In This Issue
GCA announces three new inspectors at conference
Conference gets off to a flying start raising £27k for Greenfingers
Pansies regain the GCA Greenfingers Challenge Cup
Haggis sells for £500 a plate as the Greenfingers Challenge gets Conference off to a tasty start
LOFA prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a new Chairman and Vice Chairman at the helm
Light up your January sales with impulse displays
Onion sets and seed potatoes selling through
Magic start to the year for growing media sales
Primulas are the bestselling plant of the year so far
Wyevale Garden Centres launches new e-commerce site
Notcutts celebrates 120 years of glorious gardening
£2m investment in ad campaign for Westland SafeLawn
Wyevale Nurseries raises £1,042 for Greenfingers Charity
Green festival during Plantarium 2017
Exhibitor stands at PATS Sandown 'sold out'
Slow start to trading in 2017 as footfall is down
Plantarea Department Head Hardy Plants - Essex
Plantarea Department Head Seasonal Plants - Essex
Wholesale Trade Sales Manager - Suffolk
Plantarea Staff - East Sussex
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GCA announces three new inspectors at conference


The Garden Centre Association has today (Monday) announced its three new inspectors who will begin visiting member garden centres this spring. Michael Cole, Gordon Emslie and Hedley Triggs will join current inspector, Roger Crookes, to complete the team for 2017.

   

The Garden Centre Association has today (Monday) announced its three new inspectors who will begin visiting member garden centres this spring.

Michael Cole, Gordon Emslie and Hedley Triggs will join current inspector, Roger Crookes, to complete the team for 2017.

Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Michael, Gordon and Hedley, who will be joining remaining inspector, Roger Crookes (left). The three new members will go through a thorough induction process before the inspection window opens to ensure the consistency of marking that we all expect continues.

“We would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to Alyson Haywood, Andy Campbell and Ian Boardman for their hard work as inspectors for the GCA. Andy and Ian had been visiting member garden centres for many years while Alyson was a relative newcomer, however they all leave with our thanks and best wishes for the future.”

Michael joined Notcutts Garden Centre in St Albans in January 1978 as a General Assistant, working in the planteria. He went on to become Centre Manager six years later.

He was appointed as a Regional Manager in 1987 and oversaw the running of five Notcutts eastern region garden centre. In 2009 he became Business Development and Retail Property Director, overseeing the development of Notcutts’ award winning garden centre at Pembury, Tunbridge Wells and establishment of a new look Notcutts at Wheatcroft, Woodford Park, Norwich and Staines garden centres.

Gordon’s early career experience was in multiple retailing. Prior to setting up a consultancy business in 2006 he was a Store Manager, responsible for a team of 650 and sales of £100M per annum, and business coach within Sainsbury’s.

As a consultant, Gordon has worked with a number of retail clients, including garden centres, focusing on the retail journey and customer service as well as development of the teams who deliver this.

Most recently Hedley has been the manager at the Blue Diamond Trelawney Garden Centre and prior to this can boast 25 years’ experience at management level within garden centres and for growers or plant suppliers. Prior to Trelawney, Hedley was a manager for Wyevale.

He also ran centres such as Sanders Garden World, Bridgemere Garden Centre and Jacks Patch Garden Centre. He was a member of the project management team for the group’s redevelopment of their Percy Thrower’s centre in Shropshire. He started his garden centre career working for Klondyke/Strikes where he held centre manager and buying roles.



Iain added: “The 2017 inspections for member garden centres will commence on Monday, March 20 and centres will be visited until Friday, June 16. The inspection visits are unannounced which enables the inspectors to gain a true picture of the centre they are visiting and then give valuable feedback”

“Michael, Gordon and Hedley, along with Roger, will visit member centres and give objective and honest feedback on what they find. They will produce detailed reports and provide ideas for improving standards. They will also make presentations at our annual conference in 2018 and regional meetings. It is a huge benefit to GCA members.”
Conference gets off to a flying start raising £27k for Greenfingers



The GCA Conference 2017 got off to a flying start with a record £27,440 being raised for Greenfingers in the annual GCA Greenfingers Challenge.  
Held at the Fairmont Hotel, St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, the challenge included a round of indoor "golf", a supper with quiz and "Highland" games including haggis eating and ended with an auction compered by McTopping of Brock, Guy Topping...


Read more and see pictures

GCA Greenfingers Challenge 2017220117_GTN078.jpg

The GCA Conference 2017 got off to a flying start with a record £27,440 being raised for Greenfingers in the annual GCA Greenfingers Challenge.

Held at the Fairmont Hotel, St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, the challenge included a round of indoor "golf", a supper with quiz and "Highland" games including haggis eating and ended with an auction compered by McTopping of Brock, Guy Topping.

Pansies ( the garden centre's) beat the Cabbages ( suppliers) in the indoor golf to regain The Greenfingers Challenge Cup.

The winners of the quiz and games in the evening were the team including Matthew Bent, Martin Cowell, Rod Slater and Richard Newton. "That victory tasted great," explained Martin after playing their joker in the Haggis eating round, in which Martin comfortably beat the other 9 haggis gobblers.

