Wildwood Machinery has established itself as one of groundcare’s most ambitious dealerships. Managing Director James Bastian speaks to BAGMA about growth, partnerships and new facilities
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Dear fellow industry member, I hope you are keeping well and, importantly, keeping busy.
When this edition of the Bulletin lands, we will be well into show season. Between myself and the BAGMA team we will have visited the Royal Cornwall Show, Cereals, The Three Counties Show and The Royal Highland Show among others – all providing a fantastic opportunity to network with our members and find out what more we can be doing to support your businesses.
controllables and cut costs where it is feasible to do so.
We’d like to think that this is one of the major benefits of your BAGMA membership. The team have worked incredibly hard to build up the biggest and broadest range of Service Providers that BAGMA has ever had – giving you access to products and support which can save your business substantial amounts of money.
by Peter Heming BAGMA President
Business, and the country more generally, still seems to be in a difficult position and it feels like that’s likely to run into 2027 and beyond. In our sectors, while we are seeing the usual seasonal upturn in trade with crops and grass both growing at pace in this changeable weather, the largerscale agricultural market remains slow. In times when sales can be harder to come by, we must all keep an eye on our outgoings. Keep control of the
Peter Heming BAGMA President peter@heming-engineering.co.uk 07831 585476
Nick Darking
BAGMA General Manager 07512 327109
Richard Jenkins BAGMA Business Development Manager 07432 290605
Kari Hearn
BAGMA Training and Administration Manager 07874 876999
In this edition you’ll read about our new partnership with Avena, who offer secure and sustainable end-of-life disposal solutions for textiles, paper and technology. We have also heard of members citing success with QuoinStone, running reviews of business rates and some seeing pretty sizeable refunds.
Please take full advantage of this support and the savings available to you, and do not hesitate to get in touch with the BAGMA team if there’s anything further we can do to help you.
Best wishes for the coming months.
Hannah Desborough BAGMA Administrator 07842 431468
For all advertising and media enquiries please email: admin@bagma.com
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BAGMA News
ATT become Industry Partners. BAGMA teams up with Avena. Culverdocs wins RHS Award.
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Julia Campey reflects on 40 years of Campey Turf Care Systems.
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BAGMA Training
Geoff Wall explores the foundation of machinery safetyThorough Examination training.
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Expert’s View
VIN Chip discuss the growing expectations on machinery safety. Cloud hosting your DMS with IBCOS.
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BAGMA meets with James Bastian at the brand new depot of Hampshire-based dealer Wildwood Machinery.
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GroundsFest Visitor Registration Opens. ScotGrass makes successful return. Richard reflects on Cereals. SALTEX celebrates 80 editions.
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BOSS appoints TH White. John Deere Recognised. GGM Group and Kubota celebrate partnership.
GMA Announces new CEO. ISEKI Appoints.
John McGrady, National Sales Manager at Cramer UK.
In June, a team from Tuckwells took on the National Three Peaks Challenge! They raised money for two charities: Cancer Support Suffolk, who supported friend and colleague Rhys Taylor through treatment for melanoma, and YANA (You Are Not Alone), a charity focused on mental health within agriculture and rural communities. It’s not too late to support their effort, donate via www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/tuckwells3peaks
A year of fundraising by the team at Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS) has culminated in the presentation of a cheque for £308,000 to Dementia UK.
Following the sad loss of John Thurlow in 2024, the ambitious challenge was set to mark their 150th anniversary last year.
Pictured here at the Suffolk Show is James Thurlow, presenting the £308,000 cheque to (l) Sarah Child, Community Fundraising Manager at Dementia UK, and (r) Caroline Scates, Director of Nursing Services at Dementia UK.
GGM Group is delighted to announce that it has successfully presented a cheque for £10,856 to the North West Air Ambulance Charity following a series of dedicated team initiatives. The fundraising campaign brought together colleagues from across the business, who took part in a range of activities including 50-mile cycle rides, 10K runs and
BAGMA is delighted to welcome Advanced Turf Technology (ATT) as a new Industry Partner, strengthening the network of supporters that enable BAGMA to provide the very best services and information to our members.
Best known for the iconic INFINICUT® pedestrian mower range, ATT are proud advocates of innovation, technology and UK manufacturing, supplying a range of professional turf maintenance solutions from their factory facilities in Sheffield.
David Withers, ATT Company Chairman said, “It was an obvious choice for us to become an industry partner of BAGMA. The association plays a pivotal role in representing and supporting dealerships who are critical to providing technical knowledge and the all-important route to market. We look forward to working alongside members, sharing expertise and contributing to the continued growth and success of the groundcare industry.”
Adding to its already established range of partnerships, BAGMA has teamed up with Avena Group to provide Members with specialist support for end-of-life disposal solutions for textiles, paper and tech.
Eleanor Johnson, Marketing Executive at Avena Group said: “Avena is pleased to be welcomed as a trusted BAGMA partner. In line with BAGMA’s commitment to its members, we aim to deliver secure, compliant and sustainable end of use solutions for confidential documents, branded textiles and electronic devices, that protects brands, data and the environment.”
Through this partnership, BAGMA members can rely on Avena as a single specialist to safely handle all end of life materials, including confidential paper waste (SecurAll), textiles and branded items (SecureBrand) and IT equipment (SecureTech). Ensuring full compliance with data protection and environmental legislation, robust brand protection and environmental responsibility at every step. All services include detailed audit trails and official Certificates of Destruction for your records, giving you total peace of mind.
BAGMA hopes this newly established partnership will enable the association to offer Members even greater value from their membership and provide additional support during these particularly challenging times.
