Case Study - Keith

We arrived in the UK from Zimbabwe in 2003, suitcase in hand and having to start all over again. We are in our fifties, came from a farming background and tried our hand at various occupations before concluding in 2005 that we wanted to run our own business.

Fortunately, a friend knew of a lawn care business that was growing steadily and was offering franchise opportunities to people wanting to run their own business. This sounded like the ideal business for us as, being outdoor people, we wanted a relatively active way of life. And the initial back-up and training to get us on our feet was very appealing!

We joined LawnTender mid 2005 and after our initial training period started on our own. Initial training is "one on one" in the field practical training to familiarise you with the equipment and procedures. This is complemented by a NPTC course at a recognised college which covers the safe application and use of pesticides which results in a license being issued once you have successfully passed the course. The field equipment is well tested, top of the range and very user friendly, with a quick and reliable back-up in the event of a breakdown.

Administration is simplified by a well thought out user friendly computer and software system which for older, slightly computer literate users makes administration and accounting a little less arduous!! Again, support from LawnTender is readily available and in most cases problems can be sorted out on the phone.

The work is mainly outdoor, the bulk of it being physical but not too arduous as you can control your own daily programme of activities. LawnTender are more focused than some competitors on providing good customer support and advice. Therefore, having a good working relationship with your customers is essential and helps in achieving recurring business and referrals for new customers. 

Being part of an expanding business, we are able to compare ideas and problems relating to our lawns with our franchise colleagues and find that the back-up and exchange of experiences gained is to all our benefits.  Our business is now at a size that we are currently satisfied with but know that we now have the experience, back up and equipment to expand should we wish to. We have been totally satisfied with the systems we use and the LawnTender team that we have joined. 

We now feel in control of our lives and our own business, and feel we are part of an organisation that offers back up but does not unduly control you.