Following the launch of the Pro Landscaper Business Awards 2024, taking place on Friday 19 April and this year, welcoming a series of new categories which allow us to open entries to explore even more understated businesses and achievements from across the industry – we wanted to catch up with some of our previous winners and see how times have changed since receiving their award. 

Your name: Olivia Warren-Benger 

Your position: Commercial Director at Tony Benger Landscaping 

Winner – Pro Landscaper Business Awards 2023 – Commercial Landscape Company 

Since winning your award at the Pro Landscaper Business Awards, how has this benefited your business?  

It has been recognised by our customers and they are pleased to be working with an award-winning company, especially as they are looking for high quality and trustworthy landscapers who they can trust – working with an award-winning company gives them that comfort that we will be committed to the job.   

What do you believe that you gained from entering these awards?  

Recognition from customers and proud staff! It’s always very rewarding for our staff to have the opportunity to promote a win, and it gives us the motivation to keep going and keep proving ourselves.   

What have the biggest challenges been across the year?  

Due to the increasing cost of landscaping materials and customers having limited budgets, the negotiations are rising. The cost-of-living crisis is something affecting us all, so we’re having to be strategic, ensuring we minimize waste and reuse wherever possible, working with the client to make the most of their budget.   

Also getting hold of staff! Recruitment has always been a challenge for the industry but it’s becoming increasingly noticeable. 

What do you think is the reason behind these challenges?  

Increasing costs of the landscaping materials combined with customers having limited budgets. 

What are you most looking forward to for the new year?  

The launch of Tony Benger Landscaping Academy, a chance to progress our in-house training as a company, is brand new for us and should be really beneficial for everyone, which will be very exciting. 

Exciting upcoming projects?  

Yes, some large commercial housing and infrastructure projects as well as some nice show home projects to add to our portfolio, 2024 is shaping up to be a really good year already! 

Would you recommend entering an award with Pro Landscaper?  

Absolutely, it’s well worth spending the time entering an award. It allows you to step back and appreciate how far you have come in the company. It also is very rewarding for the staff and always looks good for your customers too.