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Pro Landscaper Business Awards 2026

Page 1


FRIDAY 24 APRIL 2026

OLD THORNS HOTEL & RESORT, LIPHOOK

2 - 3 JULY 2026

The Landscape Leadership Forum gives businesses in the sector full view of the macro landscape whilst balancing the need for attention on the imminent opportunities and challenges. This annual summit brings together businesses engaged in the sector and the supply chain, creating space for leaders and their teams to build a helicopter view. The critical insight will help inform and identify where action may be needed within their organisation and help initiate new connection and collaboration with existing and new stakeholders.

This year’s event will be taking place over two days, with day one seeing the launch of “2026’s State of the Nation Report” with industry leaders providing their insights around the sector’s opportunities and challenges highlighted in the research. Additional speakers will include business experts providing insight around action and strategies that can realise growth potential from improving productivity, driving margins and managing volatility. The first day concludes with a networking dinner and guest speaker with delegates also getting the chance to carry on the conversation on day two by taking part in the Pro Landscaper Golf Challenge.

What will be covered?

• Exclusive industry research

• What’s on the boardroom agenda

• Driving productivity in your business – it’s all about people (or is it?)

• Managing disruption and volatility

• Off the record – insight from the top

They get people from all sections of the industry who bring different views and perspectives.

Every time I come to one of these events, I walk away with a nugget that I will bring into my business.

Gareth Dillon, NT Killingley

EARLY BIRD BOOK BEFORE 30 APRIL AND SAVE £100 GET THE EVENT GUIDE BOOK YOUR PLACE

WELCOME

Welcome to the 2026 Pro Landscaper Business Awards! Our industry is renowned and rightly celebrated for the amazing projects we deliver, and there are a number of awards that recognise these. But they can only be delivered, and our sector can only 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. They are the only industry accolade that is open to all and 100% focused on running successful businesses within the UK landscaping sector.

Now in their ninth year, they go from strength to strength, highlighted again by the shortlist which includes some of the sector’s biggest names, rising stars and most admired people and companies. Alongside the company categories, we have introduced two this year that recognise individuals who have been critical in both driving the success of their organisation – Business Leader –and showcasing the value of this great industry – Landscaping Champion.

Congratulations to all those who made it and everyone else who invested time into making a submission this year; it truly is inspirational to read and share the business success stories and leadership you are demonstrating.

Thank you to our judging panel (page 49) who had the toughest job of all in determining who the winners would be. With outstanding contenders putting forward strong cases, it has been the most competitive we have ever seen in the history of these prestigious awards.

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 to Bruce and his team at Paving Superstore for headlining this year’s event!

Congratulations to all those shortlisted, which is an incredible achievement. Read on to see our category winners and, of course, the 2026 Supreme Winner!

WITH THANKS TO OUR PARNTERS

LANDSCAPING CHAMPION

In partnership with

WINNER WINNER

MARK GREGORY

The “godfather of landscaping,” Mark Gregory is lauded for using his influence and platforms to promote the industry and opportunities within it. One of the most decorated and celebrated landscapers, Gregory has shown selflessness, not just in creating excitement about landscaping and horticulture, but also in his dedication to supporting others, whether through mentoring, contributing to industry events, or giving back through associations and to charity.

PHIL TREMAYNE

As general manager of the Association of Professional Landscapers, Phil Tremayne has established himself as a heavyweight within the industry and seen as a father figure for his membership community, many of whom nominated him for this award. His passion for the industry is unquestioned, and he goes out of his way to help and support members whether that be through providing advice, facilitating connection or advocating for and raising standards.

SHORTLISTED

•

•

•

COMPANY

In partnership with

WINNER

ELMTREE LANDSCAPES LTD

Founded in 1969 as a domestic gardening and small-scale commercial landscaping company, Elmtree has since tripled in size and turnover, diversified into hard landscaping and fencing, and secured numerous public and private sector contracts. In 2026, its rebrand to ‘Elmtree Landscapes Ltd’ reflected the company’s professionalism, continuing growth and increasing capabilities. It has maintained its family ethos throughout this expansion, though, investing heavily in staff training, health and wellbeing. This includes its recent collaboration with digital learning platform Hyphae Learning as its largest partner to date as well as the company having 14 Mental Health First Aiders.Elmtree continues to retain long-term, valued clients whilst gaining new ones – all underpinned by trust and a sharp focus on high quality and value for money. It remains committed to generating social value within the communities it works, through apprenticeships, volunteering and sponsorships, and delivering its services through environmentally-friendly methods.

