In This Issue
Apta acquired by AMES
GCA Christmas competition winners announced
Primeur’s ECO Garden display stands set to revitalise sales of garden borders and stepping stones in 2020
The stock market is the “natural place” for Dobbies and it will look to float
Dobbies announce 12% sales growth to February 2019
‘A strong and vibrant ornamental horticulture sector’
New Strikes Garden Centre, Stokesley Opens
RHS Garden Wisley bucks the trend against High Street sales
Customers voting for Christmas at garden centres
Christmas success for Brimsmore...even with no glitter
Administrators sell off National Polytunnels business assets
Wish you were here! SOLEX winner enjoys prize in Barbados
Hillier announces environmental audit to cut carbon footprint
Brother and sister give up day jobs to run Kent centre
Vitax grows charity's funds by over £11,000
New book offers tips on reducing plastic in the garden
Wyevale Nurseries expands sales support team
Whartons invests in marketing with new management position
Inaugural Elm Stand Planted at the National Memorial Arboretum as Hillier Trees ‘Re-elms the British Countryside’
Full Time Merchandiser /Sales representative
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Westland Group Announces Key Appointments to Leadership Teams
At 76, is this Santa's most senior Elf?
‘A strong and vibrant ornamental horticulture sector’ the HTA’s general election 2019 manifesto
Christmas on a new high
Environmentalist to speak at 2020 GCA conference
Keenies are still gardening
GCA conference attendees to hear from Eden Project co-founder
Lights at number one again
NGGV helps boost sales in National Tree Week
Pre-Christmas plant boost
Houseplant and pet categories perform well in October, according to HTA Market Update
The best of last week's
Christmas trees are slimming down
Horticultural ‘Oscars’ highlight gardening as force for good
Sustainability brings opportunity for garden industry
David Austin Roses launches sustainable packaging for bare root planting
Garden Centre Photo Tours
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Buy your subscription to GTN Bestsellers
All the latest news from the world of garden centre catering
Drinks suppliers flock to show their wares at Casual Dining
Yorkshire chef launches first cookery book with a demo at Bradford garden centre
Situations Vacant
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Apta acquired by AMES

Apta has been bought by AMES for $10m.  Paul Sykes remains as MD...


Apta have today, 2nd December, 2019, announced that the business has been acquired by The AMES Companies, a leading supplier of non-powered landscaping products in the USA, Canada and Australasia. The broad range includes garden tools, wheelbarrows, planters, garden hoses and lawn accessories. AMES (www.ames.com) has a long history dating back to 1774 and is excited about expanding its presence in the UK market, with Apta joining its other UK businesses: Kelkay, La Hacienda and Anchorfast.

 

AMES itself forms part of Griffon Corporation (NYSE: GFF), a diversified U.S. public company with a turnover of over $2.2billion that conducts its business within the Home and Building Products, Consumer and Professional Products, and Defence Electronics markets.

 

Apta has grown its business significantly in recent seasons to establish itself as the leading supplier of planters and accessories to the UK garden centre market. The present management team will continue to run the business, with Paul Sykes remaining as Managing Director.

 

Paul comments, “This is a terrific development for our business, and we have great confidence that the many employees, customers and suppliers of Apta will benefit from our new ownership structure. As part of the global AMES team, we are well positioned to continue to grow via a strengthened supply chain and broadened product portfolio”.

 

For further information please contact Apta on 01233 621090.

 

A statement on the Griffon Corporation website this afternoon said: "Griffon Corporation (“Griffon” or the “Company”) (NYSE:GFF) announced that its subsidiary, The AMES Companies, Inc., (“AMES”) acquired Vatre Group Limited (“Apta”), a leading United Kingdom supplier of innovative garden pottery and associated products sold to leading UK and Ireland garden centers. This acquisition enhances our ongoing AMES UK expansion strategy.

 

The purchase price for Apta is approximately $10 million and is expected to contribute approximately $15 million in annualized revenue and be accretive to Griffon’s earnings in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2020.

GCA Christmas competition winners announced

Barton Grange Garden Centre (above) and Whitehall Garden Centre – Whitchurch have been announced as the national winners of the 2019 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 annual conference in January, 2020.


 

Barton Grange Garden Centre (above) and Whitehall Garden Centre – Whitchurch (below) have been announced as the national winners of the 2019 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 annual conference in January, 2020.

 

Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, said: “Each year our member’s Christmas displays get better and better and it was an extremely difficult decision to choose the winners this year.

 

“The entrants were judged on general ambience, creativity, stock range, flow, tidiness and customer service was also taken into consideration.

 

“We’d like to say a huge congratulations to Barton Grange Garden Centre in Lancashire who won in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category and Whitehall Garden Centre – Whitchurch in North Somerset who won in the Garden Centre (GC) category.”

 

Entrants in the GC category were judged by Andy Campbell and entrants in the DGC category were judged by Alyson Haywood.

 

David Fawcett-Ropner, Display Manager at Barton Grange Garden Centre, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won the title of ‘Best Christmas Displays in the UK’. A lot of planning, time and effort goes into Christmas and it’s great to be rewarded for our team’s hard work! ​

 

“One major change we made this year was painting all the shop fit black, this was to make all the colourful decorations stand out and it’s definitely been worth it! We’ve got vibrant rooms such as the vivid pinks found in ‘Flamboyance’, and the neon greens of ‘Tropicana’, but we’ve also got displays focused on the more traditional reds as well as those modern graphite greys.

 

“There’s something for everyone! We’ve had fab comments from our customers about our displays and received many congratulations for winning this competition, it’s truly fantastic!”

 

The area winners in the South Thames area were Garsons Garden Centre – Esher (DGC) and Busy Bee Garden Centre (GC). In the Wales and West area Whitehall Garden Centre – Lacock (DGC) and Whitehall Garden Centre – Whitchurch (GC) were chosen.

 

In North Thames, the area winners were Perrywood Garden Centre – Tiptree (DGC) and Sunshine Garden Centre (GC) while St Peter’s Garden Centre (DGC) and Planters Garden Centre – Bretby (GC) were selected in the Midlands area.

 

 

Barton Grange Garden Centre (DGC), pictured above, and Fron Gogh Garden Centre (GC) were selected in the North West and in the North East, Tong Garden Centre (DGC) and Coletta and Tyson Garden Centre (GC) were chosen.

 

Chris Wilde, Whitehall Garden Centre Manager, said: “We aim to ensure that our customers enjoy the whole festive experience, this makes what we do stand out from the crowd. 

 

“Winning this award is the culmination of months of planning and hard work by the whole team, from the buyers and suppliers, to the team on the shop floor. Every year we focus on seeing what we can do even better than before. We never stop, we think about Christmas 12 months of the year!”

 

The national winners will be given their awards during the GCA’s annual conference at the Mercure Bristol, Grand Hotel in Bristol from January 26 until 29, 2020. Places can be booked via www.gca.org.uk.

 
Primeur’s ECO Garden display stands set to revitalise sales of garden borders and stepping stones in 2020
GTN Xtra Promotion

In a year that has seen Primeur’s penetration of UK garden centres increase exponentially, the company has been busy working behind the scenes to develop its instore merchandising displays for the award-winning Eco Garden range...


In a year that has seen Primeur’s penetration of UK garden centres increase exponentially, the company has been busy working behind the scenes to develop its instore merchandising displays for the award-winning Eco Garden range.

 

As the industry begins making preparations for the 2020 season, the company has confirmed that this new point of sale will be rolled out to four times more customers than in 2019 – an exciting way to start the new year.

 

Primeur’s Eco Garden merchandising display has been created to make it even easier for retailers to stock the popular Eco Garden range, including the recycled rubber garden borders and stepping stones – both of which have scooped awards from GIMA and Glee respectively.

 

With a footprint of just 0.8m2, the display unit comes fully stocked with £700 of stock dependent on the mixture of products, making this a highly cost-effective merchandising solution. What’s more the highly robust timber Primeur Eco Garden display also comes fully built, making it even easier for retailers to start selling these fast-moving ranges right away.

 

Complete with eye-catching display boards that offer clear and concise information that outlines the unique environmental benefits and ease of use that comes from using recycled rubber within the garden, the display unit can be positioned throughout the store to draw the customer’s eye from a distance. Whether co-locating with similar landscaping products, or alongside lawn care or outdoor planting, the versatility presented from Primeur is second to none.

 

Jenny Douthwaite, Sales Director at Primeur said: “Traditionally, displaying products such as garden borders or stepping stones has been notoriously difficult and in most cases, uninspiring. By their very nature, garden borders and stepping stones have been heavy and therefore subject to breakages, whilst an in-store position has not been afforded to a product of this type.

 

"However, our virtually unbreakable Eco Garden range – made from recycled rubber; rubber that would have been heading for landfill where it would take upwards of 80 years to fully decompose – can withstand the manhandling of customers.

 

"In fact, we actively encourage retailers to position these products in a place where footfall is high, particularly co-located alongside complimentary products to drive add-on sales. Consumers love the tactile nature of the product, and a more central location is proven to capture both impulse and pre-planned purchases year-round.

 

“We’re excited to see our merchandising solutions roll out across garden retailers in early 2020 and are confident they’ll deliver prominent sales.”

 

To find more about Primeur’s new Eco Garden merchandising stands please contact the team on 01274 518800 or email sales@primeur.ltd.uk

The stock market is the “natural place” for Dobbies and it will look to float

Andrew Bracey, the chairman of Dobbies, said in The Times on Saturday: the stock market is the “natural place” for the business and it will look to float “in a year or so”.  Graeme Jenkins explains the plan...


