Last week I, along with a few thousand attendees, took time out to attend this year’s annual GMA Saltex, held once again at the NEC Birmingham.

I attended both days of the show in my role of editor of TurfPro, with the aim of catching up with turf professionals and exhibitors to gauge the current state of our industry and see what new products and services are on offer.

Myself and my work colleagues on the TurfPro / Service Dealer stand at SALTEX

As usual, the show for me is all about catching up and trying to meet as many people as I can over the two days. This year I was particularly interested to discover the thoughts from those attending of the recent announcement of yet another trade show, Groundsfest 2023,  scheduled for next September to be held at another Midlands location, Stonleigh Park, Warwickshire.

All in all, the feedback I received was essentially a 50/50 split in opinion. Yes, potentially a good idea, but why do we need yet another exhibition? From talking to the organisers of this new show, they say there has been some significant interest in the event since it has been announced. 

The proof will be in the pudding in terms of the final take up and success of the show. I am sure however, it will raise much debate in our industry during the coming months. I personally think that a recent joint announcement from the GMA, BIGGA and AEA prior this year’s SALTEX, was addressing their feelings towards this recent announcement.

For me, I have been saying for many years that our industry needs only one show annually. I believe there is no reason why both organisations could not work together, along with some other major influencers such as RHS, PMA, Landscape Institute, Fields in trust and others, to organise a fantastic new show that incorporates our whole diverse industry and finally brings together a wider audience to our annual industry show case - whilst still ploughing the vital funds back into industry training, education and support that the trade associations facilitate.

As for this year’s SALTEX, again it was nice to be able to meet up with friends, colleagues and fellow grounds professionals to see the latest innovations and products coming to market. 

Friends and colleagues Roy Rigby, Manchester City FC and Barry O'Brien, Burnley FC 

Around the halls

Earlier this year Bayer completed the sale of its Environmental Science Professional business to the international private equity firm Cinven, and now trades under a new divested business and will operate as an independent company called Envu.

Envu were making their debut at this year’s show and I managed to catch up with the new team whose stand was conveniently situated next to our own. 

The New ENVU team 

Also at the show was Ted Mitchell and his team of RFU rugby connect team promoting the new pitch advisory service.

Ted Mitchell and RFU connect team 

The promotion of battery powered products was certainly at the forefront of the show with many exhibitors now having an array of battery powered products on display. Kress was one such exhibitor promoting an innovative new battery system. The fact that their batteries can be recharged in 8 minutes will no doubt be a game changer for professional end users. 

The Kress stand

 
Also on show, there was a plethora of robotic mowers, with several manufacturers exhibiting a wide range of products along with a number of now popular robotic line markers such as the Turf Tank.

Husqvarna robotic mowers 

With battery products to the fore, I caught up with David Hart of Kubota who have launched some new products that included their impressive battery powered LX e- 261 26 HP compact tractor. This tractor will be made available for a long-term rental service for local municipalities in Europe starting in April 2023.

David Hart

The LXe-261 is equipped with a large-capacity battery that can provide rapid one hour charging and an average three to four hours of continuous operation. 

The LXe-261 also realizes the output necessary for mowing, hauling, and other green space management work in parks and other natural reserves. It even offers almost the same compact size as tractors with diesel engines. 

Trade press at SALTEX

For me, one of the show’s,game changing announcements was the acquisition of Lloyds Mowers of Letchworth and Hunter Grinders by Dennis / SISIS of the Howardson Group.

Yours truly, Paul Rabbits and Wayne Grills 

I also managed to catch up with Paul Rabbits Chairman of the Parks Management Association and Wayne Grills Chief Executive at British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), taking the opportunity to discuss some of the issues relating to the current funding and management issues facing local authorities and contractors in terms of education, training, and recruitment withing the local authority sector.

Overall, I found the show to be its usual vibrant self, with most of the exhibitors I spoke to pleased with the turnout - with both days being busy between the hours of 11am-2pm.

The annual GMA industry awards took place on the Wednesday night of SALTEX last week, with a packed-out gala ceremony at the Vox, Birmingham NEC, hosted by BBC broadcaster Mark Clemmit.

2022 GMA Award winners

The association says the awards ceremony recognised talent from across the grounds care industry, by acknowledging the people who are making a huge difference in local communities, sports clubs, and educational establishments across the country.

