After another successful 12 months for the franchise, Greensleeves Lawn Care is looking ahead with confidence as it continues to grow its network across the UK. With interest in the brand remaining strong and new territories opening up, the company has appointed John Marshall as Franchise Sales Manager to help guide the next phase of expansion.

“I’ve been in the role for just over a month now and it’s been fast-paced, but really enjoyable,” said John. “I’ve spent a lot of time getting under the skin of the business, speaking with franchisees across the network and supporting people who are at the early stages of looking at the opportunity.”

John’s career began in retail and field management, where he first gained insight into franchised business models. A move to Australia in his early thirties proved pivotal. “That’s where my franchising journey really took off,” he said. “Over the next 18 years, I worked across four different franchise groups in senior national roles, covering both franchise recruitment and operations across a range of sectors.”

A key part of that experience came from working in businesses where franchise recruitment and ongoing support went hand in hand. “If you brought someone into the network, you were also responsible for supporting them operationally,” John explained. “It really reinforces how important it is to recruit the right people from the outset.”

That understanding was later reinforced from the other side of the franchise relationship. In 2020, John became a franchisee himself, launching a martial arts franchise in Australia. Starting from scratch, he grew the business to nine schools and nearly 600 students before successfully selling it several years later. “Being a franchisee gave me a completely different perspective,” he said. “I know what it feels like to make that decision and what support really matters once you’re up and running.”

After returning to the UK earlier this year, John joined Greensleeves, drawn by the strength of the brand and the clarity of its model. “Greensleeves operates in a strong market and has excellent systems in place,” he said. “There’s also a very supportive culture across the network, which really stood out to me.”

John has stepped into a newly created role, reflecting Greensleeves’ focus on growing the network in a thoughtful and sustainable way, while continuing to support new franchisees as they join. “I often describe franchising as a partnership,” he said. “Both sides need to be clear on expectations and aligned from the start. For me, it’s about helping people decide whether franchising – and Greensleeves in particular – is the right fit for them.”

Looking ahead, John is excited about expanding the brand’s footprint in new regions. “There are some fantastic opportunities in areas such as Wales, Devon and Essex,” he said. “I’m looking forward to helping the business build a strong presence in those locations.”

Commenting on the appointment, Managing Director Cheryl Harper said: “John brings a depth of experience that is incredibly valuable to Greensleeves. Having worked in senior franchisor roles and as a successful franchisee, he understands the realities of franchising from every angle. His appointment supports our ambition to continue growing the network while ensuring new franchisees feel supported from day one.”