He shares his tips for success.

“My franchise business started on 1st March 2012 and has been going for 5 months so far.

“Having decided I wanted to be my own boss I looked around at various franchise opportunities and through FDUK I discovered Ed’s Garden Maintenance. FDUK definitely gave me a sense of security that the franchise opportunities I found there were reputable and worth pursuing.

“Despite a slow start amidst the worst spring and early summer ever, I threw myself into distributing leaflets and now have over 30 regular customers. I receive plenty of referrals which must say something about the level of service my customers are receiving.

“My ethos is that I try to do a job exactly how I would expect it to be done for me in my garden. I do a little extra every time. I wouldn’t say it was going the extra mile but going the extra few inches which really pays off and the customers see you giving rather than just doing the basic job and taking the money.

“People buy from people so it’s important to look the part, present your service in a good way and give people value for money, and do a really good job so that they tell others about you.

“My diary is completely booked for August with regular garden maintenance jobs like hedge cutting and lawn mowing. I currently hold the title for the longest hedge cut so far by an Ed’s Garden Maintenance Operator, at over 100m long.

“I’m really pleased with how it has gone so far and am so glad I decided to set up a franchise with Ed’s Garden Maintenance. The work is definitely out there.