The partnership between Collier Turf Care and Barenbrug might be 30 years old, but Collier Turf Care itself is now a 60-year-old business. Andrew has worked for the business for 32 years, having originally entered the industry as a Greenkeeper before taking the opportunity to carry out a management buyout of the business, back in 1998, following the retirement of the founders, John and Jo Collier.
Great customer service and genuine solutions.
Andrew commented, “Thanks to the support of customers and the dedication of our team, we have come a long way over the last 30 years. We have always aimed to provide the highest level of customer service we can and supply products that deliver genuine benefits and solutions to the customers, therefore Barenbrug has been a key partner for Collier Turf Care. Through their breeding programme, Barenbrug has consistently delivered market leading varieties over the years and continues to do so. The germination and purity along with the highest rated cultivars really does make Barenbrug seed the best!”
Paul Johnson, Barenbrug UK Managing Director commented, “Collier Turf Care partnered with Barenbrug at a time when we were developing our branded mixture business in the UK. Their enthusiasm combined with technical knowledge made them a perfect partner to promote and supply our products to the market. It has been great to see Collier Turf Care grow through the duration of our partnership, growth that I am sure will continue.”
What does the future hold?
For Collier Turf Care, continued growth is certainly in Andrew’s sights. Supported by his Senior Management Team, the company plans to expand its coverage of field-based staff over the coming years, as well as developing its online business. However, key to growth plans are the people who make up the business. Andrew commented, “Our ambition is to train our staff to be the technically strongest in the industry through a combination of BASIS & FACTS training and continued personal development. We have a strong track record of developing our staff, some of whom have been with us for approaching 25 years of which two who joined as trainees / apprentices and are now part of the senior management team. We need our staff to be the best they can be, so that they can give the great and consistent service to our customers.”
For Barenbrug UK the future is also looking strong. Amenity Product Manager, Luke Hunt commented, “Our breeding programmes continue to deliver market leading grass varieties across different species groups. When we first partnered with Collier Turf Care 30 years ago, Barcrown was the newly introduced variety of slender creeping red fescue that was topping the tables – an amazing variety which has sat at the top of the tables ever since.
This year has given the first glimpse in the 2022 tables of the new variety, Barquess, which promises to rewrite the book on fescues just as Barcrown did nearly 30 years ago. We are excited to bring Barquess and other new varieties to market in the coming years and grateful for the support of Collier Turf Care in delivering the message of their benefits to the customer.”
For more information on Collier Turf Care, visit www.Collier-Turf-Care.co.uk
