A couple of cuddly cocker spaniels are helping a new business to take off in the dale.
Enzo and Simba, Nathan Kerr’s beloved pets, are more than just mascots at his gardening company Hounds and Hedges. For many customers, they’re a key part of the deal.
“People love it,” said Nathan. “I went to price up one job and as soon as I got there the bloke came and asked ‘where’s the dogs?’ He just went and opened the car and let them run around.
“And another customer likes to sit in the back garden in the sun throwing a tennis ball to the dogs while I’m working.
“He said I’d quoted about £5 less than somebody else but when we spoke on the phone he asked if I’d bring the dogs. He reckoned it was nothing to do with the £5, he just wanted to play with them.”
Hounds & Hedges has made a swift impression, and Nathan admits he’s surprised how quickly he’s established himself.
“We’re from Manchester originally and nobody knows me here,” he said. “At first I wondered why people would get me in to do their gardens.
“But it’s taken off like something I’ve never seen.”
That includes two big landscaping jobs, but also regular slots tidying up people’s gardens, mowing lawns and trimming hedges. A successful job on a new street is accompanied by a leaflet drop to attract more custom.
The next plan, perhaps earlier than expected, is to hire a potential apprentice.
“We’re looking to hire a young lad from the area with an interest in gardening and landscaping,” Nathan added.
“We can see how it goes over the summer and if he takes to it I’d like to put him through college and he can do his apprenticeship with this company.
“It could be a fantastic thing to give somebody an opportunity. If you like being outside and you don’t mind a bit of hard graft, it’s a perfect job.”
