Majestic Trees becomes an Employee Ownership Trust

Accredited Supplier, Majestic Trees, a renowned UK tree grower, recently made a significant change in ownership. Steve McCurdy, the Managing Director, and his wife Janet, have sold 74% of the company to their dedicated team through an Employee Ownership Trust, which came into effective on 30 September 2023.

This decision stems from their longstanding commitment to reward the loyal Majestic Trees team, many of whom have been part of the company since its inception in 2002.

Majestic Trees specialises in growing 550 tree varieties in various sizes, including instant hedging, ranging from 35 to 5,000 litres and up to 12 meters tall. They serve a wide range of clients, including gardens, estates, and commercial projects, and participate in prestigious shows like RHS Chelsea and Hampton Court across the UK.

 “Over the years, I have had numerous enquiries from individuals and businesses, both in the UK and overseas, wanting to explore buying Majestic Trees, an investment, or a partnership where we would roll out Majestic Trees in other countries including the USA and China, all of which I have declined, as I felt that they would be too much of a distraction. Undoubtedly, the price that we have sold our 74% is less than we could have achieved, but it enables us to leave both a legacy, ensure Majestic Trees and its ethos and core values continue as it is, and that the team’s future is both secured and most importantly is rewarded. Money isn’t everything, as I would be far happier to see Majestic Trees continue to prosper under the team who helped me build it, and not be torn apart as so often happens in a buyout,” 

Said Steve McCurdy.

Steve reflects on the hard work, dedication, and intelligence that have allowed their company to achieve success over 21 years. Mentioning a significant challenge, a High Court battle against DEFRA in 2022, which took a toll on his health and making Steve reevaluate his future.

Steve said: 

"I am now 63, and whilst I had no plans to retire, the massive High Court battle I fought for the industry against DEFRA in 2022 over a 5-month period almost literally killed me, and took an incredible toll on my health and forced me to reevaluate what would have happened had I not survived."

Despite his initial intention not to retire, after recovering from his illness, seen a huge change in the management team at Majestic and, as a result, decided it was the right time to initiate the transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) for Majestic Trees.

Majestic Trees, always known for not sitting still, has gone through transformational changes over the past 6 years. With a new office building and visitor centre, a major expansion of the nursery growing fields, a big new barn and employee facilities, a major refurbishment of the complete nursery with concrete roads and bridges, combined with a renewal of the fleet of 8 trucks and heavy equipment, and this summer a major solar panel install on one of its barns, so Majestic is ready for the next push. The EOT gives the team an even greater incentive of future dividends, on top of the current 25% profit sharing that Steve & Janet have distributed to the team for well over 15 years! 

Maria Bengtsson, Pruning and Stock Manager said:

“When I came here from my native Sweden, I never thought I’d stay beyond a few years, however Majestic Trees quickly proved quite special. Here, I’ve enjoyed a fun and stimulating job, but also opportunity for growth, eventually honoured with becoming part of the management team, and nearly 12 years later, I couldn’t see myself anywhere else. The EOT is incredibly exciting for everyone, and a true testament to the company’s team spirit. Granted, Steve’s shoes are very hard to fill, but together, and with his mentoring, we’re ready for the next chapter!" 

Steve will retain 26% of Majestic Trees, with the majority 74% being owned by the whole team. He plans to continue as managing director for some years, health allowing, moving at some point in the future to chairman, when he will semi-retire. On the outside there will be no change, and whilst Majestic Trees EOT Limited was registered at Companies House, it is simply the corporate trustee of Majestic Group Employee Ownership Trust. It holds the shares in Majestic Group Limited on behalf of the trust in its capacity as the corporate trustee of Majestic Group Employee Ownership Trust, and Majestic Tree EOT Limited will simply file dormant accounts. 

Nursery Manager, Carlos Guinand says:

“There is something utterly unique about horticulture… the passion. Over the years, Majestic Trees has built a thriving business beyond what comes out on the bottom line; rather, a team that identifies itself with a true passion for growing trees. Steve and Janet’s decision to sell the fruit of their 20-year labour to the team, all the sweat and tears, is proof of this passion; passion for values, for a business founded on commitment and professionalism, and a passion for the future of the UK’s horticulture sector”.

Steve McCurdy started his horticultural career in 1976, at Thomas Rochford and Sons Houseplants, in Turnford, Hertfordshire, then a thriving 400 employee nursery with around 100 acres of glass started 100 years before. One of an intake of 12 apprentices, Steve attended Oaklands horticultural college over 3 years, prior to being selected to train overseas. During that year, he met his future wife, Janet, but having completed his training, he returned to Rochford’s, but 2 years later emigrated to California to get married. He continued to work in houseplant production, then in 1984 went on to start his interior landscape company, Landscape Images. Having built a great team, the company won a total of 94 national and statewide awards for its interior landscaping, but in July 2000, Steve and Janet, along with their three sons returned to the UK to start Majestic Trees. After almost two years of major investment, financed to a large extent by the sale of their California company, Majestic Trees opened in May 2002, only taking £38 in the first month! However, within 12 months, the company was well on the road to success, and the rest is history. 

“People reading this will think this is a massive change, but from the outside nothing will be different, as we will all continue in our current roles. This change brings new opportunities, and I believe will empower the team on to even greater things. We have no plans to now sit back and relax, as we have exciting growth plans, and whilst we have always felt we had some of the finest opportunities for dedicated horticulturists, great benefits package which included the current 25% profit sharing every year with every member of the team over the past 15 years, the EOT offers this even greater ability to attract and keep the best talent in the industry. As it stands, we are currently recruiting for both a horticultural advisor and for our planting and delivery services experienced horticulturists, now with an even bigger carrot”.

says Steve McCurdy.