Manchester-headquartered artificial lawn firm Great Grass sells first franchise

A business based in Manchester is celebrating the sale of its first franchise – just one month after receiving accreditation from the British Franchise Association (BFA).

Failsworth firm Great Grass, a supplier and installer of artificial lawns, was given the go-ahead to seek prospective franchisees after more than a year of scrutiny from the BFA.

Within weeks of receiving the accreditation, the company sold its business model to Swindon-based husband-and-wife team Peter and Susan Gale, whose venture will trade as Great Grass Bristol & Swindon.

The duo bought a management franchise that will see them employ a single team before growing the enterprise into a multi-team firm.

Peter and Susan are currently undertaking training at the Great Grass HQ in Manchester and expect their franchise to be fully operational in three months.

Great Grass’ managing director, Mike Allen, said: “We are delighted to welcome Peter and Susan as our first franchisees and we are excited that homeowners in Bristol, Swindon and the surrounding areas will soon be able to experience the same high standards of artificial grass installation as the people of Manchester.

“Demand for artificial grass is growing at a rate of around 30% year-on-year so both Great Grass and Great Grass Bristol & Swindon can expect huge growth in revenue.”

Great Grass was founded in 2011 and today works both with residential customers and large companies, including football clubs MUFC and MCFC and sportswear giant Nike.