In This Issue
After Brexit...mass Inspectorexit shock at GCA
Ashford centre seeking purchaser say reports
Plants lead the way as overall sales decline
Consumers choose retailers with best staff knowledge: Mintel report
EU grants glyphosate 18-month reprieve
Grange's Pre-Painted range paints a pretty picture for retailers
Designer day a hit for Wyevale Nurseries
Promote butterfly plants in July
Revealed: backroom secrets of Bunnings and Kingfisher Group...
Sign up for Plant Retailing – Fit for the Future
Sales agents wanted!
Garden Centre Horticultural / Plantarea Manager
Garden Centre Plantarea Manager
North West & Scotland Area Sales Manager
Shop Manager / Garden Sundries Retail Manager - Suffolk
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Petface offers views on Brexit vote
Bonningtons take steps to stabilise prices in the aftermath of the Brexit vote
Personnel Changes at Commercial Horticultural Association
Herbs are stars of the Veg-2-Gro chart
Disappointing week for compost sales volumes
Lighting brightens up garden product sales
Registration for Glee 2016 is live!
Tim Vine to host a full house at the GIMA Awards
Inside the July issue of Garden Trade News
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Buy your subscription to GTN Bestsellers
GTN's Greatest Awards 2016
All the latest news from the world of garden centre catering
Service with a smile...it makes all the difference
Squire's Café Bar Team is "The Greatest"
Matthew Algie’s Hand Roasted range full of new beans
Situations Vacant
Sales agents wanted!
 
Read more»
Garden Centre Horticultural / Plantarea Manager
Salary: £18,000 - £22,000
 
Read more»
Garden Centre Plantarea Manager
Salary: £33,000 - £35,000
 
Read more»
North West & Scotland Area Sales Manager
Salary: Excellent
 
Read more»
Shop Manager / Garden Sundries Retail Manager - Suffolk
Salary: To attract the best
 
Read more»
Useful Links
Send to a Friend »
Subscribe »
Issue Archive »
Update your Profile »
Print All Articles »
Subscribe to RSS »
Visit Our Website »
Example of a Flyer »
Send us your news and great ideas
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
After Brexit...mass Inspectorexit shock at GCA

Close on the heels of the shock Brexit vote in the EU referendum came the equally unexpected exit of three quarters of the Garden Centre Association’s inspection team, announced on Friday.

    
Above (left to right): Ian Boardman, Alyson Haywood and Andy Campbell, all standing down as GCA inspectors.


Close on the heels of the shock Brexit vote in the EU referendum came the equally unexpected exit of three quarters of the Garden Centre Association’s standards inspection team, announced on Friday.

Not one, not two but THREE of the GCA’s standards inspectors announced on the same day that they would be standing down after the 2016 round of inspections.

Alyson, Andy and Ian are standing down from their roles at the organisation this year (2016).

Inspectorexit 1: Alyson Haywood is taking on an operational post with Van Hage at Great Amwell

Inspectorexit 2:Andy Campbell, an inspector for 12 years, wants to spend less time away from home and more time with his family

Inspectorexit 3: Ian Boardman, the most senior member of the inspection team, is going forward to work on other projects.

GCA chief executive Iain Wylie said he was really sorry to see these three widely respected industry experts go. “I completely understand their individual decisions to step down at this stage and wish them all the very best with their new ventures.

“They have all been a pleasure to work with and an integral part of the organisation. They will be missed and I’d like to thank them for all their hard work and commitment.”

The fourth inspector – and now last man standing – industry stalwart Roger Crookes, will continue in his role, "I intend to continue serving GCA and it's members" he told GTN Xtra on Friday night.

The search for replacements has already started.  “We’re very happy to speak to people interested in the posts from all areas of the industry,” Wylie said. “Anyone keen to find out more about the role should contact me via email or phone at the GCA before we start the recruitment process in earnest so we can ensure they get full details sent out to them.

“We view this very much as an opportunity to re-fresh our team of GCA inspectors and we’re seeing this as a positive situation moving forward, although of course we’re very sad to see Alyson, Andy and Ian go.”

Alyson Haywood is a former general operations manager at Wyevale Garden Centres and was responsible for six regional managers. Her other roles have included general manager roles at Woodlands Nurseries and Bridgemere Garden World and head of nurseries and regional manager with The Garden Centre Group.

Julian Winfield, chairman of the GCA said the contributions from the departing inspectors and the inspection process itself had undoubtedly improved members’ standards

Andy Campbell said: “I would like to think that I have served the GCA members well during this time, supporting the members in improving retail disciplines and customer service standards as they develop their businesses.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in this role and learnt a lot at the same time. I would like to thank the GCA for enabling me to participate in what I believe is a very powerful business improvement tool and wish them well for the future.

“My reasons for leaving are entirely personal. With a young teenage family, I wish to spend more time at home during these important years, recognising that before I know it they will be making their own way in life. This is not retirement, simply a re-balancing of home and work life.” 

Ian Boardman has extensive horticultural and retail experience, having worked in the garden centre industry for the past 40 years. Prior to becoming one of the GCA’s inspectors 18 years ago, he was employed for three years as plant area manager and for 10 years as a general manager responsible for a team of more than 100. He has also worked in France for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Ian told GTN Xtra: “It was not an easy decision. I love GCA and all it stands for. But there are other things I want to do and being an Inspector means a very intense three month period each spring. It’s very satisfying to re-visit centres on a four year rota basis with the other Inspectors. You can see the changes and improvements they have made based on our feedback and hearing their successes is great.  I like to think that I have helped drive the industry forwards and to develop the inspection process over the years. “

Ian explained that he will formally step down after the 2017 GCA Conference in St Andrews, Scotland in January 2017. In the meantime he will be continuing to facilitate the very successful Westland/GCA Rising stars programme, present the GCA South Thames Area Awards and also his annual roundup of best practice at the GCA Annual Conference.

