HortWeek will be hosting Tools of the trade: Navigating machinery, equipment and scams at GroundsFest 2025 which takes place 9 -10 September.
An expert panel will arm you with practical tips on everything from spotting fake batteries and ID'ing counterfeit equipment, to choosing the best warranty schemes, weighing up purchase vs. hire options, as well as exploring the right tool for the right job.
Mistakes can be costly – and downright dangerous – whether you're a sole trader or buy for a large company or local authority, this is an essential panel for everyone who buys tools to empower your purchases and secure your operations.
Join us on September 9 in the Landscape Zone in the HortWeek seminar area at GroundsFest at 1pm.
This essential panel is sponsored by Cramer, Makita UK LTD and STIGA.
Email questions ahead of time to rachael.forsyth@haymarket.com
Panellists
John McGrady, Cramer
John McGrady is national sales manager for Cramer UK, focused on supporting Cramer’s dealer network and end users with battery powered solutions designed for professional landscaping and grounds care. McGrady has over 12 years experience within the industry and has seen the transition from petrol to battery technology firsthand. He is passionate about helping businesses adopt greener, safer, and more cost-effective solutions without compromising on performance.
Martin Towsey, estates gardens manager at The Bedford Estates
Martin Towsey has spent 39 years in horticulture working first as a Nottingham city council apprentice, then as a Horticultural technician at Brackenhurst College. Towsey lectured in horticulture and was head of park and gardens at the Brackenhurst site, Nottingham Trent University. He is now estates garden manager for the Duke and Duchess of Bedford, looking after the horticulture of The Bedford estates, Woburn abbey, Woburn safari park, Woburn golf club amenity areas, Woburn village, London Estate.
Mark Earles, business development manager, Makita UK LTD
With over 30 years experience in the garden machinery industry Mark Earles brings a wealth of experience, bolstered by his experience as past president of the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEC), chair of the European Garden Machinery Federations (EGMF) marketing committee and chair of their handheld machinery committee. Through these positions, Earles also represents the industry at government level particularly regarding common charger proposals and the Rural Crime Ac. In his role at Makita Earles works on the Makita’s European product committee developing and introducing new products to the market.
Howard Drury, consultant
Howard Drury is a horticultural broadcaster, speaker, lecturer, writer, adviser and consultant and has been working in the industry his entire life. From an early age he watched his father grow fruit and vegetables while his mother had numerous flower borders. He officially began his career at Jacksons of Allington before undertaking training at Edinburgh Botanic Gardens. His vast career has seen him gain hands-on experience using and acquiring an array of machinery – working for Birmingham council as a training officer, Edgbaston Cricket Ground, and as a TV presenter on Gardening Time.
Sam Fletcher, business development manager, STIGA UK
Sam Fletcher is STIGA UK’s business development manager, working closely with dealers, contractors, and professional users to deliver innovative solutions that meet the changing needs of the ground and garden care sector. With extensive experience in business growth and customer engagement, Fletcher plays a key role in supporting STIGA’s dealer network and introducing new technologies to market. At GroundsFest 2025, he will be representing STIGA on industry panels, sharing insights into the company’s latest innovations – including the new STIGA Pro Range of battery-powered equipment and the expansion of robotic and autonomous solutions. Passionate about sustainability and the future of professional ground care, Fletcher is committed to helping customers embrace smarter, cleaner, and more efficient ways of working.
