News_2017

Ecoline+ Hits the Mark at Watford

Darren Rodman — 2019-09-04T09:12:50.3544022Z

Ecoline+ Hits the Mark at Watford

Premier League club Watford FC choose Ecoline+ for their award-winning pitch.

Pitchmark’s Ecoline+ has become the line marking paint of choice for FA Premier League club Watford FC. The demand for using a premium paint at the Vicarage Road stadium led to trials last season, since when Pitchmark have been further developing Ecoline+. Watford FC became the first to use the improved formula at the opening game of the season against Brighton and Hove Albion in August this year.

In 2018 Scott Tingley, Head Groundsman at Watford FC, set out on what was originally a cost exercise and to see if they could establish the use of one paint for all marking.

“We were using top end paint for the stadium and bottom end for the other pitches,” he says, “we wanted to make it one paint but of course the cost had to be taken into account. We looked at Pitchmark and what we found different was their specialisation solely in line marking products.”

The club had been using Pitchmark’s Direct at the Watford FC training ground and academy, located at the University College London Union Shenley Sports grounds in St Albans. Home to five full-size and two goalkeeping/warmup natural grass training pitches as well as a full-size artificial turf training pitch and fourteen college/academy natural grass pitches, there’s a sizeable amount of line marking required. In the stadium only premium quality is acceptable. Ecoline+ offered the ideal all-round solution. Ecoline+ is one of the most advanced, low volume, ready-to-use line marking paints available, especially when used in combination with Pitchmark’s Eco and Hybrid markers and special nozzles.

Scott says: “we trialled Ecoline+ and we had no issues, only benefits. We use a Pitchmark Hybrid marker which gives us the quality of a spray marker, without compromising the precision and quality of a transfer marker. Fixture dependent, we can mark up to three times a week and with the traditional wheel to wheel and four-wheel spray markers you lose ground cover and it’s too easy to transfer paint.”

The Pitchmark Hybrid overcomes these problems with a three-wheeled spray design, which is easily manoeuvred over wet lines. The cone nozzles give perfect deep leaf coverage, so you only need one pass.

“It’s easy to use, it feels like a normal wheel marker and you get premium quality.” Scott adds, “it’s quite complex though and needs looking after but if we have any issues Olly Boys, the Turfix rep, gives us second to none service and back-up.” (Turfix is Pitchmark’s recently formed sole UK distribution arm). Using advanced Ecoline+ Watford FC join the many examples of Ecoline+ premium line marking seen every week on TV from the best leagues in the world, including the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

Pitchmark Celebrate Queen's Award

Darren Rodman — 2019-04-16T11:35:43.4048228Z

Pitchmark Celebrates Queen's Award

Bristol-based Pitchmark wins Queen’s Awards for Enterprise: International Trade 2019.

Pitchmark was founded in 2010 by Mark and Sue Rodman. The company manufactures line-marking paint and equipment which is supplied to over 30 countries worldwide.

The family business employs 17 staff and enjoys an annual turnover approaching £1.75 million. Their products were even used at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil and Euro 2016, and they are now used at all levels of sport.

Managing Director, Tim Rodman, said: “Winning this award is a huge honour that would not have been possible without the hard work of everyone from our base in Coalpit Heath.

“Since setting-up in 2010, we have been dedicated to making life easier for today’s grounds staff by providing innovative, market leading products and first-class service.

“This award evidences just how far we have come in a short time, and being held in such high esteem will help us to keep on growing and expand into new products and markets.”

The Queens Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious business awards in the country. In their 54th year, they recognise outstanding achievement in areas including international trade, innovation, sustainable development and promoting opportunity.

In winning the award, Pitchmark joins a select group of previous South West winners of a Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade that includes product innovators such as Dyson, Airbus, Kinneir Dufort and Renishaw.

A celebration will take place later this year when the Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire visits to present them with their award at their premises in Coalpit Heath.

SALTEX Success!

Darren Rodman — 2018-11-05T15:11:37.2497444Z

SALTEX Success for Pitchmark

Last week, the Pitchmark team enjoyed a busy and enjoyable week at IOG SALTEX 2018, with hundreds of visitors coming by stand E125 to see the latest products from this innovative family firm. Visitors from a wide range of countries and working backgrounds visited Pitchmark to talk all things line marking.

