Grass can be greener (Daily Mail franchise news)

Grass can be greener

By: Linda Whitney

PERHAPS you dream of giving up office life to get out into the garden. Well, there is quite a range of franchises that might suit you.

Lawncare franchises are reporting growth in demand, despite the economic downturn. Their claims are backed up by figures from internet search engine Yell.com, showing that searches for gardeners have grown a massive 122 per cent over the same period last year.

'Our year-on-year sales are up 35 per cent,' says Jimmy Wilson-Petch from lawncare franchise, Greensleeves.

'People are spending more on their existing property rather than moving.' As a result, Greensleeves is looking for more franchisees to provide domestic lawncare services such as fertilising, aeration and weeding.

'It's not heavy work, though it keeps you fit and suits women as well as men, says Mr Wilson-Petch, whose franchisees include couples, single women and a pair of sisters.

You don't need horticultural experience for this kind of franchise, as franchisors provide full training in the methods and equipment you use.

An interest in gardening helps, plus management and marketing skills. And do not expect to be busy in summer and idle in the winter.

Simon Stott of domestic lawncare franchise, Countrywide Lawn Doctor, says: 'People often think this is a seasonal business, but our franchisees fertilise and weed lawns in summer, and scarify (remove moss and impacted grass) and aerate in the winter, which takes longer.' Management skills are important. Countrywide Lawndoctor franchisees invest £24,950 and start hands-on, aiming to grow the business to employ staff later. But its sister franchise, Countrywide Grounds Maintenance, provides services to corporate clients and franchisees are expected to manage staff from day one.

Its clients include the Ministry of Defence, English Heritage, Moat House Hotels and more than 600 schools, and franchises usually become large businesses, with some turning over £2 million a year.

The investment of £44,950 includes centralised accounts, collection and telesales services, and the franchisor has a team sourcing new contracts.

Expect to be out in all weathers — and to enjoy it. Ken Dennis, of Trugreen Lawncare, says: 'Our franchisees are often people who have worked in management for years and enjoy being outside providing lawncare services themselves. It makes them fitter and tougher — you can tell by their handshake within a year of starting.' Trugreen franchises apply granular fertilisers, aerate, scarify, eradicate weeds and moss, and renovate, as well as giving clients advice.

They usually start hands-on and go on to employ staff and manage the business. Investment is £19, 850.

Greensleeves: 0808 100 1413; Countrywide Lawn Doctor/Grounds Maintenance: 0161 485 6666; Trugreen: 0116 275 9000.