“Huge thanks to all at GCA for all their help and support over the years and to my Inspections Team. I will still be around in the industry helping develop people and businesses, organising mystery shopping, facilitating management training, judging competitions and continuing with the Rising Stars programme. I might not wear my shoes out so quickly in future though  – we walk miles each day during Inspections season!”

Ashford centre seeking purchaser say reports
The owner of Bybrook Barn Garden Centre at Ashford in Kent is reported to have confirmed that he is in discussions with potential purchasers...


The owner of Bybrook Barn Garden Centre at Ashford in Kent is reported to have confirmed that he is in discussions with potential purchasers.

An article in the local press claimed Longacres Nurseries, which has garden centres at Bagshot and Shepperton and a garden shop at Chobham, was rumoured to have expressed an interest in taking over Bybrook Barn, whose managers had earlier declined to deny rumours that it was set to close down.

Bybrook Barn’s owner Terry Burch, who set up the original centre in a nearby barn in 1975, is reported since to have quashed the stories of imminent closure but confirmed he has been talking to other garden centre operators about a potential sale in order to secure the long-term future of the business. He is said to have described the closure rumours as “absolute nonsense”. He also said he had had approaches from developers but preferred to sell the business as a going concern to protect staff.

Mr Burch is in his eighties.

GTN Xtra attempted to contact Longacres for comment but without a response as we reached the deadline.

Plants lead the way as overall sales decline

Despite a wet and stormy June, plant sales have been holding up well, according to garden centre EPoS data  supplied to GTN Bestsellers...




The UK Garden Centre Garden Plants Bestsellers Chart
Week Ending Sunday 26th June 2016
This WeekLast weekPlant genusVolume Sales Change
11PelargoniumIncrease
23PetuniaIncrease
32Begonia 
46DianthusIncrease
55Fuchsia 
64Rose 
77DahliaIncrease
8NewArmeria +100% Increase
914LobeliaIncrease
108Cosmos 

As we neared the end of a wet and stormy June, plant sales held up well – showing a week-on-week increase of 9% – while across-the-board sales were down 10%, according to the EpOS data supplied by garden centres for GTN Bestsellers.

The UK Garden Centre Garden Plants Bestsellers Chart

Week Ending Sunday 26th June 2016

This Week

Last week

Plant genus

Volume Sales Change

1

1

Pelargonium

Increase

2

3

Petunia

Increase

3

2

Begonia

 

4

6

Dianthus

Increase

5

5

Fuchsia

 

6

4

Rose

 

7

7

Dahlia

Increase

8

New

Armeria

 +100% Increase

9

14

Lobelia

Increase

10

8

Cosmos

 

11

11

Lavandula

 

12

15

Osteospermum

 

13

17

Bacopa

Increase

14

9

Salvia

 

15

13

Verbena

 

16

10

Veronica

 

17

12

Impatiens

 

18

16

Tagetes

 

19

New

Aquilegia

 +100% Increase

20

20

Nemesia

Increase

21

19

Argyranthemum

Increase

22

24

Antirrhinum

 +50% Increase

23

Re-entry

Lathyrus

 +100% Increase

24

Re-entry

Viola

 +100% Increase

25

21

Orchidaceae

 

Pelargoniums continue to lead the way as the bestselling plant in garden centres, still selling at least double the volume of the next highest plant genus, which is Petunia this week. No doubt many of these will be going into hanging baskets and planters.

Two new plant genera feature in the chart this week, Armeria comes in at No.8 and Aquilegia at No.19. Also looking good and growing sales to re-enter the chart are Violas, back in at No.24.

As the ramifications of Brexit continue to grab media space, you may want to make sure your gardening sales, and plant sales in particular, are in good shape. During the period of uncertainty caused by the 2008 economic crash, plant sales and gardening fared better than most other retail sectors.

A staycation promotion ready for all customers who may decide not to fly off to faraway places because of the exchange rate may pay dividends.



Apologies

Due to a family bereavement we will not be able to produce the GTN Bestsellers newsletter next week.  Normal service will be resumed the following week when we will include the half year statistics and graphs. 

Thank you.






Consumers choose retailers with best staff knowledge: Mintel report

Staff knowledge is the most influential factor when gardening consumers are deciding where to shop, according to the latest market report from analysts Mintel...


Staff knowledge is the most influential factor when gardening consumers are deciding where to shop, according to the latest market report from analysts Mintel.

In‘Garden Products Retailing UK - June 2016’ (£1,750 from store.mintel.com), Mintel says inspirational displays influence 40%, while 23% say cafés are important. The 25-44 age group values an informative website.

Mintel’s research suggests that 50% of consumers perceive the garden as ‘a pleasant pastime’, while it is viewed as ‘a practical environment’ by 26%. For 24%, the garden is another room. More than a third of consumers claim gardening is a favourite pastime.

The report says steady growth in a market of 22.8 million gardens is forecast until 2021, fuelled by demand from the over-55s, whose numbers will have increased by more than 1.9 million by 2020.

Around 45% of people with a garden or outdoor space have shopped for garden products at B&Q in the past year, the research claims.

 
EU grants glyphosate 18-month reprieve

Glyphosate – the active ingredient in leading garden weedkillers, including Roundup – has been been given another temporary reprieve by the European Commission...


Glyphosate – the active ingredient in leading garden weedkillers, including Roundup – has been been given another temporary reprieve by the European Commission.

