Our Heritage
Kent Services was founded in 1976 by Jack Kent, whose vision, values and approach to business shaped the company for almost five decades. Jack sadly passed away in 2026, but his influence remains firmly at the heart of Kent Services today.
What began as small operation under the name J A Kent Services (East Midlands) Ltd has grown into the trusted, multi-skilled contractor Kent Services is today, with Jack’s commitment to hard work, personal service and doing what you say you will do continuing to guide the business.
The company began with traditional pest control services, tackling common problems such as rats, mice and cockroaches. As demand increased, Jack took on additional staff and steadily expanded the company’s capabilities. A major turning point came when Kent Services secured a contract with British Rail, marking the beginning of significant growth.
Initially, the contract focused on rabbit clearance along railway embankments and trackside locations. This work quickly expanded into full trackside clearance and maintenance, including the removal of overgrown shrubs, brambles and invasive vegetation, followed by tree pruning and removal where required.
As vegetation was cleared, it became apparent that adjoining farmland had been left vulnerable, with livestock escaping due to deteriorating boundaries. Kent Services responded by installing safe, stock-proof fencing alongside the railways.
Further challenges soon followed, including flooding caused by blocked culverts. Once again, Kent Services proved its value through prompt and efficient drainage clearance, helping to keep rail infrastructure safe and operational.
Through consistent reliability, honest workmanship and an unwavering commitment to delivering on time, the company’s reputation grew - and so did the business.
Although Kent Services remained a relatively small operation, it attracted contracts with some large companies. The team was regularly called into factories and production units to undertake fumigation and pest control, often working overnight or at weekends to minimise disruption to clients.
Over the years, the company’s grounds maintenance, drainage and arboriculture services also continued to develop and now form a major part of the business.
Built on Jack’s values
At the heart of Kent Services was Jack’s belief that a successful business is built on understanding your clients, researching the right solutions and delivering exactly what has been promised.
Availability, accountability and integrity were central to the way Jack worked - values that remain fundamental to the company today.
Jack believed that true success was not about making bold claims, but about following through. At Kent Services, commitments were made carefully and then delivered in full on time, on budget and with clear, open communication throughout.
That personal approach remains one of the defining characteristics of Kent Services. Customers know who they are dealing with, and relationships are built on trust, reliability and a genuine understanding of their needs.
A connection to the countryside
Jack’s deep rural roots also shaped the way Kent Services operates. For country people, work is not simply a job – it’s a way of life. It means working long hours, in all weathers, with a genuine understanding of the seasons and the natural world.
Much of the work Kent Services undertakes today continues to follow these natural cycles. This knowledge enables the team to provide practical, informed advice and carry out work at the right time, helping to achieve the best long-term results when working with trees, vegetation, wildlife and the wider environment.
Continuing the legacy
In 2014, Jack’s daughter Lucie officially joined the business, having grown up around her father’s work and learned first-hand the principles on which he had built the company.
Today, Lucie and Peter Stubbings manage the day-to-day running of Kent Services, continuing the work Jack began in 1976.
While Jack is no longer here to offer his guidance, his knowledge, standards and values continue to influence the way the company operates. His legacy lives on not only through his family, but through the team, the customers and the long-standing relationships that have helped Kent Services grow and celebrate 50 successful years.
From its beginnings as a small pest control business to the multi-skilled contractor it is today, Kent Services remains built on the same principles Jack valued from the very beginning: hard work, integrity, personal service and doing the job properly.
Our services at a glance
-
Arboriculture & Tree Services
We provide expert arboriculture services across the East Midlands region with a commitment to maintaining treescapes, and preserving the health, safety, and beauty of your trees and landscapes.
-
Grounds Maintenance Services
Professional grounds maintenance across the East Midlands, delivering reliable, high-quality care for commercial, public, and residential spaces.
-
Building & Property Maintenance
Comprehensive building and grounds maintenance for industrial estates, managing agents, local authorities, schools and other public or commercial facilities.
-
Landscape Contracting Services
Delivering a full spectrum of landscaping services for residential, commercial, and public sector clients.
-
Environmental & Ecological Services
We are a trusted leader in sustainable land management, delivering innovative green infrastructure solutions that support biodiversity, improve water management, and restore natural landscapes.
A proud legacy
Kent Services is a dedicated niche specialist in sustainability and biodiversity. We attract most of our work through client referrals and word of mouth and are proud to continue the legacy of our family-run business established 50 years ago, combining specialist knowledge with personal service.
Let’s discuss your project.
50 years of experience. One team you can rely on.
From arboriculture and grounds maintenance to ecology and landscape contracting, Kent Services has been supporting clients across the Midlands since 1976.