The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) is the UK's representative trade association for firms undertaking landscaping, both interior and exterior, a wide range of associated suppliers to the industry.
With a Landscape contracting membership of over 700, BALI is continually raising standards throughout an industry that is all too often tarred with a 'cowboy' reputation.
BALI Aims and Objectives:
- To encourage high standards of quality, workmanship and service.
- To improve and maintain the standing of the Landscape Industry through the strength of corporate representation.
- To foster a greater awareness among professional bodies, public authorities and the public, by improved promotion of the industry.
- To establish and maintain facilities for the regular exchange of information with manufacturers and suppliers of equipment and landscaping materials.
- To provide members with regular and up to date technical and trade information.
- To provide members with comprehensive advise.
- To encourage the placing of contracts by Public Authorities, Developers and Architects with BALI Members by close liaison between such bodies and the Association.
- To actively support a regional structure.
The Turfgrass Growers Association (TGA) is the only professional organisation in the UK and Ireland dedicated to the advancement of quality turf production.
Formed in 1995, the TGA comprises some 60 companies (including affiliates), collectively responsible for producing approximately 70 per cent of the cultivated turf grown in the British Isles and supplying specialist knowledge and infrastructure to that industry.
Recently it has widened its scope of activities and has been involved in discussions with Government departments, water companies and other related bodies about the impact of water restrictions on the turf industry.
The TGA has also been on the steering group of the 'Greening the Games' committee which is playing an important role in making sure the landscaping aspects of the 2012 Olympic Games are properly recognised by organisers and contractors.
Since its formation, the TGA has been at the forefront of raising the standard of the cultivated turf supplied to professional and domestic customers. This goal is being achieved by constantly seeking to improve the standards of TGA members through unity of purpose and the sharing of knowledge and new ideas.
To maintain standards at a consistently high level, all applicants for membership receive a personal visit and are vetted by the governing council of the TGA.
One of its principal missions is to help members improve their standards as turf growers and businesses. Regular members meetings are held at which invited speakers inform and educate members on a wide range of turf-related topics.
The TGA also stages a biennial turf show, giving turf professionals the opportunity to see at first hand the latest techniques and innovations for establishing, growing, harvesting, handling, transporting, laying and maintaining cultivated turf.
By publicising and implementing the TGA quality standards, first published in 1996, the TGA has instilled a discipline amongst its members that has helped give customers confidence in the product they buy.
The Quality Standards for Cultivated Turf were drawn up by an independent turf consultant and agronomist.
The Institute of Horticulture was established in 1984 with the aim of fostering a close relationship between all sectors of professional horticulture (advisory and research, amenity, commercial and education and training) throughout the UK and Ireland.
With over 1,600 members, The Institute has eight branches throughout the UK and Ireland, as well as an increasing number of Overseas Members. The current membership represents those that are involved in production, managing, growing and marketing all edible and decorative horticultural crops, allied research, education and consultancy. It also includes those concerned with landscaping and botanic/heritage gardens, and the full range of horticulture within leisure industries and those working in associated supply industries.
The Institute gives recognition of status within the horticultural industry and the means to meet and network with professionals in all spheres of Horticulture. It also provides the opportunity to make an effective contribution to the future of horticulture as well as its importance as a career.
The Institute aims to:
- Promote the profession of horticulture
- Act as an authoritative body; consulting with Government and other policymaking bodies on matters of interest and concern to professional horticulturists
- Disseminate information on matters affecting the profession and provide opportunities for discussion amongst horticulturists through publications, conferences, seminars, lectures and other appropriate media
- Confer status upon professionally qualified and experienced horticulturists, promote educational and training opportunities and encouraging the development of all disciplines within horticulture, as well as co-operating with other bodies on matters of common concern
ISO 9001 is the internationally recognised quality assurance system for business operations and processes. The Lloyd's Register Group has been one of the world leaders in assessing business processes and products against internationally recognised standards, whether from independent bodies, or systems that they have developed themselves.
Lloyds Register is accredited by UKAS to undertake its services.
The United Kingdom Accreditation Service is the sole national accreditation body recognised by government to assess, against internationally agreed standards, organisations that provide certification, testing, inspection and calibration services.
Accreditation by UKAS demonstrates the competence, impartiality and performance capability of these evaluators.
UKAS is a non-profit-distributing company, limited by guarantee, and operates under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government through the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills.