HEADLINE SPONSOR
FRIDAY 22 APRIL 2022 EAST WINTERGARDEN CANARY WHARF LONDON E14 5NX
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register your interest for 2023 Contact the team or visit the web site 01903 777570 www.prolandscaperbusinessawards.com
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Welcome Welcome to the 2022 Pro Landscaper Business Awards, the only industry awards that are open to all and 100% focused on running successful businesses within the UK landscaping sector. These are the fifth Pro Landscaper Business Awards, and we are delighted that we are all here to celebrate, with a room of 420 people working across all sectors of the landscape industry and representing the amazing companies at the forefront of our sector. When we launched these awards back in 2018, we wanted to highlight companies that were consistently outstanding; companies which ran the best businesses in the sector; those that focused on their staff, corporate social responsibility, commitment to the sector and of course are profitable and on a firm financial footing. And over the five years, the winners of these awards have truly delivered on all aspects of this. The awards are independently judged, not only by some of the leading industry players but from successful business minded people from other sectors. I would like to thank them all for their time, impartiality and expertise. I would also like to thank the companies who put time and effort into entering the awards; this year we have seen the most entries to date. A big thank you also goes to our sponsors, who not only support these awards but the industry as a whole; they understand the value of championing the sector and rewarding its best performers. A special thank you has to go to Stuart and his team at Caribbean Blinds for headlining today’s event – it’s highly appreciated. One of the additional benefits of these awards is that we celebrate at this amazing venue, East Wintergarden, in the heart of the UK’s business sector, as well as being an iconic location for high-quality commercial landscaping. Congratulations to all on the shortlist and the best of luck this afternoon.
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...
Awards partner
Pro Landscaper Business Awards
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06/04/2022 13:57
TRADE NURSERY OF THE YEAR About
SPONSORED BY
Considerations for this category may include 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.
The winner... W Crowder & Sons Ltd
Having helped the industry from supporting the BALI Awards since the 1980s to being a member of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners, Crowders deserves its award for Trade Nursery of The Year. It harnesses the latest technologies to better internal and external communication and has added a dynamic pricing tool to best cross-reference stock to optimise profitability. Seeking biosecurity at every turn, Crowders is working towards a Plant Healthy accreditation and is a Dove Associate. Implementing the use of HVO diesel, Crowders is going green and reducing its CO2 emissions by 90%. Along with this, Crowders has created a community woodland in Lincolnshire and has supplied 3,339 native trees to the build. A strong work-life balance is highly valued, ensuring employees have two weeks off for Christmas, Bank Holidays off, and never work a weekend to help recharge those all-important batteries. Having grown exponentially from 2018 to 2021, the future looks bright for W Crowder & Sons Ltd. www.crowdersnurseries.co.uk
The shortlist... Hillier Nurseries Ltd
Established in 1864 in Winchester, Hampshire, Hillier has been growing and selling the very best quality plants for more than 155 years. It remains a family business, with the fifth generation actively involved. As expert growers of British field and container trees, Hillier shares best practice with the industry – supporting a host of charities; ensuring high quality products; as well as developing sustainable approaches to managing waste, water and plants. www.hillier.co.uk
Pro Landscaper Business Awards
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ARBORICULTURE COMPANY About
SPONSORED BY
We believe there is a gap in the market for business-related arboriculture awards, and feel this category will enable arboriculture companies wanting to highlight their success to do so. Entrants must be able to demonstrate examples of commitment to the industry, staff retention, morale, and good business practices.
The winner... Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd
Beechwood is developing ‘The Beechwood Academy’ in the hopes of training young people to become tree surgeons. Through its dedication to the industry, Beechwood has retained all its major clients for more than 20 years because it’s able to deliver within budget and timescale – all the while creating incentives for charitable donations, sponsoring local community sports teams and even rescuing Donut the cat from a large conifer. Expansion is on the minds of Beechwood as it ventures into new areas like bespoke grounds maintenance, railworks and consultancy, which offers Beechwood an opportunity to upskill and develop with existing employees. Technology advancements are being implemented; vehicle tracking enables more efficient journey planning and customer-to-business updates while consistent use of Google Earth helps Beechwood to plan and identify work from a bird's-eye-view stance. Beechwood is becoming carbon neutral by recycling wood chips to the biomass industry to convert to fuel or firewood for domestic customers. www.beechwoodtrees.co.uk
The shortlist... Artemis Tree Services Ltd
Gristwood & Toms Ltd
Beechenlea Maintenance Limited (BML)
Wolverhampton Tree Services Ltd
As an Arboricultural Association Accreditation holder, Artemis benefits the local community; offers return clients discount incentives; and introduces a minimum of four apprentices a year to the industry to further the growth and wealth of knowledge. www.artemistreeservices.com
Beechenlea believes in giving back through economic regeneration to appease the ebb and flow of contractual labour postpandemic. While recycling all arboricultural arisings, there is also a strong commitment to the wellbeing of employees and clients. www.beechenlea.com
Spending a significant percentage of its annual turnover on training and development, Gristwood also plants free trees in school grounds, advertises job openings locally as well as using more eco-friendly, battery operated tools where possible/appropriate. www.gristwoodandtoms.co.uk
Wolverhampton Trees offers continual training for employees to ensure they’re always improving whilst aiding charities to raise in excess of £17k. Having provided services to one company for more than 20 years, its client retention is phenomenal. www.wolvestrees.co.uk
Pro Landscaper Business Awards
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An award-winning digital marketing agency, dedicated to the landscaping industry We provide performance-driven marketing solutions for businesses looking to succeed online
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GROUNDS MAINTENANCE COMPANY About
SPONSORED BY
We are looking for the unsung heroes of our industry who consistently undertake the crucial everyday maintenance tasks, which many take for granted, with the upmost precision and pride. The judges will be looking at staff training and development, investment in apprentices and corporate social responsibility.
