Landscape Juice

The UKs largest landscape business network heads for 4,000 members

It was on 20 April 2008 that the Landscape Juice Network was quietly launched. The move followed the success of Landscape Juice LJN and the network's birth heralded a change in the way information was generated and distributed around the landscape industry. That day signified a media shift and change in traditional business model application. We literally gave the landscaping space to the practitioner; no longer, from that moment just four short years ago, would the landscape industry be controlled from the top by a self-appointed few. It's with a great deal or pride and satisfaction to report that we... Read more →

BALI annual accounts and report 2012

Highlights Contracting members drop by 3% Turnover down Net profit drops 87% Overheads rise 6% The British Association of Landscape Industries has seen its contracting membership drop by 3% in the twelve months ending 31 March 2012. In its annual report, BALI treasurer Martyn Mogford says that 40 full members left BALI in the previous twelve months citing "This reduction is predominantly in the small company categories and in general seems to reflect pressures from economic conditions". Overall turnover dropped £1,932.00 to £650,473 (2011:£652,405). Meanwhile overheads rose 6% to £644,877 (2011:£652,405). The increase in overheads is mainly due to the... Read more →

Back-to-front BALI are still looking for a way forward

"It has [BALI membership] grown over the last twelve months but my biggest concern is for the members that have had to lapse their membership for one reason or another. This year the attrition rate for member companies who have gone into liquidation or administration has been particularly worrying. This is a saddening sign of the impact of the current economic climate." These are the words of BALI chief operations officer Wayne Grills in an interview with the Pro-Landscaper magazine. Sadly Wayne doesn't share the membership figure with the industry; which is a shame because it would give a wider... Read more →

What are the benefits of the Landscape Juice Network?

Since early 2008 the Landscape Juice Network LJN has been at the centre of the UK landscape and horticulture industry. What makes the site unique is it tackles the real challenges and difficulties an individual or SME faces in business in a way no other organisation or publication can, or does. Landscape Juice Network is insightful, sometimes controversial, open and transparent. The site and its users can be sure that if they engage in a conversation, argument or debate then they will get responses that are direct and authoritative from people who've experience and knowledge on the subject. What you... Read more →

Trade associations should operate a blind trust

I am as uncomfortable today as I have been for the last six years of the privileged position our incumbent landscape trade associations have assumed, unchallenged, in a bid to determine hierarchy and policy for the UK's landscape and horticulture industry. It is essential to our industry that close scrutiny is kept on all who lay claim to shape our respective futures, if non-members don't stand up and be counted then there's a danger, not too far down the road and whether they like it or not, they will have to comply with legislation that doesn't suit them or their... Read more →

It's 'onwards and upwards' for LJN member Andy Doughty

Since joining the Landscape Juice Network in May 2011, gardener Andy Doughty has become a regular visitor and a friend to many on the site. After six years of running his garden maintenance business, Andy looks set for a cracking 2012 after recently announcing his engagement to his soon to be wife Gina and further expansion of his business. But it hasn't always been easy. Being a single parent meant Andy had to spend time at home with his daughter when she was younger. When she was old enough to go to school it gave Andy the freedom to venture... Read more →

Grow the Game of Golf aims to help course owners boost numbers

EUROPEAN golfing groups are aiming to encourage and inspire golf clubs and other golf organisations to help develop the game, particularly at grass roots level. The Grow the Game of Golf will look to provide advice and information to golf course managers, secretaries and green keepers on how to draw more people to the game with initiatives such as family days and junior golf competitions. The site has been up and running for just over a year, but Tarav Badhwar of the European Golf Course Owners Association is keen to take it on to the next level to help boost... Read more →

Are BALI playing by their own rules?

"Our members' contracts are as keen as they can be and they get increasingly frustrated when they find the work they hoped to get has been taken by people who are not VAT registered and not fully aware of the legislative position. The world has changed so much - with Work at Height Regulations, for instance, that are not just affecting tree work. You have to adapt work practices to conform to legislation. The above is a quote by the then BALI CEO, Sandra Loton-Jones, in an interview given to Hort Week - I wrote about it here. Fast forward... Read more →

New CEO for British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association

There is a new name leading the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) after the appointment of Jim Croxton as the organisation's CEO. He comes to BIGGA from the PGA, where he served most recently as sponsorship manager, and he previously served as regional secretary of the PGA North region and national tournament director. In a statement Jim Croxton said: "I am proud and delighted to be appointed to this role and am looking forward immensely to working with the board of management and the excellent team at BIGGA House to continue the work of the association. "The work... Read more →

Landscape industry set to be further polarised?

In a statement set to cause further concern amongst landscapers and garden designers, APL chairman Mark Gregory has called for the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) and the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) to join together and form one unified landscape association. Gregory also said that they [APL] should forge closer ties with the Society of Garden Designers (SGD). A combined APL and BALI would only represent less than 5% of the whole of the landscaping industry but close association with traditional horticulture trade press means only those who operate within these organisations will be promoted. In an article... Read more →