{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/61308c707f169200194a3cfd/61308c76c6e18e001450896b?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"How investing in local communities is helping reduce the skills gap and shoring up the future for Countrywide Grounds Maintenance","description":"<p>\"Our aim ...is to have an apprentice on every contract that we maintain\", says Countrywide Grounds Maintenance managing director Paul McKeown.</p> <p>Having worked in horticulture his entire working life, a desire to give back to the 46 local communities where the firm has a presence led to 'community first' - an initiative which aims to train and recruit local talent.</p> <p>McKeown also discusses the firms's journey so far, how the business fared through Covid-19 and goals for the future - as well his love of geraniums and Sunderland FC!</p>","author_name":"HortWeek"}