Greenfingers Chairman John Ashley thanked the organisers of the event: Guy and Carol Topping, Ian Flounders and Richard Newton from Woodlodge plus Pippa McKean who ably kept the scores and organised all of the event sponsorship.  "In all my many visits to GCA Conferences I can honestly say I've never enjoyed myself more than this afternoon and this evening.  The amount raised in just one afternoon and evening is about half the cost of building a Greenfingers hospice children's garden. You should be immensely proud of your achievement.  I know the families and carers with children who have life limiting illnesses will be forever grateful.  Thank you."

The sponsors for the 2017 Challenge Event were:

  • Airedale
  • Apta
  • Aylett Nurseries
  • Baker & Taylor
  • Barton Grange
  • Bents
  • Briers
  • Cadix
  • Castle Gardens
  • Chessington
  • Coolings
  • Cowells
  • Crest Garden
  • Decco
  • Deco-Pak
  • Glee
  • Haskins
  • Hayes Garden World
  • Hozelock
  • IFSE
  • Kaemingk
  • Klondyke
  • Lofa
  • McKean Consulting
  • Millbrook
  • Monkton Elm
  • MSL
  • Old Railway Line
  • Perrywood
  • Poplars
  • Premier Decorations
  • Profitplant
  • Ruxley Manor
  • Scomac
  • Smart Garden
  • Squires
  • St Peters
  • Taylors Bulbs
  • Webbs
  • Whitehall
  • Widdop & Bingham
  • Woodlodge
  • Zest4Leisure
Pansies regain the GCA Greenfingers Challenge Cup


The Pansies (garden centre's) beat The Cabbages (suppliers) in this years GCA Greenfingers Challenge held at the Fairmont Hotel in Scotland.

Read more and see pictures



The Pansies (garden centre's) beat The Cabbages (suppliers) in this years GCA Greenfingers Challenge held at the Fairmont Hotel in Scotland.

The 2017 challenge involved a round of indoor "golf" devised and created by Ian Flounders and Richard Newton from Woodlodge.

The prize for best dressed golfer went to Guy Topping with his wife,Carol winning the Best dressed lady golfer award.

The sponsors for the event which raised over £27,000 for Grennfingers were:

  • Airedale
  • Apta
  • Aylett Nurseries
  • Baker & Taylor
  • Barton Grange
  • Bents
  • Briers
  • Cadix
  • Castle Gardens
  • Chessington
  • Coolings
  • Cowells
  • Crest Garden
  • Decco
  • Deco-Pak
  • Glee
  • Haskins
  • Hayes Garden World
  • Hozelock
  • IFSE
  • Kaemingk
  • Klondyke
  • Lofa
  • McKean Consulting
  • Millbrook
  • Monkton Elm
  • MSL
  • Old Railway Line
  • Perrywood
  • Poplars
  • Premier Decorations
  • Profitplant
  • Ruxley Manor
  • Scomac
  • Smart Garden
  • Squires
  • St Peters
  • Taylors Bulbs
  • Webbs
  • Whitehall
  • Widdop & Bingham
  • Woodlodge
  • Zest4Leisure
Thank you to all who took part and donated sufficient funds to pay for half of another much needed garden at a Childrens Hospice.  Thank you.

 

Haggis sells for £500 a plate as the Greenfingers Challenge gets Conference off to a tasty start


The evening part of The GCA Greenfingers Challenge, organised by Guy and Carol Topping include quiz rounds .... mixed with fun games ..... where teams had to buy their places in the events - that's when a plate of haggis was bought for  a £500 donation to Greenfingers...

Read more and see pictures of haggis eating...



The evening part of The GCA Greenfingers Challenge, organised by Guy and Carol Topping include quiz rounds .... mixed with fun games ..... where teams had to buy their places in the events - that's when a plate of haggis was bought for  a £500 donation to Greenfingers.

The team including Martin Cowell, Matthew Bent, Rod Slater and Richard Newton came out the winners with the McStewarts notably in 14th place.

Another memorable Guy Topping auction ended the evening taking the total in the night to a whopping £27,440.

Any GCA delegates wishing to add to the fundraising during conference today or tomorrow should contact Ian Flounders, Guy Topping or Pippa McKean.

Can we get the total well over £30,000 by the end of conference?

Sponsors for the GCA Greenfingers challenge were:

  • Airedale
  • Apta
  • Aylett Nurseries
  • Baker & Taylor
  • Barton Grange
  • Bents
  • Briers
  • Cadix
  • Castle Gardens
  • Chessington
  • Coolings
  • Cowells
  • Crest Garden
  • Decco
  • Deco-Pak
  • Glee
  • Haskins
  • Hayes Garden World
  • Hozelock
  • IFSE
  • Kaemingk
  • Klondyke
  • Lofa
  • McKean Consulting
  • Millbrook
  • Monkton Elm
  • MSL
  • Old Railway Line
  • Perrywood
  • Poplars
  • Premier Decorations
  • Profitplant
  • Ruxley Manor
  • Scomac
  • Smart Garden
  • Squires
  • St Peters
  • Taylors Bulbs
  • Webbs
  • Whitehall
  • Widdop & Bingham
  • Woodlodge
  • Zest4Leisure

 

 
LOFA prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a new Chairman and Vice Chairman at the helm


Outback chief executive Mark Osborne has been appointed Chariman of LOFA, following the decision by Paul Bevington to step down for personal reasons. Pravin Patel, a director of Premier decorations has been made Vice-Chairman of the association...

