Pro Landscaper Installer Guide 2024

INSTALLER THE

GUIDE

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e don’t have to tell you that there’s a skills shortage – you’re likely in the midst of it. And whilst there are numerous engaging and hard-working schemes by our associations – from the British Association of Landscape Industries’ GoLandscape to the Landscape Institute’s Choose Landscape – to help tackle it and fill those hard-to-fill vacancies, there might be opportunities to look internally too.

Staff development and progression can seem like a tick-box exercise, or something to only address when the annual appraisals come around. But by offering opportunities to employees – or to yourself as an employer – to become approved installers, to undertake short training courses for certain products, or to attend CPD sessions and industry-focused talks, there are further opportunities to be created.

Could you take on bigger and more skilled projects with a highly trained team? Could you

The Pro Landscaper Team

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Installer Insider With Brett Landscaping

Marketing Eight top tips

Upskilling Train to retain!

Associations Industry leaders share why associations are so valuable

feel more confident to start aiming for higher net worth clients? Could you become a specialist in a certain field? And could you attract new members of staff to your company by showcasing your commitment to upskilling?

It might be hard to hear, and it might be at times hard to justify the initial cost, but investing in training can impact your bottom line, and in a positive way. It could also help to enhance the public’s perception of the landscaping industry, from a low-paid, low-skilled workforce, to a highly skilled and appreciated trade.

Here, in our first Installer Guide, we’re highlighting the variety of training available and the benefits it can provide, as well as the best ways to market your newfound qualifications in order to reap the rewards.

FutureScape 2024 Save the date for next year’s landmark event for installers

EVi Pools Guiding customers through the first installation process Jacksons Fencing The value of a scheme that produces trustworthy installers

The Landscape Academy Expert training for the land-based industries

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FEATURE

INSTALLER INSIDER

BUILDING A NETWORK OF CERTIFIED INSTALLERS, BRETT LANDSCAPING IS ENCOURAGING MORE MEMBERS OF THE INDUSTRY TO EXPLORE THE BENEFITS THAT AN INSTALLER SCHEME HAS TO OFFER

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s a division of the wider Brett Group, Brett Landscaping is a leading independent manufacturer of paving products for both domestic and commercial markets. The Brett Approved Installer scheme, which has been established for over 20 years is managed by head of marketing, Danielle Thorpe.

Having joined the company over five years ago, Thorpe oversees the Installer scheme alongside a team of four, “making sure that our network of Brett approved installers are working to the criteria of the scheme, and installing to British Standards.”

Thorpe sees the installer scheme as being “like part of a community of likeminded professionals.

We have various sized landscaping companies on our scheme, from one-man bands to

much larger operations. The Brett Approved community opens up a network of installers who work with the same products and the same ethos for quality installations, allowing installers to access peer to peer support. With Brett being a large independent manufacturer, installers can benefit from having support in a number of areas such as customer relations and marketing, almost as an extension to their own business.”

Members of the scheme are not employed by Brett Landscaping but are accredited by them – they’re listed in their online directory and given the opportunity to promote their business using this accreditation to add validity to their services.

Each member is provided with an account manager who will oversee their business from the original application, across their years of membership, ensuring that all installers are working in line with the British standards and that their levels of workmanship are to the expected quality. Brett Landscaping will then provide additional training in regard to new products and advice for existing methods of installation. This partnership provided through the installer scheme gives installers extra credibility, setting them apart as being associated with a recognised paving brand.

According to Thorpe, there are many other benefits of joining

Members of the scheme are not employed by Brett Landscaping but are accredited by them

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TOP THREE TIPS FOR INSTALLERS FROM BRETT LANDSCAPING 1) Engage with your account manager to really get the most out of your membership. Take on board the guidance and knowledge from the Brett team.

2) Be product savvy. Take advantage of the product training sessions and do your research. Homeowners feel confident when they believe their installer understands the products and knows what product fits the design brief.

