In This Issue
Who will be The Greatest Garden Centre Teams of 2017?
Countryfile presenter to speak at Garden Futures
Garden retail - the great escape
Changing customer behaviour, demographics, technology and not losing touch with nature are lead presentations
Nicholas Marshall joins HTA Garden Futures Conference 2017 line-up
Cross-category merchandising, lifestyle trends and Xylella fastidiosa will be hot topics
Area Sales Manager wanted by History and Heraldry Group
Product Merchandisers (Full-Time)
Marketing and Communications Officer
Sales of onion sets are electric
Pots of bulb compost sales
Pansies are most popular plant of the autumn season
Cutting time for garden products
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Buy your subscription to GTN Bestsellers
Situations Vacant
Area Sales Manager wanted by History and Heraldry Group
 
The History and Heraldry Group are recruiting an Area Sales Manager for the Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and Hants region. A competitive basic salary plus car/allowance is being offered...
Read more»
Product Merchandisers (Full-Time)
Salary: £22,500+
 
Read more»
Marketing and Communications Officer
 
Greenfingers Charity has a really exciting opportunity for a passionate Marketing and Comms professional...
Read more»
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Who will be The Greatest Garden Centre Teams of 2017?
HTA Futures SB121016_GTN029.jpg

Find out who the winners are of GTN's Greatest Garden Care Sales Team, Customer Service Team, Merchandising Team and the overall Greatest Garden Centre teams of 2017 after dinner at the HTA Garden Futures Conference on Wednesday next week...

HTA Futures SB121016_GTN025.jpg

Find out who the winners are of GTN's Greatest Garden Care Sales Team, Customer Service Team, Merchandising Team and the overall Greatest Garden Centre teams of 2017 after dinner at the HTA Garden Futures Conference on Wednesday next week.

After a summer of visits to garden centres nominated in all of the catering, plant sales, outdoor leisure and garden retailing categories the team of GTN judges have made their final decisions on who should be crowned this years winners.

All will be revealed after dinner on Wednesday 4th October at Heythrop Park, Enstone, Oxfordshire.

The winners come from the following list of finalists across all of the GTN Greatest Awards categories for 2017:

  • Altons
  • Aylett Nurseries
  • Barton Grange
  • Baytree
  • Bents
  • Birkacre
  • Blue Diamond Group
  • Burston
  • Castle Gardens
  • Chessington
  • Christies Fochabers
  • Coolings
  • Coolings Green & Pleasant
  • Cowells
  • Fresh@Burcot
  • Fron Goch
  • Glyndwr Plant Centre
  • Green Pastures
  • Hayes Garden World
  • Hillmount
  • Hillview Studley
  • Langlands Leeds
  • Mains of Drum
  • Millbrook Gravesend
  • Notcutts Woodford Park
  • Perrywood
  • Planters Tamworth
  • Poplars
  • Scotsdales
  • Shackletons
  • Squires Badshot Lea
  • Squires Chertsey
  • Stewarts Christchurch
  • Stratford Garden Centre
  • Strikes Garforth
  • Summerhill
  • Webbs Wychbold
  • Whitehall Lacock
To book your place at conference and for the dinner click here
 
Countryfile presenter to speak at Garden Futures


Tom Heap, who presents on Countryfile and is also the principal voice of ‘Costing the Earth’ on Radio 4 will be the after dinner speaker at Garden Futures next week...

Tom Heap, who presents the investigations on Countryfile, revealing the hidden depths of current rural and environment stories and is also the principal voice of ‘Costing the Earth’ on Radio 4, the nation’s only dedicated environment series will be the after dinner speaker at Garden Futures next week.

After spending his childhood in the small East-Midlands county of Rutland, Tom Heap’s devotion to rural issues saw him work his way up from soundman at Sky News to Rural Affairs correspondent at the BBC.