Outback chief executive Mark Osborne has been appointed Chariman of LOFA, following the decision by Paul Bevington to step down for personal reasons. Pravin Patel, a director of Premier decorations has been made Vice-Chairman.

A statement from LOFA said:

"It is with regret that LOFA has to announce that Chairman Paul Bevington has decided to step down from LOFA Council, for personal reasons; Paul remains closely linked to the Association as the representative for Kettler GB.  He served for many years on Council and for the past three years as Chairman, and it is hoped that with his huge experience he will return to the board at some time in the future."

Having initially worked in Sales for Pan Britannica Industries(PBI), Mark Osborne (above) joined Fiskars UK Ltd as National Accounts Manager before promotion to General Sales Manager. He joined Outback in 2002, when it was a family concern headed by Eric Hopper, coincidentally a prominent member and Chairman of LOFA for a number of years, taking over as UK Head when Eric retired.

"It's a great honour to become chairman of LOFA in its 50th year, and particularly when our membership faces such challenges as Brexit and a falling pound – issues which I am confident will encourage more companies in the garden furniture and outdoor leisure industries to seek the benefits of the Association. I continue to be impressed by the dedication, passion and sheer resilience of the suppliers and customers in our industry, and look forward to welcoming existing and new members, and retailers, to our annual showpiece shop window, the SOLEX exhibition at the NEC from July 11-13", he said.

Pravin Patel (left) is a director at Premier Decorations Limited where he has been for almost 30 years; he also heads the Summer and Outdoor Division which was launched in 1994.

He has served on the LOFA Council since 2014 where he oversees the financial and legal affairs of the association.

“At a challenging time generally for business, LOFA and SOLEX need to utilise all the considerable wealth of experience and continued efforts of Members and Council together to ensure that the members and association can continue to thrive successfully.”

 
Light up your January sales with impulse displays
While centres start to get their garden products departments ready for the season customers are still buying garden lighting and houseplant feeders in relatively high volumes...
While centres start to get their garden products departments ready for the season customers are still buying garden lighting and houseplant feeders in relatively high volumes.
 
Have you got good displays of these popular items in high footfall areas during January and February? 

Not everyone might make it into garden sundries but there is still a good opportunity for garden decoration impulse sales.

The highlights were:
  • The highest climber was Growth Technology Orchid Pot Clear 15cm, jumping 23 places to No 11.
  • Fito Drip Feeder for All Plants 28ml was the highest re-entry at No 15.
  • Smart Solar Smiling Sun Stake Light was the highest new entry at No 17.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Onion sets and seed potatoes selling through

Onion sets and seed potatoes have started selling through this week as displays are finished and stocks located in high footfall areas. Stuttgarter is once again the most popular onion for early starters with Pentland Javelin being the most picked up seed potato. Beetroot Boltardy is as usual the most popular seed for the start of the year...

Onion sets and seed potatoes have started selling through this week as displays are finished and stocks located in high footfall areas. Stuttgarter is once again the most popular onion for early starters with Pentland Javelin being the most picked up seed potato.  Beetroot Boltardy is as usual the most popular seed for the start of the year.

The other main highlights this week were:
  • Taylors Onion Sets Sturon was the highest re-entry at No 4.
  • Taylors Shallots Golden Gourmet was another line returning to the chart.
  • Kapiteyn Onion Set Stuttgarter Giant  was the highest new entry at No 19.
  • Thompson & Morgan Leek Musselburgh Improved was the highest climber, jumping 19 places to No 16.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
 
Magic start to the year for growing media sales
Jack’s Magic is the early bird compost of choice for keen gardeners wanting to get a head start in 2017, according to GTN Bestsellers, which also sees Westland Gro-Sure Perlite Pouch 10 litres enter the Growing Media Top 50 for the first time...
Jack’s Magic is the early bird compost of choice for keen gardeners wanting to get a head start in 2017. 60 litre packs have been flying out during both of the first two weeks of the year, selling more than the total volume of the rest of the GTN Bestsellers Growing Media Top 50 put together.

This week’s other highlights were:
  • Scotts Levington Original Gro-bag was the highest climber, jumping 20 places to No 28.
  • Westland Landscape Bark 100 litres was the highest re-entry at No 4.
  • Westland Gro-Sure Perlite Pouch 10 litres was the highest new entry at No 34.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
Primulas are the bestselling plant of the year so far

Plant sales volumes at the start of the year have dropped to just less than 50% of the week before Christmas but the most popular plants that are looking good are still selling in high volumes, especially Primulas...

Plant sales volumes at the start of the year have dropped to just less than 50% of the week before Christmas but the most popular plants that are looking good are still selling in high volumes.
  • Primula plants are the first No 1 selling plant of the year.
  • Hedging plants are being bought in volume.
  • Bluebells in the green – Hyacinthoides – make their first sighting in the GTN Chart at No 48.
Wyevale Garden Centres launches new e-commerce site


Wyevale Garden Centres has launched its new e-commerce website to all customers, following a trial period for Garden Club members. This launch is central to the businesses ambition to become fully multi-channel...



