Important Trade Organisations
Stone Federation
The Stone Federation is the official trade association for the natural stone industry, and provides architects, designers, specifiers, clients and the wider construction industry with a comprehensive source point for all things stone.
We have over 100 years of experience and a membership made up of the most well-established and widely respected names in the industry, alongside the most innovative and creative natural stone firms, so we are well placed to resource and support you.
Whether you are an architect looking to find the right stone, a company for your project, or a natural stone supplier looking to establish yourself as a leading name in the sector, Stone Federation is here to support you.
STONE FEDERATION GREAT BRITAIN
Ingles Manor,
Castle Hill Avenue,
Folkstone
CT20 2RD
Association of Professional Landscapers
The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) is a landscape specialist group within the HTA. Formed in 1995, it continually strives to remain the leading authority for the domestic landscaping industry in the United Kingdom.
The Association is an operating partner for Trustmark, the only Government endorsed accreditation scheme for landscapers. This relationship forms the very foundation of our success and Code of Conduct.
Members of the APL have the benefit of benchmarking via an initial assessment and full vetting procedure, backed up by regular follow-up assessments and support throughout membership. These assessments provide customers with confidence that members are kept up to date with legislation and industry best practice.
Separate membership categories, both with the same standing as regular membership, are Garden Design and Maintenance Contactors, thus fully supporting the landscape industry.
With an Annual Awards ceremony celebrating the very finest examples of landscaping held each Spring, the APL are keenly aware of the need to maintain the highest standards.
ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPERS,
Horticulture House,
Manor Court,
Chilton,
Didcot
OX11 0RN
British Association of Landscape Industries
“The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) was formed in 1972, is a trade association primarily representing landscape contractors in the United Kingdom who have been established for at least two years. Other membership categories include suppliers, landscape designers, training providers and students.
Associate membership is available for contractors with less than two year’s trading experience. BALI aims to promote the standing of the landscape industry by giving members technical and promotional support, and facilitate the exchange of information and services through publications and events.
Competitive high standards are maintained via an Annual Awards ceremony”
BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF LANDSCAPE INDUSTRIES
Landscape House,
Stoneleigh Park,
Kenilworth,
CV8 2LG
Professional Garden Consultant’s Association
The Professional Garden Consultant’s Association (PGCA) is a Register of Members, drawn from a wide range of disciplines; everything from natural stone, garden design, landscaping and estate management, to hydrological surveys and site evaluations, all fully vetted and accredited, with at least ten years of experience in their chosen fields.
Within the membership ranks, are a number of individuals offering their services as Expert Witnesses, able to conduct site surveys and produce Court’s compliant reports for use in dispute cases, especially involving hard landscaping projects.
There are no membership charges or commissions beyond a small annual fee, and each consultant remains totally independent, which is an important attribute for Consultants.
PROFESSIONAL GARDEN CONSULTANT’S ASSOCIATION
www.pgca.org.co.uk
UK Paving Talk Group
Whilst not a Trade Association as such, The UK Paving Talk Face Book Group is a Private Group run by Mick Gammage and Iain Jordan, it is the only FB Group dedicated and restricted to professional artisans and companies.
With around 24,000 members, the Moderators are assiduous in ensuring that comments are relevant, polite and helpful, with a small number of Group Experts (including Gareth and myself) who are happy to assist when called upon.
There are many experts in their chosen fields amongst regular contributors, most – if not all – are to found in the pages of the Paving Site Online magazine, either as Sponsors, Authors or Contributors.
Patios and Driveways Group
Unlike the UK Paving Talk FB Group, Patios and Driveways is a Public Group, with nearly 250,000 members. Organised by Graham Spencer, ably assisted by professional contractors acting as Administrators, the P & DG is a valuable bridge between amateur landscapers and home owners, and skilled individuals, with the same aim – to seek and offer advice in a friendly manner.
Working with several professional sponsoring companies, P & DG is a resource with varying degrees of practical, personal advice, serving as a conduit for the hard landscaping industry and general public to talk with each other.