Tom will enlighten us with tales from his journalistic and broadcasting career which include BBC Radio 4’s Costing the Earth and Panorama. He also led a broadcasting team covering the 50th anniversary of the ascent of Mount Everest, and hosted a series of live broadcasts from base camp. A skilled investigative journalist, Tom has covered many notable topics for Countryfile, including an interview with Princess Anne on the controversial debate over badger culling. He lives with his family in Warwickshire.

To book your place at the Garden Futures dinner click here.

 

 

Garden retail - the great escape


A one-day strategic ‘must attend’ conference for the garden industry focussing on the positive role of garden centres as an escape and the huge opportunities that this brings for the sector, along with key issues of importance...

A one-day strategic ‘must attend’ conference for the garden industry focussing on the positive role of garden centres as an escape and the huge opportunities that this brings for the sector, along with key issues of importance.

Why attend?
• Latest knowledge, inspiration and ideas from quality speakers from inside and outside the sector
• Opportunity to ask questions and debate issues impacting the industry
• Great networking opportunity with peers from across the sector
• Time out to take stock and think about your own business in a relaxed setting


Watch the video from last years event below:



Garden retail – the great escape will be hosted by journalist and news presenter Cathy Newman.

Speakers include:

  • Rachel Lund, British Retail Consortium: Analysis and overview of the wider retail picture
  • Josh McBain, Foresight Factory: The Ageless Society and the opportunities that this brings for garden retail
  • Jack Stratten, Insider Trends: The future of technology in retail – freeing up time to spend with customers
  • Prof. Alistair Griffiths, RHS: Health, wellbeing and horticulture
  • James Wong in association with Fiskars: Ensuring the industry is catering for tomorrow’s consumers
  • Harald Elderenbosch, Elho: Give Room to Nature – a strategy for growth
  • Garden retail – the great escape will be hosted by journalist and news presenter Cathy Newman
  • Retail Lab @ Garden Futures panel session: Following on from retail lab @ Glee this panel session looks at what lies ahead for future retail environments
  • Xylella Panel session: A cross industry panel will discuss the threat of Xylella fastidiosa and the mitigating action required by the industry
  • Nicholas Marshall, CEO of Dobbies will be interviewed by news journalist Cathy Newman


The conference is followed by the Garden Futures dinner which includes the presentation of the HTA Pearson Memorial Medal and The Greatest Garden Retail Awards, followed by an after dinner speaker, Tom Heap.

Programme

  • Conference 8.30am - 4.30pm
  • Dinner 7.00 pm - 11.00 pm

For more information and to book your place:
T 0333 003 3550
E events@hta.org.uk
W hta.org.uk/gardenfutures

  • HTA member rate - £395.00 plus VAT
  • Non HTA member rate - £550.00 plus VAT

Includes conference, formal dinner and accommodation for single occupancy on Wednesday 4 October


To book you place at conference click here

Changing customer behaviour, demographics, technology and not losing touch with nature are lead presentations


Journalist and news presenter, Cathy Newman, will host the action-packed day which includes Rachel Lund from the British Retail Consortium, Josh McBain from the Foresight Factory, Jack Stratten from Insider Trends and Professor Alistair Griffiths from the RHS...




Journalist and news presenter, Cathy Newman, will host the action-packed day – using her journalistic skills to ask questions and provide comment throughout the day. As well as presenting the news she has also led the broadcaster’s FactCheck Blog separating the truth from the spin in Westminster and appeared as a guest panelist on Have I Got News For You.

Rachel Lund
from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) will look at what both a challenging market environment and rapidly shifting consumer behaviour means for the UK’s garden retailers. Through interpreting the data from a number of sources, she will look at how both financial and technological pressures are driving fundamental change in the industry, bringing both obstacles and opportunities. Rachel heads up the BRC’s Insight and Analytics team and is responsible for all of the BRC’s data gathering and market analysis activities including the Retail Sales and Footfall Monitors. 

