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Wickstead Works – Systemising Success for Geelong’s High-End Landscaping Specialists
How Wickstead Works transformed from a “winging it” small operator to a process-driven, high-profit force redefining the boutique landscaping market
About the business
Wickstead Works is a family-owned landscaping and garden design business led by Ben and Christyaan Wickstead, serving Geelong, Torquay, Barwon Heads, and the Surf Coast. Known for breathtaking gardens and bespoke landscape construction, Wickstead Works has a reputation for craftsmanship, creative vision, and transforming outdoor spaces to fit their clients’ lifestyles.
Before working with Candour Strategy, the team operated on instinct rather than process. There were no formal quoting systems, no structured roles, and rapidly mounting headaches as client expectations, job sizes, and prospects grew.
Challenges
- No processes, systems, or reliable quoting framework—making profit margins unpredictable and inconsistent
- Unclear roles and accountability, especially as a husband-wife leadership team
- Struggling to stand out and win premium, boutique jobs in a competitive market
- Frequent “profit bleed” on projects due to inadequate terms, scope creep, and cost controls
- Blocked from larger tenders and government contracts due to operational gaps
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The Solution
Candour Strategy delivered a practical, business-changing strategy:
- Developed and embedded a comprehensive quoting and margin-management system, training Ben and Christyaan to quote competitively and protect profits
- Built out “bulletproof” terms and conditions to stop margin losses and ensure control over every project
- Consulted on brand positioning, giving Wickstead Works a clear point of difference to attract high-end and boutique market clients
- Supported recruitment and role clarity, enabling team growth and smoother internal operations
- Provided responsive, on-call guidance and accountability—keeping the business agile as new opportunities and challenges emerged
90%
Revenue grew by over 90% within twelve months, driven by bigger, better-margin jobs
+
Wickstead Works now regularly wins state and government (school) landscaping tenders
18%
Operating margin improved by at least 18%—“profit bleed” is firmly under control
x2
Team headcount doubled, but stress and hours for the founders actually dropped
What this means for you
Trying to “wing it” only works for so long. With the right systems, profit focus, and service positioning, even the busiest small operators can break into lucrative markets, secure their margins, and build a business that thrives and scales with clarity and control.