Pro Landscaper Business Awards Brochure 2024

FRIDAY 19 APRIL 2024

OLD BILLINGSGATE, 1 OLD BILLINGSGATE WALK, LONDON EC3R 6DX

Welcome

Welcome to the 2024 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.

Our industry is renowned and rightly celebrated for the amazing projects we deliver, and there are a number of awards that recognise them. These can only be delivered and our sector thrive if businesses embed the core foundational principles that underpin success – today and in the future. This is why the Pro Landscaper Business Awards are so highly regarded and valued because this is their focus: financial stability, staff training and development, supplier relationships, customer acquisitions and management, business systems, sustainability, corporate social responsibility and industry leading initiatives.

Now in their seventh year, they go from strength to strength, highlighted again by our best-ever shortlist. This includes most of our industry’s biggest names alongside other exceptional established businesses, rising stars and newcomers. Congratulations to all the companies that made it and everyone else that entered in what has been another record-breaking year.

Thank you to our judging panel (page 41) who had the toughest job of all, and included representation from leading industry players, functional specialists and advisors from other sectors. A testament to how competitive and tough this year has been is the number of comments from judges on how the calibre and quality of entries was the best they have ever witnessed.

A big thank you also goes to our amazing partners who not only support these awards but the industry as a whole; championing the sector has never been more important and we know that by rewarding its best performers we can enable and drive continued growth beyond too. A special thank you has to go to Stuart and his team at Caribbean Blinds for headlining today’s event and our ongoing partnership – it’s highly appreciated.

The Pro Landscaper team congratulates all those that have featured on the shortlist – that in itself is an incredible achievement. Now read on to see our category winners and, of course, the 2024 Supreme Winner!

David Griffiths

With thanks to our partners

Eljays44 Ltd

3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex, BN16 3DA

Tel 01903 777 570

eljays44.com

David Griffiths Divisional director

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STRATEGY

About

In this new category, we looked to recognise the company that is demonstrating how it is breaking down barriers in our industry and increasing access and progression for all. This award recognises organisations that have implemented programmes to make workplaces more representative, welcoming and inclusive.

The winner...

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council

Bradford Council’s Landscape Design & Conservation Team (Department of Place), led by Dr. Saira Ali, is a small multidisciplinary service delivering landscape design, blue and green infrastructure, and place making projects for the diverse communities of this historic Yorkshire district.

Led by one of the few Asian team leaders in Local Government in the UK, it has set a benchmark for excellence and transformation. The council has implemented various initiatives to promote diversity and ensure inclusivity and has set a series of goals by which to measure the impact of these too.

The council says its workforce now better reflects the diversity of the communities it serves, leading to improved relationships with customers and stakeholders. Its environmental projects, cocreated with local communities, have also received positive feedback and have had a tangible impact on promoting social interaction and wellbeing in the areas in which it operates. Judges called the council “a role model for others to follow.” bradford.gov.uk

In partnership with

The shortlist...

ARBORICULTURE COMPANY

About

This category looks to recognise the leading arboriculture companies or specialist division. Entrants to this category needed to demonstrate examples of commitment to the industry, staff retention and morale, as well as constant good business practices.

The winner...

The Environment Partnership (TEP) Ltd

Since its first community woodland design in 1997, TEP’s focus has always been on sustainable development by conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment. Headquartered in northwest England, the environmental consultancy operates across the UK and boasts one of the largest arboriculture teams nationally, with 14 professionals ranging from graduate to director level.

Founded from a love of trees and sustainable development, TEP’s arboriculture team is able to tailor its services to projects of various sizes, from domestic tree inspections to major infrastructure schemes, including expert witness services.

In 2019, TEP’s arborists worked in partnership with American software developer PlanIT Geo to develop a new digital survey tool for BS5837 Tree Surveys, which launched in the UK on PlanIT Geo’s ‘Tree Plotter’ platform. It then identified an opportunity to use a similar approach to tree risk management, resulting in a sophisticated software system that is exclusive to TEP.

Its arborists are at the core of its regenerative approach to habitats, biodiversity, soils, water and wellbeing.

tep.uk.com

In partnership with

The shortlist...

