Three new members have been welcomed to the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) Committee following the AGM held at Wyevale East Nurseries in Kent on 17 October.
David Sewell from The Gardenmakers, Richard Bickler from Arbour Design and Build and Claudia de Yong from Claudia de Yong Garden Design join Mark Gregory from Landform Consultants, Richard Barnard from Hillier Landscapes, James Steele-Sargent from Arun Landscapes, Roger Gladwell from RG Landscapes and Paul Baker from Holland Landscapes on the committee.
Mark Gregory continues as chair for a further year with Paul Holland taking on the role of vice chair from Richard Barnard. Thanks were given to Richard Barnard for his contribution to the vice chairmanship. Antony Henn who has stepped down from the committee to concentrate on his new enterprises was also thanked for his contribution.
The four key points of focus for the APL over the past year have been:
• To develop and build the landscaper community through initiatives such as the Cluster Group meetings and networking seminars which help to build the community of members to network and discuss key issues impacting the sector
• To improve member communications over a wide range of media including the website, Twitter, APL Update, Linkedin, Facebook, text and APL forum
• To build on the APL credentials through involvement in collaborative projects such as the RHS/APL ‘Low Cost, High Impact’ gardens at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show which will run for the second time in 2013.
• To use the HTA lobbying strength and work with other organisations to ensure the industry voice is heard on issues such as hosepipe bans and work with the water industry to mitigate future issues.
APL Chair Mark Gregory comments, “We have seen a year of consolidation for the APL. Through the Cluster Group meetings and events members have benefited from greater networking and sharing of ideas through the course of the year. We will continue to strengthen member communications in 2013 as well as raise awareness of APL direct with customers through presence at consumer shows and through our involvement in the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.”