by Holly Chapman | 13 Aug 26 | News, Supplier News
Green-tech announces it new name and identity, Origin Green-tech, to reflect its place within Origin Enterprises plc.
A supplier to the landscaping, forestry, construction and environmental sectors, Origin Green-tech reveals its new identity to reinforce the company’s purpose of creating sustainable living landscapes, helping customers shape environments that thrive through innovation, trusted expertise and complete solutions.
For customers, the new identity means “much more than a new company structure,” says Origin Green-tech. As part of this evolution, British Hardwood Tree Nursery will strengthen the Origin Green-tech business while continuing as a trading brand alongside John Chambers Wildflowers, Green-tree Soils, and Groundtrax Ground Reinforcement Solution.
In bringing these companies together, it creates a single partner capable of supporting every stage of land management and landscape creation.
Mark Andrews, managing director of Origin Green-tech, comments on the new identity:
“Our new name reflects who we are today and where we are going, but it doesn’t change what matters most to our customers. They will continue to work with the same knowledgeable people and receive the same trusted service that Green-tech and British Hardwood Tree Nursery have always been known for.”
He explains the opportunities this brings to customers, “leveraging the strength of Origin Enterprises.”
Origin Green-tech aims to give customers a trusted partner for every stage of their project.
by Holly Chapman | 19 Dec 25 | News, Supplier News
Green-tech has announced it has surpassed its 2025 charity fundraising campaign for St Leonard’s Hospice in York.
In raising £1,600, Green-tech has organised raffles, food events and a variety of activities in order to raise its target of £1,000.
Kris Nellist, managing director of Green-tech explains “as a business rooted in Yorkshire, we understand the importance of giving back,” adding:
“I am so proud of the way our team has thrown themselves into this fundraiser. Every donation, raffle ticket and shared meal helps bring comfort and care to people at a difficult time. It is great to see Green-tech making a real difference for families in our community.”
Green-tech also thanks all those who have donated.
by Holly Chapman | 28 Nov 25 | News, Supplier News
Green-tech Specifier, the specification of supplier Green-tech, has released a new brochure outlining its solutions for Blue Green Infrastructure in urban environments.
Designed for engineers, specifiers, landscape architects and designers, the new brochure highlights the company’s expertise in delivering sustainable urban drainage systems, urban tree planting, intelligent irrigation and water storage.
Seraya Sigsworth, specification manager, comments on the brochure launch:
“We believe that every tree, rain garden, and green roof is more than a design feature; it is part of a resilient and sustainable city. By sharing our expertise and systems, we can help deliver projects that manage water smarter, boost biodiversity, and improve wellbeing for communities.”
Available to download here, hard copies can also be ordered here.
Green-tech Specifier also offers free seminars, available in person or online covering landscape-led solutions to urban water management, green roof planting and irrigation, bioretention soils and rain gardens and John Chambers Wildflowers for Biodiversity.
by Holly Chapman | 06 Nov 25 | News, Supplier News
To mark the start of this year’s tree planting season, Green-tech has launched a competition offering the chance to win a pair of Arbortec boots.
Giving away four pairs, one winner will be drawn each month from November 2025 until February 2026.
Teams on the ground are being asked to share a photo of their planting efforts, whether it’s on-site unloading for the job, mid-planting, a finished project or in the office to enter.
Entries can be submitted via social media by tagging Green-tech or emailing marketing@green-tech.co.uk. All submissions are automatically entered into the monthly draw.
Richard Gill. sales director at Green-tech says “tree planting season is one of our busiest and most rewarding times of the year,” adding:
“This competition is a fun way to celebrate the season and recognise the people who are making a real difference on the ground.”
by Holly Chapman | 01 Sep 25 | News, Supplier News
Green-tech has recently appointed Gavin Saunders as business development manager for Ireland to extend the development of operations and bring in fresh expertise.
Whilst Green-tech’s presence in Ireland has grown significantly over the last three years, the introduction of Saunders appointment “signals our intent to build on that solid foundation,” says Richard Gill, sales director.
Operating in Londonderry, Green-tech promises the depot is a key part of the company’s long-term strategy to invest in infrastructure that ensures logistical efficiency, reduced carbon emissions and greater responsiveness to local customer needs.
