Landscape Juice

Who is dying for a new Indian sandstone patio this summer?

Are you dying for a new patio this summer? Maybe you're not but literally thousands of Indian quarry workers are due to silicosis in the production of natural stone products. Adults and children, some as young as twelve, are working in unsafe conditions. Rina Chandran reports that in the Indian state of Rajasthan there are up to one million workers suffering from "silicosis or other respiratory diseases". "Although there is no comprehensive data, hundreds, possibly thousands, have died of silicosis, an incurable lung disease caused by long-term exposure to silica dust given off in the mining and processing of sandstone... Read more →

What's going on at Marshalls?

There appears to be something brewing at Marshalls. That is if the company share chart is to be believed. On the 9th September 2015 Marshalls stock price peaked at 370.80p. As of yesterday, albeit with some minor rallies along the way, the value of Marshalls' shares has plummeted by a £1.00. That's a drop of over 27% in just under 5 months. This is odd if you take into consideration the rake of recent broker recommendations rating Marshalls as a buy. Only yesterday. Peel Hunt reiterated its positive stance calling Marshalls a buy, with a target of £3.55 (that's 28%... Read more →

Don't do as I do, do as I say - Standards should not be conditional

It's been nearly a week since I questioned the authenticity of a before and after photo that Marshalls used to illustrate the effects of algae growth on porous sandstone. In normal circumstances I wouldn't really give a toss about an image being slightly manipulated to prove a point. But in this case, things are different. The reason? In this particular case, Marshalls had previously gone to great lengths to lecture? educate the market by saying that 50% of sandstone sold in the UK isn't fit for purpose. Marshalls were challenged on Twitter to name those suppliers who were selling not... Read more →

Marshalls drop 6% in stock market sell-off

Marshalls, a manufacturer and supplier of hard landscaping products, had nearly 6% wiped off its company value yesterday as stock markets around the world went into meltdown. Fears about the Chinese economy - down over 33% since July - have caused concern and left great uncertainty about the prospects for future growth. Marshalls is one to watch. With younger, light-of-foot, product suppliers establishing themselves in the UK domestic landscaping market, there is little wiggle room on the upside. Read more →

Marshalls uses Twitter to name and shame poor performers

Perfect Paving Systems of Stourbridge removed in August due to poor workmanship and customer service— Marshalls Register (@MarshallsReg) September 2, 2014 Paving manufacturer Marshalls has taken to Twitter to name and shame two Marshalls Register member businesses that fell foul of its required standards. Perfect Paving Systems of Stourbridge was removed from the Register in August "due to poor workmanship and customer service" and Prosser & Craik Paving Contractors of Saltburn were removed from the Register in July for "failing to adhere to the guarantee t & c's" The move to name and shame comes after the APL Vice Chairman... Read more →

A winter of content and anticipation at Marshalls?

I don't know about you but I'm getting a feeling that things are starting to improve a bit? Without getting too carried away - remember, the world has taken on a lot of debt baling out the banks - we can now begin to look forward to a little stability and less uncertainty. Factory order books and output are growing at their fastest pace in almost two decades as British manufacturing emerges from the recession. The purchasing managers index (PMI) showed a rise from 54.8 in July to 57.2 last month – taking it to highs it hasn't seen in... Read more →

Graham Holden to retire from Marshalls

Graham Holden, chief executive of Marshalls Plc, is to retire from the group and seek a fresh challenge. Holden has worked at Marshalls since 1986 and was appointed to the role of chief executive in 2004. He told the Yorkshire Post “The business is in reasonable order, by this time next year we’d like to see growth in the market and on a positive trend. It’s time for someone else to pick up the reins. I've been chief executive for nearly 10 years. The hours and the pressure are significant and it’s appropriate for me to have a fresh challenge."... Read more →

Aura Landscapes Win three Marshalls Regional Awards

Aura Landscapes of Southampton have come up trumps in the Marshalls Regsiter Regional Wards. They picked up awards in the categories: best patio transformation under 35 square metres, best use of ethically sourced Fairstone and most creative use of Marshalls' products. The firm have now won three Marshalls Register Awards over the two consecutive years they've been on the Marshalls' Regsister. Aura Landscapes owner Mike Warman commented: "At the Marshalls Roadshow that took place last night in Titchfield we were humbled when we were announced winners in three categories" Read more →

Landscapers win Marshalls Register Regional Awards

Two members of the Landscape Juice Network have picked up coveted prizes in the Marshalls Register regional awards. Kerry Jackson of Jacksons Landscape Design from Newton Abbot, Devon, picked up the Marshalls South west regional award 2012 for the most creative use of a Marshalls product. Kerry's crisp contemporary designs have become his trademark. Chris Harrop, head of marketing at Marshalls commented: "Brilliant Kerry ! Another amazing project". Kerry said: "I'm extremely humble that my garden design and landscaping business Jackson's Landscape Design are awarded Marshalls South west regional award winner 2012 for the most creative use of a Marshalls... Read more →

Marshalls announce new products for 2013

Marshalls have announced a number of new additions to their product range available to homeowners in 2013. Cobbletech The Cobbletech driveway system is designed to give a natural authentic cobble look to a driveway or courtyard and is equally at home in a contemporary setting. Not only does Cobbletech provide a stunning driveway option for the householder but with its innovative block design and fast point jointing solution, supplied with the block, it offers the installer an amazingly quick and effortless installation with built in durability. And if this wasn’t enough the system can be laid in all weathers, meaning... Read more →