Ken McAnespie deserves recognition from all those who have benefited from all the great work he has done. His many achievements demonstrate a professional who is driven to innovate, to push the boundaries and serve fellow professionals.

Rising to the challenge of competitive tendering of local authority parks and open spaces services – and while others were bemoaning the CCT legislation of the 1980s – Ken rose to the challenge and developed innovative new systems that not only helped make the contract management process less onerous but almost certainly helped councils and contractors alike save money and raise their game. There’s no doubt that Ken broke new ground here.

The Green Flag Park Awards have been a great success and are now used by government as a benchmark of excellence and best practice green space provision. The Scheme was the idea of a small team of like-minded parks and environmental professionals, and Ken was one of the original architects of the Scheme. It is typical of Ken that he was the one who put the Awards on a business-like footing by applying his deep knowledge of the market and of sound marketing practice. Without his advice the Awards may not have achieved their present status and standing.