What made you apply to Arbtech?
My life had reached a point of change. My marriage had ended, I’d reached a milestone age, and whilst enjoyable, the job I was doing was part-time, and I needed to earn more.
I am a self-confessed tree nerd, so I was looking for tree-related work. A friend recommended Arbtech. She is an architect who has used Arbtech for surveys in the past, and she said they seemed like a really good company.
I had a look online, and it just so happened that they were looking for tree surveyors in my area. After having a read through the job information – including all the benefits and perks – I couldn’t get my application in quickly enough!
I’d applied for and interviewed for several other jobs, but this was the only one that I got excited about. Tree surveying is ideal work for a tree nerd! The ability to work from home and all the flexibility it offers was also a major plus.
One other major factor is the people. I am a firm believer in the idea that the people you work with are as important as the job you do. You could have the greatest job ever (which I now do), but if the people around you are not good to work with, it can quickly turn into a job from hell!
During the interview stage, I met a few people and was instantly put at ease – each of them was approachable and relaxed. Everyone I have met at Arbtech since then has been friendly, welcoming and clearly enjoying their job.
What do you love most about the company?
It’s early days yet, having only been with Arbtech for a few weeks, but one thing that makes working for Arbtech so good is the freedom.
Working from home and being able to manage your own diary gives you a sense of freedom that is (in my experience) quite rare.
Many employers seem to behave almost like overcontrolling parents, never giving their employees the chance to find out what they are capable of, and not trusting them to make decisions.
Arbtech is very different, and given how successful the company is, it seems to work.
What do you do when you are not at Arbtech?
I like reading and watching films, but mainly, I can be found climbing.
I’ve been passionate about climbing since my teens, climbing all over the UK and abroad. All kinds of climbing from bouldering in Fontainebleau, icefall climbing in Rjukan, Alpine mountaineering in Chamonix, sea cliff climbing on Anglesey, and climbing my local crags near Llangollen.
I am a member of Clwyd Mountaineering Club and was recently appointed training officer. I also hold qualifications as a mountain leader and rock-climbing instructor, and have worked as a freelance instructor.
These qualifications also led me to a voluntary role with the Scout Association to assess members in the skills for their permit scheme.
What is your biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
For a long time, I was reluctant to even try many things merely because I didn’t want to fail.
Developing a mindset where mistakes are seen as part of the learning process is vital.
I try to see mistakes as indicators that show where improvements can be made.
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
I haven’t been on a social yet, but I’m really looking forward to getting involved!
Where do you next want to travel to?
This year is a big one for me travel-wise.
I’ve already been to Spain for climbing, China to stay at the Southern Shaolin Temple, and the Chamonix valley in France for alpine mountaineering.
Next up is Switzerland for more alpine climbing in the Saas Fee Valley.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully progressing through the ranks of Arbtech!
Having completed further qualifications, I’ll perhaps be working as a consultant by then.
Whatever happens, I’ll definitely still be working in the world of trees!
I would also like to be living with my girlfriend, and maybe be able to buy a property abroad, with a more desk-based role that may allow me to spend some time living abroad too.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
I have a lot of goals for the future.
Continuing to share my life with my girlfriend, getting a membership for the Alpine Club, travelling to remote mountain areas like the Himalayas, and maybe even travelling to Antarctica.
Ray joined Arbtech in June 2026.
