Landscape
Amenity PRODUCT UPDATE
AUGUST 2016
Play & Activity Today
Handheld Tools
Hedge & Verge Mowers
Spotlight on this vibrant sector
The latest products on the market
Jane Carley looks at the solutions available
Page 21
Page 11-15
Page 27-30
Influential Commons committee to investigate fate of parks The Communities and Local Government (CLG) Committee is launching an inquiry into public parks to examine the impact of reduced local authority parks budgets and consider concerns that their existence is under threat. The Committee will look at how parks should be supported now and in the future. This will include studying alternative management and funding models, such as a mutual or a trust. Communities and Local Government (CLG) Committee Chair, Clive Betts MP, said: “We will be keen to find out about innovative and successful approaches to managing and funding parks and what Government can do to support
these. We know people value their local spaces, and we want to develop a clear picture of the community benefits of public parks as well as who is using them, how often and for what?” The decision follows a recommendation to the last Parliament by the former Communities and Local Government Committee in 2015 that a select committee inquiry should be held into parks. Members of the British Association of Landscape Industries-National Contractors’ Forum (BALI-NCF) are responsible for maintaining thousands of parks and open spaces across the UK via outsourced models for many Local Authorities.
Phil Jones, Chairman of BALINCF, believes that, when looking at the issues on which the Committee is seeking feedback, BALI-NCF will be able to represent its members on all levels. “Whether it is the impact of reductions in Local Authority budgets or the viability of alternative management models, our members are well placed to provide input.” Jones added: “Many of the effects of reduced budgets have been felt by our member companies and this has directly affected their ability to provide the service that is expected by the local communities and visitors.” “The goalposts have moved over the last twenty years and a realisation of the current issues
Pellenc launches Cleanion battery-powered brush Pellenc has launched the Cleanion – a pedestrian batterypowered brush suitable for removing debris from natural and artificial grass and other hard surfaces. Pellenc is sold exclusively in the UK by Etesia UK and the Cleanion is a revolutionary, selfdriven brush which is powered by the ULiB battery seen on the rest of the company’s range of tools.
The Pellenc Cleanion powered brush has adjustable speed and direction, as well as variable speed control for forward and reverse. Brushing pressure is also reflected in the LCD screen. Optional attachments including a
With a large working width and a long operating time of battery charge sufficient for demanding professional use, the Cleanion has a range of uses.
and a re-setting of expectations, coupled with alternative methodology for managing parks, is to be welcomed. I will be encouraging BALINCF members to further engage with their Local Authority customers and local communities where they operate and encourage everyone to take this chance in a generation to have their say. I believe that public parks are the lifeblood of our communities and play a crucial role in the health of the nation. It is now for everyone to provide evidence that this is the case.” Further reaction to the inquiry can be found on page 5. BALI
Enquiry 1
Royal Reesink completes acquisition of Lely Turfcare
snow plough and can be changed conveniently using the quick release coupling and features a foldable handle for easy storage and transport between sites.
Royal Reesink N.V. has completed the acquisition of the turfcare activities of Lely Holding in the UK, Ireland and Denmark.
Etesia
These activities mainly comprise the distribution of Toro machines for the maintenance of golf courses and public green spaces and TYM compact tractors (UK, IRE). These activities generated revenue of some €60 million in 2015, with around 125 employees. Revenue has grown in the first half of 2016.
Enquiry 2
Alexander van der Lely, CEO of Lely Holding, said: “The sale of our turfcare activities in the UK,
Ireland and Denmark is another step in our strategy of focusing exclusively on our core activity, milking systems and raw feed production. The distribution of Toro machines and TYM compact tractors is in good hands at Royal Reesink.”
subsidiaries Jean Heybroek and Packo. Lely Turfcare Enquiry 3
The purchase price will be financed by an increase in bank financing from EUR 170 million to EUR 185 million as well as a subordinated loan to Royal Reesink that will be provided by River Acquisition B.V. Royal Reesink already handles the distribution of Toro machines in the Benelux through its
Grass surfaces last longer and work harder with Loksand. Specially formulated to make grass surfaces more durable, Topsport fibre reinforced Loksand is ideal for heavily trafficked areas, including equestrian paddocks, public parks, access roads and car parks.
Call: 0345 600 7704 | Email: topsport@tarmacbp.co.uk | Visit: topsport.co.uk
READER ENQUIRY 4