Steve Bullman

Due to the ongoing uncertainties surrounding Covid 19 the Directors of APF 2020 have taken the difficult decision to postpone the event this year. The revised plan is to roll forward the show to 23/24/25th September 2021 at the same venue at Ragley Estate. The decision was taken after carefully considering many elements including: The current ban on mass gatherings is still in place with no indication of if or when this restriction will be lifted. Recognising that exhibitors need to order stock and equipment for the show, much of which has a three month lead time and avoid the risk of exhibitors buying stock for the show which is then cancelled at short notice. Many businesses have been forced to close and equipment that some exhibitors would like to have for the show will not be available The potential lack of availability of nearby hotel accommodation for APF staff The proposed restrictions and quarantining of anyone visiting the UK will severely affect exhibitors, their staff and visitors from abroad being able to attend Social distancing rules making it very hard for exhibitors to engage with visitors safely Concerns about safety and business lockdowns affecting the number of exhibitors who attend. Concerns that safety issues will restrict visitor numbers and therefore badly affect trading levels for exhibitors Our ability to safely manage large numbers of visitors and maintain social distancing rules. Not to place an unnecessary potential strain on local emergency services by holding a mass gathering and recognising that currently police, ambulance and St John Ambulance are not attending any such events, with no indication of when they might do so. Concerns about our own staff safety working at such a large event. Concerns raised by exhibitors about attending and whether it would be viable for them to do so. Exhibition Secretary, Ian Millward commented “ It is with a very heavy heart that we made this decision, but taking all of the above into account it became obvious that there was only one sensible option and that was to postpone until September 2021. The show is the industry flagship event and everyone in the organising team is passionate about the show and want to make it the best we possibly can. We simply cannot stage the event this year to the size and quality our exhibitors, sponsors, visitor and ourselves want. We sincerely hope that in 12 months time the world will have returned to something much closer to normal and we can run the event as we and everyone else want. Although the decision to postpone will impact financially, we remain in a robust financial position and exhibitors will not lose their site fees. We will roll these forward to APF 2021. Any visitors who have already bought advance tickets can either carry forward their tickets to APF 2021 or request a refund. The show is a biannual event and after APF 2021 we will continue with this two-year cycle so the next event would be 2023 then 2025 etc. We hope that all our exhibitors, sponsors and visitors agree with our decision to postpone and that by doing so we can all have a far better event next year” If you have any queries about any of the above please contact us on 01428 723545 or email us at [email protected]

STIHL has expanded its head protection range with the introduction of its new ADVANCE Vent BT Helmet, keeping professionals connected whilst they work. Offering enhanced levels of safety for professionals and excellent noise-reduction, the new ADVANCE Vent helmet features integrated Bluetooth® headphones, allowing users to easily listen to music or connect to the radio. Using the three control buttons, users can also take hands free calls directly from the headset whilst working. Providing up to 38 hours of battery run time from a full charge, the integrated Lithium-Ion battery is easily rechargeable thanks to the USB plug. The helmet also features an additional AUX inlet, allowing users to connect further gadgets that can’t be connected via Bluetooth®. As well as being fully connected, the ADVANCE Vent BT helmet is incredibly comfortable to wear whilst working. With a low weight of around 380g, the helmet also has optimised balance to reduce fatigue. For improved visibility, the helmet also features reflective strips on the top, sides and back. For more information on STIHL’s extensive range of PPE gear, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

After making the switch from graphic design to tree surgery in his mid-twenties, Tim Hill then went on to found Twentyeight Trees... when he turned 28! Now two years later and with an ever-growing order book, the time was right to invest in a woodchipper and it was a GreenMech Arborist 130 that fitted the bill. Having previously hired chippers when required, Tim is quickly noticing both the practical and economical benefits of owning his own. Twentyeight Trees undertake a variety of tree and hedge maintenance projects in and around Wiltshire. “Over the last 18 months, we were hiring in chippers on average three times a week which is not only expensive but comes with the stress of looking after and safely storing a machine that’s not your own.” With the majority of Tim’s work being domestic in nature, he knew that when it came to buying a chipper, a small machine that could easily navigate residential streets and restricted access properties and gardens was what he needed. “I looked at a few different makes and models but there were a few reasons the GreenMech machine came out on top. Simple things like the fact the Arb 130 is fitted with a handbrake, which makes manoeuvring the chipper on sloped driveways or paths much easier, and the foldable discharge chute which makes storage of it nice and easy. Another positive, again simple, is the fact it has a bonnet – not all chippers do! With outdoor working, in particular the weather and risk of debris, it gives the engine valuable protection as well as making the chipper better visually.” Tim took delivery of the Arb 130 from GA Groundcare at the beginning of April. “Ashley at GA Groundcare was knowledgeable and helpful throughout the process, making me feel confident and comfortable during what has been such a worrying time for a lot of companies. By following the AA guidelines, my team and I have been able to continue working and, with many people at home, our workload has rocketed.” Tim concludes, “We’re thankful we purchased the Arb 130 when we did and it has certainly been put through its paces these last few weeks, processing brash and timber of all shapes and sizes. It’s been spot on.”