Rockin’ around the Christmas tree: how 1,171 investors are helping an Oxfordshire family business expand

Earlier this month we visited Mill View Plant Centre in Oxfordshire, which has been run by the Dallimore family for over 30 years. Today, the plant centre is run by Colin Dallimore, who has a self-confessed passion for plants, and his daughters Katie and Lucy. They sell a range of plants and shrubs, including vegetable plants, herbs and fruit trees, and at this time of year Colin stocks a large selection of Christmas trees and handmade wreaths.

The premium Christmas trees are pot grown and cut, and range between 3 and 9 ft tall. Wondering which type of Christmas tree might be best for the office we asked Katie’s advice. She explained the ‘Norway Spruce has a lovely smell, but for lower needle drop if you’ve got small children like me, I’d go for the Nordmann Fir.’ The plant centre offer a wrap and carry service, and if you live in Wheatley or adjoining villages they’ll even deliver your tree for free!

Colin and his daughters needed funds quickly as they wanted to progress the family business and rebuild the nursery’s old shop. They also saw a gap in the market for a coffee shop to create a better experience for their customers. Mill View Plant Centre borrowed £100,000 through the Funding Circle marketplace in November 2015 to expand and open a coffee shop so their customers can meet friends and buy plants together.

In this short video you’ll hear from Colin and his daughter Katie. Colin also has some special words to say to all of the people who lent to his business:

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