Pro Arb March 2016

MARCH 2016

AN INTERVIEW WITH

JAMIE MYERS MYERS TREE SERVICES

HOW TO...

BRAND YOUR BUSINESS INTERNAL VS EXTERNAL

TRAINING

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CONTENTS

PRO ARB MAGAZINE March 2016 | Volume 3 | Issue 3

Welcome 04 AGENDA Training is a must – we ask leading figures whether they prefer to implement it internally or externally

06 NEWS A roundup of industry news

Business 09 AN INTERVIEW WITH Jamie Myers tells us about his passion for quality in arboriculture

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REPORT WRITING – THE CONCLUSION It's the last part your client will read so it's important to make an impact.

Jonathan Hazell advises

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SMALL BUSINESS GUIDE TO VAT The UK's labyrinthine tax system can be confusing. This month David Marples of the Federation of Small Businesses looks at VAT

18

BOXWOOD ISSUES Bartlett Tree Experts looks at some common problems affecting Buxus

20 ALL RISKS INSURANCE Risk is inevitable. Steve Lewis

W

WELCOME

elcome to the March issue of Pro Arb. With warmer weather round the corner, the industry is bound to get a lot busier.

One issue that arises in such a competitive market is the number of cowboys starting an arboriculture or tree surgery business with just a van and a saw. With the public being careful with their money and often knowing little about trees, how do we stop potential clients hiring the wrong firm to do the work? The chances are the cowboys will charge a lot less than the professionals but the job will not be to standard.

How often do you see bad tree work? How many times are you called in to rescue a tree? Is this just something we have to accept? This month's interviewee, Jamie Myers has strong feelings on the question of quality tree work. See page nine to learn more about his views and experience.

We’ve got expert opinions from all the usual contributors. Jonathan Hazell advises on how to conclude and present a tree report on page 15.

Box is a perennial favourite for hedging and it has a number of potential disorders. Dr Glynn Percival and Emma Schaffert of Bartlett Tree Experts

examine some of the causes, symptoms and treatments on page 18.

On the business side of things we have advice on insurance, VAT and communicating your brand. It would be interesting to get your thoughts on this. Contact joe.wilkinson@eljays44.com.

Kit-wise, we have eight pages of all the latest news and products, including a buyer's guide to stump grinders and a focus on PPE. Enjoy the start of spring and please do get in touch if you want to raise any issues.

JOE WILKINSON

looks at how to manage it

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BRANDING Pro Arb explains how your brand is far more than just a logo

Eljays44 Ltd 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA

Kit 23

KIT NEWS

24 WHICH ONE WILL YOU BUY? Stump grinders

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LATEST KIT PPE

29 ARB KIT

Regulars 34 CAREERS 35

ALL ENQUIRIES Tel: 01903 777 570

ANCIENT TREE COLUMN WWW.PROARBMAGAZINE.COM

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EDITORIAL Commissioning Editor – Joe Wilkinson joe.wilkinson@eljays44.com Director – Lisa Wilkinson lisa.wilkinson@eljays44.com Production Editor – Susie Duff susie.duff@eljays44.com Subeditor – Toby Wilsdon toby.wilsdon@eljays44.com ADVERTISING Business Development Manager – Jamie Wilkinson jamie.wilkinson@eljays44.com Account Manager – Luke Chaplin luke.chaplin@eljays44.com Sales Executive – Laura Harris laura.harris@eljays44.com Horticulture Careers – Amber Bernabe amber.bernabe@eljays44.com Accounts accounts@eljays44.com

PRODUCTION Design – Kara Thomas Printed by Pensord Press Ltd Published by ©Eljays44 Ltd CIRCULATION Subscription enquiries: jessica.garrard@eljays44.com Pro Arb is published 12 times per year by Eljays44 Ltd. The 2016 subscription price is £95. Subscription records are maintained at Eljays44 Ltd, 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA, UK. Articles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of Eljays44 Ltd and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, uncommissioned photographs or manuscripts.

MANAGEMENT Managing Director – Jim Wilkinson Director – Lisa Wilkinson Business Development Manager – Jamie Wilkinson

FOLLOW US ONLINE www.proarbmagazine.com Follow us on Twitter @ProArbmagazine Like us on Facebook Proarbmagazine Connect to our LinkedIn group Pro Arb UK For careers in arboriculture and horticulture go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk Every week we send out ‘Pro Arb: The Tuesday Recap’, in which we highlight the most popular news stories from the last week. If you aren’t subscribed to The Tuesday Recap but would like to be, please email Jessica Garrard at jessica.garrard@eljays44.com If you would like to send us press releases to post online and potentially feature in The Tuesday Recap, please email Joe Wilkinson at joe.wilkinson@eljays44.com

Pro Arb | November 2015

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AGENDA

AGENDA PRO ARB ASKS INDUSTRY INSIDERS

“INTERNAL VS EXTERNAL TRAINING – WHICH DO YOU PREFER AND WHY?” WILLIAM WARDEN

Conservation Contractors Ltd “We favour external training for two reasons” As a small company trying to keep a ceiling on costs we favour external training for two reasons. I feel it is good for staff to travel away from the normal workplace environment to a fresh site, whether it’s a for basic chainsaw module or a more demanding rigging course. This gives workers a break from the everyday routine and a fresh and relaxed frame of mind to learn and expand their skill sets. Having experienced both internal and external training, I know I am more likely to listen and concentrate if I am being taught by someone I don’t see on a regular basis.

JONATHAN HAZELL Aboricultural consultant o e cos effec i e e eam as o e i ol ed

ole

All training is good but I prefer external trainers – the variety of courses is huge; the trainers tend to be better; the evidence of training or

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award issued is portable – but to stay up to speed teams will need to put their training into practice.

Internal training delivers best when tailored to your business. In my experience to be cost effective the whole team has to be involved, not just key individuals.

The trainer’s experience may be limited and often the qualification gained was company specific.

All training gives the opportunity to produce impressive proposals “look at our training” and it all costs money.

DARREN KILBY

Head of Sales and Marketing, Gristwood and Toms e co ol ee e a d o ai i is o ided The answer depends on which company objectives the training is designed to achieve and the quality of the trainer. At Gristwood and Toms, we employ a full time training manager who plans and delivers all our practical arb skills training. We can tailor the training to the particular needs of our clients and staff using real life situations that our arborists can easily relate to.

We control where, when and how training is provided. If we wish to tackle a company wide issue, behaviour or professional development need, I will favour external training. This type of training needs to be disruptive in nature and usually takes an outside source to implement effectively.

TREVOR LAWRANCE Field Supervisor, Christopher Hoare Tree Services

“To be able to train someone i es me a ea se se o ide I can only say that I prefer internal training as I have had no experience of training externally. During my career I have been lucky enough to be able to train some good guys, both young and old, of varying abilities. To be able to train someone who has previously been struggling and see them grow into a competent arborist gives me a great sense of pride. I hope to become an o cial trainer assessor in the future as training is something I really enjoy and it is a natural career progression.

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MARK CHESTER Technical director PINE technology

“The key element for me is the calibre of the trainer” The key element for me is the calibre of the trainer and the relevance of their material to the organisation. It can be very effective bringing in a specialist to train the wider team, which is something that the Consulting Arborist Society has been able to facilitate for some employers. It can also represent good value for money and allow for experience and ideas to be shared within the workplace.

However, an over reliance on internal training can limit the benefits. An important element is to ensure internal training is not pursued simply because it is a cheap option.

LISA SANDERSON

Training developer, ABC course manager / lecturer, The Training Tree “Internal training can be useful for mentoring younger workers” Training needs are specific to individuals, their job and the employer. I believe a

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combination of training options leads to success. Internal training can be useful, particularly mentoring younger workers or those new to the industry or their role. n the job training can benefit companies and staff through team building and by sharing experience and company practices. Formal, external training becomes a valuable tool where specialist knowledge, structure, certification or assessments are required and it is important that this is delivered by experienced trainers.

