In This Issue
Is Tesco ready to sell off its Dobbies garden centres?
Turn your unwanted stock into 'Gold' for Greenfingers
Records broken for the busiest week of the year!
Santa gifts stolen from Wiltshire garden centre
Living Poinsettia Dress marks International Poinsettia Day
Barton Grange and Castle Gardens are GCA Christmas winners
GTN's The Greatest Christmas Awards judging in full swing
Voting postcards and posters for in-store voting - The Greatest Christmas Garden Centre Team
Vote for your Greatest Christmas Supplier of the Year
Book your tickets for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Party
Sales Agent - South Wales/West Midlands
Horticultural Trainer - Epsom, Surrey
Bedding Department Head - West Horsley
Plant Area Manager - Surrey
Key Accounts Manager – Outdoor Living
Bedding Department Head - Twickenham
Garden Centre Sundries Team Leader
Head of Sales
Nursery Production/Growing/Technical Manager
Bedding Department Head - Stanmore
Field Sales Support (Vivid Arts Ltd) - ideal location East / South Manchester with access to M60
Garden Centre/Horticultural Manager/Plantarea Manager
Contracts Manager Leeds Area
Houseplants are a gift to garden product sales
Christmas product sales sparkle as footfall increases
Are you selling compost as a gift idea?
Wildlife World offers advice for the winter
UK households to spend nearly 40% of disposable income on Christmas
Majestic Trees – a finalist of AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards 2016
Chris Beytes to MC at AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards 2016
BHETA’S Retailer Campaign goes from strength to strength
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Gardman supports Healthy Profits Roadshow
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Buy your subscription to GTN Bestsellers
Situations Vacant
Sales Agent - South Wales/West Midlands
 
Read more»
Horticultural Trainer - Epsom, Surrey
£17,750 + excellent benefits
 
Read more»
Bedding Department Head - West Horsley
Competitive salary
 
Read more»
Plant Area Manager - Surrey
Competitive Salary
 
Read more»
Key Accounts Manager – Outdoor Living
Substantial basic salary, bonus scheme & company car
Read more»
Bedding Department Head - Twickenham
Competitive Salary
 
Read more»
Garden Centre Sundries Team Leader
Salary: To attract the best
Read more»
Head of Sales
£40,000 + OTE (up to £60,000)
 
Read more»
Nursery Production/Growing/Technical Manager
Salary: £25,000 - £32,000
Read more»
Bedding Department Head - Stanmore
Competitive Salary
 
Read more»
Field Sales Support (Vivid Arts Ltd) - ideal location East / South Manchester with access to M60
OTE £24k
Read more»
Garden Centre/Horticultural Manager/Plantarea Manager
Salary: £18,000 - £24,000
Read more»
Contracts Manager Leeds Area
Salary: £28,000 - £35,000
Read more»
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Contact us with your news.  Email neil.pope@tgcmc.co.uk, or trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call the GTN News team on 01733 775700


GTN's The Greatest Christmas Awards 2105
are sponsored by:



















Book your tickets for GTN's Greatest Christmas Party on Sunday January 10th 2016 here


Is Tesco ready to sell off its Dobbies garden centres?


The future of Dobbies was again thrown into doubt following an announcement that Tesco’s garden centre chain had slumped £48m into the red after writing down the value of its stores...



The future of Dobbies was again thrown into doubt following an announcement that Tesco’s garden centre chain had slumped £48m into the red after writing down the value of its stores.

The Scottish-based chain increased sales by 8% to £153m in the 53 weeks to 1 March. But it slid to a big loss from a pre-tax profit of £6.6m in the prior year, after booking £54.4m in impairments on assets, including stores. Excluding the impairments, profits were down 9% to £6m.

Analysts have suggested that several of the businesses, including Dobbies, should be sold off as Tesco tries to turn around its fortunes.

There were rumours throughout 2015 that a number of garden centre groups were interested in acquiring Dobbies with Wyevale Garden Centres being the most likely buyer.

This latest news about Dobbies’ financial position will only add to the speculation that it will be finally be sold off.

The supermarket business is still heavily weighed down by debt and needs to invest more in cutting prices and improving the quality of its food to take on the fast-growing discounters Aldi and Lidl and bigger rivals like Asda, which has also been slashing prices in some areas.

A Dobbies spokesperson said sales at established stores had risen over the year, while underlying profit and cash generation were ahead of expectations. Gross profit increased by 9.3% to £77m.

“We are pleased with our full-year trading performance in 2014-15. This demonstrates that our strategy of putting plants and gardening first is working. Our strategy remains focused on our core categories of plants and gardening, which we are confident will fuel our growth in the future.”
Turn your unwanted stock into 'Gold' for Greenfingers


Supported by wholesale logistics company Decco, Greenfingers will arrange for your old stock to be taken to W & H Peacock Auctions in Bedford who will auction your goods and donate all the money they raise to the charity...



Supported by wholesale logistics company Decco, Greenfingers will arrange for your old stock to be taken to W & H Peacock Auctions in Bedford who will auction your goods and donate all the money they raise to the charity.

How it works is simple

1)     Select the old or discontinued stock you would like to donate and complete the attached form and email it to sarah@greenfingerscharity.org.uk

2)     Greenfingers will give you a unique reference number which need to be put on every pallet or box of donations.

3)     If you would like us to arrange for your goods to be collected we will contact wholesale logistics company Decco who will then be in touch to arrange to collection and delivery to W & H Peacock Auctions. Please note all deliveries collected by Decco need to be on shrink wrapped pallets or boxed.

4)     If you would like to deliver the stock directly to W & H Peacock Auctions, please let them know to expect your delivery by calling 01234 266366.  Note delivery can only be made on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, from 8.30am – 5pm.  Email the product listing to info@peacockauction.co.uk and Sarah@greenfingerscharity.org.uk.  Print a hard copy to use as your delivery note.

5)     Once received, W & H Peacock will auction your donated goods and send all the money raised to Greenfingers. 

6)     We will then write to you to let you know how much your donated stock has raised.   

The benefits to you:

  • You can dispose of stock that is filling up your store room in an ecological and responsible way
  • Supporting a good cause can increase staff morale and enhance your reputation You will be raising money to make a difference to children and families who spend time in hospices
  • You will benefit from positive PR
The money raised by Turning your Old into Gold will go towards the A Million Moments Appeal which aims to raise £1million over the next three years to enable Greenfingers to bring the precious gift of garden to at least 5000 more children and families who spend time in hospice. 

