A PROFESSIONAL garden designer who has brought her skills indoors has launched a new franchised company to supply plant designs to companies, hotels and restaurants.

Lindsay Vale, who lives in Cookham and runs her business, Urban Planters Marlow, from Mere Park in the town, has taken on the franchise for the SL postcode, which covers Marlow, Bourne End, Gerrards Cross, Maidenhead and Windsor.

Her husband Peter, a professional songwriter and record producer and daughter Natalie, 23, are also involved in the venture.

The plants, often a couple of metres high, are selected in Holland and brought over to the UK and placed in containers in cutting edge materials, shapes and colours.

Lindsay, 52, said: "I enjoy working with plants but as a garden designer you don't see the finished product. With indoor plant designs you can make a difference more quickly.

"I was impressed by the quality of plants and the containers and by the fact that there is a strong design element in most of Urban's plant schemes.

"I am really looking forward to creating my own projects."

Lindsay, who put her own money into the company, researched franchise opportunities on the internet and took professional advice before deciding on Urban Planters Marlow.

"It is not an easy way to make money. You have to build up the business yourself," she said.

Now she is hoping her business will echo the sweet sound of success already achieved by her husband, Peter, a professional songwriter and record producer, who has worked with artists such as Ray Charles, George Harrison and Sheena Easton and received three Ivor Novello awards.

Business coaching franchise Action International is offering a number of franchises for sale in Bucks.

Gael Bevan has moved to England from New Zealand to head Action International, originally set up in Australia in 1993, in the south central area of England, covering Bucks, Oxon, Hampshire and Swindon.

More details from Gael Bevan on 01865 338070 or on website: www.action-international.com