"It was another really successful SALTEX for us, with plenty of interest shown in our products - in particular our unique Hybrid and futuristic LineMaster GPS system." said Darren Rodman, Marketing Director. "SALTEX has now embedded itself as a key event in the calendar for us, and we can't wait for next year!", he added.

Aside from the show itself, the Pitchmark sales team took advantage of a rare event - all being together in the same place - to take some well-earned time out on the evenings to enjoy themselves!

The Pitchmark stand was incredibly busy both days of SALTEX.

Our prize draw proved as popular as ever, with a huge number of entries from the likes of sports clubs, councils and contractors. The valid entries have all been collated and the winners chosen at random. The winners are:

1st Place - Darren Williams of Tameside MBC, who wins 250L of Direct ready-to-use paint.
2nd Place - Karen Klein of Robertson Groundcare, who wins 100L of Lumen concentrate paint.
3rd Place - Iain Main of the University of Surrey, who wins a Professional Marking Kit and LineFix Kit.

Congratulations to all the winners, and commiserations to all those who weren't so lucky this time around!

Pitchmark would also like to congratulate all the winners and nominees at the annual IOG Industry Awards 2018, held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole with over 650 sports turf experts in attendance. An incredible amount of work goes into this industry on a daily basis, much of which goes underestimated and underappreciated, so it's great to see efforts rewarded. Click here to view the complete list of winners from this year's awards.

Pitchmark's New Line in Expansion

Darren Rodman — 2018-06-12T07:59:08.664305Z

Pitchmark's New Line in Expansion

A family-run business based in Bristol, UK, Pitchmark has been innovative in raising the standard of line marking since the company’s inception in 2010. As expansion continues, they have made a number of new appointments and developments to consolidate the increasing demand for their range of high quality line marking paints, machines and accessories for all types of sport and sports surfaces. Pitchmark products are used in over thirty countries worldwide and were supplied to every stadium at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil in 2014 and UEFA Euro 2016 in France.

As part of the planning for the future, Darren Rodman (Marketing Manager), Tim Rodman (General Manager) and Jon Griffiths (Production Manager) have now become shareholders and directors of Pitchmark, working alongside existing directors Mark and Sue Rodman. The team has also been joined by Dave Blanchard who will be known to many in the industry and also represents Pitchmark’s ambition to grow the brand, while aiming to improve the quality of working life for ground staff.

Pitchmark's directors attend the 2018 Bristol Post Business Awards at Ashton Gate Stadium.

“We are always working tirelessly on research and development,” says Mark Rodman “and it’s all about regularly coming up with exciting and innovative ideas. That, and understanding what groundsmen want is what keeps us ahead.” The company has taken on five new staff in the six months to April this year, including a new Warehouse Manager who has been recruited to help improve processes and procedures as the business continues to grow. “These recent changes are very exciting and will allow us to secure our place at the forefront of the industry for many years to come.” Mark added.

Success has been recognised as well with Pitchmark recently winning Business Exporter of the Year for the South West in the regional FSB small business awards. The company was also shortlisted for the Bristol Post Business Awards in the Small Business of the Year category, whilst Tim Rodman was also shortlisted in the awards for Young Business Person of the Year and was named recently on Insider Media’s ’42 under 42’ list for the South West. As a proud British manufacturer, this year Pitchmark joined the Made in Britain campaign and in future will be using the distinctive logo on products and packaging. All of which is aimed at improving the standard of line marking internationally.

Call 01454 776666 or email sales@pitchmark.com and they will be happy to arrange a demo.

Pitchmark Recruit Blanchard

Darren Rodman — 2018-03-06T13:29:11.0346593Z

Pitchmark Recruit Blanchard

Pitchmark is delighted to announce the appointment of Dave Blanchard as Business Development Manager. Dave will continue to be responsible for growing the Pitchmark brand within the UK and overseas markets, and will help with the evolution of Pitchmark’s ambitions.

“We’re delighted to have Dave on board,” said Mark Rodman, Pitchmark MD. “He’s highly regarded and respected within the sports turf industry and his vision aligns with ours.”

Pitchmark has enjoyed an excellent relationship with Dave in his previous role for a few years now, investing heavily in manufacturer support to his customer base.

“Dave has been integral in the development of the Pitchmark brand within the UK and so when we became aware that Dave was leaving his previous role, we had to make a leap to sign him up,” Mark added.