In the words of one parent, The Greenfingers gardens have helped to make the unimaginable bearable.”

Records broken for the busiest week of the year!


GTN Bestsellers can report that the record for the busiest week of the year has been broken. Last week saw total sales volumes 7% higher than the previous record set in 2013...



GTN Bestsellers can report that the record for the busiest week of the year has been broken. Last week saw total sales volumes 7% higher than the previous record set in 2013. 

And with two more weekends to go until the Christmas break many centres are now hoping they ordered enough product last January and February to make the most of the opportunity to end the year on a real high point.

Illuminated products, both in Christmas displays and garden lighting, continue to be a big growth area with LED lights selling really fast as trees go up and customers light up their rooms and gardens.

Not surprisingly our team of experts out visiting the 112 nominated centres in GTN’s The Greatest Christmas Awards are meeting very happy teams full of the joys of the season and starting to plan for next year too!

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year...
Garden Products - down 12%
Christmas Products - up 1%
Growing Media - up 17%
All Items Index - up 6%

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
Santa gifts stolen from Wiltshire garden centre


Just a fortnight since it fell victim to a break-in, Palmer Gardens in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, has had more lights stolen as well as more than 200 Christmas presents from its homemade grotto – a day after it unveiled the festive display...



Just a fortnight since it fell victim to a break-in, Palmer Gardens in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, has had more lights stolen as well as more than 200 Christmas presents from its homemade grotto – a day after it unveiled the festive display.

Staff made the heartbreaking discovery on Saturday after they hosted their Christmas lights switch-on on Thursday evening. Offenders walked away with 40 metres worth of lights in the last theft.

In their latest attack, the garden centre had more lights from its entrance area stolen, as well as lights from its newly installed grotto and nearby Christmas tree displays.

The culprits also walked away with 200 ready-wrapped presents that Santa would be giving out to children.

Emma Black, training manager at Palmer Gardens, called the incident an act of “mindless vandalism”. She added: “We are looking at about £1,000 cost for the lights.

"It was only when we walked a bit further that we thought where are all the presents?

“They have even stolen all the baubles and some of the lights off the Christmas tree as well as some of the lights on the tree and they have gone back to where lights were stolen before and took another 20 metres.

“We had an amazing night at our lights switch-on and we had around 500 people attend the night but following the break-in, we’ve added that it will cost around £2,500 to repair all the damage.”
Living Poinsettia Dress marks International Poinsettia Day


The traditional Christmas poinsettia has been given the haute couture treatment by floral stylists, Okishima & Simmonds, in celebration of International Poinsettia Day this Saturday, 12 December...



The traditional Christmas poinsettia has been given the haute couture treatment by floral stylists, Okishima & Simmonds, in celebration of International Poinsettia Day this Saturday, 12 December.

Fashioning the dramatic ombré gown from over 300 freshly cut stems of red, variegated and cream poinsettia and styling it amongst sea of poinsettia plants, Okishima & Simmonds have re-imagined the Christmas classic.

“We love to create unique designs that merge the floral world with the fashion world and International Poinsettia Day has given us an exciting opportunity to do that,” says Jessica Simmonds of Okishima & Simmonds, who were commissioned on the project by Stars for Europe, the EU-wide poinsettia campaign. “We wanted the dress to flow so that it looked as though it was growing out of the poinsettia beds beneath, so used the traditional red poinsettia for the skirt and showcased other colours through the bodice.”

Poinsettias are as much a Christmas classic as the Christmas tree itself, and are known as ‘Christmas Stars’ in much of the world. In 2014, over eight million poinsettia plants were sold in the UK in just two months, an increase of 15% on the previous year, making the poinsettia the best-selling houseplant after the year-round orchid. The poinsettia fashion shoot was set in the vast poinsettia glasshouse of Hill Brothers Nurseries in Chichester.

As well as festive houseplants in shade of red, pink, apricot and white, poinsettia make excellent cut flowers and last up to two weeks in water. The trick is to snip the stem and immediately dip it into hot water at 60˚C for 20 seconds then into cold water for 10 seconds before arranging in a vase.
Barton Grange and Castle Gardens are GCA Christmas winners


Barton Grange (above) and Castle Gardens (below) are the national winners of the 2015 Garden Centre Association’s annual Christmas competition...




Barton Grange (above) and Castle Gardens (below) are the national winners of the 2015 Garden Centre Association’s annual Christmas competition.
 
The garden centres were judged to have the best festive displays in the country by the organisation and will receive their awards at its golden jubilee conference in January.
 
Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, said: “We announced the regional winners of our Christmas display competition at the end of November and were very impressed with the standard of entries this year. Following this, the area winners were all judged for a second time and these two national winners were selected at the end of last week as the duo with the most dazzling displays.
 
“I’d like to heartily congratulate Barton Grange in Lancashire, who won in the Destination Garden Centre category, and Castle Gardens in Dorset who scooped the top prize in the Garden Centre section of the awards.”


 
The garden centres were judged on the innovation, inspiration and excitement created from the way their Christmas products are displayed. The range of products available, accessibility, how easy it is for customers to find and select products and ‘wow factor’ were also taken into consideration in an assessment of the overall commercial proposition.
 
Andy Campbell, GCA inspector and judge of the national Christmas displays competition, said: “I last carried out the national judging of the Christmas competition several years ago and since then the creativity and commerciality of the regional finalists has just got stronger and stronger.
 
“I have just visited 15 garden centres over eight days and I am hugely impressed by the professionalism of their Christmas merchandising and displays. It is clear to me that garden centres lead the way in this field.”
 
The runners up in the Destination Garden Centre category were Bents in Cheshire and Whitehall, Lacock in Wiltshire. In the Garden Centre category, the runners up were Burleydam Garden Centre in Cheshire and Pennells Lincoln.
GTN's The Greatest Christmas Awards judging in full swing
The judges for GTN's The Greatest Christmas Awards have been busy this week travelling the length and breadth of the country and visiting nearly 120 garden centres...



Above: Judge Steve Myatt with Santa at Sefton Meadows Garden Centre, Liverpool.



