Embracing his new role opportunity with Northern Landscape Supplies, George Barton hopes to act as a spearhead in growing the company and diversifying its portfolio.

A dedicated division of East Riding Horticulture Ltd, Northern Landscape Supplies combines over 30 years of industry experience with sector-specific expertise to support contractors, local authorities, forestry organisations and environmental consultancies across the UK. Headed up by head of commercial Hugh Barlow and business development manager Arron Grange, the company acts as an expansion into the forestry and landscaping industry.

Founded in 1989 by Alistair Barlow, the family-run business intends to remain independent, whilst expanding across the industry and attracting new clients and customers.

Grange and Barton first worked together at Green-tech, creating a strong working bond that has carried over to Northern Landscape Supplies. A two-man sales team, the pair utilise their familiarity every day with plans to bring in a couple more staff members over the next year or so.

Barton, who started his role as national landscape and forestry manager in January 2026, says, “it was nice to be recognised for my hard work and then given this opportunity by Hugh [Barlow and Arron [Grange].”

Not only is his new role much closer to home, but Barton looks forward to the progression he’s now capable of since his transition. Not only is he building relationships for the company, he’s involved in the buying and marketing of the company, which is something he’s not explored before.

“I’m growing more relationships with more people and suppliers, which I’m really enjoying.”

In 2023, Barton picked up a 30 Under 30: The Next Generation Award, just one year after Grange picked up his. He reflects on the acknowledgement:

“Initiatives like 30 Under 30 are a really good way of promoting younger people and keeping them in the industry. This is an industry where there is development for the growth within the space and become a major part in it.”

The award-winning duo are looking to diversify Northern Landscape Supplies as a means of future-proofing the company and eventually creating a space for young people as they enter the industry. Barton also mentions the recent introduction of the turf-side of the company. From sports pitches and lawn line marking, East Riding Horticulture is beginning to cover all bases across the industry.

The duo, who “bounce off each other,” says Barton, are continuously supporting Barlow as much as they can. “We want to become the main part of East Riding Horticulture,” he adds, which starts from building a small team, growing internally and operationally while working with new and current accounts.

Since the new arm of the company has been built, it has been a learning curve, admits Barton, but the essence of trust from high management enables him to make quick and strategic decisions in the pursuit of growing the company further.

Having never managed another employee before, Barton looks forward to the challenge as him and Grange grow their own team. The short-term goal is “to get a couple of new members of staff under myself,”
explains Barton, and through natural means, one day work up the career ladder even further.

Enter this year’s Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation Awards.