Join the APL LinkedIn group

As part of its website restructuring and pledge to become more interactive, the Association of Professional Landscapers started a LinkedIn discussion forum - so far the group has fifty members discussing four topics.

The APL group is open to anyone so if you think you can add something to the debate or you want to start a discussion on the benefits of APL membership, then why not pop along.

One of the discussions - How are you finding the current economic climate in relation to work levels and also contracts/designs booked ahead? - APL Chairman, Adam Frost and CEO, Jason Lock, give a little insight into their business and how work is flowing through these turbulent times.

Adam Frost says: "On the landscape and design the enquiries are still good, things did go a little quite at christmas time but soon picked up in the spring. I agree with Andrew i would say we are signing up 90% of design enquiries.

"Adam continued, "With the Landscape,Richard the m.d. of newground is having to put in more leg work to get clients to sign up but they know have enough to see them though the winter which i think will be key for us all."

Jason Lock is in his first year of business after Notcutts closed its design and build service and said: "At Deakinlock we have picked up some good enquires recently working with a developer on a high value project plus starting to get referals from contractors we have passd work to, which ultimately widens the net.

"As its our first year of buisness its difficult to tell but comparing enquiries with our Notcutts days it is a little behind these but holding up well."

Perhaps a little clue that, despite affiliation to an established landscaping association, work is still a little scarce on the ground and everyone is in the same boat.

Join the 718 members of the Landscape Juice Network and discuss the current challenges and future of landscaping and horticulture.