Welcome to the House of Topiary · The Pilot Franchisor is Topiary House Ltd trading as the House of Topiary and each Pa tiIipaﾐt ┘ill t ade uﾐde the ﾐae of さThe House o

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Welcome to the House of Topiary

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Hiring Operating Manual

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Index

Topiary House Ltd trading as the House of Topiary

Pilot Franchise Operating Manual - Main Categories

1 Operations Manual Introduction

2 Introductions to the House of Topiary

3 Benefits for Pilot Franchisees and Dealerships – Hiring

4 Services- Price Lists and Marketing Infrastructure

5 Products- Hiring Topiary Plants and Planters

6 Products- Planters

7 Topiary Plants

8-9 Reserved for future Use

10 Products- Accessories

11 Services-Marketing

12 Services- Inter-Branch Marketing Referrals

13 Services-Training and Surport

14 Services-Transportation (In Bound and Out Bound)

15 Services- Insurance

16 Services- Stationery

17 Services- Photographic

18 Services – Foreign Currency

19 Services- Web Site

20 Services-Data Base

21 Services- Price List

22 Pilot Franchise

23 Pilot Franchisor

24 Pilot Franchisee Hiring and Pilot Distributor Hiring

25 Administration

26 Disputes

27 Complaints

28 Testimonials

29 Marketing Brief for Hiring Clients

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Thuya Spirals

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Welcome to the House of Topiary

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Boxwood Spirals with Cones

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Operations Manual Introduction Index 1

1.1 Open Letter to All Participants

1.2 Participants

1.2a Organisational structure of Topiary House Ltd t/a The House of Topiary

1.2b Purpose of the Manual

1.3 Ownership of the Manual

1.4 Purpose of the Manual

1.5 What is Pilot franchising

1.6 How does this system operate?

1.7 The Role of the Pilot Franchisee

1.8 Communication

1.9 Organization

1.10 Dedication

1.11 Security and Confidentiality of the Manual

1.12 Importance of Confidentiality and Keeping the Manual Current

1.13 Disclaimer

1.1 Open Letter to All Participants- Hiring

Dear Sir/Madam.

Ouヴ Coﾏpaﾐ┞, さTopiaヴ┞ House Ltdざ is a leadeヴ iﾐ the speIialist Field of e┝eﾏplaヴ┞ Topiaヴ┞ since 2004 for Sales and Hiring and because of its unique position are able to negotiate with

our suppliers the best prices and stock through bulk purchases of exemplary Topiary Plants

and Planters

The Pilot Franchisor is Topiary House Ltd trading as the House of Topiary and each

PaヴtiIipaﾐt ┘ill tヴade uﾐdeヴ the ﾐaﾏe of さThe House of Topiaヴ┞ さfollo┘ed H┞ the ﾐaﾏe of the county or Town of their choice.

This is available to all too all registered Landscapers Event Organisers, Wedding Planners

and Florists throughout England, Wales, and Scotland. This will be seen as extension of your

existing business as it will be complimentary to your present activities of Business

If one is not passionate about ones business do not start you will be wasting your own time

as well as others- stay focussed and do not be swayed by others with negativity.

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Operations Manual Introduction

1.1 Open Letter to All Participants (Continued)

From a previous survey done in the UK it was found that many interested parties did not

have access or the availability of good specimens of Topiary Plants at reasonable prices

whilst the selection was limited and turned to Garden Centre for their purchases. Their

puヴIhases fヴoﾏ this souヴIe ┘ould ﾏeヴel┞ He to satisf┞ theiヴ Ilieﾐtsげﾐeeds ┘ithout a positi┗e

margin for themselves.

The Garden centres in turn only had a small display and selection of Topiary Plants and

thereby been restricted in supply and the effects were consequential.

The medium to larger related companies e.g. Landscapers etc. found that because their

Ilieﾐtsげﾐeeds ┘eヴe iﾐteヴﾏitteﾐt aﾐd oﾐe off sales the holdings of related stocks was not in

their interests to hold on to stock on hand.-requiring maintenance.

Provided these orders were large enough they would and could then purchase from the

continent.

At times these companies would suggest alteヴﾐati┗e solutioﾐs to theiヴ Ilieﾐtげs ﾐeeds as

certain suppliers in Europe would only take minimum orders of £3000.

It was also found that many growers in Europe would specialise in limited species of Topiary

and therefore found because of the limited stock selection of many of the suppliers, once

again were restricted in choice of suppliers.

Having spent many years specialising in Topiary, establishing and visiting many suppliers in

Europe, building up a substantial amount of goodwill and an extensive Data Base, I have a

strong belief that introducing this new initiative of a Pilot Franchise will satisfy the needs

and availability too many, at a much reduced cost.

Yours Faithfully,

Duncan Ormrod

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1.2 Participants

Participants -See Family Tree below

Pilot Franchisor

Primary- Pilot Franchisee Hiring

Pilot Distributors Hiring 1 & 2

Family Tree

1.2a Counties and Towns-Objective

The Pilot Franchisee and certain of its affiliates are willing to purchase goods from the Pilot

Franchisor, named hereunder, within the boundaries of their county and towns, as set out

under Government statute.

The Pilot Franchisee Distributor for purposes of the agreement and clarity will be limited to

a 50 mile boundary radius of the town acquired for his Franchise activities.

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1.2b Purpose of the Manual

This document sets out a framework method for developing a quality and comprehensive

Pilot franchise operation manual and gives an insight into the considerations and issues the

Pilot franchisor, Pilot Franchisee Hiring and Dealerships Hiring, will face in the process of this

task.

The primary purpose of this franchise manual is to support the operations of the business -

that is, to support the people working in the Pilot Franchisee Hiring and Dealerships Hiring,

to do their jobs. It also provides the Participants with a detailed instruction on how to run

their business, in accordance with our own business model.

1.3 Ownership of the Manual

This manual will remain the sole property of Topiary House Ltd trading as The House of

Topiary, together with any amendments and updates, in addition to any photographic work

displayed. It should not be copied, shown or handed to a third party without the written

consent of the Pilot Franchisor.

1.4 Purpose of the Manual

This document sets out a framework method for developing a quality and comprehensive

Pilot franchise operation manual and gives an insight into the considerations and issues the

Pilot Franchisor, Pilot Franchisee Hiring and Pilot Dealerships Hiring will face, in the process

of this task.

The primary purpose of this franchise manual is to support the operations of the business -

that is, to support the people working in the Pilot franchise to do their jobs

It also provides the Participants with a detailed instruction on how to run their business, in

accordance with our own business model.

The easiest way to do this is through this operations manual, posted on a private, password-

protected intranet site www.topiaryhouse.co.uk for easy access. This brings together all the

knowledge and experience that Topiary House Ltd has built up during the life of the

business and will be updated and amended regularly.

http://www.topiaryhouse.co.uk/

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Operations Manual Introduction 1.5 What is Pilot franchising

A franchise is a product – the product being the right and the wherewithal to operate a

version of the franchisor's business in a given territory. The aim of running a pilot test is to

help understand a wide variety of potential issues and concerns, including whether the

business will be successful; how the business can be improved; the acceptability and

availability of the product or service; marketing methods; the laws and regulations

applicable to the franchise; the location of outlets; staff selection; the most desirable

combination of layout, equipment and design and opening hoursBy successfully running a

pilot operation, a franchisor will be able to put together all the elements of the franchise

package that it offers to franchisees

1.6 How does this system operate?

It is about the system that one uses to ensure that each participant co-ordinates the

Franchise activities in unity with each other to ensure enviably of making a profit.

1.7 The Role of the Pilot Franchisee. Once you become a Franchisee and part of a Franchise

organization, what are your roles and responsibilities?

(A) Financial

The first function you have in your new endeavour is as an investor into your business. You

will need to invest financially with an initial franchising fee, but also be prepared to pay any

additional costs that are necessary to get the business up and running such as equipment

costs. Also, there will be ongoing royalty fees that you will need to pay, and likely an

advertising fund fee (sometimes called a brand fund fee).

(B) Time

Secondly, you will need to be sure that you can invest an adequate amount of time in the

business. Although the system is basically set up in franchising, you will still need to initially

spend extra time learning how the system works. The franchisor usually offers training and

continuous support, hence the ongoing royalty payments. Like anything else, once you know

the ins and outs of the system, the time investment decreases somewhat.

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(C) Leadership and Partnership

One of the most important skills you need to possess as a franchisee is the ability to be

proactive and take initiative. You should be able to easily assume a leadership role and be

willing and able to learn new skills.

You also, of course, need to be able and willing to follow system standards.

You are basically assuming a partnership role with the franchisor, and by signing the

franchise agreement agree to fulfil four major responsibilities for the success of the overall

franchise system:

1.7 The Role of the Pilot Franchisee (Continued)

• To protect the franchised brand by operating the franchise in strict compliance with

system operating standards.

• To build a strong and loyal customer base by offering only approved products and

services and by providing superior customer service.

• To ensure that all employees are properly trained and the franchise is properly

staffed at all times.

• To advertise and promote the franchise and its approved products and services

according to the guidelines provided by the franchisor.

Therefore, you should be able to work together, share ideas, and resolve issues together.

You may notice something that the franchisor was not aware of since you are much closer

to the business. The franchisor would probably appreciate your bringing concerns or

discrepancies to the table, especially if you offer possible solutions.

For example, you may come up with a great new idea you'd like to implement in your

franchised location. The franchisor should have a protocol in place whereby an agreement

may be reached to pilot-test your idea in your location before the franchisor decides

whether or not to roll it out system-wide.

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1.8 Communication

With all of the responsibilities that the franchisee holds, communication and organizational

skills are key skills to possess as a franchisee.

You need to be certain that you understand how the entire system works and not be afraid

to ask the franchisor questions.

It is especially important to communicate with the franchisor anything that you notice that

doesn't seem right to you.

You should also expect to regularly report to the franchisor your sales and expenses, and

pヴo┗ide doIuﾏeﾐtatioﾐ sho┘iﾐg that ┞ou aヴe ﾏeetiﾐg the fヴaﾐIhisoヴげs ad┗eヴtisiﾐg requirements.

In addition, you will need to be able to communicate effectively with your customers,

employees, vendors, and other business contacts.

Furthermore, it can be quite beneficial to team up with other franchisees on a regular basis.

It can help you run your business more smoothly if you share ideas and solutions to

problems experienced with others in the same capacity.

1.9 Organization

In your role as franchisee, you should be prepared to wear many hats. In operating the

business, you will most likely have to manage all the daily operations involved in operating a

business, including ordering supplies, meeting with customers and vendors, preparing

payroll, resolving discrepancies, etc.

These are just a few of your "sub-roles" depending on the type of business you are running.

It is essential to be able to organize all of your responsibilities so that everything gets done

accurately and in a timely manner.

In conclusion, as long as you understand your role as a franchisee and make every effort to

carry it out thoroughly, you should be able to manage a successful franchise

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1.10 Dedication

This Manual is dedicated to the owners mother The Late Mrs Patricia Ormrod

1.11 Security and Confidentiality of the Manual

This manual is to be held in safe keeping if held in typed or written form and is to be

returned to the Pilot Franchisor after the expiry or termination of the Pilot Franchise

Agreement.

1.12 Importance of Confidentiality and Keeping the Manual Current

As this particular concept of marketing of Topiary has not been tried before on the basis as

outlined and set out and mapped, it would be pointless not to say that it must remain

Confidential at all times, in addition to any amendments or updates. It is also noteworthy to

mention that a manual of this nature will on an ongoing basis be changed and altered to

improve on our day to day experiences in the real world by also sub mitting suggestions.

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1.13 Disclaimer.

(1) The content of the pages of this Manual is for your general information and use only. It is

subject to change with notification

(2). Neither we nor any third parties provide any warranty or guarantee as to the accuracy,

timeliness, performance, completeness or suitability of the information and materials found

or offered in this manual for any particular purpose. You acknowledge that such information

and materials may contain inaccuracies or errors and we expressly exclude liability for any

such inaccuracies or errors to the fullest extent permitted by law.

(3) Your use of any information or materials in this manual is entirely at your own risk, for

which we shall not be liable. It shall be your own responsibility to ensure that any products,

services or information available meet your specific requirements.

(4) This Manual contains material which is owned by or licensed to us. This material

includes, but is not limited to, the design, layout, look, appearance and graphics.

Reproduction is prohibited other than in accordance with the copyright notice, see

www.topiaryhouse.co.uk, which forms part of these terms and conditions.

(5) Unauthorised use of this manual may give to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal

offence.

(6) All aspects of this manual design, text, graphics, applications, software, underlying

source code and all other aspects are copyright of Topiary House Ltd and its affiliates. No

part of this web site may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,

electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of

Topiary House Ltd.

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Introduction to the House of Topiary

Index 2

2.1 Organisations structure of Topiary House Ltd

2.2 Appintment of a New Director 2017

2.3 History of the Company-Topiary House Ltd

2.4 Past High Lights and Events

(A )The Purchase of our New Van 2011

(B) Hampton Court Flower Show in July 2011

(C) Olympic Games 2012

(D) Chelsea Flower Show 2012

2.5 Pictorial Introduction to the House of Topiary

2.1 Organisations structure of Topiary House Ltd

Head Office- The Franchisor- The House of Topiary

Managing Director Mr Duncan Ormrod

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2.3 History of the Company-Topiary House Ltd

Topiary House was founded by Duncan Ormrod who began as a landscaper in Hertfordshire

in 2001.

With a background in Accountancy and Banking, managed many Branches of Nedbank in

South Africa with great success and found this experience invaluable in running his own

business.

In 2006 it expanded by registering Topiary House Ltd specifically for dealing in the sale and

hire of exceptionally high end quality topiary plants.

Topiary House was established almost through default as if was meant to happen at a time

of driving around London in 2004 and noticing how so many smart hotels and restaurants

lacked entrance plants.

It was found that those that did exuded a classic, elegant feel, a total contrast to those that

did not.

Having made his first purchase of topiary from a boot sale years ago, Duncan immediately

fell in love with these compelling, structured and architectural plants.

さI Iould tell e┗eﾐ theﾐ that this ┘ould He a passioﾐate ヴelatioﾐship that ┘ould last a lifetiﾏeざ.

The topiary plant displays reflected an appearance of elegance and touched on opulence

and prosperity, standing out from the others.

さI Iould ﾐe┗eヴ get o┗eヴ the ﾐuﾏHeヴ of speIies the topiaヴ┞ plaﾐts aﾐd ho┘ the plaﾐtiﾐg requirements vary so much from plant to plant.

