The BALI Chalk Fund welcomes Paul Downer to the board of trustees, replacing the long-serving Bill Simpson, who stepped down last year. Paul has a fine track record both in business and for his support of the industry as a whole.
Paul founded Oak View Landscapes in 2004, since then the business has gone from strength to strength. Oak View Landscapes deliver exceptional landscaping services to both the commercial and residential markets and have collected an impressive array of awards and accreditations in the process.
In addition to Paul’s professional achievements, he is no stranger to giving back to the landscape industry and his local community. Paul has served on the BALI National Board for over a decade, including a term as National Chair. Serving as a Governor at Writtle University College, he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his significant achievements in the role. As a key part of a crazy industry team, Paul has taken on some impressive challenges, helping to raise over £100k for industry charities in recent years.
BALI Chalk Fund Chairman Peter Jennins says: “ We are delighted to welcome Paul to the board of trustees, his energy, enthusiasm and talents are well known in the industry, and we feel very privileged that he has committed to the charity at this critical time in our evolution. It’s so important that we stay relevant to, and aware of the industry’s needs, and having Paul on board will strengthen our industry ties enormously.”
Paul responded with typical enthusiasm at news of his appointment, “I’m excited to gain the opportunity to deepen my association with BALI through the BALI Chalk Fund, I am a strong advocate of training and education and with the skills shortage our industry is currently facing, the BALI Chalk Fund has a critical role to play in ensuring the industry is producing the next generation of landscaping talent.”