Dream of Running Your Own Business Outdoors? You Might be Interested in Greensleeves’ Low Cost, High Margin Franchise.
Build Something Real with the UK's #1 Lawn Care Brand
Picture this: you're your own boss, working outside, and building a business that has the comfort of a recurring income. But you also have the opportunity to expand and grow into a multi-van, management operation. Within five years, Greensleeves franchisees can enjoy an annual turnover of more than a quarter-of-a-million pounds and, with net profit margins of 25–35%, the rewards are as real as the results.
Greensleeves is the UK's leading lawn care provider, with 28 years of unbroken growth, 80,000 clients served annually, and a Trustpilot score of 5 stars from more than 20,000 reviews. This isn't a business being built, it's one that's already proven, and we're looking for the right people to grow it even further.
“It feels like a family of business owners”
"The Franchise route is ideal primarily because of the support around you. It feels like a family of business owners; we are all facing similar challenges and we help each other out. Knowing you have people around to ask questions, brainstorm, share ideas etc just makes owning the business so much easier." Natalie Reid, Greensleeves Aberdeen
The Model: Subscription-Based Success
Unlike seasonal gardening, Greensleeves operates on a sophisticated subscription model. This ensures year-round recurring revenue and outstanding customer retention. You aren't a "gardener"; you are a specialist providing bespoke treatments and fertilisers unavailable to the general public.
- Market Potential: 12 million UK households could be Greensleeves customers
- Density-Mapped Territories: Your territory is exclusively yours, and scientifically mapped using postcodes to give you all the customers you’ll need
- Profitability: Our established franchisees consistently achieve 25–35% net profit margins
Industry-Leading Technology
We have invested heavily in R&D to ensure our franchisees stay ahead of the competition. Our bespoke software includes a self-measuring website tool that allows customers to get quotes and sign up instantly. Once on board, the My Lawn Care portal handles 24/7 bookings and detailed reporting, drastically reducing your administrative burden and allowing you to focus on growth.Investment and Fast-Track Support
Starting a Greensleeves business is more accessible than you might think. With a franchise fee of £14,995 and a total turnkey investment of approximately £30,000, we offer a low-cost entry point into a high-earning industry.
- Funding: Up to 70% unsecured bank financing is available through our established partners
- Marketing Power: We kickstart your launch with 100,000 leaflets and a targeted local online presence
- Expert Training: A comprehensive 10-day induction programme, including 5 days at our purpose-built training centre
- Ongoing Mentorship: From Day 1, you are supported by a dedicated Business Development Manager and a Head Office team that handles marketing, bulk product ordering and credit control
Training, Support and Technology That Set You Apart
You really don’t need any prior experience to build a profitable business with Greensleeves. Your 10-day training programme covers all you need to get started, including your PA1/PA6a qualifications. From there, you'll have a dedicated Business Development Manager to support you in the field. Not just at the start, but throughout your journey as a Greensleeves franchisee.
Our in-house marketing team play a huge part in your success too, building your local on and offline presence. Promotional materials are ready for you to use, and your location page on Greensleeves’ website presents a local, premium service.
On the technology side, Greensleeves is simply in a different league. Our bespoke software, self-measuring website tool, and exclusive fertiliser formulations – unavailable to competitors or the public – give you a genuine edge in the market. Our customer-facing ‘My Lawn Care portal offers’ 24/7 booking, visit reports, and direct communication tools that no competitor can match. What’s more, bespoke admin tools, including our CRM and the Greensleeves Live App, take many of the administrative burdens away from franchisees. This frees you up to work on the most profitable elements of your business – namely building relations with new and existing customers.
“I wanted my own business, but also the support”
"It takes a lot of pressure off knowing that you have a group of support staff at head office, from marketing through to HR as well as the head office support team who are wizards with the direct debit and admin system side of things." Scott McSherry, Greensleeves Tyne & Wear
Backed by a World-Class Network
Greensleeves is part of Neighbourly, a global franchise leader with 30 brands and 5,500 franchise owners worldwide. You’re not just joining a franchise, you're plugging into a proven worldwide system with the knowledge, infrastructure, and support to help you scale.
