Let's Talk Groundcare Issue 5

KUBOTA GROUNDCARE DEALER TNS CELEBRATES 150 YEARS L ong-established Kubota groundcare dealer Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS) has been proudly celebrating its 150th anniversary throughout 2025. The key to its success according to chairman James Thurlow is diversification, alongside long-standing relationships with its suppliers, of which Kubota is one. “We’re proud to have notched up 46 years supplying the groundcare sector throughout East Anglia with Kubota’s compact tractors, mowers, implements and utility vehicles from three depots” said TNS chairman and CEO James Thurlow. “Kubota shares the same core values that we do, namely professionalism, care, quality, respect and trust. Our partnership is significant, and we value the commitment from Kubota to continue to support us and our customers throughout the region, across the groundcare sector.” To commemorate the 150-year milestone, TNS has been running a number of fundraising events throughout the year, with the goal of raising £150,000 for Dementia UK, a cause close the family’s heart following the recent death of James’ father, John Thurlow, from dementia. “Kubota would like to congratulate TNS on all its achievements,” said Henry Bredin, general manager of Kubota (UK)’s agricultural and groundcare machinery business. “We look forward to many more years supporting TNS, as the business continues to grow with Kubota groundcare customers old and new.”

OUR COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY Kubota continues to embed Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) values into its operations, with a major focus on supporting the local community.

U nder the principles of the Kubota e-Project – which aims to safeguard the environment and support a sustainable society – the company is committed to being an active and responsible corporate citizen. Recognising the importance of contributing locally, Kubota introduced its ‘Share and Support’ policy, enabling employees at the UK headquarters in Thame and those further afield working remotely to volunteer their time for causes close to the community. With volunteering commencing in June,

more than 100 Kubota employees gave over 72.5 days of service across 22 activities and supported 12 separate charities and organisations throughout just seven months in 2024! Activities included playground and facilities maintenance at a local school for children with disabilities, the ‘Roll With Us’ wheelchair relay which raised over £1,000 for Stoke Mandeville Maulers rugby team, and a series of Shako fundraising events that generated over £1,400 for Macmillan Cancer Support and other causes. Momentum continued into 2025, with a total of 78 people clocking up 77.5 volunteering days on 98 events to date. Activities have ranged from litter picking to tree planting in a local park and helping Thomley Hall – which provides support and activities for people of all abilities and disabilities – prepare for their Accessival Festival. In addition, Kubota representatives have also volunteered at schools local to them to help year 10 students prepare for the world of work by conducting practice interviews. Kubota is also pleased to have extended longstanding partnerships with local sports clubs such as Chinnor Rugby and Thame FC which includes the supply of equipment and support with maintenance and improvements. Fundraising efforts have also thrived this year, with raffles raising hundreds of pounds for the Thame Red Kite Centre and ongoing sponsorship of the Tour de Vale charity bike ride. Through these initiatives, Kubota is not only strengthening its ESG commitments but also demonstrating how collective action can create positive and lasting impact across communities.