Whilst travelling to Europe on a pre-arranged visit for the first time, I was astounded at the

number and vastness of topiary farms that exist, all run by highly specialised and extremely

pヴofessioﾐalざ Topaヴiaﾐs.ざ

On reflection Topiary has the ability of bringing people together formally and informally, as

was apparent on one of my visits to Italy.

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2.3 History of the Company-Topiary House Ltd (Continued)

Having concluded business with one of my suppliers, the following day I was invited to

attend a tour of one of the topiary farms arranged for a large group of Norwegians.

It turned out that they were all florist owners from Norway. My client without notice to

myself announced that I was a South African, living in England who was passionate about

Topiary.

It was almost as if a balloon had popped, as if they had become weary of their own

company, I was surrounded by a number Nordic folk asking me many questions about this

and that.

Who said that Topiary could not talk? Topiary is not all about business, it is about living

plants requiring a lot of loving care and attention, nutrient feeding and watering, helping

them when they are not feeling their best and looking forward to the days when they can be

shown off, much to my pride and joy.

Who said that Topiary could not talk? Topiary is not all about business, it is about living

plants requiring a lot of loving care and attention, nutrient feeding and watering, helping

them when they are not feeling their best and looking forward to the days when they can be

shown off, much to my pride and joy.

2.4 Past High Lights and Events

Some Typical Highlights and Events that we have been fortunate to have been involved in

over the years are;-

2.4(A )The Purchase of our New Van 2011

2.4(B) Hampton Court Flower Show in July 2011

2.4(C) Olympic Games 2012

2.4(D) Chelsea Flower Show 2012

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Past High Lights and Events

2.4(A )The Purchase of our New Van 2011

The Purchase of our New Van 2011

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2.4(B) Hampton Court Flower Show in July 2011

Display of a Japanese Cloud Tree (Ilex Crenata) at the RHS - July 2011

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Past High Lights and Events

2.4(C) Olympic Games 2012

In July 2012, we were appointed suppliers to the Olympic Game at Kensington Gardens for

Africa Village –Our announcement was as follows;-

We were proud and honoured to have been accepted, as the Official Topiary Supplier at the

さAfヴiIaﾐ Villageざ Ol┞ﾏpiIs displa┞ at Keﾐsiﾐgtoﾐ Gaヴdeﾐs.

Shown is a video of the Topiary and Planter displays the event has to offer. (This can be

viewed on our web site)

Africa Village will serve as the official reception area for the 53 National Olympic

Committees from the African continent. This will span across the entire London Olympics

(July 27th - August 12th)

Visitors can step into a new continent exploring the cultural, artistic and sporting riches of

Africa.

The stands will present the very best of each African country with modern and traditional

music, fashion, dancing, and photo exhibitions and of course, food.

Please come and join us to see our Topiary Plants on view at this very special event.

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2.4d Introduction to the House of Topiary

Pictorial of an Event held at Chelsea Flower Show- A Place in the Sun

With whom we supplied all the Topiary Plants in May 2012

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2.5 Pictorial Introduction to the House of Topiary

Topiary House can transform a venue creating a glamourous, sophisticated and elegant

ambiance to your event.

Please browse the following pages, where you will see examples of how, by adding our

plants an event has been transformed adding tranquillity and harmony.

We are passionate about our work and here to listen and advise in advance of your event,

you may visit us, so together we can create the perfect required aura at your event. You will

be able to view the actual specimens we will be using. Mostly Bay Trees and Boxwood have

been used in the following examples; however we can suggest alternate species which will

complement your specific event.

Wedding Ceremony held at Swiss Church, Endell Street

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Reception held at Westbrook Park, London Road, Colchester

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Reception held at Westwood Park, London Road, Colchester

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Boxwood Ball (3 Ball & single) Uprights, displayed at The Grove, Watford for the

Deutsche Bank

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Bay Trees, Boxwood Balls, and Boxwood Ball

(3 ball) Uprights used to enhance

The entrance of the marquee

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Benefits for Pilot Franchisees

3.0 Introduction

3.1 Visibility and Transparency of Applicants.

3.2 Who is our Target Market?

3.3 Regular Income

3.4 Maintenance Income

3.5 Topiary Purchases and Accessories

3.6 Marketing by the Pilot Franchisor

3.7 Data Base

3.8 Hiring Income

3.9 Flexibility of Costs to your client

3.10 Florists

3.11 Marketing by the Pilot Franchisee Hiring and the Dealerships Hiring

3.12 Considerations before hiring out to determine cost to client

3.0 Introduction

Hiring Living Topiary enhances the setting and ambience so critical to the success of a

special occasion. The simplicity and colour of Topiary may be specially lit to contribute to

the atmosphere.

Foremost we would expect the applicant to be Vat Registered and complete the

Questionnaire on our web site- www.topiaryhouse.co.uk

The Hiring of Topiary Plants is a very lucrative side of business as the plants are always

returned after their initial cost and are continued to be hire out provided of course they are

maintained whilst they are in situ.

3.1 Visibility and Transparency of Applicants

This facility is only available to those participants who can show that they have ample

storage to accommodate at least 30 Topiary Plants and Planters on their premises and have

the availability for a nominated person to maintain them.

3.2 Who is our Target Market? Individuals, Estate Agents, Hotels, Home Stagers, Marquee

Hire Companies, Mobile Toilets, Restaurants, Shop Fitters, Wedding Planners, and Wedding

Venues are very lucrative for short, medium and long term periods as the plant is always

retained. 3.3 Regular Income-Wedding and Events contribute a good source of income on

short terms lets


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3.4 Maintenance Income

AssoIiated to Hiヴiﾐg is さﾏaiﾐteﾐaﾐIe iﾐIoﾏeざ foヴ the ﾏediuﾏ aﾐd loﾐgeヴ teヴﾏ peヴiods iﾐ addition to sales. E.g. Wembley Stadium

3.5 Topiary Purchases and Accessories

Available to Pilot Franchisees Hiring and Pilot Dealerships Hiring are the purchase of Topiary

Plants, Planters, Organic Compost and any other supplies provided by the Franchisor. This

will be seen as an extension of your existing business.

3.6 Marketing by the Pilot Franchisor

On an ongoing basis we will provide Marketing Referrals to you based on any successful

leads within your county.

3.7 Data Base

This will be sourced from our own Data Base of some 5500 names made up of Estate

Agents, Event Designers, Event Groups, Event Organisers, Florists, Marquees, Wedding

Planners, Wedding Venue Groups and Wedding Venues, to draw from.

It is expected that you contribute from your resources your own marketing drive as well.

3.8 Hiring Income

Topiary can be hired on a short, medium or long term basis. Whatever the occasion, topiary

will enhance your venue and add to the occasion's ambiance. As part of our hire service, we

can professionally light and decorate your topiary plant in line with your events theme. We

have a selection of lighting options as well as ribbons, silk flowers and accessories. All plants

can be set in your choice of planter dependent on your specific requirements. We have a

range of planters to choose from that are available, modern or traditional.

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3.8 Hiring Income-Continued

Cost of Hire to your client;-

Should you wish to hire a large quantity of Topiary Plants for a very special event you do not

ha┗e the plaﾐteヴ that suits ┞ouヴ Ilieﾐtsげﾐeeds, we will assist you in obtaining it.

Cost of Hire- Our minimum charge is £250-00 which covers transportation costs, loading and

offloading, placement, collection and decoration of each topiary plant within a radius of 10

miles of your business location. Over 10 miles a discretionary charge per mile can be

considered by yourself.

In addition a charge is set for each Topiary Plant which a set rate of £35-00 per Topiary

Plant. Minimum order 4 Topiary Plants.

Average orders are approximately between £600-£850 inc of vat.

さVaﾐ CapaIity Loadiﾐg PaIkage

Package 1. Medium Based Van- (L) 2.2 m, (W) 1.7m, (H) 1.4m. Cost £650-00

Package 2. Long Wheeled Base Van- (L) 3.4m (W) 1.7m (H) 1.7m Cost £950-00


Package 4. Luton Van with Tail Lift - (L) 4.2m (W) 2.0m (H) 2.2m Cost £1700-00

The price per package includes a 2 Day Hire Period as well as Transportation-Delivery and

Collection and site placement. In addition it is inclusive of Led Lights for the Topiary Plants.

Flexibility of cost will be determined by the number of Topiary Plants and their sizes

selected.

Transportation over and beyond a 10 mile radius from your location will incur an additional

charge per mile at your discretion. Should you require a Van to meet the Capacity Loading

Package this will have to be hired.

Additional days required over the 2 day Hire parameter, 10% of the total Package Cost

selection will be made for each additional day.

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3.9 Flexibility of Costs to your client

These are just guidelines and it would be consistent to acknowledge a degree of flexibility as

to what you will charge a client however certain boundaries of costs should be on record

and perhaps you can work around these, the important thing is to get the assignment.

3.10 Florists

Should a Florist obtain a Pilot Franchise Hiring it would be advantageous and cost effective

to include Wedding Flower arrangement for the Event or Wedding.

It follows that Florists are a good source of referrals and even if they are not registered for a

Pilot Franchise I have found from experience the more you involve them the better for both

parties and they should be contacted in your area to make them aware of this.

3.11 Marketing by the Pilot Franchisee Hiring and the Dealerships Hiring

It is expected that a balanced marketing drive on an ongoing basis is undertaken by the Pilot

Franchisee Hiring as well as the Pilot Distributor Hiring and any assistance towards this we

will encourage and support. We would like to see what your marketing plans are.?

3.12 Considerations before hiring out to determine cost to client

See Guidelines attached for your convenience.

This will be dependent on a number of factors.

a) Venue Location

b) Exact location at the venue e.g.- 10th Floor etc.,

c) Parking Facilities for off-loading and collection

d) Time of collection and delivery

e) Next Day Collection or same day collection

f) Number of staff required for delivery and collection

g) Accessories required

h) Planters in stock or special requests

i) Short/ Medium/ or Long Term Hire

j) The size of the Plant- height and diameters you can see there are various factors to

consider and to assist you with your client enquiry the above check list help you in your

calculation- we are always available to help you in need.

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Price Lists and Marketing Infrastructure

Index 4

4.0 The establishment of Counties and Towns

4.1 County and Town Identification and location

4.2 Marketing Referrals by the Pilot Franchisor on County allocation.

4.3 Data Base contacts Synopsis

4.5 Marketing for Dealerships

4.6 Price List for Topiary Purchases and Accessories.

4.7 Suggested Retail Prices for Pilot Franchisees Sales and Pilot Dealerships Sales

4.8 Pilot Franchisor Expectations

4.0 The establishment of Counties and Towns

It is essential from the outset to establish representation in each County and Town within

the boundaries as set out under Government statute in England, Wales and Scotland, as not

only should the counties be represented but the Towns within the County as well.

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Listed below are the Counties that will be covered.

Subject to finality of our marketing drive these will be confirmed at a later date once

participants have signed the Pilot Franchise Agreement.

4.2 Marketing Referrals by the Pilot Franchisor on County allocation.


leads received within your county, however, we do expect you to contribute to your own

marketing drive as well.

This will be sourced from our own Data Base of some 6000 names made up of Architects,

Building Contractors, Estate Agents, Decking Contractors, Driveway Contractors, Garden

Centres, Garden Designers, Gardeners, Landscape Architects, Landscapers, Restaurants,

Hotels Florists, Wedding Planners, Event Organisers, etc… on which to draw from.


In order to establish a data base we have on an ongoing basis specifically identified those

names that are associated to the Horticultural sector and have broken up a synopsis of the

numbers, representing the names of Florists, Wedding Planners, Event Organisers

,Landscapers, Architects, and Builders etc. for each Town and County to name a few.

This analysis will be use in the future to further the business of Sales and Hiring of Topiary

Plants and its Accessories, on an ongoing basis on your behalf.

It must be noted that this is very time consuming and each contact name has to be reviewed

periodically to ensure correctness of the data and requires a full time person to staff this

position.

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4.5 Marketing for Dealerships

On an ongoing basis we will provide marketing referrals to Dealerships based on any

successful leads received that are within a 50 mile radius of their business location.

This Radius can be increased subject to the Pilot Franchisee Hiringげs Ioﾐsideヴatioﾐ aﾐd ┘ill in turn refer the matter to the Pilot Franchisor for approval.

4.6 Price List for Topiary Purchases and Accessories

Letげs us He ┗eヴ┞ Ileaヴ oﾐ this ﾏatteヴ- the prices that are determined by the Suppliers are

actually the cost price- the price that the supplier sends us.

These prices and price List we will send to you through the medium of an excel sheet by e-

mail and should there be any changes to these prices it will be incumbent upon us to advise

you as and when the changes take place.

“hould the supplieヴ Ihaﾐge a pヴiIe at a ﾏoﾏeﾐtげs ﾐotiIe ┘hiIh is unusual, we will advise you

first before the order is placed. Prices as you might know are closely linked to height and

diameter and should this change at any point we will let you know in terms of the suppliers

availability.

4.7 Suggested Retail Prices for Pilot Franchisees Hiring and Pilot Dealerships Hiring

Displayed in the Price List that is sent to you Retail Prices will be displayed based on ……

mark up on the cost price.

4.8 Pilot Franchisor Expectations

Objective;

We would like to nominate participants for each county of England, Wales and Scotland.

35


Hiring Topiary Plants and Planters

Index 5

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Accessories

5.4 Planter selection

5.6 Topiary Show Garden- Watercress Beds, Sarratt

5.1 Introduction

The Hiring of Topiary Plants with Planters is a very lucrative side of business as the plants

are always returned after their initial cost and are continued to be hired out provided of

course they are maintained whilst they are in situ.

Topiary can be hired on a short, medium or long term basis. Whatever the occasion, topiary

will enhance your venue and add to the occasion's ambiance.

5.2 Accessories

As part of our hire service, you can professionally light and decorate your topiary plant in

line with your events theme. We have a selection of lighting options as well as ribbons,

bows, and accessories such as silk roses and lighting.


All plants can be set in your choice of planter dependant on your specific requirements. We

have a range of planters to choose from that are available, modern and traditional.

Should you wish to hire out a large quantity of Topiary Plants for a very special event and

┞ou do ﾐot ha┗e the plaﾐteヴ that suits ┞ouヴ Ilieﾐtげs ﾐeeds, it ┘ould He e┝peIted that ┞ou purchase these and charge your client on advisement. This would be an exceptional case as

we from experience have found that planters we have selected for Hiring purposes are very

acceptable to clients.

