Pro Landscaper’s Most Influential revealed
The top 25 most influential people in the industry have been announced in a ceremony today at FutureScape, the leading landscaping trade event which continues tomorrow at the ExCeL London.
Pro Landscaper readers were asked to put forward who they thought were the top three Most Influential people, which formed a shortlist of 50 names. These finalists were then put out to a vote to reach the top 25 of Pro Landscaper’s Most Influential, partnered by tigerup!
A few special awards were announced at the ceremony. Pro Landscaper’s Top Three Most Influential were revealed as Nigel Dunnett, Sarah Eberle and Mark Gregory. Professor Nigel Dunnett is transforming urban greening. He is behind the planting design at Superbloom, the Barbican, and – alongside his colleague James Hitchmough – the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Sarah Eberle is Chelsea’s most decorated designer and is now dedicating her time to mentoring and exploring sustainable practices. Mark Gregory has a string of Gold medals to his name for his garden builds at Chelsea, but also for his designs – the former APL chairman will be designing his sixth garden at the 2023 show.
The People’s Choice Top Three Most Influential went to Tony Benger, managing director of Tony Benger Landscaping which is renowned for its employee excellence, having been Supreme Winner last year at the Pro Landscaper Business Awards; Adrian Wickham, who is helping Glendale to achieve impressive growth whilst spearheading a diversity charter for the industry; and Gareth Wilson, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the sector and is now passing on his knowledge through teaching and as an expert witness.
David Hook, managing director of awards partner tigerup! says: “It is incredibly important, now more than ever to recognise the individuals who are shaping the landscaping and horticulture industries. Whether that is through driving innovation, quality, and sustainability or being an ambassador and champion of the landscaping sector. We must celebrate and encourage their achievements to secure the future development and success of our industry. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners.”
The Most Influential Award is Pro Landscaper’s way of showcasing the individuals that are responsible for shaping the landscaping sector, whether that’s through the quality of their work, their ambassadorial work on behalf of the industry, or by being an inspiration to the rest of the market.
It was first launched five years ago, in 2017. Whilst some of the names remain the same, there have also been a wealth of new entries this year, such as garden designer Tom Massey, an inaugural Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation winner, and Paul Lynch, whose company Elmtree Garden Contractors has twice been the Supreme Winner at the Pro Landscaper Business Awards.
Pro Landscaper’s Top Three Most Influential
Nigel Dunnett, Professor of Planting Design and Urban Horticulture, University of Sheffield
Sarah Eberle, garden designer
Mark Gregory, managing director, Landform Consultants
People’s Choice Top Three Most Influential
Tony Benger, managing director, Tony Benger Landscaping
Adrian Wickham, corporate director, Glendale
Gareth Wilson, expert witness
Also in the Top 25
Monty Don, TV presenter and horticulturist
(Image credit: Peter Rhys Williams / Shutterstock.com)
Peter Fane, executive chairman, The Nurture Group
Jane Findlay, director, Fira
Immediate past president, Landscape Institute
Andrew Grant, founder and director, Grant Associates
Wayne Grills, CEO, British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI)
Mark Lane, TV presenter and garden designer, Mark Lane Designs
Paul Lynch, managing director, Elmtree Garden Contractors
Tom Massey, owner, Tom Massey Studio
(Image credit Britt Willoughby Dyer)
Tim O’Hare, principal consultant, Tim O’Hare Associates
Thomas O’Mahony, managing director, Maylim
Piet Oudolf, garden designer
John Parker, CEO, Arboricultural Association
Ann-Marie Powell, principal, Ann-Marie Powell Gardens
(Image credit: credit-RHS / Oliver Dixon)
Alan Sargent, garden consultant
James Scott, managing director, The Garden Company
Steven Walley, managing director, London Stone
Adam White, director, Davies White
Ken White, managing director, Frosts Landscapes
Andrew Wilson, director, London College of Garden Design (LCGD)
