Background

Dan’s Plants began as a small-scale passion project and has since grown into a recognised business supplying over six local outlets, including the National Trust. Known for its high-quality plants and personal approach, Dan’s Plants has also become a regular exhibitor at RHS Flower Shows, Kendal Farmers’ Market, and other regional plant fairs and events. They have also just won an RHS Gold at the new Wentworth Woodhouse flower show. With demand steadily increasing, the business had outgrown its original setup and was ready to take the next step.

The Challenge

While Dan’s Plants had developed a strong local reputation, its physical space limited further growth. To meet the demands of larger events like the RHS Flower Shows and expand its offering, more growing space was essential. Additionally, a lack of storage made it difficult to purchase supplies in bulk, increasing operational costs and limiting efficiency. The owner recognised that to take advantage of bigger opportunities — and manage the resulting demand — investment in infrastructure was needed.

The Solution

With support from the Cumbria Business Growth Hub, Dan’s Plants secured a grant of £2,956.99 funded by the Rural England Prosperity Fund, provided by Westmorland & Furness Council to construct a new growing polytunnel and a small storage unit.

The polytunnel has enabled extended-season growing, increased productivity, and much greater growing capacity — both in terms of quantity and variety. The new storage facility allows for bulk buying of materials, reducing costs and improving margins. This investment laid the foundation for sustainable and scalable growth.

The Impact

The impact of the project has been transformational. Dan’s Plants has doubled its growing capacity and now grows a wider variety of plants in greater volume. This has made it possible to attend larger RHS Flower Shows, where demand is high and new business opportunities have flourished — including a feature on BBC Gardener’s World. With national interest now growing, Dan’s Plants is preparing to launch an online shop to meet wider demand.

Turnover and profitability have both doubled, and the business is now on track to invest in a larger site in the near future to support further expansion. The improvements have not only created immediate gains, but also unlocked long-term potential and a clear path for continued growth.