This combination instils confidence, a sense of worth and loyalty, as well as meeting statutory and insurance requirements.

ED HAUNTON

individuals’ training, such as NPTC IPAF. It’s the opposite for formalities such as HAV and anual Handling Training. Having a trainer and assessor based out of our depot keeps us up to date with industry legislation. Last year we held a bat awareness course in house. Bringing in our own tutor meant we could fit the scope of the course to our company’s needs and were able to invite friends of the company, such as local authority employees, as we had seat availability.

JAMIE MYERS

Owner, Myers Tree Services

Operations manager EH Treecare Ltd

“External or internal depends on the requirements”

“We do around 75/25% external/ internal on individuals’ training”

There is always training that needs to be done but whether we get an external provider or do it internally depends on the requirements. The training I do with my team is beyond what you can buy commercially. I try to pass the quality of the pruning and shaping on to the team.

I feel there’s positives to both – unfortunately we live in a world of con ict of interest.

We do around 75 25 external internal on

NEXT MONTH

Pro Arb asks industry insiders: European Union – in or out?

Have your say: joe.wilkinson@eljays44.com

Pro Arb | March 2016

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NEWS

NEWSBEAT

A roundup of all the latest arboriculture news from around the UK. For more stories visit www.proarbmagazine.com

AMBITIOUS PLAN TO INCREASE WREXHAM’S TREE COVERAGE TO 20% Ambitious plans to increase the urban tree cover in Wrexham over the next ten years have been backed by councillors.

In a report presented to Wrexham County Borough Council’s executive board last month, it was recommended that members approve the Draft Tree and Woodland Strategy in order to move forward with plans to increase urban tree cover across the county borough.

The report outlines plans to plant more trees in order to have

a positive impact on climate change, pollution, ooding and biodiversity.

Plans to protect existing trees and ensure any future trees are planted in the right locations

are also detailed within the new strategy.

The report also noted that the strategy was largely supported during a recent consultation, with 81% supporting the council’s aim of increasing tree coverage.

With regards to council owned trees, the strategy notes that they will be ‘managed appropriately and according to defined policies and where possible grant aid will be used to manage and improve existing public woodland’. www.wrexham.com

NEW NETWORKING FORUM FOR THE TREE CARE INDUSTRY An easy to use website has been established as a networking hub for the forestry, arboriculture and related industries.

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Anyone working in these fields can sign up to the website at www.arbandforestrynetwork.co.uk and use Arb and Forestry to find people or companies that might benefit their business, so helping it to reach its full potential.

You can sign up for the website under different job categories such as tree surgeon, climber, groundsperson, utility/ amenity arborist, equipment

supplier and a whole host more.

Membership of Arb and Forestry carries a small charge of £15 per month to join up, but anyone can search the website for free.

As well as providing for networking in forestry and arboriculture, the website also presents a great opportunity to promote your business to the public. www.arbandforestrynetwork.co.uk

APP REVIEW FSC Trees Guide DEVELOPER Field Studies Council PRICE: Free

The FSC Trees Guide app helps users to identify and gain further information on a wide range of British trees.

The filter system combined with clear, precise images, allows you to easily narrow down and determine your subject.

The app offers information such as the size, foliage and bark identifications, as well as ideal locations and uses of the tree. It also tells the user whether the tree is native to Britain or introduced.

It’s quite a basic app and has a few interface issues such as horizontal grey lines that run through the images.

This app may be best as a revision tool for students or to refresh the minds of experienced arborists. Tested on an iPhone 6.

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02/03/2016 14:29

NEWS

COLLEGE IN SURREY FINED AFTER TREE FELLING INJURY A college in Surrey has been fined after a student was struck on the leg by a tree as it was being felled.

Redhill agistrates’ Court heard how the campus supervisor of uildford College instructed an employee and part of the estates team to take two work experience students to fell a tree.

While the tree was being cut two students arrived to observe the operation. The falling tree hit one of the observers, fracturing his leg.

A Health and Safety Executive investigation into the

incident, which occurred on 5 ay 2015, found that insu cient training had been given to fell the tree competently. There was inadequate supervision and the risk assessments were not su cient and had not been followed. www.hse.gov.uk

GLENDALE GIVES GREEN LIGHT TO NEW INITIATIVE lendale, which specialises in the management and maintenance of the green environment, has joined The 5 Club. The scheme is designed to get the K’s public and private sector companies to commit to having 5 of their total workforce as apprentices, sponsored students or graduates within five years. oining this new initiative enhances lendale’s commitment to its employees’ future as well as providing opportunities for more young people. lendale is one of many businesses in the country

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that have pledged to tackle both the chronic skills shortage and youth unemployment in Britain.

Andy Corcoran, managing director of lendale said: outh unemployment in the K stood at 15.6 in September last year. By joining The 5 Club, we are playing our part in addressing this problem.

We are proud to be part of The 5 Club and are looking forward to making a positive difference to our next generation by providing them with the professional qualifications and practical training needed to build a career. www.glendale-services.co.uk

PHONY PEACH: DISEASE THREATENS TO DEVASTATE BRITAIN’S TREES There are fears that phony peach, which has caused severe damage in the S and southern Europe, is now heading this way. With experts warning that it could make ash dieback seem like a walk in the park’, the K is on red alert for signs that Xylella fastidiosa has entered the country.

First confirmed in Europe three years ago in southern Italy, a subspecies of Xylella has been detected in southern France and Corsica. Xylella fastidiosa has also been found in South and North America, where it is referred to as phony peach disease.

According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Defra , Xylella has already infected oak and maple trees, hebe, lavender and rosemary.

Symptoms include wilting, diebacks, stunted growth and leaf scorches.

Raoul Curtis achin, head of horticulture at the Horticultural Trades Association, said: What has alarmed us is that it’s quite di cult to spot and affects a massive list of host plants.

A K outbreak would result in all known host plants within 100m being destroyed and sweeping restrictions on the movement of plants within 10km of the outbreak being imposed for five years. www.theguardian.com

NICK CLEGG BRANDS SHEFFIELD TREE-FELLING ‘NATIONAL SCANDAL’ Former Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg has called the destruction of thousands of trees across She eld a national scandal’.

As part of its £2bn Streets Ahead project, She eld City Council has felled 3,3 trees since 2012.

The Labour run council launched the scheme to remove dead and dangerous trees from roadsides, planning to replace about 5,000 trees in total. It has so far replanted 3,61 trees.

In an email to council leader ulie Dore, the She eld Hallam

P said it was wrong to chop down hundreds of healthy trees’. s Dore defended the programme, saying it was about protection, not destruction’. She said plans to replace trees were given the green light in 2009 when the Liberal Democrats were in control of the council.

Campaigners were granted a three month high court injunction in February ordering the council to halt felling. A spokesman for the council said it would challenge the injunction. www.bbc.co.uk

Pro Arb | March 2016

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02/03/2016 09:15

An interview with

BUSINESS

JAMIE MYERS MYERS TREE SERVICES For Jamie Myers quality is key. His passion for carrying out tree work to a high standard was passed on to him by his mentor and with 28 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience, he now tries to convey this to those working for him. Pro Arb spoke to Jamie about training, the Arboricultural Association and his love of martial arts

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your role within the company, when did you get into arboriculture and when did you set your company up?

My role involves winning new business, ensuring continued servicing to our existing clients, staff training and I occasionally get out and get my hands dirty, which is always good. I started out doing tree work 28 years ago and set up Myers Tree Services 20 years ago.

Did you study arboriculture at college?

Not initially. I started off as an informal apprentice for a local Arboricultural Association approved company. My neighbour was a climber for them but he hit an obstacle in that he had no driving licence and needed a driver. I was looking for a job so I fell into it really.

The company was known locally for its quality of work. Within a couple of years I was out running a crew for them and I worked for the company for eight years.