The winner... Tony Benger Landscaping Ltd
Employing a full-time trainer, a technical manager and three supervisors focused on upskilling, Tony Benger Landscaping has built and maintained an extensive training matrix. Having built and nurtured great relationships with local colleges, Tony Benger believes in educating the young minds of the industry. Implementing positive coaching workshop sessions to HR training, Tony Bengers aims to create a helpful support and feedback structure for all employees. In line with this all staff are first aid trained and hold CSCS and ROLO qualifications and this aids in the promotion of Benger’s ‘coaching environment’ that wants and does bring the power of praise into the work environment. All work and no play is a statement far from the truth at Tony Benger Landscaping, often having social days, monthly photo competitions, birthdays, employee of the month, are greater employee incentives, and it has worked tremendously. www.tonybenger.com
The shortlist... Beechenlea Maintenance Limited (BML) Beechenlea is a family-run company specialising in vegetation management, tree care, construction and maintenance services for commercial and domestic clients from its base in Maldon, Essex. Investing an impressive percentage of its annual turnover to upskilling employees and in turn increasing retention rates because staff feel valued and invested in has seen Beechenlea become a firm favourite, and this is highlighted by its investment in two electric vehicles, giving back to communities and charities while using local suppliers. www.beechenlea.com
Pro Landscaper Business Awards
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Creating award-winning and inspirational public realm projects for communities and nature to thrive WWW.MAYLIM.CO.UK • INFO@MAYLIM.CO.UK • (+44) 207 785 6996
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04/04/2022 13:29
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE STUDIO UNDER 10 EMPLOYEES About
SPONSORED BY
This category is for the landscape architect practice that can demonstrate continued good business practices, strong industry relationships and an invaluable and positive workforce.
The winner... Studio 31 Landscape Architects
Studio 31 is dedicated to the industry and the potential it holds for inciting positive change. Having team members assigned to several organisations like the Landscape Institute and ACAN, the team behind Studio 31 is striving for a stronger industry and relationships with contractors and suppliers who value Studio 31’s work ethic, commitment and sustainability efforts. With the environment at the heart of Studio 31, it runs its office with an extremely low carbon footprint, with renewable electricity, home working, paperless office processes and waste free exhibitions. Though personal and employee forward-thinking is also implemented by Studio 31, with development incentives to learn about relevant industry topics and best practice for environmental endeavours that has become an industry point of reference for many of Studio 31’s clients. With job security at the core of Studio 31’s processes the early inception of the company saw responsible hiring take place that can ensure long-term jobs and retirement reassurance in terms of positive impact pensions. www.designstudio31.co.uk
The shortlist... Mei Loci Landscape Architects
Mei Loci is a team of mixed disciplines from landscape architects, horticulture experts and graphic designers, working together to create beautiful, unique and sustainable places. It is an active member of the Landscape Institute, implementing a range of varied work for temp staff, sub-contractors and fulltime staff. It has created programs of consultation and creative engagement days that focus on positive experiences for staff, schools, disability group access and being linked to the Kent Association for the Blind Art Project. www.meiloci.co.uk
Pro Landscaper Business Awards
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Cultura. The Landscape Specialists You can rely on our technical and practical expertise no matter how demanding or challenging your project
Whether a design driven high end private garden, an urban commercial development or a major infastructure project, Cultura works collaboratively with its clients to ensure project goals and budget targets are met with a flexible, expert and quality service. Our partnership begins at an early stage assisting to scope the works and continues with our help and expertise each step of the way to ensure expectations are met. We believe strongly in what we stand for as a company, and how our intrinsic values drive our relationships with our clients, employees and suppliers, in fact with every individual and company that our work impacts
commercial hard and soft landscaping | private garden construction | arboriculture | grounds maintenance www.culturagroup.co.uk PLBA ad template.indd 6
04/04/2022 15:01
GARDEN DESIGN COMPANY About
SPONSORED BY
Created to celebrate garden design studios – if you are running a successful garden design business then this category is designed for sharing your achievements, projects, initiatives and actions to your industry peers and colleagues.