 

Josh McBain from the Foresight Factory will present on The Ageless Society demonstrating how the changing demographic provides a huge opportunity for the garden industry with a big focus on experiences rather than material objects.



Jack Stratten
from Insider Trends will look at technology in retail, highlighting the way in which developments can help to free up time to spend with customers.  Tomorrow's leading retailers will behave more like tech companies than retail companies. Jack's presentation will look at how tech is changing retailers' ecosystems, the operational side of businesses and how it can improve the store experience. The retailers who make the most of tech will create businesses that are easier to run, connect with customers in more human ways than ever - and supercharge their profits.

Professor Alistair Griffiths from the RHS will look at the role of gardens, gardening and horticulture, ensuring that humans don’t lose touch with nature and how it can be used to provide preventative natural health and wellbeing care services.  In a rapidly urbanising world, gardens, gardening and horticulture had a key role to play in ensuring that humans don’t lose touch with nature. Professor Alistair Griffiths will draw attention to horticulture potential in supporting environmental resilience and in providing preventative natural health and wellbeing care services.

To book your place at Garden Futures click here

Nicholas Marshall joins HTA Garden Futures Conference 2017 line-up


Nicholas Marshall, CEO of Dobbies Garden Centres, has joined the line-up for the HTA Garden Futures Conference, sponsored by Hozelock, which takes place next week on Wednesday 4 October at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire...

Nicholas Marshall, CEO of Dobbies Garden Centres, has joined the line-up for the HTA Garden Futures Conference, sponsored by Hozelock, which takes place on Wednesday 4 October at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire.

With over 30 years’ experience in the garden centre sector Nicholas founded and built two garden centre chains, Country Gardens PLC and Country Homes and Gardens PLC. He was also CEO of Wyevale Garden Centres for four years, taking it from near administration to a successful sale for £300m.

Nicholas will be interviewed by conference host, journalist and news presenter Cathy Newman who will quiz him on his views on topics such as the future of the industry, the potential impact of Brexit, changing demographics and the consumer and the impact of technology within retail.

Garden retail – the great escape – is the theme for this year’s HTA Garden Futures Conference and Dinner which is aimed at all those from across the garden industry from business owners to directors and managers.

The theme of this year’s one-day strategic event reflects the role of both gardens and garden centres as an escape and focuses on the benefits, positive role and unique opportunities that this provides for the industry. It also tackles key issues impacting the sector such as Xylella fastidiosa.

Also, joining the programme is Rachel Lund from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Rachel heads up the BRC’s Insight and Analytics team and is responsible for all of the BRC’s data gathering and market analysis activities including the Retail Sales and Footfall Monitors.

Josh McBain from the Foresight Factory will present on The Ageless Society demonstrating how the changing demographic provides a huge opportunity for the garden industry with a big focus on experiences rather than material objects.

Jack Stratten from Insider Trends will look at technology in retail, highlighting the way in which developments can help to free up time to spend with customers.

Professor Alistair Griffiths from the RHS will look at the role of gardens, gardening and horticulture, ensuring that humans don’t lose touch with nature and how it can be used to provide preventative natural health and wellbeing care services.

In a session sponsored by Fiskars, botanist, science writer and broadcaster James Wong will be looking at how engaging with your outdoor space could dramatically improve your health and the way in which garden centres can utilise cross-category merchandising to help illustrate the benefit of plants. 

In a session titled ‘Give Room to Nature’ Harald Elderenbosch, owner and managing director of Elho, explores how they use consumer and lifestyle trends to help shape their strategy.


Following on from the Retail Lab @ Glee there will be a Retail Lab @ Garden Futures panel session looking at what the future holds for future retail environments and how retailers can use innovative ways of illustrating lifestyle themes.

Ensuring the sector is kept up to date with key issues, there will be a cross industry panel to discuss the threat of Xylella fastidiosa and the mitigating action required to protect the industry. Chaired by HTA Past President Adam Wigglesworth this panel session involves Colin Dale from Notcutts, Andy Smith from Klondyke Group, Jonathan Whitmore from Johnsons of Whixley, Dan Munro from APHA and Boyd Douglas-Davies from Hillview Garden Centres.