According to The Times at the weekend the UK’s largest garden centre chain, Dobbies, is gearing up for a return to the stock market after posting a jump in sales.

 

They reported that sales were up by 2 per cent (actually 12% see story below) to £166 million in the year to the end of February on the back of six new stores while like-for-like sales rose by 5 per cent. Underlying earnings grew by 35 per cent to £7.4 million.

 

Andrew Bracey, the chairman of Dobbies, said the stock market is the “natural place” for the business and it will look to float “in a year or so”.

 

You can read the full story at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/garden-centre-chain-dobbies-plants-idea-of-float-as-sales-rise-shx3sdpmr

 

Today, Dobbies CEO Graeme Jenkins told GTN Xtra: It's an option for the business. It really depends on what's happening in the sector, what's happening in the economy, what's happening in the market. And you can only really assess that at the right time. Fundamentally, we are building a platform for growth. We would like to acquire and build more garden centres. That's our reason for being here, but there isn't a fixed number of garden centres we want to get to. There isn't a fixed time line, it is really what makes sense at that time that fundamentally improves the quality of the business."

 

"A month ago we updated our rolling three year plan and that has a view but it has no number on how many more garden centres we would like to acquire, because that's not what it's about. It's about it's about the quality of the business, because fundamentally you're you're measured in whatever ownership structure we we have, by the return rather than the number of garden centres you've got. So, that's the focus."

Dobbies announce 12% sales growth to February 2019

Dobbies Garden Centre Group Limited yesterday (30th November 2019) filed the Annual Report and Financial Statements for The Group and its subsidiaries for the 12 months to 24 February 2019.  These show sales increased 12% on prior year to £166m and are now at £300m following the purchase of a further 31 centres during the rest of 2019...


Read more and see GTN Xtras photo tour of Dobbies Edinburgh

Dobbies Garden Centre Group Limited yesterday (30th November 2019) filed the Annual Report and Financial Statements for The Group and its subsidiaries.  These accounts are for the 12 months to 24 February 2019.

  • Sales increased 12% on prior year to £166m
  • Like-for-like sales increased 5%
  • Underlying operating profit increased 35%
  • Six new centres added and two non-core stores exited
  • Dobbies has doubled the size of the business by store numbers and sales in the last twelve months

In the year Dobbies acquired six new and disposed of two non-core garden centres. Acquisition and associated restructuring costs amounted to £3.3m and are considered non-recurring to the operations of the business.

 

In recent months (after this reporting period) Dobbies acquired an additional 31 garden centres from Wyevale Garden Centres, bringing the estate to 69 stores becoming the largest garden centre group in the United Kingdom with underlying sales of approximately £300m, now double when the business was acquired in 2016.

 

Like-for-like store sales have performed strongly with an increase of 5% in LFL sales in the year and an increase in customer basket size of 6%. Performance was particularly strong in Plants & Gardening , as well as in the Food Halls

 

Chairman, Andrew Bracey said:

 

“We are delighted with the continued strong performance with overall sales up 12% and like-for-like sales up 5%.  We are also very encouraged by the progress made in our newly-acquired garden centres.

The integration of the new centres is moving at pace and we look forward to providing market leading garden centres for our customers across the length and breadth of the country.”

 

Chief Executive Officer, Graeme Jenkins said:

 

“Dobbies has delivered a strong performance this year, as we continue to differentiate our retail and hospitality offerings with customers at the centre of everything we do.

 

“Our trading performance is testament to the hard work of the team and we are well positioned to enjoy a successful Christmas season. We are continuing to invest across the estate to ensure our customers enjoy the best shopping experience we can offer at every Dobbies garden centre.”

 

On a wet Monday in Edinburgh last Monday, Graeme told told GTN Xtra that the new centres: "We're getting the footfall back, we're getting the customer engagement. We're doing customer listening groups as we always do and you can see those incremental investments will just drive serious footfall."

 

"It's as much about shopping as it is about social, it's day out and something different.  We're getting more people in and more are spending and spending is increasing."

 

See GTN Xtra's photo tour of Dobbies Edinburgh from last week below and read the full interview with Graeme Jankins in the next issue of Garden Trade News.

‘A strong and vibrant ornamental horticulture sector’
HTA’s general election 2019 manifesto

Ahead of the 12 December general election, the HTA has set out a manifesto outlining the key policy themes and ‘asks’ that are fundamental to developing a strong and vibrant horticulture sector...


Ahead of the 12 December general election, the HTA has set out a manifesto outlining the key policy themes and ‘asks’ that are fundamental to developing a strong and vibrant horticulture sector.

 

This includes maintaining access to seasonal labour in a post-Brexit world. The UK ornamental horticulture industry is reliant on seasonal and full-time experienced workers from overseas. This needs better recognition within a future immigration system to ensure the sector can continue to develop and thrive. The HTA is calling for Ornamental Horticulture to be included in a Seasonal Workers scheme. The salary threshold for full time experienced workers needs to be lowered in any points-based system to better recognise the market rates in ornamental horticulture. With the recent sector skills survey showing horticulture facing on-going labour shortages, this threatens an overall industry that is contributing over £24bn GDP to the UK economy.

 

Tree planting is one of the quickest and easiest ways to deliver carbon reduction. The UK tree growing industry is well-placed and stands ready to meet policy ambitions. However, for this to happen there needs to be a strong degree of certainty created by Government, public and private bodies to provide fully funded plans. This includes proper financial support for capital expenditure and policies to alleviate the current shortage of labour. Nurseries require this to commit to the significant upscaling and investment in production infrastructure that will needed to meet the demand.

 

James Clark, Director of Policy and Communications at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) said: “In this general election campaign we are calling on all political parties to foster supportive and innovative economic programmes to boost our dynamic sector’s full potential. We want to see sustainability and climate change given the high priority it deserves. The garden industry is uniquely placed to support wider national health and well-being benefits of gardening and help create a Greener Britain. Not to forget, with 25m gardeners in the UK - making it arguably the country’s biggest hobby - it is a group of voters that political parties would be foolish to ignore.”

 

He adds, “In the manifesto, we set out three key policy themes that matter most to our members’ and the changes that will make the most positive difference to the UK. We are committed to working in a collaborative, cooperative and coordinated approach with a future Government on developing these policy proposals.”

The HTA’s three key policy themes and specific ‘asks’ of Government are:

 

A competitive, productive and growing economy that benefits everyone.

  • Employer taxes and wage floor increases should reflect market conditions
  • Backing a flexible marketplace
  • Horticulture should be better recognised and supported by the Government as an engine of economic growth

 

Making the best of a post-Brexit world.

  • Championing free and frictionless trade
  • Horticulture needs must be included in immigration policy
  • Plant health and biosecurity needs to remain a high priority

 

Creating a greener Britain.

  • Climate change and carbon reduction matters
  • Back tree planting, but the detail is crucial
  • A mix of woodland and urban tree planting is needed
  • Plant pots should be included in a consistent local authority recycling system
  • Work with industry on peat reduction

 

The full manifesto can be viewed on the HTA website

https://hta.org.uk/news/htas-general-election-2019-manifesto.html

New Strikes Garden Centre, Stokesley Opens

After the devasting fire at our garden centre back in April 2018, Klondyke Strikes have announced that their brand new Strikes Garden Centre and Restaurant at Stokesley is now open...


After the devasting fire at our garden centre back in April 2018, Klondyke Strikes have announced that their brand new Strikes Garden Centre and Restaurant at Stokesley is now open.

 

"Over the last year we have been operating from a temporary building whilst the new facility was built. Now we have moved into our brand new home, offering 3500sqm of retail space with a fantastic 300 seater restaurant; inhouse bakery; craft and clothing departments." Strikes told GTN Xtra.

 

Christmas is on full display in the new garden centre; with five stunning themes; a Christmas tree forest; lighting shop; Christmas miniature village and their very own singing reindeer!

 

Chief Executive David Yardley commented “After the terrible low of losing our garden centre in last year’s fire, we are all on a high to open the doors to our loyal customers and provide them with this fantastic new garden centre. We would again like to express the biggest thank you to our customers for their support and patience over the last year whilst the build took place. This goes to all our staff at Stokesley and surrounding centres as well, for their hard work and commitment in getting the new garden centre open’”

RHS Garden Wisley bucks the trend against High Street sales
Opening of new Welcome building in June leads to significant increase

RHS Garden Wisley is celebrating significant rises in retail sales since the opening of its new Welcome building in June this year, with total sales up 24%. This is significantly higher than the rest of the gardening retail industry, which is down 1.7% on comparable categories for the same period, and also bucks the trend against the high street generally, where in-store sales from June to October are 0.64% less than last year.


RHS Garden Wisley is celebrating significant rises in retail sales since the opening of its new Welcome building in June this year, with total sales up 24%. This is significantly higher than the rest of the gardening retail industry* which is down 1.7% on comparable categories for the same period, and also bucks the trend against the high street generally, where in-store sales from June to October are 0.64% less than last year. **

 

Plants are showing a 23% increase, with herbaceous plants up 44%, driven by a refocused range and plant collections which add a variety of offer rarely seen elsewhere. The new offer focuses on seasonal plants which grow and look amazing at RHS Garden Wisley, such as in the Exotic Garden and the new heather landscape. There is also a key focus on specialist British nurseries, many of which rarely retail outside of smaller flower shows, giving customers something new and supporting UK growers.

