2024 Business Progress Report
It’s been a whirlwind of a year for this new business – here is our first half review – a little bit like the commentary at halftime for a Sheffield Wednesday match…….(not that we are biased).
We decided to pin down Managing Director Darren Bosworth to ask him how it is going and gain some insights into what it’s like setting up a commercial and residential landscape maintenance business for success!
Darren, you have been running DB Landscape Management since January 2022, you install a huge variety of landscaping works along with your maintenance contracts – how has it been going?
Yes, we are now nearly 3 years in and I can’t express fully how delighted we have been with the progress.
We offer a wide range of landscape services from soft landscape installation, landscape consultation, commercial grounds maintenance, and also install specialist projects such as the recent UN General Assembly Forest we consulted on last September.
You started your business subcontracting to trusted industry specialists – how many people do you now employ?
Having worked in the industry (especially London) for over ten years prior to starting the business I knew it was key to keep overheads low initially and utilize the trusted sub-contractors, who have all been fantastic in establishing the business these last few years to help it to reach where it is now.
The growth has been unbelievable, within 2 years we now have 17 staff across both the landscaping and maintenance portfolios.
Of the broad range of landscaping works offered by DB Landscape Management which type of project is your favourite and why?
The standard answer is that I like all aspects of our work! That said maintenance is a special one for me personally as that is where it all started some 20 years ago, I feel its vitally important to ensure the landscape within our environment is cost-effective and has longevity which can only be achieved by good landscape management/maintenance.
What have been the biggest challenges in building the business to this point?
It’s probably been the growth aspect over the last 6 months. Growth is fantastic for any business however it does come with some stresses such as funding growth which fortunately we managed to do via equity within the business, also sourcing the correct staffing to help sustain and enhance the work we have achieved so we can go to the next level.
Now you have a team around you what do you do to inspire a healthy company culture?
For me it’s about being present for all staff. My management style towards staff and the business as a whole has also been to be ‘one team’, sounds cliché I know but it is important for me to be present and available to all staff, so they feel valued and part of the company’s growth.
I wanted to create an environment where everyone has a voice and opportunity to execute their ideas. We try not to implement a staffing hierarchy as that creates chaos of layers and attitude….. I’ve seen more productive results within business when everyone is the same level working towards a shared goal, with an ability to succeed or fail as a team.
As the business grows will always have a strong focus on company culture and maintain our mission as a people first organisation.
What are the trends that you have noticed for the landscapes of mixed-use residential locations?
Since COVID-19 I believe it’s put the importance of open green space on the map and highlighted just how important it is for our mental health, wellbeing and of course for biodiversity.
I’ve noticed a shift in recent landscape projects where those 3 key items are being implemented within the mixed-use locations. It’s great to see and even more pleasing that it will have longevity now given the recent biodiversity net gain laws are now embedded in legislation.
Have you found that the property development industry is keen to learn more about Biodiversity Net Gain and is this influencing the landscapes you maintain or the additional landscaping projects you undertake at new build developments?
100% yes……. Developers have not just actioned some changes to the landscape-based tick box exercise, I’ve noted a real shift in the approach to landscape design packages and long-term maintenance strategy being monitored at all levels within a client’s business, often supported with detailed internal communication educating owners and staff about the benefits of landscaping installations and works.
A project we are working on in Oakhill for Berkeley Homes highlights this, the new development has been designed to ensure it incorporates vast amounts of the landscape content which is within its existing surrounding environment. In addition, the clients are keen for regular communication and education on the landscape installed and how best to ensure the long-term management is implemented so that their landscape is working hard for sustainability, ecosystems and people who enjoy it.
What advice would you give to anyone starting out in landscaping and horticulture?
GO FOR IT!!!
It’s one of the best industries to work in from all levels and is so vast in terms of services the industry provides. Its also a really exciting time within our industry as the benefits of biodiversity are really on the map now…… as mentioned earlier I think one positive outcome from COVID-19 is that it highlighted the importance of open green space, this along-with with the biodiversity action we all need to improve on, makes the landscaping industry a really great opportunity to start in!!