Wyevale Garden Centres has launched its new e-commerce website to all customers, following a trial period for Garden Club members. This launch is central to the businesses ambition to become fully multi-channel.

After an intensive period of testing and market research, this fully transactional website is now ready to use. Customers will now be able to access thousands of Wyevale Garden Centres’ best-selling products online at the click of a button, with the option to have products delivered direct to their home.

 The website also provides an extensive Advice and Inspiration section for customers with over 130 articles and 50 videos, ensuring that the same expertise and assistance provided in centre is also offered online. The tips cover every aspect of gardening, from sowing to growing, and will be helpful to even the most green-fingered readers. Though this website is a platform for e-commerce, it is also a unique resource for Britain’s gardeners to derive consistently good quality and trusted advice.

The new website will be fully optimised for all devices making it even easier for customers to access these handy tips whether using a laptop in the kitchen or a mobile phone at the bottom of the garden.

Customers can expect to see a wide range of Wyevale Garden Centres' most popular products online, including everything from seeds to shovels. The website will also sell fresh plants, with the business having undertaken extensive work and development to ensure that our customers will receive products in perfect quality.

Jim Clear, Head of Multi-Channel at Wyevale Garden Centres says, ‘After months of intensive planning, research, and development we are ready to present this new and exciting website to our customers. This new website reflects the values of our business, providing expert tips and advice to customers and an excellent range of products to choose from. It is of central importance to us that the customers’ online experience meets the standard they have come to expect from our centres up and down the country.

He continues, ‘We will now be able to bring our service to customers who are not currently able to frequently or conveniently visit our centres and we are confident that whether you are new to Wyevale Garden Centres or have shopped with us for years, you will have a great experience using our new website.’

For more information visit www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk
Notcutts celebrates 120 years of glorious gardening
Notcutts, the family-owned garden centre business, will be marking its 120th anniversary this year after opening as a nursery in 1897...



Caroline Notcutt with the large gold medal won at Sandringham Flower Show.



Notcutts, the family-owned garden centre business, will be marking its 120th anniversary this year after opening as a nursery in 1897.

Originally founded by Roger Crompton Notcutt in Woodbridge, Suffolk as a small nursery and town-centre shop, the company has gone from strength-to-strength and currently employs 1,300 staff at 18 garden centres across the UK with an annual turnover of c£70m.

Throughout 2017, Notcutts will be celebrating its 120th birthday with a variety of exciting events for customers and colleagues.

Notcutts established itself as a leading name in the horticultural sector and has made a huge impact on home gardening. After the first world war, it started supplying more modest houses and smaller gardens with a range of plants, trees and flowers. Over the years it has also become well known for its shrub and tree production as well being a rose specialist.

Notcutts has made an incredible contribution to some of the national flower and horticultural shows including the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where the Notcutts’ show gardens have won 50 gold medals.  In 2016, Notcutts received the highest accolade at the prestigious Sandringham Flower Show winning a large gold medal.

Since its small beginnings, Notcutts has remained a family business and is currently in its 4th generation of family-ownership. Roger’s grandson, horticultural pioneer Charles Notcutt, was involved with growing the business for over 50 years and his daughter Caroline Notcutt is Vice Chairman today.

Caroline said: “120 years is such a wonderful milestone and it’s fantastic to see how Notcutts has grown and developed since my great-grandfather established it in 1897. More than anything a passion for gardening has always been at the heart of the company and I’m so proud that our values of passion, inspiration and expertise still shine through today. We have big and exciting plans going forward so here’s to another fantastic 120 years!”

Notcutts is currently investing into its future by implementing a five-year investment plan to update and reposition its garden centres within their respective markets.

For more information visit www.notcutts.co.uk



Caroline Notcutt with the large gold medal won at Sandringham Flower Show.

 
£2m investment in ad campaign for Westland SafeLawn
Westland will invest over £2m in a TV and digital advertising campaign in 2017 to promote Westland SafeLawn, a new product encouraging more consumers to feed their lawn...

Westland will invest over £2m in a TV and digital advertising campaign in 2017 to promote Westland SafeLawn, a new product encouraging more consumers to feed their lawn.

Westland SafeLawn taps into a £10m opportunity as it appeals to households who have a lawn, but are put off using chemicals due to concerns about children and pets.

Over 16m consumers will see the TV advert over 5 times during April and May. Of these viewers, over 60% of parents walking into garden retailers will be interested in the product and 4m will be actively seeking pet and child-safe alternatives*.

The TV advert will create impact by using CGI technology to introduce ‘LawnMan’ a big friendly character made entirely from lawn. He puts up with a lot. Kids, pets, the passing seasons and harsh weather conditions. In the advert he is worn and tired. He longs to be loved. To be brought to life and to be part of the family again.

Enter Westland SafeLawn. After just one application, he comes to life, revived and ready to play! LawnMan will show parents and pet owners that they can get a thick, green lawn that’s 100% natural and safe for children and pets.

Westland Safe Lawn is an organic fertiliser with added lawn seed, made with only natural ingredients. It nourishes lawns, greening them up within a week and then continues to feed as it naturally breaks down. It helps grass grow and outcompete moss and weeds and also contains special naturally-occurring bacteria which converts dead moss and thatch to nutrients to feed the grass. Its formula guarantees results, a green, lush and thick lawn, with healthy grass from root to tip!