 

Houseplant sales are up 62%, with foliage plants up an impressive 130% and flowering houseplants up 80%. Winning plants include Alocasia, commonly known as Elephant’s Ear, with sales up tenfold; with the best seller in this range being Alocasia Zebrina, which owes its name to the eye-catching yellow and black zebra markings on its stems. Prayer plants (Calathea) are also a success story with over 1,300 sold this year. Cheese plants (Monstera) are enjoying a strong resurgence with and dragon plants (Dracaena) are also significantly up. Ferns are enjoying a rise of nearly 100%.

 

Not only plants but their pots are also on the up, with indoor pots up 169% on last year. Metal troughs and pot stands made in modern textiles are the best sellers. Spring flowering bulbs are up by 29%, which is more than double the market growth and seed sales are impressive at 52% up on last year.

 

Damian Powell, Head of Retail, said: “Our new retail space at Wisley has given us the opportunity to create an immersive space for our customers to shop, using more inspirational displays and a wider selection of plants and products has driven some of the increase. Our plant centre is now far more of a showcase for our plant selection and our teams are fully engaged to support our customers with their requirements. We are also catering better for impulse buys and for a wider customer demographic.”

 

Damian adds: “We have really focused on getting our houseplant and pot offer right, trying to link more with trends and attracting a younger shopper to come to us, which is really paying off as we are tracking well up against the industry trend of 15% growth.”

 

Duncan Mclean, Senior Plant Buyer, RHS Garden Wisley, said: “On a busy afternoon we often see three generations in our plant centre, and there is a clear difference in what they all have in their baskets. The youngest generation will have cacti, succulents and carnivorous plants such as Venus flytraps; 20-35 year olds go for large foliage plants such as cheese plants and snake plants; and older generations seem to favour plants such as African violets and begonias.”

 

“The trend amongst younger people is linked to health and wellbeing – trends observed in 2018 have continued through 2019 with plants which improve the environment and purify air, such as Mother in Law’s tongue (Sansevieria) and peace lilies (Spathiphyllum), efficient in removing airborne pollutants, showing growth of 40-50%.”

 

Over the past two years the RHS has introduced a number of exclusive new product ranges, inspired by the beautiful collections in the Lindley Library, the world’s largest horticultural library.  Only available in RHS stores and online, these ranges are now driving 20% of the RHS’s gift revenue. The best-selling range is RHS Butterflies, inspired by coloured engravings in an 18th century book by French naturalist Pierre Joseph Buchoz. Gifts generally are up 27%, with toiletries, homeware and toys doing particularly well.

 

A complete overhaul of the gardening sundries range (which covers items including tools, lighting, and fertilisers) at the beginning of the year, along with the new space and layout, is proving successful with a rise of 32%, compared with the industry tracking at 0.8% for gardening sundries growth for the year so far.

 

*Gardening industry data sourced from the Garden Centre Association

**Data is an average of monthly data from June – Oct in High Street Sales Tracker BDO reports: https://www.bdo.co.uk/en-gb/high-street-sales-tracker/previous-reports

 

Click here to see GTN Xtra's photo tour of RHS Wisley Plant Centre

Customers voting for Christmas at garden centres
GTN Bestsellers Analysis

Customers are voting for Christmas at garden centres across the country as volume sales continue to rise above all previous years...


 

Customers are voting for Christmas at garden centres across the country as volume sales continue to rise above all previous years...


The GTN Bestsellers Christmas Products Top 50 index has been up on last year for seven of the nine weeks we’ve been monitoring Christmas sales and is cumuatively 14% up on last year at record total volumes of any of the last eight years.


In previous years Christmas footfall hasn’t necessarily added to other sales in centres, however, for most of this season, despite the very wet weather we’ve had, that has not been the case.  Take last week for example, Garden Products were up by 41%, Growing Media up by 43%, Wild Bird Care up by 22% and Plants up by 24%.


With real Christmas trees coming into stock the biggest Christmas weeks are still ahead of us. Let’s hope customers keep on voting for Christmas at garden centres past December 12th!

 

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year (week 47)

  • Garden Products - up 41%
  • Growing Media - up 43%
  • Wild Bird Care - up 22%
  • Christmas - up 10%
  • All Plants Index - up 24%
  • All Items Index - up 12%

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

Christmas success for Brimsmore...even with no glitter

The Castle Gardens group, famous for its award-winning Christmas displays, has earned another gong – with Yeovil-based Brimsmore Gardens placed third in this year’s GCA national Christmas awards (sponsored by Gisela Graham)…even though it has removed the glitter…

 


The Castle Gardens group, famous for its award-winning Christmas displays, has earned another gong – with Yeovil-based Brimsmore Gardens placed third in this year’s GCA national Christmas awards (sponsored by Gisela Graham)…even though it has removed the polluting glitter…

 

Garden centre consultant and GCA judge, Andy Campbell, says the Gardens Group adopts a unique approach to Christmas retailing and Brimsmore Gardens is no exception. “Wandering through these Christmas displays is a multi-sensory journey with strong visual presentation, associated music to enhance the themes and powerful use of fragrance that often evokes memories of Christmas past,” he explains. “The retailing is professionally executed, engaging and fun, making it a truly memorable experience for customers of all ages."

 

Louise Burks, director of The Gardens Group, added: “The bar is raised each year as garden centres across the country increasingly become a local hub for all things festive, but we're always looking to innovate wherever we can. Sustainability has been a major focus in recent times, and we're delighted to have made such progress in this area, with steps including the removal of glitter, the introduction of more decorations made from natural materials and the reduction of unnecessary packaging. Everyone works tirelessly to make sure the displays look their absolute best, from the opening night in October right up until Christmas, so it means a lot to have these efforts recognised on a national scale.”

Administrators sell off National Polytunnels business assets

Administrators appointed 10 days ago at National Polytunnels, one of the best-known suppliers to garden centres in its category, were marketing the company’s business assets for sale through agent Simon Creber of GTC last week...


Administrators appointed 10 days ago at National Polytunnels, one of the best-known suppliers to garden centres in its category, were marketing the company’s business assets for sale through agent Simon Creber of GTC last week.

 

After poor trading conditions created cashflow pressures, the company ceased trading on 15 November, when its website was suspended and 20 staff were made redundant.

 

The business, whose head office was in in Preston, was a specialist designer and maker of polytunnel structures to garden centres and growers.

 

Lila Thomas and David Anthony Wills of FRP –were appointed as administrators on 21 Novt.

 

The assets for sale include plant and machinery, office furniture and equipment, motor vehicles and stock.

Wish you were here! SOLEX winner enjoys prize in Barbados

Phil Stevenson of Wantage-based family-run Charlton Park Garden Centre enjoyed a free holiday in Barbados…courtesy of his garden furniture supplier...

 


Phil Stevenson of Wantage-based family-run Charlton Park Garden Centre enjoyed a free holiday in Barbados…courtesy of his garden furniture supplier.

 

Mr Stevenson won the ‘Holiday for 2’ competition organised by Glencrest Seatex at the SOLEX trade show this summer.

 

With a friend, he took a Virgin flight from Gatwick to Barbados – and sent back some pictures to prove that he was indeed having a good time! In one, he is seen reading a Katie Blake brochure on the beach (as you do, obviously).

 

 

Hillier announces environmental audit to cut carbon footprint

 

Hillier is working on an environmental impact audit to evaluate how it can reduce the business’s carbon footprint, director Chris Francis announced at the annual Hillier Garden Centre Awards...

 

Left: Hillier's Employee of the Year, Joshna Desai, receives her award from TV gardener Joe Swift.

 


Hillier Nurseries and Garden Centres is working on an environmental impact audit to evaluate how it can reduce the business’s carbon footprint, director Chris Francis has announced.

 

He was speaking at the annual Hillier Garden Centre Awards, which celebrate the successes and achievements of employee, plus the support of  its leading suppliers.

 

The five centres joining the group- during the past year– Cheddar, Dorking, Lechlade, Marlow and Three Legged Cross – were warmly welcomed. “It is a great pleasure to see our top suppliers, head office, nursery and garden centres teams joining together to celebrate. In particular, a warm welcome to newcomers to our business,” said Francis.

 

 

 After announcing record growth, he said that the most important issue facing the industry is the impact businesses have on the sustainability of the planet. “We cannot ignore the facts that must drive us all to take action,” he urged. “Our customers continually tell us it is one of the most important factors in their lives.”

 

He announced that Hillier was working on an environmental impact audit, evaluating every element of the company’s operation in order to reduce its carbon footprint as quickly as possible.

 

He also paid tribute to Sarah Eberle, who has worked with Hillier on designs for RHS Chelsea Flower Show for the past four years. “Our thanks go to everyone who contributed this year, helping us win a 74th consecutive gold, from the Hillier team to our sponsor, Stihl. Over the last four years, Sarah Eberle has not only designed incredible gold medal-winning gardens, but helped us establish a new team to deliver our Chelsea exhibit. She has done this so successfully, she has replaced herself, mentoring Lilly Gomm, who will take on sole responsibility in 2020.”

 

In 2018, Hillier completed a DIY SOS-style garden makeover charity project. Reminding guests of the joy it brought to the Burrell family, Francis urged everyone in the room to get ready for another big project in the planning. George Hillier, director of property and one of the fifth generation of Hillier family involved in the business, announced the details along with how it would help the lives of many people at a difficult time.

