This has been created by an industry steering group that includes the Arboricultural Association; Bartlett Tree Experts; the International Society of Aboricultural UK and Ireland Chapter; Glendale Countryside; A M Lane Ltd, Landex Colleges and Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for land-based and environmental industries. The Group is chaired by Jaime Bray of Treetop Arboriculture.

The R2 Register of Tree Work Operatives, whose aim is to professionalise the arboricultural industry, is an innovative online register of operatives’ skills, qualifications and experience. It supports individuals to gain recognition for their skills and professional growth, and make these skills more visible to employers. It also helps employers and contractors manage skill levels within their workforce and acts as a selling aid by projecting the industry qualifications of their staff to potential clients.

Makita is supporting the R2 initiative to encourage higher professional skills and safety standards. Mark Earles, Makita UK ’s National Sales Manager for Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE), explains this vital role.

Expanding the recognition of individual skills raises the performance standards of the whole arboricultural industry and matches Makita’s own ambition to supply premium performance chainsaws to a highly skilled workforce. Ultimately, a client, whether private or corporate, will be able to identify a skilled R2 registered contractor and be confident that he is using the best saw, the most appropriate equipment, and is totally capable of providing best-practice tree care in undertaking the task they have been set.”

The online R2 tool is being refined now in readiness for a soft launch this Autumn and a go-live date of Spring 2014. 

“Realising the R2 vision is dependent on the contributions of arboricultural organisations and to date we have secured considerable support,” says Ros Burnley, Industry Partnership Manager, Trees and Timber, Lantra, “and we are delighted with Makita’s major sponsorship in this industry-first initiative.”

Visitors to the Makita UK exhibit at IOG Saltex 2013, stand K45, will be amongst the first to see a presentation of the R2 online register. IOG Saltex is the UK ’s national event for grounds care, sports, amenity, estates and green space management.