The judges for GTN's The Greatest Christmas Awards have been busy this week travelling the length and breadth of the country and visiting nearly 120 garden centres.

"The standards set this year are very high," said head jusge Trevor Pfeiffer. "Real innovation is taking place and it's great to be able to judge some fantastic entries.

"GTN's The Greatest Awards are all about rewarding teamwork and I have to admit there's a lot of it going on, which is great to see."

The judges will complete their final visits early next week before deciding on the eventual winners at the HTA HQ in Theale on Friday.

The awards will be presented at a special party at the Majestic Hotel on Sunday, January 10, during the Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair.

To book tickets for the awards party click here

Pictured above: Judge Steve Myatt with Santa at Sefton Meadows Garden Centre, Liverpool.

Here are more pictures from this week's judging.
Voting postcards and posters for in-store voting - The Greatest Christmas Garden Centre Team
  

Voting is now underway and runs through to 4:00 pm on Christmas Eve to find out which garden centre has The Greatest Christmas Team...



Voting is now underway and runs through to 4:00 pm on Christmas Eve to find out which garden centre has The Greatest Christmas Team.

As we head towards the busiest weeks of the year it’s time to ask your customers to vote for you as The Greatest Christmas Garden Centre Team.

All you have to do is download the voting posters and voting postcard artworks from GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards Dropbox folder or these links:


Xmas Awards postcards 2015.pdf



Xmas Awards Poster A1.pdf

Xmas Awards Poster A3.pdf

Xmas Awards Poster A4.pdf


Post Your Votes.pdf


Print them out and get your customers voting.  They can post them to our Greatest Christmas Awards office or you can create "Post your Votes" here boxes for votes to be posted in store.

You can also ask your customers to vote for you on line this year - see seperate story.

The closing date for votes, both on-line and posted in-store is 4:00pm on Christmas Eve, 24th December.  If you collect votes in-store, please send them through to us on a regular basis to help with the counting and then make sure you send your final batch of votes off directly after Christmas.  The Greatest Christmas Awards are presented in Harrogate on January 10th 2016 so the cut off for final votes to be received and counted in our office is Monday 4th January 2016.  Remember to look through all your votes before you post them to us - your staff will love to know all the wonderful things your customers say about you as they vote for The Greatest Christmas Garden Centre Team.

When all the votes are counted, size of centre and number of staff are taken into account, so there is as much chance of a small centre winning this ultimate Christmas accolade as that of a big centre.

If you have any problems downloading any of the files please e-mail thegreatestawards@tgcmc.co.uk and we’ll send you them by e-mail straight away.

Good luck!

Vote for your Greatest Christmas Supplier of the Year


As part of The Greatest Christmas Awards, garden centres get the chance to vote for the supplier they feel has been their Greatest Christmas Supplier of the Year...



As part of The Greatest Christmas Awards, garden centres get the chance to vote for the supplier they feel has been their Greatest Christmas Supplier of the Year.

To make you nomination and vote, please send an e-mail today to: thegreatestawards@tgcmc.co.uk with your name, garden centre name and your job title, telling us who is your Greatest Christmas Supplier of the Year, what they do that makes them great and what is the thing they do best.

The results of The Greatest Christmas Awards will be announced at The Greatest Christmas Awards Party on Sunday January 10th 2016 in the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate.  To book your tickets please call The Greatest Christmas Awards on 01733 775700.

Pictured: The current Greatest Christmas Supplier of the Year Premier Decorations receiving their award.


Book your tickets for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Party


Tickets are now on sale for GTN’s The Greatest Christmas Awards Party, sponsored by Premier Decorations.Come and join us for the party of the year in Harrogate on Sunday 10th January 2016...



Tickets are now on sale for GTN’s The Greatest Christmas Awards Party, sponsored by Premier Decorations.

Come and join us for the party of the year in Harrogate on Sunday 10th January 2016. A three course meal with reception drinks and wine is followed by the awards presentations and dancing to a live band. Early Bird ticket prices have been held at last year’s levels: £80 plus VAT per person with discounts for bookings of 3 or more tickets.

It’s the ideal opportunity to combine a buying trip to the Harrogate Christmas & Gift show with a great night out in the company of industry friends and Greatest Award winners.

Call The Greatest Awards team on 01733 775700 or e-mail harry.sinclair@tgcmc.co.uk for Early Bird booking today.

 

Meadow View Stone are looking to appoint a Sales Agent who is highly experienced and motivated with excellent connections and sales experience within the Garden Centre sector.  We are suppliers of decorative aggregates, paving and compost, though specific product experience is not required.

Job Description

Reporting to the Sales Director you will be responsible for securing new accounts and maintaining and managing existing stockists to ensure the continued growth of the business.  The ideal candidate will be:-

  • A highly organised and motivated individual, living preferably in the above region.
  • An experienced agent with proven experience of selling into the Garden Centre Sector
  • Skilled in a customer-facing, new business generating role, with a proven track record
  • Acquainted with connections and contacts within the Garden Centre sector
  • A proficient driver with a clean driving licence.

This position provides an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to join a progressive, forward thinking company in a front line position with potential to develop a strong sales area. Applicants should apply in writing with CV to:-

Sarah Hill- Marketing Director,

c/o Long Rake Spar Co Limited, Youlgrave, Nr Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE 45 1LW

or by email to Sarah@meadowviewstone.co.uk

Meadow view Stone is a division of Long Rake Spar Co Limited.
 
Horticultural Trainer - Epsom, Surrey
£17,750 + excellent benefits

Do you have good horticultural skills, and understanding of conservation and some teaching/training experience? Would you like to be part of an organisation that counts on the professionalism, insight, expertise and passion of its staff to inspire individual recovery for the people they work with? Then join us as a Horticultural Trainer

Recovery Focus are expert partners with the shared aim to inspire individual recovery nationwide. Between us we have a track record of more than 200 years of developing and running personalised services that work with people with mental health, substance misuse and other complex needs to achieve their ambitions. Each partner organisation has its own rich history of success, but together we believe we can lead the way in evidence-based recovery pathways that we can tailor to meet local and individual needs. 

Right now, one of our partners, Richmond Fellowship, is looking for a Horticultural Trainer to join the team at The Old Moat Garden Centre in Epsom. An integral part of the local community, we provide retail and horticultural services to the public and training and work-based opportunities to adults with mental health problems. But, it’s only possible with the help of people like you.