Early last week (Monday 27 June), just three days before its licence was due to expire, the Commission extended approval for 18 months to allow further research by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The agency is due to report back next year.

Campaigners had been hoping they had done enough to persuade the commission to ban glyphosate altogether, on health and environmental grounds. The Commission stepped in to break the deadlock after a standing committee of member states failed to reach a consensus on a way forward.

Gary Philpott, UK business director for lawn and garden at Monsanto and chair of the Crop Protection Association’s Common Sense Gardening Group, said: “Gardeners will be relieved that they will continue to be able to purchase and use this safe, efficient and effective garden care chemical. However, it is disappointing that what should have been a routine re-authorisation process has become politicised, causing some to lose sight of the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence showing that glyphosate poses no risk to human health or the environment.”

Philpott believes that, given that the existing extensive evaluation carried out by the EU and the fact that more than 40 years of robust scientific evidence had confirmed that glyphosate poses no risk to human health, the standard 15-year renewal should have been granted.

“Hopefully this 18 month extension will provide an opportunity for common sense and scientific evidence to prevail,” he said in a statement. “Failure to re-licence glyphosate for the full 15 year term would be contrary to the science and remove a key tool which

helps create and maintain a garden as part of an integrated approach that considers alternative methods of pest, weed, and disease control when appropriate.

“Human health and responsible use of garden care chemicals is and must always be our highest priority. As an industry we take pride in the detailed submissions we provide to regulators and the extreme rigour with which our products are assessed. Gardeners can feel confident when using glyphosate-based products that they provide a highly effective and safe solution to weed problems at home.”

 
Grange's Pre-Painted range paints a pretty picture for retailers
Retailers have the opportunity to stand out from the crowd, thanks to the eye-catching range of pre-painted timber garden structures from Grange Fencing...




Retailers have the opportunity to stand out from the crowd, thanks to the eye-catching range of pre-painted timber garden structures from Grange Fencing.

Developed as a result of in-depth consumer research, the range features over 100 of the company’s most popular timber products and provides a real opportunity to maximise consumer appeal.

Whether accentuating the garden with an Arch or Pergola, or simply renewing well- worn fence panels, consumers can opt to brighten up their purchase with a choice of four classic and on trend colours; Sage Green, Cornish Cream, Heritage Blue and Dove Grey. These neutral tones have been selected to blend perfectly within any outdoor space and guarantee a stylish, high quality product with both aesthetic and utilitarian appeal.

Antony Barrett, Trade Marketing Manager at Grange commented, “ With the growing trend for outdoor living, an increasing number of homeowners are looking to interior design as inspiration for the garden landscape. In the same way that colour can be used to set the mood of a particular room, so too can it add a personalised finish to the garden space.”

Boasting one of the largest pre-painted ranges in the industry, Grange employs a unique colouring system which provides a longer life of up to five years colour retention and added protection against UVA.

For a little extra, the pre-painted range offers an affordable solution to adding a splash of colour in the garden, without the hassle of painting the products yourself, and can be used to create a unique landscape that really turns heads.

Interested retailers can contact the company for more information about this, as well as other services and Grange products, by phoning 01952 588 088 or emailing sales@grangefen.co.uk
Designer day a hit for Wyevale Nurseries

Garden designers and landscapers visited Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford last week to see its new product developments for the coming year...



Above: (left to right) Caroline Tatham, Adam Dunnett, sales and marketing director at Wyevale Nurseries, and Kate Durr at the Wyevale Nurseries’ Open Day.


Garden designers and landscapers visited Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford last week to see its new product developments for the coming year.

The founder and principal at the Cotswold Gardening School, Caroline Tatham and garden designer and TV presenter Kate Durr, were guest speakers.

Attendees were able to tour the 70-acre container nursery site where more than 1.5 million plants, including more than 1,000 different varieties, are grown annually.

Caroline hosted a talk and slide show covered covering large-scale garden creation and renovation and the designing, building and planting of the Festival Gardens and celebrity stage at RHS Malvern Spring and Autumn shows.

Kate, who has a diploma in professional garden design, described how she designed and built her first RHS show garden at the Malvern Spring Festival in May 2015 using Wyevale Nurseries plants, after winning a national RHS competition. She said it was encouraging to see Wyevale Nurseries fostering its relationship with design professionals and working together to help the industry. “Wyevale Nurseries have their fingers on the pulse and know what’s ‘hot’ in the plant world right now, with wonderful new products in the pipeline.”



Left: (left to right) Ben Gregory, product development co-ordinator at Wyevale Nurseries with Charlotte Collins from the University of Gloucestershire at the Wyevale Nurseries’ Open Day.

 
Promote butterfly plants in July
Nectar rich plants that support butterflies are the theme for the HTA’s ‘Plant of the Moment’ for July...

Nectar rich plants that support butterflies are the theme for the HTA’s ‘Plant of the Moment’ for July.

They include a huge range of bedding plants, perennials, flowering shrubs and bulbs that produce the simple, open blooms that butterflies love, and suit virtually any site or soil. They act as fuelling stations for butterflies, moths, bees and other beneficial insects.

One of the most popular is buddleja (Butterfly Bush). Several dwarf and compact varieties are now available to suit pots or tiny spaces, with flower colours ranging from pink and white to blue, lavender, magenta and deep purple.

Some of the best flowering perennials provide long-lasting displays, with a succession of flowers opening over several months. These include varieties of rudbeckia and Echinacea (Cone Flower), both valued for their outstanding garden performance.

Lavenders provide welcome nectar for butterflies through the summer months, while planting a range of Sedum (Ice Plants) will ensure more flowers develop into autumn to feed Small Tortoiseshell and other late-flying butterflies as they prepare for hibernation.

