Nature's Architects

#14. Ben Southall - From Student to Mighty Oak

Ben Southall, TreeTech Season 1 Episode 14

Ben and I met at Myerscough College in 2000 and since studying our careers have gone in two different directions but what we have both achieved is both managing successful companies while  doing what we love, and that is working with trees!

We cover so many topics in such a short amount of time so I hope you all enjoy this one. I  learnt a lot. So grab a drink and enjoy listening to Ben Southall.

Ben Southall is the director of TreeTech Arboricultural Services and one of the best contractors in the country. Ben and Lou have taken the company from a one crew team to now employing a team of 10 people and successfully passing and retaining the highest standards in contracting being an Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor. Ben loves big machinery and climbing and although these day he is mainly directing the business,  when he does get the opportunity he says he loves getting back on the tools and climbing.  Ben and Lou drive a passion for high standards and safe working practices and both enthusiasts within the industry. Follow their amazing team on Instagram

This discussion goes in a great direction and if you are in a family run business, looking at succession in it, or simply want to understand more about business management, this is the podcast for you. Clearly arboriculture and running businesses is so intertwined in their lives and seeing the success of their teams. If you want a career in arboriculture whether it be contracting or consultancy then listen and enjoy.

We  try to cover a wide topic base including:

  • How has the business developed;
  • what does a standard day look like;
  • what their plans are;
  • succession planning:
  • being grateful for your teams;
  • career paths through the industry;
  • what is the future for the industry.

We will end with:

  • what do they look for in new team members
  • what is the biggest challenge for the industry


Find out more about we can help you secure the relationship between the natural and built environments and ultimately increase the value of your site at https://www.wnic.co.uk/.

Follow us on social media:

Thank you for tuning in to Nature's Architects, where we bring together the threads of the natural and the man-made, exploring the natural environment in passionate and dynamic fashion to positively disrupt how it is viewed. If today’s conversation has planted a seed of curiosity or if there’s a specific environmental topic you’re burning to hear more about, we’re all ears. Reach out to us at hello@wnic.co.uk – your insights and questions are the soil from which our discussions grow.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, download, and follow us on your preferred podcast platform. By doing so, you’re not just keeping the dialogue alive; you’re becoming an integral part of a community dedicated to designing a future in harmony with nature.

From all of us at Nature's Architects, thank you for listening, for engaging, and for being the change our planet needs. Until next time, keep building bridges between the natural and built environments.