An Olney-founded landscaping supplier that has grown into one of Buckinghamshire’s largest turf distributors has been acquired by Northamptonshire-based Harrowden.
George Davies Turf & Stone, which was established by George Davies on his family’s farm in Olney in 2001, supplies turf and landscaping materials to more than 3,250 trade customers and delivers around 1.4 million rolls of turf each year.
The business employs 30 people across its Clifton Reynes headquarters and St Albans depot. Harrowden, headquartered near Kettering, said the acquisition builds on a long-standing commercial relationship between the two companies, with George Davies Turf & Stone having sourced products from Harrowden for many years.
George Davies will remain with the business as part of its senior leadership team for at least the next three years to support the transition and future growth plans.
George said: “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.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the last 25 years and excited about what comes next. I’m also delighted to be staying involved and helping shape the next chapter for the business, our customers and our team.”
Following the acquisition, the combined business will employ more than 130 people across seven UK locations and is expected to generate annual turnover approaching £20 million.
Chantall Ridd-Jones, director at 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.”
The companies said customers would continue to receive the same service while benefiting from future investment and the combined capabilities of the enlarged business.
Image: George Davies, founder of George Davies Turf & Stone (left), shakes hands with Stuart Ridd-Jones, chairman of Harrowden, alongside Chantall Ridd-Jones, director of Harrowden, following the acquisition of the Olney-founded landscaping supplier.
