Landscape architecture practice closes the year with 25% growth and a strong pipeline for 2023

Sara Boland

East Midlands-based Influence Landscape Planning and Design has reported a 25% growth in turnover in 2022, and is forecasting double digit growth in 2023.

Chartered landscape architects Influence provide expertise in project management, environmental planning, feasibility and concept development, master planning and urban design, landscape design, landscape/townscape, visual impact assessment, expert witness and arboriculture.

A surge in public sector work and a strategy to work on projects which align with the wildlife, heritage and regeneration ethos of the practice, have been key factors in the growth.

Influence expanded its team this year to accommodate the growth, with the recruitment of four professionals, as well as investing in young people who joined the company from school.

This year the practice was appointed on a number of major public realm schemes including two high street regeneration projects in Northamptonshire and Norfolk, and on environmental-led schemes from a number of Wildlife Trusts nationally.

Closer to home, Influence delivered multiple SEND schools in Lincolnshire, as well as working on ‘the hub’ – the first building at the new Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ) in Holbeach in the county.

For 2023, Influence is again forecasting double digit growth, further recruitment and will be partnering with Naomi’s Garden, a charity which offers therapies and services for those affected by disability, sickness, suffering, isolation and hardship.

The team have been appointed on a number of significant schemes to be delivered in 2023, including a nature-led project on the Lincolnshire coast and a major public realm project in the Midlands.

Managing director of Influence, Sara Boland, said: “As we reflect on a year where the team and I have really pushed forward with our growth and diversification strategy, I’d like to say a huge thank you to our clients who have chosen us to deliver landscape services for them. I am continually grateful for their support and trust in us.

“To deliver those services, over the years we have built an incredible team here and the practice’s performance is very much a joint effort. I’m proud of the diversity, specialist skills and dedicated attitude of the team and they also deserve a big thank you.

“We have delivered on and are actively working on the type of projects I used to dream about securing; for the public sector, private operators and not-for-profit environment-led organisations that I admire. Our strategy for 2023 is to continue to create special places that provide pivotal rejuvenation to communities, attracting people and nature in balance.”