2025: A Year of Institutional Change – Kersten UK Year in Review

We’ve moved from theory to national policy, and we’re proud to have been at the center of that shift

Here are the milestones that defined our year.

1. Sean Faulkner: The UK’s First VI Amenity Champion

In late 2025, our own Sean Faulkner was honored to be appointed as the first-ever Amenity Champion for the Voluntary Initiative (VI). This landmark role marks a major institutional commitment to moving the amenity sector beyond chemical reliance. By taking on this role, we are part of a network of Champions that will deliver VI IPM-focused presentations and messages, to lead active dialogue to challenge current practice and drive through a commitment to managing spaces in an environmentally sustainable way.

2. June: The Integrated Weed Management Conference

On June 5th, we hosted the UK’s first-ever National IWM Conference in Birmingham. This wasn't just another trade event; it was a summit of the industry’s brightest minds. We brought together councils, contractors, and regulators to prove that a "Mechanical-First" approach isn't just an alternative—it’s a more resilient and cost-effective way to manage our urban infrastructure.

3. Setting the Standards: Parks for London & Lantra

We’ve spent much of 2025 ensuring that "Best Practice" is clearly defined.

1. Parks for London IWM Reference Guide: Kersten UK was a primary technical contributor to the 2025 Edition of this essential guide. It is now the definitive roadmap for councils looking to align with the National Action Plan (NAP) 2025.
2. Lantra Assessed Training: We collaborated with Lantra to help "architect" the new assessed training for IWM. This ensures that the next generation of groundcare professionals is certified in the specific mechanical and thermal skills needed for a pesticide-free future.

4. Innovation in the Field: Major Shows & Dealer Pilots

Our machines are only as good as the support behind them.

1. The Specialist Dealer Pilot: In November, we launched our IWM Specialist Pilot with Vincents. By partnering with elite dealers, we’re ensuring that local authorities have "boots on the ground" experts who can help them implement the Bracknell Blueprint at a local level.
2. GroundsFest & SALTEX: From the outdoor demos at GroundsFest to the spotlight stages at SALTEX, 2025 was our busiest show season yet. We saw a record number of council officers looking for compliant solutions ahead of the 2026 shift, and we were proud to demonstrate how our brushes and 100°C+ thermal tools bridge the gap.

5. The Release of the National Action Plan (NAP) 2025

The release of the Defra National Action Plan this year changed the game. It officially introduced the Pesticide Load Indicator (PLI) as the metric for success. For the first time, "success" is measured by the reduction of environmental pressure, not just the volume of liquid sprayed. This makes the "Spring Reset" our signature mechanical brushing process, the most logical starting point for any compliant council.

Looking Ahead: The 2026 Crossroads

Everything we’ve achieved this year; the training, the policy-writing, and the dealer partnerships, has been about preparing the industry for the April 2026 regulatory shift.

The foundations are laid. The roadmap is clear. And the tools are ready. Thank you for being part of the most important year in the history of UK surface management.

Are you ready for 2026? Join us on February 11th for our IWM Practical Skills Day at the GroundsFest Academy to see these national standards in action.