 

 

The Winners

  • Best Gardening Club Events 2019 - Botley
  • Marketing, Merchandising and Social Media Award 2019 – Liam Byrne (Hillier Garden Centre Sunningdale)
  • Gardening Club Champion 2019 – Eric Pleydell (Hillier Garden Centre Bath)
  • Horticultural Supplier of the Year 2019 – Meon Valley Nurseries
  • Plant Area of the Year 2019 - Sunningdale
  • Garden Shop Supplier of the Year 2019 – Decco Mill
  • Garden Shop of the Year 2019 – Hemel Hempstead
  • Home, Leisure and Outdoor Living Supplier of the Year 2019 – Woodlodge Products
  • Home and Leisure Shop of the Year 2019 - Horsham
  • Restaurant of the Year 2019 - Banbury
  • Hillier Nursery Employee of the Year 2019 – Slavek Dikta
  • Head Office Employee of the Year 2019 – Asha Lockyer
  • Garden Centre Department Manager of the Year 2019 – Kevin Ramsell (Hillier Garden Centre Botley)
  • Garden Centre Manager of the Year 2019 – Roy Whitehouse (Hillier Garden Centre Banbury)
  • Garden Centre of the Year 2019 - Botley (pictured above)
  • Garden Centre Employee of the Year 2019 – Joshna Desai (Hillier Garden Centre Chichester)

 

Brother and sister give up day jobs to run Kent centre

Brother and sister Tom and Jenny Ripley are to take over Greenways garden centre in Bethersden, Kent, in January - the first time the centre has changed hands in almost 20 years...

 

 

Above: Bradley, Tom and Andrew Ripley in The Garden Restaurant at what will become Ripleys Garden Centre in January.

 


Brother and sister Tom and Jenny Ripley are to take over Greenways garden centre in Bethersden in January - the first time the centre has changed hands in almost 20 years.

 

They plan to call it Ripleys and add a hairdressing salon.

 

The site has been owned by the Ripley family for around 40 years but Tom, 32, a former team manager at Waitrose, Canterbury, and his insurance broker sister Jenny, 34, have given up their day jobs to concentrate on the venture.

 

Tom will be investing £150,000 to upgrade the premises, which will retain the independent A-Z Animal Care and The Antiques Barn businesses on site, and a new business, Olson Timber Buildings, will be added. The Garden Restaurant, run by his cousins Andrew and Brad, will continue to trade as normal

 

The centre’s product range will be expanded to include gifts, candles, cards and children's toys.

 

Tom who plays cricket and football in the district and began his 16-year Waitrose career at the Tenterden branch, told the Kent Messenger Online: “We have lived in Bethersden all our lives so lots of people know us. Our garden centre will be family-run and we hope people will get behind us."

 

Greenways, run by Alan Greenway for 19 years, will officially close on Christmas Eve after a final sale.

Vitax grows charity's funds by over £11,000

The sale of one of Vitax’s leading gardening products has helped to grow the funds of a national charity by over £11,000...


 

The sale of one of Vitax’s leading gardening products has helped to grow the funds of a national charity by over £11,000.

 

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, have been supported by horticulture partner, Vitax, for the past two years. The charity provides a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans and their families in times of need.

 

The funds have been raised through the sale of Q4 fertiliser, popular with both professional and amateur gardeners, 20p for every 2.5kg special pack sold goes to the charity.

The Soldiers’ Charity received the donation at a presentation at Wellington Barracks in London during the Queen’s Guard mounting parade.

 

Commenting on the partnership, Paul Gooding – Vitax’s chairman, says: “It’s seventy-five years since The Soldiers’ Charity first started and since its inception it has helped thousands of British Army families in need.

 

“Vitax is honoured to partner with the charity and since we joined forces we have raised over £21,000 during the two year partnership. Q4 fertiliser is one of our most popular products and over the past 12 months we have sold more promotional packs than the previous year, which is fantastic.

 

“The garden centres and other retail outlets have been hugely supportive as it is not just about raising funds, but also raising awareness,” says Paul.

 

As part of the presentation, Lieutenant Colonel Tim Coles MBE, London regional director for The Soldiers’ Charity, hosted a lunch in the Officers Mess at Wellington Barracks, as well as taking the visitors on a tour of the barracks.

 

Kate Billingham Wilson, head of partnerships at the charity was on hand to receive the cheque and says: “Vitax have been a fantastic partner and we are truly grateful to everyone who purchased Q4 to raise over £11,000.

 

“This donation will make a huge difference to the families and individuals who need our support and without partners like Vitax we would not be able to continue the work we do.”

Established in 1944, The Soldiers’ Charity is the national charity of the British Army. The charity’s vision is that all serving soldiers, veterans and their families should have the opportunity to avoid hardship and enjoy independence and dignity.

 

The Soldiers’ Charity works with veterans of every conflict, from the Second World War to the most recent operations and takes pride in being responsive, making grants to individuals and other charities who deliver specialist support to those in need.

 

To find out more about Vitax, visit: www.vitax.co.uk

To find out more about ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, visit: www.soldierscharity.org

 

Pictured (left to right): Kate Billingham Wilson – head of partnerships at ABF The Soldiers’ Charity; Paul Gooding – Vitax’s chairman and Mark Butler, national sales manager at Vitax

New book offers tips on reducing plastic in the garden

 

 

A new book tackles the thorny issue of use of plastics in gardens – the first ever guide showing gardeners a way to cut back on un-recyclable materials...


A new book tackles the thorny issue of use of plastics in gardens – the first ever guide showing gardeners a way to cut back on un-recyclable materials.

 

It plots a path through the confusion, highlighting progress, revealing where problems lie and giving gardeners guidance and a wealth of practical ideas on how to reduce their reliance on plastics.

 

 'Plastic-free Gardening', written by Fiona Thackeray, head of operations with Trellis, Scotland's therapeutic gardening charity, includes tips and techniques on how to reduce or eradicate plastics as well listing stockists and suppliers of products made from alternative materials.

 

 It also provides up-to-date information on which plastics can and can't be recycled and how the gardening industry and local authorities, which handle kerb-side collections, are responding to the challenge.

 

 It's a timely message for anyone who has ditched supermarket shopping bags and faithfully recycles drinks bottles and milk cartons, but who has been overwhelmed by the tide of containers, plant labels, tools and compost sacks that seem to be an inevitable part of gardening.

 

 "These are changing times and progress is being made towards replacing and recycling the plastics involved in gardening, but there is no one, clear answer to the problem," says Fiona.

 

 Plastics have invaded every corner of the garden, and it's not just pots - from the linings of foil seed packets to outdoor clothing, packaging for plant foods and fertilisers and in crop-protection materials such as fleece, cloches and polytunnels - plastics proliferate.

 

Fiona talked with scientists and leading experts in the field about what's being done to solve the issue and what alternative materials are coming on stream.

 

 “In writing the book I didn't want to make gardeners feel guilty about their choices, but instead give them the best information possible on how they could find alternative ways of avoiding or reducing plastics,” says Fiona.

 

 Her own commitment to reducing plastics was given added impetus in 2014 when, on a beach in São Paulo State in Brazil, she found a loggerhead turtle being pecked by vultures and dying of plastics ingestion.

 

The power of small steps like replacing plastic plant pots and the disposable cups Trellis uses at to ones without a plastic lining should not be underestimated, Fiona says.

 

Fiona's tips for reducing plastics in the garden include:

 

  • Switch to pots made from cornstarch, rice husks, bamboo, seaweed or some of the alternative materials that are now becoming available.
  • When replacing garden tools choose those with wooden handles.
  • Consider switching what you grow to plants and crops that don't need protection from fleece or other plastic products   
  • Opt for wooden garden furniture and storage, not synthetic alternatives.
  • Make your own fertiliser from seaweed, comfrey or nettles.

 

‘Plastic-free Gardening’ is published on 3 December by Trellis Books, £11.99

Wyevale Nurseries expands sales support team

Wyevale Nurseries expanded its sales support team and taken on two new administrators. It promoted Paulina Sawicka from its propagation department to the team and appointed Helen Hoskins. Both are now Sales Support Administrators...



 

Wyevale Nurseries expanded its sales support team and taken on two new administrators. It promoted Paulina Sawicka (above left) from its propagation department to the team and appointed Helen Hoskins (above right). Both are now Sales Support Administrators.

 

Andy Johnson, Director at Wyevale Nurseries, which celebrates its 90th Anniversary in 2020, said: “As a company we are going from strength to strength and investing significantly in the future in order to drive forward. We needed to expand our sales team and we are delighted to welcome Paulina and Helen to the department.

 

“They have joined our sales support team and will work alongside the existing sales team ensuring all customers are responded to as quickly as possible. They will cover the office-based functions allowing our key sales team to spend more time visiting our clients and doing site visits.”

 

Twenty-eight-year-old Paulina from Hereford started working for Wyevale Nurseries as a seasonal worker in its propagation department in 2010. Within that role Paulina, who is originally from Poland, learnt about the nurseries’ key plants and cuttings. She then worked her way up to a team leader position within propagation before her promotion to Sales Support Administrator.

 

Paulina explained: “I am looking forward to taking on this new challenge that the promotion has to offer. I have worked within Wyevale Nurseries for nearly 10 years and this experience with what goes on behind the scenes will help me in my new role.”

 

Helen, who is from Hereford, has worked in the retail industry for more than 30 years. She was employed by the Arcadia Group for 15 years and worked in different stores through the group before managing the Bodyshop and Lakeland stores in Hereford. Prior to her role with Wyevale Nurseries, Helen, worked for Schaeffler (UK) Ltd in customer services as a Customer Service Advisor.