In total, eighteen awards were presented:

• Young Grounds Person of the Year, Dylan Thompson - Doncaster Rovers Football Club
• Newcomer of the Year, Leicester City Football Club
• Volunteer Sports Grounds Team / Individual of the Year, Broughton Recreation Field
• Community Sports Club Grounds Team / Individual of the Year, Milton Colts Football Club
• Bowls/Croquet Grounds Team/Individual of the Year, Wantage Bowling Club
• Best Managed Artificial Surface of the Year, Yeovil Recreational Centre
• Best Environmental and Sustainability Impact, Yeovil Recreational Centre
• Professional Cricket Grounds Team of the Year, Warwickshire County Cricket Club
• Professional Tennis Courts Grounds Team of the Year, The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club
• Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year, Goodwood Racecourse
• Professional Rugby Football League Grounds Team of the Year, Wigan Warriors
• Professional Rugby Football Union Grounds Team of the Year, Harlequins RUFC
• Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year (A), Newport County Association Football Club
• Professional Football Grounds Team (B), Leicester City Football Club
• University / College Grounds Team of the Year, University of Warwick
• Independent School Grounds Team of the Year, Whitgift Schoo
• International Impact Award, Oliver Grice-Hewitt - Udinese Calcio Football Club
• Alex R Millar Award, John Ledwidge - Leicester City Football Club

DONT LEAF IT TOO LATE!

REWILD THING

ESSENTIAL MAINTENANCE IS KEY

ROLE OF THE CONSULTANT

RENOVATION TIME

RECRUITMENT WOES

A COG IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

BOWLS IN DECLINE

BONE-HARD PITCHES!

TIME TO RECRUIT

HOT & BOTHERED

FAKE NEWS

PARKS MUST BE A STATUTORY SERVICE

WORKING PRESSURES INCREASING

CURRENT STATE OF PARKS SERVICES

HOT STUFF

GET CONNECTED

A GROWING NATIONAL REPUTATION

NEW BEGINNINGS

SUMMER SPORTING SEASON STARTS

CALCULATING THE VALUE

IRRIGATION IS VITAL

WEEDS FLOURISHING

TREE PLANTING INNOVATIONS

END OF SEASON RENOVATIONS TIME

PARK AND RIDE

IT'S NOT THE LENGTH THAT MATTERS . . .

NO EXCUSES FOR POOR FACILITY MANAGEMENT

SPRING INTO ACTION

SUN SHINES ON BTME

BRIGHT START

INDUSTRY INITIATIVE LAUNCHED

TESTING TIME

TIME TO PAY UP

DON'T PANIC!

ALL APSE-PECTS DISCUSSED

WINTER WARMING

THE BANE OF BUNKERS

POOR PERFORMANCE? BLAME THE PITCH!

PREPARING FOR 2022's GROWING SEASON

THREE AREAS OF CONTENTION

AREAS OF CONCERN

View all of 2021's blogs here

View all of 2020's blogs here

View all of 2019's blogs here

View all of 2018's blogs here

LEVELLING UP, GETTING SMARTER & GETTING AHEAD
Parks require so much more funding

SWITCHED ON FOR HARD WORK
Putting trimmers through their paces

MACHINERY HIGHLIGHTS
At this year's show

MY SALTEX
Daniel Lewis​, Manchester City Football Club

AWASH WITH LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Two months till showtime

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD
Priorities for the amenity sector

THE DECLINE OF ‘PARKITECTURE’
A symptom of the state of parks in 2022

DEVELOPERS SHIRKING GREEN SPACE RESPONSIBILITIES
Lack of financial commitment

TIME TO COME TOGETHER
For the good of the industry

THE DEATH OF GRASS ROOTS CRICKET
Gathering apace?