36




Ho┘e┗eヴ, ┘e ┘ill ad┗ise ┞ou ┘hat Plaﾐteヴs to puヴIhase foヴざstoIk ヴeseヴ┗esざ aﾐd that aヴe used regularly for weddings and events.

Care must also be taken that the drainage does not result in stains appearing on the surface

under which the Planter has been placed.

We have protective cover boards for this which can be purchased.

5.6 Topiary Show Garden- Hertfordshire

We are presently landscaping on the farm an area that will be solely used for the purpose of

a Topiary Garden so that clients can see the many varieties and shapes of Topiary as

samples that exist.

This is a big project and has to be carefully planned which on completion we encourage your

clients to come and have a look. The farm is located along the side the River Chess in the

valley that is well known for its water cress which grows abutantly in the water cress beds.

37

38



Show Garden

39



Japanese Cloud Tree

40


Planters Index 6

6.1 Considerations-Colour, shape, durable, weight and irrigation-Cont.

6.1a Planter Pictorial

6.1 Considerations-Colour, shape, durable, weight and irrigation

From experience it does not pay to hold on to large quantity of Planters for display purposes

or rental for the following reasons

a) The less holding stock the better- it is cost effective

b) Weather deteriorates the stock if kept outside and is not under protection- how many

Garden Centres do this?

c) Theft can be also considered and insurance costs will increase.

d) Probably the most important of all of these is colour and shape.

I have found from many years of experience that generally speaking colour and shape vary

from one person to another in their choice and is for ever changing. At times one wants to

pull oﾐeげs hair out in frustration. The remedy is what I have displayed on my web site- many

planters on display, varying in price which on hindsight is best as one can determine from

the enquiry the nature and type in terms of needs.

On receiving an enquiry for a Planter one has to get a feel of what the client is looking for-

find out the purpose of the planter and where it will be positioned Find out if it will be

under cover outside or not. Will it be on a driveway or patio or will it be displayed on

entrance? What is the colour of the driveway or patio etc.? Answers to these questions you

will see what is best suited for the client as some have no idea, whilst others have a

frightening knowledge of décor to their advantage.

41


Planters Index 6

6.1 Considerations-Colour, shape, durable, weight and irrigation-Cont.

I have found that black is good for a colour- simple. Terracotta discolours whilst white can

be used carefully but not in all cases. Wood even using yacht varnish does not last long-

provided the wood is maintained each year- but how many people do this?-

I would try and avoid wood if possible as a planter. I have found that like most things you

pay for what you get- the most important characteristics of a planter is that it is durable in

our UK weather condition.

The other point which not many people adhere to its importance is that the Planter has

sufficient irrigation holes in the bottom of the Planter.

42

Planter Pictorial

43

Smart and Elegant Office Contemporary Planters with Topiary

44


Topiary Plants Index 7

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Selection for Hire and Sale of Topiary Plants from a Clients point of view

7.3 The sale

7.4 Names of the Plants

7.5 Returns of Goods

7.1 Introduction

Topiary Plants come in all shapes and sizes, in many species and in many colors. They are

living plants that require regular attention and are quite beautiful to the beholder.

They require trimming when necessary- different species differ in terms of regularity but it is

normally twice a year.

The combination of Topiary Plants and Flower arrangements make a delightful combination

for weddings and events.

7.2 Selection for Hire and Sale of Topiary Plants from a Clients point of view

I have found the selection at times is a mind field when been approached by a client as

Topiary Plants come in different sizes, shapes etc.- and of course different prices are

dependent on these factors.

It would be well worth the time in discussing with your client the following before any

recommendations are made.

1) Where will the plant be placed- shady or sunny area, or full sun?

2) Will it be placed in front of a window?

3) Are there large trees close?

4) Will the plant be placed in a Planter or in the Ground?

5) Is a Tap close bye or does he/she have existing irrigation?

6) What is the composition of the existing soil like?

7) Will the plant be exposed to the road?

8) Would he like you to have a viewing of his property in order to decide what is best?

9) The size of the plant e.g. Height, Diameter, Girth etc.

45


Topiary Plants 7.3 The sale

Many clients would love you to visit their property to see what Topiary Plant is best for

them and from there you will be able to decide and recommend your opinion.

When a client purchases a plant, depending on the distance, I do not charge him travelling

costs a sign of good will.

If a Topiary Plant is tarnished in any way do not try and sell or hire that plant it must recover

first. Topiary Plants must be perfect in every sense.

This visit will also give you the opportunity to cross sell but take great care that you do not

overdo it a good balance is recommended.

7.4 Names of the Plants

You will see from the price lists that are sent the names are in Latin and after time you will

be able to familiarize yourself with them. The common names I have on our web site.

7.5 Returns of Goods Please refer to the Consumer Rights Act it is well worth reading as

changes have been made.

46


Outstanding 2 Ball Leylandi Goldcress

47

Accessories

Index 10

10.1 Accessories

10.2 Security for Plants and Planters

10.1 Accessories

The Accessories that we have available are, Compost, Fertilizers, Rubber Supports, Topiary

Ladders, Topiary Shears and Pruners, Planters. Cover Matts for Hiring, Chain Link, Organic

Compost, Lighting and Silk Roses for Hiring, Locks for security, Artificial Topiary Plants,

Horticultural fleece. Silk Flowers

10.2 Security for Plants and Planters. We offer the necessary topiary security hardware to

safeguaヴd ┞ouヴ topiaヴ┞ plaﾐs aﾐd tヴees. A ヴoHust さIhaiﾐ liﾐkざ Iaﾐ He ┘ヴapped aヴouﾐd the main stem of the topiary plant and then harnessed to the ground behind the Planter using

secure Key Padlocks and floor Eye Plates.

We offer this service as an added benefit for those seeking peace of mind for your clients.

48


Marketing

Index 11

11.1 Welcome

11.2 Web Site

11.2A Marketing Brief for Hiring Clients

11.3 E-Mail Adverting ex Data Base

11.4 Newsletter

11.5 Face Book

11.6 Leaflet Distribution

11.7 Face to face appointments

11.8 Wedding Fairs Representation

11.9 Trade Fairs Representation


11.11 Topiary Show Garden

11.1 Welcome

My eldest son Drew who is now 35 and living in New York said to me years ago whilst doing

his Natioﾐal “eヴ┗ie iﾐ “outh AfヴiIa さDad I aﾏﾐot suヴe ┘hat I aﾏ goiﾐg to do ┘heﾐ I lea┗e the Army- and followed this up by naming various proffesions that he would like to pursue.I

responded by saying that in terms of these occupations he had voiced- they were very

restricted compared to a wider market and specialised.

I then said had he considered Marketing and invited him to give this some thought- it could

be used in any business or company around the world. After 5 years of study Drew now has

his Honours in Marketing- London.The reason I have noted this is because without the many

strenghts one has, few can effectively market their goods. Been from the old school I still

believe in the old methology of personal contact whilst many have become reliant on

advanced technology and have lost the ability of been able to speak to people.I believe a

combination of both is a balanced approach which works well for me- perhaps you could

give this a consideration?

49


Marketing 11.2 Web Site

Topiaヴ┞ Houseげs ┘eH site is ﾐot a sales ┘eH site it is a ヴepヴeseﾐtatioﾐ of ┘hat ┘e do aﾐd portrays our love for the work of living plants. It is a representation of our ideals towards

Topiary and how we manage our dedication to this passion This web site is up dated

regularly and optimisation is in force closely monitored by our ongoing computer technician.

We have noted on the web site www.topiaryhouse.co.uk a ﾐe┘ Maiﾐ Categoヴ┞ さFヴaﾐIhise Oppoヴtuﾐitiesざ as ┘ell as a FヴaﾐIhise Questioﾐﾐaiヴe. In addition, we have recorded a listing of all the counties available-under the category-

さPilot FヴaﾐIhise BヴaﾐIhes A┗ailaHleざ

11.2A Marketing Brief for Hiring Clients

OﾐヴeIeipt of aﾐ eﾐケuiヴ┞ ┞ou Iaﾐ seﾐd out this ﾏaヴketiﾐg さBヴiefざ ┘hiIh Iaﾐ He used as a tool and gives an over view of the facilities that are provided for Hiring. Because if its length we

have placed this document at the very end of the Operating Manual. Section 29

11.3 E-Mail Adverting ex Data Base

It has said that this is one of the best ways to get any message across and for that reason we

have over the years built up our Data base presently at a level of 12000 cotactable referals.

E-mail is probably the most underestimated online marketing tool of today. Recent studies

show, that e-mail campaigns are still the most powerful ones. Everyone who knows how to

effectively handle e-mailing campaigns has a great advantage, because it gives him or her

the possibility to stay in touch with customers, remind them who you are and why to visit

your website or even gather important feedback from your visitors.

Moreover, it is a very powerful tool for one-off special promotions of your products or

services. Not considering spam, there are two main e-mailing tools, E-mail Advertising and

Newsletter.

The effectiveness of an e-mailing campaign is determined by its strategy. Some strategy is

always better than no strategy, but we are here to show you the best one for your

Customer base, so that you can benefit from the list of your e-mail subscribers as much as

possible. We will create for you a campaign that clearly answers the following questions:


50


Marketing 11.3 E-Mail Adverting (Continued)

What products and services should I market via e-mail?

To whom?

When?

How often?

In what way?

What and how to measure?

What and how to test?

11.4 Newsletter

Especially the effectiveness of newsletter is breath taking. Online marketing studies indicate

that more than 80 % of your new newsletter subscribers will become paying customers

within 3 months. By providing this service from your web site you will encourage people to

sub scribe- it is ongoing but you will have to have the time for the content.

11.5 Face Book

The ┘oヴldげs laヴgest ad┗eヴtisiﾐg soIial ﾏedia platfoヴﾏs- Facebook Marketing, the

Inbound Way- Inbound is about being helpful and relatable to your audience. It involves

understanding the goals of your customer and partnering with them to overcome

challenges. One of the best ways to do this is to be available where they already spend their

time -- that means you need to be present on Facebook. True Facebook marketing requires

a consistent, long-term commitment. But we promise, the awareness and demand will be

worth it.

11.6 Leaflet Distribution

We have found this method to be extraordinary good provided that you obtain the services

of a professional distributor. This comes at a cost and is dependent on the number of

leaflets you sub scribe too. Conclusion;-We utilise all of the above but requires constant

time and energy.

11.7 Face to Face appointments Been from the old school I still believe in the old methology

of personal contact whilst many have become reliant on advanced technology and have lost

the ability of been able to speak to people.

51


Marketing 11.8 Wedding Fairs Representation

I have done at least 2 wedding shows- for some it works- for others unless it is a long term

presence at a cost- yes it is worth it., but definitely not short term.

I have found if you offer Topiary Plants for display at a Wedding show you can at a push

obtain free entrance and a stand- it is well worth trying- most would say yes.

11.9 Trade Fairs Representation

It is fair to say that you should direct your time and energies towards attending a Landscape

Show, Wedding Shows and the Floristry Industry.

Here you will be able to represent yourself all under one roof. Ensure that you have

beforehand a Tactical Promotional Plan.


Please refer to the Consumer Rights Act it is well worth reading as changes have been made.

11.11 Topiary Show Garden- Hertfordhire

We are presently landscaping on the farm an area that will be solely used for the purpose of

a Topiary Garden so that clients can see the many varieties and shapes of Topiary as

samples that exist.

This is a big project and has to be carefully planned which on completion we encourage you

clients to come and have a look.

The farm is located alon side the River Chess in the valley that is well known for its water

cress which grows abutantly in the water cress beds.

52

Topiary Show Garden

Inter-Branch Marketing Referrals Index 12

12.1 Family Tree

12.2 Referral reporting procedure

12.3 What constitutes a Referral?

12.1 Family Tree We enclose a Family Tree as seen in this Manual- it is invaluable as the

reporting system has been shown to high light the following observations;


1) Both the Pilot Distributors Sales and Hiring report directly to the Pilot Franchisee Sales

and Pilot Franchisee Hiring respectively.

The Pilot Franchise Sales and Pilot Franchise Hiring report directly to the Pilot Franchisor.

2) All referrals are to be directed to The Pilot Franchisor that do not relate to the Recipients

County or Town, who in turn will pass the information on to the Pilot Franchise Sales or

Hiring of that County or Town to follow up. On no account must this procedure be deviated

unless advised to the contrary. 12.3 What constitutes a Referral? Marketing Leads, Hiring

Leads, new accounts, all related to Marketing.

53


Training and Support

13.1 Training and support-on going

13.2 Cost of Training

13.3 Initial Training

13.4 Questionnaire

13.5 Oorganisation and Methods

13.6 What is O&M?

13.7 Management by Objectives

13.8 Determining Organisational Goals

ヱン.9 Deteヴﾏiﾐiﾐg Eﾏplo┞eesげ OHjeIti┗es

13.10 Constant Monitoring Progress and Performance

13.12 Providing Feedback

13.1 Training and support-on going

I have noted below areas in which we believe we can be of assistance- both my partner and

myself have had many years of experience in training within the Banking sector and can

utilise our training skills effectively with the following;-

Marketing Irrigation, *Organisation and Methods *Management by Objectives, Time

Utilisation, Motivation and Eye Contact, Productivity, Planting, Topiary Plants and selection,

Planters and selection, Fertilisers, Shaping and Cutting, *Also refer to Index 14 and 15.

13.2 Cost of Training

Inclusive of travelling Costs a full days training will be costed out at £300-00 per day.

54


Training and Support

13.3 Initial Training

On our Pilot Franchisee Questionnaire we asked whether or not you required Training and

Initial support. We are of the opinion that all applicants will require this service.

13.4 Questionnaire

It is suggested that all applicants initially document questions to ourselves- following this we

will reply with answers- we can then evaluate your questions to determine your immediate

concerns where upon a decision can be made mutually whether or not you wish us to come

and see you or visa versa.

13.5 Organisation and Methods

13.6 What is O&M?

O & M concerns itself mainly with Administrative procedures and employs techniques such

as operations, research, work study and systems analysis.

Management by objectives (MBO) is a management model that aims to improve

performance of an organization by clearly defining objectives that are agreed to by both.

55


Training and Support 13.7 Management by Objectives

What is MBO It is the systematic examination of an organisations structure, procedures and

Methods and Management control, from the lowest employees to the highest employee.

