Pro Landscaper Business Awards 2020

HEADLINE SPONSOR

FRIDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2020 EAST WINTERGARDEN CANARY WHARF LONDON E14 5NX

Pro Landscaper Business Awards

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register your interest for 2021 Contact Laura or visit the web site laura.harris@eljays44.com | 01903 777580 www.prolandscaperbusinessawards.com

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Welcome Good afternoon and welcome to the Pro Landscaper Business Awards, the only industry awards which focuses 100% on how well companies run their businesses. Profitability, corporate social responsibility, commitment to the landscaping sector, and client-supplier relationships are among areas these awards review, and are ultimately used to identify the shortlist and the overall winners.

As the world of UK landscaping continues to grow, develop and increase its overall importance to the UK economy and the health and wellbeing of us all, these awards have grown, and the entries certainly reflect the increasing importance of the sector.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the companies that have taken the time to enter, as well as congratulate all those who were shortlisted and the overall winners.

Not only is it important for any awards to have excellent entries, but also to have knowledgeable, impartial and committed judges. Fortunately, we do. Again, what makes these awards different is that our judging panel includes experts from within the landscape sector and also highly successful businesspeople in other industries.

We are also thankful to all our sponsors who understand our vision to highlight and promote the business side of the landscaping sector.

A special thanks goes to this year’s headline sponsor Marian Barker of Fresh Horticultural Careers.

We really hope that you enjoy the day and this spectacular venue, and we look forward to seeing you again next year.

Jim & Lisa

Lisa and Jim Wilkinson Directors, Eljays44

Eljays44 Ltd 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA Tel 01903 777 570 www.eljays44.com

With thanks to our headline sponsor

As well as our category sponsors...

Pro Landscaper Business Awards

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INDUSTRY COLLABORATION About

Partnerships are everywhere within our industry; this award is to highlight their greatest successes. The judges looked at how a partnership has helped a business – from raising awareness, saving money, delivering better services or enhancing its work.

The shortlist...

Fund4Trees Beautifully designed street furniture to enhance urban outdoor spaces and entice people to spend more time outside

Fund4Trees is a small registered charity that funds practitioner-led research to benefit the UK tree industry. To date, it has awarded more than £33k in research grants and bursaries.

It has organised numerous bike rides across the UK, planting trees en route and visiting schools to present workshops on the benefits of urban trees. Last year, it published its Five-Year Research Strategy which gathered professionals together to discuss key areas of research going forward. www.fund4trees.org.uk

George Davies Turf Ltd

As one of the country’s largest distributors of turf, George Davies Turf Ltd relies heavily on working in partnership with the turf farms that supply it. The family-run business takes in excess of one million rolls of turf each year from four of the biggest farms in the country, demanding high levels of communication as well as strong relationships. Through candid discussions and careful planning, it has obtained better service, better product quality and an ability to maximise its sales potential. www.georgedaviesturf.co.uk

highly commended Cityscapes

WWW.FURNITUBES.COM 020 8378 3200

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Collaboration is at the heart of everything Cityscapes does. The not-for-profit organisation’s founding principle was to bring all aspects of the industry together and to work on high profile projects in order to showcase talent in the industry. It regularly collaborates with the RHS to provide show installations and curated the Urban Garden Show with the charity. It also works with business improvement districts and with other reputable designers, as well as new designers, providing opportunities for them to showcase their skills in public projects. www.cityscapes.org.uk

Pro Landscaper Business Awards

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The winner...

SPONSORED BY

Davies White Ltd

Is there anyone in the horticultural industry who has not heard of the RHS Back to Nature Garden? It is perhaps one of the most prolific show gardens ever to be created for Chelsea, not least because it involved a member of the royal family. The garden was part of a wider project to create four nature inspired gardens; one at Chelsea, another at Hampton Court, and two permanent gardens.

Landscape architects AndrÊe Davies and Adam White were invited in 2017 to collaborate with the RHS and HRH the Duchess of Cambridge to design each of the gardens. This wasn’t the only collaborative part of the project, though. The gardens were created by four different BALI and APL contractors, 15 suppliers and 15 volunteers, and all of the materials from the gardens were reused.

The Chelsea show garden featured a host of natural play elements, with a treehouse as the centrepiece and areas of biodiversity.

For Hampton Court, the garden was three times the size, with new features added including magnifying posts, cloudgazing seats and a badger cave.

Thanks to the success of the show gardens, a week-long RHS Back to Nature Festival was held at RHS Garden Wisley which encouraged people to reconnect with nature. It also celebrated the opening of the permanent play garden, reusing some of the materials from the show gardens plus new interactive features such as trampolines, tunnels and bridges.

The second permanent garden was built at the NHS Trust, Devon as a green space for patients and hospital staff to enjoy. www.davieswhite.co.uk Pro Landscaper Business Awards

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EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR About

This year, we've slightly amended this category to focus on celebrating all aspects of being a well-respected employer; from the slick and professional recruitment processes, to exceptional training and development opportunities.

The shortlist...

Benchmark Grounds Maintenance Ltd

Communication is key at Benchmark Grounds Maintenance. The company, located in Warwickshire, ensures its staff are up-to-date and their successes recognised through aspects such as an annual business planning leaflet, quarterly staff newsletters and bi-annual operations meetings. An employee survey last year showed that 90% believe that communication channels give them a clear understanding of the company and its activities.

It’s this transparency and interaction which helped to gain them Investors in People Platinum standard, an accreditation achieved by less than 1% of companies worldwide.

It’s not just communication, though. In 2019, Benchmark set up a Wellness and Environmental Working Group to ensure a work-life balance, alongside existing initiatives such as being able to bring dogs into work, flexible working arrangements and a ‘lunchtime rambling club’ for walks around the local area. www.benchmark-gm.co.uk

Oak View Landscapes Ltd

Oak View Landscapes is continually working towards being the “employer of choice”. The Essex-based company regularly reviews its methods for motivating and rewarding staff, particularly through its Reward & Recognition strategy, which includes an extreme weather pay policy and its additional holiday incentive scheme.

The company also uses a training matrix to determine any skill gaps, which doesn't have a budget set to avoid limitations. Since 2013, it's also run an apprenticeship scheme.

The company helps at its local land-based school, Writtle University College, too, by providing guest lectures and offering work experience. www.oakviewlandscapes.co.uk

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The winner...

SPONSORED BY

Green-tech

As a family-run business, Green-tech strives to maintain a “family feel”. There is ongoing transparency where possible, with owners Richard and Rachel Kay encouraging an “open and honest approach”. Department activities and successes are shared regularly, and a new initiative called OKR (Objectives and Key Results) has been introduced, with a focus on improving communication. This is aided with Green-tech’s purpose-built offices being open plan.

With an open-door policy, staff are encouraged to make their own suggestions, too, and a quarterly staff satisfaction survey has recently been established. To keep its skill set current and motivation high, around £100k is spent each year on staff training, with an ongoing training schedule for every employee included in the Green-tech Talent Matrix.

Alongside financial rewards, Green-tech recognises its employees’ hard work with team building days and evenings out, as well as seasonal sweet treats and free lunches at the quarterly staff meetings. The latest addition of a games room to the office has (unsurprisingly) been well received too.

There are also plenty of opportunities for career progression and development; 95% of Green-tech’s managers and senior leadership team has risen through to the ranks of the company. The company also helps the next generation join the industry, taking on four apprentices since 2017, with three of them taking permanent positions within the company. www.green-tech.co.uk Pro Landscaper Business Awards

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GET AHEAD

SOFT LANDSCAPE SUPPLIER About

Considerations for this category included (but are not limited to): disease prevention, impact on the environment, sustainability, client relationships and retention and a proven track record of a well-run and striving business.