BAGMA was one of nine businesses to receive a prestigious RHASS Innovation Award at this year’s Royal Highland Show, celebrating excellence across the agricultural sector.
Previously known as the Technical Innovation Awards, the RHASS Innovation Awards are the oldest competition run by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), celebrating the practical solutions, technologies and advancements driving progress across the agricultural sector.
In a ceremony held on Saturday 20th June, BAGMA’s partnership with Culverdocs which led to the introduction of the ‘Paperless Solution’ was given a Silver award in the Digital and Management Solutions category.
The judges recognised that the
software provided a UK-first digital solution for agricultural dealerships for Record of Machine Installation forms and supported organisations through onboarding, implementation and design of digital forms and processes to streamline administrative operations.
Katy McFadyen, Competitions Executive at RHASS, said: “The Innovation Awards are one of our longest-running competitions at RHASS and bring to light the incredibly talented individuals and innovations that help shape the future of Scottish agriculture.
“We’re really excited to see the range of businesses and ideas that came forward this year, and would like to thank Agrii and CRF Hydro Power Ltd for kindly sponsoring our awards categories, supporting the continued legacy of the awards.”
Jeremy Janisch, Director of Culverdocs, added “We’re thrilled to have received this award and it reflects our partnership’s focus on providing every
dealership with flexible data capture and dedicated support to improve efficiency. We’re continuously enhancing the platform for members, and there’s a lot more planned to support their continued growth.”
Jeremy is pictured (above centre) receiving the award alongside colleague Jacob Topp (right) and BAGMA Past President Brian Sangster.
by Nick Darking BAGMA General Manager
Ifind myself extremely lucky to work in an industry I love and that has been very good to me. Over the years I have attended more shows than I would care to remember, which does sometimes leave me sighing at the thought of attending another show despite the opportunities they present. The one very big exception to this is The Royal Highland Show which fills me with the same excitement and passion that the tartan army have shown for having their national team in a World Cup!
There is truly something for everyone, from the excitement of the main ring and the many competitions, to the pipe band which offers a truly authentic Scottish experience. For the BAGMA team, this year’s highlight was to receive the RHASS Silver Award in the Digital and Management Solutions category for the ‘Paperless Solution’ introduced in conjunction with Culverdocs. It is humbling and hugely re-affirming to receive such recognition for this tie-up, which has provided the industry with a revolutionary new digital solution for recording machinery installations.
We were also extremely fortunate to be joined on stand not only by BAGMA President Peter Heming, but by many of our Service Providers who offer such brilliant added value to BAGMA membership – more critical than ever given the current economic climate, and the upcoming uncertainty that’s bound to come with another leadership election.
Some light relief from the doom and gloom of the news has also come for me in the latest series of Clarkson’s Farm.
I’ve said it before but, love him or loathe him, Jeremy has done a huge amount to shine a spotlight on the incredible trials and tribulations of modern farming – and obviously provided the perfect platform for these discussions by hosting Cereals just last month.
It then came to light that he had endured a personal battle with prostate cancer and is, thankfully, now in remission. This serves as a reminder to everyone again, that nothing is more important than our health – whether that’s physical or emotional. Keep an eye on yourselves and those around you and if something doesn’t seem right, get it checked.
Modern agricultural and garden machinery dealerships are defined by cutting-edge technology, seating our sector at the forefront of global innovation. Yet, for years, our industry’s biggest threat hasn’t been a lack of technology—it has been a lack of visibility.
The initiative was launched by the Land-based Engineering, Training and Education Committee (LE-TEC), a coalition sponsored by three premier industry bodies: BAGMA (representing dealer networks), AEA (representing manufacturers), and IAgrE (representing professional engineers and academics). Together they all felt “If you cannot see it, or don’t know about it, how can you aspire to be it” and therefore We Are Land-based was born, giving one voice, one brand, one message.
What Is We Are Land-Based Engineering?
Launched in 2022, We Are Land-Based Engineering (WAL) is a nationwide promotional initiative acting as the ultimate hub for careers, training and education in the land-based engineering sector. While open to all, the initial focus has been on 12-to-16-year-olds, parents and school careers advisors. Operating through its web platform and social media channels, WAL demystifies the industry, charting clear pathways from the classroom straight into local dealerships and manufacturers. Its focus is now widening to include both military pathways and career change opportunities.
The Motivation Behind WAL
The initiative stems from a critical industry challenge: a profound skills gap. Across agricultural machinery and outdoor power equipment sectors, recruiting young talent has become increasingly difficult. Having lived in the shadow of automotive or aerospace disciplines, WAL drags the industry into the spotlight, proving that land-based engineering offers a high-tech, rewarding and environmentally vital career path where laptops have replaced hammers as primary tools.
Since its inception, the initiative has achieved significant milestones: bridging the dealer-college gap to streamline apprentice placements; engaging thousands of students across careers fairs, workshops and national shows, delivered engaging content through social media - @WeAreLandbased; and running the Technician of the Year Awards to provide relatable professional role models.
Crucially, the initiative has secured a “seat at the table” by aligning with national organisations like NFU Education and LEAF Education’s Countryside Classroom. Integrating WAL’s videos and resources directly into classrooms ensures landbased engineering can be a core part of lesson plans regarding food sustainability, climate tech and modern farming.
Grassroots Power and Available Resources
Local machinery dealers can help drive this campaign, serving as proactive ambassadors at school careers fairs, country shows and dealership open days. To support grassroots efforts, WAL provides BAGMA dealers with a ready-made marketing
by Gareth Ford Agricultural Engineers Association
toolkit accessible on their website, featuring:
• High-Impact Videos: Highlighting the sector’s impact on global food security and environmental sustainability.