I was trained by a great guy called Tony Fletcher, who passed away last year. He was very well known in the west London area as someone who could deliver high quality work and he passed those skills and a passion for the work on to me too.

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BUSINESS

That was in 1988 and in 1995 I went to Capel Manor College to do the RFS course. I set up my own business while I was doing that and I went back to Merrist Wood in 2010 for some further education. I’ve added other bits and pieces over the years too.

So do you find constantly updating your skills and education is very important in this line of work?

It’s imperative. You can’t trade without it. You have to keep current. If you don’t keep up you start to look daft in front of clients. The industry moves so fast.

How did you find being your own boss initially?

It was frightening! I was a young man with a young family, we’d just bought a house and then I decided to set up a business – probably the most stressful things you can do in life all in one go. The worst thing was looking at the diary two weeks ahead and seeing nothing in it. But I’d lived and worked in the area all my life and had a lot of good

contacts. The jobs started to come through because of the quality of work I provided.

How many staff members do you currently employ?

There are five of us at the moment. At our largest we had 14 or 15 members of staff.

“You have got to keep current. If you don’t keep up you start to look daft in front of clients. The industry moves so fast” What was the reason for downsizing the team?

A number of things that all came at once, really. A lot of the local authorities in the area we were working in went out to five year contracts to attract the big contractors, whereas previously there were a lot of tree companies that all got a bit of the pie. So that revenue stream dried up. Latterly, there was an insurance blip in the market and although we had no claims on our public liability insurance, they wanted to put our premiums up by about 400%.

It’s ridiculous really as we couldn’t carry that overhead.

Later on came the credit crunch and recession so I thought we’d be better off going back to being me as a climber, a lad and my wife Claire, doing office work.

Is most of your work in the domestic or commercial market?

It’s probably a 50:50 split currently. We do some work for a large green services provider that has a grounds maintenance contract that includes tree work and we

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cover that aspect for them. We’ve been doing that for just over a year and it’s working really well. I like the domestic work because it’s nice to meet different people and that work is varied. With the commercial work, it’s nice to have the security of knowing how much is coming in over the next 12 months.

How do you win your work?

The new work generally comes from the domestic market. We do tender for some commercial work and I would like to break into the local authority market but we’re too small at the moment. Historically, you have been unable to tender for this work if your turnover isn’t high enough. I understand that those rules have changed but we haven’t seen anything that has sparked our interest yet. We do always keep an eye on the tenders when they come up.

Have you always been a member of the Arb Association and are you passionate about it?

When I first started in business, I had the view that the Arb Association was an old boys’ network. The company I trained with were Arb Association approved and I personally didn’t see any benefit to it. I didn’t see anything that they were getting that the other contractors in the area weren’t. About six or seven years ago I met Paul Smith at the association and we had a discussion.

The association has changed massively over the last 25 years, it is more inclusive and they are trying to get more people involved.

They’re also trying to increase the skill level within the industry and to me that’s important. We went through the auditing process and got that accreditation. Our guys, Daniel and Luke worked incredibly hard. They got a massive boost when we got accreditation because they put in a lot of the effort to get us there. I also attend many of the AWG (Arborists’ Working Group) talks.

Do you constantly train your staff?

It’s done on more of an ad hoc basis. There is always training that needs to be done but whether we get an external provider or do it internally depends on the requirements. My

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BUSINESS

son Dan, who does most of our climbing work, is 22 this year and has been in the industry since he was 16. He’s been climbing since he was seven, so it comes naturally to him. The training I do with my team is beyond what you can buy commercially.

So it’s more like a mentoring arrangement?

That’s what I try to do. The thing people don’t teach is quality pruning. Very few people take CS40. It’s pretty much a non-qualification because nobody takes it but you see so much bad pruning around, whether on street trees or in gardens. I try to really force the quality of the pruning and shaping and to pass that on to the team. You need the formal qualifications to back up what you know but I try to do some training beforehand so they know what I want from them.

When you are recruiting, do you find it easy to find employees who are at a high level or do you bring them in with basic skills and train them to the way you work?

I’ve done both over the years. Both have their pros and cons. If someone comes with the full complement of qualifications and skills, sometimes they try to be the ‘big I am’.

We are a family business and we socialise outside of work as well as working together.

If they don’t fit into our company, they don’t

“I’ve taken guys on with no qualifications, trained them up, put them through the formal qualifications and they’ve gone on to do great things with us and in the industry”

stay. I’ve taken guys on with no qualifications, trained them up, put them through the formal qualifications and they’ve gone on to do great things with us and in the industry.

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What are the issues you have faced recently when running your business?

The issues are the same year on year. For us the problem is keeping hold of kit – thefts have gone through the roof. We’ve suffered from break-ins. At the back end of last year we had a break-in where the thieves only managed to partially get the door of the yard open but they still managed to relieve us of £10,000 worth of kit.

Over the last twenty years I’ve probably lost five or six chippers, a couple of stump grinders, two or three trucks as well as saws

and climbing kits. It’s never been recovered.

Security is always an ongoing issue. Even in a domestic setting, when you’re working in a back garden you still have to think about the security of the truck with a chipper on it out the front. You could walk around to the front of the house with a big pile of brush and find your chipper is gone.

How are you combating this?

All you can do is insure your bigger kit. The smaller stuff like climbing kits, for what it costs to insure them, it just isn’t worth it.

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BUSINESS

We wouldn’t be anything without our staff and I couldn’t be any more complimentary about them. They are very security conscious.

They know the cost of things, they know we can’t always replace kit straightaway and they understand that. I think they know how difficult it makes their job when things go missing so they are extra careful with kit.

Are you members of Check-a-Trade or any of the consumer trade schemes?

Yes, we do Check-a-Trade but we don’t actively monitor everything that comes in.

We moved to the south coast a few years ago and Check-a-Trade is really strong around here. We’ve tried to break into the market but people are working for peanuts. We did Check-a-Trade as part of that and we’ve had some good work out of it.

“Hopefully we will build our domestic offering so we can put two teams out” My issue with it is that, although it’s better than nothing because it gives the consumer some confidence, all you are being assessed on is your systems, for example your timekeeping, that you gave a written quote and an invoice, etc.

The bits I’m less happy about are where they ask about the quality of the work. They get you in because they know nothing about their tree and as long as you cut off branches to allow the light that they want through, the quality could be absolute rubbish, but they are happy.

So your reputation has helped you get a lot of work. Is that something you’ve gathered over years of experience?

You must get a lot of jobs through word of mouth.

Absolutely. Customer service is paramount.

Claire doesn’t work full time in the office but she responds to clients as soon as she can. I don’t like taking customer calls on my mobile, I like them to go through the office because

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then the whole procedure has been logged.

There is nothing worse than getting a phone call at 10 o’clock in the morning while you’re in the middle of a job, saying you will call back later but by the time the job is finished, you’ve gone back to the yard, or got home and think, ‘oh no I’ve forgotten to call that person back’.

What’s the next step for Myers Tree Services?

We will get the house move out the way first. That is going to drop us into the area where the majority of our contracting work is. Hopefully we will build our domestic offering so we can put two teams out. I’ve got the equipment to do that so it’s just a case of actively trying to build up work in the new area.

Do you think pricing is the most important thing in the industry? You pride yourself on quality but do you think potential clients take more notice of the cost than the quality?

You will always be up against people who will quote next to nothing to do a job. Most often these people know next to nothing about the job.

Do you think the public know that?

I think that comes across a lot of the time.

It depends on whether they are getting one quote or a selection of quotes. I also think it depends on where they come across your company. If they are just getting you off Check-a-Trade, you could be quoting against a guy who runs a two man team with no office background. If he’s not VAT registered, on a £400 job he’s automatically £80 less expensive than me.

When you get in front of a client you have to impart your knowledge on them. Price will always be a factor because people don’t want to just throw money away.

What are your interests outside of work?

