Knotweed specialist trumpets revenue growth to £3.4m

A Greater Manchester company specialising in dealing with damaging infestations of Japanese Knotweed growth is celebrating 15 years in business.

Revenue for Radcliffe-based environmental contractor Japanese Knotweed Solutions has grown significantly in the last five years, increasing from £1.2m to £3.4m and doubling staff numbers from 18 to 36.

JKSL was the first company to specialise in the eradication of invasive plant, Japanese knotweed, which costs the UK economy over £150m to control each year according to DEFRA.

The business has established itself as a trusted contractor for clients such as the Environment Agency and British Waterways, as well as major UK construction companies.

JKSL’s recent achievements include completing 15,000 projects nationwide with more than 2,000 sites revisited on a regular basis.

Inbound business enquiries went u by 150% from 2012 to 2015 and the firm was the first business to offer insurance backed warranties on all work completed.

JKSL has also developed the environmentally friendly Meshtech technique. This in-situ method does not require chemical involvement and causes minimal impact at ground level.

Mike Clough, chief executive of JKSL, and the founding member of INNSA (Invasive non-native species association), said: “Japanese knotweed poses a huge challenge for the UK’s construction sector, as it needs to be eradicated quickly and responsibly to avoid costly damage. Demand for new homes is soaring, and it’s vital that Japanese knotweed is controlled to make affected sites available for housebuilding.

“We’re proud of the work we’ve done to control invasive plant species over the past 15 years. Our experience is unparalleled and we look forward to building on our success.”

JKSL recently held its annual seminar, ‘Apocalypse Now,’ to tackle some of the threats the environment faces over the coming years.

Business leaders from across the construction, architectural and environmental sectors attended the event at Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry, listening to talks from the likes of the Environment Agency and TV presenter, Michaela Strachan.