The conference is followed by the Garden Futures dinner which includes the presentation of the HTA Pearson Memorial Medal and GTN's Greatest Garden Retailing Team Awards, followed by an after dinner speaker.

Make sure you don’t miss out! Book your place now at www.hta.org.uk/gardenfutures

#HTAFutures

Cross-category merchandising, lifestyle trends and Xylella fastidiosa will be hot topics
 

James Wong will be looking at how garden centres can utilise cross-category merchandising to help illustrate the benefit of plants, Harald Elderenbosch, owner and managing director of Elho, explores how they use consumer and lifestyle trends to help shape their strategy, plus panel sessions looking at what the future holds for future retail environments and how the threat of Xylella fastidiosa can be mitigated by the industry...




In a session sponsored by Fiskars, botanist, science writer and broadcaster James Wong will be looking at how engaging with your outdoor space could dramatically improve your health and the way in which garden centres can utilise cross-category merchandising to help illustrate the benefit of plants.

‘Give Room to Nature’ presented by Harald Elderenbosch, owner and managing director of Elho, explores how they use consumer and lifestyle trends to help shape their strategy.

 

Following on from the Retail Lab @ Glee there will be a Retail Lab @ Garden Futures panel session looking at what the future holds for future retail environments and how retailers can use innovative ways of illustrating lifestyle themes.

Glee 2017 Monday am 110917_GTN020.jpg

Ensuring the sector is kept up to date with key issues, there will be a cross industry panel to discuss the threat of Xylella fastidiosa and the mitigating action required to protect the industry. Chaired by HTA Past President Adam Wigglesworth this panel session involves Colin Dale from Notcutts, Andy Smith from Klondyke Group, Jonathan Whitmore from Johnsons of Whixley, Dan Munro from APHA and Boyd Douglas-Davies from Hillview Garden Centres.

To book your place at Garden Futures click here

 
Area Sales Manager wanted by History and Heraldry Group
The History and Heraldry Group are recruiting an Area Sales Manager for the Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and Hants region. A competitive basic salary plus car/allowance is being offered...


Area Sales Manager to History & Heraldry - GIFTS Territory; Kent, Sussex, Surrey & Hants.

Responsibilities towards: Garden Centres, Farm Shops, Visitor Attractions & Tourist Attractions.

History & Heraldry, the UK's largest impulse gift Company is looking to secure an experienced Area Sales Manager, responsible for Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire. Responsible for a portfolio of fast moving impulse gifts across pre-determined channels, we are seeking an ambitious and motivated sales professional to drive sales and customer relationships across both new and existing businesses. Based on territory, with prior experience within the gift industry, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate a consistent work ethic, a committed approach, and a clear understanding of result achievement.

Responsibilities:
  • To build and develop profitable sales across responsible channels in line with prescribed targets
  • To target new business opportunities and successfully convert within territory
  • Service current retail accounts with regular visits and communication, building strong relationship with customers
  • Regular liaison with head office sales support on behalf of broader customer delivery
  • To introduce new products with seasonal demands to customers across territory
  • To adopt and deliver external sales reporting requirements
  • To attend and the represent Company at trade shows and industry events, as required
Candidate:
  • Previous experience within the Gift industry, ideally across Garden Centre and/or Visitor Attraction sectors
  • A proven track record of building and developing profitable sales achievement within the gift industry
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels
  • Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
  • Proficient with IT skills, specifically external sales reporting
  • Self-motivated and driven, with a desire to be a part of a successful team
Remuneration:
  • Competitive Basic Salary (commensurate with experience)
  • Commission/Bonus Program
  • Company Vehicle/Private Vehicle allowance
  • Pension
  • Westfield Health Membership
  • iPad/Mobile phone
Start Date: Immediate