Its objective is to access their comparative efficiency in achieving within the defined

oヴgaﾐisatioﾐげs aiﾏs. Its oHjeIti┗e is to aIIess theiヴ Ioﾏpaヴati┗e effiIieﾐI┞ iﾐ aIhie┗iﾐg ┘ithiﾐ the defiﾐed oヴgaﾐisatioﾐげs aiﾏs. The term was first outlined by management guru Peter

Drucker in 1954 in his book "The Practice of Management. さIﾐ follo┘iﾐg Ihapteヴs, ┘e ┘ill attempt to highlight and apply O&M and MBO these are not catch words but are used in

practice in small and big organisations very effectively to improve on systems staff training

profitability to name a few. I use this constantly with application as it was drummed into me

and it is expected that Pilot Franchisees embrace this method of management in their daily

tasks.

13.8 Determining Organisational Goals

Topiary House Ltd will maintain effectiveness and efficiency of our organization in

partnership with its Pilot Franchisees and Dealerships.- Sales and Hiring

It will establish and set organisational goals in order to achieve goals- objectives that are

within reach of its objectives.

ヱン.9 Deterﾏiﾐiﾐg Eﾏployees’ OHjeItives- Pilot Franchisees and Dealerships

These objectives can only be set initially in partnership within the Organisation to be

determined on the completion of the successful appointment of applicants e.g. Pilot

Franchisees and Dealerships. 13.10 Constant Monitoring Progress and Performance of

Pilot Franchisees and Dealerships

13.11 Performance Evaluation of Pilot Franchisor, Pilot Franchisees and Dealerships

13.12 Providing Feedback to Pilot Franchisees and Dealerships

56

An Equisite Cloud Tree

57


Transportation

Transportation- In Bound and Out Bound

Index 14

14.1 Own Transport

It is expected that you have a suitable Van to transport your own goods to your client

preferably with a Tail Lift- should you not have a tail lift you will end up picking the planter

up and placing it in the Van which is not recommended.

58


Insurance

Index 15

151 Requirements

15.2 Cost of Insurance

15.3 Franchise Agreement

15.4 Group Plan

15.5 Insurance Broker-Availability

15.1 Requirements Typically in a franchise agreement, or within the Operation Manual,

there will be specific insurance requirements that you are obligated to get from insurance

providers. Typical insurance requirements include;

• Comprehensive public liability insurance- liability imposed by law due to bodily

injury and property damage both on and away from the premises

• Product Liability Insurance- for physical loss or damage to inventory

• Property Damage Insurance- for property damage due to fire, flood, smoke,

vandalism, etc.

• Business interruption insurance – for financial loss from closing of the business

due to damage or destruction of property

• Employment Practices Insurance- coverage arriving from such claims as

discrimination, wrongful dismissal or harassment

• Workers Safety Insurance- coverage for employees at the workplace

• Auto Insurance - coverage for delivery vehicles, etc.

59


Insurance 15.1 Requirements (Continued)

The franchise agreement will require the Pilot franchisee Hiring and Sales as well as

Distributors Hiring and Sales to add the Pilot franchisor has an additionally insured third

party to the insurance policy and provide a copy of the insurance certificate for the Pilot

franchisors records.

These requirements are in place to protect the system as a whole and to protect you. This

typically does not cost any more to the Pilot franchisee-Sales or Pilot Franchisee Hiring or

Distributors Sales and Hiring, allowing the franchisor to claim from the insurance company

any lost royalty payments or to protect themselves against laws suites that may arise

against the franchisor, through no fault of their own, as a result of such things as personal

injury.

The franchisee is required to indemnify the franchisor from all fines, suits, claims or actions

of aﾐ┞ ﾐatuヴe ヴelated to the opeヴatioﾐ of the fヴaﾐIhiseeげs opeヴatioﾐ of the Husiﾐess. Without adding the franchisor you would be assuming the financial risk, which defeats the

purpose of the insurance. It allows the franchisor to operate efficiently and not have all its

financial resources potentially being spent on issues that are at an individual franchisee

location level.

15.2 Cost of Insurance

Costs of insurance will vary depending upon numerous factors including, but not limited to,

the geographical area, type of business, deductible amounts and the currency amount of

the coverage.

60


Insurance 15.3 Franchise Agreement

The franchise agreement will often state that the franchisee may be required to purchase

insurance from a preferred supplier. This allows all franchisees to the system to take

advantage of the franchises size and buying power.

In addition to the required business insurance, franchisees will want to look at optional

insurance packages to further protect themselves and/ or their employees. For example;

• Life Insurance- provided when there is loss of life.

• Disability Insurance- provide replacement of income when permanently

disabled no longer permits you to perform your job

• Critical Illness Insurance- provided when you become seriously ill

• Health plan insurance- including medication, dental, prescription drugs

Employees are increasingly expecting and seeking higher standards for medical service and

financial security. Group insurance and benefit plans for employees allow employers to be

competitive and attract and retain good employees.

15.4 Group Plan

A group plan is significantly lower in cost compared to individual coverage.

This over view is by no means an exhaustive list of the insurance available. Not all coverage

will apply to your specific circumstance. Your specific insurance needs will vary depending

upon the nature of the business and exposure to potential liabilities.

15.5 Insurance Broker-Availability

You can consult with us to determine the specific needs required and consultant (an

insurance broker) Assessment to your specific circumstances can be determined by the

insurance broker and provide advice as to what products are best for you and your business.

Ultimately insurance is planning for worse case scenarios. With insurance in place you can

focus your energies on building a successful business and not be worried about financial loss

due to hardships that are often outside your control.

61


Stationery

Index 16

16.1 Stationery Costs

16.2 Costs Related to the Pilot Franchise

16.3 Stationary Samples

16.1 Stationery Costs

As this operation is a Pilot Franchise and no capital payment has been requested by the Pilot

Franchisor for the term period it would be expected that any expenditure related to the cost

of Stationary is absorbed by members of the Pilot Franchise.

16.2 Costs Related to the Pilot Franchise

It is also understood that all costs related to Printing and Stationery will be for the account

and or borne by the Pilot Franchisee Sales, Pilot Franchisee Hiring, Dealerships Sales and

Dealership Hiring.

This will be noted in the Pilot Franchise Agreement.

16.3 Stationary Samples

Samples of Stationery are set out under Administration in terms of Letterhead to be used

aﾐd eﾐケuiヴ┞げs foヴﾏattiﾐg ヴelatiﾐg to the FヴaﾐIhise.

Samples have been made for this purpose and for your future use.

62


Photographic

Index 17

Index

17.1 Superimposition- of plant and planter

17.2 Photographic images

17.1 Superimposition- of plant and planter

An already existing image can be placed on top of another image usually to add or enhance

the overall image effect through Photo Shop.

17.2 Photographic images of Topiary Plants and Planters which will be available to you from

our library. These images can be used for marketing purposes.

We have wide range of varieties and species of Photographic Images of Topiary Plants and

accessories that we can provide on request. We have the ability to mix and match plants

with Planters and a facility to place Topiary Plants with Landscape projects. A nominal fee

will be charged for this service.

63


Web Site www.topiaryhouse.co.uk

Index 19

19.1 Web site

19.2 Log In Code

19.3 Web Site of Pilot Franchisees and Dealerships

19.4 Insertions on Web Site

19.1 Web Site

On an ongoing basis we have arranged with our computer technician to optimise our web

site periodically and on an ongoing basis to ensure that our exposure in the market place is

good. Branches are categorised as well as for Pilot Franchisees-Sales and Hiring.

Topiaヴ┞ Houseげs ┘eH site is ﾐot a sales ┘eH site it is a ヴepヴeseﾐtatioﾐ of what we do and

portrays our love for the work of living plants.

It is a representation of our ideals towards Topiary and how we manage our dedication to

this passion

This web site is up dated regularly and optimisation is in force closely monitored by our

ongoing computer technician.

We have noted on the web site www.topiaryhouse.co.uk a ﾐe┘ Maiﾐ Categoヴ┞ さFヴaﾐIhise Oppoヴtuﾐitiesざ as ┘ell as a FヴaﾐIhise Questioﾐﾐaiヴe.

In addition, we have recorded a listing of all the counties available-under the category-

さPilot FヴaﾐIhise BヴaﾐIhes A┗ailaHleざ


64


Web Site 19.3 Web Site of Pilot Franchisees and Dealerships

As the term period of the Franchise Agreement is for 12 months and in order to obviate

excessive costs for all participants it would be advisable to make a category on your web site

that relates to Sales of Topiary or in the case of Hiring- Topiary Plants for Hire under

advisement.

Should you need any assistance in drawing up the necessary wording please let us know and

we can assist you, as well as any pictures that you may require.


All completed insertions relating to the Franchise must be confirmed with the Pilot

Franchisor.

As we do not sell on line as previously noted we would like to continue this policy for now

and perhaps at a later stage this can be reviewed and will be dependent on the number of

applicants that have registered to warrant any changes.

65


Data Base Index 20

20.1 Data Base Contents

20.2 Data Base Contacts Synopsis

20.3 The establishment of Demographic Territories


20.1 Data Base Contents

Up loading new data is very time consuming, but provides a record of some 12,000 names

at present and is constantly been increased in numbers. It is used for future marketing

purposes.


In order to establish a data base we have on an ongoing basis specifically identified those

names that are associated to the Horticultural sector and have broken up a synopsis of the

numbers, representing the names of Landscapers, Architects, and Builders etc. for each

County.

This analysis will be use in the future to further the business of Sales and Hiring of Topiary

Plants and its Accessories, on an ongoing basis on your behalf.

It must be noted that this is very time consuming and each contact name has to be reviewed

periodically to ensure correctness of the data and requires a full time person to staff this

position.

This synopsis is noted below separately reflecting numbers per County of Contacts for

referrals specifically for Estate Agents, Wedding Organisers, Event Organisers, Florists,

Marquee Hire, Wedding Planners, Wedding Venues Groups and Wedding Venues. That we

have recorded in our Data Base.

66

England

Estate

Agents

Event

Organisers

Florist Marquees

Wedding

Planners

Wedding

Venues

Group

Wedding

Venues Total

County

Avon 32 3 17 2 1 1 4 60

Bedfordshire 23 1 5 5 3 2 6 46

Berkshire 56 10 14 9 10 9 14 122

Berwickshire 1 1

Buckinghamshire 57 2 9 3 12 6 19 109

Cambridgeshire 31 2 6 8 5 2 7 61

Carmathenshire 5 5

Cheshire 12 8 13 6 11 11 13 74

Cleveland 66 3 1 1 71

Cornwall 35 8 5 1 1 50

County Durham 6 2 2 1 1 2 14

Cumbria 1 1 4 2 1 1 10

Derbyshire 41 2 5 8 3 4 8 71

Devon 86 1 11 12 5 3 118

Dorset 57 10 8 5 2 19 101

Dyfed 1 1

East Midlands 2 2

East Sussex 57 6 8 5 3 2 7 88

East Yorkshire, 1 3 4

Essex 91 10 38 7 21 6 31 204

Gloucestershire 53 6 8 9 4 3 9 92

Gwynedd 1 1

Hampshire 98 8 20 14 15 14 30 199

Herefordshire 33 1 4 2 1 3 44

Hertfordshire 71 4 19 1 8 10 22 136

Kent 77 3 20 9 15 10 44 180

Lancashire 6 5 24 6 9 3 16 69

Leicestershire 7 8 6 3 3 4 6 37

Lincolnshire 55 1 5 5 4 1 2 73

London 209 79 32 9 59 17 33 440

Merseyside 2 2 13 4 2 4 19 46

Middlesex 6 5 13 2 1 2 3 32

Monmouthshire 2 2

Norfolk 13 4 4 8 4 3 11 47

North

Humberside 1 1 2

North Yorkshire 31 3 7 4 16 1 9 71

Northamptonshire 3 6 4 10 7 3 7 40

Northumberland 1 1 2 1 6 11

Nottinghamshire 37 1 8 9 4 10 69

Oxfordshire 57 3 3 12 4 4 17 100

67

Shropshire 20 1 4 4 1 1 8 39

Somerset 56 5 10 3 7 20 101

England

Estate

Agents

Event

Organisers

Florist Marquees

Wedding

Planners

Wedding

Venues

Group

Wedding

Venues Total

South Humberside 5 5

South Yorkshire 18 7 2 2 2 31

Staffordshire 29 1 6 3 2 1 6 48

Suffolk 58 1 9 6 6 19 99

Surrey 116 12 23 6 14 13 33 217

Sussex 1 2 1 9 28 41

Tyne & Wear 3 2 3 1 4 5 18

Warwickshire 34 3 6 4 2 5 5 59

West Lothian 1 1 2

West Midlands 126 2 18 5 3 3 7 164

West Sussex 78 3 12 12 9 3 8 125

West Yorkshire 6 4 15 7 8 1 41

Wiltshire 47 1 7 7 4 4 70

Worcestershire 49 1 4 3 2 1 8 68

Yorkshire 19 5 8 3 24 53 112

Total 2077 216 470 278 301 198 596 4143

Scotland

Estate

Agents

Event

Organisers Florist

Marquees

Hire

Wedding

Planners

Wedding

Venues

Group

Wedding

Venues Total

Aberdeenshire 5 6 5 2 18

Angus 1 1 2

Ayrshire 4 1 5

Clackmannanshire 1 1

Clwyd 1 1

Dumfriesshire 2 2 4

Dunbartonshire 1 2 1 4

East Lothian 1 1

Fife 1 3 4

Inverness-shire 1 1

Lanarkshire 1 3 2 2 1 9

Midlothian 2 2 6 1 11

Morayside 1 1

Nairnshire 1 1

Peeblesshire 1 1

Perthshire 1 1 2

Renfrewshire 3 3

Roxburghshire 1 1 2

South Ayrshire 1 1

Stirlingshire 1 1

Sunderland 1 1

68

West Lothian 1 1

Total 9 11 24 7 18 4 2 75

Wales

Estate

Agents

Event

Organisers Florist

Marquees

Hire

Wedding

Planners

Wedding

Venues

Group

Wedding

Venues Total

Wales

Estate

Agents

Event

Organisers Florist

Marquees

Hire

Wedding

Planners

Wedding

Venues

Group

Wedding

Venues Total

Blaenau Gwent, 1 1

Clwyd 3 2 1 6

Dyfed 2 3 3 8

Glamorgan 1 1 1 3

Gwent 7 1 1 7 16

Gwynedd 1 1

Mid Glamorgan 2 2 1 7 12

Monmouthshire 2 1 3

Powys 15 1 2 6 24

South Glamorgan 1 1 1 7 10

West Glamorgan 1 3 4

Total 28 3 8 9 3 3 34 88

69


Data Base 20.3 The establishment of Demographic Territories.