SHORTLISTED

FROSTS LANDSCAPES
JACK MOODY LANDSCAPING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING LTD SKIDMORES
NT KILLINGLEY LTD
TONY BENGER LANDSCAPING LTD

GARDEN DESIGNER

In partnership with

WINNER

LUCY WILLCOX GARDEN DESIGN

Since 2007, Lucy Willcox has been creating award-winning gardens across the UK and Spain. Her numerous accolades include a principal National Landscape Award in 2020 for a roof terrace project on The Strand and winning the ‘Planting Design’ category at the Pro Landscaper Project Awards in 2024. She has also been a finalist at the Society of Landscape and Garden Designers’ Awards. In 2023, Crocus.co.uk approached Willcox about a partnership, inviting her to be its resident garden designer, creating content for its social media channels and producing planting collections, including a sell-out bulb and dahlia collection. Since 2024, she has also featured on ITV’s Alan Titchmarsh’s Gardening Club, presenting mini masterclasses in design principles. After hosting a series of Instagram Live interviews, Willcox joined forces with five others to form the podcast, Inside the Green Room, to help raise the profile of the garden industry through interviewing well-renowned people. Through her efforts, Willcox aims to inspire appreciation for gardening and its positive impact on our lives and the environment, while elevating the profile of the industry.

SHORTLISTED

NADINE MANSFIELD GARDEN DESIGN
MAÏTANNE HUNT
©Agata Miller
©Marianne Majerus Garden Images

BUSINESS INVESTMENT OR ACQUISITION

In partnership with

WINNER

WRIGHT LANDSCAPES LTD

FOR THE ACQUISITION OF URBAN LANDSCAPES AND ASSOCIATED BUSINESSES

Wright Landscapes offers clients end-to-end project management from design and civil works to landscaping and maintenance. From its purpose-built nursery in Knutsford, it delivers innovative outdoor spaces that combine creativity, precision and quality. The Cheshire-based company recognised an opportunity to expand its residential offering and enhance its end-to-end capability through the acquisition of three related businesses – Urban Landscape Design, Urban Garden Products and The Landscape Academy – in March last year. It already had an established relationship with them, and their clear vision and similar ethos made the acquisition a natural fit. It has also invested £200k to launch W Outdoor Living, a state-of-the-art showroom – delivered with key partners and now run by the former director of Urban Landscapes –which has created new revenue streams and supports further growth in the private sector. Acquiring the three businesses and investing in the new showroom has allowed Wright Landscapes to grow whilst collaborating with the wider industry and offering opportunities to develop key skills through the academy, which delivered 150 training courses in just six months.

SHORTLISTED

WALKER LANDSCAPE & DESIGN FOR THE INVESTMENT IN WALKER LANDSCAPE & DESIGN
NICHOLSONS FOR THE TRANSITION TO AN EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP TRUST
©Mark Waugh

Association of Professional Landscapers Member

The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) is renowned for being one of the largest landscape associations in the UK.

In an industry that thrives on collaboration, belonging to a supportive network can elevate both your work and your business.

The APL welcomes landscapers, garden designers, professional gardeners and students.

Be part of the community dedicated to excellence by becoming an APL member today!