Since joining the business on 1 July, Saunders speaks on his new role:
“I’m very much looking forward to supporting customers, delivering a great service nationwide, and contributing to the future growth of Green-tech across Ireland.”
The company is exploring other product offerings in the market based on feedback from their Irish customer base.
by Holly Chapman | 26 Aug 25 | News, Supplier News
Green-tech Specifier has announced the launch of the Urban Design Roadshow which will explore climate-positive urban design solutions starting in September.
The technical team of landscape supplier Green-tech, Green-tech Specifier will host the first event at The Lowry, Salford Quays on 30 September 2025.
A free event, it intends to bring together landscape architects, specifiers and urban design professionals to discuss how blue green infrastructure can help shape sustainable cities.
Discussing water management, biodiversity net gain (BNG) and the impact of rising urban temperatures, delegates will also explore real-life case studies and networking opportunities.
Presentations include those from Georgia Gilbert, head of wildflower at John Chambers Wildflower Seeds, Seraya Sigsworth, head of blue green infrastructure at Green-tech and Tom Young, blue green infrastructure associate at The Environmental Partnership (TEP) and board member for the Green Roof Organisation (GRO).
Sigsworth says the roadshow will aim “to demonstrate how nature-based solutions can create greener, healthier environments for communities”.
Spaces for the roadshow are limited and can be found here.
by Bethany Vann | 23 Jun 25 | From the Mag, Long Reads
With the launch of this year’s Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation Awards, in Association with Green-tech, alumni Georgia Gilbert takes the hot seat for a round of quick fire questions in our Little Interviews series.
Georgia Gilbert
Head of wildflower at John Chambers Wildflowers
Class of 2023
If you could work anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A nice vineyard in Italy, that’d be perfect. Specifically, the Tuscan Hills – it would be idyllic but not very practical.
What’s one thing that you think would make the industry better?
As an industry we need to speak more about improving inclusion of women and how we can make it more equal. We’re pretty good in landscaping, but construction wise, it is quite difficult for women to hold director level roles.
More inclusion for women and more open conversations about it as well, that’s just a starting point. We’re pretty good here at Green-tech, but why are those opportunities not more widely accessible?
One piece of advice you wish to share?
Take any opportunity that you’re given; even if you take an opportunity and you don’t necessarily learn a massive deal from it, you’ve gone and tried something, it’s still giving you knowledge and expertise.
There’s some opportunities that I’ve taken and actually decided were definitely not for me. But even just taking those can give you a good experience.
Because when you come into the horticultural industry, your eyes are opened to how many opportunities there actually are. I don’t think it’s spoken about enough about how many avenues you can go down, so when people come into the industry, they’re taken aback.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
Is it cheesy if I say my mum? She’s just always taught me to work hard despite your circumstances Both of my parents didn’t take the traditional route of going to university or anything, they just worked hard to get where they are.
What is your favourite plant, or in your case tree?
There’s so many! I really like passion flowers; they’re like nothing I’ve seen before – from the detail in them and the various colours they come in, to the fact that they can be climbers and just cover entire walls.
I used to have one at my allotment but unfortunately it got hit by the wind.
Final question, what is your go to motivational song?
Good as Hell by Lizzo.
Entries for the 2025 Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation Awards, in association with Green-tech, close Friday 1 August 2025.
For more information and to enter on behalf of yourself or someone else, click here, or contact Pro Landscaper deputy editor Bethany Vann at bethany.vann@eljays44.com.
by Holly Chapman | 29 May 25 | 30 Under 30 Updates, Landscape Architecture, Long Reads, Nature & Biodiversity
Georgia Gilbert feels ‘recognised’ since achieving 30 Under 30: The Next Generation Award at the age of 23, as she continues to settle into her new role as the head of wildflower at John Chambers Wildflowers.
Alongside her full-time job, Gilbert also continues towards achieving her Master of Arts (MA) degree in landscape architecture at Leeds Beckett.
The now 26-year old reveals the reason she chose to dive into landscape architecture is to build a bridge in her skillset:
“I came from garden design, a more plant focused side, but then the role I’m doing now is much more commercial based. So, it’s to up my skill set and understand how landscape architecture works.”