The winner... Harrington Porter Ltd
Creating flexibility and inclusive learning, facilitating sub-contractor development, participating in a 5km run for the Alzheimer’s Society, nurturing local businesses and feats of sustainability from species and plant life protection, sourcing, recycling and antiwaste initiatives – Harringtons is making industry strides with its host of purposeful concepts, quality of construction and CRM/process management. It nurtures young or inexperienced team members who show passion and incentive by developing their skills from basic through to project leadership capabilities via internal training programmes, advanced external specialist courses and ownership of small projects to gain site experience. Though, it doesn’t stop there for Harrington Porter, which actively incorporates flexibility – Harringtons sees the value in hiring for their differences, from outlook to skillset. Most importantly, Harringtons shares its wealth of high demand to local sub-contractors and partners who may need extra work during industry fluctuations helping to keep them busy through low seasons. www.harringtonporter.com
The shortlist... Consilium Hortus Ltd
Matthew Wilson Gardens
Garden Aspect
North Leeds Garden Design
A practical, plant-using design solutions company which provided two guests to speak at Writtle University college on the benefits of the industry. www.consiliumhortus.co.uk
Garden Aspect has worked with local schools for eight years and is currently seeking means to help young offenders and homeless people back into employment. www.gardenaspect.co.uk
Matt Haddon Gardens
Matt Haddon Gardens excelled while taking on freelance staff and empowering existing staff to develop themselves. www.matthaddongardens.co.uk
Matthew Wilson Gardens is regularly called upon to comment on matters concerning the UK horticulture industry for a host of radio programmes. www.matthewwilsongardens.com
The wider-reaching blog writers at North Leeds Garden Design highlight industry issues and create 3D visuals for clients. www.northleedsgardendesign.co.uk
Ruth Willmott Associates Ltd
Recently hiring a director of sustainability, RWA is an exemplar for skill sharing success. www.ruthwillmott.com
Pro Landscaper Business Awards
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04/04/2022 13:31
LANDSCAPING COMPANY £1M - £5M TURNOVER About
SPONSORED BY
This category was created to celebrate the business achievements of those with a turnover between £1m-£5m. Judges will be looking for examples of constant brief fulfilment, relationships with the industry, staff morale and prospective development opportunities.
The winner... Tony Benger Landscaping Ltd Determined to grow through the development of its people and with a host of employee-forward incentives like career progression, monthly photo competition, social days, and more, Tony Benger always keeps care and quality at the heart of the company, and goes above and beyond for industry peers and clients alike. Having a desire to progress the company even further with rapid developments in IT, Tony Benger implemented a scheme to ensure everyone had the right tools to succeed. In line with this, the company also enjoys participating in local projects, from the famous Axe Vale Show to making contributions to organisations such as ‘Flamingo Pool’ which teaches young children how to swim. The company also provides heavily discounted landscaping rates for schools and centres that cater to children with learning difficulties or sensory disabilities, and creates sensory gardens that are invaluable projects to the local community and those who enjoy them daily. www.tonybenger.com
The shortlist... Panoramic Landscape Contractors
Panoramic Landscape Contractors
Panoramic Landscape Contractors focuses on employee care and developemnt while forming strong industry relationships. It is also committed to providing the highest quality trees and shrubs that have been UK-grown. www.panoramiclandscapes.co.uk
The TP Group
Priding themselves on sustainability, The TP Group makes sure to use recycled products from sustainable sources and hosts a plethora of returning clients like Taylor Wimpey and Mount Anvil. www.thetpgroup.co.uk
VMS
Operating with topnotch equipment and risk reduction are at the forefront of VMS’ mind. The company also offers workshops to increase the industry-wide skill shortage. Having a glowing review for client retention, VMS aims to replace 20% of their fossil fuelled equipment and double its tree planting target. www.vmsltd.net
Pro Landscaper Business Awards
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HUMAN NATURE:
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At Ground Control, we believe in uniting the best of people, places and the planet. We do this to realise the potential of nature at its best. And because it’s in our nature.
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SUPPLIER AND SERVICE PROVIDER About
SPONSORED BY
Quality offering, strong relationships and staff retention are some of the points the panel of judges will be looking for in this category. We’re looking for exceptional value for money and businesses that have earned themselves an impeccable reputation within the industry.
