StumpBusters celebrate
25 years as a leading UK franchise
There are few more successful businesses in the UK than Taylor Made Franchising.
Starting out in 2006, the Dorset-based company have grown year-on-year, with founder Darren Taylor currently owning four franchise operations – PVC Vendo, StumpBusters UK Ltd, Wilkins Chimney Sweep and Traas Pest
Control.
And earlier this year, his first purchase StumpBusters
celebrated 25 years in business.
The company, which specialises in grinding out tree stumps, sold its first franchise licence in 1995, some four years after being established.
Darren Taylor bought his first StumpBusters franchise 14 years ago, and in 2013 he purchased the entire operation.
StumpBusters was where it all started for Darren and, in the seven years he has run this successful franchise, the business has grown enormously to cover most regions within the UK.
There are currently 21 StumpBusters franchises, operating in 41 territories, with only five more regions available for sale – these are Cornwall, Oxford, Kent, North West of England and Edinburgh.
He’s also negotiated the sale of the company’s first master franchise in the Netherlands.
Reflecting on the expansion of StumpBusters, while under his control, Darren said: “I’m enormously proud that the company is still thriving 25 years after it sold its first franchise.
“We have some franchisees who are on their fifth and sixth five-year agreement renewals, which is testament to the strength of the brand.
“It proves that they are all reaping rewards from their businesses. Things have changed immeasurably since I purchased my first territory in 2006.
“In the early days we could only import big equipment from America. Now, not only can we source small, high-powered machines here in the UK, but we have also designed and built our own 38 horsepower stump grinder.
“And, regarding these, we have six working successfully across the network.”
StumpBusters have the equipment and know-how to clear any size of tree stump, and are often contacted by golf clubs, parks and private homes.
They undertake large site clearances, removing stumps from well below ground level.
Among their many clients is the National Trust, although StumpBusters are just as effective within private residences, thanks to the recent purchase of new easy-to-manoeuvre equipment.
The company is the sole importers of this small, lightweight stump grinder which, if necessary, can be carried easily through a residential home – if access becomes an issue.
Darren added: “Having bought the UK dealership, we are now the sole importers of Alpine Magnums into the UK.
“Naturally, our franchisees have a distinct advantage over their competitors, thanks to this piece of equipment which they can buy from us at a significantly discounted price.
“It helps them to gain maximum returns on their franchise fee. Having been a StumpBusters franchisee myself for many years, I know exactly the issues they face day-in, day-out.
“This new piece of equipment certainly makes their job easier.”
StumpBusters are also working on a new master franchise in Germany, and Darren continued: “As a mature business we can’t afford to rest on our laurels.
“As a successful stump grinding business, it is important to me – and my franchisees – that we don’t take our foot off the pedal anytime soon.
“We will continue to improve and innovate, ensuring we have a franchise fit for the next 25 years too.”
