CONSTRUCT / 08
WE’RE WINNING THE RACE TO THE
@ORLANDO ROSU / 123RF.COM
BOTTOM
Independent landscape estimating specialist, Colm Kenny explains why a failure to address weaknesses in landscape procurement is stimulating a detrimental race to the bottom
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he principles of horticulture have changed little in the last century, while the business or profession of landscaping has; and radically so. Old process and practices are becoming unsustainable for the modern business world. Ridiculously low profit margins, a race towards cheaper and cheaper tenders, adversarial contracts and subcontract agreements compounded by an overarching fundament lack of business knowledge are really taking their toll. The landscape industry is at a crossroads and drastic changes need to be made. One of the most significant business practices in need of change is the challenging area of procurement. The buying of goods and services is a fundamental function of all business no matter the sector. While it is a process the sector is involved with on a daily basis, it has been stubbornly slow to respond to the changing need of the market. Poor procurement processes and a lack of understanding as to
HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticultureconnected.ie / Summer 2019