• Educational Route Maps: Outlining paths like Apprenticeships, T-Levels, Degree options, showcasing a route for all.
• Printed Materials & Case Studies: Digestible leaflets and real-life interviews from apprentices to managing directors highlighting diverse career progression.
How BAGMA Members Can Get Involved
The WAL initiative is only as strong as the industry behind it. Every BAGMA dealer is encouraged to get involved by reaching out and looking to feature technicians in video content and tagging social media channels in recruitment posts to collectively showcase the exciting world of land-based engineering. This is just the beginning.
wearelandbased.engineering
Founded by Richard Campey in 1986 with a focus on practical, innovative turf care machinery, 2026 marks 40 years of Campey Turf Care Systems. With the second generation of the Campey family now at the helm, BAGMA spoke to Managing Director Julia Campey, to discover some of the major milestones, changes and challenges experienced over four decades of business.
What is the history of the Campey brand? What were the early challenges and major milestones in establishing Campey Turf Care Systems?
Campey Turf Care Systems was founded in 1986 by my father Richard Campey, who recognised that turf professionals needed more specialist, purpose-built machinery to meet the increasing demands being placed on modern sports surfaces. In the early years, this meant building credibility in what was still a niche market: convincing customers that better surfaces required more advanced, more targeted equipment and, just as importantly, the right technical advice behind it. Over time, Campeys established itself not simply as a machinery supplier, but as a problem-solving partner for turf professionals. Major milestones in that journey include the company’s longterm role in introducing and developing industry-defining machinery, its 20-year partnership with Imants, its expansion from a Northwest business into an internationally respected distributor, and more recently recognition such as the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Global Star Award.
The Campey ship is now being steered by the second generation of the founding family. How have things changed or adapted to move with this change?
The most important thing is that the values have stayed the same even as the leadership structure has evolved. In 2019, I was appointed Managing Director, with Richard moving into the role of Chairman, alongside a wider restructure that brought in my brother John Campey and long-term Sales Manager Lee Morgado as Directors. That transition signalled continuity rather than a break from the past: the aim was to preserve the founding principles of innovation, education and customer service, while adapting the business to modern expectations around leadership, communication, product development and international growth. In practice, the second generation has helped formalise and strengthen the business, while keeping it family-run, independent and close to the customer.
Campey operates globally – how are you finding this currently and how has the global movement of products changed over the years?
Operating globally remains a major strength for the company, but it has certainly become more complex.
Publicly, Campey’s describes itself as an international supplier with dealer networks across Europe, Asia, Africa and the USA, and has continued to strengthen that reach, including through the establishment of Campey Australia and wider distributor relationships. That scale was underlined
by the company’s 2024 Global Star Award and by its continued visibility in export markets and international industry bodies such as the Asian Golf Industry Federation. What has changed most over the years is the pace and complexity of global movement: exporting specialist products is no longer just about shipping machinery, it is about supporting dealers, training customers, navigating different local requirements and making sure knowledge transfers as effectively as the equipment itself. Campey’s long-standing emphasis on demonstrations, roadshows and education appears to have become even more important as the business has grown internationally.
How has the Campey product line had to adapt in both the groundcare and agricultural sectors?
Campey’s product line has evolved in two clear ways: first, by becoming more specialised for modern turf performance; and second, by broadening where that same practical engineering expertise can be applied. In turf and groundcare, the business has built its reputation around machinery for aeration, renovation, overseeding, surface hygiene and precise maintenance, while continuing to introduce new products such as the CAMPEY™ Electric Sarel Roller and sustainable solutions like Foamstream and the Imants Recycling Dresser. On the agricultural
and horticultural side, the public-facing business at Bosley also supports farmers, contractors and mixed-use operators through tractors, tyres, loaders, parts and Tines Direct consumables. So, the adaptation has not been a move away from core turf expertise, but rather an expansion into adjacent sectors where durability, practicality and efficient land management matter just as much. Is there one notable machine or technology that you think really cemented Campey as a leading innovator in the sector?
There have been few more significant advancements in turf technology than hybrid pitches and the Campey™ Universe® rotor, used on the Koro FIELDTOPMAKER® (Koro FTM). The introduction of hybrid stitching has immeasurably elevated the quality and durability of football pitches. It is the Campey Universe® rotor that allows these pitches to be renovated with precision, with micro-adjustments in 1/10 of a mm with rollers for accurate depth control and the use of a mid-roller for following undulations.
Campey’s Universe® rotor is used across the globe, including La Liga, the Premier League and in the build-up to the 2026 World Cup on match and training pitches. In combination with the Koro FTM® and other rotors, the machine is used on turf
at all levels of professional and amateur sport and is renowned for its efficiency, results and extra focus on surface hygiene. Since being introduced, the Campey™ Universe® rotor has led the way in natural and hybrid pitch fraze mowing alongside the Koro FTM® since being introduced. The rotor has undergone further improvements to perfect Universe® Finesse Mowing and Universe® Fraze Mowing. These developments were made to match the advancements in hybrid pitch technology and refine the process.
Where does sustainability fit into the Campey brand?
Sustainability now sits very naturally within the Campey brand because it is closely tied to the company’s longstanding focus on practical, efficient turf management. Campey publicly links its business to sustainability and precision performance, and a lot of the machinery it promotes is about doing more with existing resources: reducing compaction, improving root health, recycling existing soil within the profile, minimising inputs, and extending the value of the materials already in the ground. Recent examples include the herbicide-free Foamstream system, the battery-powered Electric Sarel Roller, and products such as the Recycling Dresser that reduce the need for fresh topdressing by redistributing what is already
there. So, for us, sustainability is not a bolt-on message; it is increasingly part of the engineering logic behind the products and the advice that goes with them.
