2020 will forever be remembered as a year of unprecedented uncertainty and upheaval. Between bushfires, drought and the social and economic pressures imposed by COVID, the world has been changed in ways that will continue to be revealed for years to come.
But even in challenging times, The Landscape Association (TLA) is a bedrock of support for members. Since our foundation over 40 years ago, we have, and will continue to have, an unwavering focus on supporting our members, helping them grow their own businesses and the broader industry.
The great news for landscapers is that 2020 has also seen a long overdue recognition of home and community as the heart of Australian life. The fabric of dayto day life has been suddenly and radically reimagined with many people working from home and concentrating on local community. People are again seeing their homes as their castles. The renewed interest in the home means that many people are keen to invest in making their houses more comfortable, a great place to work as well as spend time with loved ones. Money that would have been spent on overseas holidays is being spent on renovating homes and gardens meaning that the landscaping industry is in high demand.
Harnessing opportunity for growth
With this boom comes a unique opportunity for growing your business. Now is the time to take a step back and look at the bigger picture and where you would like to take your business over the next five years. Are you looking to expand your business to become a larger enterprise? Do you want your business and staff to grow their skills and knowledge of the most up-to-date trends and practices? Or, perhaps, you simply want to streamline your business processes and cut back on administration. Whatever your business goals, a Membership with The Landscape Association can help you achieve them
The Landscape Association NSW and ACT (TLA) is the peak industry body with hundreds of Members from every sector of the modern landscaping industry: landscape contractors, maintenance specialists, landscape designers, trade service providers, landscape suppliers and educational institutions. We represent the interests of our Members, bringing together the different landscaping fields, helping to grow the excellent reputation of the industry, and promoting the expertise and quality works of landscaping professionals on the broader stage.
TLA also seeks to support individual businesses to thrive. Whether your business is an established force in the market or is a fledgling enterprise, we provide a suite of services and tailor-made resources ideal for streamlining processes, managing staff, maximising profit and every other aspect of running a landscaping business. With our strong approach to industry unity and teamwork, we host a range of forums (online and in person) designed to help our Members grow lasting, mutually beneficial networks with colleagues, suppliers and service providers. While COVID restrictions have meant limited opportunities for face-to-face meetings, we look forward to relaunching these events in the months to come.
Many of our long-term Members are keen to assist new Members with invaluable advice and experience forged through the test of time. They generously donate time and expertise to TLA and fellow Members. We even have a mentorship program for Members seeking regular input to their business. Making the most of these connections can be an essential component in establishing and executing your five-year plan.
Key Membership benefits
Stay informed and make administration a breeze with a range of service and resources designed specifically for landscaping businesses. We regularly keep our members up to date with crucial market news, legislative changes, drought and COVID restrictions advice, job-keeper information and much more. TLA also holds workshops on best practice techniques, business skills, design trends, new products and materials, as well as horticultural information.
Our comprehensive range of member resources and services also cater to every aspect of administration. Our tailor-made contracts for use with clients save time and money, as well as ensure the rights and obligations of both clients and contractors. Members also receive a copy of the TLA Master Landscapers Rates Guide (RRP $400, incl GST), an essential tool for quoting and estimating in a timely and accurate fashion. Other member resources include: WHS information, fact sheets, videos and employment contracts, just to name a few. We also have service support and advice on other administrative aspects, such as industrial relations, arbitration and disputes resolution, insurance and apprenticeships.
The Landscape Excellence Awards
The pinnacle of the landscaping calendar has to be the TLA Landscape Excellence Awards. These coveted and highly anticipated awards celebrate craftsmanship, expertise and innovation in landscaping and showcase the outstanding quality work produced by members throughout the year. Our gala awards ceremony is attended by the cream of the industry and is widely regarded as the industry’s night of nights. Eligibility for the Landscape Excellence Awards is cited as one of our most popular membership benefits so make sure you don’t miss out on the golden opportunity entry to the Awards can provide to your business, large or small.
Entries for this year’s Awards are open now and close 30 July 2021 so act now and show the industry what you can do!
Join today
So, wherever you want to take your business this year, now is the time to see what a TLA Membership can do for you. Membership represents excellent value for money, with an initial one-year membership offering over $1000 worth of benefits.
With TLA on your team, you have everything you need to see your business thrive. But don’t just take our word for it. Here is what a couple of our members say about the value of TLA membership:
With TLA, I am always able to take important information and knowledge out of the workshops and apply it to my business in a way that fits my growing needs – Sam Langham, Founder of Outside Indulgence
Being able to speak to other colleagues in the industry and talk about the difficulties and struggles of business enables me to learn from my peers – Matt Beckett, Owner of Reflective Gardens
For more information or to apply for Membership, visit our website www.landscapeassociation.com.au or call our friendly team on (02) 9630 4844.