How Ground Up Grew To “No End” With Support From WHC Hire Services
Craig Robinson, the owner of Ground Up, didn’t start out with a big business plan. In fact, his journey began with something much simpler – a landscaping project at his family home. At just 15, Craig was inspired by the gardeners working on his own garden. That spark of interest quickly turned into hands-on experience, as he spent his school holidays doing work experience and pushing wheelbarrows for the landscapers.
That early experience set him on the path to a formal apprenticeship, and he eventually earned an NVQ Level 2 in horticulture and amenity from Pershore College – one of Europe’s top horticultural colleges at the time. The course gave him a solid foundation, from plant identification to soft landscaping skills. After completing his apprenticeship, Craig took the leap and started Ground Up, which has now been running successfully for 17 years.
Ground Up’s Services and the Equipment Challenge
Ground Up offers a wide range of grounds care services. From grass cutting and hedge trimming to lawn treatments and soft landscaping, Craig and his team do it all. Soft landscaping covers tasks like planting and turfing, but if a job falls outside their expertise, they subcontract to trusted partners – always making sure the work meets Ground Up’s high standards.
Their clients range from commercial businesses and large estates to parish councils and domestic customers. The company has built its reputation on delivering a high-end finish, reliable service, and consistent quality.
But running a landscaping business isn’t easy, especially when it comes to equipment. Starting out, Craig faced a big challenge: he didn’t have the funds to buy the expensive machinery needed to take on bigger projects. Friends would lend him hedge cutters or chippers, but that was never a long-term solution. Managing equipment costs while trying to grow the business was a constant struggle.
Why Craig Chose WHC
To overcome this hurdle, Craig decided to rent machinery for the jobs that required tools he didn’t use every day. For daily work, Ground Up uses ride-on and hand mowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers. But for larger projects, machinery like diggers, tractors, and flails is essential.
When looking for a hire partner, Craig wanted someone local, reliable, and easy to work with – a company he could trust long-term. That’s when he found WHC. From the first phone call to the hire desk with Jack and Josh, Craig knew he’d found the right partner. He highlights not just the availability and reliability of the equipment, but also the personal touch – over time, the WHC team have become friends, making it easy to sort out any issues that come up.
A Partnership That Helps Businesses Grow
Craig says WHC has helped Ground Up grow “no end.” Being able to hire machinery means they can take on more contracts without being limited to what they already own. While Ground Up has grown its own fleet over the years, they still rely on WHC regularly.
One thing that really surprised Craig when he started working with WHC was the condition of the equipment. “It’s always clean, new, and ready to go,” he says. From small pedestrian flails to one-and-a-half-ton micro diggers, everything is in top shape, making the work easier and more enjoyable.
On top of that, the service is flexible and convenient. WHC can deliver machinery, or Craig can pick it up himself. The hire desk staff are “spot on” and always try to accommodate the team’s ever-changing schedule – especially when weather or client demands shift at short notice.
Thanks to WHC’s consistent support, Craig is a loyal customer. He says he “wouldn’t look anywhere else for hire machinery” and “wouldn’t hesitate to recommend WHC” to anyone needing reliable, high-quality equipment.
For more information about working with WHC Hire Services, visit our website or contact us on 01684377977 today!