The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) has appointed Jason Lock as Chief Executive Officer in order to help drive forward the development of the organisation and help raise standards across the landscaping industry.
HTA Director General, David Gwyther, commented, “This new role within APL demonstrates the importance of our landscaper membership and our commitment to meeting the needs of landscapers and further promoting the high quality of businesses within its membership. We are delighted that Jason will be taking on this position as he brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise that will change with the needs of landscapers during these tough economic times.”
Jason will work closely with APL chair Adam Frost, vice chair Mark Gregory and the APL Management 
Committee, on a number of initiatives including the updating of the APL strategy, new methods for reaching consumers with the APL, further increasing membership and delivering the interface with designers.
As a past chair of the APL Jason has over 20 years experience in the landscaping sector and has been involved in the design and construction of a wide variety of garden schemes. He became a registered member of the Society of Garden Designers (MSGD) in 1994 and has won many awards including 6 APL awards and 8 gold medals at Chelsea through his employment as Director of Notcutts Landscapes. He has recently set up his own design business Deakinlock with business partner Chris Deakin.
Commenting on his appointment Jason said, “The APL has always been important to me and I am keen for many more landscapers in the UK to gain the business benefits that I know from experience it provides. I am committed in this role to raising the profile of APL members with consumers and further increasing the range and quality of membership benefits available to APL members.”
He adds, “During difficult economic conditions landscapers need a strong trade association more than ever and I am looking forward to working with members to deliver what they need.”
Tel: 0118 9303132 www.landscaper.org.uk.