A couple who first met as teenagers living in care have branched out into business by launching their own tree surgery firm.
The Tree Fellas Hull, founded by Sarah Fenwick and Gareth Pennington, have won a string of big contracts and are recruiting new staff just seven months after launching.
The pair first met in Hull 12 years ago when they were both living in care.
They later lost touch with each other, but were reunited when Sarah moved into her own home when she was 18.
Ten years later, and they have already sowed the seeds for a successful business together.
Sarah said: “It started when Gareth realised he had a talent that was valuable to other people, and we decided to give it a shot.
“We worked and worked and tried to grow, investing as much money as we could back into the business and upgrading the van and the chipper.
“We’re getting referrals and recommendations from property companies and managing agents and that’s bringing in bigger jobs but we’re happy to partner with other people in our sector because we take the view there’s enough work for everybody.”
After leaving care, Sarah initially pursued a career in credit control and then moved to Hull telecoms firm KCOM.
Gareth joined Hull City Council on a care leaver’s scheme, gaining a diploma in horticulture and qualifying as a tree surgeon.
Now 29, he left his job in January this year to set up Tree Fellas.
Sarah is working side-by-side with Gareth at Tree Fellas, but has also kept her job in sales at KCOM, learning skills which will benefit the new business.
Offering services including planting, dismantling, felling and site clearance, the duo found the money to buy a van and a wood chipper and recruited Lewis Cook and Scott McCoid, who are training to work at Gareth’s level.
Sarah said the couple’s story was proof that anyone, regardless of background, can succeed in business.
She said: “We have managed to change our lives after some very low moments, combining our talents and qualities to create a business that has taken off so much faster than we could ever imagine.
“As care leavers we also want to reach other young entrepreneurs who, like us, have an idea or talent they wish to showcase. We want to help them prove that, no matter what your background, you really can do anything you want to do in life and to reach for the stars.
“We are learning every day and it is mind blowing. I always said we were meant to find each other.”