Day-to-day, you’ll assist with the supervision and training of clients, both on and off site, and contribute to the development of the service. We’ll also rely on you to open the garden centre and serve customers to enable the sale of plants and associated products during the week and weekends as well as selected bank holidays and weekends. Providing horticultural advice and maintaining all plant stock in good condition will be important too, as will helping to assess risk and getting involved in team evaluations and reviews. And, when it comes to promoting an environment of service user involvement and recovery, again, you’ll be there, ready and willing to play your part. 

As well as a proven ability to motivate and train others, including running group activities, you’ll need good time management skills and a creative yet practical approach to problem solving. We’ll also be looking for lots of initiative and an enthusiastic, flexible and innovative approach to work. A commitment to working with people with mental health problems is, of course, a given, while a flair for maintaining appropriate records and implementing new procedures is also essential. 

In return, you can expect some great benefits, including 25 days' annual leave plus 8 public holidays, contributory pension scheme and life assurance cover. 

So, get inspired today. Visit our website and take the first steps towards a more fulfilling future.

Please quoteref: 15/316 when applying. 

Closing Date: 31 December 2015

 

Bedding Department Head - (full time, including alternate weekends)

West Horsley KT24 6AR

Squire’s is a family owned group of 15 garden centres based in Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and Berkshire, with GCA award winning plant areas.  We are committed to growing our business and to promoting the highest standards in plant and horticultural retailing.  We want our employees to enjoy working with us in a friendly, energetic, customer focused environment. 

West Horsley, a traditional GCA garden centre and nursery with a strong horticultural background set deep in the beautiful Surrey countryside between Guildford and Leatherhead.  An enthusiastic team who know their customers as well as their subject and who strive to make the centre a hub of the local community.  

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our forward-thinking family-owned company, which is committed to our staff, growing our business and setting high standards.

You will be responsible for the bedding plant department at our West Horsley Garden Centre which has an extensive and well stocked plant area. 

You will have extensive knowledge and experience of working in a retail bedding department and/or a horticultural qualification. A passion for customer service and the ability to thrive in a fast paced environment are essential. 

You will be flexible, enthusiastic and highly motivated, commercially aware and have the ability to create dynamic displays. Free parking on site.

To apply, please visit our website www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk 

 
Plant Area Manager - Surrey
Competitive Salary



Plant Area Manager (Full time, including alternate weekends)

West Horsley KT24 6AR

Squire’s is a family owned group of 15 garden centres based in Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and Berkshire, with GCA award winning plant areas.  We are committed to growing our business and to promoting the highest standards in plant and horticultural retailing.  We want our employees to enjoy working with us in a friendly, energetic, customer focused environment. 

West Horsley, a traditional GCA garden centre and nursery with a strong horticultural background set deep in the beautiful Surrey countryside between Guildford and Leatherhead.  An enthusiastic team who know their customers as well as their subject and who strive to make the centre a hub of the local community.  

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our garden centre at West Horsley. You will be responsible for managing the outdoor plant department which has an extensive and well stocked plant area.

You must have experience and/or horticultural qualifications and garden centre retail experience.

You will be able to manage your department to achieve sales and profit targets whilst motivating your team to maximise all sales opportunities and inspiring them to offer the highest standards of customer service.

You must have the ability to thrive in a fast paced environment, have a passion for plants, be highly motivated, commercially aware and able to create dynamic, inspirational display

Free parking on site

To apply, please visit our website www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk 

Key Accounts Manager – Outdoor Living
Substantial basic salary, bonus scheme & company car
We are a major importer / distributor of outdoor leisure furniture based in Oldbury, West Midlands. Our customers include large department store groups, garden centre groups and national food retailers.

We have an immediate vacancy for an experienced Key Account Professional to manage a portfolio of 8 – 10 national accounts.

The job will involve some overseas travel, mainly to S. E. Asia and attendance at our Oldbury head office for 2 – 3 days each week.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record of managing and developing business with major retail accounts, preferably with Outdoor Living / Gardening products.

Consideration will also be given to anybody currently working in a field sales position selling Outdoor / Conservatory furniture.

The successful candidate can expect a substantial basic salary, bonus scheme and fully maintained company car.

Initially, please email your cv, in complete confidence, to john.chester@a-mir.co.uk

 

Bedding Department Head - Full Time including alternate weekends

Twickenham TW2 5PA

Squire’s is a family owned group of 15 garden centres based in Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and Berkshire, with GCA award winning plant areas.  We are committed to growing our business and to promoting the highest standards in plant and horticultural retailing.  We want our employees to enjoy working with us in a friendly, energetic, customer focused environment. 

Squire’s oldest site with a new centre built in 1993, and is about to undergo a significant facelift.  A garden centre that takes a very high turnover for its size, with a strong horticultural focus in plants and sundries, often winning GCA category awards, with the recent addition of new Pets & Aquatics and Craft areas.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our forward-thinking family-owned company, which is committed to our staff, growing our business and setting high standards.

You will be responsible for the bedding plant department at our Twickenham Garden Centre which has an extensive and well stocked plant area.

You will have extensive knowledge and experience of working in a retail bedding department and/or a horticultural qualification.  A passion for customer service and the ability to thrive in a fast paced environment are essential. 

You will be flexible, enthusiastic and highly motivated, commercially aware and have the ability to create dynamic displays. Free parking on site.

To apply, please visit our website www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk 


Garden Centre Sundries Team Leader
Salary: To attract the best
Garden Centre Sundries Team Leader (ref:DS7796)

Location: Cumbria
Salary: To attract the best
Date: 19 Nov
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent



Our Client is a family run business established for over 200 years. They occupy a picturesque site in the Lake District, with stunning views over the fells from their Terrace Café.

They pride themselves on their commitment to high standards of customer service and the breadth and quality of their merchandise, which includes: outdoor plants, house plants, garden sundries, gifts, furniture, barbecues, clothes, kitchenware, pet's sundries and tropical and marine fish. Currently they are seeking:


The role

As a Garden Sundries Team Leader... An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Team Leader within their innovative Garden Sundries Department. The ideal candidate will have a background in garden centre retail with excellent garden sundries product knowledge. They will manage seasonal changes, sourcing new and exciting products and have the ability to present and merchandise their department to a high standard.