Daniela Constantine, Brand Manager for Westland Horticulture, said: “We know that only 16% of households actually feed their lawn, so this represents a massive opportunity for the lawncare category, an opportunity that is worth a potential £10m*.

“This TV advert is designed to delight and educate both children and their parents about the neglect their lawn puts up with throughout the year. By feeding with Westland SafeLawn, they really can bring their lawn to life!

“Stock up now to get involved and see your lawncare sales soar in 2017.

*YouGov independent research, September 2016

Wyevale Nurseries raises £1,042 for Greenfingers Charity


Wyevale Nurseries has raised £1,042 for Greenfingers by backing its ‘Turn Old into Gold’ fundraiser, which sees discontinued or unwanted stock auctioned off in aid of the charity...



One of the UK’s leading commercial nurseries in Hereford has this month announced it raised £1,042 for Greenfingers by backing its ‘Turn Old into Gold’ fundraiser.

Wyevale Nurseries raised the money last year (2016) from the initiative, which sees discontinued or unwanted stock auctioned off in aid of the charity, which creates gardens at children’s hospices nationwide.

Adam Dunnett, Sales and Marketing Director at Wyevale Nurseries, said: “Our aim at the end of 2015 was to raise at least £1,000 for the charity in 2016 and we’re delighted that we managed to reach our goal. Greenfingers is such a great charity and does a fantastic job creating magical gardens for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families in hospices across the UK.

“We donated a selection of plants to the Greenfingers’ Turn Old into Gold campaign fundraiser last year and will continue to do so throughout 2017. It’s great that we can dispose of unwanted stock and know that it will be going to a good home while also raising money for a worthy charity.

“The money raised by Turn Old into Gold will go towards the ‘A Million Moments Appeal’, which was launched in July 2015 and aims to raise £1million in three years. This is to enable Greenfingers to bring the precious gift of a garden to at least 5,000 more children and families who spend time in a hospice.”

The fundraiser is supported by wholesale logistics company Decco. Greenfingers will arrange for plants/products to be taken to W & H Peacock Auctions in Bedford who will auction the goods and donate all the money it raises to Greenfingers.  

Goods can be collected as Greenfingers will contact Decco who will then be in touch to arrange the collection and delivery to W & H Peacock Auctions. All deliveries collected by Decco will need to be on shrink wrapped pallets or boxed.

Linda Petrons, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Greenfingers, said: “We would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to Wyevale Nurseries for raising £1,042 by taking part in our Turn Old into Gold campaign. Adam and the team have supported the campaign for several years now and their support is much appreciated. We hope many other horticultural businesses get involved with the fundraiser this year.”

Since Greenfingers was established in 1999 it has completed 51 garden and outdoor spaces at children’s hospices across the UK.
Green festival during Plantarium 2017
Young people accept the challenge and take on the organisation


During the trade fair Plantarium, which will be held from 23 to 26 August 2017, a green festival for and by young people will be organised for the first time. The festival is one of the items that aims to make the fair more trendy in order to let Plantarium have a higher profile as a source of inspiration in the field of green applications...



During the trade fair Plantarium, which will be held from 23 to 26 August 2017, a green festival for and by young people will be organised for the first time. The festival is one of the items that aims to make the fair more trendy in order to let Plantarium have a higher profile as a source of inspiration in the field of green applications.

The kick-off meeting for the set-up of the first green festival during Plantarium 2017 took place on Friday 6 January. Led by Maarten Hupkes, festival and event manager of Floriade 2022 and project leader of the first GROW festival last September in Almere, the group of young people brainstormed about ideas, content, music line-up, etc. for the green festival.

For the time being, the group of young people consists of Albert de Vries, Aimee Smit, Donja Verbeij, Erik Rijnbeek, Jeffrey Houtman and Rob Koetsier. David Moerings was absent. Young people (18-35) who would like to join in are very welcome and can send an email to donja@proba.info. The next group meeting is scheduled for February.

The green festival will take place on Friday 25 August, during the anniversary edition of Plantarium (35 years). This will be held from 23 to 26 August 2017 in the Plantarium building at the International Trade Centre Boskoop-Hazerswoude. The festival location is next to the Plantarium building (see map <http://www.plantarium.nl/beurs/plattegrond/>)).
Exhibitor stands at PATS Sandown 'sold out'


Visitors to PATS Sandown in March can expect a busy and exciting show as all exhibitor stands at the two-day event have now been sold...



Visitors to PATS Sandown in March can expect a busy and exciting show as all exhibitor stands at the two-day event have now been sold.

The Surrey and Esher Halls at Sandown Park will be packed with stands showcasing new products. And with the ‘Show Sold Out’ signs being posted already, there will be lots to see and talk about with over 140 companies exhibiting.

As well as meeting up with a long list of PATS regulars, visitors will be greeted by a host of new faces when the show takes place on Tuesday, March 21, and Wednesday, March 22, 2017.

Thirty companies will be exhibiting at the Spring show for the first time as they see PATS as the perfect opportunity to showcase their products to retailers and overseas distributors.