With more than 50 species of butterfly resident in the UK, and dozens more flying across from Europe, gardens can play a vital role in ensuring their survival.

Customers will appreciate the following planning and planting tips:

  • Choose a range of suitable plants with different flowering periods to ensure there’s something in bloom throughout spring, summer and autumn for butterflies to feed from.
  • Several butterflies hibernate through winter. Adults emerging from hibernation need flowers to feed on in spring. Others require autumn blooms to stock-up on nectar to help them survive during hibernation.
  • While flowers are important to feed adult butterflies, different plants are needed for butterflies to lay their eggs on and to feed their caterpillars.

Click here to download the media pack which features: plant information for each month including top plants, tips and companion plant ideas, high and low resolution photos, plus Point-of-Sale samples from Floramedia and Hortipak.

Photo - ©Adam Pasco Media

Revealed: backroom secrets of Bunnings and Kingfisher Group...


Members of the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) were treated to a rare vision of the future of UK multiple retail DIY and home when the Association’s latest forum featured presentations about both Bunnings and Kingfisher Group...

Above: Lee Mellor, MD of Keter Products / Curver Plastics at the BHETA Forum.


Members of the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) were treated to a rare vision of the future of UK multiple retail DIY and home when the Association’s latest forum featured presentations about both Bunnings and Kingfisher in one information packed session.

A fifty minute recorded interview with Bunnings CEO John Gillam and CFO for nine years Michael Wedgwood proved a real insight into the character, trading style and ambitions of this iconic Australian retailer.  Now the owner of Homebase in the UK and set to go head to head with B&Q, Bunnings has strong values, a high profile approach to its stores and the communities which support them and a clear strategy for product and category development.

The Bunnings interview was perfectly complemented by an equally frank presentation about Kingfisher’s plans – this time from the vendor’s perspective.  ‘Living through ‘One’ Kingfisher – the suppliers’ viewpoint’ was presented by Lee Mellor, MD of Keter Products/Curver Plastics.  His presentation detailed his own and his company’s experience of the ‘One’ Kingfisher programme.  Intended to unify buying power across all Kingfisher’s retail brands, the ‘One’ Kingfisher programme presents vendors with numerous challenges beyond the obvious including legal, financial and HR.

Lee’s presentation focused on the organisation and communication changes required to interact and serve Kingfisher’s new organisation model in the best way.

The forum also covered trading and trends in France with Valerie Dequen, general manager of the French suppliers’ trade association, Unibal, together with Stephane Dalimier, director general of NMC France and Vice President of Fediyma.  Guy Burtenshaw of Media Events also provided an update on the Home Press Event which will take place in July in London.

Paul Grinsell, DIY and garden sector director of BHETA said: "The arrival of Bunnings in the UK and the roll-out of Kingfisher’s new approach to sourcing have both been the subject of much speculation and debate, so it was fantastic to enable BHETA members to get so close to the real experience.  I’d like to thank all the contributors including Bunnings and in particular, Lee Mellor for sharing some very special information on the day.”

For more information about future BHETA events, contact BHETA member services on 0121 237 1130 or visit the website.

Above right: Lee Mellor, MD of Keter Products/Curver Plastics at the BHETA Forum

Sign up for Plant Retailing – Fit for the Future


It is not too late to sign up for Plant Retailing – Fit for the Future at Ball Colegrave which takes place for a second year this July, looking at the future of plant retailing...



It is not too late to sign up for Plant Retailing – Fit for the Future at Ball Colegrave which takes place for a second year this July, looking at the future of plant retailing.

Garden retailers and growers are once again invited to attend the free HTA event, taking place during the Ball Colegrave Summer Showcase on Tuesday 12 July from 10.30am – 3:15pm, Milton Road, Banbury OX17 3EY.

Speakers include:

Pippa Goodman, Commercial Director at The Future Foundation, will be talking about future proofing, looking at trends that could shape the industries opportunities and threats in the coming years.

Alyson Haywood, Specialist in Garden Centre Business Improvement, will cover the theory behind merchandising and how to create eye catching and memorable displays.

A grower focus session led by Scott Rusch, Product Group Director at PanAmerican Seeds will be on ‘bullet proof plants’.

The day will also see a panel debate on the POS and merchandising of plants now and in the future. Panellists include Phil Mabon of Hortipak, Neil Dunn of IML, Nick Mathias of Floramedia, Adam Ferjani of Professional Horticulture/Specialty Agriculture at ICL and Edwin Meijer of Garden Connect.

Peter Seabrook, Horticultural Writer and Broadcaster, will close the day with the challenges faced in selling plants in a retail environment as well as key points from the day and areas of focus for the future.

Many thanks to event sponsors ICL, IML and Floramedia.

Ball Colegrave invites delegates to visit its Summer Showcase around the seminar times. The trial grounds not only present the company’s assortment of catalogue varieties in an array of settings and retail ideas, but also comprehensively evaluate hundreds of new future lines before introduction.

A visit to the Annual Summer Open Days always presents a special opportunity; now with the addition of the HTA Plant Retailing – Fit for the Future Seminar it is a date not to be missed!

To book visit www.hta.org.uk/events/plant-retailing-fit-for-the-future.html
 


Peacock Garden Supports develops, produces and sells high quality plant supports for more than 25 years. Our products are being sold in 3.000 garden centres and DIY-stores worldwide. To our product ranges belong the Pinnups plant supports, plant supports which 'grow' with plants, solid rose arches, obelisks and much more functional garden decorations.

In 2015 we succesfully launched our complete new program with stylish bird feeding holders. We also introduced our new brand Mason Mini Gardens, a beautiful collection with mini-garden accessories for creating lovely mini-gardens.