3) T he British Standards can change – whether installation, design or manufacturing standards. Membership to the BAI scheme means we will support installers and ensure they are ahead of industry changes. This allows Brett Approved installers to stand apart from the competition.

the scheme; for example, “installers have a dedicated account manager building a longlasting relationship with them and allowing them to develop their personal brand as well.” Some members of the BAI scheme have been with Brett Landscaping for up to 20 years, growing their businesses together. “Another benefit would be the level of support. With our own customer relations team, we provide additional support when needed, giving them advice and guidance, as well as insider knowledge,” says Thorpe.

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FEATURE

The application process includes an in-depth background check, to ensure installers hit the basic criteria on face value. This is followed by a series of visits to previous and current installations to see first-hand the quality of practices, health and safety, and customer-facing experience. Each installer will have a quarterly assessment to check in with their account manager and ensure they are up to date with the current standards.

With several installers already across the country, Brett Landscaping has seen impressive growth

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If you’re very engaged with us, and your account manager, then you will see results and growth within the business

in 2023. “We absolutely focus on quality over quantity, so we only want the best of the best since these are the installers who will be representing our company and our products,” says Thorpe. “I think sometimes people are hesitant because the BAI scheme does have a membership cost, however the support,

guidance and association to the Brett brand is invaluable, and certainly helps grow the installers businesses.”

Thorpe believes that “we find that the more effort an installer puts into their membership, the more they get out of it.”

With so many benefits and a huge amount of support, Brett Landscaping is proud to be one of the industry leaders in installer schemes.

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FEATURE

TOP 8 TIPS FOR MARKETING YOUR SKILLS

PRO TIPS FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS ON SUPERCHARGING YOUR COMPANY’S MARKETING GAME AND ELEVATING SUCCESS

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t’s all well and good upskilling yourself and your team and having an internal impact but adding strings to your bow could also help to draw in potential clients and attract new recruits – providing you promote your new-found accomplishments and accreditations.

Here are a few tips and tricks for marketing your training and achievements.

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Highlight individual achievements “Studies show that people engage with real people the most on social media platforms. Showcasing both your achievements, as well as your staff’s, will highlight how you invest in them and their personal growth,” says George Musson, head of marketing strategy at Adtrak. “One thing landscapers sometimes don’t do enough of is showing the people involved in creating the gardens,” agrees Matt Freestone, founder of New Leaf Media. “Training gives you the opportunity to show your full team on your platforms and gets people to buy into your team; it humanises your brand and has shown to improve engagement rates.”

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Show an investment in the next generation “If you’re worried that promoting certain training might look like you were not trained initially, concentrate your content on the younger or newer members of the team and them being trained to reach the level of the rest of the team,” says Freeston. “That shows that you’re a company that values professional development and that you’re always striving to make your apprentices an important part of your company.” It can also attract new recruits and incentivise other staff to show an interest in upskilling, adds Freestone.

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Capture the moment Don’t forget to take a photo. “Sharing a happy smile with a certificate or at an event will also create more engagement for your social media platforms,” says Musson. Take videos too and share these on your platforms, suggests Freestone.

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Add them to your website “Your website is the ideal place to shout about any expertise and accreditations that you have recently acquired. You can put badges on key parts of your website or update your blog with information about your new skills and expertise,” says Musson.

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Keep your website up to date Ensure you’re adding your approved installer logos and trade association memberships to your company website but also make sure that you’re removing out-of-date ones too; if accreditation logos contain a date and are more than five years old this could deter clients rather than attract them. As host Mark Gregory recently said at the Pro Landscaper Project Awards, “You need to be current, you need to be consistent,” and that includes keeping your online presence as up to date as possible.

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FEATURE

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Showcase your most valuable accreditations You might be collecting a vast range of impressive accreditations to add to your website, but too many could be offputting rather than appealing to a client, explains Freestone. Potential clients are likely to look into a few accreditations to find out more about them and confirm you’re a reputable company, so choose the ones you deem most valuable. “If you have 50 logos on your website, then it’s going to look clogged and congested and people are unlikely to look into them; whereas if you have your five most powerful ones, then that is more valuable to potential clients.”