 

Fifty-year-old Helen added: “I am very excited about my new appointment with Wyevale Nurseries. My whole career has been in customer service and retail and I have a wealth of experience to bring to my role at Wyevale Nurseries.

 

“My change in my career direction was due to the fact that I wanted to work with a company with superb heritage. Wyevale Nurseries will celebrate its 90thanniversary in 2020 and has a clearly defined direction as it heads into the new decade. I’m really excited to be part of the team as it moves forward.”

 
Whartons invests in marketing with new management position

Whartons Roses welcomes Jo Davey to the new role of marketing manager. She joins Norfolk-based rose grower Whartons with over 25 years of horticultural experience in marketing and sales...


Whartons Roses welcomes Jo Davey to the new role of marketing manager. She joins Norfolk-based rose grower Whartons with over 25 years of horticultural experience in marketing and sales. This includes a previous spell with Whartons and most recently with Floramedia, the horticultural communication and print business and fellow Anglia Group member Darby Nursery stock.

 

Managing Director Robert Wharton says, “In our drive to develop our range and promote new varieties through strong and meaningful range branding, we felt the time had come to create a role within the business dedicated to the marketing of roses and we’re happy to be welcoming Jo back to Whartons”.

 

Jo commented, “I'm super excited about my new role, in particular helping communicate the benefits of new rose breeding to the gardening media.

Whartons works with breeders from around the world, selecting and developing the best new varieties. Raising awareness of improved varieties and their benefits is crucial to helping retailers sell more roses”.

 

Each year brings new challenges in the operating environment be that legislation, weather or responding to consumer trends. In creating this new role Whartons will be better positioned to support their customers.

 

Whartons grow over 1.5 million roses every year in Norfolk and as it takes over two years to produce a rose plant, over 3 million plants are on site at any one time.

Whartons policy is to select and grow the very best performing varieties created by breeders all over the world. These are sold wholesale to UK garden centres and other trade outlets.

Inaugural Elm Stand Planted at the National Memorial Arboretum as Hillier Trees ‘Re-elms the British Countryside’

A stand of 20 elm trees was planted at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire last week, the first official planting as part of Hillier Trees’ campaign; ‘re-elming the British countryside’...


On Wednesday 27th November, perfectly timed to coincide with National Tree Week, a number of Staffordshire dignitaries and guests from across the horticultural industry celebrated as a stand of 20 elm trees was planted at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. This event marked the first official planting as part of Hillier Trees’ campaign; ‘re-elming the British countryside’. 

 

The campaign to re-elm the British countryside follows on from the devastating loss of almost the entire UK population of elms to Dutch elm disease in the 1960s. With more than 30 million mature elm trees wiped out, many nature lovers have never had the opportunity to marvel at an elm growing in the wild.

 

Guests were welcomed by Philippa Rawlinson, Managing Director of the National Memorial Arboreum, and Adam Dunnett, Amenity Sales Director at Hillier. Both spoke passionately about the importance of trees and in particular of preserving our native trees, which give so much to the environment.

 

Adam Dunnett, Amenity Sales Director at Hillier, said: “The campaign was first unveiled by Dame Judi Dench at RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May 2019. Dame Judi is a passionate advocate for trees and spoke movingly about the loss of elms in her own garden when she was younger. The Arboretum planting marks another milestone moment; the first official elm trees planted as part of the campaign.”

 

Philippa Rawlinson, managing director of the National Memorial Arboretum, said: “It is fitting that the Arboretum is the first location, being such a nationally important, year-round centre of Remembrance. Home to over 350 memorials, the 150-acre site also features around 30,000 trees with an abundance of wildlife as a growing, living tribute to those who have served, suffered or sacrificed their lives.” 

 

Hillier Trees has been working in partnership with specialist elm breeders in the USA and Europe for decades in order to develop a new, disease-resistant elm species. This work has led to the creation of a number of ‘resista’-elms. One of the varieties of ‘resista’-elm; Ulmus ‘New Horizon’, is now grown by Hillier on their field tree nurseries in Hampshire.

 

Adam Dunnett concluded: “This new elm has been planted in selected locations across Europe and the UK over the last 30 years and is proven to be Dutch elm disease resistant, making the timing right to increase awareness and the number of these trees planted across Britain.

 
Full Time Merchandiser /Sales representative
Approximately 50 mile radius of Reading

Job Title Full Time Merchandiser /Sales representative

Area Approximately 50 mile radius of Reading

 

Job Description :Creative Products Ltd are an instore TV promotion company selling a range of unique cookware, houseware, garden, giftware and pet products under the brand name Creative.

 

We are currently seeking a hard-working, dedicated full time merchandiser/area representative to look after our accounts within approximately a 50-mile radius of the Reading area and responsible for installing/ merchandising our dedicated display stands that incorporate media advertising screens playing our custom made in store product advertising films.

 

Previous merchandising experience is preferable, as is some experience of customer service and sales, although full training will be given. The ideal candidate would be in the Reading area. You will be responsible for approximately 60 customers who will need visiting every 4-6 weeks. These customers are predominantly garden centres but also include High Street and out of town retailers. The work can be physically demanding. The role is very hands on, comprising of installing our display equipment for new business and merchandising the stock displayed on our stands. Our promotions change every 8-16 weeks and so delivering in stock, merchandising and collecting stock are all part of the required role. This vacancy would suit a person with experience of FMCG. You will be confident, have a smart appearance with the ability to develop good customer relationships. You should also have good commercial awareness and understand how the critical placement of products within retail stores affect sales performance. The ideal candidate should hold a full clean driving licence. Some overnight stays will be required as well as visits to our head office in Lincolnshire every 3-4 weeks. Company van, telephone and laptop provided. Company Pension Scheme also offered. Starting salary in the region of £22,000 with an increase after completion of successful 3-month trial period

 

Starting salary £22,000 dependent upon experience.

 

Applications by email to:

mark@creativeproducts.ltd.uk

richard@creativeproducts.ltd.uk

 
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Westland Group Announces Key Appointments to Leadership Teams

Simon McArdle moves to Gardman Crest as Marketing and Category Director and Mark Sage joins as Head of Commercial Horticulture for Westland Group from Wyevale Garden Centres...


Westland Horticulture has announced two key appointments across the group in line with its investment and growth strategy for all divisions.

 

Simon McArdle, Marketing and Category Director, Gardman Crest

 

Simon has over 20 years’ experience in the garden industry, including four years working within Westland’s Marketing team. Simon will now lead the Garden Crest Marketing and Category team and will be responsible for creating and delivering a consumer-focused growth plan across the portfolio. As well as ensuring the continued successful growth of the leading Kent & Stowe and Flopro brands, Simon will also look to drive sales across the rest of the Gardman brand portfolio.

 

Mark Sage, Head of Commercial Horticulture – Westland Group

 

Mark joins Westland from Wyevale Group, where he previously held the position of Head of Trading, responsible for Buying, Visual Merchandising and Supply Chain Management. Prior to this he held positions with the Garden Centre Group and B&Q as a buyer, and also has 13 years’ experience as Operations Director at Carpenters Nursery. Mark will lead the horticultural & commercial direction for Westland and oversee the development of the overall horticultural offer, to include relaunching and repositioning of the retail seed offer and take commercial control of Marshalls’ retail division.

 

Keith Nicholson, Westland, commented: “We are delighted to announce these new appointments which will enhance our marketing, horticultural expertise and commercial structures, plus strengthen the wider Westland business.

 

“The newly created role of Marketing and Category Director at Gardman Crest will create a structure which is better aligned with our customer needs and will enable us to increase our focus on our customer and end consumer. Simon McArdle has a wealth of experience in the sector and has a solid understanding of our business, having spent four years driving progress and development

within the Westland marketing team. Simon’s appointment will enable Colin Smart, Commercial Director at Gardman, to focus his experience on leading our buying, and supply chain teams, to deliver best-in-class availability and quality.

 

“Mark’s appointment will strengthen and refocus our Horticultural ranging, as part of our ongoing investment plan within the business. Mark Sage has a proven track record of delivering and leading positive change. His horticultural and commercial acumen is one of the strongest in the sector and we are looking forward to welcoming Mark into the group. Mark’s influence on our ranging, understanding of the retailing environment, product innovation and consumer positioning will guide our re-launch of our retail seed category and re-shape and provide direction in our Marshalls division."

 
At 76, is this Santa's most senior Elf?

Santa will be approaching the busy run-up to Christmas at Ellerker Lodge Garden Centre near Brough in East Yorkshire with a little help from one of his most senior elves – who is a modest 76 years young...


At Ellerker Lodge Garden Centre near Brough in East Yorkshire, Santa will be approaching the busy run-up to Christmas with a little help from one of his most senior elves – who is a modest 76 years young.

 

With a new team on Christmas this year, the centre has put the effort into making the displays more customer friendly yet keeping that traditional Christmas feel. “I feel we have ticked all the boxes,” general manager Mike Waugh told GTN Xtra. “The early Christmas sales have been very positive and we are moving into the busy weeks of Christmas with a HO HO HO in our step

 

“We opened our grotto a week earlier this year with a positive feel from customers. It's only our third year running the grotto but the early signs are that it's going from strength to strength and with breakfast with Santa sold out already and only a few spaces left on the tea with Santa, the future looks merry.”