To set up our sales in the United Kingdom we are looking for:

Independent Sales Agents

to build a complete new sales force.

Can you say YES to following questions:
  • Are you active as an independent sales representative in the garden branche?
  • Are your customers garden centres, florists, DIY-shops, garden designers or garden webshops?
  • Are you looking to expand your product range with high quality products?
  • Do you want to increase sales in your area?
  • Do you want to work with a dynamic team in a growing organisation?
  • And are you an enthusiastic, driven, self-employed person with lots of persuasiveness and do you have a passion for gardening?

Then you might be one of the persons we are looking for!

How to continue:
Send your motivation and c.v. to peacock@peacock.nl and indicate in which counties you operate.

After receiving your information, we will contact you within 1 week. When there is mutual interest we will meet at the GLEE in Birmingham at Monday 12-09-2016. So save the date!

You can respond until 30-07-2016.

Peacock Garden Supports ● Industrieweg 22 ● 5688 DP ● The Netherlands ● www.peacock.nl

 


Garden Centre Horticultural / Plantarea Manager (ref:DS8477)

Location: York
Salary: £18,000 - £22,000
Date: 29 Jun
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent


We are seeking an outstanding plants person with great merchandising and retail skills to take the role of Horticultural Manager of this York based garden centre which is part of a Nationwide group that are continually growing and developing their leading garden centres across England and Wales.

The Role

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.

Candidates MUST HAVE strong horticultural knowledge both practical and academic and be able to demonstrate a very high level of plant knowledge.

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. Experience within a garden centre is desirable as is supervisory skills.

To apply for this role click here
 
Garden Centre Plantarea Manager
Salary: £33,000 - £35,000


Garden Centre Plantarea Manager (ref:DS8448)

Location:
Hertfordshire
Salary
: £33,000 - £35,000
Date: 17 Jun
Job Type:
Full-Time
Duration:
Permanent


We are seeking an outstanding Plantarea Manager for our client, they are a leading independent garden centre group who have a well stocked plantarea, a popular restaurant , along with a garden shop that offers customers a range of quality gifts and garden sundries. They are very much a destination centre but have a strong horticultural customer base and take over a 1/3 of their income from the plant department. They are currently looking for a superb plants person to take charge of the Plantarea and make this an super customer experience for their visitors.

The Role

  • Will be to manage the plantarea on a day to day basis ensuring plant stock is in tip top condition and merchandised to a high standard.
  • Liaise with the group Buyer on managing supplies, stocking and plant choices.
  • Supervising staff and ensuring that customer services are kept to a very high standard.

The Candidate

    • For this role candidates must have:
    • A proven track-record in the industry along with good man-management and supervisory skills.
    • Excellent plant knowledge and a good background in horticultural retailing is a must for this role.
    • Superb plant merchandising skills.
    • Be a team player with the ability to offer superb customer service.

To apply for this role click here

 


North West & Scotland Area Sales Manager (ref:DS8438)

Location: Lancashire
Salary: Excellent
Date: 22 Jun
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent


We are seeking an outstanding Sales Person for a UK market leader in the supply of plastic horticultural products to commercial growers. With the widest range of products in the sector the company sells via a network of distributors and directly to a number of key accounts.

The company is part of an international grouping of businesses with a sister trading company in Holland and nursery supplies in the USA.

The Role
  • Responsible for sales in North West and Scotland the position presently reports to the Managing Director pending appointment of a National Sales Manager. Over recent years the business has yielded some market share, but following a £2million investment in the UK operation with a range of new and improved products the business is being regained, key to the role is to accelerate this process.
  • The role requires a pro-active approach providing negotiated pricing and product knowledge to distributors, their customers and our direct accounts. Preparation of market reviews in the area, forecasting and input to annual budget.
  • Involvement in product development with the rest of the Sales team and technical colleagues is an element of the job.

The Candidate

  • Preference will be given to those with experience of sales in the Horticultural Industry; a knowledge of plastic products is not necessary, but an understanding of how a commercial nursery operates would be valuable.
  • The candidate must already reside within the region and will be based from home.
  • Computer literacy with Word, Excel is necessary to an average user level.
  • A clean driving licence is necessary with some speeding convictions excepted.

Benefits
  • An annual salary (paid monthly) of £25,000, more for outstanding candidate.
  • Potential to earn 15% of salary in bonus, based mainly on individual performance to sales and margin targets.
  • Company private pension plan
  • Four times annual salary Death in Service insurance is provided.
  • A company car is provided and fuel for business use, the incumbent reimburses private usage at an agreed rate.

To apply for this role click here
 


Shop Manager | Garden Sundries Retail Manager | Suffolk (ref:DS8350)

Location: Suffolk
Salary: To attract the best
Date: 10 Jun
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent


We are currently seeking an outstanding Garden Sundries Retail Manager to manage the Shop Area of this Suffolk based garden centre that are part of a Nationwide group that are continually growing and developing their leading garden centres across England and Wales.

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join a cutting edge Garden Sundries Department. The ideal candidate will have a background in seasonal products or garden centre retail with excellent garden sundries product knowledge from seeds to clothing. They will manage seasonal changes and have the ability to present and merchandise their department to the highest 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.
  • Candidates must have a background in retail, be able to merchandise and manage rapidly changing stock.
  • Knowledge of garden products and garden chemicals etc. would also be an advantage but additional training can be given.
  • If you are passionate about Garden Sundries and would enjoy sharing this enthusiasm with our client's customers, we would love to hear from you.