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Remember your email signature Again, choose the most valuable ones and add these to your email signature, so that when in touch with a client, they are reminded of your credibility and reputation, says Freestone. “It might be worth putting these in your cover photo on Facebook too, so that when people first land on your page, they can see that you have the accreditations, and they know that you’re a respected company.”

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Pass on what you’ve learnt “Take the next step in learning and become a teacher,” says Musson.

“Businesses should be encouraging staff to take opportunities at events and to apply for public speaking about any newfound knowledge. This helps promote both themselves and your company.” Those who undertake training can also pass on what they’ve learnt internally through ‘lunch and learns’, for example.

your new skills?

WHY SHOULD YOU BE MARKETING

GEORGE MUSSON, HEAD OF MARKETING STRATEGY AT ADTRAK

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n the fast-paced landscape of today’s world, companies must continually evolve to stay competitive. Marketing the new skills and expertise acquired through installer schemes, training academies, CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and conferences is not just a strategic choice— it’s a necessity. These initiatives empower employees with the latest industry knowledge and cutting-edge techniques, positioning the company as an authority in its field.

By showcasing these acquired skills in marketing efforts, companies demonstrate their commitment to staying at the forefront of

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industry advancements. It signals to clients and partners that the company is equipped to handle complex challenges and deliver innovative solutions.

Boost your credibility Participation in CPD and conferences further amplifies a company’s credibility. These platforms facilitate networking with industry leaders, fostering collaborations, and staying informed about emerging trends. From experience, Adtrak knows better than most that conferences and networking events are the best way to engage with others in the industry!

Marketing a company’s involvement in such events not only enhances its reputation but also attracts like-minded professionals seeking partnerships and reliable service providers.

In a world where knowledge is a key differentiator, companies that actively market their continuous learning initiatives signal their dedication to excellence, instilling confidence in clients and staff alike.

About Adtrak Adtrak is a full-service digital marketing agency that specialises in generating leads for landscaping businesses. From websites and branding to digital marketing in SEO and PPC, Adtrak provides everything you need to take your company to the next level. Since 1997, Adtrak has delivered profitable lead generation for its clients.

This has evolved over the years from creating printed directory adverts to delivering performance-driven website design and strategic digital marketing. adtrak.co.uk

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FEATURE

TRAIN TO

RETAIN AND GROW UPSKILLING DOESN’T JUST BENEFIT EMPLOYEES; IT CAN ADD VALUE TO THE BUSINESS TOO

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t can be hard to set aside time for training.

Juggling difficult clients, approaching project deadlines and maintaining profitability sometimes tend to top the list of priorities ahead of upskilling. But engaging with academies, CPD programmes and installer schemes can all help the business to become more efficient and staff to be more engaged.

It can also set you apart from your competitors by keeping you at the forefront of any trends and installation practices.

“Landscaping, as a whole, is moving at a very fast pace; we’ve got lots of new products, such as porcelain, and they all require a different skillset. Because it requires a different skillset, you need to upskill,” says expert witness Gareth Wilson, who is a committee member for B/507: BS7533 – the code of practice for the installation of pavements constructed with clay, natural stone or concrete paving units surfaced with modular paving. He collaborated with Task

Academy at FutureScape 2023 to run a series of demonstrations on paving installation.

“It’s no use watching a YouTube video because you don’t know if that is to a manufacturer’s specification. I’ve laid Millboard for years, but I went on a course and learnt more than I had picked up from laying it myself. So, constantly upskilling is important to know how to install products with the best practices.”

Task Academy ensures it is up to date with all the systems, through British Standards and talking to its experts, all of whom are in the industry, says founder Rupert Keys. He launched the independent training centre in September 2022 and now offers a curriculum of one to three-day courses. Its experts are able to feed its courses with the latest trends and installation processes. “That’s what we deliver on our courses; making that information accessible.”

