Taking Care of Business: A One-of-a-Kind Industry Workshop for Garden Designers and Landscapers
Date: 16th September 2025
Time: 10:30am – 2:30pm
Location: The Glasshouse Collective, Bagshot Road, Chobham, GU24 8DB
Tickets: £25.00pp (includes lunch, refreshments, and a £5 donation to Perennial Charity)
Limited Availability – First Come, First Served
The Landscape Library is proud to present a landmark event for the landscaping and garden design industry: “Taking Care of Business” — a final, unmissable workshop led by industry legend Alan Sargent.
With nearly six decades of experience in landscaping and over thirty years of presenting seminars and workshops, Alan Sargent brings a no-holds-barred session focused on one of the most critical areas in business today:
Handling Difficult Customers & Keeping Control.
Whether you’re a garden designer, landscaper, or run a design & build business, this workshop delivers practical tools, legal awareness, and actionable insights to help protect your business and elevate your professionalism.
What to Expect
This progressive, two-part workshop covers a wide range of topics that often lead to disputes in domestic landscaping projects. Key subjects include:
- Understanding Customer Responsibilities Under CDM Regulations
- Letters of Engagement and Terms & Conditions
- Avoiding Overtrading and Managing Project Risk
- Joint Ventures Between Designers and Landscapers
- Copyright, Insurance & Liability Awareness
- Using Variation Orders and Sunset Clauses Effectively
- Dealing with ‘Chameleon Customers’ and Maintaining Professional Boundaries
- Site Surveys, Material Supply Issues, and Practical Completion
Each session is designed to be dynamic, practical, and brutally honest – sharing real-world experiences and pitfalls to avoid.
Programme Highlights
Welcome Address: Delivered by Mark Gregory at the stunning Glasshouse Collective venue
Morning and Afternoon Workshops: Led by Alan Sargent, tackling both technical and client-side challenges
Lunch & Networking: Refreshments included in your ticket
Live Q&A Panel: Featuring industry experts including Wayne Grills, Gareth Wilson, Paul Greenyer, Phil Tremayne, and Mark Gregory
Why Attend?
This is more than just another CPD opportunity. It’s a chance to:
- Futureproof your business against legal and contractual disputes
- Learn directly from industry veterans
- Network with fellow professionals in a collaborative setting
- Support a good cause – £5 from every ticket goes to Perennial, the charity for people in horticulture
Book Your Spot
Spaces are limited and filling fast. Secure your ticket today by contacting:
Alan Sargent
alangsargent@gmail.com
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to strengthen your business foundations and learn from one of the most experienced voices in landscaping. “Taking Care of Business” is set to be an insightful and inspiring event for any serious garden designer or landscaper.
