Team & Equipment

Our Office Team

• 

  Denny Sweet

  Managing Director

  After completing his education with Keith Banyard tree surgeons, Denny started working for Daniel C Upton Ltd (DCU), a specialised tree service company in East Dorset, where he gained valuable experience and knowledge in the field. In 2009 he was offered a management buyout and reincorporated the company to Upton Specialised Tree Services Ltd (USTS).

  Over the years, USTS has grown and expanded, and Denny is now proud to employ a team of over 50 skilled and dedicated professionals. USTS provide a range of services, including tree surgery, forestry, site clearance stump removal, hedge trimming, to clients across the south.

  In addition to his work in arboriculture, Denny is also passionate about business and modern machinery technology. He enjoys staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in these fields, and is always looking for ways to improve and streamline his business operations.

  When he is not working, Denny enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the beautiful countryside around Dorset. He is also an avid reader and enjoys learning about new topics and ideas.

• 

  Leanne Sweet

  Managing Director

  Leanne is a highly accomplished professional who has made a name for herself in the world of finance and business. She spent the early part of her career working as a trade support worker for various hedge funds and investment banks in the UK, Asia, and New York.

  In 2015, Leanne became a director of Upton Specialised Tree Services (USTS). Since joining the company, Leanne has played a key role in its growth and success. She has used her expertise in finance and business to help streamline operations, improve efficiency, and expand the company's reach.

  Outside of work, Leanne enjoys, socialising, spending time with her family and exploring the beautiful countryside around Dorset with Colin the family's Cockapoo.

• 

  Luke Grime

  Project/Line Manger

  Luke Grime is Project/Line Manager at USTS and with over 10 years of experience in senior management roles, Luke brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to his current position. Prior to his work in the arboricultural industry, Luke worked for the UK's largest insurance broker, where he gained invaluable experience that he now applies to his role.

  Luke's recently completed a course in Business and Climate Change at the University of Cambridge, further expanding his knowledge and understanding of sustainable practices. Committed to making a positive impact, Luke actively seeks ways to integrate eco-friendly approaches into his work within the arboricultural industry.

  Outside of his professional pursuits, Luke is an avid runner and recently completed the Amsterdam marathon and is now in training for the Jurassic Coast Ultra marathon.

• 

  Oliver Buck

  Compliance Manager

  Oliver is Compliance Manager and has been with USTS for 6 years. With over 20 years’ experience, Oli’s knowledge and expertise is invaluable and he continues to expand on his knowledge with continuous professional development. It’s not only Arboriculture that Oli specialises in, but he also has a passion for Health and safety and is currently undertaking a Level 6 in H&S, which in our industry is incredibly important. Within the business Oliver manages various projects on a daily basis for a multitude of our clients. Additionally, he monitors and maintains compliance as a business, ensuring we are meeting all industry standards and adhering to all H&S regulations.

  In his spare time Oliver likes to spend time keeping fit and active and enjoys spending time with his family.

• 

  Nicky de Kleijn

  Office and Accounts Manager

  Nicky manages accounts, HR, and training for us and has over 20 years’ experience in business management including marketing, communications, HR, and finance.

  For 10 years she was at Director at a number of London based Marketing and PR agencies before moving on to Management roles within the IT, HR software and Hotel Industries, which included 10 years living and working in Australia. She has a BA (Hons) in Business Studies and has a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

  In her spare time Nicky enjoys catching up with friends and family and loves getting out and enjoying the best of our local Dorset beaches, countryside and enjoying the great pubs and restaurants.

• 

  Ed Greatorex

  Contracts Manager

  Ed Greatorex is one of the Contracts Manager at Uptons Specialised Tree Services, spearheading operations in Wiltshire. With a strong focus on highway ash dieback management and mechanical tree removal, Ed brings a wealth of expertise to the field of arboriculture.

  Ed is dedicated to enhancing the industry through his work and his extensive knowledge and experience enable him to deliver efficient and effective solutions, ensuring the preservation and maintenance of trees in various challenging environments.

  In his spare time Ed enjoys conquering rugged trails on his mountain bike. As a sports enthusiast, Ed is an avid fan of rugby and Formula 1 racing. However, his greatest joy comes from spending quality time with his wife, two sons, and his beloved cocker spaniel, Duke.

• 

  Alex Keyworth

  Surveyor

  Alex has been with Upton Specialised Tree Services Ltd. since 2019 and has over 14 years of industry experience.

  Originally coming on as a lead climber and team leader, he is now the surveyor for West Dorset and in charge of all our Dorset Council and National Trust work.

  He has a National Diploma in Arboriculture and has recently passed his Professional Tree Inspector qualification with the Arb Association.

  In his free time Alex enjoys being outdoors, whether it be walking, wild camping, swimming or just relaxing at the beach with his wife.

• 

  Craig Lane

  Surveyor & Site Supervisor

  Craig is a dedicated professional with over 11 years of experience in the arboriculture industry, Craig began as a trainee arborist at Upton Specialised Tree Services and over the 9 years at the company, has progressed to become a trusted and accomplished tree surveyor.

  Craig has a National Diploma in Horticulture with multiple NPTC certificates in Arboriculture and has passed his Professional Tree inspection Course through the Arb Association.

  As a tree surveyor Craig conducts ash die back surveys for Wiltshire Council and the surrounding areas.

  In his free time Craig likes to be outdoors as much as possible enjoying it with his family.

• 

  Simon Reed

  Surveyor

  Simon is an ex-army medic who served our country in the army and completed two operational tours of Afghanistan. For over a decade, he has been working as a tree surgeon across various roles including rail and utility work.

  Simon has worked with Uptons for more than two years now where he looks after the construction contracts for tree work on construction sites along with domestic and commercial jobs.

  In his spare time Simon enjoys spending time with his family and is also Head of girls football at Ringwood Town FC.

• 

  Ian Jopling

  Fencing Manager

  Ian Jopling is a highly experienced and dedicated Fencing Manager with an impressive track record of 30 years in the industry. With vast experience working on various sites across the country, Ian has developed a deep understanding of both commercial and domestic fencing projects.

  Ian's expertise lies in managing teams and ensuring that projects are completed within budget and on schedule, all while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety. He has successfully handled complex fencing installations, repairs, and maintenance projects for a diverse range of clients.

  In his spare time Ian enjoys playing Darts and was at one time ranked 81st in the country!