It can also set you apart from your competitors by keeping you at the forefront

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Devon-based Tony Benger Landscaping is launching its own in-house academy this January to help it address the industry-wide skills shortage and recruitment struggles. “As employers, we’ve endured some challenging times – spikey fuel costs, challenging plant and materials procurement, staff recruitment hikes in minimum wage. Nowadays, we employ people whose job title is the name of one of these problems, such as HR manager, H&S manager, training manager; but not all problems go away simply by chucking people at them, and with training in particular, we had to get smarter,” explains COO Oliver Hemson.

He says the company has a long-term approach, and so when it realised that it couldn’t find the people it needed, the company decided it would have to grow them itself. “After a year in the making, this January we launch the first phase of ‘TBL Academy’, a bespoke amalgam of our

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FEATURE combined expertise along with some external trainer support – an employee-focused programme designed to get even the greenest ‘operative’ to ‘skilled worker’ within 12 months, and then onwards, with training modules currently being built right up into management levels.”

The modular framework puts progression into the hands of the employee, says Hemson, with clearly defined levels of achievement and career pathways. “We’ve even built in some room for specialism along the way. We’ve taken care to consult with our staff, providing room for them to train each other as part of their own development.

The goal is to empower them in their learning and motivate them by their own achievements.”

National green service provider Ground Control also runs its own in-house training ‘university’. Its new head of learning and development, Jez Light, recently joined to reimagine its offering and create something that would be fitting for the growing business.

“We spotted the trends in learning and development early and created two skills-based

development programmes to address our needs. The first, to upskill our managers and raise confidence and capability as our business grows; and, secondly, to allow anyone, at any level, to top up their own personal toolkits to grow and develop in their roles,” says Light.

“We launched GC Develop and GC Manage, an in-house modern day learning programme, delivered in virtual modules supported by a Learning Site hosted on SharePoint with pre- and post-learning materials, e-learning, YouTube resources and over 80 bitesize guides.

This provides a fully blended approach to skills development at Ground Control.”

There are currently 165 people progressing through these learning sessions, experiencing both theory and real-life development, as well as having time to practice and collaborate with their colleagues, adds Light.

Providing opportunities for training can help companies to plug skills gaps and enable staff to take on new duties, encouraging staff retention, explained Andy Donnachie, COO of The CPD Group, during his recent seminar at the FutureScape expo.

It arguably could cost more to not invest in staff training and development

CPD ACROSS THE UK

Donnachie cited the Landscape Institute’s Skills for Greener Places survey, published at the end of last year, which found that over 50% of businesses in this sector have a hard time to fill vacancies. CPD has a role to play in helping employers upskill staff to help fill this void, says Donnachie: “It’s important that everybody takes CPD seriously – invest in your staff and make sure that you continue to grow along with the industry.”

Upskilling has the power to motivate and engage staff, alongside encouraging best practice, promoting health and safety, enabling staff to carry out more skilled tasks which could expand the variety of projects a company can undertake, boost employees’ confidence and can be a key part of a business owner’s succession planning. It arguably could cost more to not invest in staff development and training.

ON THE ROAD PAUL WILLAVOYS, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AT LANDSCAPEPLUS

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s a forward thinking ‘heads-up’ industry, training and upskilling are vital to keep us at the top of our game. That’s why, as a Trade Only supplier, we’ve committed to travelling all over the UK to host training events on our systems, with the aim to give all landscaping professionals the confidence required to specify and install lighting, irrigation, and water features.

These training events are the perfect opportunity for us to introduce our latest brands and systems to you, helping to keep you one step ahead and will not only include

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classroom learning but also a chance for you to get hands on with the products involved!

Throughout 2024 it is our aim to visit 20+ venues ensuring every landscape professional has an accessible location, kicking off in February where we’ll be heading to Bristol Botanic Gardens, Capel Manor College (Enfield), Barnsdale Gardens (Rutland) and Denmans Garden (Arundel).

We’ve had unbelievable feedback on previous training events and have some amazing brands joining the Landscapeplus range to keep you all moving forward with what you can offer your clients.

