This initiative aims to honour the contributions of young professionals who have significantly shaped the future of the grounds management industry. At its core is the Pioneer Mark, a unique legacy number awarded to each GMA NextGen member, symbolising their lasting impact on the profession. These marks will be awarded retroactively to previous members and will continue to be given to new members as they join.

“The GMA NextGen Pioneer Mark is a tribute to the remarkable work carried out by our NextGen members and former Young Board members,” said Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA. “Their contributions have helped shape the industry we see today and will continue to do so for years to come. By awarding each member with a Pioneer Mark, we are recognising their individual achievements and ensuring their legacy lives on within the grounds management industry.”

The first three Pioneer Marks were presented at SALTEX 2024, the UK’s premier event for the grounds care sector, to three GMA NextGen members: Louise Saunders, Joe Broadwood, and Anthony Facey, who have stepped down after a combined 20 years of exceptional service between them.

Anthony Facey (#016), Vice Chair of GMA NextGen, has brought innovative ideas and a collaborative spirit to the group. His work on various projects, including the ‘Schools into Stadia’ initiative, has significantly contributed to the growth and development of the industry.

Louise Saunders (#031) has been a driving force in promoting diversity and inclusion within the industry. As the first female member of the NextGen group, she has made great strides in championing women in the industry - as a result the group has welcomed three inspiring women (Meg Lay, Liddy Ford and Beth Gibbs) who will continue to drive the EDI strategy forward.

Joe Broadwood (#025), Chair of GMA NextGen, has been instrumental in advancing the professional development of young grounds people. His leadership in the ‘Schools into Stadia’ programme has been particularly impactful, helping to foster a new generation of grounds management professionals.

Jason Booth, Chief Operating Officer at the GMA, has paid tribute to the three members stepping down: “Louise, Joe, and Anthony have each brought fresh energy and vision to GMA NextGen. Over the years they’ve been instrumental in progressing key initiatives with the aim of getting younger people into the industry. Their leadership will be missed but their influence will continue to shape the industry through the legacy they leave behind. The aim of the new Pioneer Legacy initiative is to ensure the contributions of past and present members to the grounds management industry are recognised in the right way.”

This initiative not only celebrates individual achievements but also ensures that the contributions of these young professionals are remembered and honoured for years to come.

To find out more about the GMA NextGen, or to see how you can get involved, please visit www.thegma.org.uk/who/ambassadors.