|
![]() | Private domestic gardens - small and large - all areas of Rossendale, Haslingden, Ramsbottom, Tottington, Bury, Bolton |
![]() | Private Members Sports Clubs - including 3 bowling greens in Salford & Bolton |
![]() | Commercial clients, & entire Industrial Estates - Bury, Lancashire |
![]() | Local Authorities - Bury, Lancashire |
![]() | Housing Associations - Bolton |
![]() | Care & Nursing Homes - Tottington |
![]() | Schools, Nurseries - all areas |
![]() | International companies based in the North West UK - Manchester |
Over the years, the landscaping arm of the business substantially increased turnover whilst the economy was growing strongly up to 2008, this was an "eat what you catch" strategy and landscaping is dependant on 5 factors - repeat winning of work, landscape engineering staff, extensive management input, and costly materials - all which equate to high cost of sales.
The 5th factor affecting landscaping is climate. Over the quarter of century we've been trading, our climate has definitely got increasingly wet and it's been necessary to adapt the business to cope - in 2015 60% or 3 out of 5 working days were adversely affected by rain or snow. At the time of writing, in February 2016, we've not had 5 dry working days in the last five months!
Between 2008 and 2012 Country Landscapes re-organised and whilst we still offer a "ONE STOP SHOP" we now undertake more grounds maintenance and gardening, including lawn care and treatment services. This strategy effectively allowed us to recover from the losses accrued during the downturn.
Year Ended Oct | Cost of Sales as % of turnover |
2012 | 47% |
2013 | 30% |
2014 | 21% |
2015 | 4.7% |
Future
Priorities!
Country Landscapes remains fresh and energized, having evolved through the "typical" life stages of a business, it has emerged rejuvenated and in a relatively strong position, regularly winning work from competitors.
Our priority is to focuss on retaining loyal customers - by continuing to provide a reasonable value, dependable "one stop" service; and increase our customer density in areas we cover (on a weekly basis) especially lawn care in Rossendale - Haslingden, Rawtenstall, Bacup and Whitworth, Bury, Prestwich, Salford and Bolton, to ensure efficiency, cost effective journeys, and allow for future reinvestment in the service.
A big "thank you" to our loyal customers, especially those who've helped to keep us busy in the hard times and the winters when we need "wet weather work"; and for looking after our hardworking staff with a little encouragement and an occasional brew!
Golden nuggets from past Professional Edge Newsletters:-
![]() | Country Landscapes - As seen on BBC TV! at RHS Tatton |
![]() | Anita is set to return as Operations Supervisor next season following the birth of baby Megan |
![]() | Beat the Credit Crunch 2008 |
![]() | Cool Gardens
- add value to your property![]() |
![]() | Business Awards |
For more updates please see our Blog. If you have any questions, suggestions, or require more information on any aspect of our service visit www.country-landscapes.com or call us on 01204 40 22 22 and we'll be happy to help.
Professional Edge Winter 2016 (c)2016 Country Landscapes Limited