If you’re green-fingered, why not grow your own business?
LOVE gardening? Then why not do it for a living, like Steve Frise, the Ed’s Garden Maintenance franchisee in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey?
‘I like gardening and often gardened for family and friends in my spare time,’ says Steve, a former car spares retailer.
‘So when I decided to spend more time with my family, the Ed’s Garden Maintenance franchise was a natural choice.’
Now Steve provides lawn and hedge care, fencing and decking and general garden services to around 35 regular local customers.
‘When it’s sunny, I make the most of it to do as much work as possible, and try to save decking and fencing for winter — though in the past few winters it has often been warm enough for grass to keep growing,’ says Steve, 49.
‘But it’s not like pottering about in your own garden — it’s hard work and keeps you fit and healthy.
‘You must be business-like, happy to talk to customers and promote your service and able to manage your time.’
Ed Mauleverer, founder of Ed’s Garden Maintenance, says: ‘Starting a gardening service with a franchise is easier than going it alone.
‘You have a recognised brand from day one and get access to the professional marketing that the franchise supplies.
‘We welcome franchisees who are keen gardeners but we strongly encourage them to run it in a business-like way, not as a hobby.’
The franchise investment is £10,995.
If you prefer indoor gardening, the Inleaf franchise involves providing plant displays and ‘living walls’ for offices, hotels and restaurants.
Co-founder Daniel Atherton says: ‘We are looking for people with an interest in plants and the drive to build a business.
‘Horticultural experience is not essential because we provide training. But sales experience would be helpful as franchisees will be selling to companies and stressing the health benefits of indoor plants.
‘We will provide marketing help and business support.’
The investment is £30,225, but banks might consider lending 50pc to suitable applicants.
Ed’S Garden Maintenance, 0208 123 5375; Inleaf, 0333 577 0770.