Closer to home, our 100+ franchisee network means you'll always have peers to learn from, lean on, and grow alongside. The Greensleeves network is a community that genuinely invests in each other's success.
Is This You?
Our most successful franchisees are motivated individuals who enjoy working outdoors, take pride in delivering brilliant customer service, and are serious about building a business – not just buying a job. You might be escaping the corporate world, looking for more freedom or driven by something personal; building security for your family, being your own boss, or simply doing work that matters.
And remember, experience in lawn care isn't necessary. Drive, attitude, and a commitment to following a 5* model absolutely are.
The grass truly is greener - and the numbers prove it.
If you're ready to take control of your future with a low-cost, high-return franchise backed by the best in the industry, book a discovery call with Alex today.
Greensleeves - Grow With Us.
The future is now - embracing innovation for franchise success
Establishing customer loyalty as the foundation of franchise success
Greensleeves Franchisee Case Study | Oliver Wood
At just 19 years old, Oliver decided to jump into the world of business and became a franchisee with Greensleeves. It was a bold move for someone so young, but Oliver was determined to make it work.
With guidance from the Greensleeves team, Oliver built up his first franchise in Huddersfield. The franchise model gave him access to Greensleeves' proven training programs, marketing resources, and operational support - everything he needed as a new entrepreneur.
Oliver must've done something right, because his business took off! He's expanded over the years and now oversees thriving Greensleeves franchises in Huddersfield, North Sheffield, and Wakefield, employing over 18 people. That's impressive growth!
When asked about the keys to his success, Oliver says it's all about surrounding yourself with the right team. He makes sure to invest in his managers, provide excellent training, and create a positive, performance-driven work environment.
- Name: Oliver Wood
- Location: Huddersfield
- Franchise: Greensleeves Huddersfield, North Sheffield & Wakefield
- Date launched the franchise: August 2006
💼 Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying your Greensleeves franchise?
Currently, I am 37 Years old, married to Lucy with two girls, Sophia 6 & Georgia 4. I started the franchise @ 19 years old with the help of my parents. After seeing other members of the family-run their own successful businesses, I was keen to do the same. In all honesty, I was a little young to go at something like this alone, it was the guidance of my Dad and the franchise network that made me see the potential and after 12 months things started to take off and I was hooked!
In 2010, I purchased my second franchise area, Huddersfield. This was the first Greensleeves territory that I purchased from the Head office. This area came with 2000 accounts and we had to borrow the majority of the funds from HSBC. Overnight I was a 23-year-old with 6 members of staff old enough to be my dad. Quite daunting.
In 2015 I purchased the Wakefield area, with 1950 accounts. This was due to the original owners retiring.
Now we run all three areas from our 4000 sqft unit in Skelmanthorpe. We look after over 8000 customer lawns & have 18 full-time members of staff including an operations manager who helps me oversee the day-to-day running of the business. We have 16 vans on the road and expect to see a Gross T/O of around £1.5m in 2024.
📈 Why did you go down the franchise route?
Led by my parents really. Seemed like a better option than uni.
💰 How did you raise the finance?
- Franchise area 1 – Family Funds
- Area 2 – Personal funds & HSBC
- Area 3 – Fully funded by HSBC
🎓 What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
Plenty of support. Greensleeve support really is great. They offer tailored support based on the size of your franchise, your experience, and so on.
📝 How would you describe your day-to-day role as a franchisee
This has changed over the years but now we have a great structure within the business including an Operations Manager, 4 office staff, a quotes manager, and 12 Lawn Operators out in the field servicing customers' lawns. Without this team, I couldn’t run the business as well as we do. My role involves overseeing all elements of the business ensuring we achieve our goals.
🏆 Can you outline the success you've had to date.
- 2020 – 10% growth
- 2021 – 13% growth
- 2022 – 9% growth
- 2023 – 12% growth
🎲 Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, and if so how?
To be honest I have done it that long I don’t know any different. I have a great work/life balance and really enjoy the work I do.
🎮 How do you achieve a work-life balance?
With the help of the fantastic team, I have around me!
🛠️ If you are a multi-unit franchisee, can you tell us why Greensleeves is ideal for those looking for a scalable opportunity?
