GROUNDS maintenance company Groundcare is spreading the word about artificial grass lawns with the help of Gnasher the ‘easibug’.
The Smart car is covered in artificial turf and has been raising miles of smiles throughout the island.
James Graham, boss of Kirk Michael based company Groundcare has been attracting attention all over the island with the car.
The firm holds the island franchise for UK artificial grass company Easigrass.
Gnasher is one of a fleet of Smart car ‘easibugs’ which have hilarious faces. Gnasher’s actually the car’s temporary name as James is arranging for youngsters from Kirk Michael School to take part in a competition to name it officially.
James, 32, said: ‘Everywhere we go in the car people stop to look.
‘We picked it up from the Easigrass base in London and all the way up the motorway people were filming it and taking pictures.’
He said that in the island people of all ages are drawn to the unusual car. ‘One chap told us he had been having a bad day but as soon as he saw our easibug he cheered up and it made his day.’
‘I took my wife Alison out on Valentine’s night and people were staring at the car. I only have to nip to the bank or take my daughter out and the car is the centre of attention.
‘The car is a real head-turner and if it brightens up people’s days then it can only be a good thing.’
James’s children are Connie, four, and 10 months old Matthew. Alison is expecting another child in July.
James said people were drawn to rubbing their hands over the nippy little vehicle.
James, who employs a team of five people, said the car had been helping to spread the word about easigrass which he says is all the rage in the UK at the moment - with at least 42 artificial gardens being fitted every week in London alone.
He said artificial turf allows people to enjoy their garden 365 days a year, is child and pet friendly with no more mud or mess and householders enjoy an all year round green lawn.
James’s company has just fitted a synthetic putting green with four holes in a golfing enthusiast’s Douglas garden.
The firm is also due to use artificial turf during work on a sensory garden at the Joey Dunlop centre at Braddan Bridge House.
Enquiries are coming in from all over the island and James believes artificial turf will become a draw for both residential and businesse customers.
Manx-born James worked for various companies as a gardener before deciding to go self-employed about five years ago.
He has not looked back, the company now operates with six vehicles operating all over the island and is shortly due to take delivery of smart new corporate clothing for the staff.
James said: ‘In this business I use the same motto as Walt Disney: ‘‘Keep moving forward.’’ I am passionate about this business.’
He added that he does not subscribe to the ‘doom and gloom’ theories of some commentators in the current economic climate and believes it is important to try and stay ahead in the face of competition.
He added the workforce were like a little family and they all work together as a team. There is also a great sense of camaderie and sense of humour - which can be seen in the fun car which has Facebook following.
Groundcare: 877757.
website: www.groundcare.com