LANDSCAPING
Matt Carroll, head of assured landscaping at Bradstone, tells Will McGill about recent trends in the space.
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utdoor living spaces are changing, with a strong shift towards blending aesthetics with functionality, consumers are increasingly looking for
high-BMJuality materials that offer durability and style, such as porcelain paving and natural stone. This trend is driving demand for products that can create versatile and comfortable outdoor environments.
BMJ: What new products are planned? Matt Carroll: Keep an eye out for our Piccolo range, a traditional slim profile concrete block paving option, designed to replicate the characteristics of clay paving, with a CO² saving in the region of 50% compared to clay alternatives. We’re also expanding our porcelain products, low-maintenance and ideal for modern outdoor spaces.
BMJ: How have customer preferences evolved over the past few years? Carroll: Over the past few years, there’s been a noticeable shift towards low-maintenance, high-durability materials. Customers are prioritising products that offer longevity and ease of care without compromising on style. They’re also increasingly interested in sustainable products, reflecting broader environmental concerns.
BMJ: How do you see the sector evolving? Carroll: In the next five years, we expect the landscaping sector to further embrace innovation and sustainability. The use of recycled materials
coverage of Assured contractors who will service the appetite for a professional landscape installation.
is likely to become more prevalent, along with a continued focus on creating multifunctional outdoor spaces. Changes in planning legislation will likely influence the sector, particularly the SuDS legislation. We anticipate an increased demand for permeable paving options such as our Infilta driveway range.
BMJ: What challenges do you anticipate for the industry? Carroll: The industry faces challenges such as fluctuating material costs and supply chain disruptions. We’re addressing these by diversifying our supply chain, investing in forecasting technologies, and maintaining strong relationships with our suppliers to ensure consistent product availability.
BMJ: How do you stay ahead of the competition? Carroll: Innovation is key to staying ahead. We invest heavily in research and development to create products that meet emerging market trends. By staying close to customer needs and industry developments, we can offer solutions that set us apart from the competition. This year, we have supported our merchant partners by offering an improved mixed load service allowing merchants to order either a half or full load of any Bradstone and Charcon Flag and Kerb products at no additional cost or time. We are also continuing to support our Bradstone Assured installers, developing an effective and relevant resource which adds value and credibility.
Our plan is to widen our geographical September 2024 A supplement to builders merchants journal
BMJ: What support and resources do you provide to your customers to help them? Carroll: We provide extensive resources including detailed installation guides, design inspiration, and technical support. Our dedicated customer service team is always on hand to assist with product selection and any technical queries. We understand finding a reputable landscaper can be daunting, so our network of professional landscapers will assist customers. When customers choose to transform their space with an Assured Landscaper, they will get the Bradstone Assured free 10-year guarantee on products, providing that extra piece of mind along with a 5-year guarantee on installation
BMJ: How are you managing supply chain issues to ensure product availability for your customers? Carroll: To mitigate supply chain challenges, we’ve implemented strategic planning measures such as holding more inventory of key products and working closely with logistics partners to ensure we deliver on time. This allows us to meet customer demand even in uncertain times.
BMJ: What are your goals for the future? Carroll: Our future goals include expanding our product portfolio with more sustainable and innovative options, enhancing our digital presence to provide better customer experiences, and continuing to lead the industry in offering a complete one stop shop of quality and service. We want merchants to know that Bradstone is committed to their success as they are integral part of our future plans. With that said, we are dedicated to evolving our product ranges to help them meet the demands of their customers and capitalise on emerging trends in the market. n
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