Marcus Forster will be judging the GroundsFest Innovation Awards which celebrate excellence and innovation across landscaping, amenity management, turf care and related industries.
As the gates open on GroundsFest 2026, judges will tour the showground and seek out the latest ground-breaking machinery, tools and services set to boost productivity and profitability. There will also be awards for products that have stood the test of time and are still used today by landscaping and grounds teams.
The 2026 award winners will be unveiled and celebrated in the Landscape Zone, Hall 3 at 3.30pm on 16 September at the GroundsFest trade event, which takes place on September 16–17, 2026.
5. What are you most looking forward to at GroundsFest this year?
GroundsFest has quickly established itself as one of the most important events in the industry because it brings together professionals, manufacturers, suppliers and innovators in a genuinely collaborative environment. I'm looking forward to seeing the latest developments in equipment and technology, hearing new ideas from across the sector and, most importantly, meeting the people whose passion and expertise continue to drive the industry forward.
What do you love most about your work?
What I enjoy most is seeing the passion and professionalism that exists across our industry. Whether it's a grounds person maintaining a local playing field, a landscaper creating award-winning projects, or a team embracing new technology and sustainable practices, there is a genuine commitment to continuous improvement. As an awards judge, it's particularly rewarding to see innovation being translated into real-world results that benefit people, communities and the environment.
What would you say to young people considering careers in the sector?
Go for it. Modern landscaping and groundscare offer far more diverse career opportunities than many people realise. You can build a career in horticulture, sports turf, landscape construction, arboriculture, environmental management, technology, machinery, project management and leadership and more. It's an industry where practical skills, passion and a willingness to learn can take you a long way, and where you can see the impact of your work every single day.
What would be your big ask of new Prime Minister Andy Burnham?
My biggest ask would be greater investment in skills, apprenticeships and professional development across the landscape and groundscare sectors. Our industry delivers enormous environmental, social and community value, but we need a strong pipeline of skilled people entering and progressing within the profession. Supporting training, education and career awareness would have a lasting impact on the future of the industry.
What are the most important challenges the landscape/groundscare industries need to overcome in 2026?
The biggest challenges remain attracting and retaining skilled people, responding to climate change and demonstrating the value that our industry provides. We are managing increasingly unpredictable weather, evolving environmental expectations and growing demands on green spaces. The organisations that succeed will be those that embrace innovation, invest in their people and adopt sustainable practices without compromising quality or performance.
What are you most looking forward to at GroundsFest this year?
GroundsFest has quickly established itself as one of the most important events in the industry because it brings together professionals, manufacturers, suppliers and innovators in a genuinely collaborative environment. I'm looking forward to seeing the latest developments in equipment and technology, hearing new ideas from across the sector and, most importantly, meeting the people whose passion and expertise continue to drive the industry forward.