The winner... Adtrak Media Ltd
Having built bonds with a host of industry professionals Adtrak has also garnered brilliant staff retention by successfully implementing training schemes and apprenticeship offerings. Holding a host of positive reviews for its work, Adtrak’s clients are recommending its services to new BALI winners. Having a heritage for being a great place to learn and develop, Adtrak is the place to upskill in a set of disciplines including marketing, web design, copywriting and paid marketing. Establishing trademark behaviours is a key motivation for Adtrak and its employees: 'be focused, be respectful and be accountable’. Having developed a successful apprenticeship scheme that supports the progression of new industry talent Adtrak has proven this to be worthwhile investment for many industries looking to implement similar schemes. Adtrak have been able to retain clients through their upbeat positive team who are professional, responsive and finish a project with excellence. www.adtrak.co.uk
The shortlist... Azpects Ltd
Forging excellent relationships with customers and suppliers stands as a testament to the value of Azpects Ltd, which also offers best practice procedures and learning opportunities for employees. The team has thrived by listening to customers and answering their needs. www.azpects.co.uk
Caribbean Blinds UK Ltd
Creating strong relationships with partners through a rebate scheme and retaining clients for more than seven years, the second-generation, family-run manufacturer Caribbean Blinds is implementing development programmes for new and existing employees. www.www.cbsolarshading.co.uk
CORE Landscape Products
Housing a bespoke customer relationship manager, CORE clients receive a unique service tailored to them as a result of highly trained, knowledgeable and confident staff offering some of the highest quality products in the industry. www.corelp.co.uk
HL Services
Offering extensive employee development and training with a family-feel office and ‘good-vibes’ incentives through mental health coaching and regular informal conversations, HL Services builds long-term relationships in the industry and strengthens the business with the right talent. www.hlservices.co.uk
Pro Landscaper Business Awards
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07/04/2022 15:48
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04/04/2022 13:32
LANDSCAPING COMPANY UNDER £1M TURNOVER About
SPONSORED BY
Running a successful business is not necessarily about the number of staff you employ or the amount of money you turnover – it’s about your commitment to the industry, relationship with suppliers and training and development of staff.
The winner... Land Technology Ltd
Founded just four years ago, Edinburgh-based Land Technology is already an advocate for the industry. Its strong links to the local community showcase how landscaping can make a difference. For instance, it recently completed works on a local town community garden and is providing free materials, advice and labour to maintain and develop the sensory garden at a local school for children with disabilities. It is also in talks with a nearby school to offer an insight into landscaping and encourage the next generation into the industry. Looking to the future, the eight-strong team is now working with a local partner to develop a design and build package, enabling a better and potentially more costeffective process for the client. Having already shown impressive growth in sales and profits in such a short space of time, judges labelled Land Technology “one to watch” and commented: “An impressive start for this new business whose ways of working appear to be aligned to those expected of a larger company.” www.land-technology.co.uk
The shortlist... Adam & Eve Landscaping
New Look Landscapes Ltd
Ashworth Landscapes Ltd
Rose Hill Design & Build Ltd
Adam & Eve Landscaping is ambitious. Based in Surrey, having been rekindled in 2016, managing director Benjamin Myers has bold plans for the business, from the projects the team of five will be taking on to developing their skills to a strong focus on corporate social responsibility. www.adamandevelandscaping.co.uk
Boasting a turnover which has grown four-fold in just three years, Ashworth Landscapes Ltd is continually growing. Its team has gone from three to seven in the last two years and the company has already built two gardens for the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival. www.ashworthlandscapes.co.uk
Family-run business New Look Landscapes is looking to come back bigger and stronger than ever post-pandemic. With new recruitments, it is considering branching its service out and is planning to invest further in its staff to help team members explore the areas of the business they enjoy most. www.newlooklandscapes.co.uk
Established just three years ago, Rose Hill Design & Build is already making a name for itself. It places a strong emphasis on the environmental impact of the business and also the health and wellbeing of its staff, encouraging a good work/life balance and hosting team bonding events. www.rosehilldesign.co.uk
Pro Landscaper Business Awards
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EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR About
SPONSORED BY
This category incorporates all aspects of being a well-respected employer. We want to celebrate the slick and professional recruitment processes, positive staff experiences and exceptional training and development opportunities as well as focusing on the employment of apprentices and their retention.
The winner... Elmtree Garden Contractors Ltd
“Clearly a very people focused company” – our judges’ words summarise perfectly why Elmtree Garden Contractors is our Employer of the Year. Above all, the Bristol-based company not only listens to its employees but puts their thoughts and feedback into action. From small suggestions such as external lighting being installed at its maintenance premises to additional training courses to buying a minidigger – which saved the company thousands of pounds – each idea is carefully considered and actively encouraged with suggestion boxes on site and at its head office. With a team of 58 members of staff, Elmtree puts their health and safety as a top priority. It says it encourages its staff to “work to live, not live to work” with initiatives such as flexible working patterns, remote working for office staff where possible, staff outings and corporate memberships. Its team members are noted for taking pride in their projects, often sharing photos on their own social media pages. As our judges said, “a good working culture appears to be at the heart of the business.” www.elmtreegarden.co.uk
The shortlist... Green-tech
Maylim
Green-tech has long been known as an exemplary employer, and its acquisition by Origin Plc last year hasn’t changed this – in fact, it is keen to enhance its team spirit and culture. One judge commented: “Fantastic mental health initiatives and demonstrates an excellent collaborative workplace.” www.green-tech.co.uk
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Maylim has become a key player in the industry over the last two decades and one which is looking to raise the bar in terms of equality, diversity and inclusion. It has also recently launched an apprenticeship scheme and internal development programme. www.maylim.co.uk
John O’Conner (Grounds Maintenance) Ltd
TMA Environmental Consultants
John O’Conner (Grounds Maintenance) Ltd has grown to around 450 members of staff, but its ethos continues to be that directors and managers should always be approachable and available to all staff, and it invests heavily in their local communities. www.johnoconner.co.uk
This year will be TMA’s most successful year to date, and it puts this down to its employees. As such, one of its core values is to make TMA a clearly rewarding, stimulating and enjoyable place to work. www.tma-consultants.co.uk
Pro Landscaper Business Awards
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01/04/2022 09:46:15 04/04/2022 13:36
INDUSTRY COLLABORATION About
SPONSORED BY
Partnerships are everywhere within our industry. The judges will be looking at examples of a partnership creating positive change – whether it’s enabled someone to save money, deliver a better service or complete a job, have a major impact on the way people work or enhanced work in some other way.
