‘Appetite for greener world’ helps plants nursery achieve record sales

Wholesale plants nursery, Johnsons of Whixley, is celebrating a record year of sales, achieving a turnover of over £15m for the first time in its 100 year history.

In addition to the record turnover, the North Yorkshire-based company’s commercial sales department is marking a successful ten years in which its revenue has grown by 50% to more than £10m.

The team has recently appointed third-generation family member Luke Richardson as sales director.

He said: “Commercial sales have exceeded all expectations, driven by strong performance in our core business and new custom.

“Reorganising our structure gives us a great foundation to improve our service offering, further incorporate new technology and drive sustainable growth. Despite the pandemic and Brexit, our upcoming annual budget is ambitious and reflects high confidence in the team.”

The re-structure sees Iain Richardson focus on the general direction of the business, and he will retain several key accounts.

Tony Coles heads the all-important Key Accounts sector and is supported by Andrew Barker, who takes on the position of key accounts manager.

Vicky Newell returns to the business and assumes the responsibility of general amenity sales manager with Jack Witham taking on home area sales, Hannah Smith the North and Laura Holmes the South.

Corrina Mills is the company’s estimator and Eleanor Richardson continues to work alongside the sales team as marketing manager.

The sales team sell six million plants annually throughout the UK and are responsible for providing more than 10,000 quotes per year, up to 17,000 orders and 12,000 deliveries each year.

Group MD, Graham Richardson, said: “Our success is primarily down to the hard work and dedication of all our staff, from the quote process right through to the lifting of orders and dispatch.

“Demand remains high as a consequence of a greater appetite for a greener world, considerable exposure from our improved website, expanded PR campaigns and significant social growth with an increase of 377% since 2017.

“These elements have played a key factor in a 30% increase of new customers.

“This is an exciting time for the business as Luke brings experience, motivation, compassion and an unrivalled knowledge of the market and our family business.”