With a contribution of £38bn to UK GDP and the support of approximately 722,000 jobs, the environmental horticulture and landscaping sector continues to deliver clear benefits to the UK - not only financially, but also for mental wellbeing and the enjoyment of our communities and outdoor spaces.
It is vital therefore that the sector is well-understood and given the tools it needs - both by industry drivers and government policymakers - to continue to deliver the aforementioned benefits to the country.
This year we're proud to present the second edition of our flagship "Lay of the Land" report. For the first time, this gives us comparable year-on-year data, allowing us to start building a genuine picture of long-term trends across the industry. The report provides an insight into the hopes of, challenges faced by, and future plans of respondents, leading to valuable recommendations for strengthening and supporting BALI members and the wider ecosystem.
Some of the key highlights include:
- 43% of respondents were "confident or very confident" about their ability to maintain or expand their business over the next 12 months, with those feeling very confident up two percentage points on 2025
- 40% are looking to explore new technology and machinery, and - for the first time in the survey - 40% said they're looking to explore AI tools for their business, with 46% of those interested specifically in AI for marketing and social media
- Staff recruitment remains the standout challenge, with 27% rating it extremely challenging (11 points clear of the next-highest concern), though members are responding - 21% are investing in new apprenticeships