This month the lawncare company welcomed four new starters, including its 100th franchisee, Neil Grainger
The quartet of franchisees, who are all either new to the gardening sector or new to business ownership, have just completed their franchisee training. Keith Fox and Radko Yordanov both launch new territories in Derbyshire and Brentwood respectively, while Ryan and Laura England will be taking over Durham’s existing territory. Investing in the coastal town of Bournemouth, Neil’s new Greensleeves business makes him the 100th franchisee to join the popular lawn treatment provider since the company began in 1998.
“The fact Greensleeves has reached 100 franchisees is a real testament to the team at the head office. I’m really excited to get started. It’s great that we have so many people in the network and I’m just proud to be involved. I have an established group of supportive franchisees around me that are just an email away if I ever need any help,” said Neil.
Formerly a precision engineer, Neil decided that he no longer wanted to work in a factory and looked for a complete career change. He explored several franchise opportunities before finally opting for Greensleeves.
“Back in my younger days, I worked outside,” he continued. “I just wanted to get back to that and do something I enjoyed. After doing some digging on Greensleeves, I noticed their reviews were excellent and that they had a territory open in my area. So, I plucked up the courage to make the initial enquiry.
“I’d considered starting my own business, but I didn’t have any qualifications outside of engineering. Greensleeves offered the training I needed to run a territory which meant I didn’t have to be experienced in lawn care to join the network. I’m surprised more people don’t look at becoming franchisees.
“I’m planning to take the business as far as I can over the next five years and establish Greensleeves as the go-to lawncare provider here in Bournemouth. If all goes to plan, there’s potential for me to pass the business on to my son when he’s old enough, although that’s a long way off!”
Greensleeves has proved itself to be recession-proof even in the most trying of times. Last year was record-breaking for the franchise network and as the spring weather breaks through, both enquiry levels and new customer acquisition is up on this time last year.
“It’s been an incredible start to the year and reaching 100 franchisees is certainly something to celebrate! The market is buoyant and with people feeling spring is in the air, it’s a great time for our latest franchisees to launch,” said David Truby, MD at Greensleeves.
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