Franchising package promises regal returns
2 January 2007
Bowland Stone, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of landscaping products, is offering anyone interested in setting up a garden and landscaping business in 2007 a start-up package guaranteed to give a return on their investment.
Bowland Stone, which has a worldwide reputation, established the industry’s first franchising business three years ago and has now launched a complete support package, aimed at helping established garden centre businesses diversify into landscaping and entrepreneurs get started.
Bowland Stone’s King Acre franchise system has been tailor-made for the garden centre/DIY market. Franchisees are highly motivated, dedicated landscaping specialists who, with the backing and support of Bowland Stone’s unique system, are able to maximise sales as well as enhance the host centre's business.
Bowland Stone, a privately owned concrete manufacturing company, has been manufacturing and retailing quality landscape products for more than 25 years.
Established in 1985, the company and its product portfolio have expanded steadily and sensibly to its current status, with licensed manufacturers of Bowland Stone products in Manchester, Ireland and Kentucky, USA.
The King Acre franchise sites are based on Bowland Stone’s own retail centre in Bristol, which has annual sales of more than £1.1 million, selling decorative aggregates, sands and ballasts, alongside water features, natural stone and garden products.
Bowland Stone Managing Director, Paul Elston, says: “Finding and buying a business is one of the biggest decisions people may ever make and not something to be done lightly. Our franchise package gives start-ups a safety net and a guaranteed return on their investment.
“We can also go into an established business and set up a bespoke landscaping area, complete with displays and pricing, and we will even provide training for staff.”
The King Acre concept is already operating successfully in six sites throughout the UK, while bespoke displays have been put into other locations, including the Van Hage Garden Company at Great Amwell.
Bowland Stone transformed an area of the garden centre, a bespoke approach that went down well with Van Hage’s Andrew Bourne. “Through our new partnership with Bowland Stone we are able to give customers a wide range of quality paving ideas.
“Everyone wants an instant solution and no-one is going to be inspired by a pile of paving slabs. Bowland Stone set up displays showing how dreams can become reality, which have translated into sales. We have been able to re-launch our landscaping area with the confidence it is backed by the quality of product.”
Steve Harris, who runs three King Acre franchises at Codicote, Bedford and Milton Keynes, says he wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support of Bowland Stone.
“I hadn’t known what to expect, but I would certainly do it again, although I would look for bigger sites. The advice I’d give to anyone interested in starting up is to go for the biggest site they can find.”
Bowland Stone has successfully repeated the King Acre approach at Canford Magna in Dorset and at Floralands Garden Village in Nottingham.
Paul Elston says it’s a package that delivers results. “It’s estimated there are more than 20 million domestic gardens in the UK and that figure is being added to every year. The market is out there and the King Acre brand is proving a popular development.
“King Acre provides a tailor-made franchise system that includes priority product ordering, a range of literature, point of sale material and marketing advice, plus training and a helpdesk for the support you need, when you need it,” he said.
Bowland Stone has invested in new plant and machinery to increase output and product consistency, which has enabled it to win prestigious trade orders throughout Europe and in other parts of the world. It’s now looking to expand its business still further through King Acre landscaping centres.
For further information, please contact:
Julia Russell, Bowland Stone
Tel: 0117 955 7530
