Member News

Deadline to update use of branding 31 DECEMBER 2022

Members are being reminded that the deadline of 31 December 2022 is approaching to update any use of the previous BALI branding to the refreshed identity.

In 2021 the Association undertook an extensive rebrand, unveiling a fresh new look as we headed into our 50th anniversary year, marking a brand-new chapter in the British Association of Landscape Industries’ history.

Spearheading the brand refresh was a bold, new and contemporary identity, alongside an update to terminology more accurately reflecting the process businesses go through to obtain accreditation. The previous ‘Registered’ name for companies who have passed the stringent vetting processes became ‘Accredited’, e.g. Accredited Contractor, Accredited Designer, Accredited Training Provider etc. The ‘Affiliate’ category changed to ‘Supplier’, as it is a word that better describes that category of membership.

The refresh also brought changes to the way the Association communicates its identity. The acronym ‘BALI’ was dropped, except where relevant in brand names like the BALI Chalk Fund and BALI-NCF. As ‘BALI’ is often confused with non-industry terms, the Association’s new identity advertises a greater public-friendly position, simplified so it only displays the full company name that better describes the service offer.

Members can login to their member’s area to download the Accredited logo and brand guidelines (if your membership category permits), order vehicle stickers, download Use the Professionals leaflets and access your membership benefits portfolio.

Visit bali.org.uk/login

Old ‘Registered’ branding New ‘Accredited’ branding

Green-tech launch Landscape Spotlight Competition

Accredited Supplier Green-tech are asking to see your projects and are offering you the chance to get your latest landscape project in the spotlight.

Between now and 31 August 2022 - tweet or post a picture of your latest landscape project tagging @Green-tech or email photos to marketing@green-tech.co.uk and you will be entered into a competition to win the Green-tech Landscape Project Of The Month.

All entries will be judged by the Greentech team and a project will be selected each month. The winning project will receive a Champagne Gift Set.

In addition, an overall ‘Grand’ winner will be chosen when the competition closes and will win two VIP tickets to the prestigious National Landscape Awards hosted on Friday 2 December 2022, along with an overnight stay in London.

Sales Director Richard Gill commented: “Green-tech is the headline sponsor of the National Landscape Awards, and we are delighted to be providing two free tickets to join us and our guests at this prestigious event. Tickets are always in high demand and the opportunity to join the Greentech tables is rare; so, this, along with an overnight stay in London, is an amazing prize. There are many fabulous landscape projects going on and we’re looking forward to shining the spotlight on a few of them.” Visit green-tech.co.uk for more.

Prestigious Irish hotel gains vibrant green EverRoof® treatment

Cashel Palace sits amidst the green hills and landscapes of Tipperary and is steeped in a rich back story dating back to the 1730s. The historic Hotel, its buildings and landscapes have been meticulously restored by Mulcahy Construction after it closed in 2015. Reopened in March 2022, its interior details have been upgraded and redesigned with a nod to its original splendour and the exterior rooftops have been transformed from a grey barren expanse to rich green swathes, courtesy of its classified EverRoof® artificial green roof system installation.

Atop the six manor buildings of the Hotel and alongside the three-acre gardens and spa, the EverRoof team set to installing over 10002 metres of their EVR1 artificial green roof system. Taking seven of the team six days to complete, deliveries and works were scheduled carefully to fit in with the broader construction programmes. From the earliest site visits to

Hy-Tex UK’s Grassmat™ Supreme supplied to Folkestone Coastal Park

Accredited Supplier Hy-Tex UK are delighted to reveal that they recently supplied over 1,000m² of GrassMat™ Supreme to Folkestone and Hythe district council.

The in demand pre-seeded erosion control blanket - which is exclusively supplied by Hy-Tex - is a biodegradable textile, pre-sown with seed and fertilizer. The environmentally friendly grass matting provides an easy method for effective vegetation restoration and erosion control on a wide variety of landscapes from lawns to steep slopes.

Folkestone and Hythe district council, the local authority close to where Hy-Tex’s offices are based, were eager to restore an eroded bank area located at the Lower Leas Coastal Park in Folkestone. The bank in question is situated directly underneath the renowned Leas Cliff Hall, one of Kent’s premier entertainment venues.

The weather-beaten slope was in serious need of restoration after years of neglect in an area that was prone to vandalism. The local council reached out to Hy-Tex for assistance and found that their GrassMat™ Supreme product was the ideal solution. The council discovered that the organic grass matting was quick and easy to install, with the establishment of vegetation evident in the project’s timeline from start to completion. This has in turn created and transformed a previously unwelcoming tired looking area into a visibly pleasing stunning green space, much to the local council’s delight after multiple reports of positive feedback from members of the public.