Landscaper: Landform Consultants Ltd Designer: Darren Hawkes

NEW COMPANY ( UNDER TWO YEARS OLD )

In partnership with

WINNER

G TROTT TREE CONSULTANCY LTD

G. Trott Tree Consultancy specialises in expert tree care and management, offering services such as tree risk assessments, health evaluations, mortgage reports, and arboricultural impact assessments. Led by George Trott – a highly qualified and experienced arboriculturist – the company delivers tailored, transparent solutions grounded in industry best practices. It has created a formal ‘customer care charter’ setting out how it will provide best service, ensure customer satisfaction, ensure excellent communication and the highest of quality in what is a period of team growth and development for the business. It has developed a digital training platform, The Growth Ring, that it will be launching this spring. This platform expands the company’s portfolio beyond consultancy into structured education for industry professionals and associated sectors. Initial courses include practical guidance for property managers, improving compliance, tree care outcomes, and longterm asset management. Committed to environmental sustainability and client satisfaction, G. Trott Tree Consultancy combines professional expertise and emerging technologies with a passion for preserving and enhancing our natural environment.

SHORTLISTED

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE STUDIO OVER 10 EMPLOYEES

In partnership with

WINNER

MACFARLANE + ASSOCIATES

Macfarlane + Associates is a B Corp certified placemaking agency delivering meaningful public realm design for complex urban regeneration projects. Guided by verified standards of performance, accountability, and transparency, it uses its business as a force for good, balancing profit with purpose to create lasting impact. With over 22 years’ experience, its portfolio spans award-winning landscapes in the UK and internationally, from large-scale masterplanning to community-focused projects. As an independent studio of landscape architects and urban designers, Macfarlane + Associates clearly communicates its vision from feasibility to delivery, offering collaborative, client-focused solutions. Its purposeful approach has led to 70% repeat clients and a strong track record with market-leading organisations. Through the lens of the climate emergency, it delivers holistic, sustainable design that actively responds to the biodiversity crisis. Its people-focused approach means it invests in a wide range of initiatives and training & development programmes that support the progression of its team.

SHORTLISTED

©Jim Stephenson

Redefining

Redefining

At the

the heart of our goal to redefine horticulture, is Q&S’ passion to leave positive impacts on communities to create diverse and inclusive environments, accessible to all - building biodiversity and sustainability into every landscape.

of

At the heart of our goal to redefine horticulture, is Q&S’ passion to leave positive impacts on communities to create diverse and inclusive environments, accessible to all - building biodiversity and sustainability into every landscape.

Curating climate-appropriate, habitatenriching & people-pleasing environments that are biodiversity-rich and provide an immersive experience for all, and native habitats to support wildlife (birds and pollinators).

Curating climate-appropriate, habitatenriching & people-pleasing environments that are biodiversity-rich and provide an immersive experience for all, and native habitats to support wildlife (birds and pollinators).

o Landscape Maintenance

o Landscape Maintenance

o Design & Installation

Curating climate-appropriate, habitatenriching & people-pleasing environments that are biodiversity-rich and provide an immersive experience for all, and native habitats to support wildlife (birds and pollinators). o Landscape Maintenance o Design & Installation o Urban Horticulture Specialists

o Design & Installation

o Urban Horticulture Specialists

o Urban Horticulture Specialists

o Arboriculture Management

o Arboriculture Management

o Ecology, Biodiversity & BNG

o Ecology, Biodiversity & BNG

o Irrigation Management

o Irrigation Management

o Education & Community Engagement

o Education & Community Engagement

TRADE NURSERY OF THE YEAR

In partnership with

WINNER

JAMES COLES & SONS (NURSERIES) LTD

Coles Nurseries is a fifth-generation, family-run business located in Leicestershire, and is the UK’s largest grower of trees and shrubs for the amenity and commercial markets since 1913. It is a multi-site company growing over 600 lines, all of which comply with the National Plant Specification and the Plant Healthy Scheme; growing shrubs in C2, C3, C5 and C10 pots and trees ranging from 175/200 cm to 20/25 cm bare root and container grown. It has been Plant Healthy accredited since the scheme was first rolled out, with biosecurity being taken very seriously at the nursery, through continuous staff training and rigorous supplier checks. As well as investing in its own staff’s training and development, it also delivers its accredited CPD Level 1 course – ‘An Awareness of the National Plant Specification’ – to external industry professionals. Coles offers full account management and delivery across the UK, using its own fleet of rigid and articulated vehicles, and is a proud supporter of horticultural charity Perennial and the Matt Hampson Foundation.

