“My interest started with my grandfather, who repaired garden machinery,” said Dominic. “I was about 12 years old when I began tinkering with old grass cutters, pulling them apart and making them work again.
“I found garden machinery fascinating from an early age, and that passion has stayed with me throughout my life. I’m 50 now, so I’ve been doing this for nearly four decades and have seen plenty of changes in machinery over the years.”
Dominic struck out on his own in 2019, with an initial plan “to do a little garden maintenance and some repair work from my garage”.
This all changed following a devastating fire at the premises of his former employer, Randell Agriculture.
Managing director William Randell told Dominic he was closing the business and would pass any future customers on to him.
“Running my own business wasn’t my original intention, but I’ve always worked with garden machinery, so it felt natural to continue doing what I used to do for William,” said Dominic.
He moved DRP Horticultural Services to its current premises in 2021, having worked from home during the first year of the pandemic.
The business can repair and service everything from lawnmowers and strimmers to chainsaws and ride-on tractors.
“We’re happy to take on older machines, such as Howard rotavators from 40-60 years ago, provided we can make them safe to use,” said Dominic.
“We also work on small agricultural machinery, including vintage models like Massey Fergusons and Ford Dextas.
“Our philosophy is to repair rather than replace wherever possible. It’s better for the environment and for customers.”
DRP offers a credit system in the event that a repair doesn’t provide a permanent fix.
“If you’ve spent money on a repair and the machine fails soon after, we’ll deduct that amount from the cost of a new machine,” Dominic said.
“We are also licensed to dispose of old machines responsibly.”
Alongside repairs, the company sells a range of machinery and other gardening products.
It is a main dealer for brands including AL-KO, Echo, Mitox and Weibang.
Dominic Piller founded DRP Horticultural Services in 2019 (Image: Georgia Rae-Lawrence)
“We sell lawnmowers, chainsaws, garden tractors – basically anything under the gardening umbrella,” said Dominic.
“We also stock hand tools like spades, forks and rakes, plus practical extras like Aspen fuel, Duracell batteries, hand cream and foot cream for gardeners.
“Customers often say visiting the shop feels like walking into Arkwright’s shop in Open All Hours because they leave with things they didn’t plan to buy!”
Dominic only stocks products that he has used himself – and which will offer the best value for customers.
“Even though we’re a small company, we won’t sell something just because it’s profitable,” he said. “Everything in my shop is there because I trust it.”
DRP has largely grown through word of mouth, attracting customers from Dereham and as far afield as King’s Lynn, Wells-next-the-Sea and Attleborough.
Dominic said customer service “is everything” for the business.
“People know me as ‘Dom,’ and they come in for a chat as well as for repairs. I try to ease any problems and help wherever I can.
“I often work long hours because I don’t want anyone stuck with a machine that isn’t working. If someone has an issue, I’ll go out and sort it, even in the evening.”
He has steadily grown the team, with Daniel Boyer joining as a mechanic and Amy Owen as horticultural administrator.
Finley Shoyer, a student at Easton College, is currently on work experience with the company and would eventually like to do an apprenticeship.
Looking to the future, Dominic hopes to “generate more sales and service work” through the company’s recently launched online shop.
The business is also awaiting approval to offer finance on larger items like tractors and other garden machinery.
“That will make it easier for customers to spread the cost,” said Dominic.
For more information, visit drphorticulturalservices.com
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