Garden enthusiast, Barrie Dixon, has relocated to Sandhurst, Berkshire and launched his own professional lawn care franchise to serve residents in South East Berkshire and North West Surrey.

With 12 years’ experience in the gardening and lawn care industry, Barrie, 37, moved his family to the area after investing in TruGreen Professional LawnCare, part of the world’s largest lawn care business, operating along J1-4 of the M3. His passion for working outdoors, one-to-one with customers and his desire to manage his own business, led him to invest in the established franchise.

Barrie has big plans for the business and aims to grow to be a multi-van operation, employing a local workforce and eventually offering apprenticeship opportunities.

Barrie said: “With the skills and knowledge I’ve acquired to date and my newly gained professional qualifications, I am able to offer customers the very best lawn care service. I am excited about the opportunity and hope to make a difference to local residents, in terms of creating beautiful lawns and employment opportunities. With Merrist Wood College on our doorstep, we are perfectly located to offer the next generation of professionals a great start on the career ladder.”

TruGreen is a franchise of Leicestershire-based, ServiceMaster Limited, which has been established in the UK since 1959. Each new TruGreen franchisee undertakes a two week, intensive training academy at ServiceMaster’s head office, during which time they achieve their qualification in pesticide application from the National Proficiency Council and full technical training from TruGreen’s brand operations manager and ex-Wembley head groundsman, Steve Welch.

Steve added: “TruGreen offers the highest level service to customers across the UK. With our knowledge and experience in all things lawn care, customers should look no further. We are confident Barrie’s business will succeed and his investment will benefit both him and the local area.”

Barrie relocated from Forest Park, Berkshire to Sandhurst and launched his business in February 2015.