Gilbert admits that in order to balance both her full-time job and part-time degree, she has to replace socialising at the weekends with studying. As her MA is coming to an end this month, she plans to continue thriving with John Chambers, a brand exclusively distributed by Green-tech.
Her current role entails forecasting seed stock over the year, communicating with the buying team and working on biodiversity net gain with companies such as landscape architects and local authorities.
This has given her more responsibility within the company, when just a few months ago she was working as a technical manager mainly conducting research and maintaining customer advice.
Georgia Gilbert collecting her 30 Under 30 award in 2022
As Gilbert’s skillset grows alongside her promotion and MA degree, she also intends to focus on encouraging young people to get involved in the industry. While her role within the wildflower team may be a ‘small part’ of the landscaping industry, she says:
“You feel like you’re doing something in the industry that actually makes a difference, and there are so many aspects of the landscaping world.”
Gilbert has also been invited to speak at a college in Gloucestershire after seeing one of her tutors at The Arb Show recently. She says this exciting opportunity enables her to shout about the industry, and the different avenues that can be explored within it. She plans to use herself as an example of someone who has entered the industry after finding a perfectly suited role.
A passionate individual, Gilbert continues to prove herself to be a worthy winner of the 30 Under 30 Award, which she won back in 2022.
Entries for this year’s Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30, in association with Green-tech are now open. To nominate yourself or someone else, find out more information here: prolandscapermagazine.com/30under30-event/.
by Holly Chapman | 28 Apr 25 | News, Supplier News
Mona Pluvia is Green-tech’s first subterranean irrigation system, designed to minimise water wastage while managing urban environments.
After 40 years of research, the launch of Mona Pluvia comes from the evolution of its Mona irrigation system. The subterranean yellow Mona tanks store rainwater, delivering it directly to the tree and plant roots in urban areas.
Manufactured in the UK, its irrigation technology features processes such as capillary action.
Seraya Sigsworth, head of green blue infrastructure at Green-tech says:
“Mona Pluvia presents a major step forward in sustainable urban irrigation. By harnessing rainwater, this system significantly reduces water waste while ensuring that trees and plants in urban environments receive the hydration they need.”
Sensors within the tank detect when the water level drops below a set threshold, before refilling with collected rainwater.
While the closed-loop system reduces water wastage to encourage long-term sustainability.
by Bethany Vann | 31 Jan 25 | 30 Under 30 Updates, Commercial Landscaping, Long Reads
Name: Arron Grange
Job title: Senior key account manager at Green-tech
How did you first come into the landscaping industry?
By complete chance. I was looking for a sales job and my friend worked at Green-tech. He recommended it to me as a good place to work, with a great team and good career progression opportunities. I have never looked back!
What are you most proud of in regards to your career?
Moving up the ranks at Green-tech. I started in 2016 as a sales advisor and have had several promotions to my current role as a senior key account manager. I’ve worked hard and I’m thrilled with just how far I have come.
What has been your biggest undertaking in the last year?
Developing Green-tech in the Irish market. We have opened up a depot in Ireland, attended Irish trade shows and had a heavy sales presence. My efforts have been successful, and it’s been a record year in Ireland. I am hoping it will continue to go from strength to strength.
St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy Nottingham © Tilbury Douglas
What is an accomplishment / project you have been most proud of in the last year?
St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy Nottingham. St Marys was the first purpose-built biophilic primary school in the UK. One of my customers, Horizon Landscapes, was awarded the tree planting and soft landscaping contract for this pilot project. I worked with them to supply their landscaping materials.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in the last year?
The weather. It slowed the planting season last year due to a mild start to the season and then a wet end to the season. I’m hoping for better weather and a bumper year this year!
What is your long-term goal at Green-tech?
To keep developing and progressing through the company. I also want to be instrumental in expanding our presence into the Irish market, increasing our product supply with more customers and a greater product offering.
What does being the senior key account manager entail?
Taking a more strategic role in the sales department as well as larger targets! I provide support to other members of the sales team and share my extensive industry and product knowledge. I am also tasked with enhancing and developing Green-tech’s profile and reputation in the market through client visits and attendance at industry events.
How does the new position differ from your previous role?
