Deal sees Nottingham landscaping firm create £65m company

Nurture Landscapes worked on Potters Field, Southwark

Nurture Landscapes, which has a major depot in Nottingham, has bought counterpart Gavin Jones in a deal that will create a £65m company.

The combined Group will employ 1,000 staff and service over 3,500 clients across the UK. The deal has been funded by HSBC.

Gavin Jones will continue to trade under its own name.

Nurture Landscapes has expanded considerably since it was founded in 2008, through both organic growth and acquisitions. It has a second East Midlands depot in Daventry. Gavin Jones, which focuses mainly on the south, including London, has a turnover of £30m and employs 450 staff and is the proud holder of the Royal Warrant to Her Majesty The Queen.

Nurture has made a total of 17 acquisitions to date and consecutively qualified for the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 in 2014 and 2015.

“Gavin Jones is a perfect fit for us,” says Peter Fane, founder and MD of Nurture Landscapes. “There’s a natural synergy between our work and our values that will be greatly enhanced as we join forces.”

Gavin Jones’ heritage stretches back to the end of World War One. When Colonel Gavin Jones returned from the War he bought a small horticultural property to cultivate alpine plants. His enterprise soon blossomed, providing high quality landscaping for noble houses and private estates in the Home Counties in the 20s and 30s. As the century progressed, the company continued to branch out and build the reputation for quality that is synonymous with the business today.

The opportunity to acquire Gavin Jones Ltd arose as owner Martyn Mogford prepared for retirement after 30 years and has known Peter since his days at Waterers Landscape.

“I have every confidence in handing over the reins of the company to Peter Fane and the team at Nurture Landscapes,” said Mogford. “We share common values and I know the company will continue to deliver a premium service for our clients, taking the business from strength to strength.”

“At Nurture we have always championed staff development, and look forward to welcoming the talented team at Gavin Jones into the Nurture family. I am delighted that the top team of Andy Smith, Mike Ogden and Simon Jacob will be staying with us, as will all their management team,” said Fane.

The main changes will be behind the scenes, as the Gavin Jones head office team will move from Weybridge at the end of March to join Nurture’s head office in Sunningdale.

Will Clark, managing director of Gavin Jones, will be staying on during the transition period, before heading up Clifton Nurseries. “Nurture Landscapes have always shared our passion for excellence and our commitment to delivering the highest quality service for our clients,” he says. “I will ensure a smooth transition for both staff and clients and look forward to a bright future for both Gavin Jones and Nurture Landscapes.”

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