Speakers

Ollie Gunns is passionate about landscaping, with a particular focus on the groundwork and civil engineering elements that are essential to great garden designs—an interest he has nurtured from a young age. 

Ollie believes the landscaping industry is currently facing major challenges, including skills shortages, an aging workforce, and the responsibility to contribute to a lower carbon future. To address these challenges, he founded Gunns Contractors, bringing his extensive experience from construction sites into the landscaping industry. His company leverages innovative technology, specialized machinery, and alternative working practices to push the industry forward. 

Gunns Contractors works across diverse areas, including sports turf, private gardens, large estates, and RHS flower shows. Ollie and his team support contractors and designers with the complex logistics required to build show gardens within tight timeframes. 

Ollie also showcases his work through social media, particularly on YouTube, which has proven successful in raising awareness of the industry’s breadth of work. He sees this as a crucial step in attracting new talent and addressing the industry’s workforce challenges.