CRIMSON KINGS MIDLANDS LTD

JOHN O'CONNER (GROUNDS MAINTENANCE) LTD

GROUNDLORD LTD

TONY BENGER LANDSCAPING

15 - 16 October 2024

ExCeL London

Scan the QR code to register for your free tickets now

Co-located with...

Event partners In

SUPPLIER AND SERVICE PROVIDER

About

Quality offering, strong relationships and staff retention are some of the points the judges looked for in this category. They were not necessarily looking for the most well-known or highest grossing company, but the one that offers best value for money and has earned themselves an impeccable reputation.

The winner...

Wildflower Turf Ltd

As a dedicated supplier of products and knowledge for those seeking to develop wildflower spaces, Wildflower Turf Ltd innovated the original Wildflower Turf® product and, over the last 20 years, has subsequently expanded its wildflower range to include MeadowScape Pro™ and MeadowSow™ product lines in the UK.

It hosts an extensive range of CPD and training courses covering a range of wildflower installation topics, and since 2012 has trained several hundred ‘Accredited Partners’ at its dedicated training facilities in Hampshire as well as at its sites in Shropshire and Yorkshire. It also encourages its employees to progress, with each having a dedicated weekly study hour for personal and professional development.

With a dedicated in-house research and development team, an on-site laboratory, and extensive trial facilities, Wildflower Turf Ltd aims to continuously push the boundaries in the landscaping industry. It has been involved in some of the highest profile wildflower installations in the UK, including the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. wildflowerturf.co.uk

In partnership with

The shortlist...

Forma ® Slatted Cladding Reveal Trim

Forma® Composite Slatted Cladding

Forma ® Slatted Cladding Reveal Trim

Forma® Composite Slatted Cladding

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE STUDIO

About

This category is for the landscape architect practice that demonstrated continued good business practices, strong industry relationships and an invaluable and positive workforce.

The winner...

Harris Bugg Studio

Founded only seven years ago, Harris Bugg Studio has become an award-winning landscape design practice with a track record of delivering historic, residential, commercial, botanic and public gardens. Its experience spans a wide range of sectors, sizes and briefs, from masterplanning for a 3,000-acre heritage site to the design of a listed roof terrace garden in central London.

Based in London, Scotland, and the West Country, it creates distinctive, high quality and beautifully planted spaces in the countryside, in the UK and overseas.

Described as the “pioneering design talents of a generation” by the Royal Horticultural Society, it has been awarded four Gold medals and one Silver Gilt at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Last year, it was awarded the prestigious Best in Show for its trailblazing adaptive Horatio’s Garden.

It has a culture manifesto called The Common Good, which outlines the studio’s commitment to people, place and planet. Judges called it an “exciting young practice with a clear purpose.” harrisbugg.com

In partnership with

The shortlist...

Community and support

Accreditation

Winning new business

Maximise business potential

Cutting your costs

Training opportunities

To join simply contact Phil Tremayne, APL General Manager

phil.tremayne@hta.org.uk

Membership types

TRADE NURSERY OF THE YEAR

About

Considerations for this category included but were 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...

Tendercare Nurseries Ltd

More than three decades ago, Tendercare Nurseries became an early specimen plant nursery to emerge in the UK, set up by a landscape architect and a plant biologist on a greenfield site, with a layout modelled on efficiency.

Overcoming a series of economic downturns in its 35 years of trading, Tendercare Nurseries says its 40-plusstrong team drives forward the business, with it taking on people from a wide range of backgrounds and previous careers.

It now offers a range of plants chosen for their role in amenity landscape work and their disease-resistance, and selected from top breeders in the UK, Europe and New Zealand. Its production is peat free, using waste wood products sourced in the UK.

The Buckinghamshire based nursery is now in a phase of redevelopment to expand on its plant sales, with judges commenting that it’s an “established nursery practice” that is “investing in its future”. tendercare.co.uk

In partnership with

The shortlist...

PROUDLY PUTTING NATURE BACK INTO OUR CITIES

Bourne Amenity has been supplying hard and soft landscaping materials to the industry for over 40 years.