It is essential from the outset to establish representation in each County within England,

Wales and Scotland as not only should the counties be represented but the Towns within

the County as well.

These will all be interlinked with each other which we will cover more in depth later but

they will also be reliant on each other for referrals.


Listed below are the Counties that will be covered.

Subject to finality of our marketing drive at the end of January 2018, these will be confirmed

once dealerships have signed the Pilot Franchise Agreement.

Avon Avon- BA, BS, GL England

Bedfordshire Bedfordshire- LU, MK, SG England

Berkshire Berkshire- RG, SL England

Berwickshire Berwickshire- TD England

Bristol Bristol

Buckinghamshire Buckinghamshire- MK, HP, SL England

Cambridgeshire Cambridgeshire- CB, PE England

Cheshire Cheshire- H, CW, M, SK, SY, WA England

Cleveland Cleveland- TS England

Cornwall Cornwall- EX, PL, TR England

County Durham County Durham- DH, DL, SR, TS England

Cumbria Cumbria- CA, LA England

Derbyshire Derbyshire- DE, S, SK England

70

Devon Devon- EX, PL, TQ England

Dorset Dorset- BH, DT, SP England

East Sussex East Sussex- BN, RH, TN England

Essex Essex- CB,CM, CO, EN, IG, RM,SS, England

Gloucestershire Gloucestershire- GL England

Hampshire Hampshire-BH, GU, PO, RG, SO, SP England

Herefordshire Herefordshire- HR, SG, WD England

Hertfordshire Hertfordshire- AL, CM, EN, HP, SG, WD England

Kent Kent -BR, CT, DA, ME, TN, England

Lancashire Lancashire- BB, BL, FY, L, LA, M, OL, PR, WN England

Leicestershire Leicestershire- LE England

Lincolnshire Lincolnshire- LN, DN, NG, PE, England

London London- E, EC, N, NW, SE, SW, W, WC, England

Merseyside Merseyside- L, CH, L, PR, WA England

Middlesex Middlesex- EN, HA, TW, UB England

Norfolk Norfolk-IP, NR, PE England

North Humberside North Humberside-DN, HU, YO England

North Yorkshire North Yorkshire- BD, DL, HG, LS, YO England

Northamptonshire Northamptonshire- NN England

Northumberland Northumberland - NE, TD England

Nottinghamshire Nottinghamshire- DN, NG, S England

Oxfordshire Oxfordshire- OX, RG, SN England

Shropshire Shropshire- SY, TF WV England

Somerset Somerset- BA, BS,TA England

South Humberside South Humberside- DN England

South Yorkshire South Yorkshire- S, DN England

Staffordshire Staffordshire- B, DE, ST, WS England

Suffolk Suffolk- CB, CO, IP, NR England

Surrey Surrey- CR, GU, KT, RH, SM, TW, England

Sussex England

Tyne and Wear Tyne and Wear- DH, NE, SR England

Warwickshire Warwickshire- B, CV England

West Midlands West Midlands- B, CV, DY, WS, WV England

West Sussex West Sussex- BN, GU, PO, RH England

West Yorkshire West Yorkshire- BD, HD, HX, LS, OL,WF England

Wiltshire Wiltshire- BA, SN, SP England

Yorkshire Worcestershire- B, DY, WR England

71

Aberdeenshire Aberdeenshire- AB, Scotland

Angus Angus-DD Scotland

Argyllshire Argyll- PA, PH Scotland

Ayrshire Ayrshire- KA, PA Scotland

Banffshire Banffshire- AB Scotland

Caithness Caithness- KW Scotland

Clackmannanshire Clackmannanshire- FK Scotland

Dumfriesshire Dumfriesshire- DG Scotland

Dunbartonshire Dunbartonshire- G Scotland

East Lothian East Lothian- EH Scotland

Fife Fife- DD, KY Scotland

Inverness-shire Inverness-shire- HS, IV, PH Scotland

Kinross-shire Kinross-shire - K Scotland

Kincardineshire Kincardineshire- AB Scotland

Kirkcudbrightshire Kirkcudbrightshire- B, AB Scotland

Lanarkshire Lanarkshire- ML Scotland

Midlothian Midlothian- EH Scotland

Morayshire Morayshire- IV, PH Scotland

Nairnshire Nairnshire-IV Scotland

Orkney Orkney- KW Scotland

Peeblesshire Peeblesshire- EH Scotland

Perthshire Perthshire- FK, PH Scotland

Renfrewshire Renfrewshire- PA Scotland

Ross-shire Ross-shire- IV Scotland

Roxburghshire Roxburghshire- TD Scotland

Selkirkshire Selkirkshire- TD Scotland

Stirlingshire Stirlingshire- FK Scotland

Sutherland Sutherland- IV, KW Scotland

West Lothian West Lothian- EH Scotland

Wigtownshire Wigtownshire- DG Scotland

72

Clwyd Clwyd- CH, LL Wales

Dyfed Dyfed- SA, SY Wales

Gwent Gwent- NP Wales

Gwynedd Gwynedd- LL Wales

Mid Glamorgan Mid Glamorgan- CF Wales

Powys Powys- LD, NP, SY WalesSouth Glamorgan South Glamorgan- CF WalesWest Glamorgan West Glamorgan- SA Wales

73


Price List

Sales

Index 21

21.1 Price List

21.1 Suggested Retail Prices

21.1 Price List

These prices and price List we will send you through the medium of an excel sheet by e-mail

and should there be any changes to these prices it will be incumbent upon us to advise you

as and when the changes take place.

“hould the supplieヴ Ihaﾐge a pヴiIe at a ﾏoﾏeﾐtげs ﾐotiIe ┘hiIh is uﾐusual, ┘e ┘ill ad┗ise ┞ou first before the order is placed. Price as you might know are closely linked to height and

diameter and should this change at any point we will let you know in terms of the suppliers

availability.

The basis upon which we define our business policy is based on the fact that our Pilot

Franchisor receives price lists that are the supplieヴげs Iost pヴiIe.

21.1 Suggested Retail Prices

Displayed in the Price List that is sent to you Retail Prices will be displayed based on ….. mark up on the cost price.

Discretion should be applied should you wish to increase the percentage mark up.

74


Pilot Franchise Index 22

22.1 Mission Statement

22.2 Term Period

22.3 Finances and Cost

22.3a Fee Structure for Topiary Purchases and accessories

22.4 Expectations of the Pilot Franchise

ヲヲ.ヵさLogistiIsざ of FヴaﾐIhise- Counties and Towns

22.6 Choice of Applicants for the Pilot Franchise

22.7 Expectations of new Participants

22.8 No Capital outlay for acquisition for 12 months

22.9 Cost of Sales to Participants- Pilot Franchisee Hiring and Pilot Dealerships Hiring

.

22.1 Mission Statement

Our Target is to be represented in each County of the UK with good quality Participants who

have themselves proved that they are a success at their own businesses.

As I have mentioned before-this facility will be in addition to the applicants own business.

22.2 Term Period

From the outset we decided to run a Pilot franchise first so that it can be demonstrated that

it is a viable and ongoing business, therefore this arrangement will be in force for a period of

12 months subject to review thereafter giving the existing Participants an option to

puヴIhase a さCouﾐt┞ FヴaﾐIhise.ざ oヴ a さDistヴiHutoヴshipざ for Sales and Hiring.

This is of course the route that we have taken as it safe guards both parties provided that a

legal agreement is signed to protect both the Pilot Franchisor and Participants.

This in turn will assist in evaluation of the amount of supplies supplied over a period of time

to Pilot Franchisees and Distributors to determine profitability.

It will help to evaluate and build a good relationship with suppliers and Participants.

Supplying support to nominated Participants in terms of training and advice.

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Pilot Franchise 22.3 Finances and Cost

As this is a Pilot FヴaﾐIhise ┘e aヴe ﾐot selliﾐg a FヴaﾐIhise さ LoIk stoIk aﾐd Baヴヴelざ at this

point in time, but promoting a Pilot Franchise without initial capital cost, however an initial

fee of £500 will be levied to cover cots of time utilisation in covering cost of the Franchise

agreement and Operating Manual only.

Should the Pilot Franchise prove to be a success after 12 months it will be reviewed for the

purpose of offering Franchises to the existing Pilot Franchisee Hiring and or Pilot Distributor

Hiring with new terms and conditions?

However, the promotion of this Pilot Franchisee comes at a cost and expense for the Pilot

Franchisor, but it is our belief that the existing structure and supports that are in place at

present, can be absorbed by the Pilot Franchisor, as it is an investment in its future and the

Brand. It also provides a platform to promote the activities of the Pilot Franchisee.

22.3a Fee Structure for Topiary Purchases and accessories

Orders for the purchase of Topiary Plants and Accessories are to be submitted directly to

the Pilot Franchisee Sales who will apply the cost price plus 40% on the order, exclusive of

vat. Orders originating from Pilot Distributors Hiring we will apply the cost price plus 60%

excluding vat. These orders are to be directed to the Pilot Franchisee Sales within your own

County.

22.4 Expectations of the Pilot Franchise

The combined purchasing Power of such an amalgamation of Participants will attracts

suppliers from all over the World who would justifiably wish to supply their goods at very

competitive prices.

This in turn will have an effect on the UK Market In the light of Brexit as this is becoming a

necessity. Together we stand strong.

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Pilot Franchise 22.4 Expectations of the Pilot Franchise (Continued)

This is an ambitious project to undertake and will be directed to professional bodies and

ヴestヴiIted to the UK oﾐl┞. ざ de ﾐihilo ﾐihil さ- from nothing comes nothing.

Targets and budgets are all very well and are just figures- but are good guidelines- and only

guidelines. This will be covered later in Projections, Targets and Budgets..

ヲヲ.5 さLogistiIsざ of FraﾐIhise- Counties and Towns From the outset we understood that

さlogistiIsざ play an important role considering the nature of the goods supplied- they are

bulky large items- the less they have to be moved the better as it is cost effective, limited

damage if at all and reduces holding stocks. Logistically, the creation of satellite branches

throughout England, Scotland and Wales with the exclusion of capital cost of setting up such

agencies makes sound business sense.

22.6 Choice of Applicants for the Pilot Franchise. Choosing the right Partners -It sounds

obvious, but it is vital that we only take on Pilot Franchisee Hiring and or Pilot Distributor

Hiring who are right for our business. 22.7 Expectations of new Participants;-

We expect them to be self-motivated individuals who genuinely want to run their own

business. More often than not new franchisors because of an understandable desire to grow

their network – take on the wrong franchisees. This is not our intention or ideology as it will

only lead to problems down the line and has consequences. It must be the right fit.

22.8 No Capital outlay for acquisition for 12 months

It provides security for the Pilot Franchisee Hiring and or Pilot Distributor Hiring in not

outlaying any capital initially, but pays a monthly percentage on purchase orders taken by

the Franchisor (Sales) whilst Hiring is calculated on Services Provided. It provides- continuity

of a relationship between Pilot Franchisor and Pilot Franchisee Hiring and or Pilot Distributor

Hiring and builds up an ongoing trade relationship.

77


Pilot Franchise 22.9 Cost of Sales to Participants- Pilot Franchisee Hiring and Pilot Dealerships Hiring

We have provided an incentive to the Pilot Franchisee Hiring to encorouge Sales within their

own counties with the Towns that are nominated within their County, from time to time.

The Pilot Franchisee Hiring will only be appointed if they have the necessary facilities to

accomadate the Topiary Plants and Planters.- which will be used for Hiring out.

The Towns that are appointed within the County of the Franchise will retain no holding

stock for hiring purposes, but will be reliant to collect their hiring needs from the Pilot

Franchisee Hiring,under advisement, as and when necessary.

The Pilot Franchisee Hiring and the Pilot Distributor Hiring at month end will advise the Pilot

Franchisor of Total Sales for the month which will include those sales originating from the

Distributor Towns within their County.

78


Pilot Franchisor Responsibilities of the Pilot Franchisor

Index 23

23.1 Introduction

23.2 Marketing

23.3 Inter-Branch Marketing Referrals


23.5 What constitutes a Marketing Referral?

23.6 Establishing and Maintaining Quality Standards

23.7 Managing the Market Area and Territory of Franchised Locations

23.8 Approved Suppliers

23.9 Partnering with Corporate- The House of Topiary

23.10 Communication

23.11 Management by Objectives and Organisation & Methods

23.12 Our Time/ Attendance/Visits and Brand Building

23.13 Modus Operand of Franchise for Purchases

23.14 Selection

23.15 Market Trends

23.16 Marketing Referrals based on County allocation

23.17 Marketing for Pilot Distributors Hiring (Towns )

23.18 Pilot Franchisor Expectations of the Franchise

23.1 Introduction

I summarise below in no priority order the responsibilities and duties of the Pilot Franchisor.

23.2 Marketing

We believe that over a period of time since 2004 we have already established an adequate

marketing foundation as already noted. The protection and registration of our trademarks

and Brand have been attended too.

79



23.3 Inter-Branch Marketing Referrals

We enclose a Family Tree as seen in this Manual- it is invaluable as the reporting system has

been shown to high light the following observations;


1) The Pilot Distributors Hiring reports directly to the Pilot Franchisee Hiring who in turn

reports to the Pilot Franchisor.

2) Marketing Referrals received directly to the Pilot Franchisee Hiring and Pilot Distributor

Hiring that are not within their County or Town parameter must be forwarded to the Pilot

Franchisor, who will forward these on to the right County or Town.

23.5 What constitutes a Marketing Referral?

Marketing Leads, Hiring Leads, new accounts, all related to Marketing.

23.6 Establishing and Maintaining Quality Standards

The quality of the goods sold are of a high standard and we have a returns policy in place

should the need arise- the service that we provide are fundamentally what we provide on

an ongoing basis, we welcome suggestions to improve our performance when necessary.

23.7 Managing the Market Area and Territory of Franchised Locations.

Geographic Territories have been clearly identified and promoted in England, Scotland and

Wales through the medium of the Pilot Franchisor Web Site for Sales and Hiring. . These are

Counties and Towns that have existing borders and already defined as set out under

Government statute.

We have also promoted within those Counties – Towns that are strategically identified

within the County- this will be subject to application.

This will be properly managed and supported by the Pilot Franchisor.

