Howardson Group Attends STAG Grounds Forum 2026 – A Brilliant Day for Staffordshire Grounds Staff

The STAG (Staffordshire Association of Grounds Staff) Grounds Forum 2026 held on the 12th March 2026 proved to be a fantastic day, bringing together a passionate community of grounds managers from across Staffordshire for learning, networking and hands-on insight.

Held at Stafford Cricket Club the event saw around 40 club volunteers in attendance, all keen to develop their knowledge, share experiences and meet new people despite some challenging windy conditions throughout the day.

One of the highlights was the keynote session from Andy Mackay, England and Wales Cricket Board Pitch and Grounds Advisor. His expertise and practical advice provided valuable takeaways, covering key topics that directly impact the quality and sustainability of cricket grounds.

The forum also explored a range of important subjects including:

-Weather patterns and their impact on ground maintenance
-The use of wetting agents
-Irrigation and drainage strategies
-Equipment demonstrations
-Showcasing Industry-Leading Equipment

The day also provided a great opportunity to see a range of machinery in action, including products from Dennis Mowers and SISIS Machinery, highlighting practical solutions for maintaining high-quality playing surfaces.

As Ben Lloyd from Howardson Group commented:
“It’s fantastic to see so many dedicated volunteers coming together to share knowledge and improve standards across grassroots cricket around Staffordshire. Days like this really highlight the strength of the grounds community and the importance of continuing to invest in both people and equipment. Well done to Staffordshire Cricket for hosting such a great day and also a big thanks to Stafford Cricket Club for being such great hosts.”

The event brought together a wide range of organisations from across the industry, including Prodata Weather Systems, KAR UK Ltd, The Aquatrols Company, The Grounds Management Association, England Cricket and Campey Turf Care Systems.
Most importantly, the forum showcased the strength and enthusiasm of the Staffordshire grounds community. Even with the windy weather, the level of engagement and willingness to share knowledge made it a thoroughly worthwhile day for everyone involved.

We were proud to showcase a range of high-performance Dennis electric mowers designed to meet the evolving sustainability standards required for ECB grant eligibility. Our equipment delivers powerful, consistent cutting performance while significantly reducing carbon emissions, noise pollution and ongoing fuel costs compared to traditional petrol machines. Built with energy efficiency and durability in mind, these mowers support cricket clubs in maintaining professional-quality pitches while aligning with environmental goals and funding criteria. By choosing our electric solutions, clubs can future-proof their grounds maintenance operations and confidently apply for ECB grants aimed at promoting greener, more sustainable facilities.

We also showcased a comprehensive range of SISIS scarifying and aeration equipment, ideal for cricket clubs looking to maintain high-quality playing surfaces throughout the season. From thatch control to improving soil structure and drainage, SISIS machinery is engineered to deliver precise, consistent results that enhance pitch performance and longevity. Trusted by grounds professionals, these robust and reliable machines help clubs manage wear, encourage healthy grass growth and prepare wickets to a professional standard. Whether for routine maintenance or end-of-season renovation, SISIS equipment provides the versatility and efficiency cricket clubs need to keep their grounds in top condition year-round.