“Dave’s appointment further strengthens our position in a very competitive industry and enables us to focus on servicing some of the world’s finest ground staff. Groundsmen are under increasing pressure to deliver the perfect surface and we believe calling upon the expertise of the manufacturer directly will assist them in achieving their goals.”

On his new position, Dave said: “I’d been in my previous role for 17 years so whilst deciding my future wasn’t an easy process, I’m very confident joining Pitchmark was the right choice. I felt their offer best mirrored my ambitions for the future.”

You can contact Dave on 07908788233 or dave@pitchmark.com.

FSB Awards Winner

Darren Rodman — 2018-02-27T12:02:36.5987103Z

Business Exporter of the Year

Last week some of the Pitchmark team attended the South West regional finals of the FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards 2018.

The event was held at the Somerset County Cricket Ground in Taunton, with perfect weather and a great atmosphere amongst the attendees.

Overall there were 12 awards up for contention, celebrating the very best small businesses from the entire South West, from Gloucestershire all the way down to Cornwall.

Pitchmark were shortlisted for Business Exporter of the Year as well as Micro Business of the Year, with stiff competition from fantastic companies in both categories.

The team were absolutely delighted to walk away with the award for Business Exporter of the Year. Pitchmark Finance Director Sue Rodman said: “We’re really surprised, delighted, and very proud of everybody at Pitchmark and all we’ve achieved.”

The winners of the South West regional finals of the FSB Awards.

“I think it’s just nice for the staff to have some recognition,” Sue added. “They all work very, very hard, they’ve put in a lot of extra hours at times, so for everyone in the office to see something, it’s nice for them to be recognised.”

Pitchmark will now be judged against winners of the Business Exporter of the Year award from the other 11 FSB regions, and a select few will be shortlisted to go to the national awards in May. Wish us luck!

You can view news on the FSB's regional website here and view the photo gallery here.

Made in Britain

Darren Rodman — 2018-01-29T14:45:43.1056457Z

Made in Britain

As a proud manufacturer of British-made line marking products, Pitchmark is delighted to have joined the Made in Britain marque.

Pitchmark Managing Director Mark Rodman said: "We've always been proud of our roots, and we believe firmly in manufacturing our products to a high standard here in the UK, where we have full control over the process from start to finish.

"Being able to use the Made in Britain marque will help us to promote the identity of our company and products in every market we sell around the world."

Pitchmark joins hundreds of other manufacturers who are part of the fast-growing Made in Britain marque, including the likes of SIS, Stuart Canvas and TigerTurf in this industry. Made in Britain was founded in 2011 with the aim of helping British-made brands advertise, promote and market their products.

ESSMA Summit 2018 & Croke Park

Darren Rodman — 2018-01-26T14:20:25.9941475Z

Visit to Dublin

Pitchmark Directors Mark and Sue headed over to the Republic of Ireland recently to attend the 4th annual ESSMA Summit at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Day 1 of the event began by networking with some of the other 375 guests, before a very interesting tour of the incredible stadium and facilities. Whilst on the tour, there were insightful presentations from companies like Campey Turf Care Systems, Vogo Sport and Genetec.

Following a number of engaging talks and the announcement of the next Summit location – Porto, Portugal in 2019 – they were treated to some drinks and traditional Irish dancing.

Mark Rodman, Managing Director of Pitchmark, on the pitch at Croke Park with two Hybrids in action.

Day 2 was focussed into different areas, and so Mark and Sue attended the Pitch Management workshop. There was some excellent talks and discussions from the likes of Ole Myhrvold, Facility Manager at the Norwegian Football Federation, Yves de Cocker, GrassMaster Solutions and Yasser Al Mulla, Senior Manager, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

They were also treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the pitch and associated facilities by Majella Smyth, Head Groundsman at the Aviva, which proved to be very useful.

The following day, the pair went along to another top-class stadium in Dublin – Croke Park – where the head groundsman had recently taken delivery of two of new Hybrid markers for the pitch along with paint. The staff there were very welcoming, and it was great to meet some Pitchmark customers to talk line marking in-depth!

One of the new Hybrid markers on the pitch at Croke Park.

They also had time for discussions with Pitchmark’s Irish distributor John Walsh of Sports Line Marking that evening, which involved very exciting plans for the future!

