Pitchcare attends Campey Turf Care Systems’ 40th Anniversary Open Day

Industry professionals, customers, suppliers and friends gathered today at Campey Turf Care Systems’ headquarters to celebrate a significant milestone as the company marked 40 years of innovation, expertise and service to the turf care sector.

The anniversary Open Day provided visitors with the opportunity to explore the latest advances in turf maintenance technology, watch live machinery demonstrations and network with grounds managers, contractors and sports turf professionals from across the industry.

Since being founded by Richard Campey in 1986, the family-run business has grown into a globally recognised supplier of specialist turf care equipment, supporting customers ranging from grassroots sports clubs to some of the world's most prestigious sporting venues. Throughout its history, the company has built a reputation for introducing practical solutions that help turf professionals maintain and improve playing surfaces.

The event reflected not only on Campey's achievements over the past four decades but also on its ongoing investment in innovation and the future of sports turf management. Visitors were given an insight into emerging technologies and equipment designed to meet the changing demands of modern sports surfaces.

As part of our visit to the anniversary celebration, we sat down for an exclusive interview with Richard Campey, discussing the company's proud heritage, the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, and the vision for the next chapter of the business.

What piece of machinery best represents Campey at its core?

We are best known for bringing the Koro Field TopMaker to market. It solved some major problems on sports pitches, particularly the control of Poa annua. As we all know, Poa is shallow-rooted and requires a lot of fertiliser and chemical inputs. It was very prevalent 20 or 30 years ago, and muddy football pitches were a common sight. Today, we rarely hear about those issues, and the Field TopMaker played an important role in that change.

Which single decision felt the riskiest at the time but ultimately changed everything?

Without a doubt, it was the decision to work for myself and move away from the security of a guaranteed monthly wage. At the time, you never knew where the next sale or job was coming from. Over the years, we grew steadily, and purchasing our own premises at Marton was a significant milestone. That gave us a solid foundation and helped us build the business into what it is today.

What was the biggest problem facing turf professionals in 1986, and what would they think of today's technology?

By 1986, I had already spent ten years working for SISIS, which was the UK's largest machinery manufacturer at the time. Turf professionals taught us that we had to be gentle with turf, and that little-and-often maintenance was the best way to improve conditions.

The biggest challenge then, as it still is today, was the build-up of organic matter. Fortunately, we discovered machinery that could go a long way towards solving those problems. I think turf professionals from 1986 would be amazed by the technology available today, but they would recognise that many of the core challenges remain the same.

What qualities have remained constant in the best people you've worked with over four decades?

The best people I've worked with have always shared the same qualities: a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and a genuine passion for doing the job properly. Technology changes, techniques evolve, but commitment, enthusiasm and attention to detail never go out of fashion.

Who has had the biggest influence on Campey's journey that people may never have heard of?

Most people in the industry will have heard of Steve Braddock, but they may not realise just how much influence he has had over the years. Steve was Head Groundsman at Arsenal Football Club and is someone I have enormous respect for.

When he left school, he originally wanted to be a fireman but didn't pass the entrance exam. His mother worked at the stadium and helped him secure a job on the grounds team, looking after the main pitch. From there, he built an incredible career and helped train grounds professionals such as Darren Baldwin, Paul Burgess and many others.

Steve's work ethic was simple: create the best possible natural grass playing surface. Without the trust and support of people like Steve in our equipment, Campey would not have grown as it did. The same can be said for Neil Stubley at Wimbledon. Together with advances in techniques and machinery, these people have helped raise standards and improve the quality of playing surfaces at some of the world's leading venues.

Which achievement would never appear in a company brochure but means the most personally?

For me, the achievement that means the most is having my family become part of the business. My daughter Julia is brilliant at organising things and plays a vital role, while my son John is also involved in the company. Seeing them contribute and helping to build something together as a family is incredibly rewarding. I hope they can continue carrying the business forward in the years to come.

What challenge from the first decade still exists today?

One challenge that remains is that too many people still don't realise this industry exists. Organisations such as the GMA and BIGGA do a great deal to raise awareness, but there is still work to do. Even people who live locally often don't know what we do or where our machinery ends up. We're making progress, and hopefully one day the industry will receive the recognition it deserves.

The Open Day provided a fitting opportunity to recognise the customers, partners and industry professionals who have played a role in Campey's success over the past 40 years, while showcasing the company’s continued commitment to supporting the sports turf sector for decades to come.

With live demonstrations, industry networking and a celebratory atmosphere throughout the day, the anniversary event highlighted why Campey Turf Care Systems remains one of the most respected names in turf care worldwide.

www.campey40.com