Campey is celebrating its 40-year milestone this year. How are you marking this achievement? What existing foundations does Campey have to build on to continue being successful for another 40 years?
Campey is marking its 40th anniversary in 2026 with a dedicated anniversary campaign and an Open Day on Thursday 9 July 2026, celebrating four decades of innovation, partnership and service. It is a fitting way to mark the milestone because demonstrations, customer engagement and industry collaboration have always been central to the business. Looking ahead, the foundations for the next 40 years are already there: an independent family-run structure, a trusted reputation, strong manufacturer and dealer relationships, a deep commitment to education and aftercare, a growing international footprint, and an ability to keep adapting the product range around sustainability and real-world customer needs. Those fundamentals are why Campey Turf Care System has lasted 40 years, and they are also the reason it is well placed to keep moving forward.
campey40.com
You’re invited to our 40th Anniversary Open Day on Thursday 9 July from 10:00am - 6:00pm at Campey Turf Care Systems, The Crossroads, Buxton Road, Bosley, Macclesfield, SK11 0PS
Join us for this special day as we celebrate four decades of turf care innovation. This is a great opportunity to see the very latest in turf care technology, watch live machinery demonstrations, and connect with fellow industry professionals. Refreshments are available all day, a BBQ from midday, and ice creams from 2pm. We look forward to celebrating this special day with you.
Register at www.campey40.com or call us on +44 (0)1260 224568
In any industry where heavy machinery is the backbone of operations, safety isn’t just a box to tick, it’s a continuous commitment. Central to this commitment is Thorough Examination, a systematic and detailed inspection designed to ensure equipment remains safe for use.
“Understanding the roles and responsibilities behind these inspections is key to maintaining a productive and, most importantly, safe workplace.”
1. The Customer’s Responsibility: Compliance and Proactivity
Whilst the engineer provides the expertise to inspect your machinery, the legal and operational responsibility for ensuring these inspections happen sits with the equipment owner or user.
• Timely Scheduling: It is the customer’s duty to ensure machines are examined at the correct intervals. Depending on the equipment type (lifting equipment, for example), these are often required every 6 or 12 months.
• Access and Preparation: To perform an effective exam, the engineer needs the machine to be clean, accessible and often supplemented with its previous maintenance records.
• Acting on Findings: If an inspection identifies a “serious defect,” the
customer is responsible for taking that machine out of service immediately until the necessary repairs are made.
Note: Skipping an examination isn’t just a safety risk; it can lead to significant legal liabilities and the voiding of insurance policies.
2. The Engineer’s Role: More Than Just a Checklist
When one of our engineers arrives on-site, they aren’t just there to “look” at the machine. They are performing a high-stakes technical audit.
The importance of the engineer’s role cannot be overstated:
• Identifying Hidden Hazards: Many mechanical failures begin as microscopic cracks or internal wear that isn’t visible to the average operator.
• The “Fresh Set of Eyes”: Because
operators see their machines every day, they can become “blind” to gradual changes. An engineer provides an objective, expert assessment.
• Predictive Safety: By spotting wear early, the engineer helps you avoid catastrophic failures that cause downtime and, more importantly, put lives at risk.
3. The Power of Training: Why Expertise Matters
A Thorough Examination is only as good as the person performing it. That is why we invest heavily in the specialised training of the dealer’s engineers.
Rigorous training ensures that the dealer engineers:
• Stays Current: Equipment technology
and safety regulations change constantly. Our training keeps engineers up to speed with the latest standards.
• Develops Critical Thinking: A great engineer doesn’t just find a fault; they understand why it happened. This insight helps customers prevent the same issue from recurring.
• Maintains Consistency: Standardised training ensures that every machine, regardless of location, receives the same high-level scrutiny and quality of report.
Safety is a partnership. By taking responsibility for the scheduling of exams, you allow our highly trained engineers to apply their expertise, keeping your team safe and your operations running smoothly.
by Geoff Wall Powering
Through VIN Chip’s work supporting police investigations and asset recovery operations, we regularly see how organised criminal groups attempt to disguise stolen machinery through identification tampering. Visible identifiers can be altered, removed or obscured, making ownership difficult to establish and delaying the recovery process.
One of the most consistent lessons from machinery theft investigations is that criminals target assets that are easy to disguise, move and resell. The industry has traditionally focused on preventing theft, but recoverability is becoming just as important. In many cases, the challenge is not locating a machine it is proving ownership once it has been recovered. Where assets carry a secure,
traceable identity linked to a registered keeper, officers can often establish ownership more quickly and with greater confidence.
The latest NFU Mutual Rural Crime Report 2026 highlights the scale of the issue. Agricultural vehicle theft claims rose by 18% to an estimated £8.3 million, while quad bike and ATV theft increased by 31% to £3.5 million. For many businesses, the true cost extends beyond replacement value, with downtime, operational disruption and seasonal delays often proving equally damaging.
The introduction of the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 also reflects growing recognition of the importance of machinery security and traceability. While further legislation is still to be developed, the direction of travel is clear: stronger emphasis on ownership verification, asset identification and theft deterrence.
This places increasing importance on the role of the dealer. The point of sale is often the only stage in a machine’s lifecycle where ownership details, registration records and security measures can be accurately linked to
the asset from day one. Establishing that connection at handover creates a foundation that can support both theft deterrence and recovery throughout the machine’s working life.
