30 Under 30 Pro Landscaper Award Winners

In a shining moment for the green thumbs of Nurture Group, a group of talented young individuals have emerged victorious at the Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30 awards. The Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30 initiative, now in its eighth year, has become synonymous with identifying and celebrating the most promising talents in the landscaping industry. With a rigorous selection process, the initiative spotlights individuals aged 30 or under as of January 1, 2023, who have demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication within the horticulture, arboriculture, garden design, or landscape sectors.

This year, Nurture has taken the spotlight, with several of its own securing a coveted spot among the 30 Under 30 winners. The achievement not only acknowledges the individual accomplishments of these young landscapers but also serves as a testament to Nurture Group’s ability to nurture its own young talent in the industry.

The Awards, which have been running since 2015, have seen 240 exceptional individuals receive this prestigious accolade. Winning the 30 Under 30 award has proven to be a stepping stone for many, propelling them into the landscaping limelight and opening doors to bigger and better opportunities.

These young professionals from Nurture are poised to make waves in the industry, and their success is a testament to the vibrant and innovative landscaping community that thrives in our company.

The Winners

Robbie Phipps – Gardener – age 23

Having worked as a delivery driver, Robbie Phipps was struggling to see any further progression, so with a growing interest in the environment around him, Robbie decided to explore an option that would allow him to make a difference. With no previous experience, Robbie started an apprenticeship with Nurture at Twycross Zoo, which is composed of 100 acres including a mixture of picnic areas, formal and informal hedging, and a tropical butterfly house. He is now going on to start a Level 3 Management and Supervision in Horticulture apprenticeship, looking ahead to a career and the opportunity to inspire people looking to explore a career in horticulture.

Rebecca Fryer – Contracts Manager - age 31

As the youngest female contracts manager at Nurture Group, Rebecca Fryer manages a team of 25 grounds maintenance staff across a wide portfolio of static sites. Rebecca joined the grounds maintenance industry in her early 20s, progressing from an administrator to a more practical role where she was able to gain hands-on experience and an appreciation of the work she was carrying out. She took a five-year break form the industry, but her passion brought her back and she joined Nurture in 2021. Fryer is building her skills to progress to a leadership position and would love to encourage other women into operational based roles.

Kyle Leslie – Contract Manger - age 27

Following two weeks’ work experience in a local garden centre, Kyle Leslie expressed an interest in a career in landscape gardening from an early age. After leaving secondary school to begin working for Nurture as an apprentice, Kyle is now the contracts manager at the same business park (Aztec West), managing a portfolio of just under 100 sites – 15 of which were entered into the Green Organisation’s Green Apple Awards in 2022, all achieving Gold. With a passion and love for learning, Kyle aims to develop the biodiversity side of the business and continues to expand sustainable planting.