Women in arb: Annalize Wright, owner of Staffordshire-based ACW Arb

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND?

My ambition had always been to take up a career as a farrier. After leaving school I attended Moreton Morrell College in Warwickshire and completed the pre-farrier course with forging certification. It was at college that I first noticed tree climbers. Every week, on my way down to the forge, I’d see ropes dangling from trees and voices echoing around. Sometimes I’d stop and look up to spot them, until one day the lecturers asked me if I’d like to have a go! I loved it from the beginning and couldn’t believe you could get paid to climb trees! I continued on, completed the course and eventually found an apprenticeship a long way from home. After just a few months I realised that farriery just wasn’t for me. I returned to my parents, got a job at a supermarket and learnt to drive. During this period, I Googled local Arb Approved contractors and wrote (yes, it was 14 years ago!) letters to six companies asking for work experience two days a week. I wanted to be sure this time before going on another course. Only one company got back to me and asked me if I’d like to attend an aerial rescue training day that weekend. James Tonks Tree Surgery (based in Shenstone) was very good to me and I was most fortunate to start my career with such a reputable and professional company.

WHERE ARE YOU BASED?

I’m based in Lichfield, in Staffordshire.

WHAT DOES YOUR DAY-TO-DAY WORK INVOLVE?

I do every aspect of running a tree surgery company. I load up the tools and equipment, I work on the tools, I quote and invoice jobs, maintain the equipment and all other paperwork and admin involved in running your own business.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?

Most of our work is domestic tree surgery and hedge work, but we do work for a number of schools, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Countrywide, Lichfield Council and Lichfield Cathedral being just a few.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO PURSUE A CAREER IN ARBORICULTURE?

At the beginning I’ll admit it was down to the fact that I thought getting paid to climb trees looked like great fun. However, over the years, as I learned more theory-based knowledge and understanding, I noticed trees more; I fell in love with trees and my passion hasn’t stopped growing.

READ MORE: Women in arb: Margrethe Wheeler

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED?

After one month of work experience at James Tonks Tree Surgery I was offered a full-time position. It wasn’t long before James encouraged me to enter the UK & Ireland Tree Climbing Competition back in 2006. Everyone was so supportive and encouraging. I realised it was never about winning, but taking part.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE OF ARB WORK?

The first job I ever went out on was with John Tonks and it was one I will never forget. It was a massive pine take-down in a back garden of a private estate, John used a Hobbs lowering device and I was in awe throughout the whole day. I was allowed to have a go at spiking on the lower stem, which I found a very unnatural feeling (I’ve always enjoyed pruning more), and although I was dragging brash and feeding the chipper most of the day, I really did love the job from the start. The sense of being part of a team, the results that could be achieved as a team where every cog has its place, and, of course, the constant cups of tea!

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT IN THE INDUSTRY?

Setting up and running my own company while starting a family. I set up my company when my son was just three months old. It wasn’t easy juggling the two, mentally and physically.

HOW WAS YOUR WORKLOAD AFFECTED BY the COVID-19 PANDEMIC?

The last year has been the busiest year for me thus far! When the schools closed, I did stop work and gathered my thoughts for two weeks, then myself and my partner juggled having our children while the other worked. I reduced my workload and staggered out jobs, turnover and profits dropped for three months but soon quotes started coming in quicker than I could almost deal with. My mum stepped in as our support bubble and I was able to work properly again. I invested in a new van and plan to purchase a bigger chipper soon.

WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE OF BEING A WOMAN IN A MALE-DOMINATED INDUSTRY BEEN?

It has had its ups and downs. I do believe our industry is very much behind the times in terms of gender equality, but this is steadily improving. I see more and more women entering this industry all the time and it feels wonderful.

Of course, it takes a certain kind of woman to want to do this work, but you must have a thick skin, learn to roll with the banter, don’t take things personally and be prepared to meet men that just do not like the fact you can do something as well as they can!

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACING THE SECTOR AT THE MOMENT, IN YOUR VIEW?

Personally, within the UK I can’t see anyone attempting to move over to two ropes and I’m not surprised. I think it’s impractical and sometimes unnecessary! I am currently practising and trying to use two ropes in medium to large tree climbs, where circumstances allow. However, doing domestic tree surgery in the Midlands means I’m climbing medium and small trees that have usually been butchered in the past; trying to scramble around re-gen with two ropes and a lanyard is just not happening! Accidents can happen at any time to anyone and our industry is seeing the effects of a boom in new companies setting up over the last few years in the Midlands. My insurances have increased each year, yet I have never had an accident, nor claimed on insurance, pricing has become increasingly difficult due to companies desperate to keep afloat dropping their prices and this only adds to work pressure. I fear this legislation for two ropes will only adversely affect the reputable companies out there that are doing things correctly in the first place.

READ MORE: Women in arb: Viktoria Carstens

ARBORICULTURE IS VERY POPULAR ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS SUCH AS INSTAGRAM – WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS?

Our world is changing, and social media is a big part of that. It allows people to discover and learn, support and follow other like-minded people. I think social media is a good thing for this industry as it makes it easier than ever to learn about industry standards, reach out and get in contact with professionals and work together.

HOW IMPORTANT IS A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE WHEN WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY?

It is the most important thing of all. Everybody wants to do a job they love but to do that without compromising your family life can be difficult. Being a woman in this industry is even harder if you wish to have a family. When I fell pregnant with my son I was employed and put onto quoting, surgery, maintenance, etc. After having him, I felt there were no options available to me. It was at this point I decided I did not want to give up my dreams. Doing my own jobs seemed like the only way forward. Little did I know then when I imagined bringing in a little extra money here and there to help run the house, that one day I would be running a company that would ultimately support my family and even allow them to live the life I’d always wanted for them.

The independence and thinking space I get when climbing trees helps me reflect and appreciate my home comforts. It’s all about the balance; I work to live, not live to work!

ANY PARTICULAR AMBITIONS YOU ARE LOOKING TO ACHIEVE IN THE NEAR FUTURE?

I plan to expand my business further over the next five years so that by the time I hit 40 I can employ a team of three to run the tools. Of course, I wish to maintain my fitness and well-being by picking and choosing the jobs I wish to attend but I do have back problems that started during pregnancy, so thinking of your future is important. I don’t want to expand too much that I lose touch with customers and quality of work but enough that I take a backseat at times.

Follow Annalize on Instagram: @annakins_tree_walker

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