(image: Mike Warman (right) receiving a highly commended award from Marshalls)
Mike Warman is director of Aura Landscapes Ltd, based in Southampton. The company is fairly young, trading for just over three years but it has gone from strength to strength winning six regional awards and one highly commended in the Marshalls national awards.
Add to that winning the contract to hard landscape around Bath Rugby Club’s training ground it has been an excellent few years for Aura Landscapes.
Despite his busy workload we caught up with Mike for The Big Interview.
How did you start the business?
Having worked in hard landscaping since I was sixteen and having gained the experience through working for others, I decided to set up on my own when the opportunity arose.
Is it just you behind the business?
No, I set the business up with the help of my wife Paula who is now co-director of the company.
Do you find your partnership works well?
Yes. Whilst I have a lot of practical experience within the industry I lack the necessary sales and marketing knowledge. With Paula previously running a sales and marketing consultancy it was a no brainer for us to combine our skills.
(image: Large commercial project using Marshalls ethically sourced paving at Bath Rugby Club)
Starting during the recession must have been tough going. How did you get things up and running: did you have money behind you?
We set the business up on a shoestring budget with one van and myself and a labourer. Since then however we have grown to three vans and six employees.
Do you do all of your work in-house?
We employ all our own staff for most of what we do but we will use sub-contractors when required, especially on larger commercial contracts.
What has been the most rewarding part of the business for you?
Building up a customer base that has stayed loyal to us over the years. These partners bring us us repeat business and have become our advocates promoting Aura Landscapes to others.
What made you want to become a landscaper?
I have been working as a landscaper gaining valuable experience since I was sixteen years of age. At nineteen I went to university where I completed a BSC (hons) Architectural Technology and Interior Design degree. Much of the work after university was computer aided design and being that I do not get on with computers and didn't want to work in an office for the rest of my career; I had to look at other options.
As my passion is for design, in particular, hand drawings and artistic impressions I decided to apply my design knowledge and creativity to outdoor spaces. Having had a wealth of experience in landscaping it seemed a great place to start. Now it is not only an enjoyable career for me it is a profitable family business that we hope will continue to grow for many years to come.
(image: Re-design of domestic patio)
What drives you?
As a creative person I enjoy creating bespoke outdoor spaces. Job satisfaction comes from the initial consultation with the client to come up with a design idea, to following it through to creation and build. The icing on the cake is when a customer loves the space as much as I do. Also, gaining the recognition that comes with winning awards in our industry is always a proud moment that drives me to continue to do what we do, well.
I am a very ambitious person, so growing and diversifying my business is another driver. We never sit still and are always looking for new ideas and opportunities for the business. Our aim is to be offering a larger range of services and stocking products in the near future.
How long have you been landscaping?
16 years.
What route have you taken to get to your current position (i.e. college; self-taught; mentoring?)
Self taught with valuable on the job experience.
How many construction jobs do you do in a year?
Approx 48 a year
What is their average value?
It depends on what the project may be. For example an average driveway is approx £5,000 whereas a full landscaping project is around £15,000 - £20,000 with the commercial paving work being far greater than that.
Typically how long do you spend on each project?
Again this depends on the nature of the work and can be from 7 days to 28 days on a residential project and up to 3 months plus on a commercial project such as the Bath Rugby Club project.
What's the most pleasing about your job?
Seeing a design I have created coming together and how much it has changed the look of the area and property surrounding it.
What irks you most about the garden design and landscaping industry?
It is unregulated and so you are often competing against landscapers that are unprofessional and install poor quality installations. So we have to look to accreditations in the industry, such as the Marshalls Register, to show we are a quality, professional and reputable company.
Does the Chelsea Flower Show inspire you or is it unrealistic?
For me as a hard landscaper I find it unrealistic
Do you also design the projects you build?
Yes,the design part of the job is the most enjoyable for me and all our designs are hand drawn and bespoke to each project.
(image: Garnite sett driveway)
What is your most creative time of the day?
I work on the designs when I can, which tends to be evenings and weekends, but as a creative person there is no time frame for creativity.
How do you get inspired to produce unique work every time?
This is largely based on the customers brief and using new products, which is highly inspiring in itself.
As a landscaper and designer you have to be creative. Can you define creativity?
The use of the imagination or original ideas in creating a piece of work i.e. a landscape/ garden.
Contemporary or traditional gardens ...what's your preference? Contemporary
Do you listen to music whilst working?
Yes
Do you consider you push the boundaries with what you do?
I try to as much as possible but it is ultimately the client who has the final say.
Has a client ever said they don't like what you've constructed for them?
No
What makes a great landscape?
An outdoor space that is functional and complements the surrounding environment.
After a busy week, how do you unwind and relax?
By hitting the gym - it's a great stress reliever.
Who (or what) in your life has given you the greatest inspiration?
Winning our Marshalls awards each year. We hope to continue to do so and become recognised in the industry.
What is your business slogan and motto?
Our company slogan is: Outdoor living solutions designed with you in mind. Our motto is: to be the best.
What would you like to do more of in the future?
Design work and larger bespoke hard landscaping projects.
Can you offer any advice to other landscapers?
Don't skimp on specification and materials.
Would you recommend landscaping to someone considering it as a career?
Yes, although it is hard work it is a satisfying job that allows you to work outside in the elements.
(Image: One of Aura Landscape's smart liveried trucks)
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