Business > Major acquisition strengthens UK turf and landscaping

Major acquisition strengthens UK turf and landscaping

Northamptonshire-based Harrowden has strengthened its position as one of the UK’s leading turf and landscaping businesses through the acquisition of George Davies Turf & Stone (GDT).

Headquartered in Islip, near Kettering, Harrowden is the UK’s largest grower and distributor of turf and mat products and has spent more than 60 years building a reputation for quality, innovation and customer service across the horticultural sector.

The acquisition brings together two highly respected businesses with shared values, complementary strengths and a shared commitment to quality, service and long-term customer relationships.

Founded in nearby Olney in 2001, George Davies Turf & Stone has grown into a leading supplier of turf and landscaping materials, serving more than 3,250 trade customers and supplying approximately 1.4 million rolls of turf each year.

Together, the businesses will employ more than 130 people, operate from seven locations across the UK and have a combined turnover approaching £20 million, combining national reach with strong regional expertise.

The acquisition follows a long-standing relationship between the two businesses, with Harrowden having been a trusted supplier to George Davies Turf & Stone for many years. It reflects a shared commitment to quality, service and doing business the right way, as well as a belief that the combined business will be stronger together than either organisation could be alone.

Chantall Ridd-Jones, director, Harrowden, said: “We’ve admired what George and his team have built for a long time. George Davies Turf & Stone has an excellent reputation within the industry for the way it looks after its customers and the relationships it has built over the last 25 years.

“What stood out to us during our conversations was how closely our values align, and we’re excited about what we can achieve together, while preserving the culture and standards that have made both businesses successful. This is about building on those strengths and creating new opportunities for our customers, employees and the wider business.”

George Davies will remain actively involved in the business as part of the senior leadership team for at least the next three years, providing continuity for customers, suppliers and employees while helping shape the next phase of growth.

George Davies added: “After 25 years of building George Davies Turf & Stone, this was one of the biggest decisions I’ve ever had to make. When the opportunity arose, it quickly became clear that it was the right fit for the business, our customers and our team.

“Harrowden stood out because they share many of the same values and recognise the strength of the business our team has built together. They want to build on that success rather than fundamentally change it.”

George Davies Turf & Stone will continue to operate under its established brand, with customers continuing to work with the same trusted team while benefiting from the additional strength, investment and opportunities the acquisition brings.

While the acquisition creates opportunities for future investment and growth, customers can continue to expect the same commitment to service, reliability and personal relationships that have always been at the heart of the business.