John Wyer

Co-founder / CEO of Bowles & Wyer

​

From private sanctuaries to the busiest public places and highest profile show gardens, Bowles & Wyer is the company behind some of the UK’s most looked forward to landscapes. John has more than 35 years’ professional experience and is a widely published and respected designer, lecturing on his work both in the UK and abroad. He co-founded the company in 1993 and continues to take a lead role in design, client liaison and the planning process. He writes a widely read monthly blog that explores his insights into the design process, ponders on the roles of landscape and maintenance, and relates his adventures with cycling and swimming ponds.

1:38 | John introduces himself as the CEO of the landscaping company Bowles & Wyer, and details the history of the company.

2:08 | John explains the various services that Bowles and Wyer provide, and talks about where the company is based, and where it operates.

3:45 | John details the range of clients to whom the company provides its services, and discusses the positive effects that landscaping can bring to a client.

6:05 | John expands on the different types of landscaping services provided by Bowles & Wyer.

9:50 | John touches on the creative process.

10:15 | John explains the structure of the company.

11:45 | John describes the difference between corporate and private clients and how to accommodate for both.

15:09 | John talks about how Bowles and Wyer acquires new clients.

16:14 | John gives an insight into how decisions are made within the business.

18:04 | John discusses the company's purpose and core values, and reveals the reasons behind them.

21:17 | What sets Bowles & Wyer apart? John highlights the importance of responding to customers' expectations and values.

22:50 | John explains why he started the business, touching upon his fascination with horticulture.

26:22 | John's hopes and dreams when he started the company, and how it evolved in a partnership.

27:56 | Are having inspirations and influences an important factor in starting and developing a business?

29:12 | John considers the element of risk-taking when starting up a company.

31:49 | John recalls the struggles and difficulties he faced on setting up the business.

34:14 | John talks about the "close shaves" in the early years, and how they coped with them.

35:28 | Alan and John discuss the strengths inherent in a partnership.

37:11 | John recalls the development of the business in its subsequent years, detailing its expansion from a design-focused company, to one also involved in construction.

39:15 | John shares some of the things he learned while developing the business.

40:33 | John reveals how external instances can cause a business to falter, and gives his suggestions on how to overcome such issues. Alan and John go on to discuss the importance of resilience.

45:02 | John explains the difference in goals and views within the partnership, how they were resolved, and the effects that followed.

49:37 | John talks about the recent process of developing and growing the positioning and re-branding of the business.

53:40 | John describes the future of the business, including their new project: developing an Academy.

59:21 | John considers the dichotomy of business growth and service quality, expanding on the question “how big is too big?”

1:01:48 | John talks about the company’s response to the Climate Crisis.

1:03:20 | John gives a piece of advice to new entrepreneurs.

1:05:33 | John describes the impact that owning a business has had on his lifestyle, and how being foolish can be a positive.