We work with the country’s largest civil engineering companies and most prestigious Landscape Designers and Contractors, ensuring our materials and delivery methods are second to none.

Good Luck to all the nominees for this year’s awards.

As with last year, the quality and precision of the work within our industry never disappoints. We are proud to support so many of you and look forward to celebrating with you all on the 19th April.

About

This category was created to celebrate the business achievements of those with a turnover between £1m-£5m. Judges looked for examples of constant brief fulfilment, relationships with the industry, building staff morale and prospective development opportunities.

The winner...

Helmrig Ltd

Helmrig is a family business, established in 1980, delivering high quality contract landscaping across the North West.

Since it was purchased by the next generation in January 2021, Helmrig has seen 59% growth in sales and 42% growth in operating profit (EBITDA). It has ambitious goals, embracing change and new business initiatives whilst not losing focus on its core business. Helmrig sees biodiversity net gain, for instance, as an opportunity for landscape contractors to enhance their proposition to clients.

It supports local suppliers, with a willingness to ensure that the relationship delivers mutual benefits. It also invests in its people, recognising talent and promoting from within. The high standards delivered by its trusted team, alongside its customer-focused contract landscaping service, have led to the on-boarding and retention of several major clients in the last three years.

helmrig.com

In partnership with

The shortlist...

Delivering all your landscape and forestry needs for 30 years

Delivering all your landscape and forestry needs for 30 years

• A trusted supplier to the landscaping, forestry and construction industries for over a quarter of a century

Delivering all your landscape and forestry needs for 30 years

• A trusted supplier to the landscaping, forestry and construction industries for over a quarter of a century

• Over 10,000 product lines with extensive stockholding and a robust supply chain

• A trusted supplier to the landscaping, forestry and construction industries for over a quarter of a century

• Over 10,000 product lines with extensive stockholding and a robust supply chain

• Over 10,000 product lines with extensive stockholding and a robust supply chain

• Renowned for our professional advice and excellent customer care

• Nationwide, exible and next day delivery options

• Renowned for our professional advice and excellent customer care

• Renowned for our professional advice and excellent customer care

• A comprehensive programme of CPD seminars and training seminars

• Nationwide, exible and next day delivery options

• Nationwide, exible and next day delivery options

• A comprehensive programme of CPD seminars and training seminars

T: 01423 332100

• A comprehensive programme of CPD seminars and training seminars

www.green-tech.co.uk

T: 01423 332100

T: 01423 332100

www.green-tech.co.uk

www.green-tech.co.uk

sales@green-tech.co.uk @greentechuk @greentechltd green-tech-ltd

sales@green-tech.co.uk @greentechuk @greentechltd green-tech-ltd Congratulations to all winners

sales@green-tech.co.uk @greentechuk @greentechltd green-tech-ltd Congratulations Landscape

Forestry

Construction

Landscape

COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE COMPANY

About

This category looks to highlight and praise the companies that build and sculpt the public areas the population enjoy – from city centres, to office grounds, to communal areas within housing developments and anything in between.

The winner...

Elmtree Garden Contractors Ltd

Since 1969, Elmtree Garden Contractors Ltd has been consistently delivering quality landscaping to the construction and commercial sectors. It is passionate about contributing positively to the environment, society, and the communities in which it operates and believes that a business can both have a purpose and be profitable. As such, it has grown considerably in terms of client base, workforce, service offering and turnover.

Elmtree is also dedicated to staff development and career progression, with the teamwork ethos that it has built ensuring a high staff retention rate. It is an Equal Opportunities and Investors in People employer, focusing not just on extensive training but also on employee wellbeing. All staff have undertaken Mental Health Awareness training and a dozen team members are trained Mental Health First Aiders. This has helped to create a safe, positive and inclusive work environment.

“A great company with a solid understanding of what it takes to run a successful business. An extremely worthy winner in a highly competitive category,” said our judges. elmtreegarden.co.uk

In partnership with

The shortlist...

©Paul Scott

Discover peerless products for your next timber project.

Discover peerless products for your next timber project.