OF THE

LANDSCAPING MARKET JUNE 2O19

LET’S HEAR IT FROM

TONY WOODS

JULY 2O19

COMPANY PROFILE

DEFINED DESIGN

SHOW PREVIEW

FITTING IN

Soil consultants Tim O’Hare Associates

Streatham Hill, Kingston Landscape Group

RHS Chatsworth Flower Show 2019

Neil Parslow on choosing the right lighting

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AUGUST 2019

TUSCAN CHARM CAROL BRIDGES

LET’S HEAR IT FROM

BESIDE THE SEASIDE

PREVIEW SPECIAL

VIRTUAL VISION

Dave Twist, Elite Landscapes

James Jones-McFarland, Arun District Council

RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival

Luke Mills on virtual reality in garden design

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20/06/2019 18:12

PLAYING IN NATURE

KEW GARDENS & GROUND CONTROL

OCTOBER 2O19

DREAMSCAPE GARDEN

LET’S HEAR IT FROM

FUTURE PROJECTS

PLANT PROTECTION

MINDING THE GAP

Tony Richards, Graduate Landscapes

Resilient South City, San Francisco

Nick Coslett on taking biosecurity measures

Exploring landscape construction courses

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MCWILLIAM STUDIO

LET’S HEAR IT FROM

REGENERATING BELVOIR

A PLACE TO MEET

TOXIC THREAT

Jane Findlay, Landscape Institute

The recent restoration at Belvoir Castle

APL members discuss making history at Chelsea

The growing danger of oak processionary moth

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25/07/2019 16:04

22/08/2019 14:09

NOVEMBER 2O19

TRIANGULAR TRANSFORMATION

A MODERN ANGLE DAVID KEEGAN GARDEN DESIGN

JILAYNE RICKARDS

FEBRUARY 2O20

COMPANY PROFILE

A FRESH START

ROYAL RESTORATION

ONLINE PRESENCE

Julian Ransom, 4th Corner Landscaping

Andrew Wilson on switching up show gardens

The redevelopment of Greenwich Park, London

Making the most of social media

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JANUARY 2O20

SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED

LET’S HEAR IT FROM

CLIMATE CRISIS

WINTER IS COMING

small project BIG IMPACT Awards

Paul Bean, Nurture Landscapes

Nick Coslett explores the industry’s dilemmas

Staying safe in the colder months

NT KILLINGLEY

WATERSIDE CAMPUS SHORTLIST REVEALED

LET’S HEAR IT FROM

FEATURE GARDEN

SOILS ON SITE

Pro Landscaper Business Awards 2020

Jon King, East Midlands Landscaping

Denmans Garden, a site with centuries of history

Tim O’Hare guides on soil preservation

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REIMAGINING THE RUINS

NYMANS

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

VIEW FROM THE TOP

100 TH ISSUE SPECIAL

CITY SERENITY

Sue Biggs on past and future industry changes

Celebrating an exciting milestone

Rosemary Coldstream’s award-winning garden

FUTURESCAPE 2019

LET’S HEAR IT FROM

NEW HEIGHTS

SUSTAINABILITY

Coverage from this year’s industry-leading event

Charlotte Rowe, Charlotte Rowe Garden Design

Conserving the landscape of Ben Nevis

Tackling climate change concerns

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www.prolandscapermagazine.com 8

Over the past 19 years, George Davies Turf has gone from selling 18,000 rolls a year to a record 1.4 million. Despite impressive growth, the company is keen not to let the quality of its customer service split. Its five-year aim is to supply 1.5 million rolls annually and to focus on its core products – turf and topsoil. Subsequently, it is looking to become more proactive with marketing, invest more into a CRM system, improve logistics, and maintain the high standards of customer service it sets itself. www.georgedaviesturf.co.uk

Rolawn Ltd

DECEMBER 2O19

Mark Gregory, Landform Consultants

Boughton Loam Ltd has been supplying the amenity, landscape and construction industry since 1985. It is owned by The Bennie Group, a family-run business in its third generation of family management.

Boughton operates from a purpose-built production facility in Kettering, producing loam and topsoil. The company supplies and produces high quality soils, composts, decorative aggregates, sands, peat, bark mulch and landscape growing media. www.boughton.co.uk

24/10/2019 16:25

21/01/2020 16:15

LET’S HEAR IT FROM

Boughton Loam Ltd

George Davies Turf Ltd

23/05/2019 08:57

SEPTEMBER 2O19

The shortlist...

Family-run business Rolawn Ltd has two hugely popular brands – Rolawn and Hallstone. It is an affiliate member of BALI as well as an education programme member of the association’s GoLandscape initiative. In 2017, it moved to a 21-acre site with a new head office that provides the company with space to expand. This winter, it installed solar panels, signed a new contract to increase haulage capacity, and planning permission has been granted to double the existing warehouse capacity. www.rolawn.co.uk

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The winner...

SPONSORED BY

Provender Nurseries Ltd

Serving 7,000 customers from its 16-acre site in Kent, Provender Nurseries has built a reputation for customer engagement. The nursery was born out of a desire to provide excellent customer service and quality stock, and some might argue the plethora of positive customer reviews means it’s achieving this.

Customer feedback is actually taken on board, too. Before altering parts of the site in 2017, Provender Nurseries sent a questionnaire to its regular customers, asking how their shopping experience could be improved and inviting those who responded to a guided tour of the nursery once the changes had been implemented.

Its attitude towards customers is carried right on through to its staff. When recruiting, for instance, Provender Nurseries feels it’s better to hire people with a strong positive attitude despite little or no horticultural knowledge then train them in the Provender ways. The nursery also values the importance of giving staff the opportunity to visit suppliers; it even works with a Danish nursery offering staff exchanges, and two staff have so far taken the opportunity to spend a week in Denmark.

Provender Nurseries also works closely with horticultural colleges. It sponsors a garden at Capel Manor College which is used as a training resource and it holds a garden design competition with the college each year. It is now establishing closer links with Hadlow College too, supplying plants, pots and compost for students to use.

Last year, it reviewed and reset its three-year business plan. It is looking to increase sales at its existing site, with expansions already in the pipeline, and is identifying opportunities to open a new location. www.provendernurseries.co.uk

Pro Landscaper Business Awards

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SUPPLIER AND SERVICE PROVIDER About

Quality offering, strong relationships and staff retention are some of the points the panel of judges looked for in this category.

We sought a company that offers the best value for money and has earned an impeccable reputation within the industry.

The shortlist...

AVANT Tecno UK Ltd

JOIN US AT OUR NEW HOME ExCeL 17 - 18 NOVEMBER 2020

AVANT values its staff, supporting their development as part of its overall strategic plan and training and development policy.

It plans to move to new purpose-built premises by the end of 2021. www.avanttecno.com/uk

London Lawn Turf Company Ltd London Lawn Turf Company started with a team of two; it now has more than 40 members of staff, and training and development has grown alongside the numbers. www.londonlawnturf.co.uk

Tim O’Hare Associates

Tim O'Hare Associates says investing in employee's development is essential to its success. It also wants to improve training across the entire industry, personified by its annual event: SoilsCon. www.toha.co.uk

Platipus Tree Anchor Systems

Platipus Anchors has grown into a global business with its heart firmly fixed in the landscaping community.