“The most effective theft deterrent is often established before a machine reaches the customer,” says John Lally, CEO of VIN Chip. “When security and asset identification are integrated into the handover process, dealerships help create a traceable ownership record that can support customers long after the sale has been completed.”
As customer expectations evolve and the industry continues to address the challenge of machinery theft, dealerships have an opportunity to make security and traceability part of standard handover practice. Those who do will not only add value for customers but help strengthen the long-term protection of machinery across the sector.
Get in touch with the VIN Chip teamenquiry@vinchip.co.uk or by phone on 0333 212 4746
ADealer Management System (DMS) sits at the centre of every modern machinery dealership. It connects parts, service, sales and finance, supporting day to day operations and customer service. What’s often overlooked, however, is how much the environment the DMS runs in influences how smoothly a dealership operates.
Moving a DMS to the cloud doesn’t change the system itself. The screens, workflows and processes remain familiar. What changes are the conditions around it - and that can have a meaningful operational impact.
Availability is a good example. In a dealership, system downtime doesn’t just inconvenience staff; it delays customers, disrupts workshop schedules and affects cash flow. Hosting a DMS in the cloud reduces reliance on a single physical server and places the system in an environment designed for resilience, backup and recovery.
Cloud hosting also tends to make operations quieter. A well run server
is largely invisible… Until it isn’t. When issues arise, they demand immediate attention and pull focus away from running the business. By removing much of the infrastructure management from the dealership, cloud hosting reduces the frequency and severity of these high pressure moments.
Change becomes easier too. As dealerships grow, add users or expand across multiple sites, on premise systems often require hardware upgrades, planning and downtime. A cloud hosted environment can adapt more smoothly, supporting growth without turning it into an IT project.
Importantly, cloud hosting clarifies responsibility. Rather than the dealership implicitly owning every layer of infrastructure, hosting, backups and environment management are handled centrally, allowing the business to focus on its people, processes and customers.
For dealerships already using a DMS they trust, cloud hosting isn’t about new features. It’s about creating a more
Steven Brown
In May, BAGMA were lucky enough to be invited to the brand new depot of Wildwood Machinery. Relative ‘new kids on the block’, Wildwood have quickly made a name for themselves as a leading groundcare supplier on the South Coast, with quality franchises and a number of exciting partnerships to their name. We spoke to Managing Director James Bastian to find out more.
“We’ve been very careful to select specific brands and manufacturers that I fully believe in and am committed to. ”
Thanks for speaking to us. Please tell the reader a little about yourself and the origins of Wildwood Machinery?
Wildwood Machinery came out of my involvement with East Horton Golf Club in Hampshire – part of a portfolio of farming, hotel and property businesses owned and run by the Bastian family.
I’ve been involved in these businesses for about 30 years now – and I’ve done everything from cutting the fairways of the golf club, to strategic management of various land assets, and now establishing our groundcare business. As a relative ‘new entrant’ to the dealer market, how have you managed to compete and gain ground on other, established dealers in your operating area?
We had acquired a considerable inventory of machinery within the businesses that I’ve mentioned, and so
it was a natural step to roll that into a commercial enterprise in its own right. We already had relationships with manufacturers, and a considerable amount of mechanical engineering skills. The rest has been the application of the same high-level service ethic which we apply to any enterprise that we undertake. The speed of growth of Wildwood Machinery has probably taken us a little by surprise, but groundcare is such a dynamic and innovative sector currently, with some incredible technology, particularly in grow-light systems and robotics.
You’ve quite quickly built strong partnerships with a number of franchises. Are there any you consider to be particularly significant or notable?
We’ve been very careful to select specific brands and manufacturers that I fully believe in and am committed to.
I’m particularly excited by the highly innovative Stogger Turf Care. There’s been relatively little competition within the grow-light industry over the years, but those days are over and you’re about to see a revolution in this sector in the UK. We plan to be at the forefront of that revolution.
I’m also particularly enjoying working closely with Iseki and Wessex International with a focus on grassroots football. There are some great funding opportunities available to the clubs from the Football Foundation, and we’ve made it a part of our mission to help clubs access these grants which, in turn, will enable them to secure really high-quality equipment and support.
INFINICUT is another brand I love and truly believe in. It’s been turbulent at the top for INFINICUT over the last two years, but things have settled now that John Coleman has bought his business back and partnered with the well-known Dave Withers. I see the new model FX347 taking off in elite football and the smaller FL22 making a big impact in the golf world.
It was also recently announced that Wildwood has become the exclusive grounds machinery partner for Hampshire Football Association –congratulations! How did this come about and what does this demand from you?
We joined forces with the Hampshire FA Partner Network for the 2025/26 season as official machinery partner and a Gold Supporter. They do amazing work investing in and supporting grassroots football and supporting the many unsung heroes – the groundskeepers and volunteers. They also act as a networking hub for the county’s business community. That partnership
went well from the start, and so in March we signed an agreement to be their ‘exclusive grounds maintenance machinery and equipment partner, sales and servicing’. As well as ensuring that community clubs have access to the most appropriate, reliable groundcare equipment, as I said earlier, we’ll also be helping them to access FA Football Foundation funding.
How have you had to adapt and grow your team and structure to accommodate
such rapid expansion?
We’ve recruited extensively –particularly mechanics and operations – but we’re lucky in that we can lean on resources from the other companies in which I’m involved, particularly in support functions like accounts and finance, HR, admin and marketing. We have a very thorough onboarding and training programme for full-time Wildwood employees, and so that has been very demanding and has stretched our resources. Growing a business is a lot of fun but there will always be times when you feel like you’re doing several jobs at once!