At BSW Timber, we take pride in offering the widest range of responsibly sourced timber products in the UK. With innovation as our driving force, we constantly bring the latest developments to market, ensuring we always have the perfect solution for your needs. Experience the excellence of British timber for all your landscaping endeavours. Ourtop-quality fencing and landscaping timbers are ideal for all applications. Craft your dream garden with our meticulously finished timber components and turn your vision into reality. bsw.co.uk

At BSW Timber, we take pride in offering the widest range of responsibly sourced timber products in the UK. With innovation as our driving force, we constantly bring the latest developments to market, ensuring we always have the perfect solution for your needs. Experience the excellence of British timber for all your landscaping endeavours. Our top-quality fencing and landscaping timbers are ideal for all applications. Craft your dream garden with our meticulously finished timber components and turn your vision into reality. bsw.co.uk

GARDEN DESIGN COMPANY

The winner... About

In partnership with

Created to celebrate garden design studios, this category is for those running a successful garden design business, giving them the opportunity to shout about it to their industry peers and colleagues and get the recognition that they deserve.

The Garden Company Ltd

The Garden Company creates places of enduring value through design expertise and landscaping craftmanship. Its work is rich in detail and drawn from over 30 years’ experience. The company supports its clients every step of the way, delivering bespoke and handcrafted spaces that they love.

The Hertfordshire based studio is also committed to continuous training and development of its staff, through CPD, events and webinars. It is a Registered Design Practice of the Society of Garden Designers (SGD) and has won several national awards for both design and build expertise, including more than 25 National Landscape Awards.

James Scott, The Garden Company’s founder and managing director, is a Fellow of the SGD – he also served on the council for six years – and an Accredited Designer of the British Association of Landscape Industries. He was named as one of Pro Landscaper’s Most Influential people in landscaping and horticulture in 2022. thegardenco.co.uk

The shortlist...

BEAUTIFUL WILD GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN

LAVENDER LANDSCAPES

CONSILIUM HORTUS LTD

TYTHORNE GARDEN DESIGN LTD

Designed by James Scott FSGD MBALI, built by The Garden Company

THE NEXT-GEN SOLUTION FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMERCIAL GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

Kress raises the bar for sustainability, productivity, and profitability. A groundbreaking battery technology is at the heart of the 8-minute CyberPack innovation, which allows for unprecedented power and a full charge in merely eight minutes, while ensuring unmatched longevity, backed by a 6-year or 3,000-cycle limited warranty.

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE COMPANY

About

We looked 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 looked at staff training and development, investment in apprentices and corporate social responsibility.

The winner...

Nurture Landscapes

Nurture Landscapes Ltd is a leading provider of grounds maintenance for the corporate and private sectors. Part of the Nurture Group of companies, it works with a broad range of clients, including business and industrial parks; retail and leisure sector; office buildings; and hospitality and heritage sites.

Specialising in grounds maintenance, landscape construction, winter gritting and interior/exterior plant displays, Nurture Landscapes is a multi-award-winning national service provider with more than 1,800 employees operating from 20 regional offices, 60 depots and in excess of 20,000 sites across the UK. Its in-house training academy ensures employee training and development are at the forefront of its operations.

Alongside traditional grounds maintenance services, it takes a proactive approach to sustainability and biodiversity, helping clients achieve their ESG objectives through innovative ideas and quality service. Judges said it is “a living and breathing example of a company that is thriving and allowing nature to thrive too.”

nurture-group.co.uk

In partnership with

The shortlist...

YOUR PARTNER FOR GROWTH AWARD-WINNING

trade@cbsolarshading.co.uk

t w e 0344 800 1947

trade@cbsolarshading.co.uk

cbsolarshading.co.uk/trade

cbsolarshading.co.uk/trade

SCAN QR CODE TO FIND OUT MORE & REGISTER AS A TRADE PARTNER

SCAN QR CODE TO FIND OUT MORE & REGISTER

NEW CLASSIC ‘LITE’ SET SIZE POD

SMALL

x 3.50m

£5,500 TRADE PRICE

PERGOLAS TO GO IN 10 DAYS NEW CLASSIC ‘LITE’ SET SIZE POD

x 3.50m

MEDIUM £6,500 TRADE PRICE

LARGE £7,500 TRADE PRICE

x 3.50m

Our newly introduced Classic Lite Pod bridges the gap between the off the shelf, inferior imported pergolas and our premium made to measure louvered pergolas. Fast becoming a rm favourite with landscapers, this premium quality set sized pergola offers all the bene ts of our bespoke range but in three popular set sizes, making it easy to incorporate into a scheme.