Folkestone & Hythe district council opted for a custom conservation seed mix, ideal for coastal habitats, that contained 26 UK native wildflowers and nine grasses. The high-quality seeds and granulated fertilizers hugely improve plant growth and are precisely proportioned and scattered to provide uniform germination.

For more information on Hy-Tex UK’s GrassMat™ Supreme and their wide range of biodegradable products, visit

hy-tex.co.uk

inspect and prepare an installation plan to the final completion, Frankie Nolan, Project Manager at Mulcahy Construction, praised EverRoof’s detailed considerations of timings, weather conditions and access: “Working with EverRoof has been A1 from the offset. We had a clear vision of installation dates – weather allowing – and there was clear communication.”

Andy Driver, Sales and Marketing Director, EverRoof added: “It was a pleasure to be involved in this expansive project, which demonstrates how EverRoof can transform roof spaces - a breath-taking result with that stunning backdrop of Tipperary.”

Find out more about EverRoof, part of Accredited Supplier Evergreens UK Group at evergreensukgroup.com

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Introducing Azpects

Accredited Supplier Azpects specialise in developing and manufacturing products to create and maintain outdoor hard landscaping. Their mission is to deliver products that make typical construction and care challenges easy and less frequent.

Their comprehensive range includes products to help establish surfaces – including patios, paths and driveways - and products to help clean and protect surfaces including paving, decking and ornaments.

Azpects began in 2009 in Ipswich, Suffolk, England. Their two founding directors discovered an innovative product which they knew could benefit landscape professionals across Britain. They launched EASYJoint in January 2010, and it has fast become the UK’s leading product for joining patios, paths and paving.

Now celebrating their tenth anniversary, the Azpects range has grown to include over 40 products aimed at both

LANDSCAPE returns to Birmingham this September

LANDSCAPE – the UK’s premier landscaping exhibition, looks to showcase the industry more than ever before by bringing more exhibitors, more visitors and even more features to Hall 3 at the NEC - National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on the 28 and 29 September 2022.

LANDSCAPE is thrilled to continue partnering with The British Association of Landscape Industries and welcome members along to this year’s event. LANDSCAPE hosts over 250 exhibitors with a vast collection of industry-leading products, services and innovations for the design, build and management of exterior and interior landscaping projects. LANDSCAPE 2022 is the trade event you will not want to miss, and the best part is - it’s all free! The LANDSCAPE Show is the chance of the year to network with professionals at the top of their game at the largest event the industry has ever seen.

LANDSCAPE is proud to say that 86% of visitors are very likely to recommend and use an exhibitor for a future project, and the exhibitor list continues to go from strength to strength, year on year. The extensive exhibitor list ensures that when they say that there is “something for everyone”, they really do mean it.

This year alongside the highly anticipated CPD accredited seminar programme, LANDSCAPE will be introducing some brand-new features including a Student Showcase by London College of Garden Design, and an additional program of ‘How to’ Seminars for anyone in the industry to learn, be inspired and expand their skills. Back again at the central bar area, LANDSCAPE will be hosting the incredibly popular PechaKucha 20x20 and Meet the Designer programme. LANDSCAPE’s Women in the Industry Day was so well received in 2021 that it’s back with an additional Networking Morning running in conjunction with #YesSheCan. Also back this year is the highly anticipated design competition, which will be focused on Wildlife Friendly designs and supported by the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust.

Both the exhibition and all seminar sessions are free to attend. For more information or to register to attend the show, simply visit the registration page online. Expect the biggest names in landscaping to feature in the 2022 line-up and be sure to keep an eye on LANDSCAPE’s social media channels for the latest updates and be the first to hear about even more reasons why LANDSCAPE 2022 is the show you do not want to miss. professional landscapers and consumers. Products are available through builders’ merchants, trade outlets, garden centres and leading DIY retailers.

The Azpects team employs extensive skills developed within the chemicals industry to formulate solutions which solve customers’ challenges quickly and effectively, and they have developed unrivalled experience within the sector by listening to customers and answering their needs. Azpects remains a small, close-knit team focused entirely on the satisfaction and service of our loyal customer base.

Already market leaders amongst professional landscapers and builders, 2018 saw the launch of our extensive new range of products aimed specifically at gardeners and consumers, now exported widely across Europe and the United States. In 2016 the first branch office in Texas was opened, with more distribution hubs planned in the USA and Canada. The R&D team continues to refine the existing range and seek new solutions to challenges met by landscapers and gardeners every day.