One of the major projects has been the opening of this new depot. What will this site offer you and your customers?
This has been huge for us. It enables us to continue Wildwood Machinery’s rapid growth by accommodating all of our current departments, whilst allowing for plenty of further growth. It means we can hold more stock and more parts, which obviously underpins our response and service times. And it’s also a space where we can meet with brand owners and give them reassurance about our ability to deliver and support their products.
Perhaps most importantly of all, our engineers now have a state-of-theart workshop which will increase the efficiency and comfort of their working days. In fact, I doubt there’s a better groundcare workshop in the country.
With your foundations in servicing and
repairs, we assume this is still a key part of the Wildwood offering?
Definitely. Service and repairs are the lifeblood of Wildwood Machinery and it will remain that way, hence the elaborate workshop facilities. Our success in the sales department is largely down to our reputation, painstakingly built up across 30 years of various Hampshirebased business ventures. We have major brands wanting to partner with us because they understand the quality of our servicing, repairs and aftercare.
With current market, and more general economic, uncertainty, what do you consider to be the biggest challenges you currently face?
Recruitment is tough as everyone knows, especially in this industry. And we are very, very demanding in terms of the people we work with. They simply have to share our values and commitment to customer service. As we operate at such a high level, it’s hard for us to find the right characters. Like everyone and everything, dealing with
“Service and repairs are the lifeblood of Wildwood Machinery and it will remain that way, hence the elaborate workshop facilities.”
inflation is a major challenge – trying to keep client costs consistent and fair, whilst ensuring Wildwood is fully sustainable as a supplier and employer. And, of course, the climate has a huge effect on our business, and the only thing predicable about the weather is its unpredictability.
Thank you for signing up as BAGMA members! What was the importance of this for you?
We know how hard BAGMA work on behalf of independent dealers, and they
were particularly helpful in supporting our Health and Safety audit. For a business that has grown rapidly, we have definitely needed our industry Association to guide us on subjects such as training, finance, legal and recruitment.
For example, our sales team recently completed the training course ‘Handover and Install Products and Services to Customers’, which gave us practical guidance in the relevant legislation, areas of responsibility, methods, recording, reports for installation of products and services. We know this is regarded as the gold standard level of installation across the industry and the team really enjoyed it as well.
What’s next? What can we expect from Wildwood Machinery over the next few years?
We’ll continue to grow. We can confidently say that, because we have already reached a certain critical mass that enables us to provide groundcare kit at great prices, and support our customers meticulously. We’ll partner with more brands where we see manufacturing innovation and market opportunity. That, in turn, will lead to expansion of the areas we cover, supported by regional depots.
wildwoodmachinery.com
GroundsFest 2026 has officially opened visitor registration, as the industry prepares for what promises to be the biggest edition of the event yet.
Returning to Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on 16 and 17 September 2026, GroundsFest has become the industry’s most anticipated event thanks to its unique mix of live demonstrations, hands-on experiences, free education, entertainment and unrivalled community atmosphere.
Unlike traditional exhibitions, GroundsFest gives visitors the opportunity to get hands-on with the latest machinery and tools, test equipment in real working conditions and compare products side-by-side.
With more exhibitors than ever before, including many increasing the size of their stands, GroundsFest 2026 will once again showcase the latest innovations, expert advice and live demonstrations from across the grounds management, landscaping and amenity sectors.
One of the highlights of 2026 is the dedicated Landscape Zone in
partnership with the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), featuring exhibitors, demonstrations, education and networking opportunities tailored specifically for landscaping professionals. The popular lawn mower racing feature will also return after drawing huge crowds last year. Sponsored by Kramp UK, the races are expected to once again provide plenty of entertainment across the two-day event.
Machinery Nation Live will also return with impressive machinery demonstrations and live-action entertainment, while the GroundsFest Festival will once again bring live music, street food and after-hours networking from 4pm on the first evening.
Visitor registration for GroundsFest 2026 is free and now open.
To register and find out more, visit www.groundsfest.com
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Held on Wednesday, May 13, the UK’s first major grassland demonstration event since 2022 made a bold move to a new location: Slacks Farm in Lochmaben, Dumfriesshire, and with the brilliant support of hosts, the Kincaid family, and weather conditions which, although fresh at times ensured the audience stayed on site, the transition to this expansive, commercial dairy farm proved to be a real stroke of genius, drawing record-breaking visitor numbers from across Scotland, the wider UK, and Ireland.
Around 3,100 farmers, contractors and industry professionals made it to the event, taking in the demonstrations and presentations of all things forage and grassland management, and enjoying the display of the latest technology, innovation and best practice working. The core appeal of ScotGrass has always been seeing machinery put through its paces, and as the first Scotgrass for four years, 2026 definitely delivered. With over 16 companies working across
35 ha of field-scale plots, showcasing cutting-edge technologies in mowing, tedding, raking, baling and harvesting. Contractors and farmers were able to see the efficiency, speed and precision of the industry’s leading brands side-by-side under genuine farming conditions.
Over 50 static area exhibitors, from seed specialists and livestock nutrition experts to financial advisors and tech innovators, made up the static zone which offered invaluable networking opportunities and technical advice tailored to modern livestock and forage production challenges. 2026 also saw the addition of a brand new vintage machinery area within the static zone. Additionally, the working silage clamp demonstration arena remained a focal point of the day, with four companies demonstrating their latest machinery. For those who missed out or want to revisit the highlights, full details, exhibitor lists, and media galleries can be found at www.scotgrass.co.uk.
