AA Teccie (Paul)

Great news, we'd be honored n privileged 'Sir' Do "call in" if you get there Cheers Steve, Paul

Your invite to the ARB Show Don’t miss the most action-packed ARB Show yet – we’d love to have you there! The Biggest ARB Show Ever With over 100 Exhibitors we had to expand the site due to unprecedented demand, so there’s more kit, equipment, help and advice on hand than ever before. main sponsor STIHL and their fantastic demo arena, displaying a host of the latest professional product range with the team of product experts on hand to answer any questions you might have. Check their timetable for hands on opportunities, the art of chainsaw carving and more. Tree Climbing Competitions, Arb activities and Ninja Assault Course The ‘3ATC Climbing Competition’ sponsored by Arbjobs.com returns to test the mettle of tree climbers over 3 different skill categories. The Tree Climbers Forum’ sponsored by TrainU2, will bring together arborists to talk, interact, discuss and demonstrate a range of modern techniques to provide safe, effective work at height solutions within arboriculture. There’ll be regular sessions throughout the day. The Main Arena sponsored by FORST, will feature a ‘Ninja Warrior UK’ style Assault Course, 360° Looping bikes and a ‘Gladiators’ style travellator challenge which visitors will be able to participate in at certain times. There’s also knot tying competitions, throwline competition, Utility skills demonstrations and exhibitor demos throughout the day. Workshops, walks and talks The Arborists' Workshop offers visitors a great range of expert presentations aimed at the practicing arborist and tree care professionals. From Single Rope Technique, to Veteran Trees and iTree, there's a full schedule of workshops on both days starting at 10:00am Keep the little ones entertained with the Kids’ Tree Climbing area next to AA HQ, there will be informative Pest & Disease walks lead by Forestry Commission and Ancient Tree Forum walks with Ted Green and Jill Butler to keep you busy. Free App and Free entry to Westonbirt(AA / ISA Members ONLY) Don’t forget your ticket also gives you free access to the Arboretum – so you might want to consider sticking around for 2 days as we recommend a day to enjoy Westonbirt. To celebrate the event, we've launched an app for the first time ever. You’ll be able to download it using the free wi-fi at AA HQ, (None AA / ISA Members = £10 per day, with some concessions - see website) Useful links – ARB Show site for full list of exhibitors, events and admission prices: Arboricultural Association - The ARB Show Register for climbing competitions: Arboricultural Association - 3ATC Climbing Competition Booking camping: https://billetto.co.uk/en/e/arb-show-2017-12th-13th-may-camping-and-after-party-the-holford-arms-tickets-177134

At the "ARB Show" of course (12th & 13th May - Westonbirt, Tetbury) see Arboricultural Association - The ARB Show there'll be loads of opportunities Cheers, Paul

PS This event also qualifies for CPD & CEUs, 6 & 5 hrs respectively.

Hi all, There's been quite a bit of discussion about the 'ARB Approved Contractor' Scheme, what it's about, how it works, what's involved, 'pros n cons', benefits and costs etc. recently on forum so why not come along and find out? Okay, I know, and appreciate, you have to take a day out from work but the event is 'FoC' and you could qualify for a 25% discount on the initial assessment fee by attending...this isn't "too good to be true", and okay 'sales' is not my forte For further information, and booking , see Arboricultural Association - Course Detail ...and don't hesitate to ask if you've any questions. Thanks all, Happy Easter, and hope to see you on 24th May Cheers, Paul

Cheers Wes, I'll look out for the chap in the 'ski gear' who's struggling to get through the door ATB, Paul

Hi Wes, thanks for your reply and I absolutely acknowledge there are lots of excellent firms out there who aren't ARB Approved...much to my frustration. The 'pop incident' is an exception, which people understandably, and probably rightly. refer to, but it needs to be kept in context...and yes, with hindsight, and if it happened again, I think we/I would handle it differently. In terms of how we benchmark the scheme, this is principally against, for instance, BS3998, and as contributors to its production, and the plethora of H&S and Environ. and Wildlife etc. etc. legislation. Also, and most importantly, we regularly consult with the HSE who, in turn, refer to the scheme (well actually the scheme standards) as an industry benchmark. Clearly this is important as if the regulator didn't like it, or thought it was lacking, they wouldn't go near it. As I said there's always room for improvement, and at sometimes more than others , but I feel it's on the right track and we just need more of those excellent contractors, or even good contractors, to get on board and help us to give 'users' of tree surgery services a recognized standard to identify with...kinda the CORGI / Gas Safe of the arb industry...if only. I believe the scheme can deliver increased work and income BUT only if you use it and market it to best effect with us supporting that. Why not gives us a try? Cheers again Paul

Whilst I don't doubt you are "on top of your game " and you have "high standards" how are you reaching this conclusion and what are you benchmarking against....that's an option the scheme and the assessment process brings. I know it's probably the fact that much of your business is repeat custom, and maybe you benchmark by posting here on the forum photos of your pruning, but, respectfully, is that as reliable as an industry recognised accreditation scheme? I'm not naive to think the scheme is perfect, or indeed finished, ie no need to improve and develop it, and I acknowledge some better decisions could / should have been made in the recent past, but overall I do believe the scheme is in a better place than it was a few years ago. If I didn't think this is honestly wouldn't be heading it up. Thanks for your contributions everyone, very valuable. Cheers Paul