SHORTLISTED

ARBORICULTURE COMPANY

In partnership with

WINNER

CONNICK TREE CARE

Connick Tree Care, established in 1985, provides highly professional, quality arboricultural services to commercial and residential customers in the South East of England. With strong client retention and longstanding relationships with local authorities, housing associations and commercial partners, Connick has built a reputation for reliability and technical capability – a key differentiator being its investment in digital service delivery, giving clients visibility and confidence. The Arboricultural Association-approved contractor puts its own people at the centre of its business strategy too. It became employee-owned in January 2024, making those who work for the company eligible to share in the company’s profits. On top of this, Connick continues to invest in apprenticeships, progression pathways and leadership development to ensure it retains a skilled, motivated workforce. Its future is defined by a clear, responsible strategy for sustainable, long-term delivery.

SHORTLISTED

©Rachel Thornhill

SUPPLIER AND SERVICE PROVIDER

WINNER

KEBUR GARDEN MATERIALS

Kebur Garden Materials is a specialist supplier and trusted partner to landscapers, designers, developers and homeowners. It offers an extensive range of hard landscaping materials alongside exceptional personal service, rated 4.9 on Trustpilot. Operating as a one-stop shop, Kebur combines carefully curated products – from aggregates and paving to lighting and finishing details – with expert, friendly advice and a reliable, speedy delivery service. Strong trade relationships are supported through dedicated account management, training, loyalty schemes and a referral service that actively generates work for landscapers. Underpinned by values-led leadership, sustainable sourcing and strong financial performance, Kebur is recognised for reliability, quality and a genuine commitment to raising standards across the landscape industry. Its future plans focus on sustainable growth through continued product innovation, enhanced customer support and investment in the systems and people that underpin long-term service excellence.

SHORTLISTED

EZYTREEV & EZYASSET (POWERED BY RA INFORMATION SYSTEMS)
LONG RAKE SPAR
MMCITÉ UK LTD

In partnership with

WINNER

THE GLASSHOUSE COLLECTIVE BY LANDFORM CONSULTANTS

IN COLLABORATION WITH INTO THE GARDEN ROOM

The Glasshouse Collective, facilitated by Landform Consultants, is a thoughtfully curated outdoor showcase in Surrey that brings together more than 20 premium brands from across the landscaping and garden design industry. The Glasshouse Collective presents the latest innovations and trends in outdoor living within a single, inspiring environment, demonstrating the power of collaboration in a highly tangible way. Since its official launch in April 2025, members have actively utilised the space to present their products alongside complementary offerings from fellow members. More than a showcase, The Glasshouse Collective represents the coming together of like-minded businesses that share a common ethos: a commitment to quality, design excellence, and collaboration over competition. For members without dedicated showrooms, it provides a cost-effective, high-quality platform to showcase their products professionally, increasing visibility and reach without the financial burden of maintaining individual facilities.By working collectively, member brands create a cohesive and immersive experience where landscapers, garden designers, and industry leaders can explore how products work together within real garden settings, rather than in isolation.

SHORTLISTED

FISHER
©Tammy Marlar

GARDEN DESIGN STUDIO

In partnership with

WINNER

THE GARDEN ROOM LIVING & LANDSCAPE STUDIO LTD

Garden Room Living & Landscape Studio is a multidisciplinary design studio led by husband-and-wife team Matt and Elle Evans, delivering garden and landscape design nationwide as well as planting and large project coordination. Guided by its core values of Authenticity, Empathy, Collaboration, Innovation and Excellence, its vision is to ‘Create Spaces for Extraordinary Experiences’. Its fully integrated service offers visionary designs from concept to completion solution, and its carefully selected, highly skilled team provides a personable, consistent service at every stage of a project. The studio specialises in creating seamless transitions between interior and exterior spaces, ensuring landscapes are integral to how its clients live. By overseeing planting installation and offering bespoke aftercare packages, it protects long-term design intent, client investment and lasting relationships. It’s also committed to supporting its local community. The studio is an ambassador for multi-arts venue Poole Lighthouse, for instance, creating a Gold-medal-winning garden for it at BBC Gardeners’ World Live last year to raise awareness and funds.

