Clapham-based landscape business Ginkgo Gardens is planning to weather the current downturn with a push into grounds maintenance.

The firm, which was launched in the 1990s recession by Dan Curran and Anthony Challis, has expanded over the past 2 decades into a range of horticultural activities.

Dan Curran told HW he was hoping to grow business on the grounds maintenance side to balance the drop in enquiries for domestic landscaping due to the recession.

"When we started the business we had £4,000 of work and 2 staff," explained Curran, who met Challis when the pair worked together at Fulham Palace Garden Centre.

"We now have 72 members of staff and a large grounds maintenance side to the business. We are trying to develop that further and continuing to improve our procedures and efficiency."

The business now has its own garden centre in Hammersmith, west London, and last year opened a cafe at the site. It also has a nursery in Long Ditton, Surrey.

"Efficiency is the watchword of survival," added Curran.

 

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