I’ve got two big dogs that I absolutely adore.

They keep me busy. I enjoy martial arts, I’ve been doing Taekwondo for the last 17 years and I teach a bit of that now too. I’ve also just started to get back into fishing again.

CONTACT Head Office: 7 Bembridge Drive, Hayling Island, Hampshire PO11 9LU Tel: 0800 0858 756 Email: info@myerstrees.co.uk Web: www.myerstrees.co.uk

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03/03/2016 09:17

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03/03/2016 09:22

BUSINESS

I

n the beginning you will have reported the facts you have captured about the tree population in the light of the brief and scope you agreed with your client. You may have used photos to help illustrate what you mean.

There’s no point in gathering more data than you need, but remember the golden thread – if you refer to something at the end of your report then it must first have made an appearance in the beginning as a fact and then in the middle during the discussion.

In the middle of your report you will have shifted from dealing with fact to offering your opinions, ideally substantiated by recognised

“If you refer to something at the end of your report then it must first have made an appearance in the beginning as a fact and then in the middle during the discussion” authorities such as BS5837 (Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – Recommendations) or the Research for Amenity Trees

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JonHazell.indd 15

REPORT WRITING THE CONCLUSION In the final part of his three part series Jonathan Hazell looks at your report’s conclusion and offers some advice on presentation

series, and based upon your professional training, qualifications and experience.

By all means discuss a number of opinions that would address the brief equally well and feel free to be novel. Substantiate your opinions. BS5837 in particular is open to broad interpretation based upon the specific facts of a given situation.

When marshalling your thoughts, be rigorous in applying the logic test to ensure that if A is true then B will be, as well as C and even D. Moreover, remember Mark Twain’s advice that there are times when it’s wise to say nothing.

I have said that your report must answer your client’s

question, but the answer can be no just as easily as it can be yes.

The final part of your report will set out your conclusions, which must have been reached independently. You should not be a willing apologist for your client’s stance. Your conclusions will support your recommendations, usually management intervention of some kind that may help to deliver the client’s objective, though the final choice over whether to take action or not will necessarily be left to the client.

Almost as important as the content and structure of your report is presentation, so I’ll end with a few golden style rules.

From my experience a client will have commissioned your report, but there’s no telling where it will end up so I try to write well, with no sales pitches. I present the report as though it will be in a ring binder, using a wider left

margin than right and making sure that the title is right justified so it can be found easily in a bundle of documents. I use plain English to

“BS5837 in particular is open to broad interpretation based upon the specific facts of a given situation” explain things in a way that I hope my client will understand, without resorting to jargon. I provide drawings that show where the particular tree(s) are and photos to illustrate what I’m trying

to say. I take the time to write a short report and avoid what John Hetherington, a lecturer of mine, referred to as “white noise”, pointless extracts from BS5837, for example.

ABOUT JONATHAN HAZELL Jonathan Hazell’s career began on the tools with the Ealing tree gang in 1980.

Senior roles in the public, charity and commercial sectors followed and in October 2011 Jonathan established his own arboricultural consultancy practice. www.jhazell.com

Pro Arb | March 2016 15

02/03/2016 15:01

BUSINESS

Business owners often struggle to navigate the labyrinthine UK VAT system. David Marples of the Federation of Small Businesses highlights key issues and demystifies small businesses’ relationship with VAT One registration for VAT It is the person, not the business, that is required to register for VAT. In this context ‘person’ means legal entity – normally a sole proprietor, partnership, LLP or limited company. A single legal entity can have multiple businesses, but only one VAT registration, which will cover all of them. Whether or not you are liable to register for VAT will be determined in one of two ways – the ‘backward look’ or the ‘forward look’.

A ‘person’ must notify HMRC if the following are exceeded: The ‘backward look’: taxable turnover exceeds £82,000 in any rolling 12 month period. It is not based on the financial, calendar or tax year-end. You must notify within 30 days of the end of the month if you exceed the limit.

The ‘forward look’: taxable turnover will exceed £82,000 in the next 30 days alone. You must register immediately.

Deregistration If you cease in business, you must tell HMRC and deregister immediately. You can also request cancellation of your registration if your taxable supplies in the next 12 months will be £2,000 less than the current VAT registration limit, or if the tax exclusive turnover of your business in the last 12 months has been below the current VAT

16 Pro Arb | March 2016

David Marples FSB Business tip Tax.indd 16

SMALL BUSINESS GUIDE TO VAT deregistration limit of £79,000.

HMRC will want to see evidence to support the deregistration.

Business records You must maintain records of all sales and purchases made by the business to enable an accurate VAT declaration to be made but the extent of the records will vary from business to business.

Intervention visits Occasionally HMRC will make an appointment to inspect your books and records. HMRC cannot search your premises, but it has a right to inspect them.

This is an important distinction and means the use of their eyes only, not a physical search.

You must keep records for six years, including all till rolls, orders, appointment books, etc.

Cars and fuel Reclaiming input tax You cannot reclaim input tax on the purchase of a car unless it is exclusively for business use. If the car is made available for any private use, however little, then no VAT is deductible.

HMRC states that any car that is

insured for social and domestic use counts as made available for private use.HMRC will allow recovery of VAT on pool cars if they are stored at the business premises and not allocated to an individual.

Contract hire/lease You can recover 50% of the hire or lease charge where there is private use of the vehicle. If a separate maintenance or repair charge is made, VAT is recoverable in full on that particular amount. You can identify hire or lease payments by the issue of monthly invoices plus VAT. If the vehicle can be shown to be exclusively for business use and not available for any private use, all the VAT charged is recoverable.

VAT on fuel Where cars are concerned, you have three options: 1 Reclaim VAT on all fuel purchased, whether for business or private journeys. A fuel scale charge is then paid to HMRC. 2 Do not reclaim input tax on road fuel for any vehicles. A scale

charge is not then payable for the car(s). You can still recover VAT on all repairs/servicing.

3 Keep an accurate record of business/private miles and only reclaim input tax relating to business journeys. A fuel scale charge is not then payable.

Flat rate scheme If your annual turnover is less than £150,000 (excluding VAT) and you incur very little input tax, you may wish to consider the benefits of the Flat Rate Scheme. This scheme may not be suitable if you have zero-rated or exempt supplies, or if you import from the EU. There are always people available to answer your questions, whether by speaking directly to HMRC or using the FSB advice service. It’s important that you understand the framework your business must operate in as failure to comply with the law can mean penalties.

ABOUT DAVID MARPLES David is an exinspector of taxes and heads up the Abbey tax team that provides free tax/ VAT advice to FSB members. David’s team also deals with HMRC enquiries for FSB members. www.fsb.org.uk

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02/03/2016 16:24

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03/03/2016 09:30

BUSINESS TIPS

B

artlett’s research and diagnostic laboratory receives numerous declining box (Buxus) samples each year. There are a number of issues that can affect Buxus species.

Box blight One of the most common problems is box blight, which is caused by two fungi – Cylindrocladium buxicola and Pseudonectria buxi. When boxwood plants suffer from this disease the symptoms tend to manifest as prolific leaf browning and crown dieback, with powdery spores visible on leaves later in the season.

With C. buxicola, young stems often also exhibit black stains. The disease thrives in warm, humid conditions so maximising air circulation is essential. Thinning dense boxwoods and removing dying stems can improve circulation and sunlight penetration but take care not to over-prune, as this could stimulate denser growth.

The RHS has reported that spores can remain viable on leaves for six years, so remove as much diseased material as possible.

Avoid watering the canopy of

box, as this can encourage more moisture to build up on the foliage, especially in hedge situations.

Fungicidal products are available to help suppress this disease. If applied at appropriate times they could subdue disease development

18 Pro Arb | March 2016

Bartlett.indd 18

BOXWOOD ISSUES There are a number of reasons for box to decline. Dr Glynn Percival and Emma Schaffert of the Bartlett Tree Expert Company examine symptoms and treatments later in the season, but will not necessarily eradicate the fungus.