ROUTES INTO THE INDUSTRY MUST BE ENSURED
Q&A with David Fisher, Lantra’s head of industry partnerships

STRONG VIEWS ON CRICKET PITCH PERFORMANCE MARKING
A bone of contention

A PREMIUM PRODUCT
Delivered at Naas Golf Club

THE GREEN REVOLUTION
And Esker Hills

MAKING A CHANGE
Laytown and Bettystown Golf Links

A DAY AT THE RACES
Naas Race Course

WORKING TOGETHER AS ONE VOICE
How the industry needs to proceed

OVER 175 YEARS OF EDUCATION
Wesley College

ELECTRIC EXCITEMENT
Dennis's Ian Howard talks electrification

THE HOME OF CORK GAA
Páirc Uí Chaoimh

LONG POLE BATTERY HEDGE TRIMMERS TESTED
STIHL HLA 66 and HLA 86

OVER 800 YEARS OF HISTORY
Johnstown Castle and Gardens

A CLUB GONE WILD
Kilkenny Golf Club

A GOLF COURSE IN THE GARDEN OF IRELAND
Woodenbridge GC

80 YEARS YOUNG
Charleville Golf Club

AN UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE
Bunclody Golf & Fishing Club

GETTING BACK TOGETHER
Albeit gradually . .

GO WEST
Inishturk GAA pitch – one of the most westerly sportspitches in Europe

WORKING ON A TIGHT BUDGET
Nenagh Golf Club

ON A MISSION
Wrekin Golf Club aiming to enrich wildlife and fauna

WILD AND WONDERFUL
Design By Nature

LEARNING HOW TO SURVIVE
Abbey Par 3

TACKLING OBESITY
Vital that schools can provide sport

A LIFETIME OF LEARNING
Vital for turf professionals

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS
Tullamore Golf Club

UNIVERSITY CHALLENGES
At Trinity College Dublin

BLENDING THE OLD WITH THE NEW
Bray Golf Club

A WELL POLISHED COURSE!
Ierne Social And Sports Club

IDENTIFYING THE TRUE VALUES
Of grounds maintenance

THE INDUSTRY WILL CHANGE & ADAPT
But it will survive

WIRRAL GOLF COURSES SAVED
Renewed hope and optimism for the future

GREEN SPACE CONTRIBUTION TO WELLBEING IS UNDERVALUED
Parks invisible on national agenda

A SHINING LIGHT IN IRELAND'S SUNNY SOUTHEAST
Wexford Golf Club

GREEN SPACES DO NOT LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES!
Keith Kent says we must invest in people

WE SHOULD TELL THE WORLD ABOUT THE UK INDUSTRY
Right time for all sides to come together

SOIL LIFE IS PRECIOUS
Good-quality soil can help save the planet

MORE THAN JUST CUTTING GRASS
Encouraging the next generation

A BUZZ FROM DOING THE JOB
Wide experience of the turf grass industry

PAYING THEIR WAY
Low wages is the bane of the industry

AMENITY MANAGEMENT IMPACTS US ALL
Professor John Moverley

CARING FOR PARKS OF ALL TYPES
Mary Worrall

TOP FIVE FRUSTRATIONS FOR CRICKET GROUNDSMEN
What causes you the most frustration in your role?

PROFESSIONALS AT THE CUTTING EDGE
Vic Demain and Phil Sharples

BOWLS CLUBS IN PERIL
A sad decline

A VERY SPECIAL INDUSTRY
Loz looks back

SNEAK PEAK AT A ROBOTIC "GAME CHANGER"
Commercial model capable of covering 50,000 m2 teased

HALESOWEN PICK A BIG ROBOT UP FRONT
Invest in mowers

COMPRESSED AERATION
The new way

PARKS MATTER MORE THAN EVER
Recent sector developments

ON TEST
STIHL blowers

THREE CORE VALUES TO SHAPE OUR INDUSTRY
Real concerns for the future

ENGLAND'S GREEN SPACE GAP
A split along racial lines

ON TEST
EGO STX3800 strimmer with RTX2300 Rotocut head

A SECTOR FACING IMPORTANT TIMES
Review of the National Action Plan

PARKS MATTER
The role of public parks in the recovery: a discussion paper

A UNIQUE SPORTING VENUE
Wormsley private estate

A BTME OUTDOORS?
A good bet for the industry

PARKS NEED APPROPRIATE POLITICAL REPRESENTATION
Q&A with Philippa Reece, Parks and Foreshore Manager at Adur and Worthing Council

CRICKET LOAM
What does it mean?