The winner... Bridgman and Bridgman LLP
Bridgman & Bridgman saw an opportunity in 2020 to become a force for good. The green roofing specialist, based in Milton Keynes, wanted to explore how businesses could help in tackling climate change as well as bridging the skills shortage in the local area. Working with creative agency Pooleyville, it formed The Green Roof Project to create local green job opportunities and training by utilising the roof of Saxon Court in Milton Keynes, later planning to move the green roof elements to the YMCA rooftop as its legacy. It aims to pioneer the retrofitting potential of green and blue roofs in towns and cities across the UK. A number of partners donated materials to the project, including Alfa Aggregates, Green-tech, Bourne Amenity, Boughton, Optigrun, ZinCo, ABG Ltd, Sempergreen and John Chambers Wildflower Seeds. Several green jobs and training placements have been created as a result and the YMCA will gain a green roof to help grow its own food. www.bridgmanlandscapes.co.uk
The shortlist... Bestall and Co Composite With sustainability at Prime Limited the heart of the project, Bestall & Co has been working closely with others on site to renovate a substantial walled garden at The Grange in Nottingham for the past two years. www.bestall.co
Howe Green
Howe Green and DMC Contracts have been Last year, Composite Prime partnered with We collaborators for over 15 years. Last year, are Futures to launch they provided safe and a nationwide recycling programme to encourage concealed access to children to recycle. It will under-floor services throughout key stations be taking place once along the Elizabeth Line. again this year. composite-prime.com www.howegreen.com
Maylim Ltd
Since 2018, Maylim and HTA Design LLP have been working on the design and delivery of a significant and ongoing public realm scheme at Greenford Quay, with the second phase commencing last year. www.maylim.co.uk
Victoria Wade Landscape Architecture
Greenfingers, N P Garden & Landscaping and VWLA designed and delivered a woodland sensory garden together for the Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice. www.victoriawade.co.uk
Pro Landscaper Business Awards
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The UK’s Premier Artificial Grass Manufacturer
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LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE STUDIO OVER 10 EMPLOYEES About
SPONSORED BY
This category is for the landscape architect practice that can demonstrate continued good business practices, strong industry relationships and an invaluable and positive workforce.
The winner... Groundwork London
Groundwork London is more than a design practice – it’s an environmental and social charity “that promotes people, prospect and place”. Its profits go straight back into its charitable objectives, which can help communities improve their local area, such its Space Award, which aims to make London a more “clean and green” city. The charity also aims to address the skills shortage and encourage people to embrace horticulture. Greenteams, for instance, is a horticultural programme which helps participants improve their landscaping skills and employability, whilst giving them the opportunity to work on community projects and earn a wage. One judge commented: “A great charity which does so much for social value, training and supporting their clients. As a business, [Groundwork London] trains and engages with so many people…” Another called it a “standout winner”, as the charity continues to evolve and adapt to ever-changing needs and challenges, from climate change to health and wellbeing. www.groundwork.org.uk
The shortlist... BBUK Studio Ltd
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, BBUK has become a wellreputed and trusted practice. The London-based studio recently expanded its team, with plans to increase its portfolio of projects by collaborating with architects and developers it admires. The projects it works on, though, are not based necessarily on size or budget but instead on interest and whether it will benefit the community. For instance, it won a competition to design gardens for Alder Hey Children’s bereavement centre – and went the extra mile by taking part in a sponsored bike from London to Liverpool to raise further funds for the project. www.bbukstudio.com
Pro Landscaper Business Awards
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Hillier trees is recognised as the UK’s premier tree grower, supplying the most comprehensive selection of quality, British-grown trees all year round from either our field or container nurseries.
www.hillier.co.uk/trees
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LANDSCAPING COMPANY OVER £5M TURNOVER About
SPONSORED BY
This category has been created for the behemoths of the industry. Judges will want to see examples of in-depth staff training and development, tight relationships with suppliers and the willingness to give something back to the industry.
