With applications for Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation 2026 initiative closing on Friday 7 August, there are just a few days left to enter.
In its 12th year, the awards look to spotlight the breadth of emerging voices across the entire industry.
Don’t think the initiative is for you? Check out this list of 30 job titles from past winners:
There are many reasons to enter the initiative, from recognising achievements to building a network. Previous winners have gone on to win Gold at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, win numerous other awards, and climb the ranks across the industry.
Winners will be selected and informed in October before being celebrated during a ceremony to take place during this year’s FutureScape event at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre on 13 – 14 October 2026.
In 2020, Leon Chappell became the youngest recipient of a Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation award. To this day, he upholds this title since picking up the accolade at just18 years old.
On a mission to dismantle unfair judgement that can be attached with young people, Chappell, now 23 years old, highlights his fight for young men and women who can build a career from scratch. “I think it goes without saying that there is still this stereotype of young people in any trade.” The example he gives is when young people leave school, don’t go onto college and don’t want to learn. “I don’t think it’s like that anymore. I think leaving school and getting into a trade is not a bad thing to do.”
Unfortunately, people may still pass this judgement on young people, such as Chappell, who now owns his own landscaping business; Beyond Landscaping. Alongside three young employees, Chappell has been building a portfolio in Warrington, Cheshire. “I sometimes feel like people will question whether they made the right choice going with us or or how I know how to do it because of how young we all are,” he explains.
“However, a couple of days into the job the opinions will change and you’ll see it in the clients. This is because of how hard we work and the detail that goes into every job.”
Covering all types of landscaping Chappell and his team offer paving, brickwork, artificial and real turf, timber work and the construction of outdoor summer houses. He has also been approached by the NHS Public Health Magazine, where he offers a discount to readers in return for being the only recommended landscaper in the northwest within the publication starting in February.
Nonetheless, Chappell admits he hasn’t had to do much advertising since setting up the business. “The work pretty much speaks for itself. A lot of the jobs we get are just from word of mouth. I haven’t really done that much advertising because I haven’t really needed to.”
Back in 2020, Chappell was nominated for a 30 Under 30 award by his former company, Kirman Design after getting promoted from a 6-month temporary labourer to a full-time employee. He ended up working for the design and build company for almost six years in total. After his child was born, he couldn’t help but aspire for freedom as he navigated fatherhood.
Talking to Pro Landscaper back in 2020, Chappell mentions “I understand I have to start at the bottom, but I definitely do not plan on staying there.” It is true he has built himself up, and starts 2026 a proud business owner.
