Sargent's Solutions

How involving your staff in the production of a training programme can pay dividends - without breaking the budget

Sargent's Solutions - How to reap rewards from static advertising

Planted displays can draw new customers but they entail costs and commitment, writes Alan Sargent.

Sargent's solutions - how to turn the loss of a key member of staff into a positive

Losing a valued member of staff can be a positive opportunity for change rather than a disaster, Alan Sargent suggests.

Sargent's solutions - proper assessment of the site can help ensure smooth project delivery

Failing to carry out a thorough external site assessment at the start of a job can lead to big problems, warns Alan Sargent.

Sargent's solutions: How to create the right impression

Honesty, research and forethought are all essential when applying for a job in this industry, says Alan Sargent.

Sargent's solutions - how to make a successful landscape business acquisition

Buying another business can increase your own offer but there are important questions to consider, says Alan Sargent.

Sargent's solutions - regulations and legislative requirements underline the professional status of landscape contractors and gardeners

Regulations benefit individual gardeners and landscapers as well as the wider industry, Alan Sargent explains.

Sargent's solutions - tips on how to optimise your application for a gardening job

Making your job application stand out can be key to landing a senior or head gardener position, Alan Sargent explains.

Sargent's solutions - how to avoid the traps of 'professional non-payers'

Be wary of unscrupulous clients who may look for loopholes to avoid settling up at the end of a job, Alan Sargent warns.

Sargent's solutions - avoiding potential pitfalls when accepting extra landscaping work

Taking a considered approach can help prevent welcome requests for extra work becoming a curse, Alan Sargent explains.

Sargent's solutions - take care of the T&Cs to ensure contract clarity

Clear terms and conditions and contract security can help smaller operators to avoid payment issues, says Alan Sargent.

Sargent's solutions - how to attract the best staff for your business

There are ways to find quality candidates for horticultural jobs if you widen your search parameters, Alan Sargent suggests.

Sargent's Solutions: What is the difference between a head gardener and gardens manager? Part 2

In the second of a two-part article, Alan Sargent looks at the functions of today's gardens manager.

Sargent's solutions - the benefits of CPD for your business

Continual learning is an essential part of the job and professionals should embed it in their work process, says Alan Sargent.

Sargent's solutions - what you need to know and do before becoming a sole trader

Careful preparation is essential for anyone moving from a full-time job to being self-employed, says Alan Sargent.