SHORTLISTED

HADDON STUDIO
HARRINGTON PORTER LTD
THE GARDEN DESIGN STUDIO
PETER DONEGAN GARDEN DESIGN
©Matthew Haddon
©Joanna Kossak
©Hayden Golder

LANDSCAPE COMPANY UNDER £ 1M TURNOVER

WINNER

GFX GROUND EFFECTS

GFX Ground Effects is a Preston-based landscaping contractor delivering high-quality residential and commercial projects across the North West. Specialising in the construction of high-value domestic gardens, the company works closely with leading designers and directly with clients to bring complex designs to life with exceptional attention to detail. Alongside design-and-build projects, GFX Ground Effects provides ongoing maintenance for commercial and private estates, building long-term relationships through consistency and trust. Since incorporation, the company has employed five apprentices, successfully retaining four of them long-term, helping to build a skilled, loyal team while investing in the future of the industry. Known for its meticulous standards, clear communication and professional approach, the business has developed a strong reputation for never leaving a project until it meets the highest possible finish. Operating across Lancashire, Cheshire, and the Lake District, GFX Ground Effects combines craftsmanship with reliability to deliver outdoor spaces that stand the test of time.

SHORTLISTED

An evolution in wildflower solutions.

Wildflower Turf has transformed into Wildflower Co.

Rooted in two generations of farming and over 20 years of wildflower expertise, we are the perfect biodiversity partner for landscapers like you.

We provide science and ecological understanding with landscaping know how, shaped by the demands of modern projects.

We’ve grown far beyond turf, evolving to support landscapers and developers with a broader, more practical offer - designing biodiverse solutions that work for nature and stand the test of time.

Proud to sponsor the Sustainability awardcongratulations to all nominees and winners.

Talk to the wildflower experts today

SUSTAINABLE COMPANY OF THE YEAR

In partnership with

WINNER

IDVERDE

SHORTLISTED

At idverde, sustainability is led from the top through clear leadership, strong governance and active participation in industry-wide initiatives, while being lived day to day by individual teams on the ground. Its people are empowered to make responsible decisions that protect biodiversity, reduce environmental impact and enhance the green spaces that communities rely on. The green service provider’s ambition is not just to meet industry standards, but to exceed them and lead the industry, using its scale, experience and practical knowledge to influence how green spaces are managed across the UK. Its approach is guided by the Group Sustainability Strategy, built around People, Planet and Performance, with environmental sustainability being delivered through clear, practical actions – reducing carbon, improving biodiversity, managing water responsibly and cutting unnecessary consumption. Building on the success of an event-specific Sustainability Action Plan, it introduced bespoke Sustainability Workshops in 2024 to move from isolated good practice to consistent capability.

FROSTS LANDSCAPES
GLENDALE COUNTRYSIDE LTD

DESIGN AND BUILD COMPANY

In partnership with

WINNER

LANDFORM CONSULTANTS LTD

Landform Consultants is renowned in the industry. It’s the most decorated contractor at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, on top of having three multi-Gold-medal-winning designers working on projects in the UK as well as overseas. Its people are its strongest asset, with a team of more than 80 full-time employees who are highly trained, well-equipped and fully versed in the latest techniques and equipment. Landform supports those outside the company too, including a local women’s rugby team and men’s senior walking football team. It is a diamond partner for Perennial, with managing director Mark Gregory being an ambassador for the charity. Both Gregory and principal landscape designer Catherine MacDonald mentor the finalists for the RHS Young Designer of the Year competition, and Gregory is on the board of directors for the British Association of Landscape Industries. Last year, Landform launched The Glasshouse Collective too, to showcase a range of high-end landscaping products as well as providing a space for industry events.

SHORTLISTED

CHANGE YOUR FUEL

Up to 99% cleaner than regular unleaded

Improve working conditions

Immediate air-quality improvements

Demonstrates leadership in sustainable landscaping practices

LANDSCAPE COMPANY OVER £ 5M TURNOVER

In partnership with

WINNER

WRIGHT LANDSCAPES LTD

Wright Landscapes is a leader in the landscape sector, offering clients end-to-end project management from design and civil works to landscaping and maintenance. Based at its purpose-built nursery in Knutsford, it delivers innovative outdoor spaces that combine creativity, precision and quality. Its success is driven by its people. Wright Landscapes is dedicated to fostering a supportive and dynamic workplace, with a strong focus on training, development and providing opportunities for growth. As it continues to expand, Wright Landscapes actively nurtures new talent and invests in the professional development of its team, creating a culture where employees can thrive and contribute to its shared vision. It is not just shaping exceptional landscapes – it is cultivating a business that values its people as much as its clients. With its commitment to excellence, Wright Landscapes aims to set new standards in the industry and establish itself as an employer of choice.

SHORTLISTED

ELMTREE LANDSCAPES LTD
FROSTS LANDSCAPES
KILLINGLEY LTD
GAVIN JONES, PART OF NURTURE GROUP VALLEY PROVINCIAL
©Steve Carr

OR LESS EMPLOYEES

In partnership with

WINNER

MEI LOCI LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

Mei Loci is a B Corp certified, award-winning landscape architecture practice based in Cornwall, working across the UK and internationally. Its name, meaning ‘My Places’, reflects its belief that the strongest landscapes emerge from close attention to how places are lived in, remembered and cared for over time. Mei Loci’s work spans public realm, housing, education, heritage and infrastructure, shaped through deep site research, rigorous engagement and a strong understanding of landscape, ecology and culture. It balances design ambition with environmental intelligence, championing nature-based solutions that deliver lasting social and ecological value. From early conversations and strategic masterplanning through to detailed design and delivery, it remains closely involved, creating distinctive, inclusive landscapes that are built to endure. Mei Loci’s future plans are focused on deepening its impact and strengthening its commitment to operating as a business for good, placing people, nature and place at the heart of everything it does.

SHORTLISTED

©Sarel
Jansen

LANDSCAPE COMPANY

£ 1M - £ 5M TURNOVER

WINNER

OAK VIEW LANDSCAPES LTD

Oak View Landscapes is a market leading, multi-award-winning landscape contractor which specialises in commercial and larger scale domestic projects. It is the first UK landscape contractor to hold Investors in People Platinum, ranking 41st globally in the 1- 49 employee category, and is a Platinum partner of industry charity Perennial. It puts its people, its company values and culture, its stakeholders and the environment first in all its decision making. Oak View aims to be the employer of choice, be profitable and exceed its customers’ expectations whilst enhancing the environment. The Essex-based company places great emphasis on financial stability and profitability so that it can reward its staff, finance larger contracts and create reserves to re-invest in capital items and site and staff development. Its excellent reputation and relationships with employees, clients, suppliers and the wider industry are built on honesty, passion, quality and trust.

SHORTLISTED

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE COMPANY

In partnership with

WINNER

ELMTREE LANDSCAPES LTD

Elmtree boasts a 22-strong grounds maintenance team, with an impressive portfolio that spans across housebuilding, construction, facilities management, local authority and the public sector. Its prestigious clients include the likes of Vistry, Taylor Wimpey, FirstPort and Skanska – and its near-perfect retention rate shows the level of service that Elmtree provides. The Bristol-based company’s low staff turnover helps to achieve this, ensuring consistency through the contracts, alongside extensive training, a personal approach and a focus on high-quality delivery. Its in-house app allows employees to record their completed work in real time and ongoing investment into cloud-based job management platform BigChange has enabled Elmtree to expand its grounds maintenance department, despite the challenges it has faced, such as rising supplier prices. Managing director Paul Lynch has successfully secured new talent too through student placements, apprenticeships and refugee fairs, and he supported South Gloucestershire and Stroud College in developing its Level 2 Horticulture course.

