More than 70 delegates from over 40 member companies travelled to Wyboston Lakes Training Centre in Bedfordshire for 2 days of networking, sharing and learning. Richard Salmon, our outgoing Chairman kick-started day 1 with a review of 2018 (annus horriblus) then enthused about the opportunities that lie ahead in 2019 – basically ‘get ready’! There was a fascinating technical presentation from Ian Robertson of Glenside about soil science, and updates on the latest Health and Safety issues from our retained specialist Steve Booth and we heard from Welcomm Communications about advancements in telephony.
Professor John Moverley updated the meeting on the Amenity Forum and spoke passionately about the importance and benefits of joining the BASIS Lawn Assured Programme.
John then chaired our first AGM where Richard was voted in as Honorary President in recognition of his long time contribution to the Network/Association and Martin Ashdown became Chairman. The meeting thanked Andy Watts and Jim Hewlett for their service as they stood down, and Tom Arnold, John Draper, Jon Boon were duly re-elected. There are now 3 new Committee Members, Ian Kenyon, Jack Chapman and Russell Cobley who all stood and were elected. Welcome to the team gentlemen!
Greenbest hosted a HAPPY HOUR for which delegates were very grateful !!
On day 2 Jim Hewlett and LCA Secretary Simon Johnson navigated us through the site and shared expectations and investment, then Jim walked though google analytics results also using nibbler.com to score various aspects. In summary we have a lot of things right but also areas where we must do better; the investment and outcomes will be sternly monitored.
The real success though were the new and innovative open floor sessions – speed dating on day 1 where delegates roamed the floor to discuss topical work related issues, and day 2 where topics were selected to discuss and prep a 10 minute presentation by way of summary on key issues, findings and recommendations.
We closed the meeting a little early conscious of the weather closing in from the West. Next gathering will be 29th and 30th January 2020! Block that diary!
