GreenThumb has awarded Eifion Jones, owner of GreenThumb Liverpool, the prestigious title of Franchisee of the Year.

Just eight years after taking over GreenThumb’s Liverpool territory, Eifion and his team have become the first franchise in the network to reach 10,000 customers.

That remarkable record for growth not only earned ex-banker Efion the prestigious title of GreenThumb’s Franchisee of the Year but he also collected the Business Generator of the Year Award.

When Eifion, 53, bought the business in December 2002 he had just 3,000 customers. Even during the recession, the business kept growing – increasing the number of customers on his books by around 1,000 a year. This year he added more than 1,300 new customers. More than 750 of them came from canvassing.

Today, he has more than 10,000 customers – the first in the network to reach that milestone and the amazing efforts of his team were recognised by being awarded the two prestigious titles.

He said: “To be given two awards, including the ultimate accolade of Franchisee of the Year, is a massive honour.”

Eifion, who worked for HSBC for 29 years, added: “Our business was not affected by the downturn. Nearly 50 percent of our new customers come from recommendation and this year we have been working hard to keep pace with enquiries.”

Stephen Waring, founder and CEO of GreenThumb said: “If all the gardens Eifion’s team look after were linked up they would stretch from Lands End to John O’Groats and back again and still have land to spare.

“He’s not frightened to try out new ideas. He thinks big and is an excellent ambassador for GreenThumb.”