Cereals cemented its status as the UK’s flagship arable event in the latest edition held at Diddly Squat Farm.
Unfortunately, I attended on Day 2 in challenging weather conditions, but the staff must be commended for facilitating arrivals and departures and providing a warm greeting.
This years event combined live demonstrations and dedicated exhibitor zones for agronomy, technology & precision farming, general machinery and more with expert advisors, leading arable farmers and over 650 suppliers.
I personally enjoyed catching up with several BAGMA Members such as Dales Agri Services, T H Whites and the Turney Group along with Service Providers VIN Chip, Brown & Brown and the team from Patchwork Technology.
The impressive line-up attracted a record-breaking 25,000+ visitors. The venue and hosts certainly helped numbers, but it was good to see them present even in the worst of the weather and the farm shop and Hawkstone Farmers Choir were great additions.
Cereals will return to Andrew Ward’s Heath Farm in Lincolnshire on 9-10 June 2027.
This November, SALTEX reaches a milestone that no other show in our industry can claim — its 80th edition.
Since 1938, SALTEX has been the place where the grounds management profession comes together. What began as the National Association of Groundsmen Annual Exhibition at the Hurlingham Club has grown into Europe’s premier grounds management show, welcoming over 7,400 grounds people,
400+ leading brands and 79 expert speakers under one roof at the NEC Birmingham.
SALTEX 2026 takes place on 11 and 12 November at the NEC Birmingham, and this year’s theme — Rooted in History. Driving Progress. — says it all. The GMA are marking 80 editions not just by looking back, but by looking forward: showcasing the innovations, technologies and people shaping the next chapter of grounds management.
For more information on this years event, visit saltex.org.uk
BOSS Off-Road Vehicles has announced the appointment of TH White Agriculture as a dealer for AODES off-road ATVs and utility vehicles. The AODES vehicles will be initially sold and supported by TH White’s Knighton branch.
Alex Ross, Area Sales Manager, says, “The appointment as AODES dealer is a first for TH White and Knighton. We have not sold ATVs and UTVs before, and we’re really looking forward to this exciting development for the business. AODES is the ideal product for the area and a perfect offering for our agricultural and groundscare customers.”
BOSS ORV National Sales Manager, Neil Everett says, “We’re very excited TH White has joined us on the AODES journey and we look forward to working together in selling and supporting the vehicles. They offer customers in Knighton’s area a high-quality and competitive alternative to other established brands. The team of AODES dealers is going from strength to strength.”
GGM Group is proud to announce the celebration of a remarkable milestone: 50 years of partnership with Kubota. This enduring collaboration reflects a shared commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service that has spanned generations and helped shape the landscape of groundcare and machinery solutions across the UK.
John Deere has been named as one of the UK’s top 15 employers of armed forces leavers.
The achievement reflects the success of its Military Hiring Programme, launched in the UK in 2023, which continues to offer veterans careers as technicians in agriculture and professional turfcare.
“We are passionate about finding a way to give back to those who have served our country,” said Allan Cochran, John Deere Branch Training Manager for the UK and Ireland.
“The skills and the mindset of those leaving the forces are perfectly suited to the roles being offered by our dealerships, and those who have resettled into the John Deere family have cited many similarities in a working environment that’s built around team effort and
“We’re honoured to be recognised in this way and thrilled to be shortlisted in the Top 15. It will further fuel our passion for offering service veterans a next step in their careers across the agricultural and professional turfcare sectors.”
In addition to John Deere, four dealerships have signed the Armed Forces Covenant in support of service leavers pursuing careers in the agriculture and turf industries.
Hunt Forest Group, Ripon Farm Services, Ben Burgess and Tallis Amos Group have all pledged to ensure that those who serve, or have served, in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly and should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services.
Since the partnership began in 1976, GGM Group and Kubota have worked side by side to deliver industry leading equipment and support to customers nationwide. Built on mutual trust and aligned values, the relationship has grown into one of the most respected and longstanding distributor-manufacturer partnerships in the sector.
Henry Bredin, Division Manager Kubota commented: “Reaching 50 years in partnership with GGM Group is a testament to the strength of our shared vision and the dedication of both businesses over the decades. GGM has consistently represented the Kubota brand with professionalism, expertise, and a deep understanding of customer needs. We are proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited for what lies ahead.”
Chris Gibson, Managing Director GGM Group, reflected on the journey: “This milestone is not just about longevity, it’s about relationships. My father was always driven by new ideas. When he purchased
the Ramsbottom business at Kirkham in 1976, he set out to find a product that would transform the way horticultural growers operated in glasshouses.
Following discussions with John Croft, Kubota’s Sales Agent at the time, he became the first dealer to sign up, and that marked the beginning of the compact tractor business in the UK.
As a family, we are incredibly proud of the foresight he showed. It’s remarkable to think that five decades have passed since we sold our first Kubota B6000.”
As GGM Group celebrates its history, it also looks firmly to the future with the introduction of the next generation of leadership: Andrew and Thomas Gibson. Representing the continuation of a familyled business, both bring fresh perspectives, energy, and a commitment to upholding the values that have defined the company for decades.
The anniversary will be highlighted throughout the show season, with a strong presence across key industry events.
Jason Booth brings more than 12 years’ experience within the GMA, during which he has held a range of senior roles and made a significant contribution to the organisation’s development.
Board is confident he is the right person to lead the GMA forward. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Geoff for his continued leadership and his commitment to ensuring a seamless transition.”
