In recent months round table discussions have taken place between The Grounds Management Association (GMA), The British and 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
Contact for GMA: Geoff Webb CEO gwebb@thegma.org.uk
Contact for BIGGA: Karl Hansell, head of marketing & communications karl@bigga.co.uk
Contact: Ruth Bailey CEO: ruth.bailey@aea.uk.com
