Who is Simon Rotheram

Simon Rotheram is a British entrepreneur and the visionary founder of Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd., one of the United Kingdom’s leading arboricultural companies. He founded the company in 1998 with a mission to professionalize the industry by focusing on safety, sustainability, and customer service. Over 25 years, his values-driven leadership has grown Beechwood into a highly accredited and respected organization known for its environmental stewardship and community impact.

In the late 1990s, Simon Rotheram saw what many in the arboricultural sector failed to notice: a gap, not just in services, but in values. While tree surgery was often seen as a transactional task, Simon recognized an opportunity to elevate the industry—to make it safer, more professional, and more sustainable. What began as an idea rooted in this vision would eventually grow into Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd, one of the UK’s most respected and accredited arboricultural companies.

A Vision Born from Necessity

It was 1998 when Simon founded Beechwood, driven by the realization that too many arboricultural companies lacked the professionalism, consistency, and customer service needed to thrive in a growing market. “I could see there was a shortage of companies that could deliver quality service safely and within budget,” Simon recalls. His mission was clear: to build a business that would address these gaps by combining technical expertise with a deep respect for the environment and the people it served.

With a clear commitment to customer service and long-term sustainability, Beechwood grew steadily, carving a reputation for itself as a forward-thinking company with a focus on safety and environmental stewardship. “The trees are at the heart of what we do,” Simon reflects, “but it’s our people who bring the expertise and care that our clients value.”

Leadership Rooted in Values

Scaling a business is rarely a linear journey, and Simon’s leadership at Beechwood has been no exception. Over the course of more than two decades, he has successfully expanded the company while maintaining a focus on what really matters: safety, employee well-being, and environmental responsibility. Simon was quick to put in place systems that would ensure Beechwood’s adherence to industry standards, leading the company to gain accreditation from the Arboricultural Association, Constructionline, and ISO certifications. These certifications were not just checkmarks for Simon, but symbols of a larger philosophy—a commitment to creating a workplace where safety and professionalism were non-negotiable.

At the core of Beechwood’s success has been Simon’s focus on his team. “Great teams aren’t built by chance; they’re built on trust, accountability, and respect,” he says. Simon believes that a well-trained, well-supported team is the cornerstone of any successful project, and it’s clear in his leadership style that he values collaboration above all else. Through investment in his team’s development and well-being, he has fostered a culture of pride, professionalism, and trust. This approach has allowed Beechwood to maintain a loyal and highly skilled workforce, ensuring the company’s ability to tackle even the most challenging projects with confidence.

Stewardship Beyond the Business

At a time when environmental responsibility is more important than ever, Simon’s philosophy has always gone beyond just delivering tree surgery and landscape management. For him, the role of his company is one of stewardship, ensuring that every decision made contributes to the health of the environment and the community. Under Simon’s guidance, Beechwood has implemented sustainable site clearance practices and biodiversity-focused planting schemes. “We’re in the business of managing trees and landscapes,” he explains, “but ultimately, we’re also caretakers of the environment. Every decision we make should consider the long-term health of our communities and natural spaces.”

This ethos has earned Beechwood a place at the forefront of the industry, not just for technical excellence but for its forward-thinking approach to sustainability. As Simon puts it, “We have the opportunity, and the responsibility, to support ecosystems, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to a greener future.”

Impacting Communities One Project at a Time

Beechwood’s work is not just about trees—it’s about people. Simon is keenly aware of the profound impact his company has on the communities it serves. From ensuring the safety of public trees to working with local authorities and housing associations to improve shared landscapes, Beechwood’s projects are deeply intertwined with the well-being of everyday life. “We want to leave spaces better than we found them,” Simon says, “not just for today, but for the next generation.”

This community-minded approach has been instrumental in Beechwood’s steady growth. Simon’s unwavering commitment to the public good has forged long-term relationships with councils, housing groups, and private clients alike, contributing to the company’s reputation as a trusted partner for large-scale, high-impact projects.

Looking to the Future

More than 25 years after founding Beechwood, Simon is far from slowing down. The business continues to evolve, diversifying into environmental consultancy and expanding its services in landscaping and large-scale site clearance. Simon sees these areas as key opportunities for growth, but he remains focused on maintaining the company’s core values of safety, professionalism, and sustainability. “The challenges we face, from climate change to skills shortages, are real,” Simon acknowledges. “But by combining innovation with responsibility, we can build an industry that thrives for decades to come.”

Looking ahead, Simon’s vision is clear: Beechwood will continue to grow, adapt, and lead the arboricultural industry, all while staying true to the principles that have guided it from the beginning.

A Lasting Legacy

Simon Rotheram’s journey is a powerful reminder of what thoughtful, values-driven leadership can accomplish. From identifying a market gap to growing Beechwood Trees and Landscapes into a highly respected and accredited company, his story is one of resilience, innovation, and impact. Simon’s leadership has not only built a business but also shaped an industry, showing that with vision, trust, and a commitment to community and sustainability, it is possible to balance profit with purpose.

As Simon himself puts it, “Success is measured not just in contracts won or companies scaled, but in the safety of workers, the health of trees, and the well-being of communities.” His legacy is one that will continue to inspire leaders, businesses, and communities for generations to come.

Key Leadership Lessons

• Invest in People, Not Just Systems
  True leadership comes from empowering your team, not just refining processes.
• Balance Growth with Responsibility
  Growth should never come at the expense of the environment or the people who support you.
• Create a Culture of Trust and Collaboration
  A united team can overcome challenges and achieve exceptional outcomes.
• Lead with Vision, Not Just Transactional Goals
  Leadership is about setting a direction that transcends short-term objectives.
• Embrace Stewardship and Environmental Responsibility
  Leaders must consider the long-term well-being of both their business and the planet.

Editorial Note

At Executives Diary, we believe every leader has a unique story worth sharing. If you have a compelling journey that reflects your career growth, challenges, and achievements, we want to hear from you. Share your story with us by submitting it to mystory@executivesdiary.com, and we’ll consider featuring you in an upcoming edition—at no cost to you.