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The two directors at Angus business Royal Oak Tree Services have ambitious expansion plans for the fast-growing venture, which works in many parts of Scotland.

Jake Bedwell and brother Callum have revealed that their workforce will jump from the current 11 to around 40 by October.

And, in the next few months, the Arbroath family firm expects to open additional depots in Keith, Kinross, Perth and Stirling – with a longer-term desire to set up bases in England.

The business, which specialises in arboricultural and tree surgery services was founded by the brother’s parents, Colin and Tracy, in 2007 after Colin retired from the Marines.

Callum joined the company in 2016 on leaving the Marines and he was joined three years later by Jake who graduated from Abertay University with a BA (Hons) and and MSc, both in accounting and finance.

Managing director Jake said: “We are incredibly proud to have taken the business to where it is – increasing turnover from £85,000 in 2019 to a forecast of £1.9 million for the financial year 2022-23.

“The main achievement so far is winning the contract for Amey and Transport Scotland to maintain all trees and landscaping in an area from Rosyth to Inverness.

“Another significant achievement was being voted as best tree surgery and arboricultural business in the east coast for two years in a row.”

Jake said Royal Oak’s range of clients include domestic customers as well as landowners, commercial customers and the government.

“Currently out most in-demand service is site clearances for house developers.

“We have seen a huge influx in developments and, because of this, the requirement for clearance.

“In a typical week we serve approximately 15-20 customers.  Everyone is different.”

The MD said the current financial performance of the business has exceeded expectations.

He added: “We aim to invest as much of our profit as possible back into the business, making life easier and more enjoyable for our staff and ensuring that we can provide our trademark quality service for our customers.”

Jake said their are advantages of Royal Oak becoming a large-scale operation.

He explained: “There is a lot of work that is just too big for most of the tree surgery and arboricultural businesses to undertake.

“We often have calls from potential customers who say that another tree surgeon has recommended us.”

So what has been the secret to Royal Oak’s success to date?

Jake said: “Since Callum and I took over, we have run the business with a simple tenet of ‘the big picture’.

“Once a job is completed, we say – ‘If I was the customer, would I be happy?

“We always look at the big picture, the end goal, the outcome, and deliver it putting health and safety and customer satisfaction as the most important factors.

“You’d be surprised at how many people comment on our customer service.”

Jake said the best part about his job is the interaction with clients.

“Whether its a domestic customer who we go to every year for a hedge trim or a director of a national housebuilder, we always have a laugh and a good chat and quite often make lasting friendships.”

Asked about any potential threats to Royal Oak going forward, the MD said he and his brother actually see things like red tape as an opportunity to innovate.

“We like to react quickly, and look at changes in the industry to gain a first-mover advantage,” he said.