Supplying Tesco, the Henderson Group and independent outlets and florists across Northern Ireland, 98% of all the plants sold are grown on-site in Dundonald. Dundonald Nurseries was founded by the McCully family in 1963 as interest in gardening programmes grew. The business quickly diversified into growing plants and cut flowers to keep up with an ever-changing marketplace
The family also run an award winning 125-seat restaurant on site and due to the growing popularity of its gift shop, a 3,000sf expansion was created to facilitate a children’s shop, ladies and gent’s clothing and an extensive range of gifts, crafts and homewares.
Dundonald Nurseries owner Malcolm McCully explains that their business success is down to diversifying its offering to meet changing customer needs and cultivating long-term relationships with clients and suppliers. He said;
“Having started out with one small van, the wholesale nursery aspect of our business now requires four large lorries to service our wholesale customers across the country, reflecting the focus we have placed on a high-quality service and products.
“Over the past 55 years, the business has expanded steadily because we are continuously innovating to keep up with changing consumer requirements. We are proud of our growth and recently purchased additional land off-site to build a new-state-of the-art glasshouse complex, equipped with the latest growing technology for plants. We also host fashion shows, gardening talks with afternoon tea, and seasonal evenings such as candlelit Christmas suppers – all with a view of making Dundonald Nurseries a destination for a great day out.
“This is just the latest stage in our investment programme and with the support of First Trust Bank, we have additional growth plans in place to renovate the basement of our restaurant into a function room to offer a new private space for hire.”
Speaking about the expansion, Catherine O’Keefe, Business Manager, First Trust Bank added;
“With a focus on quality, provenance and innovation, Dundonald Nurseries continues to thrive, and we are delighted to support Malcolm and his wife Anne through the expansion of the business. The new gift shop and extended garden centre enables the McCully family to offer customers an even greater range of products and services, making the business an asset to the local area – and the perfect destination for Christmas shopping!
“The ongoing expansion programme has led to almost 60 jobs being created in the last five years and it’s great to see a family business become such an inspiring success story. We wish the McCully family the best of luck for the future.”
Malcolm McCully from Dundonald Nurseries is pictured with Catherine O’Keefe, Business Manager at First Trust Bank
Advertisement