The new role is a lot more focused on engaging with the team with more responsibility to ensure the company meets its sales targets.
by Aidan Williams | 14 Nov 24 | News
Green-tech has strengthened its sales department with four new staff members, across construction and trade.
The company says that all four will be vital in supporting the business growth targets by enhancing customer service, nurturing relationships, and identifying new growth opportunities.
Andrew Buckle has joined as a construction sales advisor and he will manage accounts across the flexible lining products division, which supplies pond liners, plastic grids, and membranes.
Natalie Mumby has been appointed as trade centre customer services assistant, a role central to maintaining a streamlined and efficient customer collection process.
Mumby will be responsible for managing a database of local accounts, providing a seamless collection experience, and introducing customers to the trade centre’s latest offerings.
India Lawrance and Jacob Ireland join as trainee sales advisors and both will focus on Green-tech’s long-standing customers, reviving dormant accounts, and generating new business leads.
“We’re delighted to have Andrew, Natalie, India, and Jacob join us at Green-tech. Each one brings a unique set of skills that will undoubtedly enrich our team,” says Dean Jackson, sales manager at Green-tech.
“These appointments are part of our ongoing commitment to serve our current clients and expand our reach.
“I’m confident that their enthusiasm and dedication will have a positive impact on our customers and our goals for the future.”
It marks a very productive week for the company, who earlier on celebrated exceeding its £30,000 charity fundraising target for the year.
by Aidan Williams | 12 Nov 24 | News
Green-tech has exceeded its target for its 2024 charity campaign ‘£30k for 30 years’, raising £31,000 to mark its 30th year.
The Green-tech team celebrated by presenting cheques for £6,200 each to five deserving charities at a ceremony on Friday at its North Yorkshire headquarters.
The charities to benefit are: the BALI Chalk Fund, Candlelighters Trust, Perennial Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Society, Macmillan Cancer Support, and Shelter.
These charities address issues ranging from educational support and training to critical cancer care and housing assistance.
Kris Nellist, managing director of Green-tech, says: “Our team’s dedication to supporting these charities has been incredible. This year, we wanted to mark our 30th anniversary not only by celebrating our achievements but also by giving back to the communities we care about.
“I couldn’t be prouder that we exceeded our target. The funds raised will go a long way in supporting these fantastic charities and their vital work.”
Over the course of 2024, the Green-tech team completed six major challenges to raise funds.
The year of activities kicked off with a ‘Big Sleep Out’ at Green-tech’s site in March, despite the cold and rain, and concluded with a trek across the Yorkshire Three Peaks in August.
Other events included the Roundhay Half Marathon, the Total Warrior event, the Knaresborough Bed Race, and a virtual John O’Groats to Land’s End bike ride, where more than 60 team members cycled over 2,000 miles in just five days, surpassing their goal of 874 miles.
Ellie Tomlin, regional community fundraiser at Shelter, says: “We are delighted by the amazing fundraising efforts from Green-tech. There are currently 2,680 children in Yorkshire living in temporary accommodation who need our help.
“Thanks to this incredible donation, we can continue to support all those without a safe and stable home. Thank you so much to everyone that’s contributed!”
Elsewhere, Green-tech has partnered with Wraxall to strengthen its green roof substrate supply in the south of England.
by Aidan Williams | 24 Oct 24 | Long Reads, News, Supplier News
Daniel Iddon says approaches to planting need to change, adding, his approach is fundamental; it’s about how nature works.
As we speak, he explains how his Woodland Grow Fertiliser works, down to minutiae of the science behind it, and his enthusiasm comes across in every syllable.
Ultimately, Woodland Grow aims to be the fertiliser that brings nature into the discussion, creating the kinds of environments in which plants and trees naturally survive.
Iddon says: “I think the point is that nature is all about fungi, bacteria and natural sources of nutrition, and it’s not green waste, compost or synthetic fertiliser. People are trying to sell a commodity that aims to eliminate a problem, as opposed to asking, what does a plant need? They planted that million trees on the side of the A14 in Cambridge, and they all died, and then blamed climate change.
“If you plant a tree with no fungi, how does it get its food? It’s fundamental. It’s not like I’m trying to sell a widget. This is a lifestyle, this is ecology, this is how nature works.
