EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Richard Kay

Last week Registered Affiliate Green-tech, the UK’s leading manufacturer and distributor of landscaping, forestry and grounds maintenance equipment, sent shockwaves through the landscape industry after they announced that they had been acquired by Origin Enterprises.

Green-tech and the British Association of Landscape Industries go back a long way. From 1995, a staggering 26 years, Green-tech have been a BALI member – and for the last seven, they have even supported our National Landscape Awards as headline sponsor.

Following its purchase by leading Agri-Services company Origin last week, we sat down with Chairman Richard Kay, who is also currently serving as BALI’s National Chairman, to learn more about what the future holds for one of BALI’s longest serving members.

Q. Will Green-tech’s involvement with the landscape services industry change?

A. Our focus will remain the same at Green-tech, working with the landscape contractors, architects and garden designers to supply and deliver. It is what we do best and how we have carved out our successful 27-year history. Origin is keen for us to maintain our foothold in the market and retain the trusted supplier status the industry knows us for. Green-tech will sit within the Origin Amenity division, joining the Origin team will provide us with lots of opportunities to offer more specialized services. This division is focused on delivering the same principles as Green-tech. Outstanding customer service, with a fantastic customer experience backed up with technical advice, speedy delivery and blue-chip brands. Origin Amenity includes the following brands: PB Kents, Rigby Taylor LTD, Headland Amenity, Symbio UK, Line Mark UK, Humber Palmer, TurfKeeper Ltd and Green-tech.

Q. How did the team react? We know Green-tech has always been about great teamwork.

A. The majority of our team have been on the Green-tech journey for a long time, they are Green-tech through and through and have contributed to the great business it is today. To announce the new ownership was both difficult and emotional, as we are like one big family. However, our team embraces change and are never afraid to adapt. They are enthusiastic about the opportunities working for a respected, global PLC will bring. When you look at the brands within Origin Amenity, Green-tech is a very complementary fit, and Chris Clark and the Origin Amenity team are keen to retain the dynamic culture of Green-tech, and they have been impressed with the buzz within the team.

Q. Will Origin be looking to capitalise on Green-tech’s formidable industry knowledge and experience with biodiversity and rewilding? Is this something that attracted them to the brand?

A. Yes, they have been impressed with our diversity of brands and internal knowledge base. They are enthusiastic about the many internal projects we have in place for product development in the areas of plastic reduction, increasing biodiversity and sustainability and intend to further enhance these projects with their backing. There is no doubt there will be many opportunities for us to network, share our knowledge and product solutions with the other businesses within the wider Origin group.

Q. Are you anticipating any rebrand or changes to the way you operate?

A. The business model and brand will remain the same, there are no plans or intentions to detract or dilute from the excellent reputation we have built up in the areas of customer service, supply and delivery or product development. The same great Green-tech team remains in place at every level so customers will still receive the same service levels they have previously. #BusinessAsUsual

Q. What made Origin the right choice for Green-tech?

The biggest attraction for Rachel and I to Origin was that they are very experienced at acquiring businesses, retaining staff and then growing these businesses. We have achieved so much, and we know there is more in the tank, with the backing of a PLC Green-tech will grow from strength to strength.

Q. What’s next for you and Rachel? Any grand plans for the future?

A. Both Rachel and I are going nowhere. We are committed to Green-tech for a period of time, then we will review our options. I am BALI National Chairman until September 2021 and will look to remain on the BALI board and continue to serve within the wider landscape arena.