Kress UK has appointed Stuart Wharam as its new Commercial Business Manager for the North, strengthening the company’s commitment to the golf and sports turf sectors across the region.
With around 15 years of industry experience, Stuart brings extensive knowledge of the professional groundscare and machinery market to the role. He began his career at a machinery dealership in East Yorkshire before spending eight and a half years with STIHL, prior to joining Kress UK.
In his new role, Stuart will focus on supporting golf courses, sports venues and commercial customers throughout a large territory stretching from Lincolnshire across North Wales, throughout the North of England and the entirety of Scotland. Working closely with Kress dealers, he will help introduce customers to the company’s growing range of battery-powered and robotic equipment.
Speaking about his decision to join Kress, Stuart said the brand’s technology and innovation were major factors.
“The robotics and the technology from Kress are ridiculously good,” he said. “They are really pushing the boundaries when it comes to robotic mowing and battery technology. That’s what drew me to Kress.”
Stuart also believes Kress stands out because of its long-term commitment to battery power.
“From day one they’ve been battery-focused,” he explained. “Everything is moving towards battery technology, and Kress is already there.”
As part of his role, Stuart will work closely with both dealers and end users, particularly within the golf and sports sectors.
“My role is all about introducing customers to Kress and helping them understand the benefits of the technology,” he said. “At the same time, I’ll be working alongside the dealer network across the region.”
Changing Perceptions
Having already met many dealers within his territory, Stuart says the response has been extremely positive, with several already familiar with him from previous roles within the industry.
Discussing the growth of battery-powered equipment, Stuart believes performance is helping to change perceptions among professional users.
“With Kress equipment there’s no drop-off in power compared to petrol products,” he said. “If someone moves from a two-stroke machine to one of our battery products, there’s no disadvantage at all. It’s only a bonus.”
He also highlighted the wider operator benefits of battery technology, including reduced noise and the removal of exhaust fumes.
“People are finishing work without ringing in their ears and without breathing in fumes all day,” he said. “It’s better all round.”
Stuart added that fast charging technology is also helping to remove concerns around battery runtime.
“Even on power-hungry machines, our batteries charge so quickly that you can’t run one flat before the next one is ready,” he said. “So you’ve got constant power.”
Reflecting on his career in the industry so far, Stuart said the variety of the role and the people he meets continue to motivate him.
“Every day is different,” he said. “A lot of the work is outdoors, which I enjoy, and I get to meet different people all the time. Plus, working within golf and sports turf means I get to visit some beautiful places.”
For more information, please visit https://www.kress.com/en-gb/