It continues to innovate, develop its staff, and give its customers the very best experience it can offer. www.platipus-anchors.com

highly commended

www.futurescapeevent.com

LET’S GROW TOGETHER 10

Trex by Arbor Forest Products With staff numbers continuing to grow, and impressive loyalty from staff in terms of length of service, Trex put all its employees through the Business Improvement Training NVQ to ensure all could identify key improvements and deliver efficiency. uk.trex.com

Pro Landscaper Business Awards

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The winner...

SPONSORED BY

Talasey Group

Celebrating its 15th anniversary last year, Talasey Group has become not only a quality supplier in the industry, but an educator too. It set up its Talasey Training Academy in 2018 to help provide more knowledge-based and hands-on learning to installers, launching with six City & Guilds accredited courses – including one on the installation of porcelain paving materials for domestic applications. The academy exceeded expectations in its first full year, with 288 people attending courses. The WorldSkills UK landscape and gardening team trained there before the 2019 event final, and Talasey are continuing to support the 2020/2021 squad.

Offering training is not the only way Talasey Group helps end users. The Landscaping Professionals scheme has more than 400 members who receive a number of benefits, including ten-year product guarantees. Talasey Group also helps to gain leads for members by showcasing them through a ‘find an installer’ button available online, and members are encouraged to enter the annual Landscaping Professionals Awards.

Talasey Group supplies through merchants, and its relationship with these merchants is built through various sales retention and brand loyalty strategies such as marketing, joint site visits with them to see the landscapers, and displays, such as sample boxes, product kits and training.

The Doncaster-based company is also firmly committed to training staff, spending around 5% of its turnover on upskilling the team. It’s also mandatory for all new starters to go through a four-week induction and product training programme; existing staff receive refresher courses once a year. With a plethora of new launches, this is vital – 2019 welcomed a wealth of new products, including the addition of 12 new lines to its popular Italian porcelain paving range, Vitripiazza. This year has already seen the launch of a new product brand, Piranha composite decking, plus more new additions to the existing six product brands (Natural Paving, Vitrpiazza, Pavetuf, Baksteen, Resiscpae and Luxigraze). www.talasey.co.uk

Pro Landscaper Business Awards

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(36V) TWIN 18V

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ARBORICULTURE COMPANY UNDER £1M TURNOVER About

We've slightly altered the arboriculture categories this year to enable more companies to be highlighted. Entrants for this award will have an annual turnover of less than £1m and can demonstrate examples of good practice within the industry.

The shortlist...

Arbor Cultural

Unbeatable charge times on 18V Li-ion 22

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36

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45

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Continually embracing new technology, Arbor Cultural’s managing director, Tom Thompson, wants to ensure the rest of the sector does the same. He set up Digital Arboriculture – a group which looks at opportunities that BIM and other digital practices and software offer the industry.

As chairman of the Consulting Arborist Society, Tom has striven to ensure all members meet the highest standards.

Although he’ll be stepping down from the role this year, he will continue to serve as director of mentoring to push professional development. Tom himself completed several training courses in the last year, including the VALID tree inspection course and the updated CAVAT courses.

He is now looking to become a chartered environmentalist and a registered member of the Arboriculture Association.

With such high standards for himself, Tom ensures all subcontractors and temporary staff who work for Arbor Cultural are suitably qualified, with up-to-date training.

Despite malware infecting the company’s website last year – impacting its SEO and leading to the site’s removal from Google Ads – the business thrived thanks to repeat business from existing clients. There are plans for Arbor Cultural to move into ecology and landscape architecture, two sectors Tom sees as “very complementary” to arboriculture.

The company is looking to employ more surveyors and consultants so Tom can have more time to get further involved in various organisations, promoting the value of trees. www.arbor-cultural.co.uk

55

minute charge

www.makitauk.com

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The winner...

SPONSORED BY

David Archer Associates

The team might be small at David Archer Associates, but it is growing and the investment which goes into it is far from insignificant. A core part of the company’s ethos is to encourage staff to take advantage of industry courses and seminars; accordingly, it regularly invests around 6.5% of its turnover on training and CPD events, driven by the need for personal professional development and demand.

With no central office, staff work remotely, which means no commuting and less pollution. This also allows great flexibility in terms of childcare, for example, staff are encouraged to attend their children’s school events and be able to deal with unexpected sickness at their school. At David Archer Associates, “family comes first”, thus ensuring everyone feels an integral part of a team; this is reinforced by two annual whole team meetings where everyone gets together at places of interest for CPD and socialising.

Since it was founded in 2011, David Archer Associates has retained all its major clients, by delivering above and beyond client expectations. Technology has become a vital part of the company’s working practices, by working with a local software developer, it has produced a bespoke system for carrying out BS5837 surveys and, through a modified form, tree hazard assessments. The company also uses its own UAV for individual tree inspections.

David Archer Associates is now looking to provide a suite of additional services, such as flood risk assessments, and expand its ecology team to broaden the range of environmental specialisms it can offer. The team is also looking to recruit a landscape architect.

These measures are to help meet an increasing client demand for a single point of contact for environmental consultancy services. www.davidarcherassociates.co.uk Pro Landscaper Business Awards

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ARBORICULTURE COMPANY OVER £1M TURNOVER About

Entrants to this category should have an annual turnover of over £1m and be able to demonstrate examples of commitment to the industry, staff retention and morale, and constant good business practices.

The shortlist...

Advanced Tree Services

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Formed in 1997, Advanced Tree Services has grown to be one of the largest arboricultural contractors in the South East, concentrating on local authority term contracts. The majority of its private work comes from repeat custom and personal recommendations. Its main focus over the next six months is a refurbishment of its yard at Ripley and planning for the future. www.atstrees.co.uk

Artemis Tree Services Ltd

Artemis Tree Services delivers services based on quality, professionalism and value for money to domestic and commercial clients. Its staff retention is 96% for 2019, with development and training being key focuses – coaching its apprentices through Capel Manor's arborist apprenticeship scheme. www.artemistreeservices.com

Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd The successes of Beechwood Trees and Landscapes have been many over the years. It covers the whole of the Midlands and UK, and was recently awarded a 10-year tree maintenance contract with Coventry City Council its home authority, and has now begun clearance works for HS2. www.beechwoodtrees.co.uk

Ground Control Ltd

*TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY.

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The company has plans to grow its arboriculture and construction divisions with new works for key clientele, like National Rail, Highways England and National Grid. Ground Control worked with the Arboriculture Association too, to develop and facilitate the Utility Approved Contractor Accreditation. www.ground-control.co.uk

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The winner...

SPONSORED BY

CGM Group

Arboriculture is one of a suite of services CGM Group has added to its offering since it was founded 35 years ago. Throughout the past three decades, the company has become recognised for its exceptional approach to training, in particular its apprenticeship scheme, which sees it offering at least five apprenticeships each year.

It also runs a number of reward schemes to encourage and motivate staff to perform at their best, as well as supporting internal events such as staff golf days and barbecues to show their efforts are appreciated.

Staff are also encouraged to help their local community, with two paid days each year to carry out volunteer work. CGM Group says it encourages “a culture of social responsibility across our workforce, by promoting charity events and supporting staff who organise or take part in charity events.� The company holds gardening workshops for residents local to its housing association contracts, too, and often arranges gardening competitions for the community.

