The UK gardening industry is thriving and there are endless opportunities available for ambitious franchisees. Find out more about the gardening industry below and discover what you need to compete in this lucrative and varied business.
We may have unpredictable weather but we still like to prepare ourselves for the possibility of enjoying an outdoor barbecue or lounging in the sunshine. The Statista graph below demonstrates that home and gardening products reached an estimated €39 billion (£34 billion) in 2017 and that next year this figure is expected to reach €41 billion (£35 billion). Sales of garden accessories will grow annually by about 4% until 2021. These figures demonstrate that we Brits are committed to keeping up with a Mediterranean lifestyle, no matter what it costs.
Key Gardening Trends for 2018
There are many exciting trends coming our way and the main ones are rounded up below:
- House plants: This year's trend sees the home becoming a kind of 'indoor garden' with house plants making a comeback.
- Solar lighting: Our gardens look set to become even more environmentally friendly with solar lighting. There are many different kinds of solar lighting so different themes and tastes are easily catered for.
- Alfresco dining: Outdoor dining and entertainment spaces are the highlight of any party. They are ideal for anyone who has limited indoor space, so it is no surprise to see that verandas, sunken fire pits and pizza ovens are becoming much more of a prominent feature in British gardens.
- Balcony gardening: Many people today are living in rental properties with little outdoor space. Decorating patios, balconies and window-sills have become the hottest trend in recent years, proving that it is possible to add a bit of greenery and style to a space of any size.
- Home-grown foods: British people are fond of purchasing organic foods, so it is no surprise to learn that more and more of us will start growing our own food. Peas, broccoli and spinach are just some of the many foods that can easily be grown at home.
Franchise Direct UK advertise a range of gardening franchises such as Lawnscience and Clean Cut Gardening. These franchises are very affordable, ranging between £5,000 and £15,000, and once established they can offer a very healthy turnover.
An average day in the life of a gardening franchisee might look something like this:
| 6.30am | Load the van with gardening tools. |
| 8.00am | Check the diary to see which clients are booked in for gardening services. |
| 9.00am-12.30pm | Carry out gardening services such as mowing lawns, garden clearances and cutting hedges and shrubs. |
| 12.30-1.30pm | Lunch |
| 1.30-2.30pm | Respond to emails and phone messages. Book in additional clients. |
| 2.30-4.30pm | Carry out gardening services. |
| 4.30-6.00pm | Brief the team on the day's work and finalise any plans for the next day's work. |
Every day is different and there is no right or wrong way to organise your day, week or month. Each day will give you the opportunity to make sales, find new clients and manage your staff.
Benefits of Starting a Gardening Franchise
- Nature: You can work outside every day. This is a far healthier work environment than an office or car, since you're getting fresh air into your lungs and connecting to nature. This is not something that many businesses offer, so if you enjoy the outdoors it is worth considering.
- Training: It is possible to become a gardening franchisee without any previous gardening experience. Many franchisors will teach you basic gardening skills, how to run your own business and will even help you with tasks such as recruiting staff and managing your day. Sometimes the training is completed before the franchise is launched or it can be done in stages while the business is developing.
- Existing customers: Some franchisors will have a database of existing clients that they will share with you. This can be a great way of networking and growing your business.
- Head office support: Avail of support and advice from your franchisor at any stage of your business. Your success is their success, so they will be on hand to help you with whatever you need. Other franchisees may also be available to contact, which can be a great resource when you're finding your feet. This is one of many advantages of joining an existing brand.
- New skills: The gardening skills you learn at work can be applied to your own garden too! Take advantage of your new experience by transforming your garden into something that the neighbours will be envious of.
- Work-life balance: Owning a franchise means that you get to be your own boss and structure your day in a way that works for you. Many of our gardening franchises can be run from home or on a part-time basis. What could be better?
Kick-start your summer with a gardening franchise and enjoy a busy and fulfilling career.
Find your dream franchise business right here!
*2018 statistics correct at time of publishing.