Our newly introduced Classic Lite Pod bridges the gap between the off the shelf, inferior imported pergolas and our premium made to measure louvered pergolas. Fast becoming a rm favourite with landscapers, this premium quality set sized pergola offers all the bene ts of our bespoke range but in three popular set sizes, making it easy to incorporate into a scheme.

The Classic Lite Pod uses the same framework (posts and cross beam) as our popular Classic Pod with all xings contained inside the framework including the integrated base plates which provides an easy attachment to the ground and rain water pipes which ensure an effective drainage of water from the roof.

The Classic Lite Pod uses the same framework (posts and cross beam) as our popular Classic Pod with all xings contained inside the framework including the integrated base plates which provides an easy attachment to the ground and rain water pipes which ensure an effective drainage of water from the roof.

Still completely customisable; you can add perimeter LED lighting to the framework which is neatly set within the underside of the cross beam, instant infra-red ultra low glare heaters and windproof motorised side screens in a

Still completely customisable; you can add perimeter LED lighting to the framework which is neatly set within the underside of the cross beam, instant infra-red ultra low glare heaters and windproof motorised side screens in a

range of mesh and solid fabrics, all of which ensure a cosy and pleasant environment under the pergola all year round.

range of mesh and solid fabrics, all of which ensure a cosy and pleasant environment under the pergola all year round.

The superstrong, corrosion resistant aluminium framework is powdercoated to marine grade, nished in a contemporary Anthracite Grey RAL 7016 structured nish and the concealed electronics are by world leaders Somfy guaranteeing reliability with effortless operation via remote control or an app.

The superstrong, corrosion resistant aluminium framework is powdercoated to marine grade, nished in a contemporary Anthracite Grey RAL 7016 structured nish and the concealed electronics are by world leaders Somfy guaranteeing reliability with effortless operation via remote control or an app.

LANDSCAPE COMPANY UNDER £1M TURNOVER

About

This category has been created with the intention of giving smaller landscape companies a presence against larger multi-million-pound companies. Running a successful business is not necessarily about the number of staff or money you turnover; it's about industry commitment, relationships and staff development.

The winner...

Murray Landscapes Ltd

Based in Motherwell, Scotland, Murray Landscapes has been transforming landscapes since 2009. It creates modern outdoor living spaces for its domestic clients as well as undertaking commercial grounds maintenance.

Crowned Best Landscaping Company in Scotland 2022 and Best Business at the Lanarkshire Business Excellence Awards, Murray Landscapes focuses on developing its team and driving the business forward through its efficiency and high-quality clientfocused service, led by founder Marc Murray. This has included overhauling the company’s infrastructure over the past year to ensure manageable, profitable growth.

Murray Landscapes is also committed to reducing its carbon footprint, developing its environmentally conscious practices, and has started using a videographer to follow its builds and showcase its work.

It is currently in a transition period of growth as it continues to secure large, luxury transformation projects. Judges called it an “astonishing business” that is “truly forward thinking” and “has grown well”. murraylandscapes.com

In partnership with

The shortlist...

HARDWOOD LANDSCAPES LTD

YOUR GARDENS

INDUSTRY COLLABORATION

About

This award is to highlight where partnerships have succeeded. The judges looked at examples of how a partnership has helped a business – whether it’s enabled them to save money, deliver a better service or complete a job, had a major impact on the way it works or enhanced its work in some other way.

The winner...

Canary Wharf Management Ltd

in collaboration with Biotecture

Canary Wharf Group (CWG) is the developer of the largest urban regeneration project in Europe. It develops, manages and currently owns interests in approximately nine million square feet of mixed-use space and over 1,100 build-to-rent apartments.