Kittyrama is a start-up company specialising in cat accessories, and co-founder and director Carolina Ballon-Forrester emphasised the importance of exhibiting at PATS Sandown. “The show gives us a unique opportunity to introduce our award-winning products to the entire pet trade,” said Carolina. “We are looking forward to some exciting days at the trade show, packed with business opportunities for a new company like us.”

Following its success as a first time exhibitor to PATS in Telford, leading veterinary charity, PDSA, has signed up to exhibit at Sandown. Paul Lilwall, PDSA Vet Care Sales Manager, said: “We were delighted to launch our Vet Care range to the trade at Telford and were pleased with the outcome. We’re already looking forward to exhibiting at Sandown.”

Regular exhibitors like Unipet International see PATS Sandown as an important event to present new products and services to UK and overseas buyers. The company’s Chloe Mitchell said: “It’s the perfect platform for us, enabling us to gain feedback on our exciting new ideas, along with keeping abreast of the latest industry news. We’re looking forward to meeting with existing and potential customers.”



One of PATS Sandown’s most popular features is the New Product Showcase, which continues to grow in size and because of its importance it will have a new and larger home in the Surrey Hall’s Brasserie Bar in 2017.

The Showcase entries will be judged by a panel of retailer judges for the New Product Awards on the first morning of the show, and the results will be announced and promoted throughout the halls for the rest of the exhibition.

PATS Sandown will see the return of the Grooming Workshops by popular demand after a two-year absence at the Surrey venue. Highly talented members of Groom Team England will be showing off their skills in the Esher Hall where visitors will be able to witness the expertise required to become an accomplished groomer.

There will also be a full programme of free seminars during both days of the show.

To help make the visitor experience even more enjoyable and rewarding, both the Surrey and Esher Halls have their own entrances and registration points, with visitors benefitting from free show entry, free parking, a free catalogue and many special offers.

There will also be a wide range of food available from all the various outlets and all visitors will receive a free cup of tea or coffee voucher, which will be redeemable all day. Those arriving before 10.30am will also get a free breakfast voucher.

To register for free entry to the show and to view the full list of exhibitors visit www.patshow.co.uk

Opening times
Tuesday 21st March: 9.30am-5.30pm
Wednesday 22nd March: 9.30am-4.30pm
Slow start to trading in 2017 as footfall is down


The first two weeks of 2017 have started slowly according to EPoS data supplied for GTN Bestsellers. High volumes of Christmas sale lines, kitchenware and homewares feature in the data overall but indications are that footfall is down compared to the previous three years...



The first two weeks of 2017 have started slowly according to EPoS data supplied for GTN Bestsellers. High volumes of Christmas sale lines, kitchenware and homewares feature in the data overall but indications are that footfall is down compared to the previous three years.

The better weather at the end of this week is sure to encourage more people out and about this weekend so it’s really important centres get their key merchandising displays ready for retailing as soon as possible after the Christmas pull down.

Early bird keen gardeners are still looking to get growing as illustrated by our Growing Media and Veg-2-Gro charts this week. Are you promoting early bird offers to your most loyal gardening customers? It’s a great way to get them back in store and buying as early as possible.

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year...
  • Garden Products - down 17%
  • Veg-2-Gro - down 25%
  • Growing Media - down 37%
  • All Items Index - down 9%

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

 

Plantarea Department Head Hardy Plants | Essex (ref:DS9005)

Location: Essex
Salary: Excellent
Date: 18 Jan
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent


An amazing opportunity has arisen to join an expanding Garden Centre Plant team who are looking for an experienced Plant Manager to be their Department Head for Hardy Plants at their Essex based Garden Centre.

About the centre:

This traditional garden centre originally started life as a family-run nursery and became part of a nationwide group last year. They now have ambitious plans to transform this site from its current format, which generates £3m in sales per year, into a purpose-built Garden and Living Centre capable of generating £10m+.

This new centre is due to be developed during 2017/18 and once completed it will offer customers a truly unique retail experience, showcasing the very best in garden and home living products. With unique store design, product range and exceptional standards in visual merchandising, they will be the destination garden centre for North London.

About the role:

We are looking for a motivated and passionate individual to manage the Hardy Plant Area, someone who can drive sales and maintain high retail standards, whilst at the same time provide a level of service that exceeds customer expectations. The successful candidate will have responsibility for overseeing the day to day running of the department ensuring that the highest standards of plant quality, visual appearance and maintenance are consistently applied. You will ensure that customers are given the very best in service and you will provide them with expert knowledge and advice on plants. You will play an active role in the stock ordering and stock control processes for your sections and for training and developing your team.

About you:

The ideal candidate will:

  • have experience of working in Garden Centres although we are open to talking to candidates from any horticultural background;
  • have an energetic personality with an ability to easily engage with and connect with our AB1 target customers;
  • have excellent knowledge of plants, plant care and maintenance;
  • be able to recognise and act on sales opportunities;
  • be meticulous to the detail in terms of product placement, standards, presentation, visual elevation and overall look and feel;
  • and have an ability to manage and develop a team.

