Family-Run Startup Grows Into Seven-Figure National Business

A West Yorkshire entrepreneur is approaching a decade in business – celebrating record-breaking growth for his vegetation management company.

At just 29, Declan Colleran has transformed his venture from a small local operation into a seven-figure national enterprise – achieving a 140% increase in turnover during the past five years.

Having started out as a 16-year-old trainee tree surgeon, Declan, from Dewsbury, founded DC Ground and Tree Care in 2016 as a sole trader. Since then, he has grown the business into a limited company – providing principal contractor services to a diverse range of commercial and public sector clients across the construction, highways, environmental and waterways sectors.

“From starting out with a small team – me with a few groundworkers, mainly doing domestic tree work – we’re now leading large-scale projects and contracts that last several months for some of the biggest names in the industry,” said Declan, who also launched Aquatic Restorations in 2023 – a complementary company providing specialist aquatic environmental services.

“It’s been stressful at times, but an incredible journey that holds even more potential for the future. Growing the business alongside my wife Lucy, our managers and trained specialists, we’ve worked hard to become recognised experts in the industry. I couldn’t be prouder of how far we’ve come – especially our longest-serving employees, many of whom joined with no formal qualifications and have grown into highly skilled professionals.”

As the company approaches its 10-year anniversary, it is entering a new chapter with a rebrand that reflects the wider service offering.

“I’m excited to announce that we will now be trading as DC Environmental,” Declan added.

“We are so much more than just cutting down trees. We’ve expanded into complex arboriculture, landscaping and vegetation management work – all requiring specialist equipment and expertise. We also take on niche silt and invasive weed projects, as well as civil engineering, facilities management, fabrication and plant hire services.”

Since starting out as a one-person operation, the business has evolved into a fully accredited and professionally structured organisation.

“Lucy and our administration team have worked tirelessly to ensure full compliance with Health & Safety regulations, environmental standards and sustainability initiatives,” Declan added.

“We’ve also maintained key industry accreditations – including ISO and the National Highway Sector Scheme. Doing things the right way – safely, legally and responsibly – is what has earned us the trust to be offered bigger projects."

Key strategic investments have also driven growth – from sourcing specialist equipment across Europe to establishing a purpose-built depot in Heckmondwike, complete with fabrication and mechanical workshops.

“From day one, we’ve owned our equipment and resources outright – often having machinery custom-made to suit our work,” said Declan. “That model has allowed us to weather challenges, including COVID-19, while keeping things stable for our team and reinvesting in line with client needs.”

Co-Director Lucy, 29, who is expecting the couple’s second child, said the rebrand feels timely as the company embarks upon more capital projects – including the development of new offices and the expansion of its existing warehouse.

“Declan is the driving force behind the business, but it has matured into a well-established organisation with strong management and operational teams in place,” she said. “As we head into our tenth year, we’re so grateful to our clients for trusting in our expertise and supporting our journey, and we look forward to what the future holds for DC Environmental.”