Winners announced for this year’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation

Pro Landscaper has announced its 2020 winners of the Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation initiative. The initiative, sponsored by Green-tech, is now in its sixth year, and aims to recognise, reward, and promote the rising stars in the UK’s landscaping industry.

Pro Landscaper’s managing director Jim Wilkinson comments: “Firstly, massive congratulations to all of this year’s winners. What a year to win, with all that the world has thrown at us, and to see so many brilliant entries really reflects amazingly on this sector.

“During these extremely tough and unpredictable times, the performance of this year’s winners should not go unnoticed. It’s really important that we continue to recognise, reward, and promote the next generation as they will drive our sector forwards.

“The judges commented that the understanding and engagement of the value green space has on our environment shone through in the entries.”

Sustainability and climate change were high on the agenda from all the entries, as was a real get-up-and-go attitude.

In terms of judging, entrants were scored on their passion, skills and qualifications, achievements, goals and their message to young people joining the industry. The highest rated, when all scores were collated, were then enrolled into the Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation Class of 2020.

Jim continues: “Our youngest winner at only 18, Leon, an apprentice landscaper from Kirman Design touched the judges with his enthusiasm at getting up early and working outside on even cold and wet days, and his mental strength and ambition to be the very best he can – he said he’s ‘over the moon’ at being part of our profession and we have to say we’re over the moon that he chose landscaping as his career.”

Richard Kay, chairman of sponsor Green-tech, says: “Many congratulations to all winners. The selection process has been rigorous, and this is a great achievement and accolade of your career to date. You have been identified as one of the rising stars of our next generation and I wish you all the very best for the future and look forward to meeting you all once all the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.”

The class of 2020 makes it 180 winners in total for the Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation initiative since its inception. The winners will be featured in a presentation at FutureScape VIRTUAL 2020 on Thursday 19 November 2020. Previous winners have gone on to design, build and win gold medals at RHS Chelsea Flower Shows, set up their own businesses and appear on horticulture-related television programmes.