In recent months round table discussions have taken place between The Grounds Management Association (GMA), British International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), and The Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA). The collective view of all three associations is that we should be open to looking at how, on a proactive and collaborative basis, we can work better together.
GMA and BIGGA organise high-profile exhibitions, SALTEX and BTME, which act as great shop windows for the respective professions. The revenue generated by these events provides significant re-investment into the communities both bodies serve. On a wider level, we wish to gain an understanding of the competing pressures that businesses in our sector face in a period that has created economic uncertainty and risk, and in turn the impact on exhibitions and events.
Our associations are all aligned towards building a better industry, and we believe by collaborating that we can create good foundations to build from and to support the vital work individuals, teams and companies do more effectively.
Our most recent round table was encouraging, as all represented had a sense of responsibility, an understanding of the issues and a willingness to underpin our shared objectives to create a vibrant and buoyant sector.
The three associations have committed to renew a conversation with the industry in general and will be appointing an independent research company to conduct a detailed survey to gather the input of those working in sports turf, including our respective members, and to discover whether a new approach where everyone can benefit is required.
In these tumultuous times we invite associations, companies, and individuals to join the conversation and to help create a new era of co-operation so we can raise the profile, the status, and the standing of this passionate and outstanding sector.
For and on behalf of:
Geoff Webb: CEO, GMA David Carpenter: Chair, GMA
Jim Croxton: CEO, BIGGA Steve Lloyd: Chair, BIGGA
Ruth Bailey: CEO, AEA David Withers: President, AEA
ENDS
Notes to editors for GMA:
Established in 1934, the Grounds Management Association (GMA) is the UK’s leading industry body for the sports turf and grounds care sector.
A not-for-profit membership organisation, the GMA promotes and protects the interests of professional and volunteer grounds people who make sport possible by keeping green spaces and playing surfaces safe, accessible, and sustainable across educational establishments, community facilities, and sports clubs at grassroot, amateur, and professional levels.
Together with members, we work with organisations, industry bodies, public sector authorities and technical specialists to develop and promote industry standards and best practice, provide education opportunities and career pathways, publish industry news and insight, and promote the profession to help attract and build a sustainable skilled talent pipeline for the future.
The GMA is a government accredited organisation meeting the Matrix Standard for the provision of high-quality technical information, advice, and guidance, and further supports the wider industry by providing a series of industry-leading knowledge building and networking events, including Europe’s largest sports amenities and landscaping trade exhibition, SALTEX.
Contact for GMA: Geoff Webb CEO gwebb@thegma.org.uk
Notes to editors for BIGGA:
The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association was created in January 1987 due to an amalgamation of the British Golf Greenkeepers Association, The English and International Golf Greenkeepers Association and The Scottish and International Golf Greenkeepers Association.
Today BIGGA has around 5,600 greenkeepers and turf professionals as members. BIGGA is dedicated to the continuing professional development of its members, and in serving their needs will strive through education and training for standards of excellence in golf course management throughout the greenkeeping profession.
For more about BIGGA, you can visit our website and follow us on Twitter.
BIGGA also publishes Greenkeeper International, which can be viewed online here.
Contact: Karl Hansell, head of marketing & communications karl@bigga.co.uk
Notes to editors for AEA:
The Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) was established in 1875 to promote the commercial and technical interests of British manufacturers and suppliers of agricultural machinery. Today the AEA represents over 150 members, made up of manufacturers and importers from both the agricultural machinery and outdoor power equipment sector which includes professional and leisure grass care, horticulture, and forestry. In 2021, the AEA took ownership of the British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA), representing hundreds of dealers in the agricultural, garden and ground care machinery industry and which also promotes other organisations and businesses that support the land-based industry sector across the UK.
Contact: Ruth Bailey CEO: ruth.bailey@aea.uk.com