Overview

I set up Arbor Cultural Ltd. in 2014, to promote the value and benefits of trees whilst addressing all aspects of arboricultural consultancy. This initially involved undertaking tree survey work for County Councils, London Boroughs, and various housing associations as well as BS5837 and health and safety tree surveys and reports. We also produced reports on subsidence, mortgage and insurance and tree valuation matters. In 2017 I completed the Bond Solon Expert Witness course and have added this to the suite of works that I provide. I have always embraced technology and use cloud-based tree management software and GPS and GLONASS connected devices to plot trees accurately to connect with Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Digital Practice as we move forward. I have purchased a Resi PD and a sonic tomography device to aid in the measurement of tree decay as well as a chlorophyll fluorescence testing kit for the measurement of tree vitality. These are used in conjunction with sound arboriculture knowledge to promote better tree management including careful pruning, nutrient and fertiliser applications, and soil amelioration. I am increasingly using wind load software to further inform tree retention and support lesser and even no tree work. I have invested in an air spade and soil treatment materials in the last few months and see soil improvement as a way of enabling trees to better help themselves, so further reducing the requirement for tree surgery. I have grown the business from me doing everything initially to now having a small pool of trusted surveyors that I can call upon as well as an ecologist and a landscape architect that are willing to work under the Arbor Cultural Ltd banner. We also have outsourced some of the admin, advertising, and social media elements. This frees up time for me to work more on the business and allows me to devote more time to my role as Chairman of the Consulting Arborist Society (CAS), as well as leading the Digital Arboricultural Practice Group which I founded. It also allows me more time for attending seminars, networking, and participating in various industry events such as TDAG, student conferences and associated industry events. These were factors in deciding to start my own business as well as being able to work with clients that are more aligned with my vision and values. I see this as really important as I look to grow the business. The climate emergency and biodiversity net gain are important aspects that we all can add to our business to promote the profession, collaborate with other professions, and create a better environment. Last year my company was runner up in the Pro Landscaper business awards for arboricultural business with less than £1 million turnover and I am looking to win this award next year. My professional journey has included a lot of learning experiences in relation to running a business as well as working to a much higher professional standard. I think more strategically now in terms of business development while building relationships and collaborating with fellow professionals in business ventures as well as professional bodies.