Cooke & Arkwright
News
Sowing seeds of success @Turf
24/02/11
Quality professional turf supplier, @Turf has launched into 2011 with the opening of their new @Turf Garden Store based in Bridgend Industrial Estate. The family run business, under the management of David and Jo Pearce, provides the only ‘one-stop shop’ in the area for the general public, professional landscapers, golf courses and sports amenities.
With Mr Pearce, a qualified grounds man on hand, @Turf also offers unique comprehensive professional advice on all products and services provided.
@Turf has relocated from Pencoed to Central Park in Bridgend Industrial Estate to accommodate its steadily growing business and increased stock requirements. The new premises have been adapted to provide a trade counter, offices and a large warehouse facility to house a purpose built fridge that will allow the business to store a large quantity of turf.
“The move to Central Park has put us in a good location, with easy access to the M4,” said Mr Pearce, Managing Director of @Turf. “There is so much opportunity for us this year. We are now able to supply a large range of quality products at the most competitive prices in the area for all budding and professional gardeners alike; in addition to our quality turf and top soil, we now have a trade counter where we are stocking composts, bark, lawn care products, feeds and fertilisers, weed control and pesticides and a selection of Hoselock watering products and Fiskar gardening tools.”
John Jones of Cooke & Arkwright, who acted as joint agent with King Sturge on behalf of the landlord Robert Hitchins Ltd, said “We are delighted that Central Park continues to attract quality trade counter occupiers like @turf. The new 4,000 sq ft unit gives @turf the prominence to attract new business as well as servicing their existing clients. We are continuing to sell and let units in a difficult market and only four units are now remaining at Central Park.”
Mr Pearce has an extensive background within the turf industry; he was assistant head grounds man at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff between 1999 and 2004 and was one of only two Welshmen that have prepared the pitch for the FA Cup and Charity Shield for the Wembley games in Cardiff.
He was also a consultant overseeing the installation of the sports pitch for the Olympic Games project in Greece. Local work in South Wales revealed a lack of supply of good quality turf in the area. Recognising a gap in the market, Mr Pearce sourced the best growers in the UK and @Turf was established in 2006. The company now supplies and contracts to a large number of prestigious golf courses in South Wales including the Royal Porthcawl Golf club as well as other sports facilities including football clubs, rugby clubs and bowling greens.
“David and I are really excited about this year at @Turf,” said Mrs Pearce. “We have expanded our product range and invested in the latest equipment and ground work machinery. For all the local groundsmen of football and rugby clubs, we will be stocking marking paint, a large selection of grass seeds and fertilisers.”
Mrs Pearce is no stranger to the green herself. As a former Welsh International and Glamorgan County golfer with an impressive handicap of 6, she is acutely aware how important the condition of the putting service should be! Also as an accountant she provides that valuable financial oversight of the family business.
Pictured l to r: Heather Lawrence, King Sturge; John Jones, Cooke & Arkwright; Jo and David Pearce, @Turf