 

 

Mike and his team know the success of the grotto is down to Santa… “but he's helped out by the sweetest Elf you could ask for. All the children love her as much as we all do at Ellerker Lodge.”

 

 

Elf Carole Martin celebrated her 76th birthday in November. “We think she could be Santa's most senior helper, though you wouldn't think she's just turned 76! Carole makes every child's Santa experience so so special.”

 

‘A strong and vibrant ornamental horticulture sector’ the HTA’s general election 2019 manifesto

Ahead of the 12 December general election, the HTA has set out a manifesto outlining the key policy themes and ‘asks’ that are fundamental to developing a strong and vibrant horticulture sector...


Ahead of the 12 December general election, the HTA has set out a manifesto outlining the key policy themes and ‘asks’ that are fundamental to developing a strong and vibrant horticulture sector.

 

This includes maintaining access to seasonal labour in a post-Brexit world. The UK ornamental horticulture industry is reliant on seasonal and full-time experienced workers from overseas. This needs better recognition within a future immigration system to ensure the sector can continue to develop and thrive. The HTA is calling for Ornamental Horticulture to be included in a Seasonal Workers scheme. The salary threshold for full time experienced workers needs to be lowered in any points-based system to better recognise the market rates in ornamental horticulture. With the recent sector skills survey showing horticulture facing on-going labour shortages, this threatens an overall industry that is contributing over £24bn GDP to the UK economy.

 

Tree planting is one of the quickest and easiest ways to deliver carbon reduction. The UK tree growing industry is well-placed and stands ready to meet policy ambitions. However, for this to happen there needs to be a strong degree of certainty created by Government, public and private bodies to provide fully funded plans. This includes proper financial support for capital expenditure and policies to alleviate the current shortage of labour. Nurseries require this to commit to the significant upscaling and investment in production infrastructure that will needed to meet the demand.

 

James Clark, Director of Policy and Communications at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) said: “In this general election campaign we are calling on all political parties to foster supportive and innovative economic programmes to boost our dynamic sector’s full potential. We want to see sustainability and climate change given the high priority it deserves. The garden industry is uniquely placed to support wider national health and well-being benefits of gardening and help create a Greener Britain. Not to forget, with 25m gardeners in the UK - making it arguably the country’s biggest hobby - it is a group of voters that political parties would be foolish to ignore.”

 

He adds, “In the manifesto, we set out three key policy themes that matter most to our members’ and the changes that will make the most positive difference to the UK. We are committed to working in a collaborative, cooperative and coordinated approach with a future Government on developing these policy proposals.”

 

The HTA’s three key policy themes and specific ‘asks’ of Government are:

 

A competitive, productive and growing economy that benefits everyone.

Employer taxes and wage floor increases should reflect market conditions
Backing a flexible marketplace
Horticulture should be better recognised and supported by the Government as an engine of economic growth

Making the best of a post-Brexit world.

Championing free and frictionless trade
Horticulture needs must be included in immigration policy
Plant health and biosecurity needs to remain a high priority

Creating a greener Britain.

Climate change and carbon reduction matters
Back tree planting, but the detail is crucial
A mix of woodland and urban tree planting is needed
Plant pots should be included in a consistent local authority recycling system
Work with industry on peat reduction

 

The full manifesto can be viewed on the HTA website

https://hta.org.uk/news/htas-general-election-2019-manifesto.html

 
Christmas on a new high

Christmas is now running ahead of any of the past eight years that we’ve been monitoring volume sales in GTN Bestsellers, even ahead of 2017 which was the record year to date.


Christmas is now running ahead of any of the past eight years that we’ve been monitoring volume sales in GTN Bestsellers, even ahead of 2017 which was the record year to date. 


With three bumper weekends to come we’ll soon know if the momentum continues and that means ending the year on an all time high.


Highlights of the week were:

  • Sales of personalised Xmas decs continue to grow: History & Heraldry Personalised Gingerbread Hanging Decoration stays at No 1.
  • Konstsmide’s Water Filled Dickensia Lantern is a re-entry at No 18.
  • Fosters Treat Co Chocolate Silver Coin Net is a new entry at No 24 joining six other chocolate Christmas lines in the GTN Top 50.

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

 
Environmentalist to speak at 2020 GCA conference

Environmentalist Trewin Restorick has been announced as the first speaker booked for the Garden Centre Association’s annual conference in Bristol in January...


Environmentalist Trewin Restorick has been announced as the first speaker booked for the Garden Centre Association’s annual conference in Bristol in January (January 26 until 29, 2020). 

 

Garden centre owners and their teams can book their places for the conference at Mercure Bristol, Grand Hotel in Bristol via www.gca.org.uk and will be able to hear from Trewin on Monday, January 27.

 

Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, explained: “This year’s conference has a real focus on the environment and what we can do as an industry to be more environmentally-friendly and aware, so we’re thrilled to announce environmentalist Trewin as the first of our speakers for the event.

 

“He will be speaking about corporate social responsibility, behaviour change to combat climate change, green living and charity and business partnerships. We think he will be a real inspiration to our members and help them to think more about the issues we’re facing, not just as an industry, but as individuals and as a country.”

 

Trewin is the founding CEO of Hubub, a charity which makes environmental issues fun. It works to bring issues of climate change, carbon footprints and global warming into the public eye in a fun and light-hearted way.

 

He is also the former CEO and founder of independent environmental charity Global Action Plan. Under his leadership, the charity ran programmes to reduce carbon emissions, energy consumption and waste with businesses, schools, community organisations and households.

 

Trewin acted at the Chair of the Environmental IT Leadership Team (EILT) and sat on the Defra Third Sector Advisory Board, is a trustee for Sustainability and Environmental Education, and co-chaired Defra’s Compact Group.

 

He has also been trained as one of Al Gore’s UK Climate Change Ambassadors and is a frequent media commentator on environmental issues for Channel 4 News, Sky News, BBC Breakfast and CNN.

 

Before starting Global Action Plan, Trewin works for Friends of the Earth as a Recycling Co-ordinator and Head of Marketing. In these roles, he established the first blue box kerbside recycling scheme in the UK and created Paper Round, an office-based recycling scheme in London, which now has a turnover of £3million.

 
Keenies are still gardening

As we’d expect, growing media volume sales are dropping in the run up to Christmas, but they are staying above last year by a considerable margin. People are still gardening, even after all the wet weather we’ve had – they must be very keen!


As we’d expect, growing media volume sales are dropping in the run up to Christmas, but they are staying above last year by a considerable margin. People are still gardening, even after all the wet weather we’ve had – they must be very keen!


Highlights of the week were:

  • Westland Multi Purpose with John Innes 10 litres is the highest re-entry, presumably bought for planting winter pots on patios.
  • Growth Technology Cactus & Succulent Focus Repotting Mix 8 litres climbs 15 places to No 21.
  • Westland’s New Horizon All Plant Compost 60 litres retains its position in the top four, only just behind Jack’s Magic in volume sales.

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

 
GCA conference attendees to hear from Eden Project co-founder

Attendees at this year’s Garden Centre Association annual conference in January (January 26 until 29, 2020) will hear from co-founder and Executive Vice Chair of the award-winning Eden Project Sir Tim Smit KBE...


 

Attendees at this year’s Garden Centre Association annual conference in January (January 26 until 29, 2020) will hear from co-founder and Executive Vice Chair of the award-winning Eden Project Sir Tim Smit KBE.

 

Tim will talk to GCA members on Tuesday, January 28 about the value of leading by example, how to engage teams and meeting challenges head on.

 

Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, explained: “We’re honoured that Sir Tim Smit KBE will be joining us for our annual conference. He is a fantastic and inspirational orator and we’re sure our members will thoroughly enjoy hearing everything he has to say.

 

“Everyone who is familiar with the Eden Project will know how successful it has been. It has received more than 20 million visitors since it opened its doors in 2001 and is both a showcase for world-class horticulture and an architectural symbol of human endeavour.

 

“Eden has taken a pivotal role in local regeneration, showing that sustainability is about good business practice and citizenship. It has contributed £2billion to the local economy and its next planned development is a huge geothermal plant, designed to meet all Eden’s energy needs and power 5,000 homes.”

 

Tim is a trustee, patron and board member of several bodies. He has received the Royal Society of Arts Albert Medal and was voted ‘Great Briton of 2007’ in the environment category of the Morgan Stanley Great Britons Awards.

 

Iain added: “It will be thoroughly interesting to hear what Tim has to say, especially as it coincides with this year’s environmental theme. Tim argues that the twin challenge of economic hardship and climate change makes it necessary to embrace the spirit of war – with a radical approach based less on choice and more on responsibility.

 

“He is also an inspiring businessman and will speak to our attendees about the value of leading by example, showing how to engage a team by daring to be ambitious, moving out of your comfort zone, keeping to your principles and meeting challenges head on. This will all certainly be helpful advice for our garden centre managers.”

 

 
Lights at number one again

As last year decorative bottle lights are again the No 1 Bestsellers as we near the end of November – the volumes this year are much higher...


As last year decorative bottle lights are again the No 1 Bestsellers as we near the end of November – the volumes this year are much higher. 

 

As a result it has been another bumper week for garden product sales – up by 41%.


Highlights of the week were:

  • Creative Products Bottle Light is No 1 for another week.
  • Vivid Arts Playful Dancing Penguin is the highest chart climber, up 39 places to No 10.
  • Scheurich’s Cover Pot 7cm is the highest re-entry at No 11 on the back of the increased Poinsettia sales – see the GTN Bestsellers Plants Chart on the front page.