80




During the first 3 years of establishing Topiary House I knew from the start that the choice

of suppliers was paramount to the success of any business and spent a lot of time travelling

around Europe arranging appointments and going from one Farm to the next.

Very time consuming but well worth the effort as it was just not the goods that they

supplied but building up a re-pore with the owners in order that such a relationship was

ongoing and lasting. From experience I was also aware that once goods were ordered

payment must be made immediately to ensure they were kept happy which has always

been the case.

We are extremely happy with our suppliers who are honest and down to earth people and

have some 30 Suppliers on record.


These suppliers cover the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia in various degrees of business

activities.

Treat your suppliers with respect and dignity and they will after you in more ways than one.

23.9 Partnering with Corporate- The House of Topiary

Mutually it is hoped under the guidance of the Pilot Franchisor the Brand Name will be

present on both the Pilot Franchisee Hiring and Pilot Distributors Hiring web, sites for Sales

and Hiring.

23.10 Communication

Both Directors are aware that communication is vital between the Pilot Franchisee Hiring

and Pilot Distributors Hiring, expressly and in written form and is led by example. This too

will apply to customers.

81



23.11 Management by Objectives and Organisation & Methods

23.12 Our Time/ Attendance/Visits and Brand Building

Topiary House Ltd Director-Duncan Ormrod is proficient, articulate and serious about his

dealings with the public and clients, and has proven records in the industries he has worked

in.

It goes without saying that the same attributes will be applied to his responsibilities on an

ongoing basis to ensure that the day to day activities of the Pilot Franchise will be attended

too.

He is also aware that the overseeing the operations on a day to day basis will provide the

enhancement of their Brand name and provide leadership and support as and when

required. Periodic visits to Franchisees and Dealerships will be expected through

appointments been made and mutually agreed too.

23.13 Modus Operand of Franchise for Purchases

Simply orders are taken from the Participants by the Pilot Franchisor, places them with his

suppliers and ensures delivery, however, this cannot be achieved effectively without due

representation collectively within the confines of England, Scotland and Wales, from the

outset, together with support, training and advice.

23.14 Selection

At present we are identifying who is best to represent the interests of the company.

The ongoing development of supplier relationships, identifying the needs of our clients and

stock, ensuring transparency at all levels of communication are but just a few to consider.

82



23.15 Market Trends.

Acknowledging present market conditions which always seems to be under review e.g.

Brexit, supply and demand, political changes, weather, volatility of outside influences and

competition, must not be ignored.

The objective success and potential and implementation of a System to achieve profitability

margins in order that all can benefit is crucial to this Pilot Franchise and it is in the best

interests of all if it can be achieved by working hard together- our belief is that we have

done this.

23.16 Marketing Referrals based on County allocation


leads received within your county.

This will be sourced from our own Data Base of some 6000 names made up of Architects,

Building Contractors, Estate Agents, Decking Contractors, Driveway Contractors, Garden

Centres, Garden Designers, Gardeners, Landscape Architects, Landscapers, Restaurants,

Hotels Florists, Wedding Planners, Event Organisers, etc. on which to draw from.

23.17 Marketing for Pilot Distributors Hiring ( Towns )

On an ongoing basis we will provide marketing referrals to Distributors based on any

successful leads received that are within a 50 mile radius to their business location.

This Radius can be reviewed periodically based on current sales.

23.18 Pilot Franchisor Expectations of the Franchise

We would like to nominate participants for each county of England, Wales and Scotland in

order to facilitate the needs of our clients.

If this objective is achieved it will be a first in the UK and will dominate sales and hiring.

83


Pilot Franchisee Hiring and Pilot Distributor Hiring Responsibilities of the Pilot Franchisee Hiring and Pilot Distributor Hiring

Index 24

24.1 Introduction

24.2 Security

24.3 Purchase Orders

24.4 Direct Enquiries

24.5 Stationery

24.6 Stock Deleiveries

24.7 Insurance Requirements

24.7 Accounting and Sub Mission of Annual Accounts plus Vat Returns

24.8 Complaint Advisements

24.9 Photographic and Art Work

24.10 Staff and Employees

24.11 Banking Account.

24.12 Data Base Record keeping

24.13 Price Lists

24.14 Happy Clients

24.15 Order Placement for Organic Compost

24.16 Pilot Franchisee Sales and Dealerships-Sales

24.17 Training and Support



24.20 Suggestions

24.21 Incoming Direct Enquiries

24.1 Introduction

I summarise below in no priority order the responsibilities and duties of the Pilot

Franchisees Hiring and the Pilot Distributors Hiring.

24.2 Security

It is expected that the security of the Manual and the contents are kept Private and

confidential at all times and are not divulged to interested parties.

24.3 Purchase Orders

The name of the responsible staff member are to be advised in handling Sales orders to

Head office.

84



24.4 Direct Enquiries

Any direct enquiries sent to the Pilot Franchisee Hiring and Distributor Hiring that are

related to the Franchise be forwarded on to the Pilot Franchisor i.e.- confirmed or

unconfirmed order enquiries.

24.5 Stationery

Adherance to pre printed stationery to be observed with the Franchise Logo.

24.6 Stock Deleiveries and Returns

Order Requisites to be checked against the delivery note from the supplier.- signed copy of

the delivery Note to be sent to Head Office- Orginal to be kept with the Pilot Franchisee

Hiring.- See our returns Policy and Procedure that must be followed.-Under Administration.

24.7 Insurance Requirements

Adequate Insurance for all aspects of the business should be taken out by the Pilot

Franchisee Hiring and Pilot Distributor Hiring- we would require copy documents of

confirmation.The Pilot Franchisor will not be held reposnsible for claims made by third

parties as stated in the Franchise Agreement.

24.7 Accounting and Sub Mission of Annual Accounts plus Vat Returns

Applicants are responsible for their own accounting and submission for Vat Returns and

Annual account returns which will be noted in the Franchise agreement.

85



24.8 Complaint Advisements

Complaints of any nature to be sub mitted to Head Office- this does not absolve the the

Pilot Franchisee Hiring and Pilot Distributor Hiring from their responsibility to these

complaints by their sub mision to Head Office and we would require an explanation as to

why this complaint originated and what course of action has been taken to satisfy the

complaintant.

24.9 Photographic and Art Work

All Photographic Images remain the property of the Franchisor and not to be used for any

other purpose other than in the line of the Franchise.

24.10 Staff and Employees

All staff employed by the Pilot Franchisee Hiring and Pilot Distributor Hiring remain their

responsibilty and do not fall under the Franchisors responsibility.

24.11 Banking Account.

A sepearte banking account is to be opened by the Pilot Franchisee Hiring and Pilot

Distributor Hiring for operations pertaining to the Franchise in the Name of The House of

Topiaヴ┞.ざCouﾐt┞ざ oヴさ To┘ﾐさ

24.12 Data Base Record keeping

It would be expected that both the Pilot Franchisee Hiring and Pilot Distributor Hiring

maintain a Data Base of prospective clients and clients more fully covered later in this

manual- in the format of an excell sheet. Details of which are to be sub mitted to the

Franchisor on a monthly basis.

86



24.13 Price Lists

Price Lists that are sent by the Pilot Franchisor to the the Pilot Franchisee Hiring and Pilot

Distributor Hiring are to remain strictly confidential and remain the property of the Pilot

Franchisor.

24.14 Happy Clients

Feed back from happy clients Head office would require a copy of any documentation for

their records.

24.15 Order Placement for Organic Compost

Orders for Organic Compost notice to be given 14 days in advance as well as for Planters.

24.16 Pilot Franchisee Sales and Dealerships-Sales

As this is a Pilot Franchise there is no capital purchase expense and your participation will

run for a period of 12 months subject to review thereafter with an option for existing Pilot

Franchisees and Pilot Dealerships to purchase a Franchise.

24.17 Training and Support

Inclusive of travelling Costs a full days training will be costed out at £300-00 per day


As the term period of the Franchise Agreement is for 12 months and in order to obviate

excessive costs for all participants it would be advisable to make a category on your web site

that relates to Sales of Topiary or in the case of Hiring- Topiary Plants for Hire.

Should you need any assistance in drawing up the necessary wording please let us know and

we can assist you, as well as any pictures that you may require.

87




All completed insertions relating to the Franchise must be confirmed with the Pilot

Franchisor. As we do not sell on line as previously noted we would like to continue this

policy for now and perhaps at a later stage this can be reviewed and will be dependent on

the number of applicants that have registered to warrant any changes

24.20 Suggestions

The sub-ﾏissioﾐ of suggestioﾐげs aヴe eﾐIouヴaged aﾏoﾐgst ﾏaﾐageﾏeﾐt aﾐd staff to Head Office .Without the submission of suggestions we cannot achieve perfection

Thoughts for your consideration;-

It is not until you are in the winneヴげs eﾐIlosuヴe does oﾐe ヴealise that the fuﾐ ┘as iﾐ the chase.

Perfection is an action we must strive for and not a result, there is no divine right, it takes

years of perseverance often a life time sometimes two, there is a beauty in uncovering it,

passion fuels motivation, a motivation to explore and push boundaries.

Perfection, her presence is refreshing, elegant but always modest; a moment together

Ihaﾐges ┞ouヴ peヴIeptioﾐ foヴ e┗eヴ, ヴeIogﾐised H┞ those that kﾐo┘, eﾐtiIiﾐg those that doﾐげt. Perfection does not turn up unannounced, it is risks reward, it must be sought after and

pursued, most would give anything to own a house and have a stable income, but for a

sﾏall fe┘ it is ﾐot possessioﾐs itげs the peヴfeItioﾐ, ┘ith ヴespeIt aﾐd Ioﾏpassioﾐ.

What would we do without suggestions?

24.21 Incoming Direct Enquiries

It would be expected that all incoming order enquiries through the e-mail system are copied

to the Pilot Franchisor and any subsequent replies to that e-mail to be copied. In the event

of an enquiry been received telephonically or verbally and considered a possible lead-

please send us an e-mail documenting such enquiry as this can be used as a follow up for

both parties. We need to keep a record of these for future evaluation on what progress has

been made for that outlet.

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Administration Index 25

25.1 Stationery

25.2 Internal Controls- monthly sales report

25.5 External Controls for the Pilot Franchisee Hiring-month end.

25.6 External Controls for the Pilot Distributors Hiring-month end

25.7 Accounting/Vat Returns/Stock Register

25.8 Projections, Targets and Budgets

25.1 Stationery

A4 Topiary House sample letterhead will be sent to you that can be used as a prototype for

your printing order as well as visiting card. It is recommended that you do not order many

and perhaps you can consider provisionally utilizing your own hardware to reproduce.

25.2 Internal Controls- monthly sales report

We have structured the business to reduce as much as possible administration as most

things to-day are electronic, however, we will require from you a monthly sales report

which we will let you have a pro forma sample in due course.

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Administration

25.5 External Controls for the Pilot Franchisee Hiring-month end.

The Pilot Franchisor will expect to receive at month end a statement depicting monthly

hiring sales.

Nil Returns will be required.

Please also send copies of the Month end reports received from the Pilot Hiring Distributors

in your County. Please retain a copy for yourselves for future evaluation.

25.6 External Controls for the Pilot Distributors Hiring-month end

The Pilot Franchisee Hiring will expect to receive at month end a statement from the Pilot

Distributor Hiring depicting monthly hiring sales- Nil Returns will be required.

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Administration

25.7 Accounting/Vat Returns/Stock Register

The Pilot Franchisor requires that all participants namely the Pilot Franchisor Hiring and the

Pilot Distributor Hiring appoint their own accountants and are responsible for any costs

pertaining thereto with matters pertaining to the Franchise.

It is also acknowledged that they will assume responsibility for these accounts and all the

necessary returns that are required to be submitted to the Revenue office are attended

too in good time.

25.8 Projections, Targets and Budgets.

The Pilot Franchisor will attend to this once a Franchisee has been nominated in conjunction

with the new appointee to the Pilot Franchise.

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Sales Operating Manual

Administration Returns Policy

We have noted below for clarity an extract from the Franchise Sales Agreement which states the

Franchises policy for Returns. Should the procedure change in any way notifications will be advised

accordingly.

25.9 Identifying damaged goods or goods that are tarnished on delivery.

The Pilot Franchisee Hiring and/or the Pilot Distributor Hiring or a nominated party must decide on

delivery, which goods should be returned with the driver that are damage or tarnished in any way.

The returned goods must be signed for by the returning driver on the delivery note.

The delivery note in all instances must be sent to the Pilot Franchisor signed for by the recipient

(authorized) and when goods are returned they must be stated on the delivery note and signed for

H┞ the supplieヴげs deli┗eヴ┞ dヴi┗eヴ. Cop┞ of the deli┗eヴ┞ ﾐote ﾏust He ヴetaiﾐed H┞ eitheヴ The Pilot

Franchisee Hiring and/or the Pilot Distributor Hiring

Should the delivery driver not sign the delivery note of the returned goods a refund cannot be

considered as the supplier will question whether the goods have been returned or not. The Pilot

Franchisor therefor cannot consider a refund of the cost of goods.

Once the driver leaves the delivery address these goods cannot be returned because of the cost of

transportation for its return. This is based on the assumption that there are only one or two items to

be returned.

25.10 Returned Goods-Credit Note

The necessary credit note must be processed by the Pilot Franchisee Hiring and/or the Pilot

Distributor Hiring and sent to the Pilot Franchisor, who will arrange for a refund from the supplier if

the credit note has been signed by the recipient and if any goods have been returned been signed

for by the suppliers driver.

It is further agreed that should this method of the return of goods change at any future date either

by the Supplier or the Pilot Franchisor for any unforeseen reason notice will be given of such

changes to The Pilot Franchisee Hiring and/or the Pilot Distributor Hiring.

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Administration Returns Policy

25.11 Missing Products- Refund

For each product type that is lost, stolen or otherwise not reasonably accounted for on delivery of

the goods The Pilot Franchisee Hiring and/or the Pilot Distributor Hiring, must immediately advise

the Pilot Franchisor.

The Pilot Franchisor will on receipt of the credit note pass a credit at the applicable wholesale price

to The Pilot Franchisee Hiring and/or the Pilot Distributor Hiring s provided that the delivery driver

has acknowledged that such discrepancy has occurred on delivery of the goods. This will be noted

and signed for by the delivery driver.

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Disputes

Index 26

26.1 Disputes Arising

26.2 Arbitrator

26.1 Disputes Arising

If at all possible we should avoid disputes at all costs, if there is a difference of opinion this

should be respected from both parties and probably best put in writing through the e-mail

medium.

