About Us
ChainsawCourses.co.uk is powered by Great Oaks, a trusted name in arboriculture, grounds maintenance, and training. From our base in Preston, Lancashire, we’ve built a reputation for delivering safe, practical, and professional chainsaw courses, tree surgeon qualifications, and NPTC-accredited training.
Our Story is Simple
We started as a family-run tree services company with a passion for arboriculture. Over the years, our team grew, our experience deepened, and we saw a clear need for high-quality chainsaw training delivered by people with real, hands-on knowledge. That’s when Great Oaks Training was developed as part of our wider business.
Today, through ChainsawCourses.co.uk, we’re expanding across the UK, helping individuals, businesses, and local authorities access the training they need — and offering experienced professionals the chance to run their own training businesses through our franchise model.
About Great Oaks
Great Oaks Tree Services was established in 2018 in Kirkham, Lancashire. What started as a small, passionate team has grown into a recognised provider of:
- Tree surgery and arborist services
- Grounds maintenance for commercial sites
- Site clearance and vegetation management
- LOLER inspections
- Arboriculture and forestry training
Our company is ARB Approved, Constructionline Gold Accredited, and recognised by ROSPA, Acclaim, and Achilles UVDB Silver Plus. These accreditations reflect the confidence that major clients and infrastructure providers place in our work.
About Great Oaks Training
As our company grew, so did the demand for training. We built Great Oaks Training around small group sizes, expert instruction, and real-world preparation. We focus on delivering City & Guilds NPTC qualifications, covering everything from chainsaw maintenance and tree felling to aerial rescue and climbing with a rope and harness.
Learners also gain access to our exclusive e-learning portal, with workbooks and videos that support them before and after their training. This makes our courses more accessible, while keeping the focus firmly on practical, hands-on skills.
Our Franchise Model
Through ChainsawCourses.co.uk, we’re now making our training model available to others. Our franchise partners benefit from:
- A proven route to establish a training business in their region
- Full train-the-trainer support and mentoring
- Marketing and SEO through ChainsawCourses.co.uk, already ranking for key searches like chainsaw course near me and chainsaw licence UK
- Access to tailored CRM and booking systems to reduce admin
- Preferred rates for equipment and assessments
- Ongoing operational and marketing support
It’s a chance for experienced arborists, forestry professionals, or tree surgeons to move into self-employment, use their skills to train others, and build a long-term business with full backing behind them.
Meet the Team
Jason – Director
Jason began his career in 2006 with a National Diploma in Arboriculture from Myerscough College. After working across the industry, achieving Qualified Teacher Status, and leading apprenticeships at Myerscough, he founded Great Oaks in 2018. Jason drives the company forward, combining his love of arboriculture with a passion for teaching.
Jamie – Operations Manager
Jamie brings over eight years of experience in arboriculture and grounds maintenance. He makes sure projects and training courses run smoothly, managing schedules, compliance, and client relations.
Tom – Senior Technical Instructor
With more than 17 years in forestry and arboriculture, Tom has worked in New Zealand, at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, and with Forestry England. He is now a qualified assessor and leads on technical training, ensuring learners get safe, professional, and practical instruction.
Why We Do It
From the start, our focus has been on delivering training that matters – not just ticking a box, but giving people the confidence and competence to work safely with chainsaws, climb trees, and manage woodland. We believe in small groups, experienced instructors, and practical, hands-on learning that prepares people for real work.
Whether you’re booking your first chainsaw course, refreshing your NPTC qualifications, or applying for a franchise, our goal is the same: to give you the tools, support, and knowledge to succeed.