Business Profile: Man for all Seasons

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We have all certainly seen some of the worst weather in a while hit the UK and indeed the Southwest since the start of this year and needless to say, most gardens are looking worse for wear after the winter months have taken their toll. Life gets in the way and sometimes it can be a struggle to keep it looking in tip-top condition, especially when the weather is as terrible as it has been lately. If you’re struggling to find the time to tame your overgrown garden, and you are operating on a keen budget then worry not as Man for all Seasons is on hand to transform your garden into a glorious haven that you won’t be embarrassed to show off during the summer months. With a wide range of services available, Luke Foster and his team can deliver a host of reliable and affordable services to maintain your garden throughout the year.

Running any successful business these days isn’t easy, especially in the South West where competition is high and the challenges that coincide with running a business can be difficult at times. Luke Foster of Man for all Seasons has been through the thick and the thin since starting up his gardening business in 2008, but ultimately his passion for gardening and commitment to providing excellent service and customer care has pushed his business to be one of the most thriving in the city.

After the OM team met with Luke in March 2018, we caught up with him again to find out how far the business has come in that time, what’s changed and what his next move is for this top-quality gardening and landscaping business.

Man for all Seasons is a Plymouth-based garden, grounds and landscaping business set up by managing director, Luke Foster in 2008 when he was only 17 years old. Having been interested in gardening from a young age, Luke decided to qualify in both Horticulture, as well as Landscape Design, and now has all the tools, knowledge and skills required to follow through with any job handed to him.

Over his years in business, Man for all Seasons has developed the services they offer, with a wide range of services now available to both domestic and commercial customers, from basic lawn care and cutting to complete garden redesigns.

Luke tells us – “I like to meet with clients and give them what they need, whether that be basic garden maintenance or a brand new garden design.”

The business has developed rapidly since we last saw Luke and his team in 2018, with the most recent change being their move to a brand new, state of the art premises in the heart of Reynolds Park, just off Bell Close in Plympton.

After spending two years based at the Millfields Trust in Stonehouse, Luke decided it was time to push the company forward and open up the possibilities for expansion.

“We didn’t have room to grow there, the facilities weren’t what we needed as we now have 4 vans with trailers so parking is essential and we need an office to run from which wasn’t what we had previously.”

Luke spent time looking for alternative premises which suited the businesses needs better, focusing on industrial units in Plymouth. Having looked around at various places, Luke came across Reynolds Park in August 2019 where Unit 7 was available.

Committing to a complete change in premises is a huge move for a business, there are so many factors to consider, but ultimately it comes down to cost and practicality. Luke took the plunge and moved Man for all Seasons across to their brand new unit at Reynolds Park in December and hasn’t looked back since.

“It’s been a huge change for us, we have much more space to work from. It’s definitely been worth it”

Moving the business to Plympton has certainly been an asset to the company, it’s now easier to access the A38 being only a short drive from the unit, as well as being closer to their targeted areas of Plympton, Plymstock and Ivybridge.

Although the move to Reynolds Park has been beneficial for the business, it was a huge change and massive challenge for the team, as they now have to bring in more work to cover their costs.

Expansion is certainly on the cards for Luke and his team with the move in premises planting the seed. Luke is now focusing his time and energy into pushing for more work across Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall as well as looking to expand his team.

Currently, the Man for all Seasons team consists of Managing Director Luke, Office Manager Amy and then two gardeners Mark and Jamie, who also acts as Assistant Manager.

The small team are currently stretched with manpower and are looking to add two passionate and experienced gardeners to their team, as well as a labourer to help on landscaping jobs. Luke is searching for individuals who have basic knowledge of gardening and plants as well as excellent customer service skills.

“We are all set up to get bigger, but we need more staff”

Along with expanding his team, Luke is actively pressing for more gardening and landscaping work, with maintenance jobs being his main focus.

Whilst pushing for more work, Luke is also hoping to expand the area Man for all Seasons cover. They mostly operate in and around Plymouth, but the team can travel west into Cornwall covering Saltash, Liskeard, Landrake and beyond, as well as travelling east towards Exeter, Dartmouth and Kingsbridge.

“Being so close to the A38, we are in a prime location to cover a wider area. We are looking to expand on our work in Exeter, Dartmouth and Kingsbridge as well as anywhere in between.”

Whether you’re after a complete garden re-design or general maintenance throughout the year, Luke and his team have got you covered. The team are no stranger to a challenging job, but no job is ever too much for the team to handle. Their new premises allow Man for all Seasons to be fully equipped with all the tools required to cut back your hedges, mow your lawn, prune and plant your garden or even design you a brand new garden using their high-end, professional software.

Man for all Seasons provides the complete service with the highest level of customer service being their priority every step of the way, from the initial enquiry to the completion of the job and beyond.

Attention to detail is one of the most important qualities every business should stand by, this is certainly the case for Luke and his team. Providing a service that’s reliable and tailoring to each individual’s needs is something Man for all Seasons provide themselves on.

“We uphold ourselves on the service we deliver. Always ensuring we are reliable and regular, making sure we don’t cut corners is also extremely important.”

Having a passion for what you do is an attribute that many business owners lack, but not Luke. His passion for gardening remains as strong as ever, even after 12 years in business. Luke is actively involved with all aspects of the business, from mowing lawns to designing bespoke gardens for clients, as well as carrying out the back-office administration and marketing.

The team are committed to the service they provide and now they have settled into their new unit in Reynolds Park they are more raring than ever to spring into action and get your garden looking like the perfect sanctuary for you to relax in during the spring and summer months.

Man for all Seasons really can do it all with years of experience and extensive knowledge, you can be fully assured that Luke and the team will go the extra mile with every job for every client.

If you’re looking for a grounds, gardens and landscaping service with a difference then look no further than Man for all Seasons. Luke’s knowledge and his team’s expertise and attention to detail will ensure your garden is well looked after even during the winter months.

Developing and expanding isn’t an easy task for any business, but it is clear to see that Luke’s determination and commitment to providing the best service in Plymouth has pushed Man for all Seasons forward. With their brand-new premises fully kitted out, a few extra members of the team will allow the business to reach its full potential, providing customers throughout Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall with top-quality, reliable and good value gardening services. It’s been a busy and exciting two years for Luke and the team at Man for all Seasons and we’re looking forward to seeing what the future brings to them.

If you’re an experienced gardener looking for immediate start work then contact Luke or a member of his team by emailing office@plymouthmanforallseasons.co.uk, send a Facebook message or post your CV to the office address.