If you’d like to know more, please get in touch with

our team or head over to the Knowledge Centre on our website to book your place!

About Landscapeplus Landscapeplus is not just a one-stop-shop for lighting, irrigation and water feature systems – it also provides a unique Design Support service where garden designers and contractors can work alongside Landscapeplus to develop ideas and create a complete system, safe in the knowledge that the backup and support is there to ensure the systems are installed properly and work effectively. landscapeplus.com

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FEATURE

BY ASSOCIATION BEING A MEMBER OF A TRADE BODY OFFERS VARIOUS OPPORTUNITIES TO UPSKILL

British Association of Landscape Industries

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hile businesses may join BALI for one specific reason, many quickly find that being a member offers their business many more benefits and opportunities to enhance performance through improved knowledge and skills.

BALI is committed to raising skill levels and standards for everyone involved in the industry.

As well as our high-profile industry initiatives such as GoLandscape and our work with colleges and training providers encouraging new entrants and career changers into our industry, as a trade association, we also provide our members

with opportunities to address specific issues through targeted interventions – something that we see as an additional benefit of belonging to the association.

Members of our dedicated National Contractors Forum had identified a need for additional training for those in their business working with hedge trimmers, brush cutters and other similar equipment. We were able to work with an international machinery manufacturer to provide dedicated “train the trainer” events to help address these identified issues. BALI was able to organise two events for our members which

has resulted in better trained staff and a significant reduction in accidents and near misses.

Being part of a wider network, and being able to identify common issues, meant that they could work together to produce a more beneficial outcome than they might have been able to achieve as individual businesses.

Owen Baker, BALI’s technical officer, who helped organise the events said that: “Collaboration by those businesses through their involvement with their association allowed BALI to approach and work with a major machinery manufacturer to deliver an important training initiative and significant industry benefit.” bali.org.uk

Association of Professional Landscapers, Phil Tremayne, general manager

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rade associations have always been committed to raising standards and developing their members and the industry as a whole.

The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) started this in the 90s with its Landscape Business Improvement Scheme (LBIS). Many of the award-winning businesses you still see around today went through this process of bench marking and collaborative improvement.

Latterly, The APL has (with industry input) developed its own style of Apprenticeship programme, taking the practical sessions of the Landscape Operative level 2 apprenticeship to a whole new level.

With this, it created bootcamp style sessions of training with delivery from leading landscape professionals like Mark Youde, Rupert Keys and Karl Harrison to name a few. This scheme,

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supported by Myerscough, is the only one like it in the country (I believe).

At around the same time, we took over as organising partner for World Skills UK (WSUK) – a sort of Olympics of landscaping, where competitors are judged against time and millimetre tolerances. Arguably it has a small reach but has produced some amazing landscape professionals over the years, including Matt Beasley, Will Gadd, Will Burberry and Aaron Jamieson, and there are lots more. This year we had a first, where there was a female Gold and Silver, with Anna Mcloughlin and Aimee Copeland.

The APL has a view that training is vitally important and supports and promotes its training

providing members The Landscape Academy, TASK and Holly Landscape & Training, but also continues with its role of business development.

It is our view that without a good business, then your practical training will become irrelevant.

So, I am pleased to say that after a short break The APL will be relaunching its Business Development Programme in 2023 in collaboration with Steady Consulting.

So, always consider training as a business. It is good for morale, retention and recruitment and great for the professionalism of the industry. landscaper.org.uk

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Society of Garden Designers, Jackie Herald, chair of the Society of Garden Designer’s Conference Committee

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GD members dominated the recent Pro Landscaper Project Awards list. So, what encouragement and CPD opportunities does the Society offer its membership that might contribute to such successes?

Firstly, the SGD is the only professional body in the UK dedicated to garden design. As such, it takes a lead in campaigning for best practice, including environmentally responsible uses of materials and approaches to conceiving, constructing and planting gardens.