Plant defence activators can be applied to stressed plants, allowing the plant to defend itself by activating its own inherent defence systems and strengthening cell walls against disease attack.

Box rust Similarly to box blight, this fungal disease attacks Buxus foliage, causing orange-brown blisterlike spots containing the spores to develop. Caused by Puccinia buxi, this disease spreads to new leaves in spring and early summer. Fungicides are available to suppress the disease and the cultural control methods described above are also recommended.

Root-borne problems If chlorosis and browning are visible but there are no fruiting bodies present on the leaves, the issue is usually located in or around the root collar/basal stem, the roots themselves or the soil.

We often see declining boxwoods with buried root collars, soil moisture issues or root disease.

Any of these stresses may trigger dieback and decline. Phytophthora is a soil-borne disease that commonly infects Buxus spp.

Scraping away bark from the root collar and lower stems to check for discolouration in the underlying tissue will indicate disease or decay.

If Phytophthora is present, specific fungicidal control products exist, which can potentially aid recovery.

Spores can remain viable on leaves for six years, so remove as much diseased material as possible

based insecticides can be used for control, but biological options are also available.

Box leaf-mining gall midge This midge deposits its eggs in new foliage from April to May, before the larvae begin to feed between the leaf surfaces. This creates small round swellings on the leaf surface and can cause chlorosis and small patches of dieback. The damage caused by this pest is mostly aesthetic with little effect on plant vitality, however, damage can increase susceptibility to other pests and diseases. Control is di cult due to the pest residing within the protection of the leaf. Systemic insecticides are available, however, and should prove useful.

Contact the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory for advice on issues with your box plants. www.bartlett.com

Box tree caterpillar This is a relatively new pest to the UK, but it has become established in south east England, especially in London. The larval pest Cydalima perspectalis can completely defoliate box plants, with excess webbing usually apparent when infestations occur. The caterpillars are light green/yellow with black and white stripes along their body while the adult moths are an iridescent white and brown colour. Pyrethroid-

ABOUT BARTLETT Dr Glynn Percival is the plant physiologist and technical support specialist for the Bartlett Tree Expert Company Ltd. Emma Schaffert is a Research Technician for the Bartlett Tree Research and Diagnostic Laboratory.

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02/03/2016 13:52

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03/03/2016 09:36

BUSINESS

A

ll Risks insurance is designed to cover loss or damage to your owned equipment, usually anywhere in the K, and including fire, theft and accidental damage.

Typically cover will not extend to mechanical or electrical breakdown. Cover would also exclude items hired in. This is a separate cover that would need to be specifically arranged.

You must be aware of the basis on which you are insuring your equipment. Tools and equipment can be insured on either an indemnity (the current market value of the item), reinstatement (new for old regardless of age or condition), or a combination of both.

Valuing your kit We have seen policyholders vastly underestimate the amount of equipment they own, resulting in them being underinsured. This means that you haven’t insured your equipment for the correct value and it could affect what insurers pay you in the event of a claim.

If cover is being offered on a reinstatement (new for old) basis the policy sum insured must re ect the cost of replacing all equipment as new regardless of its age or condition and include VAT if you are not registered. If you are underinsured you will find that your insurers will apply average, meaning that they will proportionately reduce the amount they pay you in the event

ALL RISKS INSURANCE Insurance is essential wherever there is risk. Steve Lewis explains that being adequately insured depends on getting the policy right and meeting the terms and conditions of a claim ie; if your policy sum insured is £50,000 but the actual replacement value of everything is £100,000 and you suffer a £50,000 loss insurers will only pay you £25,000 because you are 50% underinsured.

Terms and conditions Cover will usually be subject to certain security conditions but you should read through these because every policy is different.

You should also check that you can comply with these conditions

“We have seen policyholders vastly underestimate the amount of equipment they own resulting in them being underinsured”

20 Pro Arb | March 2016

Insurance.indd 20

otherwise your insurers may refuse to pay a claim.

All businesses and setups are different so if you are unable to comply with these conditions you must contact your brokers as they should be able to amend conditions to meet with your particular circumstances.

Keeping vehicles secure In particular we have seen a number of incidents when the contractor has parked up outside a property then gone to look at a job with the client only to find that they have been followed to site and the truck and or wood chipper has been stolen.

If the policy has a wheel clamp warranty this must be fitted, otherwise insurers won’t deal with the claim.

If you are storing equipment in unattended vehicles you should first ensure this is covered and if so, whether there are any restrictions. We see numerous opportunist thefts from unattended vehicles and would suggest that if equipment is left for any period, it should be secured to the vehicle or within a locked container secured to the vehicle.

ABOUT LYCETTS Lycetts, previously known as Algarve, has provided bespoke insurance solutions to the tree surgery and forestry sector since 1988. In 2013 Lycetts launched Arbcover, a new brand providing a focused service for the company’s full range of products, offering bespoke solutions with personal service at competitive rates. www.lycetts.co.uk

WWW.PROARBMAGAZINE.COM

02/03/2016 15:20

BUSINESS

C

ompany branding is a touchy subject. This is because people have different perceptions of what branding is and what it means.

There tends to be a lot of focus on the logo, but a company’s brand should go much deeper than that.

Communicating your brand clearly and honestly to your customers will spread confidence and goodwill Your company brand is one of your greatest assets. It’s not just about your logo, slogan and design scheme, it’s also about your clients’ total experience of your business.

Your brand is: • Your customer promise • Your business values our personality and the way you talk to customers The way you package your service and answer your phone Communicating to your customers what you’re all about clearly and honestly will spread confidence and goodwill.

Your branding is a badge that will set you apart from competitors and can give you a lasting competitive edge.

Look at the companies that you admire. Apple and ohn Lewis are both great examples of a consistent brand,

WWW.PROARBMAGAZINE.COM

Branding.indd 21

BRANDING Pro Arb advises on targeting your branding at the audience you want to do business with

premium brand if your target wants the cheapest quote, and a business that bases its marketing on friendly customer service will not survive if its staff are rude and or unhelpful.

Understanding your client base is paramount for good branding.

It’s worth doing a little business exercise. Check what you believe are the top three or four attributes of your brand against the top three or four things you believe your clients require. Do they match?

Look at where you tend to win the majority of your contracts.

Again, check why. Is it price, quality, service or a mixture of the three, and how do these relate to your company branding?

Branding isn’t just your logo – it has to run through all aspects of the business consistent quality of products and consistent quality of service. n the other hand, easy et offers a low cost, no frills service.

These companies have all decided on their position in their respective sectors and have built their businesses around that. You need to understand what you can deliver and what you want to deliver. Delivering this on a consistent basis is key.

There are many benefits to getting this right. our customers know exactly what they can expect from you If you deliver on your promises, they will come back to you again and again A good brand identity will also attract new clients It will help you improve client retention

It will help you recruit the right staff It will potentially eliminate the types of enquiries that you don’t want ou must also be sure that what you tell your customers and potential clients about your business actually matches the service you deliver.

Make sure your branding allows your company to consistently overdeliver and leave a positive aftertaste. This provides a solid basis for repeat business.

It’s no use developing a

It’s also worth checking that your whole team understands the message you wish to convey to the market, what it means and how it affects their roles within the business.

It’s ama ing how often you hear business owners talking about their company and their understanding of the brand while there is a complete lack of understanding from other members of the team.

Branding isn’t just your logo – It has to run through all aspects of the business.

Pro Arb | March 2016 21

03/03/2016 10:43

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SUR R EY HA L L

key contacts sales

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07/01/2016 09:41

KIT

KIT NEWS TS Industrie offers range of finance schemes on chipper-shredders

For the next three months, TS Industrie is offering retail customers a range of finance schemes across all new machines.

In the first option, the erman chipper and shredder manufacturer is offering 0 finance with 20 monthly payments and a deposit equal to four monthly instalments.

