Paul Gater wins top Amenity Sprayer Operator Award

Application

18.01.2020

Paul Gater, of Caldy Golf Club, has been pronounced as the overall winner of the prestigious Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year Award (ASOY).

Presented at BTME Harrogate this week (21 January), the ASOY Awards are organised by the Amenity Forum, and generously sponsored by ICL and Syngenta, and supported by BASIS.

As part of the BIGGA BTME Awards evening Paul, (pictured with wife Janet above) highlighted the value of the Awards to focus on accurate application and sharing experiences between operators, in an on-stage interview with BBC presenter, Naga Munchertty.

Paul Gater interview with Naga Munchetty

ASOY recognises and rewards top sprayer operators across the amenity industry. It aims to further improve standards, by identifying the best practice of individuals to enhance results – and share their experiences across the industry.

Paul (above) was also the winner of the Sports Turf Application using tractor mounted and hand held equipment category.

The other category winner recognised by the Awards was Ian Millward of Millward Forestry, who won the Landscape and Industrial Application category.

Read more on all the ASOY winners and their top tips

Commenting on Paul’s success, from a record entry in the fifth annual ASOY Awards, Professor John Moverley OBE, Chairman of the Amenity Forum, said: ‘‘The Amenity Forum is the voluntary initiative for this important and essential sector. We promote best practice and these awards are a demonstration of the high professional standards in our sector and identify those individuals who go above and beyond in their work.

“Our congratulations go all those who were shortlisted, the category winners and especially our overall winner this year – an excellent ambassador for the sector."

“Thanks also to our sponsors who make all this possible.”

ICL Business Development Manager, Mark Pyrah, added: “ICL remains committed to supporting the Amenity Forum and both sponsoring and championing the ‘Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year’ award.

“We would like to acknowledge all those candidates that put themselves forward and for recognising the fact that accurate application remains key to good product performance.

"ICL and Syngenta look forward to continuing to support the ‘Amenity Sprayer Operator Awards’ going forward and would encourage any individual responsible for spray application to consider putting themselves forward in 2020 and championing good practice in the art of application.”

Syngenta Technical Manager and application specialist, Glenn Kirby (above), highlighted the skills and experience of sprayer operators is paramount in achieving the best results possible from every application.

“All of the Awards entrants have demonstrated the essential techniques for safe and responsible spray application. Sharing their ideas and advice can help all operators to become more efficient and effective.”

All entrants to the Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year Awards will be entered into the chance to win a place at the new Syngenta Application Academy.

Stephen Jacob, BASIS CEO commented: “The Awards highlight the exceptional skills, knowledge and experience of the operators and provide a demonstration of best practice for effective results and, above all, that pesticides are used in a safe and sustainable manner in amenity situations”