Building Landscapes and Communities – Interview with Denise Gomes Bentley of Atlantes Landscapes

Al Gibson spoke with Denise Gomes Bentley of Atlantes Landscapes in Exeter about the award-winining company and its values. Denise, who is Strategy Director at the company, which is based in Dunchideock, shares about the company’s values, its recent volunteer project planting a hedge for YMCA Exeter in Paignton and why community engagement is central to its culture

Devon Business News: Atlantes has received major recognition in the industry and supported a number of worthwhile causes. Tell us more.

Denise Gomes Bentley: Yes, we’re very pleased about the industry acclaim our company has received in recent years. Our team led by my husband Paul Bentley won gold at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2024 alongside local garden designers Chris Hull and Sid Hill. This was a fantastic achievement and a real credit to the strength of the team.

Then, in 2025 we were named ‘Company of The Year’ by the Association of Professional Landscapers. For us, though, success is not only about awards. It is also about how we use our skills and position to make a positive difference.

That is why we encourage our team to participate in staff volunteer days twice a year. Previously we have done a beach clean up day at Dawlish Warren and we recently planted a hedge for YMCA Exeter in Paignton to provide privacy for the residents.

Another exciting project our team have worked on is a TV series featuring home make overs for charity. We cannot say more about that yet until it airs, but that is another example of the kind of work we like to deliver, to a high standard.

Devon Business News: Why is community engagement so important to Atlantes Landscapes?

Denise Gomes Bentley: Because it reflects who we are as a company. Community engagement is one of our core values. We believe businesses have a responsibility to contribute positively to society. But there is another benefit as well. When teams work together on something meaningful outside their usual roles, it strengthens relationships and reinforces the culture of the company. It reminds everyone that we are part of something bigger than just our day-to-day work.

Devon Business News: Tell us about your staff volunteer day for YMCA Exeter. What inspired the initiative?

Denise Gomes Bentley: For us, supporting the community is something that comes from the heart. As a company we believe that businesses should contribute positively to the communities where they operate.

By bringing our team to volunteer at Cove House, one of YMCA Exeter’s newest properties, we reinforce that value internally. It reminds everyone that our work is not only about landscaping projects and commercial contracts – it is also about using our skills to help people who are more vulnerable. We hope that by doing this we set a positive example, both for our team and for our clients, and maybe encourage others to do something similar.

Devon Business News: Why did you choose to support YMCA in particular?

Denise Gomes Bentley: There were a couple of reasons. First, we admire the work YMCA does worldwide in supporting young people and providing safe places for them to live. Secondly, Paul and I are Christians and the values that YMCA Exeter represents resonate strongly with our own beliefs – helping people, building community and creating opportunities.

When we learned about the new supported accommodation project in Paignton and the need for practical help around the property, it felt like a natural partnership

Left: Denise Gomes Bentley (left) with Lydia Brown (right) Torbay Housing Manager and Warden at YMCA Paignton.
Right: The Atlantes Landscapes Maintenance Team at work planting a hedge at Cove House.

Devon Business News: Tell us a little about the project itself.

Denise Gomes Bentley: The project is called Cove House and it will provide supported accommodation for young people who are at risk of homelessness. When we visited the site, the YMCA team explained how the house will give residents not only a place to stay but also guidance and support as they develop life skills and work towards independence.

It’s actually in a beautiful location overlooking the sea, and it really struck us that the environment itself can play a role in helping people feel hopeful about the future. Our contribution was quite simple, we planted a hedge around the property, but even small improvements can help make the space more welcoming and secure.

Devon Business News: Who from Atlantes Landscapes took part in the volunteer day?

Denise Gomes Bentley: The team included Stewart, who is our Senior Team Leader, along with Aaron, Michael and Adam from our grounds maintenance team. They normally work on commercial landscaping and maintenance projects across Devon, but on this day they came together to work on the YMCA site.

They did a great job and were also able to hear from the YMCA team in Paignton about the valuable work they do.

Devon Business News: Sounds like you have a great team?

Denise Gomes Bentley: Yes they are fantastic. One of the great things about our team is the depth of horticultural knowledge they have. For example, Michael knows the Latin names of all the plants and understands plant health in detail. That expertise is something our clients really value, and it also means that when we take part in projects like the YMCA one, we know the work will be done properly and sustainably.

Devon Business News: How did the team respond to the experience?

Denise Gomes Bentley: They loved it. When you spend most of your time working on residential and commercial sites, it can be refreshing to step into a project where the social impact is very clear.

The YMCA staff were also incredibly welcoming. They took the time to explain the history of the organisation and the challenges they face in supporting young people. And they looked after us very well – there were donuts, chocolate bars and hot drinks waiting for the team. I think they may have set a very high standard for future volunteer days!

Devon Business News: How do projects like this fit into the wider strategy for the company?

Denise Gomes Bentley: Our strategy is built around sustainable growth and strong values. We want Atlantes Landscapes to be recognised not only for the quality of our landscaping work but also for the way we operate as a business. That means investing in our people, building strong partnerships and contributing to the community where we work. Volunteer projects like the one with YMCA are a natural extension of that philosophy.

Devon Business News: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of Atlantes Landscapes?

Denise Gomes Bentley: We want to continue growing while maintaining the values that define us. That means developing our team, expanding the services we provide and strengthening our reputation across Devon and the South West. But we also want to keep creating opportunities to give back to the community. Projects like the YMCA volunteer day remind us why those values matter.

Devon Business News: Finally, what message would you share with other businesses in Devon?

Denise Gomes Bentley: I would encourage businesses to look for opportunities to get involved in their communities. It doesn’t have to be something huge. Even a small project can make a real difference. When businesses, charities and communities work together, the impact can be far greater than any one organisation working alone.

Visit the Atlantes Landscapes website for more information about this community oriented company and the various services it provides to home owners as well as to commercial clients. Visit YMCA, Exeter.

Al Gibson

The founder of Countdown Creative, Alistair Gibson is an expert communicator who has learned how to harness principles of traditional journalism with the power of today’s digital media platforms. He has lived in Devon for 15 years and worked in Plymouth and Exeter.