'I started working in landscaping during my school holidays in the West Midlands now I lead a team of five in my own business and I've worked on a McDonalds drive-thru'

Bradley Smith has been working in the landscaping industry since he was a teenager.

“I first started when I was 16 or 17. While I was at school, I used to help my now father-in-law on days off and during the holidays,” says the 29-year-old.

He continued to gain experience in the trade working on residential and commercial projects while studying for a degree in sport and exercise science at the University of Wolverhampton. 

After graduating, Bradley, who lives in Bridgnorth, decided to follow his passion for landscaping and with the support and guidance of his father-in-law started his own business, Codsall Driveways, in 2018.

Earlier this year, the firm acquired CobbleCrete Ltd – the business where Bradley first learned the ropes – and now he leads a team of five.

Bradley specialises in pattern imprinted concrete which incorporates colours and patterns into freshly poured concrete on surfaces such as driveways, paths and patios.

Imprinted concrete is used all over the world by large companies which experience a lot of traffic – such as a Mcdonald’s drive-through – because it’s strong and durable.

He says customers get “a traditional style without the issue of weakness or sinking”. 

Weeds cannot grow through the concrete once it’s laid, meaning they also benefit from a maintenance-free area.

“It’s very hard-wearing with lots of patterns and colours available – there are over 100 different colours and patterns. 

“We can make it completely bespoke to them,” explains Bradley.

The job takes him all over Shropshire, Wolverhampton and the West Midlands.

The team has also travelled up to Manchester to carry out work in the car park of a branch of McDonald’s. 

There is no such thing as a typical day for a landscaper. 

“A day is never the same in my trade,” says Bradley. 

He will always aim to start new jobs on a Monday and the first step when creating a new driveway or patio is to excavate the site and remove the debris.

“We will dig out the area and develop it how the customer wants,” says Bradley.

Working outdoors means trying to stay one step ahead of the weather because the concrete needs to be poured and printed while it’s dry.

“It’s a really weather dependent job,” says Bradley, who can be found working in all temperatures.

“I’m checking the forecast all the time. I’ve got five different weather apps on my phone,” he adds.

The final step of the process is sealing and varnishing the new surface. 

An anti-slip agent is also added to the seal.

One of the biggest challenges he has faced since becoming a landscaper was a short-term shortage of concrete caused by the lockdown building boom.

For Bradley, one of the best things about being a landscaper is being able to help people put their own stamp on their property and get the most out of their outdoor space

“I love giving back to customers. Every job we do is what I would do if it was my own property,” he says.

As well as working in the fresh air, he also likes knowing that people will benefit from having less outdoor tasks on their to-do lists.

“Our lives are busy and the last thing we want to be doing at the weekends is weeding our drives,” says Bradley.

To succeed as a landscaper, Bradley says workers need to be dedicated to ensuring projects are delivered on time and to the highest possible standard. 

Good communication with the customer is also very important to ensure they are happy every step of the way.

A successful landscaper also needs to be willing to learn, be a team player and to go above and beyond when required, says Bradley.

“You need to be polite, very approachable and punctual,” he explains. 

“You need to enjoy what you’re doing and believe in what you’re doing.

“It’s not just about earning money, it’s also about giving something back to the client – we want it to last and we want it to look nice.” 

For further information visit www.codsalldriveways.co.uk

To see some of Codsall Driveways & CobbleCrete Ltd’s latest projects follow www.facebook.com/CodsallDriveways