Celebrating 30 years

An Interview with Managing Director, Mark Nesbitt

Over the past 30 years, TreeLocate has blossomed into a globally recognised leader in artificial foliage and bespoke greenery. Founded and managed by brothers Mark and Jonny Nesbitt, the duo continues to work together in partnership every day, having built an internationally renowned business. Here, Mark reflects on the journey, the family legacy, and the exciting future ahead.

Planting the seed

Before launching TreeLocate, Mark and his brother and co-founder Jonny, Sales Director at TreeLocate, ran a wine and spirit business, that they sold in 1993. With a desire to try something new, they both spotted an opportunity in artificial greenery.

“The leisure and hospitality industry was booming, and we saw a gap in the market for creating high-quality, beautiful lifelike artificial trees, plants and foliage for hotels, restaurants and bars,” Mark recalls.

As hospitality venues around the country felt the benefit of significant cost savings in regards to maintenance, as well as the quality and longevity of TreeLocate’s aesthetically superior products, demand quickly picked up. “We started with trees, then moved into associated products like ivy trails and flowers,” Mark explains. “We were very much at the forefront of the movement towards quality artificial greenery, which has always been a source of pride for us.”

Over the years, TreeLocate has been involved in some truly remarkable projects. “We’ve worked on amazing projects for many esteemed brands in iconic locations all the way from London to New Zealand,” Mark adds.

TreeLocate’s clients include prestigious names, including Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Space X, Madame Tussauds and numerous international airports including Dubai.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), in particular, has been a key growth market. “The climate there makes artificial foliage a necessity. We can design trees to exact specifications, whether it’s an overhanging tree for a restaurant or a grand centrepiece for a palace. Natural trees just can’t offer the same flexibility or longevity in such conditions.”

TreeLocate’s headquarters in Belford, Northumberland is a testament to its growth and innovation. “We built our seven-acre, £5 million site, which includes a showroom, warehouse and bespoke manufacturing area for premium trees,” Mark explains. “We’ve been here for a year, but as demand continues to grow, we’re already planning to expand in the next couple of years.”

A blossoming family business

TreeLocate is a proud family business. Mark’s son Tom manages UAE operations from the TreeLocate Foliages Dubai office which was established in 2013, while his younger son Charlie works in International Sales and Procurement.

And the family connections stretch beyond the Nesbitt name, with another pair of brothers, Jonathon and Tim Holmes, also making up the IT and Marketing teams.

“I always wanted the next generation of Nesbitt’s to carve their own paths, but they’ve both discovered a love for the business and this industry,” Mark says proudly.

With family at the helm and a team of experts supporting the business, TreeLocate continues to build long-term relationships with other family-run businesses worldwide. “We work with some spectacular clients, many of whom are also passing on the torch to the next generation. Our focus is on providing bespoke products tailored to their needs. That personal touch and attention to detail are what set us apart.”

Branching out globally

TreeLocate’s global reach has grown significantly over the years. “We were one of the first in our industry to build a presence in the UAE over a decade ago,” explains Mark. “Once again, we saw an opportunity in the market. The region’s hospitality sector was taking off, with luxury hotels and shopping destinations springing up, and there was a clear demand for bespoke, high-quality artificial greenery.”

TreeLocate has worked on projects in almost every territory worldwide. A new arm of the business recently opened in the Netherlands to serve European customers, particularly in the hotel sector, and a trading company has been established in Hong Kong. TreeLocate is also looking closely at the US market, where there has been strong interest in large, bespoke installations.

“Our bespoke builds are what truly differentiates us,” Mark explains. “Our FireSilx inherently flame retardant brand, which is globally certified for fire safety, has been a game-changer. The market leader, it gives architects, specifiers and designers confidence in specifying our products for large-scale projects. We see a lot of growth coming from the US and Europe as safety standards become more stringent.”

Looking over the canopy

So, what’s next for TreeLocate? “Hopefully, much of the same!” Mark laughs. “The next generation will take it to the next level. There’s a big and growing global market out there, and we’ve only scratched the surface.”

TreeLocate sees continued expansion in its FireSilx brand, which is already a global leader in fire safety, alongside its UVSilx exterior product line, designed for sun resistance.

“Many companies offer artificial foliage, but we focus on landscape displays and unique, high-end installations,” Mark concludes. “We’ve stuck to what we do best, and it’s paid off with strong growth and a loyal customer base.”

After 30 years of innovation and craftsmanship, one thing is clear: TreeLocate’s future is as strong and blossoming as the trees it creates.