SHORTLISTED

HIGHLY COMMENDED

TONY BENGER LANDSCAPING LTD
LITCHFIELD & FOX
MURRAY LANDSCAPES LTD
MBS GROUNDS MAINTENANCE LTD
OUTCO

AFRESHAPPROACH

Senior/ContractsManagement

SiteSupervisors/Foreman Hard&SoftLandscaping

GardenDesigners

InteriorLandscaping

Nursery/GardenCentre

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

In partnership with

WINNER

IDVERDE

SHORTLISTED

idverde is one of the leading green service providers, recognised for developing people as strongly as it develops places. Its standout strength is its commitment to progression. Through its ‘career escalator’, its employees are supported to progress as far as their ability and motivation take them, with the flexibility to step on, step off or pause at different stages of life. As a large, nationwide organisation, it creates diverse opportunities across frontline, specialist, management and leadership roles, with no artificial ceiling on progression. It invests in training, apprenticeships and long-term careers, not short-term roles. Where necessary, it develops its own systems and initiatives to support people, from its internal platform, The Hive, which provides real-time updates and recognition, to its health and wellbeing framework, The Thrive Care Hub, which supports all phases of life – not just sickness – and its Career Framework, which sets clear behavioural and development expectations for all colleagues. Guided by its purpose to create and care for inspiring green spaces, idverde combines scale, opportunity and values to be an employer where people genuinely grow.

GRISTWOOD & TOMS, PART OF NURTURE GROUP JOHN O’CONNER (GROUNDS MAINTENANCE) LTD
©Mark Gibson

Bradley and James Garden Design is renowned for crafting stunning and functional outdoor spaces that seamlessly blend natural beauty with expert craftsmanship

BUSINESS LEADER

In partnership with

WINNER

GARETH DILLON

NT KILLINGLEY LTD

Managing director Gareth Dillon joined NT Kllingley when the company was in acute financial distress in November 2018 – and it’s been a difficult journey since to transform it into the resilient and financially strong business that it is today. He implemented a three-year turnaround strategy centred on restructuring, improved governance and people-focused culture. This included establishing a senior management team and a structured reporting matrix. And whilst there have been hurdles since – including navigating the business through third-party acquisition and the Covid-19 lockdown during which he lived on his own in the Killingley headquarters – Dillon remained focused on protecting people, maintaining continuity and safeguarding the future of the business. He positioned Killingley to tender for HS2 environmental works, securing two major packages, before Phase 2a of the project was cancelled, removing around half of Killingley’s turnover. Shortly afterwards, ownership support was withdrawn, returning Killingley to independent ownership. But Dillon put in place a new three-year recovery plan and, in 2024, the company not only maintained profitability but improved gross margins, a remarkable achievement given the circumstances. Dillon has overcome continuous adversity to turnaround the fortunes of Killingley and those whose livelihoods depend on it.

SHORTLISTED

SUPREME WINNER

In partnership with Paving Superstore

WINNER

ELMTREE LANDSCAPES LTD

JUDGES’ COMMENTS

“STRONG ALL‑ROUND SUBMISSION WITH CLEAR STAFF DEVELOPMENT, CLIENT RETENTION EVIDENCE AND GOOD OPERATIONAL SYSTEMS.”

“ELMTREE LANDSCAPES PRESENTS A STRONG, WELL‑EVIDENCED ENTRY, SHOWING CLEAR COMMITMENT TO STAFF DEVELOPMENT, SOCIAL VALUE, CLIENT SATISFACTION, AND INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP.”

“THEIR STRONG PARTNERSHIPS, EFFECTIVE USE OF TECHNOLOGY, AND TRANSPARENT FINANCIAL RECOVERY REFLECT A RESILIENT AND FORWARD‑THINKING BUSINESS.”

“THE COMPANY DEMONSTRATES HIGH STANDARDS, STRONG VALUES, AND MEANINGFUL IMPACT ACROSS ITS CLIENTS, COMMUNITY, AND WORKFORCE.”

“ELMTREE ARE CLEARLY SUPPORTED BY MANAGEMENT, EMPLOYEES, CUSTOMERS, SUPPLIERS AND COLLABORATORS – AND GIVE BACK TO THE INDUSTRY IN EQUAL MEASURE.”