The candidate

Team leadership skills are essential as is the ability to communicate well with customers delivering excellent standards of customer care. Working in a busy retail team environment means you will have to have a hands on approach to all duties within this department.


If you are passionate about Garden Sundries and would enjoy sharing this enthusiasm with our clients customers, we would love to hear from you.

Apply here
 
Head of Sales
£40,000 + OTE (up to £60,000)


Job Title:
Head of Sales
Job Category: Experienced
Job Code: DR/Nov15
Location: Hurley, near Maidenhead
Travel: As required
Level/Salary Range: £40,000 + OTE (up to £60,000)
Position Type: Full-time
Will Train Applicant(s): Yes
Posting Expires: When filled

Applications Accepted By:
E-mail but tentative enquiries and questions welcome by telephone: 01628822243

Subject Line: Head of Sales
Attention: Carina Evans
E-mail: talent@dogrocks.co.uk

The Business
We exist to aid the responsibility & fulfil the joy that pets bring to pet parents by bringing to market unique, innovative & where possible natural products, solutions & services. Our values underpin our motivation and our empowered & engaged team provide excellent customer care and frictionless service as we manufacture market, distribute & sell pet products worldwide.

Role and Objectives:
Head of Sales working alongside the managing director with the responsibility to grow revenue from a designated set of key accounts and developing new business opportunities.

Delegated Authority
:
  • Management of dedicated accounts with account development proposals & guidelines

Scope:

  • Management of assigned key accounts
  • Development of business within assigned accounts, the general customer base and through identified and agreed opportunities

The role is office based and required travel to customer premises and trade fairs

Key Responsibilities:

General:

  1. Preparing sales budgets and forecasts
  2. Identifying gap closing actions
  3. Identifying business opportunities
  4. Management of designated key accounts and development of account development plans
  5. Preparation of promotional campaigns
  6. Liaising with marketing to ensure that sales and customer collateral are available in a timely manner (copy, photographs, images etc.)
  7. Prepare, produce and implement sales strategies, promotions & rep incentive plans
  8. Attend trade shows in the UK, USA & Canada
  9. Liaising with sales administration and logistics to ensure timely and accurate delivery of customer orders
  10. Resolving customer issues, problems or concerns
  11. Ensuring that cash is received within payment terms
  12. Work with Marketing & PR Manager to manage, maintain and improve the sales routes to market, using them to increase brand awareness across our territories and monitor any competitor activity – always being understanding of and one step ahead of competition.
Budgeting & Reviews:
  1. Work with the MD to coordinate budget preparations
  2. Provide management information (pipeline metrics, KPIs etc.) for review & analysis
  3. Appraise monthly the performance of within account base & a revised  forecast
  4. Reporting weekly metrics and KPIs.

Administration

  1. Monitoring invoicing and accounts receivable
  2. Recording of travel and expenses
  3. Maintaining accurate customer records.

Metrics:

  1. Delivery of revenue growth and targeted GP
  2. Timely preparation of budgets and forecasts
  3. Communication of customer requirements and expectations
  4. Development and timely reporting of key performance indicators and pipeline activity e.g. Customer based net promoter score.

Personal Attributes:

A leader through influence with specialism expertise required to support the company’s ambitious growth targets:

  1. Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills
  2. Strong business and commercial acumen.
  3. Proven sales experience and analytic capabilities
  4. Strong negotiation skills
  5. Strong project management skills
  6. Ability to deliver against tight deadlines
  7. Competent in MS Office software packages incl. excel and PowerPoint.

Company Values: Able to demonstrate a good fit with the company values

  • Honesty, integrity and respect
  • Creativity
  • Speed of thought
  • Sparky and energetic
  • Flexibility
  • Problem solving / solution finding
  • Always learning & remaining aware of & 1 step ahead of the competition
  • Strong work ethic – work hard / play hard.
Skills Qualifications Required:

The successful candidate will:

  • Be technically savvy with strong experience in the Microsoft Office software packages including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook as a basic requirement with experience in other software packages such as Sales Force, Infusionsoft, Adobe Photoshop and InDesign as a bonus. 
  • Good written & spoken communication skills in the English language
  • Have a full UK driving license.
  • Have a passport & be able & willing to travel internationally
  • Have experience of Sales
  • A good understanding of a second language would be an advantage. 
Working relationship

Reports to: MD

Works with:

  • MD, H.O Marketing and Marketing assistant, Sales & Administration assistant
  • Assigned customers.
Manager of: No direct reports.
Nursery Production/Growing/Technical Manager
Salary: £25,000 - £32,000
Nursery Production/Growing/Technical Manager (ref:DS7658)

Location: West Sussex
Salary: £25,000 - £32,000
Date: 16 Nov
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent


 
Our client is a leading grower of garden plants including herbs and ornamentals, marketing through a well known Group supplying independent garden centres, chains and multiples throughout the UK.

The role

They are currently looking to recruit a Production and Technical Manager to take responsibility for many aspects of crop production and propagation. The successful candidate will be responsible for:

Day to day management of growing of all crops including environmental control and watering systems

Management of propagation operations.

Crop protection management

Crop planning, batch scheduling and monitoring using relevant software

Liaison with other managers to achieve the business goals


The candidate

Good understanding of horticultural growing principles and ability to apply them to different crops.

Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate others to effectively achieve goals

Good organisational skills and the ability to manage a number of tasks at once

Ability to train and develop staff

Formal qualification in Horticulture or relevant experience

Other qualifications : BASIS, FACTS, First Aid, PA1&6 and computer literacy in Excel and Word (desirable or willing to achieve)



Salary:

£25 000+ subject to experience and potential

Relocation costs

Private health Insurance

Group life insurance

Company smart phone


Apply here

 

Bedding Department Head - (full time, including alternate weekends)

Stanmore HA7 3JF

Squire’s is a family owned group of 15 garden centres based in Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and Berkshire, with GCA award winning plant areas.  We are committed to growing our business and to promoting the highest standards in plant and horticultural retailing.  We want our employees to enjoy working with us in a friendly, energetic, customer focused environment. 

