February 2023 Looking ahead to a brighter 2023
Play is on the way to GroundsFest as API confirms support GroundsFest is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with the Association of Play Industries (API), with the first event being held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 20 and 21 September 2023. The Association of Play Industries (API) is the lead trade association for the UK play sector. Its member companies are the UK’s leading providers of outdoor playground equipment; indoor play equipment and safety surfacing for schools, local authorities, parish councils, leisure attractions, holiday parks, housing developments, hospitality venues and commercial enterprises. The API will have a dedicated stand at GroundsFest to promote membership services and many of its members will be exhibiting.
GroundsFest’s free educational seminar programme will also feature API-badged sessions.
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As a result, GroundsFest will offer a one-stop shop for those involved in the selection, purchase, upkeep and replacement of play equipment and safer surfaces. API Chair Mark Hardy, said: “We are looking forward to seeing how this new event will promote the play industry and in particular, provide an opportunity for API members to showcase their offerings. “All API members abide by a strict professional Code of Conduct and are committed to value-for-money and longterm service and support. This exhibition will enable members to exhibit their products and
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demonstrate the high-quality, innovative and fun ranges so typical of our members. “GroundsFest has the potential to widen the buying audience for our members and to introduce visitors to the many benefits of choosing an API member for their play project.” Commenting on the partnership, GroundsFest’s Sales Director
Charles Neale, said: “We are very excited and enthusiastic about the partnership between GroundsFest and the API. “The play industry will form an integral part of the GroundsFest event profile in September 2023 and will give the play industry an ideal platform to promote its services and products to a highly relevant national audience of buyers and specifiers.
GroundsFest really is uniting every corner of the groundscare industry,” continued Charles. “The GroundsFest team is working hard on all aspects of the industry – from turfcare to commercial vehicles – by providing added impetus and innovation as we go forward.” GroundsFest Enquiry 37
Huck’s products catch the eye
Two years of Uniting the Movement (Covid-19) pandemic, Uniting the Movement is now primarily concerned with tackling the longstanding inequalities that make it much harder for some people to enjoy the benefits of being active than others.
It has been two years since Sport England launched the ambitious 10-year Uniting the Movement strategy that aims to transform lives and communities through sport and physical activity.
a significant change in the way Sport England works and reflected a new understanding of what its role could and should be in helping people to engage with activity.
The result of a major consultation with partners and the wider sport and physical activity sector, the new strategy represented
Initially focussed on helping grassroots sports clubs and physical activity providers recover from the effects of the coronavirus
Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England’s chief executive, said: “We could not have produced such an ambitious and transformational strategy without the involvement of the entire sector, and we won’t be able to succeed in our long-term aims without everyone involved in sport and physical activity in England playing their part. It’s clear there’s a shared and genuine desire to work together to create a happier, healthier
nation and a united determination to tackle inequalities and provide opportunities to people and groups who’ve been left behind for too long. “The pandemic has been an unprecedented challenge to community sport and activity in this country and, while the impact of Covid-19 is still being felt by many groups and organisations, there is plenty of optimism that through the changes we’ve made and by working together we can build on the progress of the last two years and bring about the change we all want.” One of the biggest changes has been the creation of long-term partnerships with more than 120
Pages 14 influential organisations and revolutionised our investment model. These partnerships include traditional allies such as the Football Association, The England and Wales Cricket Board and The Rugby Football Union but, crucially, also include long-term relationships with organisations such as the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, parkrun and Mencap, to help them contribute to tackling inequalities and support people to access the profound physical, mental and community benefits of sport and physical activity. Sport England
Enquiry 38
eibe shows creativity within safety regulations Pages 15
The Play & Activity sector has always been a vibrant innovator. After a difficult time, it is starting to attract the spotlight again. Our regular special features on the sector are the perfect showcase for your products and services. We can help you highlight the best of the sector by reaching the decision-makers. Contact our Landscape & Amenity Product Update team today to learn more about our print, digital & online packages Kellie: 07971 365588 | kellie@tspmedia.co.uk or Wendy: 07495 378380 | Wendy@tspmedia.co.uk READER ENQUIRY 39