Committed to tackling biodiversity loss and creating nature positive places, the group appointed Gillespies to create a landscaping framework to green up the estate, which included living walls installed by Biotecture. These would enrich spaces, boost biodiversity, improve air quality and reduce noise pollution. For Biotecture, they would act as a showcase and a test bed for innovation.

A stackable, modular living wall system was used to instantly bring thousands of additional plants to the estate, with the first walls installed just eight weeks after its initial visit. Following a successful first phase, Biotecture was commissioned to green up areas near the new Elizabeth Line station too. It has maintained the living walls since installation, with further projects planned as part of an ongoing collaboration.

canarywharf.com

In partnership with

The shortlist...

Scan the QR code to get in touch with the team

INVESTMENT/ACQUISITION OF THE YEAR

About

In this new category for 2024, we looked to recognise an investment and/or acquisition that has taken place in the last two years that has delivered value and helped a business to maximise its potential.

The winner...

Wright Landscapes Ltd

Looking to expand its capabilities, Wright Landscapes acquired Pickmere Nursery at the end of 2021, having become part of the Domis Construction Group the previous year. In 2022, it then started to create its new head office – a state-of-the-art facility nestled in a forest in Knutsford, Cheshire. The investment has allowed Wright Landscapes –which offers planning and design through to construction, completion, and maintenance – to use its base as a training facility, a hub for landscape architects, and a venue for supplier events. For its employees, there’s a design studio, shower facilities, breakout spaces and meeting rooms.

Wright Landscapes says the investment has caught the attention of high-end private clients and attracted significant commercial projects, whilst improving employee wellbeing, training opportunities and career progression. It’s part of a wider investment from the company, which includes extending its fleet, acquiring new machinery, introducing electric charge points at Pickmere as well as undergoing a rebrand. wrightlandscapes.co.uk

In partnership with

The shortlist...

HIGHLY COMMENDED

“Premium plants have been like an extra pair of hand in the o ce. Andrew and Andrei are part of the planting design process. I rely on Premium Plants for all areas of plant supply and they have never let me down. Delivery of plants always on time, on schedule and at the best prices.”

Nicholas Dexter Garden Design

in the o ce. Andrew and Andrei are part of the planting design process. I rely on Premium Plants for all areas of plant supply and they have never let me down. Delivery of plants always on time, on schedule and at the best prices.”

Nicholas Dexter Garden Design

“Premium plants have been like an extra pair of hand in the o ce. Andrew and Andrei are part of the planting design process. I rely on Premium Plants for all areas of plant supply and they have never let me down. Delivery of plants always on time, on schedule and at the best prices.”

Nicholas Dexter Garden Design

NEW COMPANY (UNDER TWO YEARS OLD)

About

This award celebrates the new businesses making their way in the landscaping sector. The first two years are vital in establishing a strong company. Entrants to this category had to demonstrate a plan to train and develop staff, awareness of their company’s impact on the environment, and strong development plans.

The winner...

Gel Landscaping and Groundworks Ltd

Family-run business Gel Landscaping and Groundworks Ltd was founded in Bristol in March 2022. It is focused on delivering exceptional outdoor spaces as well as ensuring the customer’s experience is the best that it possibly can be.

Giving back and supporting its environment and local community is at the forefront of what it does, with Gel Landscaping believing that everyone should have access to great outdoor space. It helped to provide a dementia friendly allotment for a community in north Bristol, for instance, and sponsors a local under nines football team.

As it grows, Gel Landscaping is winning more commercial projects and is planning to acquire land this year and to invest in machinery whilst working towards APL accreditation. Over the next couple of years, it has ambitious plans for its site once acquired, including the introduction of a garden centre and a training centre for landscapers and groundworkers. Judges said it has “a very healthy foundation for some exciting new developments.” gellandscaping.co.uk

In partnership with

The shortlist...

High performance

Anti-warp and resistant to fading, stains and scratches

LANDSCAPE COMPANY OVER £5M TURNOVER

About

This category has been created for the behemoths of the industry. Judges wanted 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...