CGM Group is now in the process of finalising a new five-year business and marketing plan, looking to increase its turnover, partly through its arboriculture division. It has identified sectors to target, such as forestry services, highways and railways. To support its growth plans, it has created a development department which will look after its marketing activity, be responsible for the business development functions, and will oversee continual improvement in its bid management process. www.cgmltd.co.uk

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LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT COMPANY UNDER 10 STAFF About

This year, we have decided to split the architect category into two, based on the number of staff. This category is for the architect practice with under 10 employees that can demonstrate a continued invaluable and positive workforce.

The shortlist...

BBUK Studio

London based BBUK Studio endeavours to bring people into the landscape industry, taking on interns, entrylevel graduates and those looking for work experience when possible. For its team of 10, there is a full programme of CPD activities each week, and staff are encouraged to attend relevant lectures and events paid for by the practice.

The team also takes part in charitable events. When funding was tight after it won a competition to design gardens for Alder Hey Children’s bereavement centre, BBUK took part in a sponsored cycle ride from London to Liverpool to raise money.

The business will grow over the next year to accommodate the workload, as well as developing its plant knowledge to create more biodiverse and unusual planting schemes. www.bbukstudio.com

Jon Sheaff & Associates

For Jon Sheaff & Associates, it’s important to discuss training opportunities and requirements. Staff regularly attend CPD courses, events and conferences to broaden their knowledge and participate in industry discussions. The team has also worked on a number of Open Space Strategies and Corporate National Capital Accounting, which could have a large impact on how the value of green space is perceived going forward.

Situated in London, Jon Sheaff & Associates is looking to volunteer more in the community.

It is currently talking to a local not-for-profit social business that promotes health and wellbeing by providing professional advice in horticultural workshops.

The practice is looking now to rebrand, developing strong core values and goals, and diversifying its portfolio of work. www.jonsheaff.co.uk

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The winner...

SPONSORED BY

Studio 31 Landscape Architects

Studio 31 has a slightly different approach to training and development, starting with its recruitment which is somewhat unconventional. The practice recruits from both within and outside the sector, to encourage more people into the industry. For instance, its latest recruit has a management background, with skills in photography and videography.

To put him on the path towards becoming a qualified landscape architect, Studio 31 is employing an apprenticeship style programme to fill in the skills gaps.

Continuing to go against the grain, the Essex-based practice focuses on creating a relaxed working environment rather than implementing formal reward schemes, saying it wants “a culture rather than a once a year reward”. This includes offering benefits such as flexible working and office activities such as walking meetings and a staff allotment.

Sustainability is high up on its agenda, too. The practice is largely paperless, though ensures any necessary marketing is printed on sustainable materials by carbon neutral companies using vegetable-based inks. The team also aims to specify the most local and environmentally friendly materials for projects.

One of the practice’s key drivers is its commitment to the industry, and ensures it stays up to date with developments, training and attending events. It also hosts work experience students, with one of its main aims going forward being to encourage a younger audience into landscape architecture. It is also focused on growing its sustainability and health strategies – it takes on one pro bono project at any one time, currently working on a holistic health care centre for people with life limiting illnesses.

After only three years, Studio 31 has already had a big impact on the industry, with big ambitions for the future. www.designstudio31.co.uk Pro Landscaper Business Awards

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LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT COMPANY OVER 10 STAFF About

This category is for the architect practice with over 10 employees that can demonstrate continued good business practices, strong industry relationships and an invaluable and positive workforce.

Premier

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Valuable horticultural properties Optimum nutrient levels Fully analysed Compliant to BS3882:2015

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The terra firma Consultancy Ltd on winning Landscape Architect Company Under 10 Staff in the Pro Landscaper Business Awards

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The shortlist...

FPCR Environment and Design Ltd

As health and wellbeing become growing focuses for many companies across the UK, FPCR is going above and beyond to ensure its staff are looked after. There are a number of in-house schemes for employees, such as free weekly pilates classes and walking or running groups around the Derbyshire countryside, where the firm is situated.

Each member of staff is enrolled onto the Health Shield scheme, which provides health insurance, and has access to MyWellness, an online tool which allows users to monitor their health and wellbeing.

FPCR is also focused on the career development of its staff. In 2019, 4.12% of its turnover was spent on training and development, and five staff attended part-time university courses over the past year, sponsored by the practice. It encourages its staff to take advantage of CPD programmes and pays for staff to be members of professional bodies – this is no mean feat, with more than 100 contracted employees.

Some staff members also joined the Landscape Institute’s diversity working group, to help promote it in the workplace and the wider profession. As part of the many fundraising activities it undertakes, FPCR also set up its own LGBT Network to fundraise for local LGBT charities.

Thinking ahead, the practice is focusing on technology, investing more than £100k in the development of new apps for collecting site survey data. Recognising the importance of this going forward gives FPCR the staying power in a competitive industry. www.fpcr.co.uk

Pro Landscaper Business Awards

landscape archichect over 10 staff.indd 18

28/01/2020 16:18

The winner...

SPONSORED BY

The terra firma Consultancy Ltd

Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, terra firma has a lot to be proud of. The practice has become well-known and reputable, and – together with its overseas offices in Dubai and Lithuania – has worked across six continents in more than 30 countries.

Resisting buyouts from larger firms and the temptation to expand, terra firm is “proud of its ‘family’ and nurturing atmosphere”. It has held Investors in People status since 2004, continually investing in its staff and aiding their development. Using a training matrix, terra firma records the skills of each member of staff, regularly reviewing this to see where additional training might be wanted or required.

There is also a lunchtime CPD programme, with both internal and external speakers. Employees are granted two days for a CPD of their choosing each year, providing they share their gained knowledge with the wider team, and new graduates are encouraged to pursue chartership, with senior staff volunteering as mentors.

Locally, terra firma works for the South Downs National Park on a retained basis, assisting the landscape officer, and the team also gives talks to local schools. For the Landscape Institute, employees are involved in the Environmental Standards Working Group, the diversity committee, and helping to write the new LI competency framework, amongst other areas.

Last year, terra firma appointed a technical manager, who has one day per week dedicated to research and development. This has allowed the practice to focus on continually improving in aspects such as virtual reality, drones and real time survey data.

There’s no doubt terra firma is a practice focused on the future, but always with the welfare of its staff in mind. www.terrafirmaconsultancy.com Pro Landscaper Business Awards

landscape archichect over 10 staff.indd 19

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28/01/2020 16:19

DESIGN AND BUILD COMPANY UNDER £2M TURNOVER

Britain’s finest

About

After a vast variety of entries last year, we decided to split this category into two, based on company turnover. We looked for the company that provides a top-quality service, plus a little something else that makes them stand out from the crowd.

The shortlist...

Cube 1994 Ltd

Known for its bespoke features, Cube 1994 has built a number of award-winning gardens, including for charitable and environmental causes; for instance, the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2015, which scooped the People’s Choice Award in the Fresh Garden category.

Health and wellbeing are important focuses for Cube 1994.

It offers employees training in mental health support, stop smoking support, and guidance on diet and exercise. The company invests a considerable amount in its staff, particularly in training.

Its own Cube Mastery Academy offers tailored training programmes, promoting continual learning, health and safety, and project progress. www.cube1994.com

Turf Topsoil Bark

Vandenberg-Hider Landscape Design & Construction

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www.rolawn.co.uk

20

Vandenberg-Hider Landscape Design & Construction might be small but its attention to training, health and safety, and industry commitment matches that of a much larger company. Based on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, the design & build company started when co-owner Johan van den Berg-Hider went self-employed 26 years ago – there is now a team of eight working out of a local unit and office.