“That’s what this whole project is about—how do you create and mimic the fungi and bacteria from woodland soils for use in forestry, planting, and landscaping and use natural sources of nutrition?”
Woodland Grow has been able to answer this question by creating a fertiliser that mimics natural soil in that it allows plants to build up resilience.
Throughout the interview, Iddon repeatedly emphasises the importance of having plants talk to nature and build up strength in the same way they do in the wild.
It came about after a long research phase, which allowed Woodland Grow to create a product that is made in the UK, for the UK, focusing on minimising waste, the use of natural resources and, upcycling natural residues.
It has had help to get this far, with the Forestry Commission providing funding for part of it. The whole process started five years ago when Iddon bought his own woodland.
He started his own nursery and quickly encountered problems, but the solution proved deceptively simple when he spoke to a forester after his trees almost all died.
Iddon explains: “I grew my own trees in my own nursery, and then I planted them, and then they all nearly died. And the forester said, ‘Well, that happens all the time because you’re growing trees in a nursery with clean chemicals, clean water, clean grow medium, and then you’re out there planting in the woodland with fungi, bacteria, microbes, and water that’s coming off the hills.’ So, it’s a totally different environment.
“So, we then started to learn about the relationship between plants and fungi and bacteria in that symbiotic relationship.”
Iddon argues that the environmental credentials are huge, pointing out that his product leads to considerably less CO2 production. “There’s a fact – one tonne of synthetic fertiliser in CO2 terms creates a minimum of three tonnes, but as high as ten tonnes.
“Making synthetic fertiliser and transporting it around the world means you’ve contributed three to ten tonnes of CO2 before you even get it into the ground. Ours is 100 – 120kg as you only have to account for transporting it around the country, which means Woodland Grow creates 95 to 99% less CO2 when making our fertiliser.”
His view feels immediately refreshing, and it’s a discussion that prompts the question of how it is received elsewhere.
Despite it being a potentially frank topic, he embraces the question and admits to feeling pressured, as he is aware that the entire industry is unified with the aim of trying to do the right thing.
Iddon says: “It’s profound, but it comes with a pressure in that I’ve got to make sure this becomes commercially viable, and people understand and respect it.
“I think the thing is that anyone working in the landscape and forestry market is doing things because they also want to be in tune with nature. They want to do the best and the right thing by nature.
“So our product resonates with almost everybody we talk to, that it’s the right thing to do, and their approach potentially needs improving.
“It’s very humbling.”
The discussion comes after leading landscape provider Green-tech became the exclusive distributor for Woodland Grow Fertiliser earlier this year.
Speaking at the time of the deal, Chris Swan, Green-tech’s purchasing and product development director, praised Woodland Grow for supporting its ongoing efforts to provide more sustainable solutions for customers.
“Over the last five years, sourcing products with strong environmental credentials has been our focus, ensuring we offer the most up-to-date sustainable and biodiverse developments in the marketplace,” says Swan.
Iddon admits he may be approaching it differently from others, as his background is one of engineering. He’s previously worked on Formula One cars and submarines but admits that doesn’t match the scale of what he is doing with this fertiliser.
Iddon explains: “When I was doing those, I felt good because I was looking after UK interests and service personnel. That was my contribution as an engineer. But if my contribution is ’how you can breed fungi and grow them using natural sources of nutrition to replace synthetic fertiliser.’ Well, that’s huge – I can’t think of anything bigger or more important with the environmental crisis the world is facing.”
That approach filters through every sentence of the discussion. It becomes clear how the research has paid off but also why: because he approached it with a respect for both nature and the unknown elements that he was trying to learn about. It has resulted in a product that doesn’t try to start from a clean canvas, and instead looks to embrace what works well within nature and incorporate that into a more controlled environment.
His ability to convey this message in a thoroughly engaging way but in a way that does not ignore an iota of context makes for a product, and a team that will be fascinating to follow for years to come.
Woodland Grow Fertiliser is now available to purchase online or through the Green-tech sales team on 01423 332100.
by Bethany Vann | 17 Oct 24 | Commercial Landscaping, Domestic Landscaping, FutureScape News, Garden Design, Grounds Maintenance, Landscape Architecture, News
A special event held at FutureScape yesterday brought together Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation, in association with Green-tech winners, new and old to celebrate the initiative’s tenth class.