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

NGGV helps boost sales in National Tree Week

As part of National Tree Week (which ends today, Sunday 1 December), the HTA partnered with The Tree Council and the Daily Mail to use the National Garden Gift Voucher scheme to encourage tree sales..


As part of National Tree Week (which ends today, Sunday 1 December), the HTA partnered with The Tree Council and the Daily Mail to use the National Garden Gift Voucher scheme to encourage tree sales.

 

National Tree Week is the UK’s largest annual tree celebration, marking the start of the winter tree planting season. The campaign encourages people plant more trees and care for the ones that we already have.

 

Trees give us oxygen, store carbon, improve air quality, conserve water, preserve soil, support wildlife and are a key solution to climate change. They also make communities more beautiful and improve our wellbeing.

 

As part of the Daily Mail’s ‘Be a Tree Angel’ campaign, readers can redeem Nectar points for a £5 National Garden Gift Voucher to put towards the purchase of a tree to plant in their garden.

 

Other initiatives during the week included the airing of Chris Packham’s ‘Plant a Tree to Save the World’ on Channel 5 last Thursday.

 

HTA President Boyd Douglas-Davies, said: “We can help encourage tree sales through garden centres by providing the nation’s gardeners with the best advice on the types of trees suitable for their outdoor space. For tomorrow, plant today!”

 

For further information see:

National Tree Week - https://www.treecouncil.org.uk/Take-Part/National-Tree-Week

‘Be a Tree Angel’ campaign - https://www.mymail.co.uk/pages/beatreeangel with further details in the Daily Mail all week.

 

 
Pre-Christmas plant boost

Pre-Christmas plant sales saw a boost last week with total plant volumes up on last year for only the sixth week since May...


Pre-Christmas plant sales saw a boost last week with total plant volumes up on last year for only the sixth week since May. 

 

Although sales dropped week on week, they were up by a quarter on the same week last year.

  • Poinsettia sales accounted for a lot of the difference, up by 43% on the same week last year.
  • Evergreen hedging plants also sold well with Chamaecyparis moving up to No 9.
  • Just before National Tree Week, Prunus sales bloomed to re-enter at No 27.
  • All Plants volume sales change: Week on week DOWN 11.0%.  Year to date vs 2018 DOWN 6.4%, vs  2017 UP 0.7%.

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

 
Houseplant and pet categories perform well in October, according to HTA Market Update

The changeable wet Autumn weather of 2019 may have dampened outdoor plant sales in October, but houseplant and pet categories performed particularly well this month...


The changeable wet Autumn weather of 2019 may have dampened outdoor plant sales in October, but houseplant and pet categories performed particularly well this month.

 

Houseplants saw an increase of 39% compared to October last year, and pets and aquatic sales were up 31% in month to month comparisons.

 

Sales figures for hardy plants, bedding plants and growing media were down in October 2019 compared to October 2018, however all categories reported remain up on 2018 for year to date comparisons. Rolling year to October 2019, compared to 2018 show that sales are still up 9%.

 

The report highlights that average pay growth has been increasing steadily over the last two years, whilst the rate of inflation is decreasing, now at its lowest level since October 2016. This puts consumers in a more comfortable position, but also pressures on employers in the garden industry to remain competitive with salaries.

 

The November issue of Market Update looks at last month’s garden centre sales and overall market performance. It measures consumer confidence, the wider UK economy, vehicle fuel prices, groundwater levels and weather, all of which have an impact on sales.

 

The November edition of HTA Market Update is available free for members to download from the HTA website, by logging in and then going to the Market Information pages at https://hta.org.uk/learn-develop/market-information.html

 
The best of last week's

If you missed last week's GTN Xtra, below are the most-read stories...


 
Christmas trees are slimming down

The latest trend in real Christmas trees is a special slim version, which is perfect for smaller living rooms. Recent innovations have culminated in the ‘Slim Shape’ tree, which is particularly well suited to modern, compact rooms...


The latest trend in real Christmas trees is a special slim version, which is perfect for smaller living rooms. Recent innovations have culminated in the ‘Slim Shape’ tree, which is particularly well suited to modern, compact rooms.

 

“These trees are carefully pruned while growing so that the final tree you buy is narrower, but still dense, full and nicely branched.” explained specialist tree grower Christopher Hood. “The result is a beautiful space-saving tree which is ideal for smaller homes.”

 

This year Squire’s Garden Centres expect the ‘Slim Shape’ Nordmann Fir to be very popular, as customers have been increasingly searching for trees that are not too wide for their homes.

 

Squire’s Chairman Sarah Squire added, “It’s easy to choose your perfect Christmas tree at Squire’s as they are all displayed by size and type. We also give customers expert care advice, free netting, a free carry to car service, and home delivery is available too. Or if you’re after an artificial tree then we have a huge selection to choose from, including pre-lit, snowy and slim options.”

 
Horticultural ‘Oscars’ highlight gardening as force for good

Eliminating plastics from our gardens, the social prescribing of gardening and the leafy love affair of millennials and their houseplants, were just some of the varied subjects being championed by gardening’s greatest influencers, at this year’s horticultural ‘Oscars’, the Garden Media Guild Awards.


Lifetime Achievement Award winner Carol Klein with Roy Lancaster (photo credit Jayne Lloyd)

 

Eliminating plastics from our gardens, the social prescribing of gardening and the leafy love affair of millennials and their houseplants, were just some of the varied subjects being championed by gardening’s greatest influencers, at this year’s horticultural ‘Oscars’, the Garden Media Guild Awards.

 

The awards is one of the biggest events of the horticultural calendar for those who tweet, write, blog, photograph and broadcast about one of the nation’s favourite pastimes. 

 

Held at the Savoy, Thursday’s (21 November) event was attended by over 350 of gardening’s great and good.  The event has 15 sponsors including Westland as headline sponsor. 

 

The 18 award categories attract entries from the UK’s leading gardening trend-setters from the new, blossoming stars of social media, through to the evergreen, celebrated garden writers and broadcasters.

 

This year’s award winners included Sally Chandler who won Social Media Influencer of the Year for Beth’s Chatto’s Plants & Gardens website. Sally has created a celebration of the life of one of the UK’s greatest gardeners and has used excerpts from Chatto’s Notebook to compare the garden then and now, with beautiful up-to-date images illustrating the plantswoman's inspiring words.  

 

The winner of Practical Journalist of the Year was won by gardening national treasure Alan Titchmarsh for his articles for Gardeners’ World Magazine, including those on creating plants for free and advice on how to grow super spuds!

 

The prestigious Life-Time Achievement Award was this year presented to a doyenne of gardening - presenter and plant guru, Carol Klein whose natural, down-to-earth approach has made her a popular and trusted figure amongst the British public over the last 30 years.

 

The inaugural Beth Chatto Environmental Award was scooped by Sally Nex for her writing on plastic-free gardening in The Garden magazine. 

 

Co-Chair of the Garden Media Guild Award Constance Craig Smith said: “It’s fantastic that so many of this year’s winning entries highlight the force for good that gardening can bring and across such a diverse range of platforms, from social media, vlogs and blogs to TV programmes and long-standing print magazines. The entire world of gardening media is in a wonderful position to highlight the increasing social, environmental and health benefits gardening, plants and being engaged with nature, can offer to everyone whatever their age.”

 

The 2019 winners are:

  • Blog or Vlog of the Year, sponsored by Mr Fothergill’s - Alison Levey, Blackberry Garden
  • Website of the Year, sponsored by Honda - National Garden Scheme
  • Social Media Influencer of the Year, sponsored by Stihl - Sally Chandler, Beth Chatto's Plants and Gardens website
  • Alan Titchmarsh New Talent Award, sponsored by Hayloft Plants - Tom Brown for writing and broadcasting (head gardener at West Dean, formerly at Parham)
  • Radio Broadcast/Podcast of the Year, sponsored by Evergreen - Sarah Wilson, Roots and All podcast
  • Roy Lancaster TV Broadcast of the Year, sponsored by the Horticultural Trades Association - Great British Gardens, Channel 5
  • Peter Seabrook Practical Book of the Year, sponsored by the Garden Press Event- New Vegetable Garden Techniques, Joyce Russell
  • Garden Book of the Year - Kiftsgate Court Gardens, Vanessa Berridge
  • Features Photographer of the Year - Jason Ingram
  • Gordon Rae Photographer of the Year, sponsored by Candide - Jason Ingram
  • News Journalist of the Year, sponsored by Briggs & Stratton - Marc Rosenberg
  • Practical Journalist of the Year, sponsored by Thompson & Morgan - Alan Titchmarsh
  • Beth Chatto Environmental Award, sponsored by Beth Chatto Education Trust - Sally Nex
  • Journalist of the Year, sponsored by Viking Cruises- James Alexander-Sinclair
  • Dr David Hessayon Garden Columnist of the Year, sponsored by Vitax - Marian Boswall
  • Garden Publication of the Year, sponsored by Westland Horticulture - Garden Design Journal
  • Cover of the Year, sponsored by Cobra - The Galanthophiles
  • Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Westland Horticulture – Carol Klein

More information at www.gardenmediaguild.co.uk/awards

 
Sustainability brings opportunity for garden industry

Sustainability was the underlying theme of the day from the quality line-up of speakers at the Cultivating Retail Conference held in Nottingham on Tuesday...


