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At T&S Plants we had issues to address this year, namely the gap in our production range of small plants.  The reason was that we had lots of plants 10 litre upwards, but no smaller stock.

In February this year we had two choices, either we trade on 2-3 litre plants, (dinky plants as we call them) or we grow them ourselves.

We approached our bank to help fund us to grow more ourselves.  As banks are hard up and broke these days, they said no. This despite us supplying plants to the entire Athlete's Village at Portland, Dorset.  So, we approached another proper business lender www.fredericksfoundation.org/ 

When most people read Frederick's website, they may think okay, charity case, move on, but through our experience, this is not the case. 

We presented our full, costed Business Plan, as we had to, and then after full assessment we finally got through to the panel.  Having to convince one was interesting, the Panel is four!!!

As a bit of history, we first checked out Fredericks three years prior, so we knew all about them and what they could do for our business. 

We saw that Fredericks had made loans to Landscape businesses so we had a chance.

Our loan was approved by the Panel last month, and let us tell you what this means for our Business.

Our dream, wish or desire has always been to offer the best plants to Landscapers and Garden Designers, at realistic prices, to make our world a more beautiful place.

Through our funding, we have been able to expand our own production, and now, we have in production over 3,000 plants, in 4 and 5 litre, bigger and better than 2-3 litre, but priced at just £4.15 trade.

Along with the funding, we have been tied in with a Business Mentor for the next year, to help and support our Business.  In addition, last month we attended a Rural-Net meeting, an organisation with Business owners, just like ourselves.

So for the peat-free alternative, with 4 - 30 litre plants, please take a look at www.southwestlandscapecentre.co.uk backed by Business.