Redundancy – a career changing opportunity

Franchising was the answer for two brothers from a banking IT background in Birmingham. Phil and Scott Harrison had worked at a major UK bank since leaving education, so redundancy was a daunting prospect.

Franchising was the answer for two brothers from a banking IT background in Birmingham. Phil and Scott Harrison had worked at a major UK bank since leaving education, so redundancy was a daunting prospect.

They wanted less bureaucracy, more freedom and flexibility, and a sensible work/life balance, but this proved difficult to find. Then Scott had a chance ‘garden fence’ chat with his neighbour, a franchising manager. A week later the brothers visited The National Franchise Exhibition at Birmingham NEC.

They looked for a franchise where they could start small and grow, that was more about people and less about administration, and where they could get out and meet their customers. Soon Lawnscience was at the top of their list. Phil says: “I liked the concept right from the start, it seemed to be the perfect fit with what we were looking for.”

Both brothers are now building their Lawnscience businesses in the Midlands.

New direction

Having climbed the corporate ladder to become head of buying at an international retailer, John Galvin started to assess what was important in his life. So when he got the chance to take redundancy, it was the perfect opportunity to rethink his career.

John had previously looked at ways to establish his own business, and franchising seemed to offer the benefits of being his own boss with far less of the risk associated with establishing a new venture from scratch. John started to look at various franchise options, and when he came across the lawn treatment industry it had instant appeal.

“As a student I worked as a landscape gardener and had loved the outdoor life - it was probably the best job I ever had,” he explains. “I spent time researching the lawn care market and realised that it was growing, even during these tough economic times.”

John wanted his wife, Gill, to play an active role too, adding: “We had always been involved in quality, professional businesses and it was important that our new business should provide a quality service to its customers, so this was very important when reviewing the various franchises.”

John and Gill narrowed their choice down and finally chose Lawnscience. “At the end of the day it came down to trust,” says John. “I spent some time with Terry Nicholson, the founder of Lawnscience, and he had the same service focus and dedication that I had. He also offered many advantages over his rivals.”

John adds: “The territory creation model was also unique. I didn’t get an ‘off the shelf’ territory - I was totally involved in the creation of my bespoke territory and that gave me a great deal of confidence that my new business would succeed.”

Five months on and he has no regrets. John and Gill’s business is now on track for success.