Lease-a-Leaf goes on growing
An interior landscaping company that transforms
offices and private homes across the UK is celebrating 28 years in
business and continuing to grow strongly despite the
recession.
Lease-A-Leaf Ltd, based near Hexham, Northumberland, is one of
the oldest established independent companies of its type in the UK
with a wealth of expertise in design and tropical plants. Started
by Philip and Wendy Davidson, the family-run business now includes
sons Andrew and Matthew.
With 50% of its business in London, Lease-A-Leaf has an office
there as well as a North East warehouse. The close-knit team of 15
includes talented design and horticultural experts and the Davisons
are moving the company on to the next stage in its development with
help from Investors in People North East.
"We recognise that long-standing companies can become complacent
so turned to Investors in People about seven years ago and are real
enthusiasts now," said Wendy Davidson. "It gives us an invaluable
external view of the company and has helped us to benchmark,
diversify and look at the succession issue which is an adjustment
for any family business."
Lease-A-Leaf's core business of internal landscaping and
maintenance can range from one desk-top bowl to displays featuring
hundreds of plants. Recently, the company has worked on a roof
garden for the University of Northumbria, Newcastle's new Eldon
Square shopping development, in offices at Canary Wharf, including
long-standing customer Total Oil, and designed the foyer for the
Nissan Design Centre in London.
"We also have contracts for this year's Farnborough Air Show and
with an international design company in the Emirates," said
Wendy.
The container side of the business, featuring ceramic and
stainless steel to oyster shells and banana leaves, is expanding
fast. Plants come mainly from Holland and Belgium but specialist UK
growers provide some, including orchids. External landscaping,
weddings and marquee events are all now part of the business and
12% of turnover comes from Christmas designs for offices and
private homes.
"Plants improve the office and home environment in many ways and
it is so rewarding to transform a blank canvas," said Wendy.
"Investors in People is so right for us in helping to boost
business through the people we employ. Working in our clients'
environments means that everyone plays a crucial part in
representing us and our staff value Investors in People, welcome us
being open about the business and take responsibility for its
future.
"Training is a major part of our policy and our graduate
technicians are also mentored for two years to build up knowledge
of plants, pests and diseases. We believe that we have been able to
provide a more varied and better quality of working life."
Rob Macleod, Managing Director of Investors in People North
East, said: "It is good to see such a well-established successful
business looking ahead and using Investors in People to improve and
develop through its workforce. We look forward to continuing to
work with them."