To apply for this role click here

 



Plantarea Department Head Seasonal Plants | Essex (ref:DS9011)

Location: Essex
Salary: Excellent
Date: 18 Jan
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent


An amazing opportunity has arisen to join an expanding Garden Centre Plant team who are looking for an experienced Plant Manager to be their Department Head for Seasonal Plants, such as bedding and patio plants at their Essex based Garden Centre.

About the centre:

This traditional garden centre originally started life as a family-run nursery and became part of a nationwide group last year. They now have ambitious plans to transform this site from its current format, which generates £3m in sales per year, into a purpose-built Garden and Living Centre capable of generating £10m+.

This new centre is due to be developed during 2017/18 and once completed it will offer customers a truly unique retail experience, showcasing the very best in garden and home living products. With unique store design, product range and exceptional standards in visual merchandising, they will be the destination garden centre for North London.

About the role:

We are looking for a motivated and passionate individual to manage the Seasonal Plant Area, someone who can drive sales and maintain high retail standards, whilst at the same time provide a level of service that exceeds customer expectations. The successful candidate will have responsibility for overseeing the day to day running of the department ensuring that the highest standards of plant quality, visual appearance and maintenance are consistently applied.
You will ensure that customers are given the very best in service and you will provide them with expert knowledge and advice on plants. You will play an active role in the stock ordering and stock control processes for your sections and for training and developing your team.

About you:

The ideal candidates will:

  • have experience of working in Garden Centres although we are open to talking to candidates from any horticultural background;
  • have an energetic personality with an ability to easily engage with and connect with our AB1 target customers;
  • have excellent knowledge of plants, plant care and maintenance;
  • be able to recognise and act on sales opportunities;
  • be meticulous to the detail in terms of product placement, standards, presentation, visual elevation and overall look and feel;
  • and have an ability to manage and develop a team.

To apply for this role click here

 
Wholesale Trade Sales Manager - Suffolk
Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 depending on experience


Wholesale Trade Sales Manager (ref:DS8983)

Location: Suffolk
Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 depending on experience
Date: 12 Jan
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent


Our client is an exciting multi channel retailer which is currently transitioning from being a traditional mail order business with an extensive customer database to a leading digital provider with an extended product range, reaching into the B2B sector both in the UK and Worldwide. This is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to be at the heart of this business transformation.

The Role

This role is responsible for managing the Wholesale Sales channel in its entirety, including the Horticultural team who are responsible for commercial plant growing, the breeding programme and product trials. Therefore an understanding of horticulture as well as a strong background is essential.

This role reports into the Head of Commercial.

Key responsibilities:
  • Staff Management - Responsible for leading, organising and managing a team of sales, admin staff and horticultural staff, including hiring, training, evaluation, guidance and discipline.
  • Sales growth & development - Develop new sales channels, products and customers within the B2B category.
  • Seeking out major clients and forming working relationships with the premier buyers in the industry.
  • Identifying valuable emerging markets.
  • Accurately forecasting future sales and forming sales plans to adapt to constant shifts in the marketplace.
  • Serve as a business representative at major industry events, conferences, trade shows, and expositions.
  • Maximising company profit
  • Foreseeing and avoiding stagnation in the marketplace.
  • Forming sales strategies to keep the company competitive and innovative.
  • Client management - Manage clients/customers including negotiation, contract administration, and performance of any associated products and services as per contract.
  • Stakeholder management - Responsible and accountable for communications with business stakeholders, including regular reporting on sales achievements, emerging markets and opportunities.

The Candidate
  • Strong horticultural sales and marketing background is desirable.
  • Previous senior management experience with the ability to influence results through appropriate leadership, staffing, budgetary management and maximisation of available resources.
  • Experience of presenting at Board /Executive level
  • Interpersonal / Communication /Management skills
  • Business planning expertise, producing year on year growth.
  • History of development of new markets and product/range launches.
  • Analytical problem-solving skills, practical numbers-orientated thinking in hand with using people skills to keep large multi-dimensional teams working together in the most efficient ways possible.
  • Ability to motivate team.
  • Initiative, drive and enthusiasm

Benefits: Company car, fuel card, private healthcare, 8% employer's pension contribution, mobile phone, laptop and sales based bonus scheme

To apply for this role click here
 
Plantarea Staff - East Sussex
Salary: Competitive



Plantarea Staff / East Sussex (ref:DS8982)


Location: East Sussex
Salary: Competitive
Date: 12 Jan
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent


This Plant focused independent garden centre are looking for horticulturally trained staff of all levels from management to assistant level for their East Sussex based Centre. With the busy season on its way they are looking for passionate and trained individuals who are keen to work in a friendly independent centre that prides itself of its superb customer service.

The successful candidate will have a real eye for customer service and take huge pride for their work, with a real, can-do, enthusiastic attitude.

  • A willingness to learn to develop is key.
  • They are looking for some who is not afraid to get involved and create a great customer experience.
  • Assisting in managing the daily operations, enabling everyone to inspire, educate and equip customers.
  • To be part of a team that drive performance maximising commercial potential.
  • To be part of a team that promotes staff ownership & accountability to create a positive & enjoyable working environment.
  • Experience and formal training in the Horticultural industry is preferable, with an excellent knowledge of plants and retail sales.