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
 
Petface offers views on Brexit vote
Lolly Lee, Director of Business Development at Petface, says: "The current situation could have so many outcomes and it's very difficult for anyone to predict what they maybe at this stage as this is a changing model by the hour at present."
Lolly Lee, Director of Business Development at Petface, says: "The current situation could have so many outcomes and it's very difficult for anyone to predict what they maybe at this stage as this is a changing model by the hour at present.

"All I can say with certainly is that Petface carried out extensive consumer research during the last recession to clearly understand how the consumers where planning to spend their household budgets. Anyone with a pet will be able to relate to the results as they become a member of the family!

''Consumers are extremely reluctant to cut back on spend on pet products and reported a willingness to make cuts in other areas. The pet category offers stability even during periods of economic instability.''

"Recognising that the pet category is relatively recession proof we have set about our business to be a 'one stop shop' for all the essential pet products that a garden centre would require in order that they may offer a pet department with depth and authority for their customers.

"We are not stopping there and are further developing secondary site opportunities along with investing in new products to increase impulse purchases and drive the business forward for both parties.

"We value our existing customer base and welcome new customers who maybe considering stocking this category and would ask them to contact me to discuss the opportunities that exist to capitalise on this important repeat and regular footfall generator."
 
Bonningtons take steps to stabilise prices in the aftermath of the Brexit vote
Bonningtons, the Nottingham based garden products supplier has been preparing for the possibility of Brexit and they’re now in a good position to support customers through what is bound to be a turbulent few months...

Bonningtons, the Nottingham based garden products supplier has been preparing for the possibility of Brexit and they’re now in a good position to support customers through what is bound to be a turbulent few months.

Ian Fisher, owner and chief executive says “We’ve been building contingency plans for some time and our buying team have made several extra trips to the Far East to line up some great deals. Our 20-strong China team are working on an aggressive sourcing plan that will help us to stabilise our landed costs.”

Bonningtons have several months US$ in hand purchased at favourable exchange rates, and an additional £6million stock holding to see them through the early part of the next season.

Additionally, they have recently secured a great new freight deal which is delivering savings to help offset the challenges faced in exchange rate fluctuations.

Ian goes on to explain “The great news is that over the past few months we’ve invested significantly in the future development of the business, adding new brands, new products and a raft of new process and support systems to bring Bonningtons to a whole new level. The business has grown very rapidly in the past couple of years and we’re ready to move on to the next stage. I’m not going to allow market volatility and uncertainty prevent us from achieving our goal of £50m within the next 2 years.”

Sergio Tartaglia, Bonningtons Sales Director added “So, whilst we can’t predict what will happen to future rates, nor can we guarantee complete price stability, we have done everything we can to maintain our competitive pricing. We’ll be sharing our new plans and the exciting future for Bonningtons with all our customers at GLEE and I’m looking forward to the next phase of our exciting growth plans.”

Bonningtons, one of the UK’s fastest growing SMEs will be at SPOGA GAFA 4 – 6 September 2016, GLEE 12 – 14 September 2016, Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair, 8 – 11 January 2017 and Spring Fair, 5 – 9 February 2017.

Bonnington Plastics
Glaisdale Parkway
Nottingham
NG8 4GP

 
Personnel Changes at Commercial Horticultural Association

Pat Flynn to lead association management with expanded events and administration team as the Association gears up for inaugural GrowQuip in Stratford-upon-Avon (26-27 Oct, 2016)...



CHA has announced that Stuart Booker, who for the past 10 years has looked after the day to day management of the association, is to step down to take a new role in the agriculture and horticulture PR industry.

The CHA secretariat team at head office in Brasted will continue to manage the daily activities and UK group participations at events including GaLaBau 2016, IFTF 2016, IPM Essen 2017 and Fruit Logistica 2017.

As currently, Theresa Swann, Head of Events & Administration will be overseeing the secretariat work of the CHA and during the run up to the inaugural GrowQuip conference, dinner and exhibition, she will be supported by Gemma Chandler and Latisha Springer.  Gemma has been working for the Federation's secretariats in Brasted over a period of 3 years.  She has 20 years’ experience in corporate communications and events management.  Latisha has undertaken several independent event projects while undertaking an events management degree and is looking forward to using these skills to support the CHA's launch of the GrowQuip conference, dinner and exhibition showcase. 

A familiar face to many in the commercial horticultural industry, the current CHA Chairman Ms Pat Flynn will continue in the role of CHA spokesperson and is looking forward to representing the CHA at the many UK and international events where the CHA will have a presence in the forthcoming year.

Pat will also continue as the lead contact for the inaugural GrowQuip 2016, the cross-industry conference and exhibition launched by CHA which will take place on 26-27 October at the Stratford Manor Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire.

Speaking of his new appointment, Stuart Booker explained: “I am leaving CHA in a healthy position with the launch of GrowQuip gaining such encouraging support both in the UK and overseas. With new international events coming into the calendar, CHA can continue to assist new and existing UK exporters to reach new clients and new markets across the world.

 “It was with a heavy heart that I have to say goodbye to my colleagues at CHA after 10 extremely rewarding and memorable years. This exciting new challenge came at the right time for me personally and for my career, although it does not make the decision to move on any easier. I would like to thank everyone at the CHA secretariat and committee, including Director General of the secretariat Amanda Sizer Barrett MBE, Chairman Pat Flynn and Head of Events Theresa Swann for all of their support over the last 10 years.”

Pat Flynn, Chair, CHA, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Stuart for his dedication and hard work over the last 10 years and wish him well for the future.

“We are looking forward to working with the expanded secretariat team at Brasted on what will be an exciting year for the CHA, with new UK and international events underway and new business services to support the membership being launched in the next couple of months.”

 
Herbs are stars of the Veg-2-Gro chart

The continuing interest in herb growing showed up strongly again in last week’s GTN Bestsellers Veg-2-Gro chart...