Find out more at azpects.co.uk

Further information can be found online at

landscapeshow.co.uk

Email: info@landscapeshow.co.uk Phone: +44 (0)20 7821 8221 Twitter: @LandscapeEvent

#LANDSCAPE2022

Instagram: @Landscape.show

#LANDSCAPE2022

Leading water feature and irrigation specialist wins Outdoor Building Services Company of the Year

Accredited Supplier Waterscapes are pleased to have been awarded Building and Construction Review’s Outdoor Building Services Company of the Year in what is their 20th anniversary year. “We were both surprised and honoured to receive this award and appreciate the recognition for our efforts to improve the quality and standards within the landscape irrigation and water feature construction sectors,” stated Paul Jeffery, Managing Director.

Waterscapes is a leading water feature and irrigation specialist with over 30 years combined experience producing and installing projects for corporate, municipal and private clients across the UK.

Over the past 12 months, Waterscapes has excelled in sales in comparison to forecast, Paul explained further: “Overall we were targeting a 10% increase in sales but to achieve double that was fantastic and could only be done with the dedicated people employed here at Waterscapes in both our engineering and office-based staff. Over the past 12 months we have been buoyant. Despite certain restrictions in place on construction sites relating to COVID-19 and some shortages in material supplies, we have had the busiest year since starting the business in 2002. We have managed to increase turnover by just under 20%, expanding all of our sectors, consultancy, irrigation and water feature installation and maintenance services. It was a bumper year and everyone in the business worked so hard to achieve this incredible success.”

A recent product release in the irrigation market is from Rain Bird. Waterscapes use various irrigation and water feature manufacturers, and the new product available from Rain Bird is the ESPLX-IVM which is the latest in irrigation technology and the latest product to be added to Waterscapes’ portfolio.

The Rain Bird ESP-LXIVM has a simple to use interface and advanced diagnostics making it the best irrigation controller on the market. Using 2-wire communication, it is designed for the largest and most demanding landscapes, such as communal landscapes, schools and sports fields, parks and public spaces, or large industrial and commercial sites and business parks.

Over the past two years, Waterscapes has reached out to expand its customer base which has led to a increase in turnover and required an increase to 34 members of staff. Its year-on-year strategic business structure echoes growth and sustainability allowing the company to keep a close eye on operating costs to improve efficiency where it can.

With COVID-19 leaving such a devastating impact on the economy around the world, Paul described the effects it had on the company and the industry as a whole. “Both water features and irrigation as trades within the landscape sector, are considered finishing trades. Generally, any economic impact felt by the construction industry can take up to three or four years to filter through, as we would be working on live projects of which construction may have commenced several years before. In some ways this delay from any economic impact helps a finishing trade because it gives time for the rest of the construction sector to settle and regroup, lessening the impact to those involved in the finishes. It also offers time for contractors to explore the market and add customers to also smooth any fluctuations that may occur.”

Going forward, Waterscapes’ short and long-term goals are similar to each other. The company will continue to steadily grow and build upon its reputable design and quality installation and maintenance services it offers. It will continue to invest in its current and future staff providing training for specialist work activities but also in areas such as environmental impact and mental health.

In closing, Paul mentioned, “a skilled, happy and rewarded workforce is the key to any successful business.” For more information visit

waterscapes.co.uk

INTRODUCING Luxuria Landscapes

Domestic garden maintenance and landscaping contractor, Luxuria Landscapes, introduce us to their business and share more about their projects in and around the South Thames region.

Can you tell us a bit about Luxuria Landscapes?

Luxuria Landscapes offer a variety of services such as regular garden maintenance, lawncare, garden lighting and fencing right through to large garden projects predominantly in Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire. Luxuria Landscapes is the sister company to Luxuria Property owned and managed by David Rudelhoff since 2015. With a desire to grow and expand, Luxuria Landscapes was created in June 2019 following the acquisition of local company TPMC.

How has the company evolved over time? What have been the main challenges and changes that you have overcome?

Our biggest focus has been getting the right team members and leadership in place to create the strongest possible foundation. In the early stages we grew too quickly so decided to re-focus the business and its priorities. Thankfully, we now find ourselves in a really strong position with a fantastic, well-rounded, experienced and passionate team.

What have been your highlights over the years?

The acquisition of TPMC and making that transition was a great success. It was a special time for us as a company as it marked the growth and evolution of Luxuria. Another highlight was a completed project from 2019, ‘Bishops Heath’. We worked in partnership with Accredited Contractor Greensport Trading T/A Inscapes on the scheme.

