Grass is greener for lawn firm thanks to six-figure funding boost
Huddersfield-based Greensleeves Lawn Care is setting its sights on expansion with a change in management, following six-figure funding from NatWest.
The business, which is a lawn treatment provider and runs a franchise model, has received a £600,000 funding package to enable a management buyout.
The new management team lead by David and Laura Truby, aims to grow the business of 90 franchisees to more than 150 franchisees in the next six years, increasing its customer base from 65,000 to over 100,000.
The additional franchisees will also allow Greensleeves Lawn Care to expand its footprint in the UK. The firm currently has franchisees covering around 70% of the UK but is aiming to offer its services across the entire country by 2025.
The company has already expanded significantly this year, doubling the number of staff at its Huddersfield headquarters from seven people in January to 14 employees today.
David Truby, managing director and new majority shareholder, said: “I’ve been with this company since 2004 and I’ve watched it go from strength to strength. As part of the previous management team, we ran an incredibly successful company and I want to continue to build on that.
“This funding from NatWest will help us expand our franchise model, while also helping us make Greensleeves a business that people want to work for. It’s important to us that our staff enjoy working with us, so company culture will be a big focus for the firm.”
The business will also use part of the funding to expand its sustainability credentials. The company has started to change its fleet from standard vehicles to electric vehicles at its head office and it uses organic based materials and biodegradable packaging.
Truby added: “Like so many businesses, we’re constantly looking at how our service and offering is impacting the environment. The funding we’ve received will play a big role in how we shape our green credentials in the long term as it’s something we’re so passionate about as a business.
“It’s vital for us that we protect our environment while improving and maintaining the quality of our customers’ lawns. To do that we use only the highest quality lawn care technology so our customers have healthy outdoor environments they can be proud of.”
The deal was managed by senior relationship manager Liam Douglas and associate director Claire Gallagher from NatWest. Alex Saunders, senior associate at Leathes Prior Solicitors, acted for the MBO team.
Douglas said: “David has got a great vision to expand the firm and his commitment to sustainability is commendable. We’re excited to see how the funding we have provided will help the business grow over the coming years.”
