Looking Back on Success: Gareth Jones chats with BALI about NorthHort's Unique Path to Success

Summary

I had the opportunity to chat with Luke Garner, the Copywriting Manager for BALI, about our journey in the landscaping industry, particularly our success among football's elite. This conversation allowed me to reflect on Northhort Ltd's growth from humble beginnings.

We explored my background and passion for landscaping, often overlooked amidst success.

I'm very grateful for BALI's platform that enables us to showcase our work, and I look forward to future achievements, like the BALI awards in 2026. My passion for the outdoors and staying committed to the core values set out at the beginning has lead me and Northhort Ltd's to some amazing experiences and connections. Please continue reading, and I hope you find it as informative and beneficial as I have enjoyed over the years.

Background

We talked about my background and what attracted me to landscaping. It was quite fascinating because it's easy to forget these things. Reflecting on how far I've come and what first sparked my passion for this industry was great. Not only did I stick with it, but I've also made it my lifelong passion and goal to leave a positive footprint.

Being a BALI Member

We touched on the importance of being a BALI member. I believe it gives clients peace of mind that they are dealing with a reputable company that takes professionalism and business acumen very seriously. A strict vetting procedure ensures we take the correct precautions to keep ourselves informed and ensure safety and all elements of the business are taken care of.

Gareth Jones of Northhort Ltd shares his journey from humble beginnings to success with BALI's Luke Gardner, focusing on building trust and confidence in landscaping.

''Some of Our Best Work You Can't See''

DBS and Confidentiality

An additional layer of security we provide for our clients and ourselves as a company is our annual DBS checking of all staff, along with a strict confidentiality policy, which we take very seriously. From signing NDAs to implementing in-house policies, maintaining our clients' discretion is of the utmost importance to us, and trust is crucial in our line of work. This provides an extra layer of security and peace of mind for our clients, knowing that all our team members are vetted annually and background checked to ensure the safety of the public and everyone who works with us.

Interview with Gareth Jones highlights the advancement in horticultural excellence at BALI, featuring stunning landscapes and insightful perspectives on industry challenges.

''The first couple of years I was hiring on experience, but its how they conduct themselves that truly matters''

Quality Before Quantity

In the grounds maintenance industry, volume and quantity often take precedence over quality, leading many to lose sight of their original goals. However, I have remained true to the principles I established at the beginning, focusing on building a company that serves a clientele prioritising quality. I believe this commitment has been key to our overall business success. Staying true to the core values I set out to in the beginning, while allowing details to evolve, is, in my opinion, the formula for our success. We do not compromise on quality or take on jobs indiscriminately. This approach has positioned us as one of the Northwest's most prestigious companies for quality, expertise, and reliability.

Values Must Align

I have always ensured that client selection is guided by alignment with our values, remembering that money isn't everything. It's vital that these values resonate with the company's ethos and what we stand for as a business. Merely attaching a price tag without ensuring customer and team satisfaction with the final product isn't the path to success. I want to ensure our clients are delighted every time with the service and quality we provide, and that we are proud and pleased with the service we deliver. Cutting corners and skimping on quality just to complete the job is not how we operate.

If the primary question is about cost, then we likely aren't the company for you, not because we want more money, but because we value clients who share our principle that if you want a job done properly and to the highest standard, with the understanding that we are approached for a certain calibre, or they are looking for it to be done right from the ground up, then we are the ones for you. Horses for courses. Find what your niche is and what you want to achieve, and stick to it.

We have always moved away from contracts that don't align with our values, so stick to what you believe in, and the right clientele will follow.

Some of Our Best Work You Can't See!

When it comes to displaying our work, many of our top projects and sites are not visible to the public. This is due to the confidentiality agreements with our clients. We depend on word of mouth within the industry, as we work with high-profile clientele where privacy and discretion are paramount.

The Interview

This was an incredible experience, and since the publication, we have been fortunate enough to be promoted and reposted on various platforms, which has created new connections and increased visibility, which is fantastic. Networking with new contacts and support has been superb, with people showing interest in this niche area we have become known for.

So, I'd like to thank BALI for such an amazing opportunity to showcase what we do as a company, and here's to many more years ahead. We look forward to seeing you all in 2026 at the BALI awards. Watch this space!

Please take a look at the link below and have a read:-

Landscape News Autumn 2025 by British Association of Landscape Industries - Issuu

Final Note:

Keep chasing your passion as much as I have and with that passion in your heart and sticking to what you believe, and hopefully you will also get to see, meet and achieve some amazing things. Here's to many more years ahead.