AA Teccie (Paul)

Great thread here, thank you 'people'....I might have to look into this ARB Approved Contractor thing myself The thinning (x1 example for a small business) often poses a challenge to applicant businesses but, IMHO, it is a real test of pruning skills, probably more so than reduction and hence it is really valuable in assessing pruning quality and standards. The 'maiden crown' thing is an ideal rather than an absolute. In practice, if you've demo'd good crown reduction works and then a crown thin on a previously pruned tree, this will normally be acceptable (perhaps with a condition imposed to view at the next reassessment.) Hoping to see more of you in the future n thanks again for your contributions here. Cheers.. Paul

This is where it gets interesting...not least as it wasn't me Cheers.. Paul

Yep, I'd have guessed Balsam Pop...particularly after two more knowledgeable people have gone before :-) Well done gentlemen Paul

Hmmm, depends on your definition of a loop-hole I suppose, but no, technically it's not. It's an alternative, easier, option. Gofrit.. Paul

I think this 'loop-hole' is soon to be closed as, in the first instance, you will need a level 1 or 2 construction based qualification. Hence get in there, and/or renew, quickly. Paul

"No worries"...good luck with everything! Paul

Hey Rich, pretty sure it's NOT happening this year. Give Justin a 'pm' Cheers.. Paul

BUMP...the second! Go on, you know you want to Hoping to see you there.. Paul

"A pint" at 9am in the morning Jon...it's Cirencester not Ibiza , we'll see what we can do. Cheers.. Paul

Mmmmmmmmmmmmm.....naaaaa A good company image is indeed very important, as is reputation and 'word-of-mouth' recommendations...very hard to build up initially, and very ease to crash down if you get it wrong. Joking apart (again) 3rd party accreditations can also help with "standing out from the crowd" and provide an additional marketing opportunity for your new found business. You're at Evesham, not a million miles away from Stoneleigh Park (Kenilworth) so if you can make it why not come along to the 'ARB Approved Contractor' Prep. Workshop next Wed. 9th April (9.30am), it's FoC and 'no obligation'...just like yer quotes'll be when ya get up'n'runnin. Cheers.. Paul PS If you do want to attend it's 'BYO' lunch I'm afraid

I've got a good logo, and already well established, you just need to go through a little assessment first tho Joking apart "good luck" and well done for recognising the benefit of having a good shop front. Too often overlooked. Paul

Hi Ed, hope you're well. The costs for entry to this years ARB Show are: 1. AA Members = FoC 2. Non-members - one day = £8.50 3. Non-members - two day ticket = £10.00 (purchase on initial entry) 4. Students = £5 Cheers, Paul PS You may be able to get your entry fee refunded, in effect, if you join the Arb Assoc on the day (TBC.)

I would have thought you needed the WHITE 'Construction Related Occupation' but in order to access this you will need to go vai the BALI / ROLO route (see another thread.) The actual task you are undertaking will be covered by your industry specific training, e.g. NPTC CS38 / CS39 / CS40 / CS41, the CSCS card is a construction related H&S test which acts as a 'passport' onto the site. Hope this helps...a little. Cheers.. Paul

If you want any further details about the 'ARB Show' speak with my colleague Melanie (Mel) on 01242 522152 or email [email protected] even if just to enquire about attending as a 'prospective' 2015 exhibitor. She might offer a free....'cup of tea', or more Cheers.. Paul

Don't believe the 'FR Jones / Kingswood' event is happening this year unfortunately so may need to look a little further afield See The ARB Show - Arboricultural Association which is our (the Arb Association) show, or APF 2014, the UK?s largest forestry and arboricultural exhibition is returning to the same location as its hugely successful 2010 event. which is Confor. Cheers.. Paul

Hi all, My (limited, but becoming less so as it becomes more of an issue for our industry) understanding here is that you need a CSCS card either because the construction company involved "says so" OR you decide to do so in the hope of avoiding daily(?) safety briefings. It's no longer as simple n straight-forward as it used to be because you can no longer just access the 'test', i.e. on screen touch-test, with firstly having either a construction related H&S qualification OR having undertaken a one-day 'industry specific' training day. For the landscape, and related (inc. 'arb'), industry this is via BALI (British Association of Landscape Industries) and their RoLO (Register of Landscape Operatives) course, which is principally grounds maintenance / landscaping focused. The outcome is you are issued with a LISS (Land-based Industry Skills Scheme) / CSCS card. SIMPLES We, the Arb Assoc, have recently recruited a new Teccie (to help, not replace 'moi') and he's due to start on 12th May. Getting the Arb Assoc registered with BALI to become a RoLO training provider for the arb industry will be a priority so we hope to have something in place for the summer. Sorry for long-winded post here. Paul

Attached. Thanks Jules.. Paul WinchingRA.pdf

You always make me smile with your "down to earth / real world / say it as it is" contributions. PLEASE don't ever stop Cheers Paul

Hi Andrew, Interestingly Glynn Percival's view here is that the benefits of (any) mulching, green or well composted, outweigh any risks of nitrogen depletion etc. If however you've got well composted available then that is clearly preferable. Further he suggests chips from Rosaceae species to be best because of the higher sugar content...or similar. All good stuff eh Paul

Yep as 'green-waste' so register here https://www.gov.uk/waste-carrier-or-broker-registration Cheers.. Paul

As I understand it 'Celox' (haemostatic granules) are not a product recognised by the NHS. Further if used it can, apparently, complicate healing, and speed of, and hence should only be used in life-threatening situations...so I'm told. In most cases of deep lacerations, where much blood can be lost, direct pressure, elevation and tourniquet use (with special training) is the best option. Further, many businesses are now using the 'Israeli Bandages' because of the increased 'direct' pressure facility AND self-application. However I prefer the 'avoidance strategy' so please take care out there..! Paul

One of the contractors accredited with us lowered all their vehicle mounted fire extinguishers because of a rear-end shunt and it acted like a missile inside the cab. The problem / concern then though is being readily accessible in the event...still. Cheers.. Paul

That's very interesting. Is that by observation? Cheers.. Paul