Significant changes to UK water regulation are coming, including the Environment Agency’s shift from abstraction licences to permits and Ofwat’s requirement to cut non-household water use by 9% by 2038. These reforms will affect irrigation, pitch quality and day-to-day facility operations. 

In this 45-minute session, grounds and facility managers will get a clear, practical overview of: 

1. What’s changing in water regulation and why 

2. The pressures driving tighter controls. 

3. What the next five years could look like for sports surfaces under restricted water availability 

4. The options available from sustainable irrigation methods to alternative water sources and investment planning 

Attendees will leave with a stronger understanding of the challenges ahead and the actions they can take now to prepare. 

See behind the scenes at Edgbaston. 

Enjoy a unique guided tour of Edgbaston Stadium, gaining rare insight into how a world-class venue manages surfaces, operations and sustainability. 

Every grounds manager faces pressures from staffing and budgets to regulations, weather, equipment and rising expectations. But many of these challenges are shared across the industry. In this interactive, facilitated session led by Mark Clemmit, delegates will explore the most pressing issues they face, compare experiences, and discuss practical solutions that have worked elsewhere. Through peer-to-peer learning, open discussion and shared best practice, attendees will leave with realistic ideas and next steps they can apply immediately within their own facility. 

After attending this session, delegates will: 

• Gain reassurance that many of the challenges they face are shared across the profession 

• Develop a clearer understanding of the most common pressures affecting grounds managers today 

• Hear practical examples of how others are tackling similar issues in different settings 

• Pick up realistic ideas and approaches that have already worked elsewhere 

• Leave with clear next steps they can take back to their own facility straight away  

Daniel Ralting – Grounds and Estate Manager, Whitgift School
Chris Hunter – Regional Pitch Advisor, GMA
Will Brieley – Lead Groundsperson, AELTC
Mark Ferguson – Agronomist, AELTC
John Lawrence – Head of Grounds, Edgbaston Priory Club 

With increasing pressure on budgets and growing skills shortages across the sector, investing in the next generation has never been more important. This session explores the real funding opportunities available to grounds teams including apprenticeships, T-Levels and concession schemes, alongside GMA training and how to highlight how to build a strong business case for bringing new talent into your team. 

Featuring mini case studies from Whitgift School, GMA and AELTC, speakers will share what has worked for them, the return on investment, and the practical steps that helped secure internal support. The session will also highlight alternative approaches to succession planning and strategies employers can use to attract and develop new entrants beyond traditional routes. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of what funding exists, how to access it, and actionable ideas for building a sustainable workforce for the future. 

 After attending this session, delegates will be able to: 

• Identify and access funding opportunities such as apprenticeships, T Levels and concession schemes to support their workforce. 

• Use real-world examples to make a stronger case for investing in new roles and training within their organisation. 

• Build a clear and credible business case that demonstrates the long-term value of developing people. 

• Apply practical approaches to succession planning and talent development beyond traditional recruitment routes 

• Take confident, informed steps to attract and retain the next generation of grounds professionals