Top sprayer operator Award presented to Keith Gallacher at BTME
The prestigious title of Amenity Sprayer Operator of the
Year (ASOY) has been won by Keith Gallacher, Head of Complete Weed
Control South West and East Scotland.

ASOY recognises and rewards top sprayer operators across the
amenity industry. It aims to improve standards, by identifying the
best practice of individuals to enhance results - and share their
experiences across the industry.
Presented for the second time at BTME Harrogate, the ASOY Awards
are organised by the Amenity Forum, and sponsored by ICL and
Syngenta, in association with BASIS.
As well as the overall top operator, Keith was the winner of the
Landscape and Industrial using vehicle mounted equipment
category.
Two other category winners were also recognised by the Awards Ryan
Shepherd of Hortech won Landscape and Industrial sprayer using a
knapsack, while Andy Baker won the category for Sports turf using a
boom sprayer or knapsack.
Keith has a wealth of industry experience and is an expert in all
spraying methods. His clients range from local authorities, housing
associations, golf courses to large facility companies and
businesses within the construction industry. He predominantly
undertakes highway spraying, but also has business operational
responsibilities associated with running the Complete Weed Control
South West and East Scotland franchise.
Keith commented "I take pride in best practice - it's the culture
that is bred within CWC and is encouraged from Head Office. We are
a team of like-minded individuals that strive to be the best. For
me, Professor John Moverley is an inspiration. I believe that our
industry as a whole needs to get behind him and the work of the
Amenity Forum."
Commenting on Keith's success, from a record entry in the fourth
annual ASOY Awards, Professor John Moverley, Chairman of the
Amenity Forum, said: ''What is done to maintain amenity areas
impacts upon every UK citizen every day and is important to ensure
healthy and safe environments fit for purpose. This work depends
upon the input of highly professional operators fully trained and
qualified. A key element in the task is the use of authorised and
safe chemical spraying."
"The Amenity Forum Sprayer Operator of the Year Awards seek to
highlight the very best practice and identify those individuals who
go above and beyond in their work."
"I congratulate 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 Landscape and Industrial Manager, Mark Pyrah, added: "As an
organisation we recognise that high levels of professionalism and
commitment to best practice are essential in order to ensure that
products remain available.
Sprayer operators like Keith, and the other entrants of ASOY, who
are not only able to spray accurately, but also demonstrate a
professional stewardship of the products, are helping to raise
standards across the amenity sector."
Glenn Kirby, Syngenta Turf UK Technical Manager, highlighted that
the Awards demonstrate the amenity industry's positive approach to
safe and sustainable spray application.
"Keith has shown he has outstanding skills and works to very high
standards to achieve the best possible results. He has proved a
successful winner by showing that best practice can deliver
efficient, cost effective and, above all, safe amenity
spraying.
"Syngenta recognises that the skills of the sprayer operator are
paramount in achieving the full potential from all applications and
assuring future sustainable use," he added.
Stephen Jacob, BASIS CEO commented: "The safe and appropriate
application of plant protection products is essential to
maintaining the environment in which we live, and it's clear that
Keith is a true advocate of these principles."