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In this week’s 10-Minute Business Tip (ok, maybe a bit longer 😅), I’m joined by the legendary garden designer, RHS judge, and BBC presenter Manoj Malde
We dive into 3 unmissable business tips for landscapers and designers:
1️⃣ Get yourself a great accountant – save time, stress & serious £££
2️⃣ Build strong relationships – collaboration is the secret sauce
3️⃣ Protect your reputation – your clients are your best marketing team!
Plus, we talk attracting young talent into the industry, the value of investing in your garden (and your team), and why the cheapest quote often costs the most in the end!
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“If you don’t focus on your strengths and test your ideas before diving in, you’re not building a business—you’re just spinning your wheels.” — Steve Walley
In this episode of the Grow Landscapers 10 Minute Business Tip Series, host Nick Ruddle welcomes back Steve Walley, a familiar face from the first series and a key figure at London Stone. Steve brings his wealth of experience to the table, sharing practical, no-nonsense tips to help landscape business owners sharpen their focus, boost efficiency, and grow smarter.
Key Takeaways:
1. Play to Your Strengths:
- Resist the temptation to chase every new idea—stick to what you’re best at to avoid diluting your business.
- Steve shares how straying into commercial paving and interior tiles cost time and money before refocusing on London Stone’s core strengths.
- Focus on being exceptional in one area rather than average across many.
2. Daily Accountability:
- Set clear daily goals for yourself and your team to stay on track and avoid reactive firefighting.
- Steve introduces the “stand-up” meeting—a quick daily check-in to review yesterday’s progress and plan today’s priorities.
- This simple habit keeps everyone aligned, accountable, and free to work without constant oversight.
3. Test Before You Invest:
- Before committing time and money to a new venture, test the market demand first.
- Steve recounts advising a friend to gauge interest in tailored gym meal plans via Instagram, saving six months and significant costs when the idea flopped.
- Start small, prove the concept, and scale only when you’ve confirmed the demand.
4. Attracting Talent to Landscaping:
- Encourage hands-on skills in kids early on—Steve credits his dad’s garden projects for sparking his interest in physical work.
- Highlight the industry’s creativity and “cool factor,” from stunning gardens to rock-star status at events like Chelsea.
- As AI takes over desk jobs, trades like landscaping will rise in value and appeal.
5. Lifelong Learning:
- Stay inquisitive—every person you meet knows something you don’t, so listen closely.
- Leverage free resources like YouTube, TikTok, and podcasts to keep your skills sharp.
- Steve’s tip: truly hear what people say instead of waiting for your turn to speak.
Resources Mentioned:
- London Stone: londonstone.co.uk
- Steve’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stevelondonstone
Connect with Steve Walley:
- Website: londonstone.co.uk
Final Thoughts:
Nick and Steve urge landscapers to hone their focus, test ideas smartly, and embrace daily habits that drive success. Whether it’s sticking to your strengths or inspiring the next generation, these actionable tips can transform your business—and your life. Start today, keep it simple, and watch the results pile up.
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“If your business doesn’t work without you, you don’t really have a business—you have a job.” — David Jenyns
In this episode of the Grow Landscapers 10 Minute Business Tip Series, host Nick Ruddle welcomes David Jenyns, systems expert and author of the bestselling book Systemology. David shares invaluable insights into how landscape business owners can systemise their operations to achieve efficiency, profitability, and, ultimately, freedom from being tied to the tools.
Key Takeaways:
1.Getting Off the Tools:
•Start by systemising a single, primary product or service that generates income for the business.
•Map out the customer journey from inquiry to repeat business, focusing on the most efficient steps.
•Capture processes step-by-step to make them transferable and repeatable.
2.Documenting Processes:
•Adopt the “who, not how” mindset—empower team members or partners to help document systems.
•Use tools like videos and checklists to record tasks and processes.
•Leverage government grants to hire junior apprentices who can assist with documentation and process improvement.
3.Leveraging Technology and AI:
•AI can assist in scheduling, cost estimation, training, and customer interaction.
•Tools like chatbots, QR codes, and AI-trained models can streamline operations and reduce errors.
•Encourage younger team members to explore and implement tech solutions as they are often more familiar with modern tools.
4.The Power of Systemisation:
•Systemising processes can transform a business into a scalable and sellable asset.
•David references Jim’s Mowing as an example of how systemisation can lead to franchising and massive success.
5.Actionable First Steps:
•Access David’s starter pack, including the Systemology book and training resources, to begin documenting processes.
•Visit systemology.com/Nick for resources tailored to landscapers.
