The Grow Landscapers 10 Minute Business Tips Podcast Series

In this episode of the Grow Landscapers 10 Minute Business Tips Series, Nick Ruddle is joined by award-winning garden designer Andy Stedman to discuss three of the most important foundations of a successful landscape business. Andy explains why sales and marketing should be the number one priority for every business owner, how understanding your key numbers leads to better decision-making and why...

In this week’s 10-Minute Business Tip (ok, maybe a bit longer 😅), I’m joined by the legendary garden designer, RHS judge, and BBC presenter Manoj Malde We dive into 3 unmissable business tips for landscapers and designers: 1️⃣ Get yourself a great accountant – save time, stress & serious £££ 2️⃣ Build strong relationships – collaboration is the secret sauce 3️⃣ Protect your reputation – your...

“If you don’t focus on your strengths and test your ideas before diving in, you’re not building a business—you’re just spinning your wheels.” — Steve Walley   In this episode of the Grow Landscapers 10 Minute Business Tip Series, host Nick Ruddle welcomes back Steve Walley, a familiar face from the first series and a key figure at London Stone. Steve brings his wealth of experience to the tab...

“If your business doesn’t work without you, you don’t really have a business—you have a job.” — David Jenyns In this episode of the Grow Landscapers 10 Minute Business Tip Series , host Nick Ruddle welcomes David Jenyns, systems expert and author of the bestselling book Systemology . David shares invaluable insights into how landscape business owners can systemise their operations to achieve effic...

Claire Belderbos from Chelsea award-winning Belderbos Landscapes shares essential strategies for landscaping business success. This episode explores the importance of thorough project planning, building resilience through challenging times, and setting SMART goals for long-term growth. Claire discusses attracting young talent through local school engagement and emphasises the value of mentorship,...

Current BALI national chair Adrian Wickham shares essential leadership principles for growing landscaping businesses. This conversation explores the importance of listening, taking responsibility, and maintaining work-life balance whilst building sustainable operations. Adrian discusses attracting new talent to the industry, personal development strategies, and the critical responsibility business...

International award-winning garden designer Peter Donegan shares his business wisdom from decades in the landscaping industry. The conversation explores his three golden rules for client selection, the importance of placing value on design work even when doing charitable projects, and the power of building strong professional relationships. Peter also discusses attracting young talent to horticult...

Award-winning landscaper and expert witness Alan Sargent shares 56 years of industry wisdom in this compelling episode. Alan introduces his unique 'Scrabble board system' for tracking business connections, emphasises the importance of mastering British standards, and discusses building professional credibility through evidential knowledge. At 77 and still working six days a week, Alan also address...

Richard Bickler from Arbour Landscape Solutions shares hard-earned wisdom from three decades in landscaping. This conversation focuses on the critical importance of documented processes, managing cash flow effectively, and leveraging team insights for business growth. Richard discusses practical strategies, including stage payments, setting boundaries with clients, and using weekly strategy meetin...

Alistair Bayford of Frost Landscapes returns with three principles that separate thriving landscape businesses from the rest. He covers why your relationships with employees, suppliers and clients are your greatest asset, how innovation and technology can bridge the – not just quality of work – is what earns long-term trust. In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Why educated risks are the foundatio...

Award-winning garden designer Karen McClure shares her insights from years of experience leading a thriving landscaping business. The episode centres on recognising achievements, maintaining a positive mindset, and surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals to boost business performance. Karen McClure also discusses attracting new talent to the industry and the value of continuous learning...

In this episode of the Grow Landscaper's 10 Minute Business Tip series, host Nick Ruddle is joined by Principal BALI award-winning garden designer Lucy Wilcox. Lucy shares insightful business tips drawn from her unique background in TV commercial production and garden design. Key points include the importance of embodying your brand to differentiate yourself, the crucial role of collaboration with...

What does long-term success look like in the UK landscaping game – and how do you build it? Lee Webster, the mind behind the award-winning Wright Landscapes, offers a deep dive into the qualities that set top companies apart. With a passion for people and a strategic eye for business, Lee shares proven ways to strengthen teams, bring new talent through the ranks, and manage the financial side with...

Ken White, formerly of Frost Landscapes, is a celebrated leader in the UK landscaping industry known for his entrepreneurial spirit and practical business insight. In this episode, Ken joins host Nick Ruddell to share three tips for running a successful landscaping business, from brand building to team leadership. Ken dives into his philosophy on loving business as much as landscaping, the importa...

Nick Ruddle chats with Kim Sones from Sones Accountancy Services, the specialist firm helping landscapers take control of their finances. Kim breaks down the three essentials every landscaping business owner needs to master: regularly reviewing profit and loss, building a strong cash reserve, and setting aside money for tax. She explains that financial confidence isn’t about being a “numbers perso...

Paul Lynch, the Managing Director of Elm Tree Garden Contractors in Bristol, is a multi-award-winning business leader in the UK landscaping sector. In this episode, Paul shares his top business tips for landscapers, focusing on what it takes to build a successful, sustainable business in today's competitive market. He discusses the importance of looking after your people, the value of transparency...

Stuart Dantzic, Managing Director of Caribbean Blinds, joins the show to share his insights on achieving business growth and success in the landscaping sector. Stuart discusses the power of setting clear goals, the importance of collaboration, and the modern methods needed to both recruit and retain the right talent. Learn how attitude outweighs skills when building a great team, and why showcasin...

Will Cooke, the driving force behind Artisan Landscapes in Bristol, shares his proven strategies for business growth in the landscaping sector. Will unpacks the systems and mindsets that have helped his company stand out, from building robust processes early on to embracing challenging projects. With practical advice drawn from his own journey, Will discusses hiring, value-driven culture, and indu...

Richard Kay is the CEO of Rabbit Hill Park, the home for rural entrepreneurs, housed in a range of high-quality industrial warehouses and offices. In this episode, Richard shares his proven strategies for business growth, from crafting strong business plans to building a supportive company culture. He offers actionable tips on recruitment, consistency, and the importance of open communication in d...

Oliver Corkery is the Group CEO of The Corker Collective and Managing Director of Corker Outdoor Living. Despite being relatively young, Oliver has made significant strides in the landscaping industry with his relentless drive and passion. In this episode, Oliver discusses key strategies that helped him succeed and highlights the importance of mental and physical health. This conversation is a gol...

John Wyer, co-founder of Bowles & Wyer and Vice-Chair and Treasurer of the Society of Garden Designers, shares his insights on what drives a successful landscaping business. With a focus on client satisfaction, purpose-driven culture, and detail-oriented management, John reveals his top three tips that have propelled his company forward. Looking to elevate your business and inspire your team?...

Gareth Wilson, a renowned garden and landscaping consultant, takes the spotlight in this episode. With years of experience and a deep passion for the industry, Gareth shares invaluable advice on how to excel in the landscaping business. From organising paperwork to training staff, his insights are both practical and enriching. In this episode, we explore: The importance of organised paperwork and...

With years of hands-on experience in the landscaping industry, Jake Catling is the Director of The Landscaping Consultants, a company that provides top-tier landscaping services. Known for his practical insights and dynamic approach, Jake shares his top three business tips that every landscape professional needs to consider. This episode dives into essential strategies for managing risks, the impo...

With over 40 years of working in the landscaping industry, Mark Gregory is the Managing Director of Landform Consultants, a full design-to-build service for all external landscaping. Known for his relentless passion and expertise in the industry, Mark shares his top three business tips that every landscaper should know.    In this episode, we explore:  A robust pre-start checklist f...