Cowen Landscapes director Matt Harvey has stepped back from his lifelong passion into an even more inspiring future

When I decided to step away from the tools nearly 18 months ago, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. But what I didn’t fully anticipate was just how much it would reshape not only my business but also my personal identity, my daily life and my perspective on leadership. This is the story of that transition, its challenges, and the opportunities it has unlocked, not just for me but for Cowen Landscapes as a whole.

The Emotional Impact of Stepping Away
For years, being ‘on the tools’ was integral to how I saw myself. It wasn’t just a job; it was a passion. Every project bore my mark and every finished garden felt like a personal achievement. So when I decided to step back, it felt like stepping into uncharted territory.
I questioned who I was if I wasn’t the hands-on landscaper clients had come to know. Would they still trust Cowen Landscapes if I wasn’t physically there? And how would I fill the gap in my identity that the day-to-day physical work had occupied?
The first few weeks were particularly tough. I missed the camaraderie of working alongside the team and the satisfaction of seeing a project come together under my own hands. But over time, I began to find a new sense of purpose – one rooted in guiding the business from a broader perspective.

Building a Stronger Team
One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been watching my team step up and thrive. Transitioning responsibilities wasn’t a quick or easy process but it was essential.
I started by identifying the strengths and potential in each team member, providing additional training where needed and ensuring they understood the c9mpany’s core values. It wasn’t just about technical skills but building confidence and fostering a sense of ownership.
There were bumps along the way, of course. For instance, during one particularly complex project, there were moments when I was tempted to jump back in to ‘save the day’. Instead, I focused on guiding my team to find solutions themselves – and the results exceeded expectations.

The Importance of Delegation
Letting go of control was one of the hardest lessons I had to learn. I’d always prided myself on maintaining high standards, so trusting others to deliver the same level of quality felt risky at first.
The key was to develop a system for delegation that didn’t sacrifice oversight. This meant creating clear processes, setting expectations and maintaining open lines of communication. Regular team meetings and feedback sessions became essential for keeping everyone aligned.
One surprising benefit of stepping back was realising that my team often brought fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table – things I might not have considered if I were still immersed in the day-to-day tasks.

Shifting Focus to Business Growth
Stepping back allowed me to focus on something I’d been neglecting: the bigger picture. With my hands free from the tools, I could dedicate more time to strategy, business development, and planning for the future.
One area I honed in on was customer experience. By analysing client feedback and refining our processes, I’ve been able to ensure we’re not just meeting expectations but exceeding them. I also invested more time in marketing efforts, particularly through our new short-form video content, which has been instrumental in building trust with potential clients.
This strategic focus has paid off, with Cowen Landscapes seeing steady growth and an expanding client base.

Work-Life Balance
Perhaps the most significant personal change has been the improvement in my work-life balance. When I was on the tools, long days often spilled over into evenings, leaving little time for family or personal pursuits.
Now, I have the flexibility to prioritise what matters most. I’ve been able to spend more quality time with my family, pursue hobbies I’d long put on hold, and even just enjoy the simple pleasure of a clear mind at the end of the day.
This balance hasn’t just improved my personal life—it’s made me a better leader. With more energy and clarity, I can approach challenges with a fresh perspective and make decisions that benefit both the business and the team.

The Role of Networking and Learning
One of the unexpected joys of stepping back has been the opportunity to connect with other professionals in the industry. Attending events such as FutureScape and The EC conference has been a game-changer.
These events have provided more than just practical advice, they’ve offered inspiration and a sense of camaraderie. Meeting other business owners who’ve faced similar challenges reinforced that stepping away from the tools is a natural part of growth, not a sign of losing touch.
The ideas and connections I’ve gained from these events have directly influenced Cowen Landscapes, from adopting new techniques to exploring emerging trends in landscaping.

The Challenges of Letting Go
No journey of change is without its struggles, and this one has been no exception. Letting go of the reins wasn’t just about trusting others but trusting myself to make the right decision.
There were moments when things didn’t go perfectly, and my first instinct was to step back in and take control. But I’ve learned that these situations are opportunities for growth. By resisting the urge to micromanage, I’ve allowed my team to develop their problem-solving skills and take ownership of their work.
Of course, there have also been moments of doubt. When a project runs into issues or a client has concerns, it’s easy to question whether stepping back was the right move. But these challenges have only reinforced the importance of building a strong team and maintaining clear communication.

The Evolution of Cowen Landscapes
Fourteen months ago, I couldn’t have imagined how much stepping away would transform Cowen Landscapes. The business has grown not just in size but in capability, with a team that’s more skilled and confident than ever.
Our focus has shifted from simply completing projects to creating a lasting impact. Whether it’s through our commitment to quality, our innovative approach to design, or our focus on sustainability, Cowen Landscapes has evolved into a business that’s as much about values as it is about results.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about the possibilities. With a strong team in place and a clear vision for the future, I’m confident we’re poised for even greater success.

A Journey Worth Taking
Stepping away from the tools wasn’t just a career decision—it was a personal transformation. It’s been a journey of growth, learning and sometimes hard lessons but it’s also been incredibly rewarding.
If you’re considering a similar shift, my advice is this: trust yourself, trust your team, and embrace the opportunities that come with change. The rewards, both personal and professional, are well worth the challenges.
Fourteen months on, I can confidently say that life beyond the tools is not about leaving behind what you love but about finding new ways to lead, inspire and create a lasting impact.
For me, that’s been the most fulfilling part of the journey.

www.cowenlandscapes.co.uk