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B L A K E D OW N LANDSCAPES C E L E B R AT E S 5 0 Y E A R S
AWARD-WINNING BLAKEDOWN LANDSCAPES CELEBRATED 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS AT THE CROSSRAIL PLACE ROOF GARDEN, CANARY WHARF LAST MONTH. CEO STEVE BUCKINGHAM AND DIRECTORS PAUL HOOK AND CHRIS WELLBELOVE REVIEW THE COMPANY’S ONGOING SUCCESS IN BUSINESS
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lakedown Landscapes has won multiple awards for its work over the last half a century, consistently delivering high-quality and interesting projects. Crossrail Place Roof Garden in London’s Canary Wharf is set in beautiful surroundings and as one of the company’s most renowned projects, was the obvious venue for celebration. Along with Bourne Amenity and Robin Tacchi Plants, the party was staged in the street food market with views of the Thames. Guests included a whole host of companies with whom Blakedown Landscapes has worked including Wayne Grills, BALI’S Chief Executive and Noel Farrer of Farrer Huxley Associates. When Blakedown Landscapes was first set up, the focus was on making small steps to create and develop a high-quality commercial landscape contracting company. It has certainly achieved this aim today, with its award-winning projects bringing in a turnover of £20m and the company employing around 150 staff members. CEO Steve Buckingham says: “Each year we set new targets and meet new milestones, as we endeavour to further develop the business.”
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Blakedown Landscapes has always focused on high-quality commercial landscaping, which has accounted for more than 90% of its work. It does also undertake bespoke or specialist domestic projects as well as numerous regeneration projects. Chris says: “The lottery investment in parks and open spaces was a noticeable change, and we have taken part in many large heritage lottery funded projects and created some amazing parks for local residents.” Blakedown Landscapes now complete single projects in excess of £5m. Some of its standout projects range from work on the southern entrance of the Natural History Museum, South Kensington, the redevelopment of the seafront gardens and cliffs at Hunstanton Park in Norfolk to Isabella Plantation, a site of special scientific interest in Richmond Park, South West London. The way the company operates has altered over the 50 years. Chris says: “Every year we see changes in the market from the way work is procured to the types of landscape project which are receiving the most focus.” Technology has also been a major change since the company first began, with the speed
of information exchanged being a huge factor. Steve explains: “At one point, the company operated from eight regional offices, but with the progress of modern working methods we have been able to streamline the operation with personnel working across the country, and just three main offices in key locations.” Director Paul Hook says: “One of the key aspects to Blakedown’s success over the years has been the ability of our staff to resolve complex design problems within projects both quickly and economically, thereby ensuring programmes and budgets are maintained for our clients” Looking back at its many achievements it is clear to see why Blakedown Landscapes is proud to be reaching this milestone anniversary. Says Chris: “It is amazing to look back at the range of projects over 50 years and see how the company has helped change the landscape in so many key areas in London and across the country.” Steve adds: “The projects change year on year, depending on markets, planning, funding, and trends, but our strength lies in being able to adapt to these changes and utilise our skills and experience to consistently achieve quality and award-winning projects.”
Pro Landscaper / June 2019
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23/05/2019 12:00