A HERCULEAN EFFORT TO GET PARKS BACK TO NORMAL
Q&A with Chris Worman, Rugby Borough Council’s parks and ground manager

ON TEST
STIHL battery products

TURFGRASS STRESS MANAGEMENT
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and antioxidants during biotic and abiotic stress in turfgrass plants

AUTUMN DISEASE MANAGEMENT
The coming months are going to prove very difficult

THE ABUSE OF PARKS . .
Is the abuse of society

WHY PARKS MATTER?
A statement from the Parks Management Forum to the Prime Minister

THE 21st CENTURY PARKS MANAGER
Innovative, creative and entrepreneurial

EAT, SLEEP, CUT, REPEAT!
Cricket under covid

TIME FOR A SINGLE SHOW?
Debate brought back into focus

A CHALLENGING TWO MONTHS
Running golf design projects from home

PRESSURE SITUATION
Cementing the reputation

A CLUB TO BE PROUD OF
10 years at the helm of Olton GC

GAME CHANGERS IN TURFCARE
The day the Lord's outfield reconstruction proved its worth

THE ESSENCE OF ESSENTIAL
Finding a sensible way forward on defining "essential maintenance"

THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT WAS
2001

HOW TO LOOK AFTER A GOLF COURSE WITH NO GOLFERS
Fundamental to the survival of almost all courses, if not of the game itself

RAIN STOPPED PLAY WOULD BE WELCOME
. . along with ‘lunch is being taken early’

PHYSICAL CONTROL OF TURFGRASS PESTS
An urgent problem

A DIVERSE & ENTERTAINING WEEK
Successful BTME 2020

INTEGRATED PEST CONTROL
Opportunity to embrace new methods

ENVILLE ON THE UP
Major investments taking place

GREEN FLAG AWARDS 2019
A great success

U.S PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT SHOW EXCELS
Buoyant GIE+EXPO

LEGACY OF THE SOLHEIM CUP
At Gleneagles

A DAY OUT WITH THE LADIES
Behind the scenes at the Solheim Cup

COVENTRY UNIVERSITY'S EDIBLE GARDEN SUCCESS
2006 - present

HAIL THE GRASS MASTERS!
Boorish media comments about pitch quality are wide of the mark

CONTRACTOR SEES MULTI-DISCIPLINE SUCCESS
360 Ground Care serving professional facilities

BUSY TIMES
Judging the Green Flag Awards

TAKING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
What does it all mean in managing turf surfaces?

UNDER PRESSURE
Dry weather conditions continue to keep turf managers focused on moisture management

EDDIE SEAWARD
Death of Wimbledon’s influential grounds manager

MAJOR NEW IRRIGATION PROJECT
At Top 100 classic Berkhamsted Golf Club

NEW HORIZONS FOR THE HATTERS
Investment paying off at Kenilworth Road

ELIZABETHAN RESTORATION
At Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens

WHAT IS BIOPHILIA?
The vital impact of parks and green spaces on health and well-being

WORM CONTROL
Without carbendazim

THE TRUE COST OF PETROL
Battery-powered outdoor power tools are now turning the heads of professionals

SANDS OF TIME
Sand-based pitches are now the norm in professional sports

WHY DO WE DO THE RIGHT THING?
We must maintain industry standards

CHASING GRASS PERFECTION?
11 things you need to know . . .

MAINTAINING STANDARDS
Q&A with BASIS ceo, Stephen Jacobs

STRI RESEARCH DAY 2018
Hosted at research trial grounds in Bingley

THE MECHANIC
Leicester City FC invest in new role

LORD'S 'GRASS-GUVNOR' TO RETIRE
Mick Hunt bows out after 49 years

HOLLOW CORING & DEEP SCARIFICATION
Is it really necessary?

Watch Danny Lewis of Manchester City FC speak to Jonathan Snowball of Husqvarna about how robotic technology might help alleviate the staffing crisis.

TurfPro editor Laurence Gale talks to Henry Bredin, general manager at Kubota about the company's new machinery seen on their stand, including a new electric offering.

Watch TurfPro owner Duncan Murray-Clarke speak to Tony Macer about how their new tech could help turf professionals make the switch from petrol.

Watch TurfPro owner Duncan Murray-Clarke talk to Emilio Fattore, senior marketing & product executive, STIHL about converting professional end-users to battery products.

Watch TurfPro owner Duncan Murray-Clarke talk to EGO's web content executive Emma Trill about their ‘game changing’ new zero turn.

Watch TurfPro owner Duncan Murray-Clarke talk to Matt Coleman, professional sales manager at Toro about the increasing moves to battery power.