Closing Date: 27th September, 2017

Location: Home Based

 
COMPANY PROFILE
With distribution in over 60 countries in 30 languages and retailed in over 70,000 locations worldwide, History & Heraldry Group are the pre-eminent global leader in the supply of impulse giftware to the retail trade. Over the last 20 years, we have worked hard to achieve our reputation of constantly providing innovative, well designed, effectively merchandised and safety accredited product ranges. We have been awarded numerous accolades with the Sunday Times top UK company listings along with the Queens Award for Export. We engender an inclusive and rewarding working ethos, offering the best in sales support to our sales managers within our industry sector, in order to allow them to focus on what they do best - managing and evolving existing and new sales relationships.  www.historyheraldry.com  


COMPANY DETAILS
History and Heraldry Ltd.
5 Denby Way
Rotherham
S66 8HR

01709 730700

Please forward your CV to hr@historyheraldry.com Strictly no agencies.

 


The Company:

 

Apta is the leading supplier of quality flower pots and accessories to the UK garden trade.

 

The company has achieved very considerable growth and now wishes to strengthen its merchandising team with the recruitment of additional Product Merchandisers. The role will appeal to motivated and ambitious individuals.

 

Job title:         Product Merchandisers (Full-Time). See Areas below.

 

Area 1:           Kent, Sussex, Surrey, South London

Area 2:           Essex, Suffolk

             

Salary:            £22,500+ after training with immediate start.

Generous bonus scheme & company vehicle.

 

Progression:            Apta has a track-record of promoting its staff.

 

The Role of Product Merchandiser:

  • Building upon strong partnerships with existing customers
  • Working with the sales team to ensure that customer experience is always exceptional.
  • Planning and working to an effective journey plan, maximising customer contact.

The person for this Product Merchandiser opportunity:


We are looking for committed, fit and motivated individuals to join our excellent merchandising team. The main duties involve setting up display benches and displaying our products within garden centres.  

 

Area 1: mainly covering Kent, Sussex, and surrounding areas. Candidates must be well located in the territory, ideally in the Ashford to Crawley area. Other well located locations within the territory will be considered.

 

Area 2: mainly covering Essex, Suffolk and surrounding areas. Candidates must be well located in the territory, ideally in the Chelmsford to Ipswich area. Other well located locations within the territory will be considered.

 

This is an outdoor job involving heavy lifting and only applicants whom are very fit, healthy and willing to work extended hours during our main season should apply. A company vehicle is provided for all work duties along with a fuel card and mobile phone.

 

A full clean driving licence is required and applicants need to be 23 + years of age.


Applications should be sent by email with your CV and covering letter to Brian Cobb, Merchandising Manager, brian.cobb@apta.co.uk or telephone 07968 153418 for any other details.

 

The closing date for all applicants is 30th September 2017.

 
Marketing and Communications Officer
Greenfingers Charity has a really exciting opportunity for a passionate Marketing and Comms professional...
Greenfingers Charity has a really exciting opportunity for a passionate Marketing and Comms professional.

Are you a Greenfingered Marketing and Communications professional? 

Greenfingers Charity is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic Marketing and Communications Officer to join the team in Beaconsfield. If you are a great team player, flexible and have a passion for writing and brand building this could be the perfect role for you.  If  you would like more information about the position please contact Linda Petrons by email: linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk or by calling 01494 674749 for more information.
 
Sales of onion sets are electric
Sales of onion sets and garlic for autumn planting soared last week with onion sets Electric buzzing to the top of the chart.  This week Taylors Bulbs Veg-2-Gro lines make up 14 of the GTN Top 20...
Sales of onion sets and garlic for autumn planting soared last week with onion sets Electric buzzing to the top of the chart.  This week Taylors Bulbs Veg-2-Gro lines make up 14 of the GTN Top 20.  