26.2 Arbitrator

In the event of an arbitrator been called for, this must be agreed by both parties provided of

course that this might be necessary. I believe that disputes arise when one does not have a

balanced approach, but that is my opinion.

Should the Arbitrator be called it must be agreed that his decision is final.

Should his decision still not meet with one or the others satisfaction then the only recourse

would be to seek Legal representation, which is a costly route for most?

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Complaints

Complaint Procedure

Index 27

27.1 Dealing with customer complaints

27.2 Providing an easy way for them to give you suggestions

27.3 Surveying your customers

27.4 Record all Complaints

27.5 Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) and the Fair Trading Act (FTA)

27.6 Fit for purpose

All businesses get complaints from customers. If you handle them well, they can be a

valuable learning tool and can actually increase your customer numbers.

Resolving a complaint can turn an upset customer into a loyal one who will promote your

business to their friends.

When a customer has a problem and you fix it, they will generally be more satisfied than if

they never had a problem in the first place.

Complaints can also be a useful way of finding out how you can improve your business and

services. Turn a Negative into a Positive.

Research shows that around 96% of customers don't complain when they have a problem

they just don't come back. Since only 4% of unhappy customers complain, you could make

the mistake of assuming that nothing is wrong with your business. Complaints are your most

effective feedback.

Consider increasing your customer feedback by: Complaint Procedure

https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/for-business/complying-with-consumer-laws/understanding-the-consumer-guarantees-act/

https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/for-business/complying-with-consumer-laws/understanding-the-fair-trading-act/

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Complaints

Complaint Procedure

27.2 Providing an easy way for them to give you suggestions

It would be advantageous if the client completed a questionnaire after the job is completed-

we have a standard form for this and would be appropriate if this is used and kept on

record.

27.3 Surveying your customers

Displaying your complaint handling policy so that customers know their complaints are

welcome. Awareness is vital to limit complaints and it would be deemed that such measures

are necessary. It would be expected in your own interest to adopt this measure.

27.4 Record all Complaints. The easiest way to track problems in your business is to record

all complaints. Ask your staff to log complaints in one place - a dedicated book, for example.

You will soon start to see if patterns emerge. If you don't handle customer complaints

effectively it can cost your business money and reputatioﾐ as ┘ell as the FヴaﾐIhisoヴげs.

Usually customers will resort to the law only after they have tried to resolve their complaint

by speaking to staff. If you don't deal with complaints quickly you can end up paying

substantial compensation that could have been avoided.

27.5 Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) and the Fair Trading Act (FTA)

We could discuss this matter at length, however we suggest that you familiar yourself if you

have not done so up till now, with your legal obligations under the Consumer Guarantees

Act (CGA) and the Fair Trading Act (FTA).

27.6 Fit for purpose Eﾐsuヴe that all goods supplied aﾐd seヴ┗iIes pヴo┗ided aヴe さfit foヴ

puヴposeざ.






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Index 28

28.1 Little Chalfont Primary School Parent Teacher Association-February, 2010

28.2 Elizabeth Sayer Wedding Design Limited - July 2009

28.3Dimples Events Ltd- August, 2009

28.4 Simon Hawken-April, 2010

28.5 Little Chalfont Primary-June 2011

28.6 Anne Rebak-August 2011

28.7 The Imaginist Company- Peter Duschinsky-September 2011

28.8 The Rocket Science Group- Tara Birch-September 2011

28.9 Pascale & Marc-November 2011

28.10 PTA- Little Chalfont Primary School-November 2011

28.11 Hamptons International- Kraig Butler-April 2013

28.12 Chris Liebenberg-ex Managing Director of Nedbank Ltd-July 2013

28.13 Visaud Ltd –September 2013

28.14 Elizabeth Sayer Wedding Design Limited-July 2009

28.15 Jill Kenton-November 2013

28.16 Katherine Chisholm-November 2013

28.17 Interview with Konnie Kara-Journalist.ivillage.co.uk

Testimonials

I have included some testimonials of Topiary assignments that I completed over the years as

it is important to be recognised for the work that one has done. I hope you enjoy the

reading.

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28.1 Little Chalfont Primary School Parent Teacher Association-February, 2010

5/2/2010

Little Chalfont Primary School Parent Teacher Association

Duncan Ormrod

Topiary House Ltd

12 Chenies Road,

Chorleywood

D3 5LU

Dear Duncan

Thank you so very much for supplying the stunning bay trees and other topiary with planters

for the recent PTA Ball.

We decorated all the topiary with fairy lights and lined the room with them, which really

helped transform the school hall into an impressive ballroom for the night.

So many people commented on how beautiful they looked and what an impressive

transformation your company had achieved so simply, that I felt I had to write and let you

know!

Many thanks for all your help

Kind Regards

Tamsin Hitchmough

Vice-Chair, Little Chalfont Primary School PTA

C/o Anna Grint, PTA Chair, Cherry Tree House, Long Walk,

Chalfont St Giles, Bucks HP8 4AN

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28.2 Elizabeth Sayer Wedding Design Limited - July 2009

As a Wedding and Event Organiser, planning and designing high quality events, I chose

Topiary House to supply a range of Topiary plants to transform a marquee, used by one of

my client couples, for the Wedding Breakfast and Evening Reception. The end result was

simply stunning; the range of Topiary supplied added an air of sophistication and panache

which fully suited the vintage style being portrayed. The quality of the plants was excellent

and the presentation of the Topiary, when in place in the marquee, was first-class.

Working with Duncan Ormrod was an absolute pleasure; his efficiency, reliability and co-

operation helped with the smooth running of the event. His attention to detail meant that

we had no unexpected challenges to face on the day; nothing was too much trouble for

Duncan.

I thoroughly recommend Duncan Ormrod and Topiary House and would certainly use this

Company again for another event.

Janet Sayer

Managing Director

Elizabeth Sayer Wedding Design Limited www.elizabethsayerweddings.co.uk

http://www.elizabethsayerweddings.co.uk/

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28.3 Dimples Events Ltd- August, 2009

Sent: Sunday, 23 August, 2009 18:00:17

Subject: Topiary Tree Hire

Duncan,

I just thought I would send you an email with reference to the wedding of Darren & Heather

at Broome Park.

I simply cannot put into words how your topiary trees transformed Broome Park into

something quite spectacular. In fact, I heard such glowing reports about the transformation

of the ﾏaヴケuee that I tヴa┗elled aﾐ additioﾐal ヴヰﾏiﾐutesげ dヴi┗e oﾐ “atuヴda┞ e┗eﾐiﾐg to stop

in at the venue and have a look myself! The lights and roses set off the trees to an amazing

finish. I cannot thank you enough for your generosity and I am confident that Darren,

Heather and I would not hesitate to recommend your company.

I shall be updating my website in the next few weeks – (just have 2 more weddings in the

next fortnight.) It will be a priority that I add your website as a link.

Once again a heartfelt thanks for an absolutely stunning transformation. Words cannot

express enough gratitude.

I sincerely hope to work alongside you again.

Kindest regards

Simone Butterfield

www.dimplesevents.co.uk

Member of the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners www.ukawp.com

http://www.ukawp.com/

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28.4 Simon Hawken-April, 2010

In a message dated 20/04/2010 13:27:33 GMT Daylight Time,

Thank you for the magnificent project, in conception and execution. The tenant, Miss

Rebecca Clarke, says she will try to water but her last message said she was in hospital and

didﾐげt kﾐo┘ ┘heﾐ she ┘ed He disIhaヴged! Aﾐ┞thiﾐg ┞ou Iaﾐ do ┘ed He ﾏuIh appヴeIiated

as these must be very drying conditions for plants!

28.5 Little Chalfont Primary-June 2011

19/6/2011;-

Little Chalfont Primary

Duncan,

I just had to tell ┞ou that the flo┘eヴ Heds iﾐけWillo┘ Coヴﾐeヴげ at Little Chalfoﾐt Pヴiﾏaヴ┞ aヴe

amazing this year. All of us who help in the LCPS garden have commented how much better

flowers grow there than our own at home. We put it down to your amazing compost.

That said, I ha┗e just pulled out a ヴざヴaddish at hoﾏe ┘hiIh I also put do┘ﾐ to ┞ouヴ

compost.

I have passed on your details to a couple of people who asked about obtaining more of your

compost earlier in the year – I hope they got in touch. I just wanted to share with you our

lovely news and thank you again.

With best wishes,

Mandy

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28.6 Anne Rebak-August 2011

19/6/2011;-

In a message dated 30/08/2011 12:50:01 GMT Daylight Time, writes:

Hello Duncan

Thaﾐk ┞ou foヴ suppl┞iﾐg us ┘ith the aﾏaziﾐg tヴees foヴ Claiヴe aﾐd Beﾐげs ┘eddiﾐg oﾐ “uﾐda┞.

They really helped create a wonderful atmosphere in the marquee.

We are in your area on Wednesday and will drop payment in to you then if that is ok.

Kind Regards

Anne Rebak

28.7 The Imaginist Company- Peter Duschinsky-September 2011

In a message dated 05/09/2011 17:54:40 GMT Daylight Time, writes:

Duncan

Just a quick email to thank you for making all that effort to get everything perfect for us.

The trees were lovely and made the visual impact we were hoping for. I am waiting for the

photos – if theヴe is a good oﾐe sho┘iﾐg the o┗eヴall effeIt, Iげll seﾐd ┞ou a Iop┞ foヴ ┞ouヴ

website!

Thanks again

Peter Duschinsky

Managing Director The Imaginist Company Email www.imaginist.co.uk

http://www.imaginist.co.uk/

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28.8 The Rocket Science Group- Tara Birch-September 2011

22/9/2011;-

Dear Duncan

Many, many thanks for delivering the trees to Russell on Sunday, he is just delighted with

them! He loved meeting you.

We are so grateful for all the effort in making sure the trees were delivered on time and

with the utmost care – he thinks you are a true professional!

Let ﾏe kﾐo┘ ho┘ ┞ouヴ Belgiuﾏ tヴip goes aﾐd Iげﾏ suヴe I ┘ill He do┘ﾐ iﾐ Choヴle┞┘ood agaiﾐ sometime soon!

Many thanks again

Tara xx

The Rocket Science Group

Tara Birch

Business Manager to Chief Executive of TRSG, Russell Amerasekera

The Rocket Science Group Holdings Limited

6th & 7th Floor Kings Bourne House, 229-231 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7DA

Registered: 03048838

T: +44 (0) 1494 786556M: +44 (0) 758 40 60 160

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28.9 Pascale & Marc-November 2011

In a message dated 30/11/2011 21:57:01 GMT Standard Time, writes:

Dear Duncan,

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you so much for the beautiful trees on the

8th of October 2011

We had such an amazing day, and the nicest part was to meet wonderful people like you.

.

I hope you managed to have a day in London and the parking worked out.

All the best for the holiday season and 2012.

Pascale & Marc

28.10 PTA- Little Chalfont Primary School-November 2011

2ndNovember, 2011

Dear Duncan,

I just wanted to thank you again for your generous donation of compost for our school. It's

all been distributed now to the parents and has raised significant money for our school

project "Willow Corner" giving it a major boost. (Wednesday afternoon we were

shattered!).

We (the PTA and gardening girls) are all very grateful.

Keep in touch.

Mandy

Chair of the PTA Little Chalfont Primary School.

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28.11 Hamptons International- Kraig Butler-April 2013

4/4/2013;-

Hi Duncan,

Just a short email to thank you once again for your work in supplying our beautiful plants.

They are beautiful and we have had some wonderful comments already about them.

Do remember we will be having our official opening on Saturday between 10:30 and 1pm –

it would be great to see you.

Best regards

Kraig Butler

Senior Branch Manager

t. +44 (0)1494 216002

Hamptons International

3 Sycamore Road | Amersham | Buckinghamshire HP6 5EQ

www.hamptons.co.uk

http://www.hamptons.co.uk/

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28.12 Chris Liebenberg-ex Managing Director of Nedbank Ltd-July 2013

15/7/2013

Dear Duncan

I was very pleasantly surprised when attending his 104th birthday celebration of a friend of

ours in Kenilworth, Cape, John Levin handed me a brochure of your activities with your good

wishes.

How nice of you to still remember our times in Cape Town. Since then many a water has run

into the sea. I retired officially in 2004.

Elly and my son with three granddaughters live in Oxshott with my other son in Mainz

Germany so we do make a point of visiting Europe regularly. We ourselves spend about

three months a year in our flat in Wimbledon.

According the booklet you two have done well. Never realized you had green fingers.

Thanks for remembering and the very best of luck to you both in all your endeavours.

Chris & Elly

28.13 Visaud Ltd –September 2013

Visaud Ltd –September 2013

10/9/2013;=

Hi Duncan

Once again, thanks very much for all your help on 9 August. Our clients were really happy

with the decor for their wedding and as you can see from the pictures attached, it did look

really good.

Please feel free to use these pictures for your promotional material, we will certainly

recommend you and would be happy for you to use one of the pictures with a testimonial

from us on your website.

We look forward to working together with you again

With Best Wishes

Val

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28.14 Elizabeth Sayer Wedding Design Limited-July 2009



my client couples, for the Wedding Breakfast and Evening Reception.

The end result was simply stunning; the range of Topiary supplied added an air of

sophistication and panache which fully suited the vintage style being portrayed. The quality

of the plants was excellent and the presentation of the Topiary, when in place in the

marquee, was first-class.

Working with Duncan Ormrod was an absolute pleasure; his efficiency, reliability and

cooperation helped with the smooth running of the event. His attention to detail meant

that we had no unexpected challenges to face on the day; nothing was too much trouble for

Duncan.



Janet Sayer Managing Director

Elizabeth Sayer Wedding Design Limited

www.elizabethsayerweddings.co.uk

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28.15 Jill Kenton-November 2013

To: [email protected]

Sent: 25/11/2013 07:54:01 GMT Standard Time

Subj: RE: Invoice for Topiary House Ltd

Thank you Duncan!

Really thrilled! You did a FAB job!

Will sort today

Thanks again, Kind Regards, Jill Fenton www.JillKenton.co.uk -07950 920 233

28.16 Katherine Chisholm-November 2013

8/11/2013;-

Dear Duncan

I have just transferred £529.70 to your bank account.

Thank you very much for such an excellent job, your hard work is very much appreciated.

