Dig Deep

British Association of Landscape Industries
  • 0.0(0개의 평가)
  • 비즈니스 뉴스

Welcome to Dig Deep, the official podcast from BALI – the British Association of Landscape Industries. Each episode brings together the voices shaping the future of landscaping, from expert contractors and suppliers to policy leaders and innovators. We go beyond the surface to tackle the issues that matter – from sustainability and skills shortages to dispute resolution, design trends, and cutting-edge technology. New episodes drop fortnightly. Subscribe now to hear fresh insights, real stories, and practical advice from those working at the heart of UK landscaping.

  1. 5월 7일

    Ep. 13 The Final 5% | What Makes an Award-Winning Landscape?

    In this episode of Dig Deep, recorded at The Glasshouse Collective, Rosie Sayers speaks with John Malmo, Head Judge of the BALI National Landscape Awards, about what truly separates a good landscaping project from an outstanding one. Drawing on decades of experience judging some of the very best schemes in the country, John shares why excellence often comes down to “the final 5%” — the finer details, preparation, teamwork and discipline that elevate a project beyond the ordinary. The conversation explores how the BALI Awards judging process works behind the scenes, the most common mistakes contractors make when presenting schemes, and why attention to detail matters just as much as design and construction quality. John also reflects on how the landscaping industry has evolved over the past 50 years, from the transformational impact of Canary Wharf on public realm expectations to the rising standards seen across the UK today. This is an insightful discussion about professionalism, presentation, teamwork and the pursuit of excellence in landscaping. In this episode: What judges really look for in award-winning projects Why the “final 5%” matters so much Common mistakes contractors make before judging How teamwork influences project success How the landscaping industry has evolved over the decades Why entering awards can transform a business 🎧 Listen to more episodes of Dig Deep: https://www.bali.org.uk/help-and-advice/dig-deep/ Supported by: 🌱 GoLandscape

    20분

  2. 4월 14일

    Ep. 12 Building a Landscaping Business on People, Standards and Apprenticeships

    In this episode of Dig Deep, recorded live at FutureScape, Rosie Sayers speaks with Charles Blumlein, founder of Location Landscapes and a long-standing BALI member, about the people behind a successful landscaping business. Charles shares how he first got into horticulture, why he built his business around soft landscaping expertise, and what he has learned from years of training, mentoring and managing apprentices. The conversation explores the importance of attitude and character when hiring, the challenges and rewards of apprenticeships, and why attention to detail, trust and high standards are essential in private garden work. Charles also reflects on the value of BALI accreditation, the importance of referrals and collaboration across the industry, and how landscaping continues to evolve through better design, materials and technology. This is an honest and practical conversation about people, professionalism and what it really takes to build a strong landscaping business. Key Topics Covered How Charles got started in horticulture and landscaping Why Location Landscapes was built around soft landscaping expertise What Charles looks for when hiring apprentices and team members The biggest lessons from mentoring young people in the business Why character and attitude matter as much as technical skill The value of BALI membership and accreditation How collaboration and trusted referrals strengthen the industry How landscaping is evolving through design, materials and technology Key Takeaways Strong landscaping businesses are built on people first Attitude, character and attention to detail are critical when hiring Apprenticeships can be hugely rewarding, but they require time, patience and careful judgement Accreditation matters because it helps maintain trust and standards across the industry Collaboration and professional networks help raise quality for everyone Links & Resources Dig Deep Podcast: https://www.bali.org.uk/help-and-advice/dig-deep/ BALI: https://www.bali.org.uk/ GoLandscape: https://golandscape.co.uk/ Location Landscapes - https://www.locationlandscapes.com/ Episode Partners 🌱 GoLandscape – inspiring the next generation of landscapers https://golandscape.co.uk/ 🧰 STIHL UK – trusted tools for landscaping professionals https://www.stihl.co.uk

    22분

  3. 4월 14일

    Ep. 11 Making Biodiversity Net Gain Simple | BNG, Design and the Future of Landscaping

