A LEADER in lawncare is preparing for take-off after unveiling a £100m growth plan.

More than 140 franchisees from branches across the UK joined GreenThumb CEO Stephen Waring, Managing Director Paul Edwards, and special guests at the St Asaph-based company’s annual franchise conference.

Held at the Concorde Conference Centre in Manchester, Mr Edwards revealed their target of doubling turnover to £100m.

Continuing their innovation of market leading products and technology – with 40% of new customers coming from word-of-mouth referrals – his and the whole leadership team’s focus is on keeping the customer experience at the heart of GreenThumb’s continued growth.

Mr Edwards said: “Our vision is to build a nation of lawn lovers, making the UK greener one lawn at a time.

“Throughout the pandemic, when we were still serving our customers, we’ve been able to lay the foundations for expansion – as so many more people realised the true benefit of their lawn and gardens – so there is scope for us to continue that trend.

“Importantly, we have researched just how pivotal their outdoor space has been to the physical and mental health of lawn lovers and that’s reflected in all our plans going forward.”

He added: “Our purpose is wellbeing, not just for customers but for our staff and franchisees, so we will continue to work in partnership to innovate and explore new products, treatments and services that will keep GreenThumb at the very pinnacle of the lawncare industry.”

Among the speakers on the day was inspirational British campaigner, fundraiser and former competitive event rider, Claire Lomas MBE.

Claire spoke of the challenges she has faced in the 15 years since she became a paraplegic, following a riding accident in 2007, and how that eventually inspired her to go on and raise tens of thousands of pounds for charities – including the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation – even completing the London Marathon while wearing an exoskeleton ‘ReWalk’ suit.

She urged those in attendance who have set goals to reach even higher and continue to grow, adding: “The harder the struggle the more glorious the triumph.”

Finally, GreenThumb CEO Stephen Waring – who founded the company in 1986 – made his keynote, reminding all in attendance to be “hunter gatherers”, delighting the existing national customer base whilst converting the lawn lovers next door.

GreenThumb employs more than 100 staff at its Denbighshire headquarters and delivers more than three million lawn treatments every year.

For more news and information, visit www.greenthumb.co.uk or follow them on social media at @greenthumblawns. Alternatively, call 0800 0111 222.

ENDS

RESPECTED landowners are working in partnership with a leading lawncare business to redevelop a stunning 500 year-old property and gardens.

John and Vicky Gardner began restoring Grade II-listed Groes Hall, near Denbigh, more than two decades ago.

The buildings were in a state of disrepair but following significant investment are edging closer to completion, leaving them to focus on land around the 16^th century former manor house.

Now – with the support of St Asaph-based GreenThumb – former accountancy director John is renovating the stunning lawns he says are the “centrepiece” of the project.

“We’ve done a great deal to the house itself and have now turned our attention to the gardens and primarily the lawns,” he said.

“It has been a huge task but with the help of GreenThumb we have made a lot of progress, the lawns are looking so much better.”

John added: “When I first visited the property it was the garden I fell in love with before the house itself, the incredible plants, trees, flowers and of course these beautiful lawns.

“With any property, especially one with a history such as this, you feel like a curator in some respects, a custodian as one of many generations to have lived here, so bringing it back to its former glory gives us great joy.

“The lawn is the centrepiece of that, for my grandchildren to play on, for our family and as a place of sanctuary and peace – I could not recommend GreenThumb enough for the part they’ve played.”

GreenThumb is the market leader for lawn treatment services with 220 branches nationwide.

Founded by CEO Stephen Waring in 1986, the business employs more than 100 staff at its Denbighshire headquarters, including Alasdair Boyes, Branch Operations Manager for North Wales.

Having spent more than 30 years with the organisation, Alasdair has worked on thousands of lawns across the UK, and says this project is one of the biggest he has come across.

“When I first visited, the lawns were in a very poor condition and more than 100 years old, with a lot of weeds, moss and damage,” he said.

“In partnership we have seen a huge improvement thanks to the treatments introduced, the aeration and scarification and as John is a keen gardener and mows the lawns himself, he is able to let us know of any issues or concerns.

“I always feel a great sense of pride when I return to see a customer and the results are so positive, most importantly their expression and delight because of what it means to them.

“There is still some work to do but we are certainly moving in the right direction and the lawns will soon be at the heart of one of the most stunning landmarks in this region.”

For more news and information from GreenThumb, visit www.greenthumb.co.uk and follow them on social media at @greenthumblawns. Alternatively, call 0800 0111 222.