The Gardener happened to be in the back garden of Salters Close which was good. I asked

him not to mow the new turf until next year and he said he would not. The little stakes I

made with 'New Turf - Please Do Not Mow until Next Year' were not necessary, it was so

Much better to speak to the Gardener himself. He said he knew you slightly and has spoken

to you in the Van Hage Garden Centre a couple of times.

Best regards

Katherine Chisholm

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Testimonials

Interview with Konnie Kara-Journalist.ivillage.co.uk

Live on ivillage

www.diary-of-a-bride-to-be Konnie Kara.ivillage.co.uk

2nd Nov 2010 – 10:25AM

Meet Konnie Kara, a wedding journalist by day and a bride-to-be by night. With

insider access to all the latest bridal news, and planning advice, sheげs been called a

wedding guru many times, but does she have what it takes to plan her own

special day? Offering honest, frank and humorous insights and opinions, this is an

account of one of the most exhilarating, and rollercoaster-emotion-filled years of her

life.

Konnie Kara: OK, so aside from the mounting deadlines and sometimes overwhelming

stress levels, there are a gazillion aspects of wedding planning I absolutely adore.

I am thrilled whenever I come across new and exciting companies. The main event

this week was a visit to Topiary House in Chorleywood, Hertfordshire, for coffee and

biscuits with company owners, Duncan Ormrod. Topiary House are one of the UKげs

biggest suppliers of topiary trees and have recently branched out into private

purchase and hire for weddings and events. I decided it was a topic I had to look

into - for myself as Iげm personally looking into décor options for the marquee and

reception venue and for other brides - because having topiary at your wedding has

become a massive trend in recent years.

http://www.diary-of-a-bride-to-be.ivillage.co.uk/

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Testimonials

Duncan Topiary House was established almost through default at a time of driving

around London and noticing how so many smart hotels and restaurants lacked

entrance plants,げ

けThose that did exuded a classic, elegant feel, a total contrast to those that did

not. Having made my first purchase of topiary from a boot sale years ago, I

immediately fell in love with these compelling, structured plants. I could tell even

then that this would be a passionate relationship that would last a lifetime.げ

I explained to Duncan how keen I am to give my wedding that same touch of

elegance and opulence you see at upmarket hotels. I just feel that having real, living

topiary plants scattered and placed everywhere around my wedding marquee and

then even at the reception venue (including the top table) will transform the place

and atmosphere into something truly sophisticated and ornate. I became addicted

to websites featuring real life Stateside weddings where topiary are hired in

abundance for outdoor ceremonies, and since Iげm having an outdoor wedding I

feel compelled to treat my guests to a little bit of ancient beauty (Duncan

informed me that the Romans were obsessed with the art of topiary gardening).

What I especially love is how something as pretty as a topiary tree can also double

up as something practical. With the growing trend of brides getting married in

their back gardens, you donげt always find you have the time to row specific flowers

and plants in time for the big day and so Hiring topiary is a really good way to

transform a space and decorate important areas - such as doorways and

entrances.

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So far Duncan has been one of my favourite wedding suppliers to work with

mostly because he has a unique kindness, patience and honesty Iげve not come

across before whilst planning my wedding. Iげm also a bit of a sucker for his South

African accent and calm nature as well as his meticulous attention to detail and

taking the time to assure me heげll do whatever it takes to make sure my wedding

day is a dream.

So while I ordered lots of topiary from him (rose bay bushes for the aisle way, buxus

and spiral planters for the entrance to the marquee and also reception banquet

room) I managed to fit in a brief interview here too. Iげve a feeling youげll like Duncan

just as much as I do - and will have learned lots about topiary as a beautiful

wedding décor idea by the time youげve finished reading!

When did you set up Topiary House?

Duncan: I arrived in England 10 years ago from Cape Town with just one suitcase,

having sold my accounting practice. I started off my career in banking, becoming

one of the youngest Bank Managers in Cape Town at the age of 23 and then going

onto to more senior roles before setting up the firm. My eldest son Drew met me

at Heathrow as he had already been staying and working in London. Drewげs first

words to me were けDad you are very brave to start again from scratch.げ I explained

to him that all it would take to set up in the UK was a little courage and a small bag

of madness. So Topiary House started.

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What is topiary?

Duncan: Topiary is simply the unique art or practice of trimming and shaping plants

into ornamental shapes. These can be classic and elegant designs or

contemporary, funky and quirky.

Was setting up the business a longstanding passion?

Duncan: When I arrived in England I decided to get out of the rat race and try and

avoid stress at all levels, so I set up a garden and landscape business. I have an

absolute passion for plants and my interest in topiary stemmed from there. Iげd had

enough of offices and just longed to do something more creative.

How are you finding working with brides?

Duncan: Weげve done a lot of high profile weddings this year - which is a blessing as I

really enjoy working alongside brides. Weddings are so emotional and personal that

brides often only want to book with companies who have come to them highly

recommended. This is such an important aspect of my business - being reliable and

trustworthy is essential when working with couples on the biggest day of their lives. I

pay extra special attention to all their needs.

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Can you tell me about your favourite topiary for weddings?

Duncan: All topiary is beautiful for weddings! I only supply hand cut topiary; not

machine cut, so itげs a labour of love

Duncan - You could say the same thing about planning a wedding too! Because of

the UKげs natural history and heritage it has some of the ┘oヴldげs best locations for

weddings - whether it be churches, marquees or banqueting facilities. We

recently created a topiary display inside a massive tee pee marquee.

Duncan A lot of brides love standard bay tree topiary, simply because they

exuberate a sense of well-being and peace. However, other common topiary plants

for weddings include the Boxwood (Buxus), Taxus Becatta (Yew), bays, spirals, balls and

cloud trees. Iげm able to obtain any size, shape or form of topiary plant and have it

delivered to our premises in Chorleywood within three days.

Why is it seen as a luxury to have topiary at weddings?

Duncan: The plants are expensive because they take years to grow and are

continuously shaped during growth. Usually once a year. The time it takes to grow

depends on the height and shape - for example a Buxus Ball can take up to 10-20 years

depending on how big you want the topiary. Plus, weddings are all about creating

the right impression, so framing a doorway or entrance at a church or any other

venue really helps set the scene for romance, tradition or modernism. Itげs a

prestigious type of wedding decoration but - having said that - can work out as a

beautiful and sometimes cost effective alternative to fresh flowers when hiring.

Rose topiary bushes are really effective table centre pieces too. I think generally the

trees help transform a brideげs wedding atmosphere into something magical.

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How can topiary be used as an ice-breaker for guests?

Duncan: Topiary generally is a great talking point because you can hire so many

designs, decorate the trees how you want - such as with silk roses, fresh flowers,

fresh herbs such as lavender and rosemary, LED fairy lights interwoven in the

topiary in the shape of VW Beetles, Ferraris, swans and candle pillar shapes.

Who helps you run the business?

Duncan: Everything from the formation of the Company, the trips to Europe to

establish suppliers, attending trade fairs, purchases, sales, accounting and

maintenance of the Topiary Plants in our small Nursery is done by me.

How has your business grown in the last year?

Duncan: It has grown from strength to strength. I want to grow at a good and

steady pace and focus on building relationships as trust is so vitally important. If you

look on our website the testimonials weげve received are just amazing. Brides email to

say how stunning their wedding days looked because of the topiary, and that

feedback make it all worthwhile. Iげll be doing a few exhibitions in the next year, and

really concentrating on the wedding market in the UK.

Topiary House are exclusively offering all village readers a 10 per cent discount for

topiary hire booked with them.

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Testimonial


Testimonials

Branches - or if you want something really show-stopping, get a unique

design commissioned. Weげve supplied

Konnie Kara

Live on ivillage

www.diary-of-a-bride-to-be.ivillage.co.uk

THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME TO READ

http://www.diary-of-a-bride-to-be.ivillage.co.uk/

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Pictorial of exquisite Topiary pieces found in Asia on a

business tour of plants and planters.

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Exquisite Topiary pieces found in Asia

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Introduction to Topiary Hire

Topiary House can transform a venue creating a glamourous, sophisticated and elegant ambiance to your event.

Please browse the following pages, where you will see examples of how, by adding our plants an event has been transformed adding tranquillity and harmony.

We are passionate about our work and here to listen and advise. In advance of your event, you may visit us, so together we can create the perfect required aura at your event. You will be able to view the actual specimens we will be using.

Mostly Bay Trees and Boxwood have been used in the following examples, however we can suggest alternate species which will

complement your special event

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Accessories

As part of our hire service, you can professionally light and decorate your topiary plant in

line with your events theme. We have a selection of lighting options as well as ribbons,

bows, and accessories such as silk roses and lighting.

SWISS COTTAGE

Wedding Ceremony held at Swiss Church, Endell Street, London, using 2 upright, full bodied Bay Trees

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Planter selection

All plants can be set in your choice of planter dependant on your specific requirements. We

have a range of planters to choose from that are available, modern and traditional.

Should you wish to hire out a large quantity of Topiary Plants for a very special event and

┞ou do ﾐot ha┗e the plaﾐteヴ that suits ┞ouヴ Ilieﾐtげs ﾐeeds, it ┘ould He e┝peIted that ┞ou purchase these and charge your client on advisement. This would be an exceptional case as

we from experience have found that planters we have selected for Hiring purposes are very

acceptable to clients.

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Planter Pictorial

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Cost of Hire;-

Should you wish to hire a large quantity of Topiary Plants for a very special event you do not

ha┗e the plaﾐteヴ that suits ┞ouヴ Ilieﾐtsげﾐeeds, ┘e ┘ill assist ┞ou iﾐ oHtaiﾐiﾐg it.

Cost of Hire- Our minimum charge is £250-00 which covers transportation costs, loading and

offloading, placement, collection and decoration of each topiary plant within a radius of 10

miles of your business location. Over 10 miles a discretionary charge per mile will be applied

on application.

In addition a charge is set for each Topiary Plant which a set rate of £35-00 per Topiary

Plant. Minimum order 4 Topiary Plants.

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さVaﾐ CapaIity Loadiﾐg Package

Package 1. Medium Based Van- (L) 2.2 m, (W) 1.7m, (H) 1.4m. Cost £650-00




The price per package includes a 2 Day Hire Period as well as Transportation-Delivery and

Collection and site placement. In addition it is inclusive of Led Lights for the Topiary Plants.

Flexibility of cost will be determined by the number of Topiary Plants and their sizes

selected.

Transportation over and beyond a 10 mile radius from your location will incur an additional

charge per mile at your discretion. Should you require a Van to meet the Capacity Loading

Package this will have to be hired.

Additional days required over the 2 day Hire parameter, 10% of the total Package Cost

selection will be made for each additional day.


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Introduction to Topiary Hire Considerations before hiring;-.

a) Venue Location

b) Exact location at the venue e.g.- 10th Floor etc.,

c) Parking Facilities for off-loading and collection

d) Time and Date of collection and delivery

e) Next Day Collection or same day collection

f) Name of person and time of delivery

g) Accessories required- silk flowers, lighting, etc

h) Planters in stock or special requests

i) Short/ Medium/ or Long Term Hire

j) The size of the Plant- height and diameters

WETBROOK PARK

Reception held at Westbrook Park, London Road, Colchester

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Introduction to Topiary Hire WETBROOK PARK

Reception held at Westwood Park, London Road, Colchester

129


Testimonial

Hamptons International- Kraig Butler-April 2013

4/4/2013;-

Hi Duncan,

Just a short email to thank you once again for your work in supplying our beautiful plants.

They are beautiful and we have had some wonderful comments already about them.

Do remember we will be having our official opening on Saturday between 10:30 and 1pm –

it would be great to see you.

Best regards

Kraig Butler

Senior Branch Manager

t. +44 (0)1494 216002

Hamptons International

3 Sycamore Road | Amersham | Buckinghamshire HP6 5EQ

www.hamptons.co.uk

http://www.hamptons.co.uk/

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Introduction to Topiary Hire THE GROVE WATFORD

Boxwood Ball (3 Ball & STEM) displayed at The Grove, Watford for the Deutsche Bank

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Testimonial

Dimples Events Ltd- August, 2009

Sent: Sunday, 23 August, 2009 18:00:17

Subject: Topiary Tree Hire

Duncan,

I just thought I would send you an email with reference to the wedding of Darren & Heather

at Broome Park.

I simply cannot put into words how your topiary trees transformed Broome Park into

something quite spectacular. In fact, I heard such glowing reports about the transformation

of the ﾏaヴケuee that I tヴa┗elled aﾐ additioﾐal ヴヰﾏiﾐutesげ dヴi┗e oﾐ “atuヴda┞ e┗eﾐiﾐg to stop

in at the venue and have a look myself! The lights and roses set off the trees to an amazing

finish. I cannot thank you enough for your generosity and I am confident that Darren,

Heather and I would not hesitate to recommend your company.

I shall be updating my website in the next few weeks – (just have 2 more weddings in the

next fortnight.) It will be a priority that I add your website as a link.

Once again a heartfelt thanks for an absolutely stunning transformation. Words cannot

express enough gratitude.

I sincerely hope to work alongside you again.

Kindest regards

Simone Butterfield

www.dimplesevents.co.uk

Member of the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners www.ukawp.com

http://www.ukawp.com/

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Introduction to Topiary Hire SPRINGFIELD HOUSE SCHOOL

Marquee Entrance using Spiral Bays and Boxwood

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Testimonial

Elizabeth Sayer Wedding Design Limited - July 2009



my client couples, for the Wedding Breakfast and Evening Reception. The end result was

simply stunning; the range of Topiary supplied added an air of sophistication and panache

which fully suited the vintage style being portrayed. The quality of the plants was excellent

and the presentation of the Topiary, when in place in the marquee, was first-class.

Working with Duncan Ormrod was an absolute pleasure; his efficiency, reliability and co-

operation helped with the smooth running of the event. His attention to detail meant that

we had no unexpected challenges to face on the day; nothing was too much trouble for

Duncan.



Janet Sayer

Managing Director

Elizabeth Sayer Wedding Design Limited www.elizabethsayerweddings.co.uk

http://www.elizabethsayerweddings.co.uk/

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Introduction to Topiary Hire Office/Hotel and Restaurants Hiring We give concessionary hiring Rates for medium and long term hiring for business.

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CHENIES ANGLICAN CHURCH

Documents

Welcome to the House of Topiary · The Pilot Franchisor is Topiary House Ltd trading as the House of Topiary and each Pa tiIipaﾐt ┘ill t ade uﾐde the ﾐae of さThe House o