A thorough induction process is given for new starters, through which staff learn about the business and undergo training. Each team member is trained in first aid, and they renew their knowledge annually as a group. Johan’s wife, Dawn, is also about to complete a Mental Health First Aid course, putting the health and wellbeing of staff at the forefront of the company. www.vandenberg-hider.co.uk

Pro Landscaper Business Awards

Rolawn Advert-Generic-92x270.indd 1 design and build under £2m.indd 20

16/01/2020 16:57 28/01/2020 15:58

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The winner...

SPONSORED BY

The Garden Company Ltd

The Garden Company, based in Hertfordshire, prides itself on its ways of working. Through its company handbook and two separate standard operating procedure documents – one for the landscape teams, another for the maintenance teams – it ensures these are recognised, and its commitment to training and development is underpinned by them.

A skills matrix identifies gaps where training may be required, and ‘toolbox talks’ onsite ensure everyone is updated regularly on vital points, such as equipment and materials. Regular plant ident sessions are held as well as first aid courses, and a full apprenticeship programme is in operation. The company also offers paid work placements every summer.

The Garden Company also ensures it conducts its business fairly, ethically and sustainably, such as through exceeding the Living Wage, signposting employees with personal difficulties to the appropriate support, and offering tickets to RHS flower shows, SGD conferences, and other industry events.

To give back to the sector, managing director James Scott served on the SGD council until 2016, being instrumental in establishing the association’s registered practice membership and organising its annual awards. He is also a designer member of BALI and is volunteering at Bedford Girls School to plan a sensory garden.

With an immediate goal to grow revenue, The Garden Company is working with Hertfordshire Growth Hub to clarify its business goals and growth plans for the next five years. After 25 years of success, there’s little doubt that the business can achieve its goals and continue to set the standard. www.thegardenco.co.uk

Pro Landscaper Business Awards

design and build under £2m.indd 21

21

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28/01/2020 15:23

DESIGN AND BUILD COMPANY OVER £2M TURNOVER About

In this incredibly competitive market, we looked for the company that provides a top-quality service, plus a little something else that makes them stand out from the crowd.

They didn’t have to be the biggest to impress our judges, they just had to show how they run their business to the highest standard. We sought examples of commitment to the industry, staff development opportunities and client testimonials.

RHS Hampton Court Flower Show 2018 The Health and Wellbeing Garden Designer: Alexandra Noble Contractor: Burnham Landscaping Products: Porphyry Setts & Polished Pebbles

+44 (0)1708 867 237 enquiries@cedstone.co.uk

@CEDStoneGroup

www.cedstone.co.uk

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Pro Landscaper Business Awards

2020HalfPageAdvert.indd 1 design and build company over £2m.indd 24

21/01/2020 13:57:54 28/01/2020 15:56

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The winner...

SPONSORED BY

Ground Control

Putting people at the heart of everything it does, Ground Control has become an exemplar employer. It says that the development of staff is one its biggest passions – so much so that it set up its own University of Ground Control, which offers a variety of courses. Ground Control is also assisting the government in developing the Trailblazer Apprenticeship scheme for Horticulture and Landscaping, with around 50 apprentices enrolled within the company. It’s no wonder, then, that the company has been awarded Investors in People accreditation.

As part of its award-winning project at Kew, the Children’s Garden, the design and build team worked with Writtle University College to deliver presentations and offer students the opportunity to visit a live construction site, experiencing the challenges which come with such a scheme.

Ground Control also champions five pillars of social responsibility: health and safety, environment, employees, customers and community. Staff wellbeing is key focuses, too, with employees being able to take paid charity days, and any fundraising efforts are matched by the company up to £500. It’s not just staff which benefit from Ground Control’s proactive approach, either. The business boasts a 92% client retention rate and its supply chain partners are invited to its winter conference and awarded financial rewards for their outstanding service to Ground Control’s customers.

Design and build will be a growing focus for Ground Control going forward. It is focused on expanding the team and provisions to become the market leader in high profile design and build projects, using the Children’s Garden as a platform for this. www.ground-control.co.uk Pro Landscaper Business Awards

design and build company over £2m.indd 25

25

28/01/2020 15:57

GARDEN DESIGN PRACTICE About

This category is open to any garden design practice regardless of the value or size of projects they undertake. The judges did not base their scores on a specific design but on the business itself. They wanted to see a proven track record of a well-run company that continues to excel and stand out in a saturated market.

The shortlist...

Karen McClure Garden Design

Despite being a small team of four, Karen McClure Garden Design has big company values when it comes to looking after its staff. At the beginning of the year, the team held a ‘planning week’, during which it identified training opportunities going forward. It has previously offered Vectorworks training and CPD days, too, and currently has its second work placement student from Hadlow College at the practice.

To ensure the best practice is followed, the business has a Natwest Mentor, an expert partner in employment law and HR, health and safety, and environmental management. It also uses project management system Wrike, allowing transparency across the company as to what stage each project is at.

As members of the SGD and the APL, the team attends cluster groups for both, as well as SGD workshops. Karen even attended a year-long SGD mentoring programme with John Wyer to develop her skills.

Social media has become an important tool for networking and promoting the business, and it monitors website traffic through the use of Google Analytics, identifying areas of success and areas which need improvement. The practice has invested in the services of an IT company to manage files and systems and to ensure client data is protected.

For continuing success, Karen has been using a business coach for the last year to reach the company’s goals. One of these for 2020 is to increase its profitability by better valuing its worth, making sure it’s charging enough for the quality work the team is producing. www.karenmcclure.co.uk

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Pro Landscaper Business Awards

Award half Feb 20 GL with bleeds.indd 1 garden design practice.indd 26

26/01/2020 12:35:19 28/01/2020 16:00

The winner...

SPONSORED BY

Cube 1994 Ltd

Cube 1994 has a clear vision – to be ‘the landscape company of choice’. Founded, unsurprisingly, in 1994, the Essex-based company has been involved in numerous residential and commercial projects both locally and further afield. Everything it does it with its core values in mind – communication, attention to detail, teamwork, innovation and eco-friendly practice.

Its ‘Mastery Academy’ provides training at all levels of the business, with recent guidance on irrigation, outdoor kitchen design and Vectorworks. Cube 1994 spends 4.5% of its turnover on training and sharing good practice. New staff go through an ‘onboarding programme’ and are provided with detailed job descriptions and a clear structure for pay and progression. Thanks to its focus on staff development, the company was awarded Gold Investors in People accreditation at the end of last year.

To help the local community, Cube 1994 donates to schools, business and charities. It also works with RHS Garden Hyde Hall on its Green Plan It challenge. For the second year-running, managing director Sean Butler will mentor students over a 10-week period to research, design and build a green space for their local school or community.

Sean has also sat as vice chairman and regional coordinator for the SGD, forming a strong relationship with the trade association.

The designers at Cube 1994 regularly attend the local cluster meetings, too.

Now in its second year of a three-year strategic plan, Cube 1994 is working towards certain goals, such as growing the design and landscape business by 5% each year and increasing its client base by 20%. www.cube1994.com Pro Landscaper Business Awards

garden design practice.indd 27

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28/01/2020 16:01

GARDEN DESIGNER About

Created to celebrate the 'one-man band', this category is an opportunity to prove you don't need a big team to achieve great things. Those running businesses single-handedly were encouraged to enter and get the recognition they deserve.

