The Outside Crowd

This week we’re joined by Ivan Carson from Penshurst Tree Surgery to dive into the world of tree surgery. From working at dizzying heights to managing risks on the ground, Ivan shares the realities, challenges and rewards of life as a tree surgeon.

JB and Ryan dive into the world of rogue traders – how to spot them, how to protect yourself, and the lessons every tradesperson can learn. From warning signs to real experiences, this episode is all about keeping your business and reputation safe.

This week on The Outside Crowd, JB and Ryan dive into the debate around plastics in the industry. From plastic grass to decking, they break down the pros and cons, weighing up convenience, cost, and sustainability. Is plastic the smart solution for modern living, or a short-sighted choice with long-term consequences? Tune in as the guys share their thoughts, experiences, and a few laughs along the way.

This week, JB and Ryan sit down with Lawrence Martin, founder of Metamorph Landscapes, to talk about the art—and the science—of transforming outdoor spaces into living, breathing works of beauty.

With a background in horticulture and landscape design, Lawrence shares how his passion for nature and his entrepreneurial drive led to the creation of Metamorph Landscapes. From sustainable techniques to bold creative concepts, he reveals how he turns even the toughest sites into thriving, inspiring environments.

Whether you’re a fellow trade professional or just love the idea of reimagining outdoor living, this episode will leave you with fresh ideas and a new appreciation for the possibilities of design. 🌱🎨

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🌿 Work with Lawrence / Metamorph Landscapes
👉 Website: https://metamorphlandscapes.co.uk/
📩 Email: metamorphlandscapes@gmail.com
📸 Instagram: @metamorph_landscapes

 

This week, JB, Ryan, and Billy sit down with garden designer Cameron Trend—founder of Trend Designs—for a conversation that digs into the journey from hands-in-the-soil horticulture to high-end garden design.

Cameron shares how his early days on a Kent vineyard and running a landscaping business shaped his approach to design, and how studying at the Inchbald School of Garden Design helped him turn creativity and sustainability into a professional practice. 🌱✏️

From sketchbooks to site plans, this episode explores what it takes to push the boundaries in modern garden design—and why thinking sustainably isn’t just good for the planet, but for business too.

 

To learn more about Cameron’s work or enquire about a project, visit:
👉 https://camerontrenddesign.co.uk/

Running over on jobs can cost time, money, and your reputation. In this episode, JB, Ryan and Billy break down the key ways to keep projects on track and wrap them up on time — from planning and communication to managing teams and staying ahead of delays. If you want smoother finishes and happier clients, this one’s for you.

Staff problems are never fun—but have you noticed they often come up at the same times each year? In this episode, the lads dive into the patterns behind team issues, how to spot them early, and what you can do to keep your crew steady through seasonal ups and downs. Whether you manage a team of two or twenty, this one's full of practical advice.

In this episode, JB, Ryan, and Billy sit down to chat about the future — both for the podcast and their own businesses. From long-term goals to the challenges of growth, they break down what’s coming next, what they’re working towards, and how they’re planning to navigate the ever-changing landscape of business. Tune in for an honest, forward-thinking conversation about vision, direction, and staying focused on what matters.