The second alternative involves a three month deposit and 33 monthly payments at 2 interest. With four months’ deposit and payments spread over 44 months, the interest rate is set at 3 .

Stuart ercer, sales director of PSD roundscare said: The range of Chipper Shredders from TS Industrie offers a high quality, robust solution to any shredding or chipping requirement and we’re delighted to be able to offer the above attractive finance rates.

TS Industrie offers two ranges of chipper shredders that are suitable for material from 14–23cm. The reen Series is a range of multi vegetation shredders with a patented mixed rotor. The Wood Series is made up of chippers that come equipped with cutting disc technology. www.ts-industrie.eu

Bartlett Tree Experts finds Biochar improves resilience to Chalara A recent study featured on the BBC’s Countryfile on 21 February found that Carbon old’s biochar based tree care products are effective in managing and potentially halting the spread of ash dieback disease.

The study was carried out by Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory, the leading organisation for tree science in the K and the S, and a Carbon old customer. It took place on a Woodland Trust managed site in Essex known to be infected with ash dieback.

The programme monitored 2,000 established ash trees over a three year period, during which time one third became infected.

Ash trees treated with Carbon old’s enriched biochar were proven to be more resistant to the

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Kit News.indd 23

disease, however, and none were infected. ames acPhail, commercial development manager for Carbon old said: We are thrilled with the results this study has produced so far. We continue to work with Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory as part of this ongoing research on the effects of our tree products into a range of different tree health issues over the coming years. www.carbongold.com

Green-tree launches A Guide to Good Soils

A Guide to Good Soils Sustainable growing media and ground preparation products for the landscape environment.

Topsoils Amenity Tree Soil Roof Garden Substrate Ornamental Barks Turfs Grass Seed

www.green-tree.co.uk

Green-tree is a trading style of Green-tech Ltd.

reen tree, the soil arm of reen tech has unveiled its new soils brochure, including sustainable growing media and ground preparation products.

Topsoils, amenity tree soil, roof garden substrate, subsoil, ornamental barks, turfs and grass seed are all covered, along with case studies demonstrating the products in use.

Also featured is the revolutionary ArborRaft Soil which, when used in conjunction with the ArborRaft System, gives the ideal start to an urban tree. The growing media is stable, prevents compaction and provides an open structure to allow free ow of water, oxygen and nutrients. reen tree’s range of topsoils and growing media is one of the most comprehensive in the industry, including intensive and extensive green roof substrates, plus the ancillary products needed to create an ideal growing environment for rooftop plants, shrubs and trees.

The brochure is packed with all the essentials for a planting project, including green roofs and urban tree planting. It also features drainage products, root barriers and wild owers and it highlights a number of projects where green tree substrates have been specified and installed. www.green-tree.co.uk

Pro Arb | March 2016 23

03/03/2016 10:30

WHICH WOULD YOU BUY? STUMP GRINDERS

We compare six leading stump grinders to help you decide on your purchase

Despite its compact size when the tracks are retracted, this machine delivers huge Width 775–1050mm performance. Powered by a water cooled 30hp Weight 950kg Kubota diesel engine, this machine is quiet, has Engine Kubota 30hp diesel huge low end power and can sweep across a Cutting depth 380mm massive 1.35m to a depth of 380mm.

Cutting height 800mm www.spectrum-plant.com Cost £22,200+VAT

FSI D30-470TR

Toro STX-38 Width 860mm Weight 794kg Engine Kohler Command PRO ECV980 38hp petrol Cutting depth 460mm below grade Cutting height 890mm above grade Cost £14,500+VAT The Toro STX-38 stump grinder is built for outstanding durability in tough conditions. The control system has two simple levers, combined with tracks and transport speeds exceeding 4mph for maximum productivity.

Hydraulic operation combined with Toro’s Intelli-Sweep feature (which automatically adjusts sweep-speed based on load) gives optimised and reliable performance. www.toro.com

DANequip 27SP Width 710mm Weight 275kg Engine Kohler Command 27hp petrol Cutting depth 355mm Cutting height 355mm Cost POA

The DANequip 27SP is a compact and well balanced machine, making it a little easier for the operator to use. The engine is a 27hp Kohler Command, with electric start and low oil pressure alert fitted as standard. The 360mm diameter cutter wheel is 12mm thick, using just 8 standard teeth, producing more than enough inertia, but keeping running costs down.

The DANequip SP has a powerful, variable hydrostatic drive allowing the operator to get the machine to the stump quickly. www.danequip.co.uk

24 Pro Arb | March 2016

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03/03/2016 11:04

KIT Predator P50RX (radio controlled) Width 787mm Weight 1500kg Engine Hatz Silentpack 50hp diesel Cutting depth Up to 610mm using dozer blade Cutting height 610mm Cost £28,995+VAT Use the rear hydraulic PTO to transform the P50RX into a tracked chipper, mulcher or log splitter, all without compromising on narrow access. The versatility of the P50RX will give arborists the freedom to expand their services beyond stump grinding with minimal outlay. www.predator-mfg.com

Carlton SP7015TRX Width 890mm Weight 2640kg Engine 66hp Kubota diesel Cutting depth 340mm Cutting height 1060mm Cost £38,000+VAT

The Carlton SP7015TRX is one of the largest stump grinders available in the UK. This go anywhere, do anything machine features a massive 1780mm cutting arc and a high track base, which provides a powerful grinding platform.

The unit’s track system hydraulically retracts, allowing the machine to be easily manoeuvred through tight spaces. www.orangeplant.co.uk

FSI D67-720 Width 890–1400mm Weight 1350kg Engine Lombardini 67hp water cooled diesel Cutting depth 600mm before lifting axle deployed ~800mm with axle lifted Cutting height 600mm Cost £38,250+VAT

em te ntr l es fine pr p rt nal control allowing the operator to work from a safe position with a full view of the grinding zone. A 2m sweep allows many stumps to be ground without repositioning the machine. The water cooled 67hp diesel engine delivers huge torque but low noise and the lifting rear axle gives greater grinding depth or adjustment when working on slopes. www.spectrum-plant.com

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NEXT MONTH: Mini skid steers

Pro Arb | March 2016 25

03/03/2016 11:05

KIT

KitDRY

STIHL Advance X-Treem trousers This unique innovation from STIHL offers unprecedented levels of comfort for cut protection trousers. The Advance X-Treem trousers are perfect for climbing and professional use under extreme conditions such as on hot summer days.

The inner lining is quick-drying and soft for greater comfort. Hard wearing, dirt and water resistant materials have been used, making these trousers ideal for forestry work. Ceramic-coated trimmings provide abrasion protection.

Light and particularly breathable, Avertic pro lite cut protection material was exclusively developed for STIHL and is DIN EN 381 certified for cut protection.

The name says it all.

Drop these bags of silica gel into your wet boots, rope or kit bag, they absorb all the moisture then you dry them out on a radiator ready to use again.

It’s like stu ng your boots with newspaper but quicker, easier and reusable.

With KitDRY you can dry your boots/kit overnight.

Previously you could only hope they would be dry in two, three or even four days. KitDR fits any shoe, boot, glove or any other part of your kit.

KitDRY dries without electricity, there is no heat to damage your kit and it is ideal for boots with custom moulded foam liners.

www.stihl.co.uk

www.workware.co.uk

PPE

Husqvarna Technical Extreme jacket

latest kit Makita PPE Makita’s Starter Safety set contains protective forester trousers in line with DIN EN 381; protective helmet with visor; ear protection in line with DIN EN 397, and protective gloves for chainsaw use.

The Makita chainsaw trousers are available in five styles including bib and brace versions. All deliver safety protection to the European EN 381 Class 1 standard where a saw has the chain running at a maximum of 20m/s, the equivalent of 45mph. These trousers are made to meet Type A regulation, which provides protection to the front of the legs. www.makitauk.com

26 Pro Arb | March 2016

LK PPE.indd 26

This jacket has a modern design with slim fit and advanced stretch material for high comfort and ergonomics.