Congratulations TO ALL THE WINNERS OF THE PROLANDSCAPER BUSINESS AWARDS 2020

The shortlist...

Laura Anstiss

Laura Anstiss Garden Landscape Design Ltd Laura Anstiss Garden Landscape Design runs mainly large country projects, working with architects, developers, builders and landscapers. The company is now expecting exciting changes, including taking part in a special project that hasn’t yet been done in the UK before. www.anstissgardens.co.uk

Lucy Bravington Lucy Bravington Design

Focusing on domestic projects, Lucy Bravington has been designing as a sole trader since 2009.

Her first garden at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2019 scooped a platinum medal, and she also won Best of Customer Service from Houzz last year. Lucy plans to become a full SGD member, and will launch her own industry podcast. www.lucybravington.com

Peter Reader

Peter Reader Landscapes Former GP Peter Reader set up his garden design practice eight years ago, and gained a diploma in garden design at the KLC School of Design, passing with distinction. He keeps his skills and knowledge current through CPD and through his SGD membership. He also co-chairs his local cluster group. www.readerlandscapes.com

Porcelain Toscana Almond

highly commended

Jane Bingham The Cheshire Garden

0845 60 60 240 sales@globalstonepaving.co.uk www.globalstonepaving.co.uk 28

Jane Bingham set up The Cheshire Garden in 2015, and has since designed 30 gardens, specialising in creating spaces for clients who want to make a statement and reflect their own personal style. Within the next two years, Jane plans to convert to a limited company, increase profit, streamline front and back office processes, and use freelancers to assist with the growing workload. www.thecheshiregarden.co.uk

Pro Landscaper Business Awards

garden designer.indd 28

28/01/2020 16:02

The winner...

SPONSORED BY

Martha Krempel Martha Krempel Garden Design Ltd

For the last six years, Martha Krempel has built her reputation as a talented garden designer.

Last year, she had 10 domestic projects onsite, maintaining strong communication throughout each one and always working alongside the team at the planting stage.

Martha boasts a degree in fine art and sculpture, as well as a garden design diploma from the London College of Garden Design.

She has undergone business mentoring from John Wyer of Bowles & Wyer and constantly develops her skills through CPD courses.

As well as running her practice, Martha is a partner of Perennial, supporter of the Veterans Growth Charity and has invested in Roots and All, a horticultural podcast promoting the creation of green spaces indoors and out. She will also be helping to put together the Perennial Calendar for 2021.

Recently, Martha has teamed up with Butterworth Horticulture, which now works with her on the maintenance arm of her business, MK Garden Management. She has also started a Road Trees project, working with her local council to get funding for more street trees in the local area.

Martha is now looking to work further with children, helping them learn to grow food and cook it healthily. As well as this, she is developing a furniture and product range for indoor and outdoor use, working with one of her timber contractors, and is looking to grow the business by employing assistant designers. www.marthakrempelgardendesign.com Pro Landscaper Business Awards

garden designer.indd 29

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28/01/2020 16:09

LANDSCAPE COMPANY UNDER £2M TURNOVER About

GET ON BOARD WITH PIRANHA FUZION

HUNTER

This category looks to champion the 'smaller' landscape companies. Instead of considering the size of a company, this examines elements like commitment to the industry, relationships with suppliers and the training and development of staff.

The shortlist...

CGM Group

Based in Norfolk, CGM Group is a commercial landscaping company which has been operating for more than 30 years and has grown to employ 200 members of staff. It started by providing grounds maintenance locally, but now also offers arboriculture, hard and soft landscaping, facilities management and environmental services across the East of England. It puts its success down to its staff, which are each given the opportunity to develop their skills within the company. CGM Group’s focus is on creating a culture where everyone’s input is valued and the importance of working as a team and supporting each other is recognised, something which is echoed in its brand vision and values. www.cgmltd.co.uk

The Real Green Gardener Ltd

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Established eight years ago, Dorset-based The Real Green Gardener Ltd is a small company offering garden design, build and maintenance. Its work ranges from small residential to large commercial projects, and the team has grown to the point where departments are split separate businesses under the same group – maintenance and landscaping.

The company seeks out sustainable projects in which to get involved, as well as ways to promote the industry and sustainable practices.

As a member of Sustainable Dorset, it keeps up to date with local initiatives, and it sponsored a Kingston Maurward College garden at last year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show to showcase horticultural talent in Dorset. www.therealgreengardener.co.uk

Pro Landscaper Business Awards

Talasey_Piranha_Advert.indd 4 landscape company under £2m.indd 30

22/01/2020 09:16 28/01/2020 16:37

The winner...

SPONSORED BY

Cube 1994 Ltd

Cube 1994 prides itself on developing long-term relationships with clients, with many asking offering additional work to the company. It maintains these relationships by offering aftercare and maintenance advice once the projects are complete to help clients develop their gardens further through the seasons.

Its commitment continues to its staff. Boasting Gold Investors in People accreditation, Cube 1994 values and rewards its staff through team breakfasts, social gatherings and quarterly rewards. Using client feedback to identify winners, individuals who go the extra mile are rewarded with, for example, sporting tickets, experiences and practical landscaping tools. Long term employees benefit from loyalty packages as well as their birthday off.

As with most modern businesses, technology plays an important role at Cube 1994 to improve efficiency and improve interaction. All landscape foremen, for instance, have iPads to create, edit and share project information, and all foremen, designers and management have been provided with iPhones to aid communication. Staff are able to research and recommend innovative solutions, too.

Part of the company’s goal going forward is to grow the company by 50% through increasing the number of teams operating in a structured way, ensuring team members are developed and promoted in line with its succession plan. Cube 1994’s attitude is: “As we continue to grow, we encourage staff to grow with us”. This goes a long way in ensuring it reaches its goal to be ‘the landscape company of choice’. www.cube1994.com

Pro Landscaper Business Awards

landscape company under £2m.indd 31

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28/01/2020 16:38

LANDSCAPE COMPANY £2M - £10M TURNOVER About

After its successful launch last year, this category was created to celebrate business achievements of those with a £2m-£10m turnover. Judges will look at examples of brief fulfilment, industry relationships, and prospective developments.

The shortlist...

Skidmores Ltd

Over the past 25 years, Skidmores of Hertford has built up an impressive client base. The family-run business has worked with a range of reputable main contractors including Laing O’Rourke, Skanska, Balfour Beatty and Willmott Dixon. It’s even achieved Perfect Delivery certificates from construction giant Morgan Sindall for various school projects across London.

To ensure it maintains high quality work, training is consistently offered to staff, keeping qualifications relevant and up-to-date.

Skidmores is also a member of BALI, CHAS, Construction Line and SMAS Worksafe. As well as being a BALI member, managing director Darren Skidmore also chairs the association’s North Thames Committee.

As a company which says it is “committed to the industry”, Skidmores helps to promote and raise money for charities, like Perennial. It is also dedicated to its community, employing local operatives when possible, and even sponsoring a local football team. It has also supplied kit to a nearby swimming club and helps out with schools by sponsoring the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Skidmores would like to see steady, continuous growth, particularly with residential projects. It aims to increase this side of the business, with residential projects currently making up 20% of the company’s work and commercial making up the remaining majority. This is to lower the risk factor and to allow a more client-focused approach in its projects. www.skidmores.co.uk

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Tel: 01473 237116 Email: prof.sales@icl-group.com

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Pro Landscaper Business Awards

MS355 ADVERT_92x270.indd 1 landscape company £2m-£10m.indd 32

17/01/2020 09:55 28/01/2020 16:30

The winner...