Stanmore is a thriving site in a busy suburb of North London, winner of GCA category awards, also featuring a large Pets & Aquatics department and cafe.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our forward-thinking family-owned company, which is committed to our staff, growing our business and setting high standards.

You will be responsible for the bedding plant department at our Stanmore Garden Centre which has an extensive and well stocked plant area.

You will have extensive knowledge and experience of working in a retail bedding department and/or a horticultural qualification. A passion for customer service and the ability to thrive in a fast paced environment are essential.

You will be flexible, enthusiastic and highly motivated, commercially aware and have the ability to create dynamic displays. Free parking on site.

To apply, please visit our website www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk 

Your opportunity to join a forward thinking, fast growing business.

This is a key “front-line” position, directly connecting and working with the Vivid Arts customer base (and sales-force) to ensure individual customer display and turnover goals are achieved.

You will be required to merchandise product and assist in creating customer displays to best display practice guidelines. A creative approach and the ability to “communicate, transfer and implement” successful merchandising initiatives are vital to the role.

The ideal candidate will be :-

  • a highly organised, physically fit individual.
  • preferably living on the East / South side of Manchester, ideally within 5 miles of the M60
  • conscientious with the natural drive to maintain high standards in their daily work.
  • computer literate
  • willing and able to occasionally work away from home involving overnight stays 
  • proficient driver with a clean driving licence

Closing date for applications is Sunday 29th November.

Interviews will take place locally in December.

Initially, please submit a covering email and your CV to Paul McGuire : paul.mcguire@vividarts.co.uk

Garden Centre/Horticultural Manager/Plantarea Manager (ref:HQ00007819)

Location: Folkestone
Salary: £18,000 - £24,000
Date: 16 Nov
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent




Our client is a Nationwide group that are continually growing and developing their leading garden centres across England and Wales. They are proud of their heritage in the gardening industry and each and every one of their garden centres has its own identity and for this reason each of the garden centres is separately branded and the staff and customers are loyal to their centre.
They currently employ more than 5,000 people and some of their longest serving employees have been with the Group for more than 40 years. They offer their employees great opportunities to progress and are keen to meet great retailers and plants people who are looking for the next step in their career.

Customer service is of prime importance to everyone who works for them and they believe that better customer service is achieved by education. They have one of the best staff training scheme in the industry. It is based on practical training with experienced staff together with their own in-house E-Learning system which covers every part of the business.
Currently they are seeking an outstanding plants person / horticultural manager to manage their Plantarea

The role

As Horticultural / Plantarea Manager based in Kent the role will be to take responsibility for one of the largest departments within the centre. As Horticulture / Plantarea Manager you will look after the day to day merchandising and maintenance of the plant stock as well as motivating the team to provide the highest standard of customer service. The role will also have duty management responsibility across the entire centre.

The candidate

For this role we are seeking a leader with superb retail experience to head this busy department. The plantarea is the focus point of any garden centre and your standards for customer service, merchandising and the little details that make a department special will make you stand out. Plant knowledge is essential but we are open minded about the level of academic qualification. Experience within a garden centre is desirable as is supervisory skills.

Apply here
Contracts Manager Leeds Area
Salary: £28,000 - £35,000
Contracts Manager Leeds Area (ref:DS7802)

Location: West Yorkshire
Salary: £28,000 - £35,000
Date: 10 Nov
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent



Our client is a leading Grounds Maintenance Company based in East Anglia who carry out a wide range of commercial contracts throughout the UK. They are currently seeking to recruit a Grounds Maintenance Contracts Manager for the North to oversee commercial contracts throughout this Region.

The role
  • Responsibilities will include
  • Overseeing the implementation of contracts to strict deadlines and budgets
  • Assisting in development and bidding for new works
  • Liaison with clients
  • Implementation and management of health & safety and quality procedures
  • Supervision of Teams
  • Maintaining contract files
  • Reporting to the Regional Manager and Operations Director

The candidate

The ideal candidate will currently be employed in a similar role or be seeking to take their next step into a more senior management role.

The successful candidate should hold a relevant horticultural or landscape qualification
A full driving license is essential.

They should also have significant experience in managing commercial contacts and be able to give superb customer service to clients.

Ideal candidate should be based in the Leeds, Bradford or Manchester Area.

Salary range: £28-32,000 - dependent on experience

Apply here
 
Houseplants are a gift to garden product sales
Christmas houseplants, lighting lines and gift ideas are the main sales increase drivers in the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products Chart as a result of the high footfall of last weekend...
Christmas houseplants, lighting lines and gift ideas are the main sales increase drivers in the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products Chart as a result of the high footfall of last weekend.

Top 50 sales volumes were up 28% on the previous week but 12% down on the same week last year and over 30% down on 2013 levels when Vivid Arts penguins and polar bears hit the tills in high volumes.

The star items in the Garden Products chart this week were:
  • Scheurich 15cm Cover Pots in Dark Red move up nine places to No 2.
  • Fito Drip Feeders for Poinsettia & Christmas Cactus are just behind at No 3.
  • Town & Country Gardener’s Kneeler & Stool and Burgon & Ball Kneelo are popular gift purchases, back in the Top 50 at No 34 and No 35.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
 
Christmas product sales sparkle as footfall increases
It’s clear from the EPoS data supplied to GTN Bestsellers that the total Christmas sales volumes are at least 10% up on last year...


Christmas sales sparkled last week as footfall went through the roof.

The GTN Bestsellers Top 50 index was slightly down on last year but it’s clear from the EPoS data supplied that the total Christmas sales volumes are at least 10% up on last year.

Illuminated products continue to impress with sell through and as real trees get purchased and decorated so the sales of baubles reaches a high point for the season.

Some of the star performers this week include:
  • Premier Battery Operated Eva Snowman 15cm is the highest re-entry at No 6.
  • Lindt Truffle Tree Hangers join Lindt Bear Tree Decorations in the chart at No 13.
  • Premier 200 Multiaction LED Supabrights Warm White are the highest chart climber, up 31 places to No 8.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
 
Are you selling compost as a gift idea?
Small bags of compost once again see week on week sales increases and while overall Top 50 sales volumes have dipped off activity levels are still running significantly up on last year. Indoor planting for Christmas is driving some sales, while possible gift purchases could account for other boosts...
Small bags of compost once again see week on week sales increases and while overall Top 50 sales volumes have dipped off activity levels are still running significantly up on last year. Indoor planting for Christmas is driving some sales, while possible gift purchases could account for other boosts.