The continuing interest in herb growing showed up strongly again in last week’s GTN Bestsellers Veg-2-Gro chart.

The top performers were:

Farplants Chives Garlic Herb, the highest new entry at No.5.

New entries from Common Rosemary and Pink Rosemary (both from Farplants).

Highest climber was Bridgen’s Rosemary, moving up 33 places to No 4.

Highest chart re-entry was Quantil’s Sweet Potato ‘Erato White’ in 10cm Pot at No.19.

Moroccan Mint from Farplants is the new No.1 after shooting 24 places up the chart.

 
Disappointing week for compost sales volumes
The GTN Bestsellers Growing Media chart reflected a poor sales week...but Arthur Bowers New Horizon Multi Purpose (60 litres) (left) was among the products making strong re-entries...

The GTN Bestsellers Growing Media chart reflected a poor sales week.

Volumes were down 8.3% on the previous week and behind the same period in 2015 (-31.6%) and 2014 (-15.2%).

This week’s Growing Media star performers were:

  • Highest re-entry was Scotts Levington John Innes No.1 (25 litres) at No 24.
  • Highest climber was Westland Multipurpose + John Innes 20L + 5L Extra, jumping 22 places to No 13 in the chart.
  • Arthur Bowers New Horizon Multi Purpose (60 litres) was another returning product. 
 
Lighting brightens up garden product sales
Garden lighting lines helped to bolster sales during a week which saw GTN Bestsellers Garden Products Top 50 volumes down on the same weeks in 2014 and 2015...

Garden lighting lines helped to bolster sales during a week which saw GTN Bestsellers Garden Products Top 50 volumes down on the same week in 2015 (-23.5%) and 2014 (18.6%).

The notable performances in the Top 50 were:

  • Gardman Solar Mini Ice Orb and Smart Solar Eureka! Lightbulb Lantern were the top two bestselling items.
  • Highest re-entry was Gardman Ribbed Marker Light Black Nickel at No.10.
  • Highest new entry was Smart Garden Solar Crystal Glass Stake Light at No.21.
  • The highest climber was Gardman Standard Hanging Brackets 30/35cm Black, moving up 12 places to No.33.
 
Registration for Glee 2016 is live!
Online registration for Glee (12th-14th September, NEC Birmingham) is now live, enabling buyers and retailers to get online and book their free ticket to the leading showcase for the garden and leisure industry...
Online registration for Glee (12th-14th September, NEC Birmingham) is now live, enabling buyers and retailers to get online and book their free ticket to the leading showcase for the garden and leisure industry. Register online today to save yourself £20 and receive free parking and show catalogue.

Key brands confirmed for Glee 2016 include Scott’s Miracle Gro, Westland, Gardman, Smart Garden, Hozelock, Fiskars, Elho, Scheurich, Kaemingk, Briers, Kelkay, Woodlodge, Apta, Grange Fencing, Deroma, Cadix, Deco-Pak, Hamac, Vision Commercial Kitchens, Whitco Catering & Bakery Equipment, Bon Bons Wholesale, Halewood International, Smiemans, Stagecraft, Davidson Richards, Fordingbridge, Cadac, Makasi Home, Paroh, Besp-Oak Furniture, Premier Decorations, La Hacienda, Petface, Su Bridge, Natures Menu, Unipet, Addis Homewares, Kettle Interiors, Wild & Wolf, RJB Stone, Hallmark Cards, Stormafit, Javado and Wyevale Nurseries.

Matthew Mein, Glee event director said: “Following on from last year’s show, which saw the industry come together for a bustling, profitable and leading event, Glee has reaffirmed itself as the place where the garden and leisure industry meets.  We’ll be working extremely hard over the coming months to guarantee that Glee continues to hit the spot for the industry it represents.  Part of this will be to ensure that the leading brands, top buyers and industry leaders will be attending en mass, as well as adding extra value through inspiration, innovation, networking and education.”

To make sure you don’t miss your place at Glee simply log onto the show’s dedicated website www.gleebirmingham.com and click on ‘register’.

 
Tim Vine to host a full house at the GIMA Awards
With bookings for this year’s GIMA Awards exceeding all expectations those lucky enough to have bagged a spot will be entertained by top comedian, TV celebrity and actor Tim Vine...
With bookings for this year’s GIMA Awards exceeding all expectations those lucky enough to have bagged a spot will be entertained by top comedian, TV celebrity and actor Tim Vine.

A regular on the comedy circuit since the 1990’s Tim has won numerous awards throughout his career, but is just as well known for his TV appearances on ‘Live at The Apollo’, ‘QI’, ‘Celebrity Mastermind’, ‘Let’s Dance’ and ‘Let’s Play Darts’. 

As well as appearing in various comedy acting roles, he famously appeared alongside Lee Mack in five series of the award winning TV show ‘Not Going Out’.  

Tim will be hosting the hotly contested GIMA awards, entries for which are now closed.  The winners will be announced at the GIMA Awards Gala Dinner on Thursday 14th July, which return to the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport South Wales.

Places are filling up fast, so don’t miss out on joining us to see who’s won this year’s top honours.

To book places at the Gala Dinner visit www.gima.org.uk/gima-awards.

 
Inside the July issue of Garden Trade News
The July issue of Garden Trade News is packed full of advice and information for garden retailing professionals...
The July issue of Garden Trade News is packed full of advice and information for garden retailing professionals.
  • The story behind the sale of Dobbies.
  • GIMA Charity Golf Day report and pictures.
  • Smell the coffee - how to make your drinks offering work.
  • It's time for tea - great afternoon tea tips.
  • MasterChef - advice from the Greatest Garden Centre Chef team.
  • Service with a smile - great customer service.
  • Are you ready for Glee?
To find out how you can receive your copy of Garden Trade News every month email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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 £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 Veg-2-Gro 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.

