A LEADING supplier of plants in North Yorkshire is celebrating a record year of sales with turnover topping £15 million for the first time in its 100-year history.

The family-run plant nursery, Johnsons of Whixley which supplies commercial projects throughout the UK, has also seen revenue grow by 50 per cent to more than £10 million.

Third-generation family member Luke Richardson, who has been appointed sales director, said: “Commercial sales have exceeded all expectations, driven by strong performance in our core business and new custom.

"Reorganising our structure gives us a great foundation to improve our service offering, further incorporate new technology and drive sustainable growth. Despite the pandemic and Brexit, our upcoming annual budget is ambitious and reflects high confidence in the team.”

The re-structure sees Iain Richardson focus on the general direction of the business, and he will retain several key accounts. Tony Coles heads up the key accounts sector and is supported by Andrew Barker, as key accounts manager.

Vicky Newell returns to the business and assumes the responsibility of general amenity sales manager with Jack Witham taking on home area sales, Hannah Smith the North and Laura Holmes the South.

Corrina Mills is the company's estimator and Eleanor Richardson continues to work alongside the sales team as marketing manager.

The sales team sell six million plants annually throughout the UK and are responsible for providing more than 10,000 quotes per year, up to 17,000 orders and 12,000 deliveries.

Group managing director Graham Richardson said: “Our success is primarily down to the hard work and dedication of all our staff, from the quote process right through to the lifting of orders and dispatch.

"Demand remains high as a consequence of a greater appetite for a greener world, considerable exposure from our improved website, expanded PR campaigns and significant social growth with an increase of 377 per cent since 2017.

"These elements have played a key factor in the 30 per cent increase of new customers.

"This is an exciting time for the business as Luke brings experience, motivation, compassion and an unrivalled knowledge of the market and our family business.”

Established in 1921 by Eric Johnson, the company was taken over by John Richardson in 1964 and renamed Johnsons of Whixley in 1993.