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According to IBISworld, the largest sector of the landscaping industry of the UK is garden maintenance, which accounts for a third of its revenue. The need for garden maintenance businesses has grown in recent years, as the public sector increasingly outsources these services. People in the UK have long been proud of their lush green lawns and parks; however, as people work harder and become more strapped for time, garden maintenance is often also outsourced by householders.
As one of the UK's longest established gardening franchises, nicenstrpy is looking forward to celebrating 25 years of growth and success. nicenstripy aims to provide a great customer experience by being the most reliable company within the industry and carrying out work to the highest standard. The business prides itself on providing a unique, quality service for customers.
Click here to read more about nicenstripy
In the latest instalment of our Franchisor Q&A series, we take a close look at the gardening franchise and learn just why the business stands out and why it is worth investing in their brand.
Q1. What makes your franchise stand out?
One of the most important factors of a nicenstripy franchise is that we are owned and run by nicenstripy franchisees therefore all board decisions are totally geared to the benefit of ALL. One of the most important factors of being a nicenstripy franchisee is the reliable, quality service we offer our customers generated through our custom built ‘niceneasy’ office. Not only does niceneasy Office benefit our franchisees it also benefits our customers as the bespoke software has been developed over the last few years.
Q2. Why is it worth investing in your brand?
Because we don’t take ‘anyone’ is probably the best reason to invest. All nicenstripy franchisees are successful and we have had no failures. We may not be the largest gardening franchise, although we started franchising before any other gardening franchise, but
that’s because we are very selective. We will only allow somebody to join nicenstripy if we are convinced, they will be successful, providing they follow our formula and systems. All successful applicants also benefit from continued investment in the brand and ongoing regular training.
The investment made covers everything you need for your first year of trading.
Q3. How is your franchise adapting to the current COVID-19 crisis?
We have adapted by following the Government guidance. Otherwise the COVID-19 has not really affected our business. To the contrary, we have received more enquiries for areas we don’t cover than ever before!
Our Health & Safety Manager keeps all franchisees up to date, daily/weekly, with the latest changes on an ongoing basis.
Q4. What extra support and assistance are you offering your franchisees during this time?
None, because we really don’t need to. The ongoing support for our franchise network is second to none already and we have not had to offer anything special, with the exception of video meetings now instead of attending regular meetings around the country.
Due to our Central Purchasing we are still able to offer franchisees equipment, lawn care and chemical requirements etc etc. through our recommended suppliers at excellent discounted terms.
Q5. What plans do you have for the franchise over the next few years?
We will slowly continue to develop our franchise network and expand our National Accounts, which provide regular work for all our franchisees around the country. We will continue to strive to be the best and most reliable gardening business in the UK. We want to expand slowly into new territories to fulfil enquiries for the nicenstripy services and this growth will be underpinned by continued investment in back office resources and increased marketing
Q6. What skills are important for your franchisees to have?
They do need to have a good personality and plenty of drive and commitment. The rest we can teach. Communication skills is one of the most important factors as too many people today rely on email and messaging platforms to liaise with customers when a telephone or face to face conversation results in considerably better results. Some experience of how a business operates is desirable along with a bit of financial know how. A willingness to learn and follow nicenstripy systems and policies are also a key ingredient.
Read more about the incredible franchise opportunities at nicenstripy here