Commenting on his appointment, Jason Booth said: “I’m incredibly proud to be stepping into the role of CEO at the GMA. The GMA, our members and the wider grounds management sector is something I care deeply about.
remain in post until March 2027, with Jason formally assuming the role in April 2027.
Martyn Ward, Chair of the Board for the GMA, said: “We are delighted to appoint Jason as our next CEO. He brings a wealth of experience, a strong track record of leadership, and a deep understanding of both our organisation and the needs of our members. The
“Over the last decade, I’ve had the privilege of working with colleagues and getting to know many of our members, and those experiences have shaped how I see the organisation and its future.
“Supporting our members will continue to be at the heart of everything we do. I look forward to building on our strong foundations and working together to deliver even greater value in the years ahead.”
Geoff Webb, current CEO, added: “It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of the GMA and to work with such a dedicated team and engaged membership. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and confident that, in Jason, the organisation has a leader who understands its values, its strengths and its future potential.”
ISEKI UK & Ireland has announced two new management appointments as part of its continued commitment to supporting its dealer network and strengthening its market presence.
The company has confirmed the promotion of Andrew MacKenzie to the position of Sales & Marketing Manager with immediate effect.
In his new role, Andrew will take responsibility for the company’s marketing activities, including social media, print advertising and wider brand promotion, while continuing to support and manage the dealer network across Scotland, Iceland and Northern England.
ISEKI UK & Ireland has also welcomed Matt Barr to the team as Regional Sales Manager for the island of Ireland and the Isle of Man.
Based in Northern Ireland, Matt brings extensive industry experience, having begun his career in golf course maintenance before moving into sales with an ISEKI and Raymo dealer. Most recently, he worked with a Toro turf equipment dealer.
With a strong background in groundcare machinery, technical support and sales, Matt will work closely with dealers and customers across Ireland and the Isle of Man, helping to drive growth, strengthen relationships and provide enhanced support throughout the territory.
the barriers and benefits of battery technology and the importance of supporting dealers in the area of battery safety.
Please tell us about your current role and your background.
I am the National Sales Manager for Cramer UK. I joined Globe Technologies in July 2024 with the responsibility of establishing and leading the Cramer business in the UK. It has been an incredibly exciting and varied role, from developing and expanding our dealer network, to setting up our office and warehouse facilities, and building the foundations for long term growth. We have assembled a strong UK team, and we will continue to grow that team in line with our business expansion, ensuring we deliver the level of service and support our dealers and end users expect and deserve. Prior to joining Globe Technologies, I spent 11 years at STIHL GB, which gave me a clear understanding of the industry, its challenges, its resilience, and, importantly, its opportunities. As a 100% battery powered brand, Cramer offers a comprehensive and highly
innovative product portfolio, making us a credible and competitive option for both dealers and professional users. Our success in the UK will be driven by agility, genuine value and an uncompromising commitment to customer service alongside technological innovation.
What are the major changes you’ve witnessed in the industry over the years?
The industry has experienced significant change over the past decade, much of it driven by external factors such as Brexit, COVID, supply chain disruption and wider global instability. What has been particularly impressive is the resilience shown by both dealers and manufacturers in adapting and continuing to serve customers effectively. From a product perspective, the most transformative change has undoubtedly been the evolution of battery technology. When I first entered the industry, battery powered OPE products were extremely limited. Today, the landscape is completely different. At Cramer alone, we offer well in excess of 100 products and accessories, from RTK robotic mowers to zero-turn ride-ons, all powered by battery technology. The fact that battery solutions can now genuinely compete with, and in many cases outperform, petrol products represents a major step forward for the industry.
Battery power has been core to the Cramer brand since it was first established. How has the industry changed to embrace this move towards battery and robotic technology? The transition to battery has required
time, investment and education. In the early stages, battery technology simply wasn’t strong enough to rival petrol, and that understandably created scepticism within the market. However, as performance, runtime and durability have improved, confidence has grown significantly among both dealers and end users. Education remains key and so does demonstration. At Cramer, we firmly believe in “demo, demo, demo.” Dealers and professionals need to experience the performance for themselves in real world conditions. Once they feel the quality, the balance, the runtime and the reduced vibration and noise levels, perceptions quickly change. The pace of innovation within battery and robotic technology is accelerating, and I believe we are entering a very exciting phase for the sector.
How does Cramer highlight the importance of battery safety within its network?
Battery safety is an area that must be taken extremely seriously. While many dealers are already knowledgeable about correct storage and handling procedures, we see it as our responsibility as a manufacturer to provide clear guidance, ongoing support and practical education wherever required. We are also conscious of the importance of responsible battery disposal. To support this, we are currently trialling a collection and disposal service that will be offered to our dealers at no additional cost. For us, this is about more than compliance, it demonstrates our long term commitment to safety, sustainability and supporting our dealer network in a practical and meaningful way.
Lastly, what’s the importance of associations such as BAGMA in supporting you and others in the sector?
From my perspective, a strong and well supported dealer network is fundamental to the success of our industry. Associations like BAGMA play an essential role in representing dealers’ interests, providing guidance through legislative and market changes, and helping to uphold professional standards. In a fast moving and increasingly regulated environment, that support structure is invaluable. When our dealers are informed, protected and confident in the future, it creates stability and sustainable growth for everyone across the supply chain.
“We recently spoke with a member of the WorkNest legal team who was absolutely superb – emailing the relevant information over swiftly and efficiently. This sort of situation makes BAGMA membership such excellent value for money. ”
BAGMA Members gain access to a range of exclusive discounts and services designed especially for your business. Join other members already saving time and money with our approved Service Providers.
Don’t forget, BAGMA Members also receive 20% discount on BAGMA technical courses!
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