Urban Planters

Urban Planters…interior landscaping franchise

Urban Planters has grown consistently since 1996 to become a leader in interior landscape installation and maintenance across the UK. We are now the fastest growing independent within the industry, with a current turnover in excess of £5 million.

Established in 1965 there are few remaining interior landscape franchise companies with as much knowledge of interior plant design, installation and maintenance as Urban Planters.

Urban Planters began franchising back in 1996 and the expansion that followed it has made us not only the fastest-growing but the only one to offer franchise opportunities. Urban Planters franchise operates more branches than any other interior landscaper.

Our national franchised network allows Urban Planters to respond to you from one of our local branches, which stretch from Scotland to the south coast. So, wherever your premises are located, you can rely on receiving work to the same exacting standards, delivered locally. As each of our branches is owner-operated, you can be sure of a prompt, efficient and knowledgeable service.

Why Choose Urban Planters franchise?

 An industry-established brand

• A large exclusive operating territory
• An effective, tried and tested business formula
• A high quality induction training course covering all aspects of business
• Guidance with business set-up
• National sales and marketing campaigns
• Group buying power
• Ongoing marketing, sales, business development and technical support
• The opportunity to join a network of like-minded individuals

The Urban Planters Marketplace

Companies and organisations in all sectors, large and small, have become mindful of the need to enhance their piece of the environment. The days of drab decor in the workplace, commercial premises and public places are long gone and a recent survey* of businesses and organisations reported that: 

• 84% believe indoor plants in offices increases staff productivity.
• 91% regard indoor plants as adding "warmth" to premises.
• 98% say indoor plants in reception areas create a welcoming atmosphere.

A substantial developing market exists for indoor plants that brighten surroundings and generally improve the quality of life, and is worth an estimated £200 million annually.

*Market perceptions of indoor plants by Colin Gilligan, Professor of Marketing at Sheffield Business School.

Our Training

Urban Planters’ franchise training is extremely thorough and assumes that, as a newly-established franchisee, you have not been previously involved in a horticultural business. The training programme is fully structured and provides not only tuition in interior landscape operations, but also in sales and business administration. Training is undertaken at the nearest regional office and is followed up by a period of “hand-holding” when you open for business.

Ongoing support, further training and updates on new developments and initiatives ensure that you achieve success in building a strong and profitable franchise business.

Another key area of support is our national marketing strategy, which builds the Urban Planters brand name and is aimed at blue chip, multiple-outlet customers. This effort assists with generating a regular flow of new leads from the national sales team.

Most importantly, we are always at hand to provide practical guidance and assistance at every stage of your franchise businesses growth.

The Urban Planter Investment

A total investment of £58,000 is required for an Urban Planter franchise. This is split between £33K personal investment and £25K bank loan. This includes a Franchise License fee, initial stock, establishment costs and working capital to cover the first 12 to 18 months of set-up and operations.**

This investment is most likely to be a mix of liquid capital and bank support. Thereafter the franchise business should be self-financing. Additional investment may be required to cover personal drawings.**

Start-up Costs

Franchise Licence = £23,950
Includes training, stationery, sales literature, equipment & materials, uniform, sign writing of vehicle, 1st year membership of EFIG, customer/prospect database software, access to electronic operating manuals and working documents, subscription to Employment Law database and helpline.

Office Equipment and Furniture = £1,800
Includes computer, hardware & software, photocopier/scanner/colour printer & fax, desk, chairs, filling cabinet, digital camera, telephone/answering machine and general office stationery.

Communications = £340
Includes telephone line, broadband, connection and initial rental.

Vehicles = £830
Includes Transit Connect LWB contract hire advance payment.

Legal = £1,100
Includes legal costs for franchise licence, accountancy costs and consumer credit licence.

Total = £28,000

Working capital required = £30,000
TOTAL INVESTMENT REQUIRED = £58,000

Could you be an Urban Planters Franchisee?

As you will discover, Urban Planters has always been a family business and we are particularly interested in appointing franchisees who are keen to develop a family-run operation.

Previous experience in horticulture is definitely not a requirement, as the training programme is extremely thorough enabling those from a wide range of career backgrounds to run all aspects of their landscaping business efficiently.

If you believe this could be the route for your personal business success, please ring us. We will be pleased to arrange an informal discussion - in confidence - and give you the opportunity to take a closer look at the Urban Planter franchise and the rewards it offers.

Here is a summary of the main personal attributes:

• Sufficient capital to invest which, together with bank support, allows for the development of the business and personal drawings
• Located within or prepared to move to an available territory
• Sales orientated and resilient
• A positive attitude
• Ambitious, enterprising and driven Outgoing
• Enjoy dealing with people and plants
• Compliant

Where we are recruiting?

Demand for franchised territories is high, particularly from business professionals who find investing in a franchise a satisfying and lucrative alternative to a company career. Each Urban Planters Franchisee operates an exclusive area centred upon a city, town or urban conurbation and defined clearly by postcodes.

We are currently looking for franchisees in London North, London East, Wessex, South Wales, Northampton, Ipswich and East Anglia, Preston, Newcastle and North East, Glasgow, Belfast and Ireland.

Franchise resale opportunities are also available across the UK. 

To find out what green field and resale territories are currently available, please give us a call or fill in the form below.

Further Information

Franchise Information

BFA Membership Status
Full

UK Years Established
12 years

Current UK Coverage
70%

Franchisee Support Staff
6

Personal Investment Req.
£33,000

Total Startup Cost
£58,000

Why Choose Us?

What Our Franchisees Say

Latest Case Study

6th October 2009
Urban Planters Reading: Cultivating a lucrative career

Latest News

2nd May 2009
Urban Planters Part of Hells Kitchen