.

Included vacation time is 23 days per annum plus all observed UK bank holidays

Company car

We will reimburse all business expenses legitimately incurred in carrying out your role. You will be provided a company credit card for all travel expenses including hotels, meals, rental cars, flights, customer entertainment, etc. A company provided laptop and cell phone will also be included.

All salary payments are paid monthly

The ideal candidate will have several of the following:

2 or more years of industry experience
Self-motivated and able to work independently
Organised
Strong communications skills
Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
Previous sales experience preferred but not required
Comfortable with presenting in front of a group
Must live in the designated territory

To apply click here

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