North Yorkshire nursery, Johnsons of Whixley, has been crowned as one of the region’s best businesses for the second year running.
Compiled by York Business School, York St John University, Make it York and The Press publication, the ‘York Top 100 Businesses’ report has nominated Johnsons as 34th place in the ‘Top 100 Businesses’ awards for 2018.
The Top 100 shortlist is calculated using an algorithm devised by York Business School and considers key performance factors such as turnover, profit, growth and staff numbers – with Johnsons placed at number 55 in 2017 – the report’s inaugural year.
First established in 1921 by World War One veteran, Eric Johnson, the firm’s current chairman, John Richardson, took over the business in 1964 and established it as Johnsons of Whixley Ltd in 1993.
Based between York and Harrogate, Johnsons employs over 90 staff – which rises to nearly 200 during seasonal peaks – and covers around 150 acres of land.
Johnsons, whose turnover was £12 million in 2017, is one of the largest commercial nurseries in the UK and a trusted supplier of plants and trees across the amenity sector – having worked on high profile projects such as Forth Road Bridge and the Athlete’s Village for the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
John joined Johnsons marketing co-ordinator, Ellie Richardson, at the Top 100 Businesses breakfast held on 14th November at York St John University to find out their company’s official placing.
He said: “It’s fantastic to be featured alongside so many first-class businesses in the Top 100 list. The company continues to work hard to ensure that the right decisions are made to keep the business pushing forward during uncertain times. The Top 100 accolade is testament to the staff who, as always, are extremely supportive of the company’s objectives and ambitions and we look forward to continuing to be a significant contributor to the ‘green’ environment.”
Pictured: Top 100 Businesses in York – Ellie Richardson and John Richardson.