Resources Mentioned:
•Systemology by David Jenyns
•Starter Pack: systemology.com/Nick
•The E-Myth by Michael Gerber
Connect with David Jenyns:
Website: Systemology
Final Thoughts:
Nick and David encourage landscapers to embrace systemisation as a necessary step to achieving the freedom and profitability they desire. Start small, stay consistent, and leverage available resources to systemise your business effectively.
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In 2022 Adrian was voted in the top 3 as the most influential person in the landscaping industry. He is the MD of Glendale Countryside and the current National Chair of BALI.
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Stuart Dantzic, Managing Director of Caribbean Blinds, joins the show to share his insights on achieving business growth and success in the landscaping sector. Stuart discusses the power of setting clear goals, the importance of collaboration, and the modern methods needed to both recruit and retain the right talent. Learn how attitude outweighs skills when building a great team, and why showcasing the industry’s innovative side can attract the next generation. Packed with actionable tips, this episode is essential listening for any ambitious landscaping professional.
In this episode, we unpack:
Links mentioned in this episode:
Stuart Dantzic on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuartdantzic/
Caribbean Blinds UK: https://www.cbsolarshading.co.uk/
Connect with ‘The Grow Landscapers 10 Minute Business Tips Podcast Series’:
Acast: https://shows.acast.com/the-grow-landscapers-10-minute-business-tips-podcast-series
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegrowlandscaperspodcast
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Will Cooke, the driving force behind Artisan Landscapes in Bristol, shares his proven strategies for business growth in the landscaping sector. Will unpacks the systems and mindsets that have helped his company stand out, from building robust processes early on to embracing challenging projects. With practical advice drawn from his own journey, Will discusses hiring, value-driven culture, and industry-wide opportunities.
In this episode, we unpack:
Links mentioned in this episode:
Will Cooke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-cooke-7b550a223/
Artisan Landscapes: https://artisanlandscapes.co.uk/
Connect with ’The Grow Landscapers 10 Minute Business Tips Podcast Series’:
Acast: https://shows.acast.com/the-grow-landscapers-10-minute-business-tips-podcast-series
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegrowlandscaperspodcast
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Richard Kay is the CEO of Rabbit Hill Park, the home for rural entrepreneurs, housed in a range of high-quality industrial warehouses and offices. In this episode, Richard shares his proven strategies for business growth, from crafting strong business plans to building a supportive company culture. He offers actionable tips on recruitment, consistency, and the importance of open communication in driving successful landscaping businesses.
In this episode, we unpack:
Links mentioned in this episode:
Richard Kay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-kay-green-tech/
Rabbit Hill Park: https://www.rabbithillpark.co.uk/
Connect with ’The Grow Landscapers 10 Minute Business Tips Podcast Series’:
Acast: https://shows.acast.com/the-grow-landscapers-10-minute-business-tips-podcast-series
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegrowlandscaperspodcast
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Oliver Corkery is the Group CEO of The Corker Collective and Managing Director of Corker Outdoor Living. Despite being relatively young, Oliver has made significant strides in the landscaping industry with his relentless drive and passion. In this episode, Oliver discusses key strategies that helped him succeed and highlights the importance of mental and physical health. This conversation is a goldmine for aspiring and seasoned landscapers alike.
In this episode, we explore:
Links mentioned in this episode:
Oliver Corkery on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/oliver-corkery-3b4063180
Oliver Corkery on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivercorker/
The Corker Collective: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-corker-collective/
Corker Outdoor Living: https://corker.co.uk/
Connect with ’The Grow Landscapers 10 Minute Business Tips Podcast Series’:
Acast: https://shows.acast.com/the-grow-landscapers-10-minute-business-tips-podcast-series
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegrowlandscaperspodcast
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John Wyer, co-founder of Bowles & Wyer and Vice-Chair and Treasurer of the Society of Garden Designers, shares his insights on what drives a successful landscaping business. With a focus on client satisfaction, purpose-driven culture, and detail-oriented management, John reveals his top three tips that have propelled his company forward. Looking to elevate your business and inspire your team? This episode is for you.
In this episode, we explore:
Links mentioned in this episode:
John Wyer on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/john-wyer-38905a7
Bowles & Wyer: https://www.bowleswyer.co.uk/
Society of Garden Designers: https://www.sgd.org.uk/
Connect with ’The Grow Landscapers 10 Minute Business Tips Podcast Series’:
Acast: https://shows.acast.com/the-grow-landscapers-10-minute-business-tips-podcast-series
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegrowlandscaperspodcast
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