A fifth-generation family business that began as a fruit and vegetable stall in Chester nearly 200 years ago has evolved into one of the UK’s leading gardening and landscaping supply companies.
Founded in 1826 by James Dandy, originally from Tarleton, the business started life in Chester’s Market Hall Square before becoming the first stall to move indoors when the city’s new Market Hall opened in 1863.
Over the decades, the company built a reputation as a trusted supplier of locally grown produce before expanding into landscaping and gardening products delivered nationwide.
Today, in its bicentenary year, the business is led by Adam Dandy, the fifth generation of the family to take the reins. After initially considering a career in policing, Adam joined the company full-time as a teenager, combining long shifts with work in the family firm before eventually deciding to focus entirely on the business.
Under his leadership, Dandy’s embraced online retail and nationwide delivery, helping transform the company into a major supplier of topsoil, compost, turf, gravel and landscaping materials. One of the company’s key growth moments came when it pioneered nationwide tonne-bag deliveries of topsoil – a move that rapidly increased demand across the UK.
The business has also expanded its workforce significantly in response to growing customer demand, particularly during the rise in home gardening and “grow your own” trends. The company has doubled staff numbers to keep pace with online sales growth. It is also committed to sustainability, with a fully peat-free product range.
Beyond commercial success, Adam has also become known for community and charitable initiatives.
The company helped launch SHARE (Supporting Homeless Assisting Refugees Everywhere), a charity supporting homeless people and refugees, following large-scale donation drives organised by the business. Dandy’s has also partnered with local foodbanks and fundraising projects supporting hospices and community organisations.
The family-run firm has continued to raise its public profile through collaborations including former England and Manchester United footballer Dion Dublin, who is a brand ambassador for the business.
Nearly two centuries after its founding, Dandy’s continues to combine family tradition with modern entrepreneurship, positioning itself as a growing national business rooted in local community values.
Adam recently received an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from the University of Chester in recognition of his outstanding contribution to local communities, particularly his work with ShareShops UK.
He said: “Reaching 200 years as a family business is something we’re incredibly proud of. It’s a real reflection of the generations before us who built the foundations, and of the team we have today who continue to move the business forward.
“Being a family-run company has always been at the heart of what we do. It shapes how we treat our customers, our staff, and the wider community. It’s not just about business, it’s about legacy.
“To still be growing after two centuries is something quite special. We’ve evolved massively over the years, but we’ve stayed true to our core values of quality, reliability, and looking after our customers.
“Looking ahead, it’s about continuing to modernise and expand while keeping that strong family identity. We’re investing in the future, but always with one eye on the past and the heritage that’s got us here.
“Celebrating 200 years isn’t just about looking back – it’s about setting the next generation up for success and making sure Dandy’s continues to thrive for many years to come.”