The winner... Landform Consultants
The most medalled contractor at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, having built 104 show gardens and exhibits at the world-renowned show, Landform Consultants is one of the most prolific companies in the industry. Its managing director, Mark Gregory, has dedicated himself and his company to not only their own success but the success of the industry too. He is now a lecturer, an RHS garden assessor and judge – alongside two other Landform members of staff – and heads up the RHS Young Designer of the Year competition with the company’s lead designer Catherine MacDonald. Mark and his colleagues at Landform are also keen to ensure the next generation of designers and landscapers are coming through, recently offering a work placement for a secondary school student to explore all aspects of the business, as well as providing career talks during a local second school’s careers’ week. www.landformconsultants.co.uk
The shortlist... Elmtree Garden Contractors Ltd
Mitie Landscapes
Despite growing significantly in the last 53 years since it was founded, Elmtree Garden Contractors has retained its family ethos, and it believes it’s this which has retained a loyal workforce. It is a company dedicated to supporting and upskilling its staff. www.elmtreegarden.co.uk
Mitie takes its responsibility as one of the UK’s largest employers seriously, ensuring that it gives back to local communities but also looks after its staff, ensuring they can opportunities to progress. Its training budget has also more than doubled in the last three years. www.mitie.com/all-services/landscapes
Ground Control Ltd
Wright Landscapes Ltd
Ground Control doesn’t just encourage and recognise staff for their achievements internally; it also rewards them for their efforts outside of the company. Its Evergreen Fund and the creation of its Wildfell Centre for Environmental Recover also show its commitment to a wider goal. www.ground-control.co.uk
Wright Landscapes is committed to building on its growth and success, supporting Wright Landscapes' employees, clients, suppliers and subcontractors – as well as the community. All of this whilst addressing environmental and sustainable issues with an innovative approach. www.wrightlandscapes.co.uk
Pro Landscaper Business Awards
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Co of Pro L a ng t u ra nd he d tu sc C sp la tio ap om on ns ing m so e rs to al cat rci la e g al w ar or d w y in ne rs
Our landscaping roots run deep With over 27 years’ experience supplying the industry with everything from soil to stakes and tree shelters to topsoil, Green-tech is proud to work with landscape contractors, designers and architects to create beautiful, sustainable and biodiverse landscape projects.
All your landscape materials available from one company and on one delivery: Urban Tree Planting and Tree Irrigation Soils, Growing Media and Barks Rural Tree Planting Wildflower Seed and Conservation
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Ecology, Ponds and Bioengineering
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Ground, Wind, Weed and Erosion Control
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Grounds Maintenance
• Renowned for our professional advice and excellent customer care
PPE, Workwear and Tools
Order today by calling 01423 332100 or order online at www.green-tech.co.uk sales@green-tech.co.uk
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@greentechltd
@greentechuk
green-tech-ltd
04/04/2022 13:44
COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPING COMPANY About
SPONSORED BY
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 and anything in between.
The winner... Maylim
Maylim’s mission is “to create beautiful spaces, for the people and the future”. It ensures each of its projects have a positive impact on the local community and businesses. As part of its Exchange Square project, for instance, Maylim created a “forest school” for a primary school, providing a safe, functional yet fun space for children to connect with nature, and it has more community engagement projects planned for its schemes this year too. The company places a strong emphasis on developing its staff, with many colleagues working their way up to management positions. Implementing a development journal programme as well as an internal training programme allows Maylim to monitor progress and address the company’s – and the industry’s – needs. It now has big plans to establish itself as a market leader and focus on organic, planned growth. But our judges reckon Maylim is already “a great business and market leader with great vision”. www.maylim.co.uk
The shortlist... Acre Landscapes Limited
Since Acre was first founded in 2008, it set out to improve and advance standards of work in the commercial landscaping sector. It has shown its commitment to the industry in various ways, such as its involvement in BALI and the GoLandscape initiative and by paying its staff above the industry average. www.acrelandscapes.com
Carrier Landscapes Ltd
With 35 landscaping teams in operation from its East Midlands depot every day, and a nursery stretching across two sites, Carrier Landscapes is a force to be reckoned with. It has seen impressive growth, continuing to invest heavily in the business but also in its people. www.carrierlandscapes.co.uk
Elmtree Garden Contractors Ltd
One of the most outstanding aspects of Elmtree Garden Contractors for our judges was its social corporate responsibility, which they said it took to the next level, “thinking creatively about how [its] skills, knowledge and resources can add true value.” www.elmtreegarden.co.uk
Tony Benger Landscaping Ltd
Last year’s Supreme Winner in the Pro Landscaper Business Awards, Tony Benger Landscaping is an exemplar in the commercial landscaping sector. It is an inclusive company, which has seen a lot of growth and success over the past 35 years. www.tonybenger.com
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Trust Tobermore At Tobermore, we take pride in the outstanding performance of our products. Our continual investment in innovative technologies and people, has resulted in high performance products and market-leading solutions. It is this commitment which differentiates Tobermore. Ef-Stop Tobermore has invested in manufacturing technology which enables us to produce virtually efflorescence free paving. The Ef-Stop protection includes an intense vapour curing process which dramatically reduces efflorescence, enhances colour and improves the strength of products.
