For over a decade, Pro Arb Magazine has been a leading publication, bringing the latest news and top expertise in UK arboriculture. From 7-8 October, the magazine will expand its platform to the live event sector with Pro Arb Live, in association with Lantra, at the FutureScape exhibition at Excel London. The live theatre is designed to connect attendees directly with industry experts, leading manufacturers and their latest innovations. Sign-up to Pro Arb Live here.
Attendees can look forwards to a wide selection of expert-led panel discussions, speaking seminars and exhibitors, including:
Tuesday 7
10-10:45am
Panel discussion: Tree Work: Regulation and compliance
Gain an understanding of the regulations that affect tree work in the UK and explore how accreditation and professional membership can help businesses meet these requirements. This panel will discuss how the industry can drive professionalism, raise standards and shape its future, debating questions such as: Should local authorities mandate accreditation in tenders?
Panellists: Tom Hamments (Arboricultural Association), Becky Wilkinson (Royal Forestry Society), Lawrence Thor (Thor’s Trees) and James Drewitt (CJ Tree Surgeons)
11-11:30am
Speaking seminar: From Startup to Scaling Up: Advice for new businesses in the sector
Join award-winning entrepreneur George Trott for a comprehensive guide to building a successful career in arboriculture. He shares invaluable insights on launching and growing your business, covering everything from foundational startup steps to key strategies for scaling operations. Learn how to navigate challenges, leverage opportunities and elevate your venture to the next level in this informative session designed for both aspiring and established tree care professionals.
Speaker: George Trott (G. Trott Tree Consultancy)
11:30-12pm
Speaking seminar: Your Competitive Edge: Cultivating a supported workforce
Peter Wharton was announced as the 2025 Institute of Chartered Foresters Forester of the Year for his work on neurodiversity in the sector. It’s lead to an essential discussion on creating inclusive workplaces in the arboriculture industry and specifically change to the chartered process for the Institute. Discover his innovative strategies for supporting neurodiversity and addressing individual needs. This session will offer practical insights to break down barriers, utilise unique strengths, and foster a culture where every team member can thrive. Learn how to create a more supportive, productive, and successful environment for everyone.
Speaking seminar: Peter Wharton (Wharton Natural Infrastructure Consultants)
2-2:45pm
Panel discussion: Branching Out: Closing the skills gap
Are you facing a shortage of skilled arborists? This seminar focuses on finding solutions to the critical challenge of attracting and retaining the next generation of professionals in the field. It will evaluate the effectiveness of current apprenticeship programme, explore strategies for better supporting new recruits, and discuss ways to incentivise self-employed arborists to return to the workforce. Join us to help create a practical roadmap for a thriving and sustainable future for the industry.
Panellists: Helen Mallet (Vegetation Management Training), Becky Wilkinson (Royal Forestry Society), Mandy Maynard (Lantra), James Drewitt (CJ Tree Surgeons) and Dr Andrew Hirons (Myerscough College)
3-3:45pm
Speaking seminar: Beyond the Sentence: The Sycamore Gap case and its legacy
Tree law expert Sarah Dodd provides a definitive analysis of the landmark Sycamore Gap tree sentencing. This session delves into the legal ramifications and explores a critical question: How can this tragedy galvanise stronger protections for ancient and community-cherished trees? Discover the potential for legislative reform, advanced security measures and a renewed commitment to preserving our irreplaceable natural heritage.
Speaker: Sarah Dodd (Tree Law)
Wednesday 8
10-10:45am
Panel discussion: The Technological Transition: Integrating alkylate fuels and battery-powered equipment
Cleaner fuels and battery-powered equipment are accelerating the green transition in arboriculture. But what does this shift look like in practice? A panel of experts explore where sustainable innovation has the most significant impact and how safety protocols and training must evolve to accommodate these new tools. They'll discuss integrating environmental progress with safe and practical implementation for a more sustainable future.
Panellists: Dan Pennington (Connick Tree Care), Joerg Bauerle (EGO Power+), Robert Trott (Husqvarna) and Roy Narbey and Axel Hildebrand (Aspen Fuel)
11-11:30am
Speaking seminar: From Simulation to Saw: The potential of virtual reality in arboriculture
3D technology and virtual reality are no longer niche innovations; they are reshaping the way arboriculture is taught, practiced and promoted. Callum Throw of Arb Innovators will demonstrate how these technologies can deliver safe, effective training, provide richer insights for clients as part of tree surveys as well as open new possibilities for education, careers engagement and raising the awareness of arboriculture.
Speaker: Callum Throw (Arb Innovators)
11:30-12pm
Speaking seminar: Seeing the Unseen: Leveraging technology for precise tree risk assessment
Is your risk management protocol leading to unnecessary or premature tree felling? This common challenge often stems from relying solely on visual assessment and results from the doubt of dealing with the unknown or unseen. In this seminar, Ian Barnes, director of Barnes Associates, will demonstrate how to make confident, preservation-focused decisions using cutting-edge technology provided by its trading arm, Tree Diagnostics. Discover how its specialist equipment goes beyond mere estimates to provide quantifiable data on a tree's health, structural integrity and stability by seeing the unseen.
Speaker: Ian Barnes (Tree Diagnostics)
12-12:30pm
Speaking seminar: VOGT Geo-Injector: The permanent fix for compaction and tree decline
By decompacting soil every metre square and injecting enriched biochar, Apex Tool Solutions has developed a proven method that creates a permanent underground network of natural soakaways. Martin will use live props and simple demos to show how compacted soil behaves compared to healthy soil, why half of every tree’s life is underground, and why fixing the soil is the only way to protect projects, reputations and five-star ratings.
Speakers: Martin Saxon (Apex Tree Solutions) and James MacPhail (Sequest)
2-2:45pm
Speaking seminar: Arboriculture First: A new standard for chainsaw safety
Be the first to hear Clegg Bamber and Mandy Maynard as they unveil Lantra's new campaign focused on arboriculture. This initiative emphasises the importance of safety when using chainsaws, highlighting the dangers of improper training and experience. Arborists, who spend years perfecting their craft, deserve recognition and respect. Lantra advocates for a change in the industry, insisting that individuals must be qualified before purchasing a saw and that professionals should perform all tree work.
Speakers: Mandy Maynard and Clegg Bamber (Lantra)
