Since lockdown began, six new franchisees joined the lawn care company
Greensleeves is currently seeing unprecedented demand for franchise territories as redundancies are gaining speed. People are looking at starting their own businesses and lots of the enquiries received have been progressing to meetings. Since lockdown began six new franchisees have joined the company.
Craig Boulton from Essex is Greensleeves’ latest recruit. He joined the network during lockdown with all of his training done via Zoom, which turned out to be more convenient for everyone.
Boulton wanted to have 100 customers in autumn and by the end of September had smashed this goal. In addition, a high percentage of customers paying through direct debit has given him a regular monthly income and a higher than average customer spend.
“I am really happy with how quick and efficient the whole process was – from initial enquiry to commencement, and knowing that the support is there whenever I need it is priceless,” he said.
He is already receiving positive feedback from his customers regarding the improvements he has made to their lawns. Having come from a high-pressure corporate life, he loves the new direction that his Greensleeves franchise has taken him in.
On the customer front, Greensleeves has had a record June, July and August, averaging 20 per cent increase in sales compared to the year prior across all franchise territories. September was an all-time record – sales were 45 per cent higher than last year and made it the best month the company has ever had.
There was also a better intake of new customers this year than in previous years – Greensleeves was 15 per cent up on customer numbers from the previous year. 96 trading areas with c.150 vans has created more visibility for the brand and thus generated more customers. Due to there being more people working from home, they were now seeing the liveried company vans on their streets, or at their neighbours and have enquired for Greensleeves to care for their lawns as well.
Commitment to the environment
Greensleeves’ commitment to the environment to reduce its carbon footprint continues with two new electric cars at the head office. More meetings and training are also being done online and it is now working with fleet suppliers to get the best deals on electric vans for franchisees.
COVID-19 response
In early April most of the network ceased work to support the NHS as requested by the government. After a few weeks, it resumed working in a safe manner.
Because the franchisees work outside in the fresh air 100 per cent of the time, no direct customer contact is required. Email reminders of treatment dates were sent, customers were emailed invoices and with direct debit and bank transfer as contact-free methods of payment, there couldn’t be a safer environment to run a business.