After a sensational afternoon of jubilant festivities, the first Pro Landscaper Business Awards have come to a close. The standard of entrants was incredibly high, and after some tough decision-making from the judges, the winners have been announced.

Pro Landscaper Business Awards winners:

Industry Partnership – Sponsored by FutureScape

Winner: Gristwood and Toms, in partnership with Bristol City Council

Judges said that the arboricultural consulting firm are: “A fantastic example of industry partnership [that] goes beyond the normal boundaries.”

Apprenticeship Scheme – Sponsored by Horticruitment

Winner: Glendale

The diverse, all-encompassing scheme was described by judges as having: “[An] ongoing commitment to training and development at all levels, regardless of age, sex or disadvantage.”

Landscape Architect Practice – Sponsored by Tobermore

Winner: Gillespies

This “pioneering” winner won this hotly contested award for: “Unprecedented year on year growth” and “powerful evidence of equal commitment to promoting from within,” as described by the judges.

Garden Designer – Sponsored by Global Stone

Winner: Butter Wakefield of Butter Wakefield Garden Design

Love for what she does and relationships were the key to Butter’s success. “She has great testimonials from very satisfied customers,” and, “She is highly committed to the industry, mentoring young designers and raising significant money for an industry charity.”

Garden Design Practice – Sponsored by Lateral Design Studio

Winner: JPS Landscape Design

“Clear and demonstrated commitment to their staff,” was crucial in JPS Landscape Design’s success in this category. Judges concluded that the practice demonstrates: “Excellent industry engagement and involvement, supported by superb client testimonials.”

Supplier – Sponsored by Adtrak

Winner: Green-tech

The company showcases what judges describe as: “Great commitment to staff, understanding of training and development needs.” The landscaping supplier was also said to have: “Broad-reaching expertise, enabling support in broad reaching client circles.”

Grounds Maintenance – Sponsored by Bourne Amenity

Winner: Nurture Landscapes

Nurture Landscapes holds a “very strong social engagement”, and with its rapid expansion still maintains “excellent, in-house training and development.” Judges concluded that this was: “An excellent entry from an excellent company.”

Commercial Landscape Company – Sponsored by Green-tech

Winner: Ground Control

The company maintains: “A diverse programme of active community involvement, supporting schools, social organisations, parks and open spaces,” as described by one judge. With its rapid growth, the company still “Retains their key clients through ongoing commitment to quality.”

Design & Build – Sponsored by Creepers

Winner: Landform Consultants

Managing to stave off the competition with “A solid and structured approach to training and development,” the adjudicators agreed that Landform Consultants has “Great customer feedback across projects of all sizes.”

Landscape Company <£1m – Sponsored by Turf Group

Winner: Acre Landscapes

A strong record of client retention and commitment to CSR sealed the deal for Acre Landscapes. Judges commented on the company’s “Passionate advocation for the landscaping sector and strong commitment to staff.”

Landscape Company >£1m – Sponsored by Pro Landscaper

Winner: Oak View Landscapes

With a diverse pool of entrants to choose from, the judges decided upon the winner, Oak View Landscapes for their “Strategic and structured approach, strong emphasis on staff and a phenomenal 89% staff retention figure over the past five years.”

CED Stone Group Supreme Winner

Winner: Gristwood and Toms in partnership with Bristol City Council

Managing director of CED Stone Group, Giles Heap described Gristwood and Toms’ partnership with Bristol City Council as “An example of how remarkable things can be achieved when two businesses come together to create something in the best interest of the community.”

Most Influential Overall

Winner: Mark Gregory

Chosen by peers in the landscaping industry, Mark Gregory received the most votes in Pro Landscaper’s Most Influential 2017. Industry leaders described Mark as “A great ambassador who gives back so much to the industry,” and, “A great leader who inspires the next generation as well as his peers.”