DIYWEEK.net

A Caulder & Co Limited, the owner of Caulders Garden Centres, has made two fresh acquisitions with financial backing from Clydesdale Bank. The company has acquired Dobbies Garden Centres in Kinross and Cumbernauld, growing its portfolio of garden centre businesses to seven from five, as it continues to expand its footprint across Central Scotland.

The business has said it is now investing significantly to refurbish both of the sites, including development of the restaurant facilities, to provide improved outlets for local communities in both towns. It has also retained all its staff across existing operations, now employing over 250 people across its outlets throughout the region.

Established in 1999 with two part time staff, Caulders has since expanded rapidly, doubling its levels of turnover in the past five years alone through purchases of other garden centre and restaurant businesses in Cupar, Mugdock, Kirkintilloch, Braidbar and Erskine.

Despite the sell, Dobbies Garden Centres has expanded its own portfolio with the acquisition of 31 Wyevale centres, which increased the Dobbies estate to 69 centres and making it the largest garden centre operation in the UK.

Colin Barrie, founder of Caulders, said: “Clydesdale Bank’s continued support as we looked to expand yet again into new territories was hugely appreciated as we worked with them on this transaction.

“We are putting significant capital into enhancing the premises in Cumbernauld and Kinross and they will each play a key role in our growth strategy, helping us to provide a strong alternative to large corporate retailers for customers in Scotland. We remain committed to building strong customer relationships and providing employment opportunities for local communities.”

Jim Wales, commercial relationship manager at Clydesdale Bank, who delivered the deal, said: “It’s been a pleasure to help Caulders grow their business over the years and this latest chapter is no exception. The founders, Colin and Mandy, have clearly proven themselves to be exceptional operators in their sector by establishing a range of successful outlets, a feat of which they can be proud.

“As a Bank, we have a strong history of support for family businesses across Scotland. We’re a lead sponsor of the Herald Family Business Awards each year and we fully appreciate how important these enterprises are for Scottish economic prosperity, as they account for 69% of all businesses in the country and around half of all private sector jobs.”