    In this episode of Dig Deep, recorded live at GroundsFest, Rosie Sayers speaks with Oliver Lewis CBE, founder and CEO of Joe’s Blooms, about one of the biggest changes affecting the landscaping industry today: Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). BNG requires developments to leave nature in a measurably better state than before — but for many in the industry, the process has felt complex, technical and, at times, overwhelming. Oliver explains what BNG really means in practice, why it has been challenging for designers and contractors, and how new tools are making the process faster, simpler and far more accessible. The conversation explores how landscapers can engage with BNG without getting lost in spreadsheets, how real-time design tools can transform the process, and why biodiversity should be seen as an opportunity rather than a barrier. Key Topics Covered What Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) actually means Why BNG can feel complex and difficult to implement How digital tools can simplify biodiversity calculations Real-world examples of BNG applied to live projects The role of landscapers in delivering biodiversity outcomes How BNG is evolving in the UK and globally Why biodiversity should be integrated into design thinking Key Takeaways BNG doesn’t have to be complicated — the right tools can make it intuitive and fast Landscapers are already leading the way in biodiversity — BNG simply quantifies that work Technology can remove barriers and allow designers to focus on creativity BNG is here to stay and is likely to expand across sectors and internationally Links & Resources Joe’s Blooms: https://joesblooms.com Dig Deep Podcast: https://www.bali.org.uk/help-and-advice/dig-deep/ BALI: https://www.bali.org.uk/

    13분

  4. 3월 16일

    Ep. 10 What Excellence Looks Like in Landscaping | BALI Awards, Collaboration and the Future of the Industry

    What does excellence really look like in the landscaping industry? In this episode of Dig Deep, we sit down with Nick Coslett, long-time industry figure, BALI Awards judge and Chair of the BALI Chalk Fund, to explore how quality, collaboration and industry leadership shape the landscapes we create. Nick offers a rare behind-the-scenes insight into the BALI National Landscape Awards judging process. From visiting projects on site to meeting the designers, contractors and clients behind them, he explains why the best schemes are about far more than what appears in a submission form. We discuss why collaboration across the industry has become increasingly important, how award-winning projects are judged, and why taking the time to reflect on completed work matters in such a fast-moving sector. The conversation also explores the work of the BALI Chalk Fund, which supports students and colleges across the UK by funding training, competitions and vocational qualifications that help address the industry’s skills shortage. Nick also shares his perspective on the changing workforce in landscaping, the growing number of career changers entering the sector, and why landscaping offers a wide range of career paths — from horticulture and design to ecology and environmental management. It’s a thoughtful conversation about excellence, collaboration and the people shaping the future of landscaping. In this episode we discuss: • How the BALI Awards judging process works • Why collaboration is key to successful landscape projects • The story behind some standout award-winning schemes • How the BALI Chalk Fund supports students and colleges • Tackling skills shortages in the landscaping industry • Why landscaping offers diverse and rewarding careers Episode partners 🌱 GoLandscape – inspiring the next generation of landscapers https://golandscape.co.uk/ 🧰 STIHL UK – trusted tools for landscaping professionals https://www.stihl.co.uk/ Dig Deep is a podcast from the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI).

    22분

  5. 3월 3일

    Ep. 9 - Roots, Robots & Revolution: How GroundsFest Is Reshaping the Landscaping Industry

    Recorded live at the BALI Awards, this episode of Dig Deep explores collaboration, community and the future of the landscaping industry. Luke is joined by Chris from Grounds Fest to discuss what makes the BALI Awards such a standout moment in the industry calendar, and how the partnership between BALI and Grounds Fest is helping to strengthen and grow the sector. Chris reflects on the deliberately inclusive, festival-style approach that sets Grounds Fest apart from traditional trade events, and why creating a welcoming, hands-on experience matters for attracting the next generation of professionals. The conversation also takes in the rapid rise of robotics and green technology, the ongoing recruitment challenge facing businesses across the industry, and why collaboration — not competition — is at the heart of what makes landscaping special. A wide-ranging, forward-looking conversation about what the industry needs right now, and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead in 2026 and beyond.

    20분

  6. 2025. 12. 18.