It has strong new reinforcement material on critical areas, ventilation zippers under the arms, and pre-bent arms for durability and comfort on long working days.

It features a hi vis orange body, re ective armbands and is equipped with two chest pockets.

www.husqvarna.com/uk

Krieger Forest chainsaw trousers Using a mix of bright orange and black Armortex and an abrasion resistant four way stretch base material, the Forest trouser gives the wearer great exibility.

The orange Armortex is factory treated with a durable water repellent coating.

The crotch area is constructed from the four way stretch material, the seams are reinforced for extra security whilst stretching and the y ip has been double cross stitched and clamped at the base.

A roomy tailored leg constructed with minimal seams ensures excellent air circulation, reducing the need for unnecessary wear and tear points.

For increased visibility, X25 stretchable patterned re ective stripes are applied to the lower leg region, matching the STEIN X25 Ventout EN471 t-shirts. www.frjonesandson.co.uk

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02/03/2016 14:53

IT WORKS OVER10,000 JOBSEEKERS VISIT OUR SITE A MONTH

48,000

OVER 350 cvs online to browse

OVER emails are sent to candidates monthly

cv

on average there are strong candidate applications per job

5

Weekly jobs mailer

Feature jobs inside relevant print magazine

Jobs featured on weekly news and round up emails

Different solutions to secure quality applicants

official job board:

visit website at horticulturecareers.co.uk VISIT THEthe WEBSITE AT HORTICULTURECAREERS.CO.UK CALL AMBER call lauraTODAY todayONon01903 01903777581 777580 HUB.indd 10 Horticulture Careers Full Page copy.indd 1

21/01/2016 11:42 09:51 22/10/2015

STUMP BEAVER Tree Stump Grinder Attachment

Let your mini-digger do the work! ● Low

Vibration, High productivity ● Low maintenance – no belts, no tyres, no engine ● Compact Size ● Quality Design ● Fully

Guarded with stand – no lifting ● Compatible with diggers up to 2.5t ● Supplied

E-mail sales@gekoengineering.co.uk for more information

01772 459 049

Designed and made in Britain

www.gekoengineering.co.uk Plantoil ad 118x91 Sept'14_PROARB 25/09/2014 14:44 Page 1

caring for the environment

• CHAINSAW OIL • 2-STROKE OIL • SAW BLADE OIL www.plantoil.co.uk 0800 013 7363 ADS.indd 94

03/03/2016 09:42

KIT

TS Industrie WS/18-35D chipper nn at e and e tremel r ust T dr en eed r llers r e eed mater al up t 0mm n d ameter ull al an sed hass s meets all demands n and r ad 3 hp u ta l nder d esel en ne h mne ad usta le th u h 0 6 0mm utt n d s t lades u and eas a ess t all ser e p nts

Sorbus International TH5000 Work Positioning Harness mpl es th 3 and ull ad usta le speed l a st and elt de atta hment p nt r p l ne epla ea le r d e a a la le r n m le l ps r ma mum m rt nat m a supp rt

www.psdgroundscare.com

3 00

www.sorbus-intl.co.uk

ARB KIT

A roundup of the latest products Ego CS1600E Chainsaw ndustr ďŹ rst 6 l th um n atter del ers p er petr l th ut the n se uss r umes perates at a ha n speed 3. m s ma n up t 00 uts ns t d perates at 6 300 rpm hl e ent rushless m t r es a sm th ut ell alan ed ma n t l ht and eas t man eu re rat n redu es stress n l m s utt n d n n mus le a he and the r s h te ďŹ n er www.egopowerplus.com

Geko Engineering Stump Beaver tta hes t d er ase use and l rat n mean l perat r at ue and h her pr du t t ull uard n es ma mum perat r and stander pr te t n mple des n re u res rtuall n ma ntenan e ust per d han n teeth uppl ed th stand r ease m unt n transp rtat n st ra e and t th han n mpa t s e 600 600 00mm ma es t eas t st re www.gekoengineering.co.uk

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Arb Kit.indd 29

Pro Arb | March 2016 29

03/03/2016 10:18

KIT

Norcar UK four wheeled and Four-track Miniloaders

Hyundai HYC2610 chainsaw

• Robust Finnish build quality including all steel panels • Intuitive controls for easy, safe operation • Unique four-tracked option, supplied with a set of four easily interchangeable wheels, making it even more versatile • Wide range of quickly and easily interchangeable attachments, generally compatible with other manufacturers’ attachments • All machines including the Four-track can be easily transported by trailer/four-wheel drive

• 26cc 2-stroke recoil start petrol engine • Designed for professional tree surgeons and trained operatives • Equipped with a top handle for precise cutting and increased control • Lightweight design reduces arm and back strain • Built with latest safety features including safety brake to protect against kickbacks

www.norcar.co.uk

www.genpower.co.uk

Linddana TP 175 PTO chipper • Tractor driven version of popular TP 175 MOBILE • Seven inch chipper equipped with innovative TP OPTICUT blade system • Produced in high strength steel • Lighter than comparable machines, meaning tractors from 40hp can manage a larger chipper • Ideal for windbreaks or landscaping maintenance www.linddana.com

Brilliant Little Planet hemp discs s s are made 00 natural ur pean hemp fi re • Protects roots against heat and frost • Fully biobased and biodegradable • Excellent for weed suppression • Retains moisture • Natural colour is inconspicuous • Hemp sequesters carbon • Comes in a range of thicknesses and sizes www.brilliantlittleplanet.co.uk

30 Pro Arb | March 2016

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03/03/2016 10:19

Secateurs, hedgeshears and the world’s finest pruning saws in superb, tempered Japanese steel KST 230

KST 217

Silky Fox Saws

KST 103

Foxley Estate Office, Mansel Lacy, Hereford HR4 7HQ

Hayauchi 490

Tel: 01981 590224 Fax: 01981 590355

Pocketboy 170

-

enquiries@silkyfox.co.uk

Visit silkyfox.co.uk to find your local stockist

Tel: 01621 892907 07836 285541

Call 0114 254 7099

www.woodchipper-pro.com

ROCK MACHINERY PRODUCTS TACKLE ANYTHING Rock Machinery proudly supply log splitters throughout the UK and Europe, Our flagship model the Venom 22ton is quickly becoming one of the most well known and respected log splitters in the industry boasting a 15 second cycle time with both horizontal and vertical splitting capabilities and is fitted with a Briggs and Stratton Vanguard Engine. For 2016 we are proud to introduce the all new Pro-Elite 35 ton log splitter, designed and built for professionals.

This new breed of machine is the perfect tool for professionals, with its built in indicators and brake lighting system, jockey wheel and indespension units road towing has never been easier.