Greensleeves works well as a multi-unit Franchise because staff can be based at home and only come to the office 1-2 times per week to collect stock etc. The web-based systems in place allow us to send all work and invoiced digitally. This allows us to employ staff in parts of our territory that we would previously not have considered.
👨👩👦 How do you retain your best staff and keep morale high and productive?
I believe providing a friendly work environment and being fair and flexible with your staff help maintain a reliable team. We have a few team members now who have been with us for over 10 years and plenty who have worked for us for over 5 years.
⚽ Can you tell us about any community involvement, including any local partnerships, incentives, or charity work you are involved in?
We are the main shirt sponsor for the local football team, Skelmanthorpe FC & we also sponsor several local cricket teams. We also provide sponsorship to a few local open garden weekends.
💡 What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise?
Do your own research and speak to other current franchisees. They will tell you all the good and bad points. Running a business is at times difficult and you must be prepared for that! Remember, if it was easy, everyone would be doing it. Work hard and you will be rewarded!
🌟 In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee?
Hard work, planning, and looking after your staff! You can’t do it alone!
🚀 What are your plans for the future?
More of the same really. Keep growing the business.
🔥 If you had to do it all again, what would you do differently?
Taken on staff sooner! It’s always tough to employ your first team member or the next one. Every time I have it gives you time to spend time growing your business. Work on your business, not in it!
It was amazing to chat with Oliver about his journey with Greensleeves, and outlining exactly what the franchise model has enabled him to do.
Oliver, is an exceptional entrepreneur and a true asset to the Greensleeves franchise network. His unwavering determination, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence have propelled him to remarkable heights, transforming a single franchise into a thriving multi-unit empire. Oliver's ability to lead and inspire his team is truly admirable, fostering a culture of camaraderie, hard work, and continuous growth.
What sets Oliver apart is his genuine passion for the business and his deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in the competitive landscape. His resilience in overcoming obstacles, coupled with his willingness to adapt and innovate, has consistently positioned him as a trailblazer in the industry.
Oliver's dedication to community involvement further exemplifies his character and values, reflecting his belief in giving back and making a positive impact. It is an honour to witness his journey and to have had the opportunity to work alongside such a driven and principled individual.
Without a doubt, Oliver Wood's achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring franchisees and entrepreneurs alike. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. I wholeheartedly recommend Oliver as a franchisee and business leader, and I have no doubt that his future endeavors will continue to be marked by remarkable success.
For those considering joining the ranks of over 100 thriving Greensleeves franchises, Oliver's story gives us a great flavour of the possibilities that await within our network. Whether you're seeking to escape the constraints of traditional employment, embark on a new venture, or simply want to take control of your future, franchising with Greensleeves could be the answer you've been looking for.
After 38 years in the corporate world, I was looking for an opportunity to run my own business. I wanted a professional company that would leave me alone to get on with it but always be there to offer advice and support when it was required. With the passion, enthusiasm and honesty of David Truby I knew that Greensleeves was a firm I could work with. I have subsequently discovered that Cheryl Harper and the support team are even more incredible and nothing is too much trouble.”
Once I had decided to buy a franchise I was unsure which direction to take, all became clear when I met Greensleeves. The business model is solid and combined with the experience and personalities of the head office team I knew that a Greensleeves lawn treatment franchise was for me. I love being my own boss and the satisfaction I get from transforming a customer’s lawn is fantastic. The support that I have received has been second to none, it is reassuring to know that I have a team of business experts at my fingertips. ”
The initial support and training were excellent and the ongoing support is there for you, but not invasive. In particular David Truby and Cheryl Harper, have been great and are, just as they appear to be, passionate and professional, with a desire to help you build the business and brand. It is key to have a plan and work with it, striving in both short, medium and long term goals. This business works well, but planning, marketing, work ethic and people skills are all required to drive it to maximise its opportunity.”
“We found Greensleeves to be very approachable and flexible throughout the joining process. Their staff were always available to answer and deal with the many questions we had and they were and still are extremely accommodating and accessible at all times. The friendly and helpful relationship was invaluable during the early stages and has continued unchanged through our early months of operation”
Why Ian and Tracy Chose the Greensleeves Franchise