It follows that the Society seeks to endorse this professional approach, and members are expected to clock up at least 25 CPD hours per annum in the pursuit of excellence.

The CPD calendar includes sessions ranging from CAD drawing and design presentations to on-site technical instruction. As well

as the more formal sessions, there are many informal opportunities for meeting with peers, sharing knowledge and experiences. Much of this networking happens in local cluster groups to which suppliers and landscape contractors are sometimes invited to talk.

My first experience of an SGD event was one of the conferences featuring an awesome line-up of international speakers. The ease with which everyone shared their enthusiasm as we chatted in the coffee queue or at one of the many

exhibition stands was so encouraging. The keynote speakers revealed insights into their ways of thinking and realising practical solutions to their concepts that were a special privilege to be party to – opening up new ideas for my own plans.

That memory of being inspired and belonging to a community of professionals with core values of quality design and environmental responsibility stands with me now, as chair of the SGD’s Conference Committee preparing for our next event on 27 April 2024. Entitled ‘Between a Rock and a Soft Place’, the conference explores the sensitive interface between animal, vegetal and mineral. Sustainable practice must embrace a holistic approach to hard and soft landscaping – ideally placing emphasis on the latter, while thinking local, touching the soil lightly, and exploiting creatively the repurposing and upcycling of existing materials on site. Come and join us, to learn and join the debate! sgd.org.uk

different formats such as webinars, masterclasses, and conferences.

The LI has recognised the need for us to welcome a broad membership as possible into our professional home for life.

Following a member-led entry standards working and steering group, we have now rolled out our new Experienced Routes to Technician, Chartership and Fellowship, meaning we are welcoming a new cohort of highly skilled members who may have entered the profession through vocational or less traditional routes. We

are particularly proud to have introduced our new Technician grade (TMLI), with two routes to gaining this status, through our accredited Level 3 Apprenticeship route, and also our Experienced route.

Our members really value our awardwinning journal, ‘Landscape’ which produces high quality content relevant to our readers and wider industry partners, as well as ‘Talking Landscape’, our podcast that mirrors some of the talking points from the journal and allows for greater in-depth discussion. landscapeinstitute.org

Landscape Institute

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s a chartered professional body, The Landscape Institute (LI) has a key role in providing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for its members. By having a robust and advanced skills-focused Competency Framework, our members can track their professional progress against our framework throughout their career.

Our events programme is tailored around our competencies in this framework and is presented via a range of

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FOCUS ON

AFLOAT STAYING

EVI POOLS GUIDES ITS CUSTOMERS THROUGH THE FIRST INSTALLATION PROCESS TO ENSURE SUCCESS

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aking the plunge and undertaking a first pool installation might seem daunting; but EVi Pools is determined to help designers and landscapers quickly lose their novice status.

It offers an accessible, simple installation to pool building, says business development executive Karen Rapley. Through a guided installation process, EVi Pools helps trade customers to make the leap into the pool building industry and grow their confidence quickly.

For a start, the fibreglass pools come ready fitted with lights, a complete Pool Pod (or plant room) with an Air Source Heat Pump, a cover and reel, a pool shell with integrated safety features and additional environmental features. But it’s the service, from initial contact to completion and beyond, that makes EVi Pools really stand out.

“When they first enquire, we send out access to digital training resources, the technical drawings and SketchUp files,” says Rapley, who adds that there are three different sizes available and two different colour options, as well as additional packages to suit all client requirements.

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“We then send them the installation guide and give them access to a trade account where they can showcase their understanding about the key points ahead of the installation. We then attend the property for a technical visit to ensure that we all understand the intended plan and process of installation.”

EVi Pools then receives progress reports leading up to the delivery of the pool and, on the delivery day itself, sends someone out to assist, who will connect the plumbing and pressure test the system. The installation is fast and simple, with the product being placed into an excavated hole with a concrete base and EVi Pools providing additional assistance if needed.