SPONSORED BY

Oak View Landscapes Ltd

Starting out with just two members of staff, Oak View Landscapes has grown to have a team of 36 with an impressive £3.5m turnover. Working with a business coach, the company has been able to create a robust business plan, with SMART targets and KPIs, and last year it purchased an additional two acres which adjoin its current twoacre site to develop as a nursery. Having anticipated demand from this, Oak View Landscapes has appointed a yard supervisor; it’s this type of forward thinking which helped the company to achieve Investors in People Gold accreditation last year, as well as its commitment and continual development of its staff.

The company’s current three-year plan focuses on efficiencies rather than growth, though, with a greater emphasis placed on regularly communicating with existing clients rather than bringing in new business. This client-centric approach appears to be paying off, too. Recent feedback shows 99% of clients are happy with Oak View Landscapes’ performance in meeting project deadlines and that 95% agree on the quality of work installed by its landscape teams.

As well as showing its dedication to staff and clients, Oak View Landscapes is also committed to the landscape industry, with managing director Paul Downer and son James volunteering their time as BALI GoLandscape ambassadors. Paul works on the board of the association as immediate past chairman.

Its success, client feedback and involvement in the industry all serve as a testament to Oak View Landscapes being a deserving winner. www.oakviewlandscapes.co.uk Pro Landscaper Business Awards

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28/01/2020 16:31

LANDSCAPE COMPANY OVER £10M TURNOVER About

One of two new categories for 2020, this was created for the behemoths of the industry. Judges want to see examples of in-depth staff training and development, tight relationships with suppliers and the will to give something back to the industry.

The shortlist...

Ground Control Ltd

ArborSystem

Good luck to all nominees at the Pro Landscaper Awards.

As well as providing hard and soft landscaping for commercial clients, Ground Control also has a tree-planting specialist team and experience in landscaping play areas and outdoor sports facilities.

It is a registered member of the Landscape Institute and BALI, initiatives of which it has been involved in heavily.

To help tackle the skills shortage in the industry, for instance, managing director Marcus Watson has been working with the BALI National Contractors Forum to promote careers in landscaping.

Aiming to develop the skills of its own staff, Ground Control racked up 2,114 training courses carried out last year. The University of Ground Control offers more than 60 courses, from basic Excel skills, to 12day residential leadership courses. In partnership with local training provider Lighthouse, Essex-based Ground Control has developed tailored Level 3 and 5 CMI programmes for managers, paid for using the apprenticeship levy.

With health and wellbeing as a core focus for the company, Ground Control now has 30 mental health first aiders, with plans to also improve team building and interaction sessions.

In 2016, Ground Control was recognised with a Queen’s Award for Innovation, celebrating the company’s application of technology. A great example of this is its recent implementation of new information management system, Union Square. The web-based tool assists staff with delivering projects from tender stage through to completion.

Its need to innovate and think ahead means Ground Control will continue to be a market leader in its field. www.ground-control.co.uk

greenblue.com

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Pro Landscaper Business Awards

landscape company over £10m.indd 34

28/01/2020 16:34

The winner...

SPONSORED BY

Mitie Landscapes

Mitie’s landscaping division has become a brand in its own right. The company offers an array of hard landscaping services, alongside grounds maintenance and interior planting. Its focus is on delivering ‘The exceptional, every day’, not just through its projects, but also to its employees.

Its HR learning and development team ensures each staff member has an annual development plan, with personal targets and training requirements. For those who have gone above and beyond, there is a Mitie Stars programme which rewards staff with cash prizes, and an impressive 45% of the Mitie Landscapes senior management team was promoted internally to the positions they now hold.

The training budget doubled in 2019 to £120k, from £60k the year before; in the last 12 months, staff have completed 674 training courses in total. Mitie is also a major contributor to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) levy and apprenticeship levy; it was one of the first employers to voluntarily commit to the UK government’s Skills Pledge in 2007 to help eligible employees gain NVQs together with basic literacy and numeracy skills.

This year, Mitie Landscapes has once again partnered with STIHL and others alike to deliver more equipment safety training to tackle some of the prevalent health and safety issues in the industry. It is also in the process of launching e-learning packages on wellbeing and career development to ensure staff are equipped with the necessary tools to progress.

With committed staff at the helm and clear career paths laid out across the company, Mitie Landscapes’ success can only continue. www.mitie.com Pro Landscaper Business Awards

landscape company over £10m.indd 35

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28/01/2020 16:35

COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE COMPANY About

In this category, we’re looking to highlight and praise the companies that build and sculpt the public areas the population enjoys; from city centres, to office grounds, to communal areas within housing developments.

The shortlist...

Kingston Landscape Group

Helping to create amazing green spaces Expert advice, technical know-how and a trusted supplier for urban landscaping projects Rural Tree Planting • • • • •

Tree Shelters and Guards Bamboo Canes Wooden Stakes Tree Belting and Blocks Tree Anchoring

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TODAY GREEN-TECH. CO.UK

Urban Tree Planting • • • • •

Tree Irrigation Root Protection ArborRaft Tree Planting System Tree Anchoring Tree Grilles and Guards

Maintenance • • • • •

Grass Seed Wildflower Seed Lawn Edging Fertilisers and Weedkillers Soils and Growing Media

Sponsor of the Commercial Landscape Company Category Good luck to all shortlisted!

T: 01423 332100 E: sales@green-tech.co.uk www.green-tech.co.uk @greentechltd

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@greentechuk

green-tech-ltd

Over the past three decades, Kingston Landscape Group has become known as one of London’s leading landscape contractors, founded on its core values of professionalism, quality and reliability. It specialises in commercial landscape installations and grounds maintenance for a wide range of clients. It has an admirable commitment to its local community and the industry, planting trees at a local school and supporting charities such as Perennial, of which it is a platinum sponsor and ensures all staff have access to its services. Managing director Steve Evans also donated a therapy garden to a specialist mental health unit, transforming the outdoor area with the help of Outerspace Creative Landscaping. www.klguk.com

Skidmores Ltd

Hertfordshire-based Skidmores Ltd has worked on a variety of prestigious projects, including the Olympic Park and the Earls Court Exhibition Centre.

It mainly employs operatives from its local community, something which it has done for many years and feels is important as a family-owned business.

Training is offered to staff in various areas, from banksman training and quality face fit training for RPE. The company also encourages more experienced members of staff to train those newer to the industry. Skidmores keeps a pool of dedicated suppliers and prides itself on these relationships. It is also a member of BALI, with an active role in the North Thames, South Thames and East Anglia groups. www.skidmores.co.uk

Pro Landscaper Business Awards

commercial landscape company.indd 36

28/01/2020 15:48

The winner...

SPONSORED BY

Tony Benger Landscaping Ltd

Tony Benger Landscaping makes training one of its highest priorities. Through the use of a training matrix, it can identify gaps, and it has two in-house trainers dedicated to visiting staff on site to constantly check quality and guide them through any specialist work. The company also appointed a technical manager last year who focuses solely on highly complex landscaping tasks, innovative materials and material to ensure staff remain dynamic.

Apprenticeships are also offered at Tony Benger Landscaping, and both apprentices who finished courses last year are already in ‘rising team leader’ roles, which were specifically develop for commercial staff to provide stepping stone towards becoming a team leader.

These elements all go towards one of the company’s goals – 'to be a good place to work' – as does having an open door policy, designated break areas and two annual all-staff social events.