Star performers this week include:
  • Arthur Bowers Horticultural Grit Sand 20kg is the highest new entry at No 33.
  • Westland Bulb Planting Compost 20 litres is the highest re-entry at No 6.
  • Jack’s Magic could be in some Christmas stockings on Christmas Eve with the 40 litre pack jumping 8 places to No 7.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
 
Wildlife World offers advice for the winter
Wildlife World is offering its advice to all bird lovers and keen gardeners on how they can enhance their gardens to help small birds to survive what is expected to be a bitterly cold winter, especially in January and February...


With Christmas fast approaching, temperatures are dramatically dropping making it very difficult for some of Britain’s favourite garden birds to survive the harsh conditions. Wildlife World is offering its advice to all bird lovers and keen gardeners on how they can enhance their gardens to help small birds to survive what is expected to be a bitterly cold winter, especially in January and February.

The wildlife experts are encouraging gardeners to continue to care for birds, including providing regular fresh food and a shelter throughout the winter months, despite regular gardening becoming redundant due to the change in weather conditions.

Although temperatures are set to drop severely, gardeners can still expect to see some of the most common garden birds, such as robins, starlings, blackbirds and thrushes in gardens and should continue feed them into the winter. As conditions get colder, bushes begin to drop their produce and the ground hardens making it extremely difficult for birds to find their natural food sources, such as berries, seeds and earthworms. Because of this, birds and their young will seriously lack the key nutrients needed to survive.

Wildlife World encourages gardeners to offer fresh food for garden birds as much as twice a day to help them to maintain their strength. Highly nutritious foods such as seed mixes and suet based foods in particular can offer birds double the amount of energy as other foods. Spreading food across different areas of a garden can attract a wide variety of species according to their feeding habits. Whilst some feed from trees, winter favourites such as robins and blackbirds are ground feeders. For this reason Wildlife World strongly suggests scattering some food on the ground for these species to gather.

As well as ensuring a sufficient amount of food is available, Wildlife World also urges gardeners to provide fresh water daily in place of a bird’s natural water source, which may freeze over. Wildlife World offers a selection of bird baths, including the Coniston, Blue Dipper and Echoes bath, designed for all size gardens to attract garden birds to drink from and bathe in.

Whilst birds do not hibernate throughout the winter, a warm home is still extremely important for the survival of any species. Wildlife World suggests that placing a nest box or roosting pocket in the garden will not only attract birds but will provide extra support for them throughout the winter. Placing Wildlife World’s roosting pockets in gardens ahead of the winter months can save one third of a bird’s body fat, which helps them to maintain their body heat. This is a life-saver for birds throughout winter as it helps their bodies to withstand the cold conditions.

Open-fronted nest boxes such as Wildlife World’s Teapot Nester is a particular favourite for robins and wrens and offers an attractive addition to any garden. Made from frost-resistant hi fired ceramic, the nester is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the winter and can be easily mounted on any flat surface in the garden. When filled with Wildlife World’s nesting wool, the Teapot Nester is the perfect home for robins and small birds and provides them with extra warmth throughout the winter.

Wildlife World also offers a wide selection of bird nest boxes, such as the Urban Bird Nester, designed for smaller gardens. The closed-front nest box can be used by all garden bird species and can provide a perfect habitat in urban areas where natural habitats can be hard to find. Other nesters, including the Complete Bird Biome, Natural Log Box, and colourful New England boxes are all also an ideal shelter for garden birds which can be used all year round to benefit and attract British garden birds throughout the winter.
 
UK households to spend nearly 40% of disposable income on Christmas
The Christmas Barometer 2015 from Ferratum Group has revealed that UK households are set to spend 38.5% of their disposable income during the festive season this year...
The Christmas Barometer 2015 from Ferratum Group has revealed that UK households are set to spend 38.5% of their disposable income during the festive season this year. The annual research revealed that consumers in the UK are far more generous when it comes to Christmas spending than the other 20 countries surveyed, far exceeding the global average of 23%.
 
It appears that households worldwide are finding this level of Christmas spend hard to maintain in 2015. 1 in 5 of those households will spend less money compared with last year, with two thirds (64.6%) stating they intend to spend a similar amount.
 
The research also revealed that toys and games are losing popularity in the UK, taking up a mere 7.9% of our festive spend this year. This is in stark contrast to the rest of the Commonwealth, with Canada (35%), Australia (23.1%) and New Zealand (20.1%) still considering them to be worth the spend. The most popular gifts under the tree in the UK this year will be clothing, books and sports gear.
 
Tony Gundersen, UK Country Manager for Ferratum Group comments: “This year’s Christmas Barometer clearly demonstrates the UK’s generosity when it comes to Christmas spending, paying far more against disposable income than other countries in Europe and a majority of the Commonwealth.
 
It is surprising that toys and games are losing popularity with UK consumers; however, this could be accounted for by the ever-increasing popularity in consumer electronics for children, reflecting the lessening appetite for more traditional toys and games.
 
With New Year’s resolutions often focusing on becoming more active and purchasing gym equipment, 13.6% of the UK’s Christmas spend is set to focus on sporting gear. Retailers need to keep this in mind for their sales strategy during the festive season and into 2016.”
 
Majestic Trees – a finalist of AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards 2016
Majestic Trees, HTA member and finished plants and trees grower, is a finalist of the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards 2016...


Majestic Trees, HTA member and finished plants and trees grower, is a finalist of the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards 2016.
 
Celebrating the world’s best ornamentals growers, and run by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) in partnership with Founding Partner, FloraCulture International (FCI), the Awards Gala Dinner takes place on Thursday, 28 January 2016, during IPM Essen, Germany, where the winners will be announced.
 
Bronze, Silver and Gold will be awarded, where applicable, to each category - Finished Plants & Trees, Young Plants and Cut Flowers. Each of the category winners will be judged for the final and most prestigious award – the coveted Gold Rose, awarding them the global status of AIPH International Grower of the Year.
 
