Wayne Grills to speak on skills crisis

BALI Chief Wayne Grills will be speaking to delegates at Q Lawns’ Sustainable Landscaping event about the shortage of skills in horticulture and landscaping.

Within the Industry, we all know how difficult it can be to recruit staff with the right skills whether it be hard landscaping, turfing, planting or even speaking to customers. If landscaping and horticulture are to get the recognition they deserve, we need to tell the world, and particularly youngsters, what amazing careers there are in our industry and how rewarding they can be.

Even celebrity gardeners are on the case. Alan Titchmarsh has been quoted as saying of the industry “Our role is undervalued by Government, by the population and by young people in particular – in every instance because they just do not understand the breadth of what we do and its importance in terms of the wellbeing of the planet and its population.”

At Q Lawns event, Wayne Grills will be talking both about the need to enthusing people of all ages to learn more about our industry and consider a career in horticulture and about the provision of good, relevant training in all subjects and at all levels.

“We are also awaiting confirmation from another two high profile speakers who will be talking to delegates about other aspects of sustainable landscaping.” said Angela Lambert, Sales and Marketing Co-ordinator “So for once, it won't be me up there doing the speaking. The day will also include a tour of the farm – looking at food production as well as growing and harvesting of turf, sedum mat and wild flower mat – a free lunch and some great networking opportunities. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Q Lawns’ Sustainable Landscaping Event is free to attend but booking is essential. It takes place on 4th July 2013 at Corkway Drove, Hockwold, Nr Thetford and promises to be an interesting day out. For those who prefer public transport to driving, Angela is more than happy to collect delegates from Brandon Train Station if you let her know what time you expect to arrive.
For more information, please email Angelal@qlawns.co.uk

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