This week’s highlights were:
  • Taylors Garlic Germidour increased sales by over 250% to be the best selling garlic bulb, moving up to No 3.
  • Vegetable 6 Packs from WD Smith were the highest new entry last week, in at No 15.
  • Taylors Bulbs Kitchen Herb Pot is the charts highest climber, up 18 places to No 30.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
 
Pots of bulb compost sales
While overall growing media Top 50 volumes were down 10% for last week, year on year, bulb planting compost volume sales were up by 13%. That indicates more bulbs being planted in pots this year, especially as the sales of 10 litre packs are up by 39%...
While overall growing media Top 50 volumes were down 10% for last week, year on year, bulb planting compost volume sales were up by 13%. That indicates more bulbs being planted in pots this year, especially as the sales of 10 litre packs are up by 39%.

This week’s highlights were:
  • Ten litre packs of Westland Bulb Planting Compost are the week’s highest climber, up 23 places to No 23.
  • Taylors Bulb Fibre, 10 litres, moves upone place to No 5.
  • Scotts Miracle-Gro Eco Sense Bulb Compost, 20 litres, moves up four places to No 7.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
 
Pansies are most popular plant of the autumn season
Pansies are leading the way, ahead of Cyclamen, as the most popular plant of the autumn season. Last week’s sales of Pansies were over 100% up on the same week last year, taking their total volume 11% ahead of Cyclamen...
Pansies are leading the way, ahead of Cyclamen, as the most popular plant of the autumn season. Last week’s sales of Pansies were over 100% up on the same week last year, taking their total volume 11% ahead of Cyclamen.
  • Primula sales grew by almost 200% to reach No 4 in the GTN Plants Chart.
  • The Top 10 plant genus all grew sales and accounted for 50% of all plants sold.
  • Bellis were the highest Top 50 re-entry at No 29.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
 
Cutting time for garden products
Lawn care, weed control and mini cutting tools are the leaders in sales for autumn gardening lines in the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products chart as gardeners take advantage of the September dry spells in between the heavy showers...
Lawn care, weed control and mini cutting tools are the leaders in sales for autumn gardening lines in the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products chart as gardeners take advantage of the September dry spells in between the heavy showers.

This week's highlights were:
  • Scotts Evergreen Complete 360 sq m + 10% Extra Free is the week’s highest re-entry, back in at No 6.
  • Gripsnipz Mini Cutting Tools in Pink, Orange and Green maintain their lofty bestsellers positions at Nos 2, 3 and 5.
  • Westland Resolva 24H Ready To Use, 1 litre, is the highest chart climber, up 27 positions to No 21.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
 
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox...



with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox.  The best news service every weekend and all the breaking news as it happens.

Subscribe for free using this link: http://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/7rulj2yio7x?a=6&p=49514304&t=20355005
 
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts...

Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts and weekly bestsellers sales tips.

The full charts which provide useful insight into product sales peaks, new trends and new link sales opportunities are published in the weekly GTN Xtra newsletter.

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2015 as well as 2016 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

Access is by subscription only.  For £145.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales.  To subscribe call 01733 775700, e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Highlights of the GTN Garden Products Bestsellers chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Garden Plants Bestsellers chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Veg-2-Gro Bestsellers chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Growing Media Bestsellers chart for this week are here

WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts seriously improve the business of our subscribers.  Invest 15 minutes each week in improving your sales using the GTN Bestsellers charts and your turnover and customer satisfaction will improve too.

 
Get the GTN Bestsellers charts in full every week in the GTN Bestsellers newsletters for only £145.00.

GTN Bestsellers is the only industry source of weekly garden centre sales information, collating Epos data from centres with an aggregate turnover in excess of £120m.

Use the weekly Garden Products and Growing Media Top 50 sales volumes charts to plan your hotspot and other promotions and ensure you have the right products in stock to satisfy the needs of your customers.

For further information contact karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call 01733 775700.

Buy your subscription today and start receiveing the GTN Bestsellers charts this week.