GTN's Greatest Awards 2016



Catering Awards - June 7th @ HTA Catering Conference
Plant Retailing Awards - June 22nd @ National Plant Show
Outdoor Living Awards - Sept  5th @ spoga+gafa
Garden Centre Awards - Oct 12th @ HTA Garden Futures
Marketing Awards - Nov 8th @ HTA Marketing Forum

Sponsored by











Send your nominations to: trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

For sponsorship opportunities contact: mandy.atkin@tgcmc.co.uk


All the latest news from the world of garden centre catering

Service with a smile...it makes all the difference


What’s the secret behind winning GTN’s Greatest Garden Centre Front of House Team? Who better to ask than Melanie Sewell, of Frongoch Garden Centre, who took gold alongside Squire's Badshot Lea...



What’s the secret behind winning GTN’s Greatest Garden Centre Front of House Team? Who better to ask than Melanie Sewell, of Frongoch Garden Centre.

How important is the front of house team to your catering offering?
I believe our success is down to the equal weighting we give food quality and service quality. One without the other does not give the customer sufficient reason to return. When you get both right, and exceed your customer’s expectations, you’re on to a winner.
 
Do you give staff special training in this area?
Yes, absolutely. First of all we begin with staying at your station, and ensuring we greet the customer and smile before the customer does so to us. Secondly, we work on talking and asking questions in sentences, to ensure we come over as being friendly, e.g. “Would you prefer white or brown toast with your breakfast?”, as opposed to “white or brown toast?”

How do you ensure that your staff always have smiles on the faces?
I’ve found the easiest way to achieve this is through recruiting naturally happy, smiley and confident individuals. I also ask them which station they prefer to work at, as this inevitably gets the best out of them. I am also quick to correct when poor service is given, and give an example of what would have been great service, and how that would have made the customer feel. Lastly, I’m always looking to praise great service given, or when it’s been a particularly tough day, to thank them for working so hard, and to acknowledge what a hard day it was. I aim to praise more often than I correct less desirable behaviour.

You also won the Greatest Garden Centre Catering Team award - what makes your catering so special?
I believe we tick lots of boxes: friendly, cheerful, bilingual (Welsh!), and caring service; a pleasant and comfortable environment for customers; a fresh food offering that reflects our customer base; wonderful, all homemade cakes; and a quality hot and cold beverage offer.

For more catering tips see the July issue of Garden Trade News. To subscribe email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Squire's Café Bar Team is "The Greatest"
Squire’s Garden Centre in Badshot Lea (near Farnham) is celebrating after their Café Bar team won “The Greatest Garden Centre Front Of House Team 2016”...


Squire’s Garden Centre in Badshot Lea (near Farnham) is celebrating after their Café Bar team won “The Greatest Garden Centre Front Of House Team 2016”.

Garden Trade News awarded this accolade to Squire’s who beat off many other finalists to win Gold. Squire’s Badshot Lea also won a Silver Award for “The Greatest Afternoon Tea Experience Team”, and a Bronze Award for “The Greatest Garden Centre Catering Team”.

Lisa Faulkner, cookery author, presenter and actress, presented the awards at the Horticultural Trade Association’s (HTA) Catering Conference in June.

Sarah Squire (Squire’s Deputy Chairman) commented; “We are absolutely thrilled that our Badshot Lea Café Bar team have been named ‘The Greatest Garden Centre Front Of House Team’ for 2016, as well as winning awards for having the greatest afternoon tea experience team and the greatest catering team.

"We know that we have amazing teams across all of our Cafe Bars, but it’s always nice to be recognised and win awards like these.

"Our Café Bar at Squire’s Badshot Lea is a fantastic place to visit as it’s very spacious with a relaxing feel, plus it has a beautiful outdoor terrace overlooking the plant area. It offers everything from breakfast, coffee and cake, through to lunch and afternoon tea. Plus during the two weeks of Wimbledon all of Squire’s Café Bars are serving up a special Wimbledon Cream Tea complete with strawberries and cream for just £5.45.”
 
Matthew Algie’s Hand Roasted range full of new beans
Straight from their debut at World of Coffee, the brand new line up of Hand Roasted coffees from leading independent coffee roaster, Matthew Algie, is now on sale...


Straight from their debut at World of Coffee, the brand new line up of Hand Roasted coffees from leading independent coffee roaster, Matthew Algie, is now on sale.

The new headline act in their Hand Roasted range - a collection of highly prized microlots - is Crafty Little Number 5. A blend of three coffees, it combines two pre-blended Brazilian coffees with an Ecuadorian offering. With sweet notes balanced by a buttery body, this was a favourite amongst baristas at World of Coffee, working well as an espresso and at its very best with just a small amount of milk.

Andrew Jack, Head of Marketing at Matthew Algie, commented: “Our team travel the globe to source the most outstanding one-off microlots, often an entire crop, from individual farmers.  By selling them online we’ve made it even easier for our customers to buy these special coffees – all chosen for their distinctive and memorable flavour.”

Also launching are two single origin coffees directly soured from some of the very best farms. The first, Ecuador Maputo, comes from a farm tucked away in northern Ecuador fast making a name for itself thanks to its owners’ dedication to perfecting the art of coffee growing and processing. Kenya Oreti Natural meanwhile has been sourced from the Oreti Estate that has been experimenting with processing methods. The secret to this fruity offering is that it is unwashed – unusual for this part of the world.

All available from https://www.espressowarehouse.com/c/121/beans

Newsletter Marketing Powered by Newsweaver