A Buckinghamshire man whose recession-busting lawn care business has grown year-on-year, has been shortlisted for a national award.

Les Graves, 59, is one of three finalists in the ‘Micro’ business category at the 2015 bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards supported by Express Newspapers, for his TruGreen Professional LawnCare franchise.

A factory manager for over 30 years before being made redundant, Les is the owner of TruGreen South Bedfordshire, a lawn care business which now employs his son Stephen as a manager, who joined him in 2013.

By the end of 2014, Les’ Bedfordshire lawn care business had 300 customers and a turnover of almost £60,000; turnover in the first six months of 2015 is up 60%, year-on-year.

In 2014 he was named TruGreen Franchisee of the Year by franchisor, ServiceMaster, which has been trading in the UK for over 55 years.

Les said: “It’s such a privilege to be considered amongst the best and brightest franchisees in the UK. The journey to this point has been challenging but hard work has paid off and we’re now waiting in anticipation for the results in October.”

Alan Lewin, managing director with franchisor ServiceMaster added: “TruGreen is a fantastic franchise opportunity and Les’ shortlisting is testament to the strength of the brand and its success. Les was the standout franchisee within the TruGreen network in 2014 and we hope he can repeat that feat this year too.”

The bfa awards showcase the diversity of excellence in the franchise sector, encouraging businesses of all sizes and sectors to demonstrate their outstanding achievements.

Winners will be announced at a black tie dinner on 1^st October at the Town Hall, Birmingham.