PrimeTop PrimeTop is the high performance feature which differentiates Tobermore from standard concrete paving. Tobermore’s PrimeTop is manufactured with a premium, hard-wearing surface layer which adds significant performance benefits.
Responsible Manufacturing We care about our impact on the global environment, so we invest in a robust programme of continuous environmental improvement including reducing the use of plastic waste and using renewable energy throughout our manufacturing processes. Block Paving
Paving Slabs
Walling
Website
Sales Team
tobermore.co.uk
technical@tobermore.co.uk choosetobermore@tobermore.co.uk
GB: NI: ROI:
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0844 800 5736 028 7964 2411 048 7964 2411
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DESIGN AND BUILD COMPANY About
SPONSORED BY
In this incredibly competitive market, we are looking for the company that provides a top-quality service plus a little something else that makes them stand out. You don’t have to be the biggest business to impress our judges; they want to see commitment, staff development and client testimonials.
The winner... The Garden Company Ltd
©James Scott/The Garden Company/ Clive Nichols
Founded just over 30 years ago, The Garden Company has become one of the leading design and build companies in the industry. Situated in Hertfordshire, the business believes in looking after its people and its clients, working in partnership with suppliers, protecting the environment, engaging with the local community and supporting charities. For instance, mental health and wellbeing are standing items at monthly management meetings. It has also pledged to support BALI’s Mental Health First Aid initiative. When it comes to clients, the team encourages more environmentally friendly designs and recycles on site where possible. The Garden Company is now looking to review company policy and practices regarding sustainability too, based on a carbon footprint audit. It is also looking to continue to promote its new brand identity, launched last year, and the multi-award-winning company can now proudly add its latest Pro Landscaper Business Award to its lengthy list of achievements. www.thegardenco.co.uk
The shortlist... Gartenart Swimming Ponds
Gartenart’s vision is to enable people to dive into nature, away from the busyness of modern lifestyles, and experience the beauty of swimming in natural water. www.gartenart.co.uk
Landscapia Ltd Rose Hill Having achieved Design and impressive organic Build Ltd growth, Landscapia is looking to make itself standout further; working towards being known as the best design and build company in the West Midlands. www.landscapia.co.uk
Rose Hill recently started offering nationwide design services and will be expanding its build team to create more gardens to its same reputable highend finish. www.rosehilldesign.co.uk
Selby The Garden Landscapes Ltd Design Boasting impressive Company Ltd client feedback, this small but mighty business is on its way up, and its commitment to the industry is an asset. It has also started offering apprenticeship positions. selbylandscapes.com
Mentoring the next generation, supporting charities and caring for the environment are key goals for The Garden Design Company, which just celebrated 25 years. gardendesignco.co.uk
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ENTER YOUR PROJECT NOW
DESIGN UNDER £35,000 • BUILD UNDER £35,000 • SPECIAL FEATURE UNDER £25,000 • PLANTING DESIGN UNDER £25,000 • HARD LANDSCAPING UNDER £35,000 • DESIGN AND BUILD UNDER £35,000 • SUSTAINABLE GARDEN UNDER £35,000 • BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY UNDER £20,000 • INTERNATIONAL GARDEN UNDER £35,000
CONTACT MARK TO ENTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION 01903 777574 | MARK.WELLMAN@ELJAYS44.COM AWARDS CEREMONY TUESDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2022 | ExCeL LONDON
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AWARDS CEREMONY For more information on how to enter, contact the team TUESDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2022 on 01903 777570 or email 30u30@eljays44.com ExCeL LONDON PLBA ad template.indd 18 PL ad.indd 1
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SUSTAINABLE COMPANY OF THE YEAR About
SPONSORED BY
The Sustainable Company of the Year category was introduced last year. A vital element of any business, this is to reward the greenest, most sustainably-conscious businesses in the UK’s landscaping sector.