£2,499 inc VAT

£1,499 inc VAT

ORDERS & ENQUIRIES

01555 820000

ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT

FREE DELIVERY E: sales@rockmachinery.co.uk W: www.rockmachinery.co.uk

ALL MATERIALS The New Prof 5 Shredder • • • • Makes easy work of branches, wet green waste and mixed leafage 4 Season shredder is effective in all conditions Smooth and easy suction feed system Produces easily compostable BioTech™ chips

Call: 08450 773 773

www.psdgroundscare.co.uk

PSD2700 - ELIET ProLandscaper Adverts 58x90.indd 1 ADS.indd 86

ALL YEAR 13/03/2013 12:38 03/03/2016 11:22

KIT

Gt Resibond • Easy to install porous resin bonded aggregate surface layer suitable for surrounds of trees within hard-landscaped areas • Can be used where conventional mulching with loose material is not practical due to constant displacement increasing maintenance time and costs • gt Resibond relies on the aggregate and the resin being agitated together in mixer and then spread over the prepared base with hand ats and tr els • Durable and hard wearing, virtually maintenance free and able to thstand pedestr an tra heel ha rs and prams www.green-tech.co.uk

DeepRoot Silva Cell 2 • Upgraded version of the original soil cell product • Creates space for roots and on-site stormwater management in the built environment • The new Silva Cell 2 is lighter, stronger and cheaper than the original • Used in hundreds of projects worldwide including Bomber Command Memorial (London), Midland Station (Derby) and Dortmund Square (Leeds) www.deeproot.com

Rabaud tracked chipper • Small tracked chipper with two forward and one reverse gear • Base can be swivelled through 180° to allow brash infeed from both sides • 360° discharge chute • Rabaud 5-in-1 rotor system allows operator to switch between mulching, chipping or a combination of both • 212 x 100mm infeed opening • Weighs 725kg • 18hp petrol engine www.homeforestry.co.uk

32 Pro Arb | March 2016

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03/03/2016 10:20

KIT

Wallenstein Bx Chippers • Ideal for tractors of 18-50hp • Fully user programmable • Monitors rotor RPM • Adjusts roller speed as needed • Ideal for lower powered tractors www.wallenstein.co.uk

Truncator 6PRO sawhorse • Heavy duty galvanised steel trestle holds two wooden beams • Six tipping cups made of recycled car batteries • Plastic cups will not blunt your saw • Trestle is fully height adjustable, making cutting logs easy www.truncator.co.uk

EASYLIFT from King Highways • EASYLIFT tracked booms give more outreach than any other product in their class • Low ground pressure for soft ground • Compact dimensions for easy door access • Working height of 12-46m www.king.uk.com

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Arb Kit.indd 33

Jo Beau Compact Wood Chipper • Designed for the professional tree surgeon • Large infeed hopper • Large pneumatic wheels • Hinged hopper • Reversible hardened blades • Folding infeed chute to give easy access for blade maintenance • Fully CE Compliant www.globalrecycling.eu www.jobeau.com

Pro Arb | March 2016 33

03/03/2016 10:26

CAREERS

For full details on all jobs, please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

Call 01903 777 570 or email hortcareers@eljays44.com with your vacancy

ARBORICULTURAL BUSINESS AND OPERATIONAL MANAGER

EXPERIENCED CLIMBERS AND GROUNDS STAFF

National provider of grounds maintenance services within public and commercial sectors seeks an experienced manager to develop and run their arboricultural business. The person appointed will be expected to drive the business forward by developing new and profitable contracts as well as developing a strong operational structure that can ensure the successful delivery of projects.

Candidates should have previous management experience within the grounds maintenance / landscaping sector, with particular emphasis on arboricultural work.

You should also have a good understanding of the procurement and tendering process as well as excellent operational and commercial management skills.

Advanced Tree Services [ATS] is a specialised tree surgery company and Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor operating throughout London and the home counties. As a result of company expansion and recent contract awards, it is looking to employ experienced climbers and grounds staff. Climbers must have the following: all relevant NPTC qualifications or equivalent, (minimum of CS30, 31, 38, 39); full driving licence and at least three years’ experience. ATS offers excellent training opportunities to further your career and gain promotion within the company. Successful applicants will be provided with full uniform and PPE. £15,600 – £30,000 dependent on qualifications, skills and experience.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

PROJECT MANAGER

SITE OPERATIVE

Our client has an exciting opportunity for utility arborist project managers in the Stevenage area working on the UKPN contract. It is offering a competitive salary, biannual bonuses, company pension, company stock options and other benefits. The project manager will work in liaison with the contract director to ensure overhead power line arboricultural work is completed within a geographical area using a team of operational staff.

The ideal candidate will have some of the following: NPTC Utility Arboriculture Units 1, 2.1, 5.1 and 5.2, a full driving licence, LANTRA Basic or Professional Tree Inspector's Qualification, three to five years’ experience in a similar role, understanding of working with electricity in accordance with health and safety precautions and experience of leading teams and/or coordinating the work of others.

You will be involved in all aspects of forestry/landscaping maintenance including grass seeding/cutting, weeding, pruning, turfing, planting, felling, spraying and fencing. You will carry out skilled maintenance to set standards and schedules. You will use petrol and diesel fuelled machinery such as strimmers, mowers, hedge cutters and chainsaws and carry out regular maintenance checks. You will work as a member of a team under your site supervisor/foreman. You will be expected to participate in all required training; communicate well; have a mature and responsible attitude to work and safety procedures and work outdoors in all weathers. You will work to Greenfields Countryside Ltd Business Management System (health and safety) and have a responsible attitude towards our clients CS30/31 would be an advantage.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

SURREY

HERTFORDSHIRE

DORKING

LEICESTERSHIRE

ARBORICULTURAL CONSULTANT

TREE SURGEON/TEAM LEADER

Bartlett Consulting is the consultancy arm of Bartlett Tree Experts and it is looking to recruit a full time arboricultural consultant to be based at its St Albans office, working in a team supporting its contracting offices based in the home counties, west country, Manchester, York and Dublin.

Job Requirements: previous experience in an arboricultural consultant role; national diploma, degree or equivalent professional qualification. Applicants must have good communication skills, the ability to think strategically, good IT skills and a full driving licence. Attractive salary and benefits package, including a company vehicle, pension and career development opportunities. Salary in the region of £25,000 – £30,000 depending on experience.

Tree surgeon/team leader required for small but expanding business.

This is an excellent opportunity to join an growing company. You should have relevant certificates and be able to manage a small team.

Based in the north London/Essex region. Salary in the region of £30k, depending on qualifications and experience.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

ST ALBANS

34 Pro Arb | March 2016

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NORTH LONDON/ESSEX

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03/03/2016 11:00

The

ANCIENT TREE

ANCIENT TREE COLUMN

column

Each month we feature an ancient British tree. This month the Ancient Tree Forum introduces us to...

The Cage Pollard at Burnham Beeches, Buck inghamshire The Cage Pollard is one of the 400-500-year-old beech trees that can be found in Burnham Beeches, an ancient wooded common owned and managed by the City of London. Cut in the past for wood fuel for local use, the trees were abandoned approximately 200 years ago, resulting in very heavy branches on fragile stems. Many of the estimated 3,000 original trees have been lost as they have fallen over or fallen apart so now only some 420 remain.

The Beeches has a long history of public access and in Victorian times there were many named trees featured on postcards and in guidebooks. These included the Twins, the Lion of the Plains, His Majesty and the Elephant Tree.

Due to the long association with famous artistic and musical people there was also Thomas Gray’s Tree, Mendelssohn’s Tree and the Jenny Lind Tree. Sadly

all of these have now disappeared.

In the late 19 0s restoration started on the ancient beech trees and the first stage involved clearing encroaching holly and birch. In the process some amazingly shaped trees were discovered, including one with a trunk that resembled a cage, with a series of struts around a hollow centre. Shortly after the clearance, filming began on Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. An area was sought to film a burial scene with Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman and the recent clearance around the

some of the cage-like struts have fallen apart. Wooden props were erected to stop it falling over in 2005 and these were replaced in 2015 by bespoke metal ones. The live parts of the tree are still growing well and put on good extension growth annually, so it is hoped it will survive for many more years.

The Ancient Tree Forum champions the biological, cultural and heritage value of Britain’s ancient and veteran trees and promotes best practice in their management at www.ancienttreeforum.co.uk.

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The film star tree has been a popular place for visitors to have their photographs taken

Pro Arb | March 2016 43

Photographs © Hel en Read

Cage Pollard was ideal, with the tree forming a fitting backdrop.

In subsequent years the film star tree has been a popular place for visitors to have their photographs taken and in 2002 it was named by the Tree Council as one of the 50 Great British Trees for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Too much love had consequences for the tree and a fence was erected around it to reduce compaction and disintegration. Despite several stages of restoration cutting, the tree has become increasingly unbalanced and

02/03/2016 13:40

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