Announced last month, this year’s winners join the ranks of 270 existing alumni – many of whom were present at the event in London – bringing the total award recipients up to 300.
Pro Landscaper’s content director Nina Mason, and Green-tech’s managing director, Kris Nellist, hosted the ceremony which saw the class of 2024 collect their awards.
Gee Taylor, director of Design Only Gardens and 2024 winner comments on his win, saying: “Winning the 30 Under 30 award means so much to me because it reflects the incredible relationships I’ve built in such a short time.
“I’m grateful for the support of the talented landscapers and designers I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with. Their trust in my work and our shared passion for creating beautiful spaces make this recognition truly special.”
In honour of the initiative’s decade long-commitment, Pro Landscaper and Green-tech also hosted two exclusive panel discussions, chaired by award-winning landscaper, Ross Conquest of Conquest Spaces.
The first panel, titled The Next Generation: Striving for Success, featured previous winners, Charlotte Williams, George Trott, Hugo Bugg, James Gadd, and Noemi Mercurelli, as they shared how their career trajectories have evolved since winning their award, offering their insights and advice to fellow and future alumni.
The second panel, titled Industry Leaders: The Power of Mentoring, hosted several prolific names in the industry – James Scott, Mark Gregory, Andrew Fisher Tomlin, and Alistair Bayford – as they discussed their experiences in guiding the younger generation forward in their journey.
“It’s a privilege to be awarded the Pro Landscaper 30 under 30 award and be listed among the many other talented people who have received this award in the past,” says RHS accredited landscape architect and director of Pike Studio, Ollie Pike.
“I’d like to thank Pro Landscaper for recognising young talent in the world of landscaping and helping to promote what is a great industry to work in to younger generations.”
These awards are a commitment to recognising excellence in the land-based industries, created to propel the next generation further in their careers.
A huge congratulations to all of this year’s winners.
by Bethany Vann | 04 Oct 24 | Commercial Landscaping, Domestic Landscaping, FutureScape News, Garden Design, Grounds Maintenance, Landscape Architecture
Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation, in association with Green-tech, is celebrating its 10th year at FutureScape later this month.
In celebration of the initiative’s decade-long commitment to recognising land-base excellence, Pro Landscaper is inviting all 300 of its 30 Under 30 alumni to attend this year’s ceremony.
In honour of this milestone, 30 Under 30 Class of 2016 winner and award-winning landscaper, Ross Conquest of Conquest Spaces, will be hosting two exclusive panel discussions.
The first panel, titled The Next Generation: Striving for Success, will feature previous winners, Charlotte Williams, George Trott, Hugo Bugg, James Gadd, and Noemi Mercurelli, as they highlight how their career trajectories have evolved since winning their award, offering their insights and advice to fellow and future alumni.
The second panel, titled Industry Leaders: The Power of Mentoring, will host several prolific names in the industry – James Scott, Mark Gregory, Andrew Fisher Tomlin, and Alistair Bayford – as they discuss their experiences in guiding the younger generation forward in their journey.
“This year marks an incredible milestone for this initiative. Now with over 300 alumni recognised, it is the perfect time to look back at the achievements of past winners, but with that we must remain steadfast in looking to the future,” says Bethany Vann, Pro Landscaper Features Writer.
“That’s what this award is for, helping propel the younger generation forward and safeguarding the future of the sector. We at Pro Landscaper are proud to host these awards every year and we look forward to celebrating with everyone at FutureScape!”
Guests can also expect a few surprises from long-standing 30 Under 30 partner, Green-tech, as it also celebrates its 30th anniversary at the ceremony.
This year’s winners, announced last month, will be collecting their awards at the show as well, with networking opportunities also available to all who attend.
All 300 alumni or those interested in entering either themselves or on the behalf of others in the future are welcome to attend. The ceremony will be taking place on the second day of FutureScape on Wednesday 16 October 2024 at the ExCeL London, running from 2pm through till 5pm.
Those looking to attend can register for free to attend FutureScape at futurescapeevent.com. Please send your ceremony attendance confirmation and any guests to Bethany Vann at bethany.vann@eljays44.com.
