Pro Landscaper Premium Plus once again hosted its Landscaping Leadership Forum, across two days at Old Thorns Hotel & Resort on 2-3 July 2026.  

The annual event brings together businesses across the sector and the supply chain to create a networking and learning space for leaders and their teams.

1. Skills shortage

Aidan Bell, chief executive at idverde, noted that the landscaping industry will be one of the most AI safe industries, as AI continues to progress. It could therefore be beneficial for businesses to proposition themselves as such when promoting the industry. He stated we need to “make the industry sexy.” John Wyer, chief executive at Bowles & Wyer and vice chair of the SGLD noted that AI is a priority for its members alongside climate resilience, pressures of fees and partnerships with contractors. 

The panel all discussed the importance of promoting the industry, with Jennifer Pheasey, director of policy & public affairs at the HTA explaining the importance of retelling the story of what the industry does in a language the Government understands – a key purpose of the All-Party Parliamentary Gardening and Horticulture Group. Ian Phillips, chair of the Landscape Institute’s Policy and Public Affairs Committee, shared the LI’s research which found nine in ten people want greener neighbourhoods. The findings highlighted that landscape is seen as integral to what people value rather than as an afterthought once buildings and roads have been planned. 

2. Managing disruption and volatility 

Ben Butler, senior policy manager, Federation of Small Businesses explained that half of small businesses aren’t getting paid on time. Paul New, partner, Azets advised finding out what your personal inflation looks like. He also suggested traffic lighting your clients with red representing those who query every single invoice or change payments. Butler stressed that businesses can charge interest on payments that are late. Butler did share that the Government has proposed to ban the practice of deducting and withholding of retention payments in construction to protect smaller firms from non-payment. New stressed that, ultimately, if you aren’t being paid you should down tools. The panel also stressed the importance of credit insurance which protects businesses against losses from unpaid invoices. 

3. Urban greening factor 

Wyer noted the opportunities when it comes to Urban Greening Factor, specifically in commercial projects. He also explored the opportunities for greening around offices as companies seek to encourage staff back into the office and create spaces they want to be in. 

Phillips noted the friction and slowness in the planning system, though, as staff turnover in the planning system appears fairly high. Other panellists noted that it’s getting harder to get jobs across the line. The panellists discussed the benefits of diversifying in this current market, but Wyer warned that businesses should either launch a new product in a market they are already established in, or launch an established product in a new market but not both.

4. Introducing HR into a business

The panel also discussed the presence of HR with Jacob Berry, managing director of Refined Landscapes, explaining the new process since the introduction of HR personnel. The audience joined in the discussion with some noting that it makes processes more complex, others expressing that they felt HR was against them and others explaining it made them feel exposed. While others in the audience stressed that it means a business can rest easy knowing it is following the correct processes.

5. Implementing technology in your business  

Colin Smith, managing director at Land Technology, talked through the businesses implementation of Re-Flow. Smith explained how it had made the teams more efficient. Previously they had been using an Excel spreadsheet and Smith says the amount of time this took up was “ridiculous” for what it provided. They also needed to have the records for compliance and invoicing but were feeling more under pressure in the process.

Piloting Re-Flow with one team, they ensured this wasn’t just a selection of younger members so that everyone understood the process. Smith explains that teams took to the new system faster than expected and that there was a marked shift in the culture. With an easier way to upload before, during and after images accountability became visible and standards improved across the business. Communication was also clearer. 

Data has also been a “game-changer” with Re-Flow providing daily reports. Data is instantly captured and easily extracted for valuations. This data can also help challenge repeat issues, without conflict with clients because it’s data driven. 

6. UK construction landscape 

Laurence Stone, senior engagement manager at CITB, explained that UK construction output is expected to dip slightly in 2026. Short-term weakness is linked to low confidence, cost pressures and global uncertainty. But medium-term growth is expected across all areas – including public new housing and private new housing – driven by housing, infrastructure, repair and maintenance. Stone explained the strongest growth is in public housing, infrastructure and private housing. 

When it comes to workers, Stone states 41,200 extra each year with the highest demand volume in senior managers, professional and technical roles and office-based roles. Demand for skilled people is also rising due to the 1.5m homes target, and, Stone explains, a clear 10-year pipeline of major infrastructure projects. 

7. What does good storytelling look like?

Lawrence Stubbings, actor, coach and associate director at Talik & Co gave his advice for storytelling to seize control and reinforce value. He noted that, quoting Warren Buffet, “learning public speaking will improve your worth by 50%”. His three tips for this were:

1. Passion – share your enthusiasm, invite the audience to join you and smile. He stressed “your energy introduces you before you even speak”. 
2. Clarity – be clear about your message, keep your gestures open and deliberate and have a good volume, tone and calrity to your voice.
3. Rehearsal – repeat, reflect and refine.

He stressed that the most important story you will tell is the story you tell yourself. 

Day two hosted the iconic Pro Landscaper Golf Challenge, with several attendees taking part. This year saw Wildflower Co come out on top for the second year running. The individual competition was another close affair with Kevin Way representing Cube1994 winning with a score of 37 pipping two others (Olly Hewetson-Brown from Wildflower Co and Laurence Thor from Thor Trees) who finished joint second with 36 points.