“We bring them the experience and give them the knowledge that they need to get it right and then send the pools ready to fit, so it makes it as easy as possible for them. It’s designed so that they feel confident to get on with the pool build themselves. When they’ve done it once and they’re confident that it’s a simple process, then

We bring them the experience and give them the knowledge that they need to get it right

they’re happy to include a pool in their projects in the future; and if there’s any part of the process that they’re not sure about, we’re at the end of the phone.”

Once the pool has been installed, EVi Pools also offers an aftercare service to maintain it. For the installer, there are lead referrals once they become an approved installer, and there are also trade discounts available – 15% on the first purchase and 30% after that to reward returning customers.

Through its installation support and ongoing care, EVi Pools ensures the project is a success and that its pools provide a luxury, hassle-free addition to any garden.

Scan me for installation process EVi Pools’ products up close and in action, detailed on YouTube.

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A SCHEME THAT PROVIDES CUSTOMERS WITH A NETWORK OF TRUSTED INSTALLERS TO CARRY OUT INSTALLATION WORK ON THEIR BEHALF, WITH CUSTOMERS SAFE IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT THE WORK IS VERIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER

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he nationwide scheme was launched in 2007, originally named the Expert Installer Scheme. It was later rebranded in 2017 as the Approved Installer Scheme, made up of fencing contractors, garden designers and landscapers, and those offering fence installation services. All are vetted, approved, and continually monitored to ensure standards are kept high.

“Utilising our own installer scheme allows us to provide reassurance to our customers that we can recommend reputable, professional and reliable fencing contractors to match the premium nature of our products,” says Chris Hone, approved installer manager for Jacksons Fencing.

“Becoming an approved installer means being part of a nationally recognised brand which customers will know and trust.”

Hone is confident that this scheme provides reassurance to customers as they recommend reputable, professional, and reliable fencing contractors.

When the scheme started, a handful of installers were part of the scheme, but now, thanks to the high quality of the workmanship of existing

installers, assessed by their vetting process, the approved installer scheme has become nationally recognised. Hone says: “Installers are proud to be part of it, and it is well respected in the industry”.

Easy to apply, fencing contractors are invited to sign up via their website where the dedicated management team will then take over and kickstart the contract. If the applicant is successful, they will be onboarded with a welcome pack and induction.

“They are not employees of Jacksons Fencing but exist as their own entity, working with our products through our leads or their own.”

Benefits include, but are not limited to, working with a selection of the best fencing products on the market, marketing collateral and advice, product discounts and customer referrals. With manufacturer support and endorsement, updated guidance, and peace of mind that the timber product the business is installing is guaranteed for 25 years, installers are guided through the process to better their practices and independent businesses.

“If a fencing contractor or landscaper has spent many hours building a respected business, then why would they risk installing products that

We try our hardest to make sure we match the expectations of the members of our approved installer network

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could rot and potentially ruin hard work and the reputation of their own business within five years at no fault of their own. High quality products and reputable manufacturers eliminates this risk.”

Hone also assures that in addition, the scheme recognises, and rewards installers enrolled into the programme for their performance, initiative, and the ability to deliver the highest standards of customer service. “The rewards are held on an annual and monthly basis. Our Approved Installer of the Year award has become a sought-after recognition for installers.”

With a dedicated team monitoring and managing the scheme throughout the year, and reviewing and visiting each installer at least twice a year, it provides in-depth performance insights and reveals any issues and opportunities.

Providing each installer with a series of free product training, sales training, installation guidance, technical input, and marketing guidance, the information is constantly reviewed and updated from many different sources, but predominantly by input and feedback from its approved installers and end customers.

Hone and the team at Jacksons Fencing are proud to be able to provide and support its community of installers, with plans to continue their work and expand on their network.

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Landscaping the futureand a BALI As a Lantra Approved Training Provider, award winner, we bring a welcoming and relaxed environment to training. Our in-depth & informative courses, the way in Provider, training for the award landscape As a Lantralead Approved Training and a BALI winner, we bring a With welcoming and relaxedtraining environment to training.