Visit to France

Darren Rodman — 2017-12-04T11:27:29.6277454Z

Visit to France

Pitchmark attended Les 48h du Gazon Sport Pro, the show designed for sports turf professionals, which was held alongside the pitch at the Stade de France on Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th November.

Technical Sales Manager Olly Boys made the trip over the Channel to support our French exhibitor Hydraparts who were exhibiting once again at the show.

Olly Boys, Technical Sales Manager for Pitchmark,
supporting Hydraparts at 48h GSP.

Their stand was particularly busy with several top groundsmen in attendance. The new Hybrid marker proved extremely popular with a great deal of interest.

On Tuesday 28th, Olly went along to Paris Saint-Germain’s Camp des Loges training ground, as well as the Parc des Princes stadium, to support our dealer Pitchworks with their customer Jonathan Calderwood. The surface there looked incredible as always!

Olly Boys with Dave Blanchard from PitchWorks, and Jonathan Calderwood of PSG,
along with representatives of ICL and Syngenta.

SALTEX Success

Darren Rodman — 2017-11-07T13:11:01.8034354Z

SALTEX Success

Pitchmark have reported that this year’s IoG SALTEX was an extremely successful event for the company.

Darren Rodman, Marketing Manager for Pitchmark, said: “SALTEX was great for us this year. It’s our third time exhibiting at the show, and I think it was the best one so far.”

“Our stand was really busy both days,” he said. “It was great to meet and speak with both existing and potential customers, as well as colleagues within the industry.”

One difference to the show that was noticed this year was the level of visitors to the stand. Darren noted: “We found the majority of visitors to the stand were decision makers – either purchasers or in a senior position. This makes discussions much easier, especially around costings.”

Pitchmark were launching their new Hybrid at the show, alongside their complete range of line marking machines and paint. “The Hybrid went down a storm,” Darren said. “It attracted an unprecedented level of interest – resulting in several preorders – whilst the LineMaster GPS also received a lot of attention which is great.”

“We’re very much looking forward to exhibiting again at SALTEX in 2018,” he added.

The Pitchmark team also attended the annual IoG awards dinner on the evening of Wednesday 1 ^st, which was a fantastic evening celebrating the best in the industry. Congratulations go to all the winners and runners-up for their achievements; see the full list here.

Pitchmark are also looking forward to attending FSB Cologne and Les 48h du Gazon Sport Pro this month, and looking further ahead BIGGA BTME in Harrogate in January.

Pitchmark Adds One More

Darren Rodman — 2017-10-23T08:34:39.7165113Z

Pitchmark Adds One More

Alex McCombie has joined the Pitchmark team from October 23rd as a Technical Sales Manager, moving from his previous role as training academy groundsman at AFC Bournemouth. Bringing over 30 years' experience in various roles throughout the sports turf industry, Alex will be supporting our customers and growing the Pitchmark brand across the south and south coast.

Tim Rodman, General Manager for Pitchmark, said of the appointment: "We're delighted to welcome Alex to the team. Whilst much of our business is overseas, we have an ever-expanding customer base here in the UK, and so we needed the right person to continue supporting our customers to the high level we set ourselves."

"Alex fits the bill perfectly," Tim added. "He has great knowledge of line marking and the industry in general, and I'm sure his excellent communication skills and friendly personality will make him a hit with our customers."

Speaking on his move, Alex said: "I'm really excited to be joining a company with world-class products and a real focus on customer service. I can't wait to get started!"

You can get hold of Alex on alex@pitchmark.com or 07954143840, and he'll be on stand E125 with the Pitchmark team at SALTEX on 1st and 2nd November.

SALTEX 2017

Darren Rodman — 2017-10-17T08:21:29.5362651Z

SALTEX 2017

Pitchmark will once again be exhibiting at this year's SALTEX event, to be held at the NEC in Birmingham, UK, on Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd of November. We'll be back on stand E125, right next to the IOG hub, where we'll be showing our complete range of line marking paint, machines, and accessories.

Launched at the show and on show for the first time is our brand new Hybrid line marker. Make sure you come over to see it! If you haven't yet registered for the show, you can do so for free online here.

Pitchmark will also be attending both the FSB trade show in Cologne from Tuesday 7th to Friday 10th November, as well as Les 48h du Gazon Sport Pro at the Stade de France near Paris on Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th November. If you're attending either of these shows and would like to meet up, please do get in touch.