Sorry, been AWOL for a few days. The scheme is not prescriptive here is terms of actual requirements other than the outcome meaning the customer gets a positive response within a reasonable timescale. I can assure you there's no "egg sacking Grannies " involved. Other aspects of the scheme, where there are distinct legislative or industry best practice requirements, are more prescriptive. Please try to get on a Prep Workshop to find out more and ask lots of questions as several contractors did in Cambridgeshire today. There's no charge, but obviously means taking a day off from work ...but it does qualify for both CPD and CEUs. Thanks Paul

Guess you need to establish whether contamination (poisoning) has actually occurred in the first instance by getting a 'soil sample / analysis' done (see https://www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/soilanalysis ) Also worth having a look at Chapter 6 and Table B2 of BS3998:2010 Cheers, n good luck Paul

Many thanks here Dan and glad you found the Prep Workshop useful and informative...kinda CPD appen. I do indeed hope to receive an application for assessment at some future date Tc, Paul

Mmmmm, an 'appropriate' amount of paperwork, relative to business size and complexity, adequate to demonstrate compliance...and much, much, less for smaller businesses than it used to be. If your start point for comparison is just, for instance, your site risk assessment, or maybe not, than yes "a lot of paperwork" is a fair comment. Cheers.. Paul

It's a little bit of "horses for courses" in a sense, but I would argue that ARB Approved is more beneficial for your business, in part because it's broad(er) spectrum and industry specific, but I do acknowledge that in the procurement process you will get more benefit with ISO 9001, at least as far as you business management system is concerned. ARB Approved Contractor is an SSiP registered scheme (same as CHAS / SAFEcontractor / Worksafe Contractor etc. etc.) and hence that increasingly helps with the H&S aspect of the procurement process. Mrs Gubbins will not, undoubtedly, have heard of ARB Approved Contractor (ArbAC) but we do produce leaflets to help raise awareness of this and, hopefully, direct them to an ArbAC to undertake their tree work. Lots to do still but tis a step int'right direction for the industry I believe...of course. Thanks for discussing Paul

Hmmm, unfortunately not in Cornwall, although I have presented the workshop there previously and happy to do so again via the Branch and IF there was enough interest (min. 6 businesses.) Otherwise it's Exmouth / Exeter in December see Arboricultural Association - Course Detail or for alternative dates / venues see Arboricultural Association - Course Cheers fer now.. Paul

Remember these are 'Informatives' only which the Council / TO is bringing to your attention, helpfully. They have no jurisdiction as that is a matter for the Police ultimately though Natural England (and equivs in wider UK) would have an interest. Cheers, Paul

I consistently hear of similar things across the country from other contractors, as you rightly say, "very unhelpful." Not excusing it by any means but if this is not, for instance, a Tree Officer, either because there isn't one or it's delegated to planning admin, or even a Planning Officer sometimes, this can be in part the reason. In all honesty if I found it happening increasingly I would make a formal complaint to the Council / Head of Planning Services and see if the situation improves...I guess the risk here though is upsetting the TO but clearly he ' she is upsetting/frustrating you. A very unhelpful AND very difficult situation Cheers, Paul

Thanks for this Jimmy...and look forward to receiving your application for assessment soon Don't forget you can always "give me a shout" if you're struggling with anything, or just want to chat anything through, but sadly I don't have a bucket called "spare time" to help Cheers again and remember you can always attend another workshop when you're ready to go for assessment just in case you want to do any last minute checks Paul

Hi there, join me at Askham Bryan (York) in July and find out exactly (see Arboricultural Association - Course Detail ) but what you've outlined, provided you've been operating for a min. 2 years, is absolutely fine. 2/3rds of the scheme is made up of smaller businesses now and, overall, about 10% of the scheme are 'sole traders' operating just as you describe. In terms of the criteria see attached, but, to a greater or lesser extent, and other than HR/employment and financial/accounts stuff, we look at pretty much every other part of the business, both office (or kitchen ) based and operational. Further info here Arboricultural Association - Become an ARB Approved Contractor but do post back, or 'pm', or call me 07971995351. Cheers fer now, Paul Standards-fewer-than-5-employees-2017.doc

"Hook, line n sinker" eh (was trying to some images of such...Scotspine could probably help.) Pay more attention to the date Paul..!!! TTFN

Not that I'm aware of Paul

Not wishing to 'labour the point', but I will, that many accidents happen at or towards the end of the day, and often the last bit, because of fatigue and lack of concentration...hence PPE must be worn until the job is completely finished Cheers, Paul

Can't you be a purist rather than pragmatist just fer once Mr Dempsey...we all know where this is going Paul

Simplistically - because that's what the customer asked for and unless the tree are TPO'd etc. nobody checks/questions it. If however the customer understood the immediate, medium and long-term effects, and future implications and management requirements, they may have chosen differently, i.e. if the consultant / contractor / advisor, advised them accordingly with a range of options and the pro's n con's. Trouble is this takes time and relies on "the advisor" understanding such in the first place. Problem is with stuff like this it often perpetuates, i.e. can you chop my tree like the ones next to the industrial units, and then it risks becoming the norm and people get conditioned to it. The ISA leaflet - "Why Topping Hurts Trees" is excellent and one to give to customers who enquire about having their trees chopped Cheers, Paul

Hmmm, climbing helmets and grounds helmets are tested to 2 different standards. Hence your approach. were your primary activity is climbing, and where when you're on the ground the likelihood of anything falling from above is low, perhaps a dislodged / hung-up branch, is pragmatic and satisfactory. However if your primary role is grounding then a ground helmet it should be, and change to climbing helmet when climbing...of course Cheers Matt, n hope you're well, Paul

Thanks David, n shhhh...table's booked for 6pm so she will be treated by the lads, I'm just going along...to pay Hope yer well and thanks for completing the survey Paul