BALI’s Policy and Public Affairs in 2024
Our Industry
In 2023, the sector generated £38 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), of which £17.9 billion came directly from landscape services. 722,000 professionals were delivering services across the country, with 355,000 of these directly employed in landscaping roles.
Our robust and diverse industry also delivered a substantial tax contribution to the Government, amounting to £8.5 billion, with £3.6 billion stemming from landscape services alone.
Looking ahead, our vision is clear: to continue building on this strong foundation and to ensure the landscaping industry remains a key pillar of the UK's future growth.
BALI members play a crucial role in providing landscaping services that enhance biodiversity, improve public health, and foster economic resilience.
It is our member’s expertise and dedication that creates green spaces that not only enrich the environment but also contribute lasting social, cultural, and economic value for generations to come.
Political Representation and Community
As a BALI member you’re represented by a professional team that is leading lobbying efforts in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The 2024 general election marked a seismic shift in the political landscape of the United Kingdom delivering a Labour Government with a majority well in excess of 150 MPs.
While BALI applauded the bold steps to tackle the housing crisis and stimulate economic growth, we were disappointed that the critical role of green spaces in enhancing sustainability and community wellbeing within housing estates was not sufficiently highlighted.
We encourage members to reach out and share their thoughts and expectations so that we can represent them and are pleased to share some of our efforts over the past year.
Shaping Policy and Engaging with Government
We ensure your voice is heard in key policy discussions and actively engage with government committees and parliamentary groups to increase advocacy, shape policy and effect legislative changes to improve the position of the landscaping sector and the communities we all live in.
Parliamentary Committee Contributions: We’ve submitted evidence to the Built Environment Committee on the "grey belt" concept and contributed to the Net Zero Committee on our industry’s role in achieving the UK's sustainability targets. We’ve also engaged with the Health and Social Care Committee by promoting the importance of green spaces in health and well-being with the aim of being involved in future consultations and inquiries.
Parliamentary Networking: BALI’s participation in both Environment and Apprenticeships All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) meetings has enabled us to network with MPs, influence future policy directions that affect our industry and encourage more two-way conversations with Civil Servants and Parliamentarians.
Responding to the Autumn 2024 Budget: We are committed to understanding the full impact of the UK Autumn 2024 Budget on our members. We encourage members to respond to the survey to gather insight into how changes, including taxation, investment incentives, and funding for sustainability initiatives, affect your businesses. Your feedback continues to shape our discussions with government bodies and committees as we present a united membership perspective.
Key Stakeholder on the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM): Successfully positioned the Association as a key stakeholder on BTOM-related issues, focusing on how it impacts the landscaping sector. We’ve presented practical suggestions for improvement to minimise disruption and ensure industry needs are met.
Promoting Green Skills and Industry Definitions
BALI continues to advocate for the recognition of landscaping as a vital contributor to the Government's green skills and Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) agenda. Our focus includes:
Green Skills Advocacy: We are promoting the role of landscapers, designers and supplier network in delivering the Government's green skills agenda, helping to ensure that our industry is seen as a crucial player in workforce development and skills provision.
Championing the Role of Landscapers in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): Landscapers and designers play a key role in the design and delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) projects, ensuring new developments support biodiversity goals. To strengthen understanding across the sector, we’re developing learning materials for members that explain the ecological principles of BNG habitat design, implementation, maintenance and management.
Strengthening Industry Definitions: We continue to advocate for the recognition of landscapers’ contributions in the context of urban development, biodiversity, and flood defences, ensuring policy discussions accurately reflect the full scope of the industry's work.
Crime Prevention and Business Protection
Protecting your business assets is one of BALI’s top priorities, especially as equipment theft continues to affect the industry.
Equipment Theft Prevention Bill: We are working with other industry associations to provide technical support as part of a cross-industry review of the Equipment Theft Prevention Bill. Our collective aim is to ensure the legislation addresses the practical challenges faced by landscaping businesses, offering stronger protection against equipment theft.
Industry Collaboration and Unified Representation
A united voice is essential for effective advocacy with BALI making significant progress in bringing together industry voices to increase our influence.
Amplifying Industry Voices Through the Environmental Horticulture Group (EHG): The EHG continues to serve as a vital platform for landscapers and designers to present a unified industry perspective to the Government. By working together with other industry organisations and sectors, we amplify our collective voice on common challenges, such as the cost of regulation and the impact of new policy changes.
As a main sponsor of the EHG, we have co-drafted both a strategic plan and an economic report with Oxford Economics. These two reports were presented to more than 140 MPs, Peers, Officials and industry representatives at a key Parliamentary Reception. Being very well received, BALI representatives seized the opportunity to network with the wider industry and parliamentarians in attendance. By championing increased investment, fostering innovation, and advocating for greater government recognition, your Association aims to position the landscaping and horticulture industry as a cornerstone of the UK’s sustainable future. Through these efforts, the sector will help achieve national priorities, including net zero targets, improved urban infrastructure, and enhanced community well-being.
Technical Support and Practical Resources
We remain committed to providing our members with the technical knowledge and guidance they need to operate effectively and in line with new regulations.
Member Exclusive Technical Articles: Focused on new or emerging developments within the landscaping industry, we deliver two each week ensuring members stay ahead of industry trends and best practices.
Additionally, we have enhanced our policy and public affairs member communications by introducing regular updates in the weekly BALI News newsletter, keeping members informed of key legislative and regulatory changes that impact their businesses.
Governance: We’ve also strengthened our policy and public affairs board updates ensuring your elected representatives receive clear, effective reports on policy changes, industry risks, and opportunities for advocacy.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we look to 2025, we aim to build on the growing momentum achieved this year. Our focus will remain on strengthening our collaboration with Government and members, while also formalising our approach to advocacy and industry development.
A key milestone for 2025 is the completion of the Association’s Framework for Action - a manifesto-style document that will outline the full scope of planned activities we will undertake on behalf of members. This framework will provide transparency on our priorities, from policy engagement to industry support initiatives, ensuring members can track our progress throughout the year. We plan to launch this in early 2025 and will be available to members digitally.
As we advance through our campaign areas, we will continue to elevate both members and the wider industry, adapting and refining our efforts as new challenges and opportunities emerge. This approach will lay the groundwork for an even more ambitious framework for 2026 and beyond, ensuring that our strategy evolves to meet the changing needs of the industry.
As we shape the future of the landscaping sector together, BALI’s regional representatives and committees will welcome your input, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you.