 

With sustainability as the underlying theme of the day the key messages to come from the quality line up of speakers at the Cultivating Retail Conference held on Tuesday in Nottingham included:

  • The garden industry is well placed to offer solutions that help mitigate the impact of climate change and shape the implementation of the Government’s 25-year environment plan.
  • The actions of individuals and businesses can make a real difference.
  • Sustainability is no longer just a ‘nice to have’ but an essential and integral component of modern business.
  • The industry needs to provide a unified approach to address the positive challenges and opportunities that sustainability presents.

The conference, supported by gold partner Evergreen Garden Care, brought together two hundred representatives from across the industry. With movements such as Extinction Rebellion rising to the fore and each political party vying for the green vote these changing times show environmental concerns have become mainstream. Consumers expect more from businesses and expect them to operate in a sustainable manner.

 

In conversation with HTA President Boyd Douglas-Davies, Dr David Bek, Sustainability Economist from Coventry University, spoke about the positives that the industry brings in terms of producing plant material and products that store and convert carbon. “With a changing climate, there is a real opportunity to adapt and challenge our approach to gardening embracing the more chaotic style of nature creating a new normal. The horticulture industry needs to be bold, innovative and nimble and connect with consumers to make a substantive impact on biodiversity and climate change”, said Dr Bek.

 

This was echoed by former CEO of Tesco, Sir Terry Leahy, who said that “sustainability brings new business opportunities for the garden industry to respond to. With changing weather patterns, increasing emphasis on biosecurity and provenance, garden centres are better placed and more relevant than many high street retail outlets to meet consumer demand as they provide the solutions for many of these issues.”

 

Bringing synergies from the takeaway sector, Graham Corfield, Chief Operating Officer for Just Eat, highlighted that “whilst sustainability is a big planet issue, individuals and communities can make a real difference as all actions add up to help change consumer behaviour.”

 

Addressing the audience, HTA Chairman James Barnes commented that “it has never been so important to come together as an industry to present a unified approach to demonstrate how we can provide solutions to help mitigate the impact of climate change.”

 

He added,  “The HTA has an opportunity and responsibility to help further the industry’s commitment to develop in an environmentally sustainable manner. Our planned environmental sustainability roadmap will enable us to be the central point of policy information for the industry on key topics including water, growing media, plastics, and energy.”

 

GIMA and the HTA would like to thank the event sponsors for their support of Cultivating Retail this year.

Gold Partner: Evergreen Garden Care

Silver Partner: Hozelock

Dinner Partner: Corby + Fellas

Partners: Anglia Car Charging, B2B SG Systems, Bord Na Mona, Dura-ID, Easigrass, Easitill, Eight Days A Week Print Solutions, Frobisher’s, GLEE, HTA Utilities, Ideal Lights, MorePeople, Smart Garden Products and Swan Retail.

 
David Austin Roses launches sustainable packaging for bare root planting

As part of the leading rose breeder’s ongoing commitment to reducing its plastic consumption and impact on the environment, David Austin Roses has announced that its range of bare root roses now comes in plastic-free packaging...


As part of the leading rose breeder’s ongoing commitment to reducing its plastic consumption and impact on the environment, David Austin Roses has announced that its range of bare root roses now comes in plastic-free packaging.

 

Without the need for a pot, these dormant plants have until now been packaged in an inner carrier made of plastic, accompanied by paperwork protected in a separate plastic covering.

 

Designed to lock in vital natural moisture and prevent dehydration during delivery and storage, these carriers provide vital protection in transit.

 

“Removing these carriers in their entirety wasn’t an option but we knew a plastic-free solution was out there. We wanted something that was recyclable at the very least but had to keep our plants safe and hydrated till planted. After extensive research we were able to come up with a carrier made from potato starch, which is 100% biodegradable and perfect for the compost heap or the food waste bin. We’ve also refreshed the design of the outer brown bag, giving it a new look while keeping it fully recyclable,”explains Richard Austin, Head of Marketing.

 

Gardening enthusiasts will already know the many benefits of these eco-friendly beauties: great for mass planting, they are physically lighter to handle, easier to store and can prove a cost-effective way to overhaul any garden.

 

From the simplicity of planting three bare root roses of the same variety together to craft a larger rose bush, to a complete border transformation by mass planting in one colour to create a modern colour-block effect, bare roots offer an even more sustainable way to create high visual and sensory impact in any outdoor space.

 

Richard adds:“For those who love being outdoors come rain or shine, there’s something particularly special about planting bare roots; though their wiry stems are arguably less than attractive at first, there’s an added sense of anticipation in seeing the fruits of your autumn or winter labours the following summer –a feeling not dissimilar to breeding a new rose. Knowing that your beautiful roses have made as little impact on the environment as possible, to my mind, makes bare root planting an even more sustainable way to transform gardens and outdoor spaces summer after summer.”

 

All David Austin rose varieties are available in bare root and can be ordered year-round for delivery between November and April.

 

For more information about our range of bare root roses, visit https://www.davidaustinroses.co.uk/delivery-type/bare-root

For information on how to plant bare root, visit https://www.davidaustinroses.co.uk/advice-and-inspiration/how-to-plant-a-bare-root-shrub-rose/

 
 
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week

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


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

 

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

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2017 as well as 2018 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 Garden Plants Bestsellers chart for this week are here


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

 

Highlights of the GTN Christmas Products chart for this week are here

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 
All the latest news from the world of garden centre catering
Drinks suppliers flock to show their wares at Casual Dining

Four months ahead of from Casual Dining 2020 (25-26 March, London ExCeL) two of the show's popular drinks pavilions are already sold out.  Boasting a dozen exhibitors each, the Artisan Spirits Lounge and The Taphouse will sample innovations from a mix of independent breweries and distilleries...


Four months ahead of from Casual Dining 2020 (25-26 March, London ExCeL) two of the show's popular drinks pavilions are already sold out.  Boasting a dozen exhibitors each, the Artisan Spirits Lounge and The Taphouse will sample innovations from a mix of independent breweries and distilleries.

 

Making their show debut in the former are: Belgrove Rum, Faith & Sons Gin, Strawbar (eau de vie spirit distilled from organic Greek strawberries) and Tarsier Spirit (Southeast Asian dry gin).  In the latter: Binary Botanical (a lightly sparkling table beer aimed at 'wine lovers'), Freestar, Lucky Saint, Orbit Beers, ShinDigger Craft Beer, Small Beer Brew Co, and The Five Points Brewing Co.

 

The Vineyard, a new area for 2020, has been launched to satisfy the growing demand for wine at the show.  It'll boast a raft of new companies (expect sparkling wine producers to feature strongly), with The Emissary Prosecco, and its vegan friendly Doc Treviso Brut 2017, having already snapped up the first stand.

 

Casual Dining's event manager Eva Ellis says: "Offering a varied drinks menu - full of differentiation, innovative styles, flavours and blends, and distinctive 'brand' personality - is essential for any successful restaurant, pub and bar operator.  But where do you start?

 

 

"For example, according to some of the latest industry research this year, wine is the UK's favourite alcoholic tipple, gin is the No.1 spirit, sparkling wine is booming, beer trumps wine in pubs, the premiumisation mega trend is helping drive alcohol sales, quality's up but quantity's down, all-the-while more British consumers generally are regularly choosing more low-and-no ABV options.

 

"That's a lot of bases for casual dining operators to cover.  Fortunately, our exhibitors range from some of the world's biggest-selling beer and cider brands to some of the industry's newest start-ups - so, whatever your customers' favourite drink there's sure to be plenty to suit every taste here.".

 

Soft drinks - particularly premium adult offerings - are always a big category at the show.  Coca-Cola European Partners, Britvic Soft Drinks, Fentimans, Nix & Kix, Karma Cola, Belvoir Fruit Farms, Dalston's, Lemonaid, Pip Organic, Batch Organics, Long Tail Mixers, Lixir Tonic and many more - will be sampling everything from craft sodas, seltzers, fruit juices and cordials, to mixers, tonics, flavoured waters and smoothie kits.

 

For further information, please visit www.casualdiningshow.co.uk <http://link.email.dynect.net/link.php?

 

 
Yorkshire chef launches first cookery book with a demo at Bradford garden centre

A Yorkshire born chef whose cookery is inspired by a global catering career will be at Tong Garden Centre next week for a demo and book signing...


A Yorkshire born chef whose cookery is inspired by a global catering career will be at Tong Garden Centre next week for a demo and book signing.

 

Ali Bilton, who has worked in private catering and restaurants in London, Spain and Hong Kong, will use produce from the Food Hall at Tong to create recipes from her book, Ali Bilton cooks…her favourites at the Tong Lane centre on 4th December.

 

Mrs Bilton, private chef and head tutor at the multi award winning Yorkshire Wolds Cookery School, was inspired to write the book to bring together a selection of family favourites and recipes that evoke memories of the places she has lived.

 

The self-published book includes over 60 recipes and features recollections and photos from her life, including a touching foreword dating back 20 years from her then seven year old son, Charlie: "Mum is the greatest cook ever, even better than Jamie Oliver …. When I'm older I want to work for mum so that I can serve her gorgeous food"

 

Of the book, Tong's Head of Marketing, Jo Dales said: "This is a delightful, yet practical cookery book that gives a lovely insight into Ali the chef and Ali the person.

 

"Like us, Ali champions the use of Yorkshire produce and we're really looking forward to welcoming her to Tong."

 

The demo is free and takes place between 10.30am and 3.30pm in the Food Hall at Tong Garden Centre.