That particular project went on to win a National Landscape Award for ‘Best Domestic Garden Construction over £250K’. At the time we weren’t yet members of the Association but being part of an award-winning project was the driving force behind us wanting to become an Accredited Contractor ourselves.

We are also incredibly proud of our Orchard Court project which is why we have entered it for consideration into the 2022 National Landscape Awards.

What does the future hold for Luxuria?

Luxuria Property would love to work on larger projects particularly something commercial. Luxuria Landscapes is proud to have almost 60 clients whom we offer regular garden maintenance to. For our future vision we would really like to get more involved in large scale domestic landscaping.

How long have you been members of the Association?

Our application was approved in April 2021.

What does it mean to you to be a member of the Association?

We are proud to be members of the British Association of Landscape Industries as the accreditation is not simple like many others. It is a true sign of quality and professionalism, the highest accreditation in Europe I believe. We have also attended two National Landscape Awards’ ceremonies at JW Marriott Grosvenor House as guests, and we would be honoured if we were to win an award for our work which we so rarely showcase. Find out more about Luxuria Landscapes at luxurialandscapes.com

Green-tech use soil conditioning technology for prestigious Manchester ring road planting scheme

Aproject was commissioned by Manchester City Council, to improve the landscaping of Great Ancoats Street in Manchester. The main contractor was Colas and the Landscape Contractor, Plano Landscape Contractors. Product/services supplied: ArborRaft tree pit system, amenity tree soil, anchors, irrigation, tree pit design & cad plans.

Background

Great Ancoats Street is one of the main arterial routes around the city centre and is a key part of the Manchester and Salford Inner Relief Route. Averaging 37,000 journeys most weekdays, it is an extremely busy road.

The neighbouring areas of the Northern Quarter and New Islington have undergone major improvement in recent times and the area around Great Ancoats Street is a prime location for both residential and commercial development.

Manchester City Councils plan to landscape the area focused on making the route more attractive and ensuring the area is natural extension of the city centre. It included planting in excess of 70 trees and laying new pavements to line the route.

Green-tech involvement

Green-tech was asked to advise the best way to integrate tree pits into the project. One of the key considerations was the amount of lateral force that would be transmitted from the highway loads.

The project had several challenges to overcome; the main one being the level of lateral loading from traffic, which made the use of geo-cellular units impractical. Another was the extremely narrow width of some of the central reservations, and how to maximise the rooting volume.

After debating various options, a plan of action was agreed that featured a combination of two solutions:

For the tree pits within pavement areas ArborRaft units act as an extremely rigid, geo-cellular sub-base replacement, supporting the paving above, as well as protecting the friable, organic topsoil below from compaction. Working on a raft principle, a key benefit of using the ArborRaft System is that no plastic extends into the actual tree pit rooting area, unlike traditional deep-pit crate systems.

For the narrow central reservations, a more structural soil was required; one that could stand up to the lateral loading from the heavy ring road traffic. Green-tree Amenity Tree Soil was selected for its ability to cope well with compaction; even when consolidated, it retains its open structure, allowing free movement of air, water, and nutrients throughout the soil. It is a blend of native washed sand, the primary function being structural, with a small amount of PAS100 organic green compost added to help with growth. However, this does result in quite a fast-draining soil, with only a small amount of organic content. To combat this, we used a supplementary soil conditioner, TerraCottem Arbor.

Developed specifically for tree and shrub planting, TerraCottem Arbor comprises a mix of specialist hydro-absorbent polymers, growth precursors and volcanic rock. These dramatically improve water retention and microbiological activity, giving the trees a great nutritional boost during the allimportant establishment phase. The white hydro-absorbent polymers expand many times in size when saturated, holding onto the water, and releasing it back into the soil during dry spells. The polymers will carry on doing this for a minimum of eight years, well after the trees have become established.

To save time and labour on site, Green-tech pre-mixed the TerraCottem Arbor with the Amenity Tree Soil ready for use.

Green-tech’s Specifier department in conjunction with MJM, designed and produced CAD drawings for the tree pits, which once approved by COLAS and the engineers, went before Manchester City Council for final sign off.

Over a period of eight months, Green-tech delivered 1,300 tonnes of Amenity Tree Soil pre-mixed with TerraCottem Arbor, ArborRaft soil and subsoil, over 800m2 of ArborRaft units, 1.1kms of gtRootbarrier® 325, along with 70 tree anchors and Mona Link 24 irrigation reservoirs.

Learn more at green-tech.co.uk