Elmtree Garden Contractors Ltd

Elmtree Garden Contractors Ltd has been at the forefront of the industry for more than 50 years, committed to the future of the horticulture sector, driving standards and best practice. It is dedicated to staff development, career progression and futureproofing the industry, supporting every staff member for extension training opportunities as well as a focus on driving high levels of staff morale and wellbeing. Its managing director Paul Lynch – who often offers training, mentoring and guidance to industry colleagues – has been appointed chair of the South West committee for the British Association of Landscape Industries, showing further commitment to encouraging and supporting best practice, not just internally but externally too.

There are plans for Elmtree to continue to grow and provide further career development for its staff, alongside working towards a series of sustainability goals. Judges said the company has a “clear vision and direction” and “a very welcome strong emphasis on staff welfare”. elmtreegarden.co.uk

In partnership with

The shortlist...

SUSTAINABLE COMPANY OF THE YEAR

About

This category is open to companies that can demonstrate commitment to managing their social, environmental, and financial obligations. We looked for ethical leadership, clear environmental management systems and how sustainability has impacted a business and/or the community.

The winner...

Ground Control Ltd

Ground Control is a leading external maintenance business and biodiversity expert committed to enhancing and improving the physical environment. As one of the first 1,000 UK businesses committed to making ‘business a force for good’ with B Corp certification, it showcases its commitment to sustainability in the procedures, operations, and values of its services. Its roadmap to net zero by 2038 is underpinned and validated by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi), giving it objectives that build on its current carbon-neutral status.

At its core, Ground Control is showcasing its commitment to sustainability with the addition of 100 acres to its rewilding portfolio – its second environmental recovery centre Devana, which follows the first 296-acre centre at Wildfell – and the introduction of GC Energy Solutions to support its clients in their energy, net zero and sustainability objectives.

Ground Control has “demonstrated a total commitment to sustainability and creating a better environment for us all to live in,” said our judges. ground-control.co.uk

In partnership with

The shortlist...

ONE OF THE UK’S LEADING TURF GROWERS

Proudly sponsors the Pro Landscaper Business Awards Design & Build Company Category 2024

WE DELIVER TURF THAT WOWS EVERY SINGLE TIME, ALL YEAR ROUND

Our quality cannot be beaten due to our ideal growing conditions in East Suffolk. With plentiful irrigation and free draining sandy soils, assuring you of consistent quality throughout the year and peace of mind whatever the weather.

We guarantee turf that will be strong, light-weight, green, and always plastic-free.

All our turf is delivered fresh from our field to your doorstep by our own fleet of vehicles, so we can make sure the whole process, from initial order to site delivery, meets the high standards we set ourselves.

DELIVERING ‘WOW!’ FOR OVER 35 YEARS

Get in touch today on 01728 687805 or visit www.sovereignturf.co.uk

DESIGN AND BUILD COMPANY

About

In this competitive market, we looked for the company that provides a top-quality service plus a little something else that makes them stand out. Entrants didn’t have to be the biggest business to impress our judges; but they did need to show commitment to the industry, staff development and client testimonials.

The winner...

Landform Consultants Ltd

Landform Consultants is widely recognised across the industry. The multi-award-winning company based in Chobham consistently delivers design-led, beautifully constructed exterior spaces for both commercial and domestic clients, working nationally and internationally. It is a business that continues to raise the bar and push boundaries, with its designs becoming larger and more complex. Landform also gives back to the industry and the local community. It gifted a redesign and build of a Hampton Court show garden to a hospital, for instance, which it continues to maintain free of charge. It’s “a market leading business driven by passion,” said our judges.

Its managing director Mark Gregory – the RHS Ambassador for Landscaping and often guest lecturer at garden design colleges – is heavily involved with industry trade associations such as the Association of Professional Landscapers and the British Association of Landscape Industries, and together with Catherine MacDonald has been mentoring the RHS Young Designers for several years.

landformconsultants.co.uk

In partnership with

The shortlist...

ACACIA GARDENS

©Eleanor-Walpole

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

About

This category incorporates all aspects of being a well-respected employer. We wanted 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...