To apply for this role click here

 
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
Pictures from the Greatest Christmas Gold-winning teams
Garden centre teams excelled with their Christmas displays and grottos in 2015. Below we reveal galleries from the gold-winning teams...
 
Aylett Nurseries
Aylett Nurseries won gold in the Greatest Christmas Festive Plants Team (Large Centres) category...


Aylett Nurseries won gold in the Greatest Christmas Festive Plants Team (Large Centres) category.

Below is a gallery of images from the winning Aylett displays...
 
2016-12-12 13.10.57-1.jpg
Creative Gardens Donaghadee
Creative Gardens Donaghadee won gold in the Greatest Christmas Festive Plants Team (Small and Midsized Centres) category.
2016-12-12 13.10.57-1.jpg

Creative Gardens Donaghadee won gold in the Greatest Christmas Festive Plants Team (Small and Midsized Centres) category.

Below is a gallery of images from the winning Creative Gardens displays...
 
2016-11-30 15.14.13.jpg
Hayes Garden World
Hayes Garden World won gold in the Greatest Christmas Sizzle Team category...
2016-11-30 15.14.13.jpg

Hayes Garden World won gold in the Greatest Christmas Sizzle Team category.

Below is a gallery of images from the winning Hayes displays...
 
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Bents Garden & Home
Bents Garden & Home won gold in the Greatest Christmas Pet Team category.
20161201_100322 (Copy).jpg

Bents Garden & Home won gold in the Greatest Christmas Pet Team category.

Below is a gallery of images from the winning Bents displays...
 
2016-12-11 17.20.05.jpg
Brookside GC Kent
Brookside Garden Centre Kent won golds in the Greatest Christmas Grotto Team and the Greatest Christmas Garden Centre Team categories...
2016-12-11 17.35.37-1.jpg

Brookside Garden Centre Kent won golds in the Greatest Christmas Grotto Team and the Greatest Christmas Garden Centre Team categories

Below is a gallery of images from the winning Brookside grotto...
 
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Pughs Radyr GC
Pughs Radyr Garden Centre won gold in the Greatest Christmas Grotto Team (Small and Midsized) category...
2016_1112ytcbycpughs0037.jpg

Pughs Radyr Garden Centre won gold in the Greatest Christmas Grotto Team (Small and Midsized) category.

Below is a gallery of images from the winning Pughs grotto...
 
P1050097.jpg
Chessington GC
Chessington Garden Centre won gold in the Greatest Christmas Grotto Team (Large) category.
P1050097.jpg

Chessington Garden Centre won gold in the Greatest Christmas Grotto Team (Large) category.

Below is a gallery of images from the winning Chessington grotto...
 
Mains of Drum GC
Mains of Drum Garden Centre won gold in the Greatest Christmas Festive Catering Team category...
Mains of Drum Garden Centre won gold in the Greatest Christmas Festive Catering Team category.

Below is a gallery of images from the winning Mains of Drum restaurant...
 
20161130_091338 (Copy).jpg
Barton Grange GC
Barton Grange won golds in the Greatest Christmas Festive Catering Team and the Greatest Christmas Display Team categories...
20161130_091338 (Copy).jpg

Barton Grange won golds in the Greatest Christmas Festive Catering Team and the Greatest Christmas Display Team categories.

Below is a gallery of the winning Barton Grange catering and displays...
 
2016-12-01 13.00.24.jpg
Silverbirch GC
Silverbirch Garden Centre won gold in the Greatest Christmas Display Team (Small Centres) category...
2016-12-01 13.00.24.jpg

Silverbirch Garden Centre won gold in the Greatest Christmas Display Team (Small Centres) category.

Below is a gallery of images from the winning Silverbirch displays...
 
2016-12-12 12.49.45.jpg
Walkers Nurseries
Walkers Nurseries won gold in the Greatest Christmas Display Team (Small Centres) category...
2016-12-12 12.49.45.jpg

Walkers Nurseries won gold in the Greatest Christmas Display Team (Small Centres) category.

Below is a gallery of images from the winning Walkers displays...
 
2016-12-13 17.36.48_1.jpg
Castle Gardens
Castle Gardens won gold in the Greatest Christmas Display Team (Midsized Centres) category...
2016-12-13 17.36.48_1.jpg

Castle Gardens won gold in the Greatest Christmas Display Team (Midsized Centres) category.

Below is a gallery of images from the winning Castle Gardens displays...
 
Fryers GC - Blue Diamond
Fryers Garden Centre - Blue Diamond won gold in the Greatest Christmas Display Team (Group Centres) category...


Fryers Garden Centre - Blue Diamond won gold in the Greatest Christmas Display Team (Group Centres) category.

Below is a gallery of images from the winning Fryers displays...
 
Greatest Christmas Awards organised by the team from GTN
The Greatest Christmas Awards were organised by the team from Garden Trade News and Garden Radio...
The Greatest Christmas Awards were organised by the team from Garden Trade News and Garden Radio.



From left to right: Mandy Davies, Rebbecca Dean, Alan Burdon, Trevor Pfeiffer, Neil Pope and Harry Sinclair.
 
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 printed newsletter.

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2014 as well as 2015 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

Access is by subscription only.  For £195.00 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 or buy on-line using this link.

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 delivered via the post for only £195.00.

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.

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