Our industry. a dedicated facility providing an in-depth & informative courses, lead the way in training for the array of extensive and flexible areas, our learners leave landscape industry. With a dedicated training facility providing an us with the knowledge to transfer these new skills array of extensive and flexible areas, our learners leave us with the knowledge to transfer these new skills easily to site. easily to site.

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Courses  Mowers & blowers  Health & Safety  Excavator Courses  Arboriculture & We Dumpers & Rollers believe training is an investment in your future, whether as Forestry Courses individual or a business. We provide training for suppliers & anAbrasive wheels On-siteand Training courses for designers & architects many more. manufacturers, Cable Avoidance (CAT) Our experienced team can work with youBespoke to create the training you Training need PLUS MUCH MORE for your business, or provide a mentoring & consultancy service  PLUS MUCH MORE when you need it.

We believe training is an investment in your future, whether as an individual or a business. We provide training for suppliers & manufacturers, courses for designers & architects and many more. Our 0333 2422291 experienced team can work with you to create the training you need for your business, or provide a www.landscapeacademy.co.uk mentoring & consultancy service when you need it..

info@landscapeacademy.co.uk

www.landscapeacademy.co.uk | info@landscapeacademy.co.uk

FOCUS ON

SUPPORTING

T

he Landscape Academy was launched in 2020 to address the ongoing skills shortage in the industry, and that’s exactly what it’s been doing over the last four years, with its variety of courses from pricing to laying paving, all led by experts in their fields. Rather than competing with colleges, the Cheshire-based training provider would support those who were not able to commit to lengthy courses but who were eager to learn new or add to existing skills on courses that would fit around their business and projects.

“A lot of landscapers were struggling to find courses where they could either upskill themselves for their own personal development or upskill their staff; there was nothing really available to help that progression,” says Lynne Taylor, training and business development manager. “Lots of businesses are busy on site and don’t have the time for training.

So, that’s why we launched the academy, to offer support and help for the industry.”

It might have launched just before a global pandemic, but The Landscape Academy has proved its staying power and has grown steadily over the last four years, adding more and more courses to its offering. It’s understanding of what’s needed has arguably been helped by it being set up by the director of award-winning design and build company Urban Landscape Design, Mark Youde – who has contributed to the APL Apprenticeship and the World Skills UK competition. Through their business and a knowledgeable team, they have created a range of courses to truly suit the demands of the industry.

Ranging from one to five days at the moment, there are courses which focus on more back-office support such as quotes and pricing and construction design management (CDM), as well as hard landscaping focused courses. It also offers training directly to suppliers on products and to their staff. In January alone, there’s a two-day course on site surveys and preparation, a twoday natural stone paving course and a two-day or oneday advanced course focused on porcelain paving.

Many of the courses it provides are Lantra accredited too, so it can include training for brush

THE SECTOR

OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS, THE LANDSCAPE ACADEMY HAS BEEN DEDICATED TO TRAINING LAND-BASED INDUSTRIES

cutters, hedge trimmers and even chainsaws to suit the arboriculture and forestry sector. “We are invested in training and supporting the industry, and we have a couple of developments in line 2024 that are just being finalised. We’re always moving forward and trying to provide more for people. We want to be able to support everyone in the land-based industries and be somewhere that people can trust to come and get the service and what they need for their training.”

Investing in training through the academy can have a series of benefits, says Taylor. “Companies that have upskilled with us have seen a huge improvement in their staff wellbeing because they’ve invested time and money into their staff. It increases their confidence and they can see more of a long-term career.

Companies that have upskilled with us have seen a huge improvement in their staff wellbeing

prolandscapermagazine.com

“It helps with projects too and with clients because you’re able to explain the process and offer a better understanding of product selection to suit the site, which many landscapers might not have done beforehand. Then there’s the new British Standard BS 7533-102 due out early 2024, and we can support them with that knowledge.”

With a growing variety of courses, and none of them longer than a working week, there’s no reason to not engage with The Landscape Academy and take the opportunity to upskill.

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