    Ep. 8 Two Journeys, One Industry. Young Landscapers on Finding Their Way

    Recorded live at Futurescape, this episode of Dig Deep puts the spotlight on the next generation of landscaping professionals and the very different routes that can lead to a successful career in the industry. Rosie is joined by Archie Matthews, winner of the 2025 BALI Student of the Year, and Ollie French, a young landscaper from Warwickshire. Archie shares how an apprenticeship, college training and competing in WorldSkills UK helped build his confidence, skills and ambition. Ollie offers a contrasting perspective, explaining how he “fell into” landscaping after school and learned his trade hands-on, on site. Together, their stories highlight the breadth of opportunities within landscaping, the value of practical learning, and why this industry can be a powerful alternative for those who don’t thrive in traditional academic settings. An honest, inspiring conversation about passion, perseverance and building a future beyond the classroom.

    22분

  7. 2025. 12. 18.

    Ep. 7 Closing the Skills Gap. Apprenticeships, Bootcamps and the Future of Landscaping

    Recorded live at GroundsFest, this episode of Dig Deep tackles one of the biggest challenges facing the landscaping and horticulture sector. The widening skills gap. Rosie is joined by Pauline Clark, Business Relationship Manager at Capel Manor College, London’s leading environmental college, to explore how education providers and employers can work together to attract, train and retain new talent. From apprenticeships and work experience to outreach in schools, intensive bootcamps and employer forums, Pauline shares how Capel Manor is opening up career pathways for young people, career changers and those returning to work. She also offers practical advice for businesses considering taking on apprentices and explains what makes a successful match between learner and employer. A must-listen for landscaping businesses struggling to recruit, educators shaping future skills, and anyone passionate about building a stronger, more resilient industry.

    12분

  8. 2025. 11. 11.

    Ep. 6. Building Skills and Careers in Landscaping with Jonathan Petit from GoLandscape

    In this episode of Dig Deep, recorded live at GroundsFest, host Rosie Sayers talks with Jonathan Petit, Head of Skills, Careers, and Certification at GoLandscape – the BALI initiative dedicated to promoting careers in landscaping. Together, they explore how GoLandscape is tackling the industry's biggest challenge: the skills gap. Jonathan shares how GoLandscape is: Engaging with 22,000 young people annually at large-scale events like Big Bang to showcase the diversity of careers in landscaping Connecting employers with land-based colleges to ensure students are job-ready with the right skills Supporting career changers, ex-military personnel, refugees, and underrepresented communities to enter the sector Building a network of 60+ ambassadors who visit schools and colleges to share their industry experiences Offering free student membership to help young people access support and employment opportunities You'll also hear why the industry needs to dispel misconceptions about what landscaping really involves – from engineering and HR roles to accountancy – and why Britain is considered the "landscaping king of the world." Key takeaways The landscaping sector faces significant skills shortages, made worse by Brexit and misconceptions about the industry. Employers must engage with colleges to shape training programmes and secure the talent pipeline. Going to large events where thousands of young people gather is more effective than visiting schools one by one. The industry needs to improve diversity and show that "you can't be what you can't see." Anyone can become a GoLandscape ambassador – doing as much or as little as they feel comfortable with. Episode sponsors This episode is supported by: GoLandscape – Inspiring the next generation to build a career in landscaping. Stihl – Trusted tools that work as hard as you do. Links mentioned golandscape.co.uk

    17분
모두 보기(13개)

소개

Welcome to Dig Deep, the official podcast from BALI – the British Association of Landscape Industries. Each episode brings together the voices shaping the future of landscaping, from expert contractors and suppliers to policy leaders and innovators. We go beyond the surface to tackle the issues that matter – from sustainability and skills shortages to dispute resolution, design trends, and cutting-edge technology. New episodes drop fortnightly. Subscribe now to hear fresh insights, real stories, and practical advice from those working at the heart of UK landscaping.

정보

  • 제작진
    British Association of Landscape Industries
  • 방송 연도
    2025년 - 2026년
  • 에피소드
    13
  • 등급
    전체 연령 사용가
  • 저작권
    © British Association of Landscape Industries
  • 웹사이트 보기
    Dig Deep