LANDSCAPER’S CIRCLE
Join the Club Paula Warman highlights the benefits of joining a trade association Trade associations are where business owners tend to turn to prove their reputation as landscapers, designers and specialists in specified fields. We look to them when growing our businesses and seeking advice and help. There are two giants in the landscaping industry The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) and British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI). Alongside these are The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), Grounds Management Association (GMA), BIGGA and Landscape Institute. Other registers and associations such as the manufacturer led ones include Marshalls, Brett, Bradstone, London Stone and of course the team here at The Landscaper’s Circle. So why should you join an industry specific trade association such as these? A reputation tool – It’s key to helping your business gain a trusted reputation within industry and works both online and offline as a marketing tool. It shows potential clients that you are a serious business and have invested in yourself. A great part of your marketing strategy – You have an online profile that you can update and through the association’s presence at industry events you gain visibility too. Through most of the associations and registers you will gain more enquiries. To gain recognition – When you are starting out in your landscaping and design business you need to get recognised. Industry awards are great for getting your work out there and recognised by the industry and peers. Awards are also important for marketing to potential customers, helping build their trust in your business. Peer-to-peer support – There are opportunities to be a part of round table discussions at local cluster meetings. You can also meet fellow landscapers,
designers and other experts in your field at regional and national awards held yearly, as well as meetings and at industry events. Training – many associations provide opportunities for up-levelling skills and and for adding to your continuing professional development (CPD). It puts you in front of the right customers – If you are looking to gain better quality clients being a part of these associations and registers are key. Potential customers are always looking to avoid rogue traders and by being a part of one of these associations will give them greater confidence in you and the service you provide. Collaboration opportunities – What better way to build relationships and explore collaboration opportunities than with other companies who are part of the same associations as you. Discount on products/services/ free helplines – This can range from paving to insurance to points schemes and free telephone advice helplines. And there are many more! This is just a list that continues to grow and grow. As Phil Tremayne of The APL says: “The benefits of joining a trade association are not always clear cut but many. As a member of the APL you will benefit from accreditation, benchmarking, market information, training opportunities and support. Now more than ever we feel that the real benefit of being part of an association like us at the APL is the community.The APL provides a place where likeminded industry professionals can share best practice and gain support.” Do not dismiss how important these associations and affiliations can be to your business. Particularly when it comes to marketing and growing. Just be mindful of cost versus benefit to you and your business. As always should you need some advice on associations, affiliations or just need to speak about marketing your landscaping business please give us a call on 02381 800108 or email info@thelandscaperscircle.co.uk
The Landscaper’s Circle is the only online platform exclusively for business owners in the landscaping industry to learn how to market and run their business better. Become part of the #TLCTribe today for training and support. If you need our help please email at info@thelandscaperscircle.co.uk | www.thelandscaperscircle.co.uk
The Landscaper | Issue 255 | August 2021
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