CATEGORIES
ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED FOR 2026
Arboriculture Company
This category looks to recognise and the leading arboriculture companies or specialist division. Entrants to this category must be able to demonstrate examples of commitment to the industry, staff retention and morale and constant good business practices.

Business Investment or Acquisition
In this category, we are looking to recognise business investment that has been made that has had a transformative impact. This includes internal investment on new facilities, an acquisition or evolvement of ownership structure which has powered business growth. The submission must relate to activity that has taken place in the last two years which has delivered value and helped a business maximise it’s potential.

Business Leader
This category recognises the role played by the business lead in driving the organisations success. From strategy to action and the inspiration they have been in achieving this. Why have they been so critical in achieving this? Were there specific actions, initiatives or management approaches introduced that had a major impact?
To enter this category your organisation will have needed to make a submission in one of the company categories. Our judges will draw up a shortlist for this category from these category
submissions based on the information shared in the company leadership question. The shortlist for this category will be announced separately and in advance of the awards ceremony.

Commercial Landscape Company
In this category, we’re looking to highlight and praise the companies that build and sculpt the public areas the population enjoys; from city centres, to office grounds, to communal areas within housing developments and anything in between.

Design and Build Company
In this incredibly competitive market, we are looking for the company that provides a top-quality service plus a little something else that makes them stand out from the crowd. You don’t have to be the biggest business to impress our judges, they want you to show how you run your business to the highest standard. We want to see examples of commitment to the industry, staff development opportunities and client testimonials.

Employer of the Year
This award is open to employers in the horticulture sector of any size who have achieved excellence in providing an environment where employees can develop their full potential, achieve outstanding success for the business and personally thrive. We’re focusing on training and development opportunities, employment of apprentices, development of representative workplaces and employee retention.

Garden Design Studio
This category celebrates and recognises garden design studios that operate with a directly employed team of multiple designers. If you are running a successful Garden Design studio then this is the one to shout about it to your industry peers and colleagues and get the recognition that you and your team deserve.

Garden Designer
This category celebrates and recognises garden designers running their own successful business. This is their chance to showcase how they have developed their reputation for great work, partnerships within the industry which is contributing to a profitable and sustainable business.

Grounds Maintenance Company
We are looking for the unsung heroes of our industry who consistently undertake the crucial everyday maintenance tasks, which many take for granted, with the upmost precision and pride. The judges will be looking at your staff training and development, investment in apprentices and corporate social responsibility.

Industry Collaboration
Partnerships are everywhere within our industry. This award is to highlight where partnerships have succeeded. The judges will be looking at examples on how a partnership has helped you – whether it’s enabled you to save money, deliver a better service or complete a job, had a major impact on the way you work or enhanced your work in some other way.

Landscape Architecture Studio 10 OR LESS EMPLOYEES
This category is for the landscape architect firms with 10 or less employees, that can demonstrate continued good business practices, strong industry relationships and an invaluable and positive workforce.

Landscape Architecture Studio OVER 10 EMPLOYEES
This category is for the landscape architect firms with over 10 employees that can demonstrate continued good business practices, strong industry relationships and an invaluable and positive workforce.

Landscape Company under £1,000,000
This category gives smaller landscape companies a presence and recognition alongside larger multi-million-pound companies. Running a successful business is not necessarily about the number of staff you employ or the amount of money you turnover, It’s about your commitment to the industry, relationship with suppliers and training and development of staff.

Landscaping Company £1,000,001 to £5,000,000 turnover
This category celebrates and recognises the business achievements of those with a turnover between £1m-£5m. Judges will be looking for examples of constant brief fulfilment, relationships with the industry, staff morale and prospective development opportunities.

Landscaping Company over £5,000,001 turnover
This category celebrates and recognises the industry largest contractors. Judges will want to see examples of in-depth staff training and development, tight relationships with suppliers and the willingness to give something back to the industry.

Landscaping Champion
Recognising the person/s who is banging the drum and helping showcase the value of the sector. Their action is helping raise profile, driving interest and promoting the excitement and opportunities in the industry.
This will be open for nominations and can include celebrities, politicians, industry leaders/personalities, social media voices or someone making a huge difference in attracting talent into the sector. The winner for this category is determined by an industry vote.

New Company (Under 2 years old)
This award celebrates the new business making their way in the landscaping sector. The first 2 years are vital in establishing a strong company with the right structures and goals to succeed in their discipline. Entrants to this category must demonstrate a plan to train and develop staff, awareness of their company’s impact on the environment and strong development plans and future goals

Supplier and service provider
Quality offering, strong relationships and staff retention are some of the points the panel of judges will be looking for in this category. We’re not necessarily looking for the most well-known or highest grossing company but the company that offers the best value for money and has earned themselves an impeccable reputation within the industry.

Sustainable Company of the Year
This award highlights companies that have achieved sustainable development. The award is open to companies that can demonstrate commitment to managing their social, environmental, and financial obligations. We will look for ethical leadership, clear environmental management systems and how sustainability has impacted your business and/or the community.

Trade Nursery of the Year
Considerations for this category may include but are not limited to; disease prevention, impact on the environment, sustainability, client relationships and retention and a proven track record of a well-run and striving business.

NEED HELP?
Contact Will Williams on 01903 959390 or email will.williams@eljays44.com
