Garden design firm is growing places
A garden designer who set up his own business at just 16 years old has moved into new premises in Renfrewshire to cope with demand.
Darren Cryans founded Instant Impact Gardens 12 years ago after being inspired by BBC TV garden makeover show Ground Force, putting himself through an apprenticeship and gaining qualifications at Langside College in Glasgow.
Since then Darren, from Barrhead, has continued to cement the business’s place in the market with customers in Glasgow, Renfrewshire, Ayrshire and Falkirk.
With support from Business Gateway Renfrewshire, Instant Impact Gardens now employs 12 members of staff and has moved into a location in Paisley to allow for continued expansion.
Darren said: “We have undergone an expansion led by massive demand and aided by a steady and responsible growth plan.
“We work on projects of all different sizes across Scotland, from garden maintenance to full design makeovers with a solid base of loyal customers.
“To help us expand further, we decided to move into commercial premises in Paisley which will allow us to take on more work and to tender for an increasing number of both private and public contracts while exploring opportunities in design and consultation.
“To coincide with our expansion, I wanted to review our digital presence and gain impartial advice on what options were available to me.
“I met with Business Gateway Renfrewshire to find out what support I could access and my experience has been terrific.
“Although I had a vision for my website and social media, I didn’t have the required knowledge and my Business Gateway adviser was able to provide expert help that would enhance the profile of Instant Impact Gardens by using digital platforms to promote the business to a wider audience.”
Gary Kenyon, growth adviser at Business Gateway Renfrewshire, said it is great to see small business flourishing.
“It was evident that Darren would benefit from accessing our expert help.
“The main priorities were agreed and an action plan was created which allowed Darren to focus on achieving his objectives.
“We will work in partnership with Darren over the next year to help in a number of key areas as well as signposting him to potential funding opportunities via Renfrewshire Council and Invest in Renfrewshire,” he explained.
Instant Impact Gardens provide a comprehensive range of services including garden design, all aspects of landscaping and private and commercial grounds maintenance.
Helping clients discover their dream garden and outdoor space, Darren personally oversees every project from initial consultation to completion.
Darren added: “From a young age I wanted to be my own boss and after leaving school I decided to set up my own business.
“I loved watching Ground Force and it looked like satisfying and interesting work.
“After looking into local courses I started Instant Impact Gardens and studied while learning on the job.
“The position we’re in after 12 years is really exciting and now I’m looking to build on our brand and reputation to become one of the biggest companies in Scotland in our industry.” ● To find out how Business Gateway Renfrewshire can help your business visit www.bgateway.com/ Renfrewshire or call 0141 530 2406.