Tony Benger Landscaping works hard to promote the value of landscaping, pawing over specifications with its clients and offering value engineered solutions in order to meet budgets whilst maintaining quality. It also works with landscape architects and designers, organising CPD events to feedback, for instance, which trees and tree sizes have the best survival rates.

Its new purpose-built offices, which contain designated training rooms, provide the space to expand and grow. For instance, the company’s offering recently expanded to commercial fencing after frequent requests from clients. This helps Tony Benger Landscaping in working towards its missing statement to be the ‘regional contractor of choice’. www.tonybenger.com

Pro Landscaper Business Awards

commercial landscape company.indd 37

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28/01/2020 15:49

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE COMPANY About

We're looking for the industry unsung heroes, who consistently undertake the crucial everyday maintenance tasks with the upmost precision and pride. The judges looked at staff training, apprentices investment and corporate social responsibility.

The shortlist...

CGM Group

Founded on ethical principles, CGM Group ensures these permeate through every aspects of the business, from staff recruitment and business expansion, to daily operations. It embeds corporate social responsibility initiatives and actively supports wellbeing agendas. It also arranges free gardening clubs for local communities of housing association contracts it manages. www.cgmltd.co.uk

Ground Control Ltd

‘Caring for the Environment’ is Ground Control’s core purpose.

Its goal to double in size over five years will benefit its Evergreen Fund, an environmental venture fund which receives 5% of annual net profits. It will also install 10,000 vehicle charge points in five years, transitioning be fully electric. www.ground-control.co.uk

Mitie Landscapes

Mitie Landscapes’ focus is on staff retention and organic growth. It has an online client portal – Live Landscapes – which gives live site data, like trend and weather reports, gritting activity, etc. Mitie also engages with staff in a similar way, investing £200k in its IPM app to improve communication. www.mitie.com

Tony Benger Landscaping Ltd

As an established, multi-awardwinning company, Tony Benger Landscaping carries out various contracts, from lawn mowing to multi-millionpound infrastructural landscaping projects. Its mantra has always been, ‘all you have to do is do a good job’, which means producing high-quality work consistently. www.tonybenger.com

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Pro Landscaper Business Awards

grounds maintenance.indd 38

28/01/2020 16:12

The winner...

SPONSORED BY

Nurture Landscapes Holdings Ltd

The Nurture Group has seen impressive growth since it was founded in 2008. The Surrey-based company started with four staff and now boasts 1,200, with two reputable brands under it – Nurture Landscapes and Gavin Jones.

Since the start, it has been committed to developing employees through education, training, coaching and mentoring. Last year, Nurture delivered an impressive 1,936 training courses, from first aid to driving safely. It now spends £200k annually on training its employees and has three fully-qualified Lantra approved trainers in house. There are also 50 apprentices currently at Nurture, funded by the apprenticeship levy which Nurture invests in heavily.

For those who go above and beyond, there is the GEM (Going the Extra Mile) Award and the MD’s Award, but Nurture wants to go further in recognising its team. There are plans to develop a Nurture Academy, an initiative which identifies ‘rising stars’ within the business and will be designed to fast track their career within the Nurture Group.

The company, which is a Platinum supporter of Perennial, has also invested in an employee assistance programme, which offers a wide range of support for staff. It gives back to the community too, with events at sites and workshops at local schools. There is also a tree planting partnership scheme in the pipeline, in conjunction with clients, and solar panels have been installed at its headquarters in Windlesham to help continually improve its green credentials.

These aspects, and more, show Nurture is well on its way to its medium to long-term goal – to be the most respected and nurturing landscaping company in the UK. www.nurturelandscapes.co.uk

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Supreme Winner Oak View Landscapes Ltd

“

IT’S OFTEN SAID THAT JUDGING AWARDS IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT, BUT COMING TO THE CONCLUSION ON THE SUPREME WINNER FOR THE 2020 ENTRIES HAS BEEN EXTREMELY HARD. THE QUALITY OF ENTRIES HAS BEEN SUPERB AND A REAL REFLECTION ON THE CLASS OF BUSINESSES THAT ARE AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE UK’S LANDSCAPING SECTOR.

THIS YEAR’S SUPREME WINNER IS A TRUE REFLECTION OF A WELL-RUN, CONSISTENT BUSINESS THAT UNDERSTANDS THE VALUE OF ITS STAFF. IT IS CONTINUALLY DEVELOPING, REWARDING AND MONITORING STAFF PROGRESS AND MAKING SURE SKILL SETS ARE IN LINE WITH THE DIRECTION AND NEEDS OF THE COMPANY. NOT ONLY IS THIS BUSINESS COMMITTED TO ITS STAFF AND CUSTOMERS BUT ALSO THE INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE, EITHER BY RAISING MONEY FOR INDUSTRY CHARITIES, PLAYING A KEY AND ACTIVE ROLE WITHIN THE LANDSCAPING ASSOCIATIONS OR SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LANDSCAPING THROUGH ITS INVOLVEMENT WITH WRITTLE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE. CONGRATULATIONS TO OAK VIEW LANDSCAPES LTD.

“

Marian Barker Owner, Fresh Horticultural Careers

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Judges

Adam White Director, Davies White Ltd

Andrew Wilson Director, London College of Garden Design

Andy Corcoran Head of landscapes, Places for People Landscapes

John Wyer Chief executive, Bowles & Wyer

Jonathan Hazell Owner, Jonathan Hazell Consultants

Lee Beaumont Partner, Wilkins Kennedy

Lynn Hunter Owner, Pro-Motion

Nick Ruddle Business coach, Action Coach Business Coaching

Phil Jones CEO, ESL Landscape Contractors

Richard Gardiner Proprietor, NAG Solutions

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winners list Davies White Ltd

Sponsored by

Green-tech

Sponsored by

Provender Nurseries Ltd

Sponsored by

Talasey Group

Sponsored by

David Archer Associates

Sponsored by

CGM Group

Sponsored by

Studio 31 Landscape Architects

Sponsored by

The terra firma Consultancy Ltd

Sponsored by

The Garden Company Ltd

Sponsored by

Ground Control Ltd

Sponsored by

Cube 1994 Ltd

Sponsored by

Martha Krempel Martha Krempel Garden Design Ltd

Sponsored by

Industry Collaboration

Employer of the Year

Soft Landscape Supplier

Supplier and Service Provider

Arboriculture Company Under £1m Turnover

Arboriculture Company Over £1m Turnover

Landscape Architect Company Under 10 Staff

Landscape Architect Company Over 10 Staff

Design and Build Company Under £2m Turnover

Design and Build Company Over £2m Turnover

Garden Design Practice

Garden Designer 42

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Cube 1994 Ltd

Sponsored by

Oak View Landscapes Ltd

Sponsored by

Mitie Landscapes

Sponsored by

Tony Benger Landscaping Ltd

Sponsored by

Nurture Landscapes Holdings Ltd

Sponsored by

Oak View Landscapes Ltd

Sponsored by

Landscape Company Under £2m Turnover

Landscape Company £2m - £10m Turnover

Landscape Company Over £10m Turnover

Commercial Landscape Company

Grounds Maintenance Company

Supreme Winner

bark up the right trees ALL 3000 OF THEM

The Landscape Centre, Leydenhatch Lane, Swanley, Kent BR8 7PS Telephone: 01322 662315 Web: www.provendernurseries.co.uk

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FRIDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2020 EAST WINTERGARDEN • CANARY WHARF LONDON E14 5NX

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