“A LONG ESTABLISHED BUSINESS THAT HAS BEEN GROWN FROM ITS BEGINNINGS TO A VERY SUCCESSFUL COMPANY OPERATING AND CONTRIBUTING TO THE LOCAL AREA, WHILST ENCOURAGING EMPLOYEES TO GROW AND GIVING BACK TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.”

“A WORTHY WINNER IN MY VIEW. THE PASSION FOR THE CLIENTS, TEAM AND COMMUNITY SHINES THROUGH. THE WORK CHAMPIONING THE INDUSTRY ALSO STANDS OUT A MILE.”

“OUTSTANDING SUBMISSION DEMONSTRATING EXCEPTIONAL CLIENT RETENTION, STRONG SOCIAL VALUE AND SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT IN STAFF DEVELOPMENT.”

“EXCELLENT COMPANY, WELL S TRUCTURED AND MANAGED WITH GREAT EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS.”

“DIFFICULT TO BEAT, IN MY OPINION – SUCH A HOLISTIC VIEW TO BUSINESS.”

JUDGES

SAIRA ALI CITY OF BRADFORD METROPOLITAN DISTRICT COUNCIL
GEMMA MURPHY VIEWHR
SAM HASSALL LANDPRO
KEN WHITE FROSTS LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION
MATTHEW FREESTONE NEW LEAF MEDIA
NEIL STEAD STEADY CONSULTING
PHIL JONES
APPLE TREE BAY CONSULTANCY LTD
KAREN MCCLURE KAREN MCCLURE GARDEN DESIGN
GAMIEL YAFAI DIVERSITY MARKETPLACE
ANDREW CORCORAN GLENDALE
NICK RUDDLE ACTIONCOACH
LYNN HUNTER PRO-MOTION
ADRIAN WICKHAM
BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF LANDSCAPE INDUSTRIES (BALI)
CARÖLIN GOHLER LANDSCAPE INSTITUTE
DAVID TWIST ELITE LANDSCAPES
LUKE MORGAN AZETS

WINNERS LIST

LANDSCAPING CHAMPION

MARK GREGORY

LANDFORM CONSULTANTS LTD

COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE COMPANY

ELMTREE LANDSCAPES LTD

GARDEN DESIGNER

LUCY WILLCOX GARDEN DESIGN

BUSINESS INVESTMENT OR ACQUISITION

WRIGHT LANDSCAPES LTD FOR THE ACQUISITION OF URBAN LANDSCAPES AND ASSOCIATED BUSINESSES

NEW COMPANY (UNDER TWO YEARS OLD)

G TROTT TREE CONSULTANCY LTD

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE STUDIO OVER 10 EMPLOYEES

MACFARLANE + ASSOCIATES

WITH

WITH

WITH

WITH

WITH

WITH

TRADE NURSERY OF THE YEAR

JAMES COLES & SONS (NURSERIES) LTD

ARBORICULTURE COMPANY

CONNICK TREE CARE

SUPPLIER AND SERVICE PROVIDER

KEBUR GARDEN MATERIALS

INDUSTRY COLLABORATION

THE GLASSHOUSE COLLECTIVE BY LANDFORM CONSULTANTS IN COLLABORATION WITH INTO THE GARDEN ROOM

GARDEN DESIGN STUDIO

THE GARDEN ROOM LIVING & LANDSCAPE STUDIO LTD

LANDSCAPE COMPANY UNDER £1M TURNOVER

GFX GROUND EFFECTS

SUSTAINABLE COMPANY OF THE YEAR IDVERDE

DESIGN AND BUILD COMPANY

LANDFORM CONSULTANTS LTD

LANDSCAPE COMPANY OVER £5M TURNOVER

WRIGHT LANDSCAPES LTD

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE STUDIO 10 OR LESS EMPLOYEES

MEI LOCI LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

LANDSCAPE COMPANY £1M - £5M TURNOVER

OAK VIEW LANDSCAPES LTD

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE COMPANY

ELMTREE LANDSCAPES LTD

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR IDVERDE

BUSINESS LEADER

GARETH DILLON

NT KILLINGLEY LTD

SUPREME WINNER 2026

ELMTREE LANDSCAPES LTD

WITH

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