Green-tech

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Green-tech is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of tree planting and landscaping materials, offering more than 5,000 products to enhance, protect, and improve plants, trees, and their environment.

Whether a project includes the maintenance of a public open space, tree planting at the roadside or in a woodland, a green roof build, the creation of a wildflower meadow or urban landscape, there is a range of products to suit. Green-tech is known as the company with the ‘can do’ attitude and lives up to its mantra of ‘Supplying what you need. When you need it. First time. Every time.’

The Yorkshire-based company employs more than 80 staff, saying that people are its greatest asset. It aims to provide a safe, happy and fun workplace where people enjoy spending their working life, resulting in a high staff retention rate. green-tech.co.uk

In partnership with

The shortlist...

In partnership with

Supreme Winner

Nurture Landscapes

THIS IS AN OUTSTANDING COMPANY THAT TRULY HAS ITS FINGER ON THE PULSE ACROSS ALL FACETS OF THE BUSINESS. ALREADY WITH A RANGE OF ACCOLADES TO ITS NAME, NURTURE LANDSCAPES HAS HIGH EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT WITH AN IMPRESSIVE TRAINING REGIME AND APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME, A STRONG FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY WITH A DEFINED STRATEGY IN PLACE TO REACH NET ZERO, EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER FEEDBACK WITH HIGH LEVELS OF REPEAT BUSINESS AND AN AMBITIOUS GROWTH PLAN IN PLACE WHICH INCLUDES STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS. EXCEPTIONAL!

Stuart Dantzic Managing director, Caribbean Blinds

Judges' Comments

“NURTURE LANDSCAPES IS A MULTI-AWARD-WINNING COMPANY AND IT IS NO SURPRISE; THEY HAVE VERY GOOD EMPLOYEE AND CLIENT RETENTION TRACK RECORD."

“A MARKET LEADING BUSINESS WITH STRONG ETHOS AND SUSTAINABILITY CREDENTIALS.”

"TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT WERE GOOD, "RECRUIT FOR ATTITUDE, TRAIN FOR SKILL" BEING THE MANTRA.”

"CLIENT TESTIMONIALS AND COMMITMENT TO THE INDUSTRY BOTH PRODUCED GOOD EXAMPLES, INCLUDING SUPPORT OF THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT.”

Judges

Alison Warner Evolve and Grow

Jonathan Hazell Tree Consultant

Luke Morgan Azets

Marcus Watson Ground Control

Lynn Hunter Pro-Motion

Andrew Corcoran Glendale

Gemma Murphy ViewHR

Ken White Frosts Landscape Construction Gemma Jerome Building with Nature

Andy Craig People Puzzles

Nick Ruddle ActionCOACH

Adam White Davies White

Richard Kay BALI Chalk Fund Trustee

Richard Gardiner NAG Solutions

Charlotte Sweeney The Inclusive Leaders Institute

Gamiel Yafai Diversity Marketplace

Mo Kebbay Royal Horticultural Society

winners list

Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council

Arboriculture Company

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Supplier and Service Provider

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Landscape Architecture Studio

Harris Bugg Studio

Trade Nursery of the Year

Tendercare Nurseries Ltd

Landscape Company £1m - £5m Turnover

Helmrig Ltd

Commercial Landscape Company

Elmtree Garden Contractors Ltd

Garden Design Company

The Garden Company Ltd

Grounds Maintenance Company

Nurture Landscapes

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Landscape Company Under £1m Turnover

Murray Landscapes Ltd

Industry Collaboration

Canary Wharf Management Ltd in collaboration with Biotecture

Investment/Acquisition of the Year

Wright Landscapes Ltd

New Company (Under two years old)

Gel Landscaping and Groundworks Ltd

Landscape Company Over £5m Turnover

Elmtree Garden Contractors Ltd

Sustainable Company of the Year

Ground Control Ltd

Design and Build Company

Landform Consultants Ltd

Employer of the Year

Green-tech

In partnership with

Supreme Winner

Nurture Landscapes

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FRIDAY 19 APRIL 2024

OLD BILLINGSGATE, 1 OLD BILLINGSGATE WALK, LONDON EC3R 6DX