Majestic Trees, an independently owned company now in its fourteenth year, has grown rapidly and operates today solely from a 20-acre nursery site in Hertfordshire, England. It has had resounding success in unlocking the market potential for direct supply of mature trees. With trees from 12/14 up to 1.1 metre girth, 3 to 13 metres tall and 50 to 5,000 litres AirPots, the company grows, supplies and plants nationwide with its own fleet of heavy transport and custom equipment to ensure total customer satisfaction.
 
Majestic Trees was the only UK company to be shortlisted for an award. Other finalists include ornamental growers from Canada, China, Germany, Netherlands, Turkey and USA.
 
For information and tickets visit www.aiph.org/groweroftheyear
 
Chris Beytes to MC at AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards 2016
Chris Beytes, Editor of GrowerTalks and Green Profit magazine, is to be the master of ceremonies at the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards 2016.
Chris Beytes, Editor of GrowerTalks and Green Profit magazine, is to be the master of ceremonies at the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards 2016.

Celebrating the world’s best ornamentals growers, the Awards Gala Dinner takes place on Thursday, 28 January 2016, during IPM Essen, Germany - held in partnership with Headline Sponsor, FloraHolland and Founding Partner, FloraCulture International (FCI).

Chris is Editor at Ball Publishing, based in Chicago, Illinois, as well as being a contributing editor of FCI. He may be best known globally as the author of the weekly news and commentary e-mail Acres Online, which reaches almost 25,000 floriculture professionals around the world. He has 30 years’ experience in the floriculture industry, including 20 years with Ball Publishing. He holds a journalism degree from the University of Florida and a minor in ornamental horticulture, and for nine years ran his own wholesale greenhouse business in central Florida. Chris travels extensively, reporting on the latest in greenhouse and garden centre trends, innovations and ideas.

Chris will present throughout the Awards which commence at 6pm with a drinks reception followed by a four course dinner. The highlight of the evening is of course the Awards ceremony topped off with an evening of live entertainment and international networking.
BHETA’S Retailer Campaign goes from strength to strength
The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA)’s direct marketing campaign which targets 600 of the UK’s top retail buyers across the home enhancement to home and garden improvement spectrum,  has seen another high opening and click through rate for the second communication in the series...

The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA)’s direct marketing campaign which targets 600 of the UK’s top retail buyers across the home enhancement to home and garden improvement spectrum,  has seen another high opening and click through rate for the second communication in the series.

The most recent mailer achieved a 39% opening rate, which is well above the average for a communication of this nature and a 7.4% click through rate to MTB details, forums and BHETA members’ new products.  Retailers who accessed the information included B&Q, Homebase,  Mitre 10 (New Zealand),  Tile Giant, Brewers,  Kingfisher Global,  Clas Ohlson,  Dobbies,  Screwfix, Travis Perkins.  Bunnings (Australia), Wolseley Group,  Wickes, Woodies (Ireland),  Topps Tiles,  Castorama (Poland),  Asda, Toolstation, TradePoint and Selco.

 The aim of the campaign is to highlight potential new products which might not have been presented to retailers through conventional buying channels.  The campaign consists of three e-flyer communications each focussing on the output of 12 different BHETA members.

Commenting on the retailer campaign, BHETA’s Chairman, David Smyth explained, “BHETA’s reputation for bringing together manufacturers, distributors and retailers at its Meet The Buyer events and networking forums is second to none with all parties confirming the benefits.  The mailing campaign appears to be equally popular and in 2016 BHETA will be launching

its new Retailer Zone – a fully fledged search mechanic for buyers to use when sourcing  new products and promotional ideas. 

“This retail mailing campaign focusses product innovations, established brands, own label solutions and new players in the market that BHETA is confident will add value to the market.”

Supplier companies interested in getting involved should contact Sally Hawkins on sh@bheta.co.uk or 0121 237 1130 in the first instance.

 
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Gardman supports Healthy Profits Roadshow
Gardman is among a raft of leading industry suppliers supporting a series of one-day training events organised by former Garden Centre Association inspector Liz Hutson...
Gardman is among a raft of leading industry suppliers supporting a series of one-day training events organised by former Garden Centre Association inspector Liz Hutson.

The ‘Grow Your Own Profits’ roadshow sessions, running over February and March next year, are designed to help garden centres maximize sales of bulbs, seeds, plants, garden sundries, irrigation and bird care. A key aim is to increase footfall and average spend, particularly in core gardening, via as many channels as possible.

Topics will include:

  • Why sales of core garden products and many plants fail to reach their full potential, despite customer demand
  • How to target customers of all ages and abilities, using internal and external means
  • Training for appropriate plant and product groups with quick and easy references to rapidly increase staff knowledge and enthusiasm
  • Thinking outside the box
  • Making the most of all resources and opportunities
  • Implementing a sustainable and realistic strategy

The courses are intended for planteria and sundries staff, owners, managers and marketing employees. Delegates will take away a comprehensive set of training materials.

Liz Hutson says core garden products remain something of a mystery to many customers. “While many other departments may be peaking in terms of potential, there is still a long way to go in order to make the most of the sales opportunities in core gardening in most centres”

She adds: “Improving product knowledge and increasing staff motivation and confidence will have a marked impact on the bottom line and if this is combined with better internal and external communication with the consumer, it can only enhance sales further and help centres make the most of every square metre of selling space.”

Gardman’s Director of Business Development, Lolly Lee, said: “As leading suppliers of core gardening and bird care products, Gardman had no hesitation in offering its support for Liz’s initiative. Good product knowledge helps staff to engage with customers and improve the retail experience, and we believe garden centres will find this a great way to up their game.”

Dates and venues:

  • Maidstone – 16 February (Marriott Tudor Park)
  • Guildford – 18 February (Barnett Hill Hotel & Conference Centre)
  • Cambridge – 23 February (Menzies Hotel)
  • Birmingham – 25 February (Holiday Inn)
  • Chester – 29 February (Carden Park Hotel)
  • Perth – 2 March (Murrayshall House Hotel)

Prices start at £70 plus VAT per delegate (depending on numbers) for early bird booking. Lunch, refreshments and all course materials are included.

Garden centres may book via a special HTA mailing, direct through Liz Hutson (01531 631592, liz.hutson@ledburybband.co.uk) or online at www.bookwhen.com/growprofits

 
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 2013 as well as 2014 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 or buy on-line using this link.

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

Highlights of the GTN Christmas Products 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 £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.

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