Outdoor specialist adds grit with new tractor

A North East outdoor specialist has invested in its commercial winter maintenance division as it continues to expand its year-round services.

Wide Open-based Geko Group has added a new 100-horsepower Kubota tractor to its fleet, boosting the capabilities of Geko Grit, the company’s commercial winter maintenance division.

Founded by entrepreneur Gareth Mitchell, the business operates across three complementary divisions. Geko Landscapes designs and delivers outdoor spaces for residential and commercial clients, Geko Design helps customers plan and visualise landscaping projects, while Geko Grit provides winter maintenance services for businesses, retail parks, office developments and industrial sites.

The latest investment will support Geko Grit’s expanding operations, helping clients keep sites safe and accessible during periods of severe winter weather.

Gareth said: “It’s a significant investment for us. 

“The tractor helps us load our gritters and manage our rock salt stocks, but it also gives us the capability to clear snow quickly and efficiently when conditions become challenging.

Using specialist forecasting technology, the division monitors conditions at individual locations, allowing preventative gritting to be carried out before ice forms.

The service also provides digital records, photographic evidence and real-time reporting to help organisations demonstrate they have met their duty of care.

Gareth added: “We don’t simply wait until temperatures drop and react to problems. 

“We monitor site-specific forecasts and make informed decisions in advance. 

“The aim is always to keep people safe and businesses operating as normal.”

To encourage greater awareness of winter preparedness, Gareth is planning a free seminar in September for facilities managers, health and safety professionals and business owners.

The event will focus on sharing best practice in preventative winter maintenance and preparing sites for colder conditions.

Gareth added: “Many businesses don’t realise how important record keeping is until an incident occurs. 

“We provide complete transparency, so our clients know exactly what action has been taken and when. 

“Our aim is to keep the North East safe from ice related accidents this winter.”

Alongside its commercial services, the business has also been working with Alnwick Garden to deliver a series of garden design seminars for homeowners.

The events have attracted sell-out audiences, offering practical advice on creating outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Gareth added: “A garden should do more than look nice. 

“It should make you feel something. 

“The best outdoor spaces create an emotional connection and become an extension of the home.”

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