Welcome to the first instalment of the Arbortec Forestwear Inspire Series - a new platform shining a spotlight on the individuals and organisations shaping the future of arboriculture. These are the stories of the people who redefine our industry through innovation, courage, and commitment to community.
We begin with a pioneering business that embodies these values at every level: Rockleigh Ltd. Beyond award-winning commercial tree work, Rockleigh has become an industry force through its unwavering commitment to opportunity, professional development, and social mobility. Their story is proof that, with passion and belief, a garage workshop can grow into an organisation recognised by royalty.
Who Is Rockleigh Ltd?
Rockleigh Ltd was founded in 2016 by arborist Tom Watters, who brought twenty years of industry experience to the new venture. After the end of a previous partnership, Tom found himself at a crossroads. Rather than step back, he decided to start again - with nothing more than his skill, a handful of loyal team members, two vans, and two chippers. The earliest days were spent working from his home garage. It was a challenging time, but Tom’s commitment never faltered. His wife, Renée, joined the business just three months after giving birth - managing operations while Tom led from the field. Their shared commitment to building something meaningful formed the foundation of the brand we know today as Rockleigh.
Within a year, the business had grown into a larger workshop, with additional rigs, vehicles, staff, and a separate office. That growth continued, and Rockleigh now operates from a substantial unit with a combined workshop and office, giving the business the operational capacity required to deliver large-scale commercial projects.
Over the past nine years, Rockleigh has grown alongside its customers, focusing solely on commercial tree work. Their client retention reflects their industry reputation: dependable, responsive, and consistently professional.
Core Values: Service, Understanding & Respect
At Rockleigh, values aren’t marketing language - they guide daily culture and practice.
✅ Outstanding Service
Customers can expect responsive, solutions-focused communication at every stage of the job.
✅ Understanding Clients’ Needs
Rockleigh prioritises communication and tailored planning, delivering work safely and efficiently.
✅ Respect for People
From the very beginning, Tom and Renée committed to treating their team well. Rockleigh invests in training, fair opportunities, and supportive working environments, believing that when people thrive, the business thrives.
These values have allowed Rockleigh to build trust with clients and cultivate a team that grows stronger every year.
What Makes Rockleigh Stand Out?
In a busy industry, Rockleigh has differentiated itself through high standards, a strong identity, and a unique commitment to training.
Professional Presentation
From day one, Rockleigh set out to show that a tree business can be a business in the truest sense. Uniforms are clean and consistent; equipment and vehicles are meticulously maintained. This professionalism has become central to their brand and reputation.
Training Tomorrow’s Arborists
One of Rockleigh’s proudest achievements is its initiative to employ staff with no previous experience - bringing in individuals who are passionate about the outdoors and training them from start to finish to meet the highest industry standards.
This accessible development pathway helps unlock opportunities for people who may not have had them otherwise.
Support for Neurodivergent Staff
Rockleigh also specialises in training and adapting roles for neurodivergent team members, adjusting teaching and workflow where possible to ensure every individual has the chance to succeed. Their people-first approach has earned national recognition — not only for the business but for their impact on social mobility.
During a moment that encapsulates the depth of their journey, Renée was told by His Majesty The King:
“Keep up the good work — we need more tree surgeons!”
From a garage to the palace.
A statement of how far belief, compassion, and dedication can travel.
Recent Awards & Achievements
Rockleigh’s rise is more than a success story - it’s a story of contribution. The company has earned significant industry and enterprise recognition for its commitment to training, inclusion, and professional excellence.
Among their achievements:
🏆 King’s Award for Enterprise 2024
Awarded for promoting opportunity through social mobility - one of only eight recipients that year.
🏆 Princess Royal Training Award 2023
Plus a special commendation - one of only five.
🎓 Tom Watters -MCGI
A Member of the City & Guild Institute, awarded for services to arboricultural training.
🏆 SOMO 2024
Runner-up for Small Business of the Year, followed by
🏆 Platinum Small Business of the Year Award 2025
🏆 Theo Paphitis Small Business Sunday Award
🏆 Pro Landscaper Awards 2025 - Finalist
• Arboriculture Company of the Year
• Employer of the Year
✅ Member of Safe Contractor
✅ Member of the Arboricultural Association
These milestones reflect Rockleigh’s deep commitment to excellence - not only in commercial tree services but as a leader in workforce development.
A Pathway to a Stronger Industry
Rockleigh’s mission extends beyond service delivery. Their approach highlights the importance of creating opportunities, removing barriers, and ensuring that arboriculture continues to grow as a skilled, inclusive, and respected craft.
Their team is a blend of new starters, rising talent, and experienced professionals - all united by the belief that arboriculture can offer meaningful, stable careers. Their training model creates skilled climbers and groundworkers, instilling confidence and competence while strengthening the future of the industry.
For Arbortec Forestwear’s community, Rockleigh represents the future of modern arboriculture: professional, inclusive, and deeply committed to the people behind the work.
Join the Story - Your Next Step
Whether you’re exploring new opportunities at the start of your career or already established and eager to contribute, Rockleigh would love to hear from you.
They are always looking for motivated individuals who share their passion for trees, teamwork, and doing things the right way.
📩 Email: info@rockleighltd.com
🌐 Website: www.rockleighltd.com
📸 Instagram: @rockleighltd
🎵 TikTok: Rockleigh Ltd
📘 Facebook: Rockleighltd
