In today’s busy world, there will always be homeowners and companies who don’t have the time or expertise to manage their landscapes. Currently the UK landscaping industry employs about 60,000 people with an annual turnover of around £3 billion and it is growing, so starting your own landscaping business can be a rewarding journey. There are a few ways into the industry, you can buy an existing business with clients, or you can buy a franchise of an established brand name, or you can set your own up. With so many potential services to offer from basic garden maintenance to advance landscape design, it should be possible to find a niche.
Here are four quick steps to help you launch your own landscaping business.
Do Some Research:
You need to get to know the landscaping industry in order to find out if any opportunities exist. So it is advisable to spend some time carrying out research both online and offline. You can use the internet to find out about current trends in the horticultural and landscaping industry. Do a detailed analysis of the various market segments and the types of landscaping services that can be offered. Then you want to carry out some offline market research to determine your potential target area, what is available in your target area, what is lacking, and whether there is a need for the service you plan to offer.
It’s then time to write a business plan. This will help check the viability of your idea, focus your research efforts, and later it can serve as a working document for your business. It will allow you to define your target customer, which will make your marketing campaign more effective. Writing a business plan will also help you to define your goals, so you are clear as to where you want the business to go. Once that is done, then its time to move on to step 2.
Get Some Funds:
All new ventures require some for of start-up capital. You would have an idea from your business plan how much this is. Now you have to decide whether or not you are going to raise the capital yourself or borrow it. If you decide to raise it yourself, you may want to start saving monthly towards it or getting extra work to pay for it. However if you decide it is best to borrow it, then once your business plan is finalised, it would be a good idea to contact your local business start-up agency to find out what type of finance is available and how to apply. Then it is on to step 3.
Prepare For Launch:
Once you have the money, it is time to choose a business structure and name, then start the launch process. A great way to stay organised during this time is to put together a start-up checklist that includes all the necessary steps you must take, then tick them off as you complete each step. Brush up on skills and qualifications, and join any relevant trade organisations to get industry contacts. Make sure you get the necessary insurance, permits and licenses as well as health and safety certificates, that you need to operate legally.
You need to decide whether it is best to buy or lease equipment. It might be a good idea to lease equipment to being with, and then buy when business picks up. Choose equipment that will help you get work done quicker and better, for example, investing in professional property measuring equipment so you can offer personalised price quotes to potential customers. Go for low maintenance equipment as this will save you money later, you can ask other established landscapers for their recommendations on specific brands.
Have a website / blog made to showcase your work and for online booking and enquiries. At the same time get your business logo, business cards and promotional items made so they can be to be given out to potential customers. Advertise in online directories and use social media channels to engage with potential customers in your area, and don’t forget to set up an email marketing system so you can inform customers of any promotional offers.
Then its on to step 4, the final step.
Launch:
It is time to open for business. Spread the word, and shift your focus to the day to day running of a business. This includes all the necessary admin, accounting and marketing tasks. Try to brush up on basic accounting skills for doing your bookkeeping, and inter-personal skills to help you communicate better with potential and existing customers. Finally, make sure you define the scope of intended work and set up contracts to include agreed work and payment terms for each job.