CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF INNOVATION

Laurence Gale, TurfPro editor, writes . . .

Last week, I was fortunate to attend Campey Turfcare’s 40th Anniversary celebration open day event at their Bosely depot in Cheshire, a short distance from the company's original Marton headquarters. It was established to expand beyond sports turf into the agriculture, horticulture, and professional landscaping sectors, while also increasing stock capacity and creating room for further growth.

The company also acquired some fields around the depot to utilise for demos and storage of equipment, making it an ideal site for their event that attracted well over 250 people. 

The informal day centred around several presentations, machinery demonstrations and the opportunity to speak to many companies who had stands to promote their services – including the likes of GMA, Origin Amenity Solutions, BAGMA, Aquatrols, DLF, Makita, Trimax and Dennis / Sisis to name a few.

Officially starting at 10am and continuing until late afternoon, I arrived early to ensure I got the chance to speak to Richard and Julia before the event started. I got there just in time in fact, to take a team photo of Campey’s staff who had been assembled for the official company photo All but one of their thirty-nine members of staff were there for the official photo.

As soon as it was taken, I spoke to Richard and Julia who pleased and proud of achieving this milestone and being able to celebrate it in a manner that reflects the innovative way the company has been driven for the past forty years - working with innovative companies and people to bring to the table new machinery products to maintain sports surfaces across the globe.

As Richard states in a recent special edition of Campey News, “I have been incredibly fortunate to have worked with so many talented people, loyal customers and trusted partners who have all played a part in this journey. Together, we have seen tremendous change in our industry, and it has been a privilege to contribute to that progress. As we celebrate this milestone, my thanks go to everyone who has supported Campey along the way. The future of turfcare is bright, and I am excited to see the next generation continue to innovate, educate and push boundaries”.

Richard also expressed his thanks to many of the turf professionals who helped him develop and produce some of his most innovative products - namely the KORO FTM fraise mower that came to market in 1997, specifically mentioning the late Steve Braddock head groundsman at Arsenal FC. Along with the likes of Keith Kent, Paul Burgess, Darren Baldwin and the late Eddie Seward at Wimbledon who all could see the potential of this pioneering machine.

The progress of this machine culminated in 2010 when Campey conducted the first ever UK stadium tour enabling European turf professionals to see the machine being used at both UK stadium and training grounds.

As per usual Campey’s always put on a great event with plenty of free drinks, food and hospitality. The day started with breakfast baps, tea and coffee being served. A fabulous lunch was also provided along with a nice ice cream vendor on site to keep us cool in the afternoon sunshine.

As for presentations there were four key ones. One came from Nick Brown, export sales manager, who spoke about the complexities of maintaining sports turf in different environments and the skills needed to deliver the results expected.

Paul Lowe from Aquatrols was also on hand to talk about their range of products and services along with Stuart Yarwood from DLF, Kelly-Marie Clack from Origin Amenity Solutions and Alan Thomson from SIS Pitches. 

Lee Morgado

Throughout the day Campey staff were on hand to provide demonstrations of their vast range of machinery. I also caught up with Lee Morgado a long serving employee having joined Campey Turf Care Systems in 2006 as a mechanic, progressing from the workshop to the company's leadership team in 2019.

Lee mentioned some of the challenges facing all industry companies, specifically that of recruitment and retention. Lee told me, “We really run a tight ship with only 39 employees and currently have a couple of apprentices beginning their careers. But finding the next generation of experienced technicians and mechanics is becoming increasingly difficult for all businesses.    

“However, working in this industry has been a revelation for me giving me many amazing opportunities especially in my role of director. For example leading product demonstrations, educational renovation tours, international dealer support, and customer training across the UK and Europe.”

Dave Rhodes and Greg Smith 

In 2019 Richard Campey was appointed chairman while Julia Campey stepped into the role of managing director, supported by her brother John Campey with Lee Morgado being promoted to directors – a new management structure to take the company forward and continue their values and work ethics. That year also saw Campey introduce the first Fleischmann electric mower to their portfolio. In 2020 Nick Brown joined the company as exports manager to oversee all overseas sales and consolidating business in 103 countries.  

Keith and Alex Exton with Clive Nottingham 

Like most Campey events, it was all about the people who make the effort to attend. During my day I was pleased to speak to many industry stalwarts, including Clive Nottingham, Keith and Alex Exton of Perfect Pitches, Terry Charlton and Greg Smith from Nottingham University and Ian Morris from Ellesmere College. Also there alongside some of my fellow trade press colleagues were Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO and Jason Booth from the GMA who will be taking over from Geoff Webb as CEO in April 2027.

Jason Booth with Terry Charlton 

I believe that it’s thanks to innovators like Richard Campey that we have been blessed with such a plethora of machinery come to into our sector since the mid-1980s. It goes without saying that many sports clubs back then had limited kit, with most tailored around mowing grass. Since the conception of Campey Turfcare we benefit from a fine range of tailored machinery, focused on renovating, aerating and top-dressing sports pitches. 

Well done to Richard, Julia and John Campey for putting on yet another fabulous open day. On behalf of those attending, I’d like to say that we all had a relaxed and enjoyable day celebrating your 40th anniversary.