Chief Executive’s Report

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Association resets its strategic plan for the next three years

As the Association celebrates its 50th anniversary, as well as reflecting on past achievements it looks forward to building on those successes in the future through setting a new strategy. The last business strategy was set out in 2016 and focused on supporting members to become industry leaders, promoting the industry in both public awareness and career choices, and inspiring everyone to achieve the highest

standards. The new strategy has reset the vision, mission, values and strategic imperatives that will support the achievements over the next three years and act as a communication framework. I just want to take a moment to thank my fellow board members for their time and commitment in developing the new strategy along with those staff involved at Landscape House. Please see more about the new strategy on page 24.

Lobbying – Rebated Fuels

On your behalf, the Association has been lobbying government on the issues surrounding rebated fuels. On Monday 16 May I, along with Technical Officer, Owen Baker met with Craig Williams MP (Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Chancellor of the Exchequer) regarding the recent introduction of rule changes to the use of rebated fuels.

Having briefed Craig Williams on the issues that the landscape industry now finds itself in with the removal of the use of red diesel, the Association highlighted the following areas for discussion:

(L-R) Owen Baker, Craig Williams and Wayne Grills

• Our top priority is for the

Government to recognise landscape construction and maintenance as a part of its

definition of horticulture. Despite the integral role it plays in cultivating our green spaces, both private and public, landscaping is currently denied the advantages of being a part of its parent sector, horticulture.

Changing this would give it appropriate support, such as access to rebated fuels.

• Alternatively, providing a

temporary exemption from the incoming restriction of rebated

fuel use. If the Government cannot fit landscaping into the definition of horticulture, we call for landscaping to be exempt from incoming duties on rebated fuel. And instead, have a phased transition over 5 years, keeping our ability to use rebated fuel and particularly red diesel in the short-term. The industry fits within the parameters of those industries already reliant on red diesel, and its significant contribution to the UK economy should be acknowledged. • Manufacturers of equipment must

be incentivised to develop new,

green technology. Consultation with manufacturers has revealed little development of new technologies, meaning operators will continue to use existing power sources - and pay higher fuel prices - for at least five years from now.

The meeting was successful, and the Parliamentary Private Secretary understood what an important part our industry plays in creating and maintaining green spaces for the benefit of its economic, social, health and environmental contributions - but of course will be bound by government policy.

This was a great potential move forward for the Association and its members to be able to hold discussions at this level in government, and we will be meeting again soon to further explore the options available and will keep you up to date on the progress we make.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

I just wanted to update you on what was a fantastic Chelsea Flower Show for the Association. First of all, I would like to congratulate all those Association members that won medals and were recognised for their extremely hard work and huge efforts in the build up to Chelsea.

We had a completely different design for our trade stand which was focussed more this year on the Association and the stunning landscapes that you, our members design, build and maintain. This really captured the public eye and many of our members commented on the professional look also.

What was most impressive from an Association perspective was that whilst manning our stand, I noticed a real sea change in the type of enquiries we were getting. For the first time in my 11 years, I was seeing and hearing members of the general public understanding the value of their green space and what was even better, they were also understanding of the need to use an Accredited professional to undertake the work. This is fantastic news as it means that the message is getting through and if the pandemic has helped with that, then there is some further good to have come out of COVID-19.

Membership renewal

We have received a great response to membership renewal this year. I would like to thank you for your continued commitment and support for your Association and would remind you to make the most of your membership benefits. Check out the member benefits article on page 41 to find out what you may not be taking advantage of.

Case study; One of our members reported that they had made use of the BALI HR and H&S service and as a result, had managed to cease contracting with an HR Consultant saving £24K a year which went straight to their bottom line!

Make sure you are not paying for things twice over or missing out on the benefits on offer through your membership.

Rebranding

I am sure you will remember that the Association rebranded and as a result of which and due to COVID/ Brexit we extended the period of time for members to look to renew the branding on your vehicles, websites, clothing, paperwork and e-mails etc.

The December 2022 deadline is fast approaching, and I would request that you ensure you are using the most up to date branding to help with the consistent messaging and to ensure that clients understand who the British Association of Landscape Industries is and what your Accredited Member status stands for.

Best wishes.

Wayne Grills

Chief Executive