Tree services firm branching out after setting down firm roots at new base secured through John Truslove

A flourishing tree surgery and landscaping firm is looking for new workers after moving to its first set of premises, aided by commercial property agents John Truslove.

Tree surgeon Christopher Richards and his partner Emma Roberson set up Cornus four years ago, working from home, but the move to the 2,752 sq ft Unit 4, at Phase 4 on Buntsford Park Road, in Bromsgrove, has put them on the path to fresh growth.

Emma Roberson said: “Ben Truslove at John Truslove, was a big help. He provided really good communication and always dealt with our queries and calls straight away.

“We had been looking for premises for a while, but properties were being snapped up very quickly. When we got the chance to look at Unit 4, it was clear it was just what we needed with space for our bigger machinery, and office for me to work from and a meeting room for training. We took it there and then.

“Having commercial premises allows us to apply for a number of accreditations so we can take Cornus to the next level.”

The couple launched the business from their Stoke Prior home initially handling arboriculture – Chris has nearly two decades of experience as a tree surgeon. But, encouraged by its biggest client water giant Severn Trent,  Cornus has expanded to handling groundwork and landscaping.

“A lot of our work is commercial but lockdown has seen demand for domestic work at people’s homes go through the roof,” said Emma.

“At the moment Chris, I and our apprentice tree surgeon Ben are working seven days a week to try and keep up with the demand. There were five of us but two have had to take time off work for personal reasons, so we are currently looking for two qualified labourers. And we will be looking to take on more workers in the new year – we are booked solid with work until the end of February.

“I’m normally combining looking after our young children with running the office but I’ve even been out working on-site recently – clearing hedging and laying paving – because we are so busy.”

Ben Truslove, joint managing director at commercial property agency John Truslove, secured a five year lease at £18,000 per annum for the landlords of the Phase 4 unit.

He said: “There is very strong demand for commercial property at the moment but our extensive coverage in this area means we always best placed to match the right company with the right premises and the right landlord.

“We are particularly proud of our ability to support growing businesses taking the next step in their progress. This was a landmark moment for Chris and Emma at Cornus, taking on their first commercial premises, and it puts their business in a strong position as it expands in the future. We wish them continued success.”

White Collar Legal provided legal advice to Cornus over the leasing agreement.

Redditch-based chartered surveyors and valuers John Truslove was recently named Most Active Agent in Worcestershire in the Radius Data Exchange survey produced in conjunction with EG, the commercial property market magazine.

Joint managing director Ian Parker was also named Worcestershire Dealmaker of the Year AND Warwickshire Dealmaker of the Year for 2020. The survey year, which runs from August to August, saw John Truslove record a 36% increase in deals negotiated over the 12 months.

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