The winner... Ground Control
For the second year in a row, Ground Control has scooped the title of Sustainable Company of the Year. Its work towards becoming a more environmentally friendly business is continuous, with small and large steps being made each year to lessen its carbon footprint. Its headline goal to become carbon neutral by 2025 was achieved an impressive four years ahead of schedule, and in the last 12 months Ground Control has seen continued improvements to its day-to-day operations. The pinnacle of Ground Control’s sustainability efforts is perhaps its Evergreen Fund, a £5m Impact Venture Fund, funded by 5% of its annual net profits to go towards ventures focused on carbon reduction, sustainability, as well as environmental protection. One investment is into the Wildfell Centre for Environmental Recovery, a 296-acre site dedicated to showcasing biodiversity and sustainable practices in land management which was launched at Ground Control’s inaugural Green Gains Live Summit. www.ground-control.co.uk
The shortlist... Eco Sustainable Solutions Ltd
Mitie Landscapes
Growing Revolution
Studio 31 Landscape Architects
Mitie has made huge strides in the last 12 months to make its operations fully sustainable, such as creating a new role of sustainability lead and forming Sustainability Steering Group. It has switched more than half of its fleet to electric, with plans to make all its fleet electric by 2025. www.mitie.com
Born out of sister company Biotecture, Growing Revolution is about reconnecting people with nature. Its product, PlantBox, is a stackable and modular living wall system which is made from 100% recycled postconsumer materials in Norfolk – and this is just one of its many green credentials. www.growingrevolution.com
©Rosewood Living Walls
During the 25 years it has been operating, it has recycled more than four million tonnes of organic material and prevented almost 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere. It believes its synergetic approach makes it unique. www.thisiseco.co.uk
The environment is at the heart of Studio 31, influencing business decisions and design choices. It has developed environmentallyled project protocols, such as looking at how to reuse existing materials and work towards circular processes. www.designstudio31.co.uk
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Supreme Winner Elmtree Garden Contractors Ltd THE JUDGES' COMMENTS BELOW SUM UP WHAT THE COMPANY HAS ACHIEVED. IT TRULY DESERVES TO BE THE PRO LANDSCAPER BUSINESS AWARDS 2022 SUPREME WINNER: ‘GREAT EXAMPLES OF HOW IT NOT ONLY ACTIVELY LISTENS TO ITS STAFF, BUT ACTUALLY IMPLEMENTS THEIR IDEAS, WITH CLEAR ROI.’
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THIS IS TRULY AN AMAZING COMPANY THAT IS TOP OF ITS GAME. TO BE THE SUPREME WINNER ONCE IS AMAZING BUT TWICE IS OUTSTANDING.
‘A GOOD WORKING CULTURE APPEARS TO BE AT THE HEART OF THE BUSINESS. THE COMPANY EXCELS FOR ITS SIZE IN PARTICULAR!’ ‘IT’S CLEAR THERE IS AN EMBEDDED CULTURE OF SUPPORT, DEVELOPMENT, CARING AND PERFORMANCE – A TRULY EXCEPTIONAL, PEOPLE-FOCUSED BUSINESS.’ ‘WHAT SETS THIS SUBMISSION ENTRY APART IS THE CLEAR AND COMMITTED APPROACH TO THE COMPANY'S STAFF, CUSTOMERS, SUPPLIERS, AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IT WORKS IN. A STANDOUT APPLICATION.’ ‘THE SUBMISSION HAD SOME EXCELLENT ELEMENTS; IN PARTICULAR, THE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT AND CSR SECTIONS WERE AN EXAMPLE TO THE WHOLE INDUSTRY.’ ‘THIS COMPANY TAKES SCR TO THE NEXT LEVEL; THINKING CREATIVELY ABOUT HOW THEIR SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND RESOURCES CAN ADD TRUE VALUE TO THOSE BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE BUSINESS – A TRULY INSPIRING SUBMISSION!’ Marian Barker Owner, Fresh Horticultural Careers
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Judges
Adrian Wickham Glendale Services
Andy Corcoran Places Management
Ewan Oliver Lendlease
Gemma Murphy View HR
Jonathan Hazell Jonathan Hazell
Ken White Frosts Landscape Construction
Lynn Hunter Pro-Motion
Nick Ruddle Action Coach
Phil Jones Cultura Group
Richard Gardiner NAG Solutions
Richard Kay Dyslexic Entrepreneur
Adam White Davies White
Alison Warner Evolve and Grow
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winners list Trade Nursery of the Year
Sponsored by
Arboriculture Company
Sponsored by
Grounds Maintenance Company
Sponsored by
Landscape Architecture Studio Under 10 employees
Sponsored by
Garden Design Company
Sponsored by
Landscaping Company £1m - £5m Turnover
Sponsored by
Supplier & Service Provider
Sponsored by
Landscaping Company Under £1m Turnover
Sponsored by
W Crowder & Sons Ltd
Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd
Tony Benger Landscaping Ltd
Studio 31 Landscape Architects
Harrington Porter Ltd
Tony Benger Landscaping Ltd
Adtrak
Land Technology Ltd
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Employer of the Year
Sponsored by
Industry Collaboration
Sponsored by
Landscape Architecture Studio Over 10 employees
Sponsored by
Landscaping Company over £5m Turnover
Sponsored by
Commercial Landscaping Company
Sponsored by
Design and Build Company
Sponsored by
Sustainable Company of the Year
Sponsored by
Supreme Winner
Sponsored by
Elmtree Garden Contractors Ltd
Bridgman and Bridgman LLP
Groundwork London
Landform Consultants
Maylim
The Garden Company Ltd
Ground Control
Elmtree Garden Contractors Ltd
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FRIDAY 22 APRIL 2022
EAST WINTERGARDEN • CANARY WHARF LONDON E14 5NX 44
Pro Landscaper Business Awards
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