Alan Sargent – Taking Care of Business

Presenting a ‘No Holds Barred’ session on the subject of HANDLING DIFFICULT CUSTOMERS & KEEPING CONTROL

Celebrating almost six decades as a landscaper, and over thirty years of presenting seminars and workshops, announces his latest and final workshop.

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Founder of The Association of Professional Landscapers, Professional Garden Consultant’s Association, The Landscape Library and Paving Site Online Magazine

Author of The Garden Designer’s Survival Manual and The Landscaper’s Survival Manual

16th September 2025
(10.30am – 2.30pm)
The Glasshouse Collective
Bagshot Road
Chobham
GU24 8DB

(Courtesy of Mark Gregory)

For more information, please email alangsargent@gmail.com

The following programme is intended to be as progressive as possible, covering a range of topics that are the frequent causes of disputes in domestic

Design & Build landscaping projects.

FIRST SESSION

FIRST CONTACT: Importance of discovering the contact trail

DESIGNER LETTER OF INSTRUCTION/ENGAGEMENT: Understanding joint responsibilities

CUSTOMERS RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER CDM: Making the customer aware

MAKING MAXIMUM USE OF CDM REGS: How to capitalise on the structure

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Difference between ‘Terms’ and ‘Conditions’

DANGERS OF OVERTRADING: Maintaining a balance to avoid site losses and disputes

PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Be aware of potential problems and responsibilities

JOINT VENTURES: Between Landscapers and Designers – Pros and Cons

COMMISSIONS FROM LANDSCAPERS: Potential problems regarding responsibilities

CUSTOMERS SUPPLYING MATERIALS: Practical issues regarding responsibilities

SITE SURVEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Third Party involvements

ESTIMATE OR FIXED PRICE?: What are the real differences in practice?

METHOD STATEMENTS: Part of writing a detailed quotation to enhance your offer

PREAMBLES: The importance of explaining working practice methodology

PRELIMINARY COSTINGS: Examining the range of profit opportunities

JOINT AND SEVERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Between a Landscaper and Designer

IMPORTANCE OF BRITISH STANDARDS: Gaining an awareness of their scope

ENGAGING SUB-CONTRACT LABOUR: Issues surrounding chain of responsibilities

sECOND SESSION

DESIGNERS SUPPLYING PLANTS: Understanding status as a supplier/contractor

SECTION 75 OF THE CONSUMER RIGHTS ACT: Understanding payments made on credit

KEEPING CONTROL OF WORKS PROGRAMMES: Despite the wishes of the customer

PHRASES TO BE AVOIDED: When interviewing the customer

TERMS TO BE AVOIDED: When tendering or during negotiations

VARIATION ORDERS: When to use them effectively

RECLAIMED/RECYCLED MATERIALS: Warranty and replacement matters

INSURANCE LIABLITY AND CONTRACTUAL LIABILITIES: General awareness

WARRANTIES AND GUARANTEES: Practical benefits against potential millstones

SUNSET CLAUSES: Introducing them into contracts

PRACTICAL SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION: Definition for customer awareness

CHAMELEON CUSTOMERS: Changing their personalities during projects

SPECIFIER AS DESIGNER: Symbiotic responsibilities

NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS: Who pays? What issues can arise? Sunset clauses

CUSTOMER AFTERCARE: Ensuring the customer maintains the project in the future

END OF PROGRAMME

Programme Time

10.30am
Welcome address by Mark Gregory (Glasshouse Collective)

FIRST SESSION
Handling difficult customers & keeping control

11.30am
Break

SECOND SESSION 12.00pm
Handling difficult customers & keeping control

1.00pm
Lunch Break

1.45pm
Q & A Panel Session

Wayne Grills • Gareth Wilson • Mark Gregory • Paul Greenyer • Phil Tremayne

Reviewing the main event, offering personal comment

2.30pm
End of Taking Care Of Business

£25.00pp including lunch and refreshments (including £5.00pp to Perennial Charity)

For tickets, please apply to Alan Sargent alangsargent@gmail.com

NUMBERS ARE STRICTLY LIMITED – FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED