Any fear of it being ‘too hot’ now and that stopping sales has been allayed by data from garden centres for GTN Bestsellers. For the first three weeks of the month sales volumes are 14% up on 2019 levels and 36% ahead of sales in July 2018...
Any fear of it being ‘too hot’ now and that stopping sales has been allayed by data from garden centres for GTN Bestsellers. For the first three weeks of the month sales volumes are 14% up on 2019 levels and 36% ahead of sales in July 2018.
While supermarkets are having problems filling their shelves, centres that GTN has visited this week all have plenty of stock now to cater for the summer demand, including good supplies of BBQs and even some furniture on display.
As we move towards the school holidays there’s still plenty of opportunity to sell late arriving outdoor leisure products, including loungers and children’s garden toys.
With some centres expecting their first Christmas deliveries this week, decisions will have to be made as to when festive products and decorations go on sale this year. Do you wait until October and make the most of the Autumn gardening season, which was exceptional last year, or go for it early just in case there is a later winter lockdown? Fingers and everything crossed that doesn’t happen.
GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week in 2020: week 29.
Garden Products Top 50 – down 24%
Growing Media Top 50 – down 38%
Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – down 31%
Wild Bird & Wildlife Care Top 50 – down 8%
GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week in 2020: week 29.
All Plants with Barcode index – down 7%
All Items with Barcode index – down 12%
See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.
Following a series or concise feasibility, planning and design meetings, the owners opted to replicate the style of the original structure, creating a contemporary mix of black finished steel with our well-known glulaminated (‘glulam’) timber arches. With all steel work, including the 5.7m tall columns pictured with a member of our site crew, manufactured in Fordingbridge’s purpose-built West Sussex factory, the materials and construction team made the 600-mile journey to Inverness and work at the centre is well underway.
The canopy will be the widest glulam canopy in the company’s history, with previous past record breakers including the single section timber arches as used on the Greenpower building. Fordingbridge also believes the structure to be the widest of its type in the UK.
The 14,000sqft canopy roofing will feature a combination of the exclusive Opal 60 tensioned membrane and a 16mm triple-wall polycarbonate to form a central roof lantern. Opal 60, designed exclusively for Fordingbridge, is a durable, recyclable and lightweight PVC fabric. It reduces solar gain for the comfort of customers, while still allowing a generous 60% natural daylight to permeate.
“With Fordingbridge design technicians accustomed to working with both steel and timber, we are able to create striking weather-protected spaces suitable for any environment,” said a company spokesperson.
“This approach also ensures longevity and sustainability is built-in to the structure. Our specially treated structural glulam arches are fabricated to our design from FSC/PEFC timber, ensuring not only the carbon embodiment but also future safety of those forests producing the lumber is high. Equally, our design has been future-proofed, allowing the canopy to be easily converted to a fully insulated building at a later date.”
With Fordingbridge elements due for completion in the coming weeks, the area surrounding the canopy will also be extensively landscaped, adding to the retail experience of the leading independent garden centre.
Following Lord Frost’s announcement that the UK will be maintaining a “standstill period” for current grace periods for goods traded in Northern Ireland while the Protocol is renegotiated, the HTA have reiterated their call to ‘Let Britain Grow’ through the UK and EU agreeing equivalence in plant health standards.
Following Lord Frost’s announcement that the UK will be maintaining a “standstill period” for current grace periods for goods traded in Northern Ireland while the Protocol is renegotiated, the HTA have reiterated their call to ‘Let Britain Grow’ through the UK and EU agreeing equivalence in plant health standards.
Speaking in the House of Lords today, Lord Frost specifically mentioned the trade in seeds and plants had experienced difficulties and the Protocol should be renegotiated in order to give stability and surety to businesses.
James Barnes, Chairman of the HTA said: “We’ve already seen evidence that Northern Irish businesses have forsaken long held supplier relations with GB growers and traders and are sourcing plants direct from the EU to avoid the difficulties in buying plants from Great Britain.
“The new approach proposed by the UK Government could be good news for businesses who need an urgent solution to the current prohibition on trading with Northern Ireland in species like oak, acer and honeysuckle. The recognition for some level of equivalence for Northern Ireland trades could be a strategy for a wider UK-EU agreement on plant health standards.
This is what we have been calling for through our ‘Let Britain Grow’ campaign. It would remove the £25m-£30m extra costs of trade the industry has been hit with and bring a more pragmatic approach to restrictions around what plants and trees are being imported and exported.
Through acknowledging that each other’s standards in plant health are acceptable not only maintains biosecurity but enhances it. This will allow the sector to increase UK-based production and extend our ability to export those iconic British plants, seeds and garden services this country is known for.”
As the industry gears up for the return of Glee as an in-person event (14th-16th September, NEC Birmingham), there are a number of new brands which are getting ready to make their debut. Here we find out more about those companies never-before seen at the leading garden retail event...
As the industry gears up for the return of Glee as an in-person event (14th-16th September, NEC Birmingham), there are a number of new brands which are getting ready to make their debut. Here we find out more about those companies never-before seen at the leading garden retail event.
This year Glee is set to welcome over 80 new brands, with even more expected to secure their space ahead of the September event. Made up of UK and international exhibitors, these companies represent a thriving newness that is helping to shape the future of garden retail. Featuring grass root product development and established brands that are looking to diversify and capture more garden centre customers, buying teams will want to make a beeline for these exhibitors as they may be able to source something new and unique to bolster their retail offering in 2022.
An overview: new brands to look out for
Poétic Garden is a 75-year-old family run company, based in the Lyon area of France that produces planters and accessories for indoor and outdoor use, with significant advantages such as minimum 90% recycled material, strong designs, cost-efficient production, and an effective logistical operation.
Established in 2019, Kin Ltd is a member of the Wilkinson Hardware Stores Ltd. family of businesses. The brand develops and designs sustainable products for the home and garden, taking a holistic approach to creativity, usability and commerciality; designing quality inventive products that are easy to use, effective and durable.
Biohort GmbH from Neufelden, is the European market leader for storage solutions made of metal. The product portfolio includes high-end garden sheds, handy storage boxes for the outdoor area and essentials for your garden such as raised vegetable beds. Biohort products are manufactured 100 % in Austria and provide best quality, longevity and freedom from maintenance.
Norwegian based O-Grill will showcase its portable gas grills for the first time at Glee. The company’s portable gas grills are designed to deliver maximum heat and grilling space whilst still being compact and safe to pack in your vehicle, wherever you are going.
Rouchette will be travelling from Le May Sur Evre in France to showcase its range of stylish ladies and men’s’ footwear, including garden, sailing, multi-use and casual design.
Leon Boots Co.will also be debuting at Glee with its range of ultra-lightweight wellington boots including the Garden Ankle Boot, Unisex Explorer and Ladies Montana styles. Weighing up to 65% less than traditional wellington boots and coupled with a much-lower price point, Leon Boots Co. hope to increase impulse and gifting sales potential within the footwear sector.
Dragon Den backed, Willsow, will be launching the first ever plantable children’s book at Glee 2021. Each book is made with special handmade paper embedded with real vegetable and herb seeds. When the paper is planted, vegetable and herbs will grow from the paper, making it a fun way to teach children about where our food comes from, whilst also giving the books a new lease of life.
Another new-to-Glee exhibitor will be BOOTPAC. Born during the first lockdown in 2020, the BOOTPAC was designed to make recycling easier by enabling the transport of wet or dirty items to the recycling centre to be a simpler and cleaner process. The bag itself fits almost all cars - unlike most boot liners which are car specific - and is designed to last for years and not be part of our disposable culture.
So & Mo has chosen to launch at Glee because “of the size of the show and the attention we're going to be able to get as a new brand from retailers around the country and potentially further afield. The timing of the show gives us a perfect run up for 2022 and to start to really build some momentum to elevate the lawn care industry.” The brand wants to bring performance lawn care products to the domestic market and combine these with its 30-years of expertise to make everyone a lawn expert. The So & Mo team has developed three formulations focussed on complete plant health which we use over the 12 months for year-round performance.
Ergrownomics is a father-and-son team determined to break the mould of the gardening sector, offering quality, built-to-last products manufactured entirely within the UK. The Ergrownomics system is designed to make home-growing simple, comfortable, reliable & productive – requiring minimal maintenance and no prior gardening experience. The planters are all equipped with excellent functionality, including irrigation, filter-drainage and a patented plant-training system, and are available at a range of four possible heights, with a class-leading 10-year warranty.
PlantGrow – who playfully refer to themselves as “an eco-conscious bunch who have found a solution to many problems in today’s gardening world and horticultural trade” - is the first in the UK to produce natural plant foods and growing mediums through a patented renewable energy process. Buyers at Glee will be able to see for the first time the full range of PlantGrow products which are organic and made entirely from plants; whilst also being 100% free of peat, chemicals and animal waste. The entire range is also tested for pesticides and herbicides and is Soil Association approved.
Goodchaps will be making its debut within Glee’s dedicated pet section, PAW. The family run, eco-friendly brand specialises in dog products including healthy, high-quality treats and toys, all created whilst keeping the environmental impact as small as possible. This means all of Goodchaps’ fish-based treats are sustainably sourced from established and trusted fish merchants within the UK, whilst its toys are handmade using 100% unbleached cotton and all Goodchaps packaging is 100% plastic free and biodegradable, compostable or recyclable. The Goodchaps team don't just cater to our four-legged friends, they also offer a range of bespoke hand illustrated gifts and stationery by local artist Beth Goodwin, which also comes in 100% plastic free packaging.
Whilst long established, 2021 marks the first time that Venteo will be exhibiting at Glee. This year the company will be showcasing its retail video solutions and launching its new RootSlayer™ - an indispensable new garden tool which combines the functionality of a spade and a cutting device for ultimate control in a range of garden settings.
Concept Research based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, is a UK manufacturer of ultrasound animal deterrents. For over 25 years the business has built a reputation as a reliable supplier of quality products that deliver on their promises. With a range that includes Catwatch, the only cat deterrent tested & approved by The RSPB, Concept Research is excited to be making its debut at Glee later this year.
Other new companies set to debut at Glee 2021 will be Veritable, Urban Farm It, Tri-Star Packaging, Tripod Home, Hansa Design, Jadecliff Ltd, Loud & Clear Safety, GoodToBee, Anglo-Peruvian Trading, By Jo Crafts, NIAB, Playback Frames ltd, S&S Garden Designs Ltd, Apollo Gardening, CJ Wildlife, Bedmax Ltd, Dansons Europe, Evercreatures, Allingham Games, The Stone & Garden Company, Teal International, Kingsley Designs Ltd, Lave-Lite, Carbon Gold Ltd, Collarways Ltd, Hornsey Hammocks, and George Rye & Sons Ltd.
Find out more
To keep up to date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com. To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2020 call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.
While plant sales in the past two weeks haven’t matched last year’s levels when gardeners were still catching up after lockdown #1, they have been significantly higher than the same two weeks in any of the four years prior to 2020...
While plant sales in the past two weeks haven’t matched last year’s levels when gardeners were still catching up after lockdown #1, they have been significantly higher than the same two weeks in any of the four years prior to 2020.
Plant sales volumes for those two weeks in 2021 have been 20% ahead of the same weeks in 2019 and 6% ahead of 2018.
See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.
The horticultural hub of Glee, the Green Heart, is making its return later this year and is set to provide one of the first face-to-face networking opportunities for the plant trade sector within the last two years...
The horticultural hub of Glee, the Green Heart, is making its return later this year and is set to provide one of the first face-to-face networking opportunities for the plant trade sector within the last two years.
Working in partnership with Woodlodge – the Green Heart’s official merchandising bench supplier – Glee Green Heart is a must-attend event for any retailer wanting to optimise the unprecedented growth of green living in autumn 2021 and beyond.
This year’s Green Heart will be home to a number of leading brands, including Key Essentials, Craigmarloch Nurseries Ltd, Porters/Happy Plants, The Bransford Webb Plant Company, Lovania Nurseries Ltd, New Leaf Plants, MNP Flowers, Pacific Nurseries and John Richards Nurseries - all coming together to create the strongest display of new plant varieties and inspiration for plant buyers and retailers looking to develop both their indoor and outdoor plant offering in the coming season.
Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director said: “The Green Heart is a really important part of Glee and is designed to put plants right at the centre of the show but, more than this, we want to arm retailers and growers with a platform to communicate – whether in regard to what’s new or how to better drive sales in-store.
“After a significant period of growth for plants, this year’s Glee Green Heart will be more vital than ever.
"This year’s event will provide plant suppliers and growers with a cost-effective solution for showcasing their latest ranges, to owners and buyers from an unrivalled selection of UK-based independent garden retail businesses, as well as from many of the chains, multiple groups and complementary garden retailers.”
Plants will also be celebrated through Glee’s dedicated New Product Showcase with the dedicated Garden Plants, Seeds and Bulbs award.
Inficaf is a new, sustainable raw material made from upcycled spent coffee grounds, which bio-bean takes from UK businesses at every scale, helping to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions...
Inficaf is a new, sustainable raw material made from upcycled spent coffee grounds, which bio-bean takes from UK businesses at every scale, helping to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
Inficaf is consistent in particle size, moisture content and bulk density, making it adaptable for businesses seeking to create transformative change by displacing virgin or synthetic materials whilst also reducing waste.
For example, Inficaf is a valuable, sustainable filler for plant-based polymers, replacing traditional mineral fillers. It can also be used as a filler for traditional plastics and composites, displacing the use of virgin petrochemicals.
Alternatively, from an exfoliant in cosmetics and skincare products to bio-based printing inks or fibres in textiles, Inficaf offers endless possibilities for sustainable product innovations.
The SOLEX Brochure and Floor Plan will remain on the SOLEX website so you can always re visit if you want to re connect with any of exhibitors or find out what’s on offer next season...
The SOLEX Brochure and Floor Plan will remain on the SOLEX website so you can always re visit if you want to re connect with any of exhibitors or find out what’s on offer next season.
LOFA Marketing Manager Gina Hinde told SOLEX SUN: "Another Virtual SOLEX has been and gone. The online event kicked off on Tuesday 6th July, and over the three days we had just over 4,000 visitors to our SOLEX website, online brochure and virtual floor plan which is amazing, and a whopping 14,800 of you opened the GTN SOLEX SUN viewing almost 20,000 pages, which are amazing stats and we are, as always, very grateful for the support everyone has shown us, and taking the time to visit and interact with our exhibitors.
"We hope everyone enjoyed it and we look forward to welcoming you all back to the NEC next year, Halls 17/18/19, 12-14 July 2022."
Chris Dartnell, Manager of Squire’s Garden Centre in Washington, has written a captivating children’s book called ‘Most animals like to…’, with beautiful illustrations by Helz Cuppleditch who also works at Squire’s...
Chris Dartnell, Manager of Squire’s Garden Centre in Washington, has written a captivating children’s book called ‘Most animals like to…’, with beautiful illustrations by Helz Cuppleditch who also works at Squire’s.
The book is aimed at children aged 3-5, and is about animals who have fun yet unusual habits which are reflected in their names, so there’s Cheddar the mouse, Howler the dog, Chippy the seagull and Suds the cat, to name but a few.
The book is £4.99 and is available to buy now at Squire’s Garden Centre in Washington.
Author Chris Dartnell, who is from East Sussex, is a man of many talents. As well as writing his first book he has a passion for horticulture, and has been Manager of Squire’s Garden Centre in Washington for nine years.
He is also an accomplished drummer and has played with many bands, including local favourite The Reform Club with whom he has released two albums.
Chris Dartnell commented; “I was inspired to write this book when I saw my cat drinking from the sink tap one day, and I thought it would be fun to write about the unusual habits that animals have.
"Some of my inspiration also came from the Pets & Aquatics department at Squire’s in Washington, as we have a great selection of furry animals as well as reptiles and fish. It’s very exciting to see my book for sale at Squire’s!
"Massive thanks go to my colleague Helz Cuppleditch who did all the beautiful illustrations in the book which really brings it to life.”
Following a successful partnership over the last two years, Cobra has announced its continued support of research and care charity, Breast Cancer Now, throughout 2021...
Following a successful partnership over the last two years, Cobra has announced its continued support of research and care charity, Breast Cancer Now, throughout 2021.
The garden machinery manufacturer has raised £10,000 for the charity over the course of the partnership and hopes to raise more this year than ever before, with the machines now available at dealerships across the country.
Money will continue to be raised through the sale of its limited-edition pink GTRM38P mower, with £25 from every purchase of the model going to Breast Cancer Now to help make world-class research and life-changing support happen.
The electric mower comes equipped with a range of features, including a 15” cutting width and provides seven cutting heights, which can be easily adjusted using a simple lever. Weighing just 17kg, it is a lightweight yet powerful machine which also boasts adjustable handles and ‘soft grip’ controls to maximise comfort when mowing.
The mower has a 40-litre grass bag and features a handy indicator system to alert you when the grass bag is ready to be emptied, preventing any spillages. The built-in mulching system finely cuts the clippings which, as they decompose, release nutrients and fertilisers which are then returned to the soil meaning you can cut and fertilise your grass all at the same time. To achieve the perfect, traditional striped finish, the GTRM38P also comes equipped with a rear roller which allows you to mow right up to the edges of flowerbeds and borders, with the rear roller supporting the mower when the front wheels are in line with the border edge.
Support for people affected by breast cancer has never been more needed due to the devastating impact of COVID-19. At the same time, the pandemic has significantly impacted Breast Cancer Now and the charity urgently needs support so that it can continue to be there for people affected by breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Now is steered by world-class research and powered by life-changing care. The charity works with hospitals and patients to improve breast cancer services and makes sure anyone affected receives the best possible treatment and care. It is there for anyone affected by breast cancer, the whole way through, providing support for today and hope for the future.
Lisa Gilmour, Head of Regional Community Fundraising at Breast Cancer Now, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Cobra for their wonderful support over the last two years and are excited to work with them once again this year.
“Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK, and the impacts of the pandemic mean that people affected by this devastating disease need us now more than ever. As such, support from businesses like Cobra has never been more needed and we are so grateful to them and their customers for their unwavering support – together we can help change the future of breast cancer.”
More information about the GTRM38P can be found at cobragarden.co.uk and for further information about Breast Cancer Now please visit breastcancernow.org.
Garden machinery dealers can win £1,000 to invest in their business, courtesy of a new initiative launched by Hansa Products...
Garden machinery dealers can win £1,000 to invest in their business, courtesy of a new initiative launched by Hansa Products.
Applying is incredibly simple. Visit the Hansa website at www.hansaproducts.com, enter your contact details and a brief summary of what you’d do with the money and press submit!
The runner up with receive 5% discount off their first Hansa order, and third place is £500 discount on their first order.
Steven Milburn, managing director of Hansa Products Europe, commented: “We’re a family run business and helping each other is at the heart of what we do, so we’ve launched The Hansa Helping Grand initiative to help support small businesses and independent machinery dealers.
“We are offering £1,000 to help businesses grow. It might be spent on giving premises a facelift, advertising to help attract new customers, investing in apprenticeship training, or a team building trip to say thanks to employees for getting through tough times – the options are endless. As long as it’s business related and will have an impact, we don’t mind! We know stocking a new line can be a big decision, particularly after such a challenging year, so we want to help make that decision as easy as possible for dealers, while supporting their growth so are also offering purchasing incentives as part of the prize.”
Established in the 1980s, Hansa specialises in the design and manufacture of high-quality brush chipping and shredding equipment. The family run company has a strong heritage combined with constant evolution and innovation. It prides itself on the ethos of “providing the best chipping experience”, whether being used in a garden at home, by a landscaper, professional arborist or other commercial user.
The Hansa Helping Grand is open to all UK garden machinery dealers that are registered with Henton & Chattell, the UK’s largest distributor, including those that already sell Hansa products.
A growing relationship between Harper Adams and a Lincolnshire-based seed company has seen the careers of a series of University alumni flourish...
A growing relationship between Harper Adams and a Lincolnshire-based seed company has seen the careers of a series of University alumni flourish.
Boston Seeds – which aims to use the knowledge and skills of the next generation of the agricultural sector to keep its business fresh – has worked with a range of alumni from the University, including Sales and Marketing co-ordinator Kathryn Pugh, who has been with the company since July of last year and Sophie Vear, Sales and Logistics Co-ordinator, who began her role at the company this June.
Kathryn, who comes from an arable farming background and grew up near Swineshead, studied a BSc (Hons) Agri-business degree at Harper Adams and discovered Boston Seeds during dissertation research in her final year.
She said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Harper, I met friends for life and great industry contacts.
“Being from an arable background, I knew I always wanted to pursue a career in Agriculture, Harper furthered this by blending agriculture with my firm interest in business and the supply chain.”
As that interest developed, Kathryn’s final year project led her to Boston Seeds – and, ultimately, to her new role.
She added: “Focusing on both merchants’ and farmers’ perspective of cover crops, I interviewed a now-colleague for my research for my dissertation, which turned into the role as a Sales and Marketing Coordinator at the end of my studies.
“I’ve loved the past year working with such an adaptive and knowledgeable team. I feel I’ve learned a lot about the amenity and agricultural supply chain and learned first-hand how a business evolves and adapts to meet the ongoing developing needs of the customer, particularly through challenging times.”
Earlier this summer, Kathryn was joined at Boston Seeds by Sophie, from Bourne, Lincolnshire, who took up her Sales and Logistics Coordinator role in June.
She said: “I discovered the role at Boston Seeds through one of my contacts and then phoned George Wallis, the Commercial Director at the company.
“I was really excited to start my job at Boston Seeds, my first impressions were that there was a good, positive company culture, which has been proven since I have been working at Boston Seeds.
“At Harper I read Agri-Food Marketing with Business, completing the FdSc course in 2020, then topping up onto the BSc (Hons) course.
“I really liked the culture at Harper - with the socials and the opportunity to have a year out in industry - and the lecturers were always helpful and supportive. The module options were broad so that I could gain a wide range of knowledge across my course.”
Sophie is planning to use her latest role to extend upon that knowledge – and to add to her contacts across the agricultural sector.
She added: “I am enjoying meeting new people in the industry, and I have already had opportunities to visit various trial days and events such as Cereals and Groundswell.
“I am also looking forward to learning more about crop inspecting.”
George Wallis, Commercial Director at Boston Seeds, said: “We’re delighted to work closely with Harper Adams to offer unique and exciting career paths in the seed industry to young people – and we’d love to hear from more people who might want a career here too!
“Boston Seeds is growing, forward-thinking and innovative and we’re passionate about employing young people who are the future of the UK agriculture industry. Young people do business differently both on farm and in the supply chain so it’s vital we engage with this generation.
“In return, we can offer a career that combines a passion for agriculture with providing technology and solutions fit for the 21st century.”
With growing numbers of alumni among those who are securing roles at the company, Kathryn believes that the skills Harper Adams students gain during their studies offer them both common ground with their workmates – as well as the Harper advantage.
She added: “One benefit is having colleagues with a similar taught background, with common interests and hobbies.
“It’s great knowing that Boston Seeds are looking for young professionals with the knowledge and practical experience that comes with studying at Harper.”
As there will now be a break with no live football on TV until Sunday, it's coming home, how about gorging yourself on a smörgåsbord board of SOLEX videos. Here's the SOLEX SUN video showreel...
As there will now be a break with no live football on TV until Sunday, it's coming home, how about gorging yourself on a smörgåsbord board of SOLEX videos. Here's the SOLEX SUN video showreel, enjoy! And if you want to watch even more just go to the SOLEX On-Line website and watch to your hearts content.
The Company: Whistler Grills is a wholesale / distribution company selling premium grade BBQ’s and Outdoor Modular Kitchens to the BBQ Retail industry, including specialist BBQ Retailers, online Retailers and Garden Centres. As the business continues to grow at a rapid pace, we are looking for enthusiastic, professional sales people to help expand and develop the business further.
The Role: As a Sales Manager, you are responsible for opening and maintaining new, quality Retail accounts in the Southern Region of England whilst managing your own portfolio. To represent the full and ever growing range of products from Whistler Grills Limited (www.whistlergrills.com). To promote the brand at every opportunity and drive profitable sales through your portfolio, reporting directly to the Managing Director.
Requirements:
You must have at least 2 years of sales experience.
Ownership of a full UK drivers licence and own transport, though travel expenses will be covered.
Working conditions:
On target earnings Circa £45K (£25K basic salary)
Home based, but expected to be out on the road majority of the time.
Working hours - 09.00 - 17.00hrs Monday to Friday.
Flying ant day happened last week and as a result there was a peak in anti-ant products that hepled garden product sales increase week on week...
Flying ant day happened last week and as a result there was a peak in anti-ant products that hepled garden product sales increase week on week.
Five ant lines featured in the GTN Top 50 along with four slug lines and two muti bug killing products.
Pot sales may me slower this year than last year, but the legacy of all those pots being planted is resulting in plenty of pot feet sales and other pot plant related products such as pot toppers. Are you promoting sets of lights to be added to plants on the patio for warm summer nights?
Highlights of the week were:
Neudorff Ant Killer Granules 500g were the highest chart re-entry at No 18.
Evergreen Garden Care Slugclear Ultra 3 658g is the highest placed slug product at No 4.
With a long hot spell forecast Hozelock’s Hose Gun Starter Set was the highest chart climber, up 29 places to No 11.
See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.
Although growing media sales last week were 38% down on the same week last year, sales were 37% ahead of the average for the week in the previous six years...
Although growing media sales last week were 38% down on the same week last year, sales were 37% ahead of the average for the week in the previous six years.
Will growing media sales continue at these high levels all the way through to September? Current sales volumes are closer to those we’d normally see in early June or in September as autumn planting gets underway.
Year to date, the GTN Bestsellers Growing Media Top 50 sales index sits at 24% up on 2019 and 35% up on 2018.
Highlights of the week were:
Westland Jack's Magic All Purpose Compost 50 litres was the highest chart climber, up 23 places to No 15.
Evergreen Garden Care Miracle-Gro Organic Peat Free 40 litres re-entered the Top 50 at No 26.
Melcourt SylvaGrow Peat Free Tub & Basket 50 litres saw a 60% increase in sales to re-enter at No 48.
See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.
Christmas seed potatoes started selling through one week earlier than last year and they were quickly picked up. Taylors Autumn Planting seed potatoes take the top three positions in this week’s GTN Veg-2-Gro chart...
Christmas seed potatoes started selling through one week earlier than last year and they were quickly picked up. Taylors Autumn Planting seed potatoes take the top three positions in this week’s GTN Veg-2-Gro chart.
With veg plants growing well in the heat after all that rain, one litre herb plants and some one litre veg plants are still be added to gardens, or maybe planted in pots on balconies and patios.
Highlights of the week were:
Taylors Autumn Planting Seed Potatoes Maris Peer move up from No 6 last week to be the No 1 bestselling Veg-2-Gro line of the week.
Retail Solutions BV Strawberry Basket 23cm is the highest new entry at No 4.
Farplants Rosemary Corsican 1-litre re-entered at No 7.
See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.
Wild Bird and Wildlife Care sales increased last week by 5%. Fat balls and suet feeds dominate sales with 22 of the GTN Top 50 lines accounting for 48% of volume sales...
Wild Bird and Wildlife Care sales increased last week by 5%. Fat balls and suet feeds dominate sales with 22 of the GTN Top 50 lines accounting for 48% of volume sales.
Highlights of the week were:
RHS Suet Balls 60 Tub remain at No 1 for the fifth consecutive week.
Henry Bell Calciworms 500g were the highest chart climber, up 31 places to No 13.
Tom Chambers No More Mess Mix 2.5kg re-entered the chart at No 17.
See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.
The Royal Horticultural Society has announced Freddie Strickland as the 2021 Young Designer at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park this week, a coveted award for those looking to start their careers in garden design...
The Royal Horticultural Society has announced Freddie Strickland as the 2021 Young Designer at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park this week, a coveted award for those looking to start their careers in garden design.
Freddie, 27 from Bristol, was inspired by Cornwall’s sub-tropical gardens for his design. Freddie’s garden, ‘On Tropic,’ takes an environmentally conscious approach, replacing traditional plants with a tropical palette that thrives in our warming climate and incorporating reclaimed materials into the design.
Head of RHS Judging, James Alexander Sinclair, said: “It’s always a privilege to judge the Young Designer Gardens. This year the quality was outstanding. Freddie Strickland’s garden was a breath of fresh air and showed an innovative use of planting, showing us what can be possible in a changing world.”
Other entrants in the Young Designer category received a Silver Gilt, two Silver, and a Bronze Medal between them, with many choosing to represent topical issues in their designs.
Maximillian Parker-Smith (27, West Sussex) was awarded Silver Gilt for his garden design, ‘Earth Garden,’ which is deliberately minimal to allow for wildlife and the plants within it. James Smith’s garden (24, Northamptonshire), ‘It’s OK Not To Be Ok,’ uses innovative design to represent the barriers men face in coping with mental health issues, a design for which he received a Silver Medal.
Across the Show, 12 medals were awarded in the Gardens categories. Best Tatton Garden went to Robert Hardy and ‘The MacMillan Legacy Garden’, and Best Back to Back Garden to ‘United Utilities Garden of Resilience’ by Leon Davis.
Stephen Crisp, moderator for the Back to Back and Show Garden Panel said: “The Back to Back Gardens this year used some really creative ideas and imaginative use of both plants and hardscaping. Real craftsmanship was demonstrated by many of the designers providing a slightly different flavour and angle of garden design with the quality of exhibits at Tatton Park getting higher and higher each year.”
In the Floral Marquee, Best Exhibit went to Holden Clough for their display of hardy plants.
The AIPH International Plant Health Survey 2021 reveals the promise of a bio-secure future for the ornamental horticultural industry. It shows a strong commitment to plant health systems, with scope for an international framework...
The AIPH International Plant Health Survey 2021 reveals the promise of a bio-secure future for the ornamental horticultural industry. It shows a strong commitment to plant health systems, with scope for an international framework.
The survey was initiated and conducted by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) in early 2021 as part of the International Year of Plant Health 2020 and in response to growing concerns about biosecurity worldwide and the ornamental horticulture industry’s duty to sustainability. International travel and trade have tripled in volume in the last decade and has the potential to quickly spread pests and diseases around the world, causing significant damage to native plants and the environment.
The survey aimed to explore how industry organisations work to enhance plant biosecurity in their regions and share information on voluntary systems to improve biosecurity within businesses and across supply chains. The Plant health industry support programmes have the capacity to enable healthy production systems, cost-effective and reliable movement of low-risk plant material within global supply chains, and traceability in the event of a biosecurity threat.
Through the report, AIPH concluded:
Voluntary standards are increasingly relied upon by industry and regulators to reduce the risk posed by plant pests for national or international trade. Eleven voluntary standards for Plant Health Management were identified from around the world. The highest perceived level of threat from plant pests and diseases in a respondent’s country or region was ‘trade in live plants and cut flowers with the second-highest level being identified as ‘growing systems’.
There is a basis for creating an international equivalence framework between standards.
Voluntary standards and associated schemes co-designed by industry and the competent (designated) authority for a country can augment phytosanitary measures and regulatory systems.
A ‘systems approach’ for plant biosecurity for nursery production systems and supply chain management was a key concept that emerged from the survey. More than three quarters (77.5 per cent) of those surveyed indicated a need for a voluntary international plant health and biosecurity standard. Systems approaches are proactive, aiming to reduce the risk of infestation by promoting the use of safe nursery practices for all pests, and are a fundamental aspect of voluntary standards as the requirements represent policies, procedures, and practices that are integrated into a business’s day-to-day operations.
Tim Edwards, Vice President, AIPH, and Chair of the AIPH Ornamentals Production Committee says: “The report establishes the value of voluntary Plant Health Management schemes. We must now ask: How can the industry broaden uptake of such schemes? What must be done to allow schemes to each recognise and integrate with others? This report starts to identify areas in which Ornamental Horticultural Trade Associations around the globe can work collaboratively to strengthen biosecurity.”
The recommendations highlight the need for further work to develop systems that integrate voluntary industry standards for plant health with national regulations that control the movement of plants across national and regional borders. This application can be achieved by close collaboration between leaders in the industry and national plant protection authorities (NPPOs). AIPH aims to set up a Global Plant Health Forum to facilitate information sharing and the development of consistency across supply chains.
Ralf Lopian, Chair of International Steering Committee, International Year of Plant Health 2020, and is deputy chief plant health officer and coordinates international phytosanitary affairs, at Finland’s Ministry of Agriculture and forestry. He adds: “The AIPH Plant Health survey is an important commitment of the global ornamental horticultural industry- which relies on international trade- to contribute to the sustainability of its future in supporting plant health. It is particularly essential to consider that prevention is a key aspect and more cost-effective than dealing with full-blown plant health emergencies. Plant pests and diseases do not respect national borders and do not show passports. Plant health capacities and collaboration must be increased on all levels because phytosanitary ambitions succeed or fail with the capacity of the weakest link. The recommendations contained in this report offer a promising roadmap for improved public-private collaboration.”
At AIPH’s International Plant Health Conference, held in March 2021, the survey results were presented by Dr Audrey Timm, Technical Advisor to AIPH, in collaboration with Mr Alistair Yeomans, Plant Health Alliance. Watch the presentation at aiph.org/event/planthealthconference/
The best of last week's
If you missed last week's GTN Xtra, below are the most-read stories...
Nominations are now open for the Glee Buyers Power List Awards, the winners will be celebrated at Glee 2021...
After eighteen months of all the challenges thrown at buyers and suppliers due to the COVID-19 pandemic Glee will be celebrating the best buyers of garden, leisure and pet products in the Glee Buyers Power List.
To acknowledge the immense pressure buyers have been under this year across the wide range of products the feature in garden, leisure and pet retailing there are ten Glee Buyers Power List categories this year and nominations can be made in any of the categories for buyers from independent garden centres and retailers, buyers of high street and DIY retailers and buyers from on-line retailers.
Nominations are now being sought from growers, suppliers, agents and wholesalers for the following categories of buyers and buying teams:
1. Plants buyer/buying team of the Year
2. Garden Care buyer/buying team of the Year
3. Outdoor Leisure buyer/buying team of the Year
4. Landscape buyer/buying team of the Year
5. Home & Gifts buyer/buying team of the Year
6. Pet buyer/buying team of the Year
7. Retail Food & Drinks buyer/buying team of the Year
8. Christmas buyer/buying team of the Year
9. Overall Multiple Garden Retailer Buying Team of the Year – 6 stores or more
10. Overall Independent Garden Centre Buying Team of the Year – up 5 stores
Nominations close on Tuesday 27th July after which voting will commence to decide the winners of the Glee Buyers Power List for 2021. Nominations can be made using the form in the July issue of GTN or on line using this link: Glee Buyers Power List 2021 nominations or by e-mail to: trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk. All nominations will be handled in strictest confidence.
The Glee Buyers Power List has celebrated the excellence of buying in the Garden, Leisure and Pet markets annually since 2015, and the winners have included:
Aylett Nurseries, B&M, B&Q, Blue Diamond, Enchanted-Earth.com, Frosts, gardensite.co.uk, Grovewell Garden Centres, Haskins, Homebase, John Lewis, MacKenzie & Cruikshank, Notcutts, Perrywood, Primrose.co.uk, Richard Jacksons Garden, Stax, The Range and Waitrose.
The winners of the Glee Buyers Power List 2021 will be announced live at Glee 2021 on Wednesday 15th September 2021. See you there!
Nomination Form:
I nominate the following buyers/buying teams for the Glee Buyers Power List 2021:
All nominations will be handled in strictest confidence
Send your completed nomination form to Glee Buyers Power List c/o GTN, Potting Shed Press, Dairy Drove, Thorney, Peterborough PE6 0TX or e-mail your nominations to: trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk by 27th July 2021 or vote on line using the On-LIne Glee Buyers Power List 2021 form
Following the success of Glee at the Yard in September last year, Woodlodge’s showroom will open its doors once again to welcome customers and launch the company’s brand new 2022 product offering...
Following the success of Glee at the Yard in September last year, Woodlodge’s showroom will open its doors once again to welcome customers and launch the company’s brand new 2022 product offering.
The purpose-built facility will now be permanently based at Woodlodge’s Tetbury head office, where buyers will find the company’s extensive collection of pots and gardenware on display to browse at their pleasure. Open throughout the year, every customer can talk directly to a Woodlodge representative, renowned for their in-depth knowledge of the on-trend garden range which offers optimum sales solutions for garden retailers.
The Gloucestershire based premises will also give buyers a sneak peek at the new product portfolio, which will be showcased at Glee in September. Opening on 19th July, retailers will be able to view the full Woodlodge market-leading range earlier and will be able to plan their ordering levels accordingly before the exhibition itself. Whilst last year’s restrictions have now been lifted, the safety of our customers remains our priority, with Glee at the Yard set to showcase brand new additions, extending portfolios and existing collections.
New for 2022 is the RHS range of pots and planters. Available to pre-order, the range accredited by the Royal Horticultural Society, will include both classic and modern designs in a variety of sizes. This timeless collection will consist of standard terracotta, as well as glazed designs and lightweight fibreclay pots, with the RHS stamp providing consumers with both prestige and confidence when purchasing.
The Honey & Wild range of garden décor has been going from strength to strength following the acquisition of Adobe Wholesale and The Garden Foundry last year. Made up of an exciting and quirky collection of giftable, decorative garden ornaments and accessories, Honey & Wild capitalises on the current trend for taking the ‘inside out’, driving sales both now and well into 2022.
Garden centres can expect to see new illuminated garden mirrors to make light go further outdoors, whilst the introduction of wildlife and insect houses will offer homeowners a significant opportunity to engage with nature, which became a popular pastime during lockdown. The Down to Earth range will also be updated to include the latest ornamental plant supports and garden sundries.
With outdoor living and entertaining becoming more important than ever in the past year, Woodlodge’s furniture and fire pit range is being extended. The new, luxury furniture offers retailers al-fresco items that turn gardens into a fifth room and act as extension to homes. With many investing in such big-ticket items, Woodlodge is also delighted to add furniture covers to the mix to protect from the harsher elements during the cold months.
A number of new designs have been added to Water Studio, Woodlodge’s plug-in-and-go water features. The calming new fountains boast both competitive price points and curated designs and will be able to view in the showroom.
The explosion in the popularity of houseplants and increase in consumer awareness of their health benefits has brought about an update to the Root Indoor range. Offering both classic and contemporary planters, the new designs will blend in with modern and traditional interior décor, allowing buyers to reap the benefits from one of the fastest-growing categories in garden retail.
Michael Wooldridge, Director at Woodlodge said: “Glee at the Yard last year was a great success and allowed us to meet up with existing customers and those who perhaps hadn’t considered us before. We wanted to create a facility that gives retailers the chance to view our products earlier in the year so they can reflect and adapt their orders for next season. Our newly built 10,000 sq. ft trade showroom will capture the imagination of buyers with new product development and ranges providing consumers with inspiration for their gardens.”
Woodlodge’s showroom tours can be booked by appointment by speaking to their local sales manager or emailing showroom@woodlodge.co.uk . To ensure the safety of staff and all visitors to our site, Woodlodge will provide hand sanitisation facilities.
For those retailers that are unable to visit the showroom, Woodlodge will be exhibiting these exciting new releases at Glee on Stand 6J30-20A31.
For more information on Woodlodge’s new ranges for 2022, please contact your local sales representative or visit www.woodlodge.co.uk
Glee has confirmed that the 2022 event will move to a new date in order to meet the ever-developing needs of the garden retail sector. As a result, Glee 2022 will take place June 28th-30th...
There is great anticipation in the garden retail sector for the long-awaited return of Glee (14th – 16th September 2021, NEC Birmingham) as an in-person event; with suppliers and retailers set to reconnect and create new opportunities at this year’s show. Building on this excitement, the Glee team has confirmed that the 2022 event will move to a new date in order to meet the ever-developing needs of the garden retail sector. As a result, Glee 2022 will take place June 28th – 30th.
Over several months, the Glee team undertook an in-depth consultation with key stakeholders, representing suppliers, retailers and trade associations. The outcome of these discussions was that a shift to a different time of year would better reflect, and support, the ongoing development of the garden retail supply chain and associated buying cycles.
This decision received unanimous support, and it has been confirmed that the annual Glee exhibition will take place in June, effective from 2022. The first show hosted under the new date line to take place on the 28th – 30th June, 2022.
The industry shows support for Glee’s new dateline
The Glee team’s realigned timing of the show has already garnered support from across the sector. Exhibitors consulted about the date change said they whole-heartedly support the move. Home and Gift suppliers have also praised the change, as they recognise that it offers improved growth opportunities ahead of the Christmas sales period. From a visitor perspective, Glee will sit more comfortably within the buying calendar, as well as within the wider exhibition cycle.
Reactions from the industry
British Garden Centres PR & Communications Director,Boyd J Douglas-Davies praised the decision and stressed the importance of Glee to the entire sector. He said: “I’m delighted to see the team at Glee reacting to the seismic shift in order patterns and moving the show to ensure they maintain their position as the foremost and most useful show for the gardening industry. As we all react to the new world order scene, we need Glee to be there for us all to ensure the industry continues to grow.”
Mike Burks, Owner, The Gardens Group, and Chair, Garden Centre Association added: “The only reason for buying in September is because Glee is in September. June is a better time for buying, and independent garden centres will adapt. Also, in recent times with the uncertainties in the supply chain, the earlier ordering can be done, the more forward planning that is possible by the manufacturers, and a much higher chance of having the right product, at the right time for the customer. Glee in June helps enormously with this"
Perrywood Garden Centre Manager, Simon Bourne commented: “I love going to Glee and it is one of the first events to go onto my calendar at the beginning of the year. I go to meet with suppliers and colleagues, source new product and make informed decisions ready for the following year. A move from September to June will allow more time to put changes in place for our business.”
The need for earlier ordering was also echoed by suppliers, with AMES’ Managing Director, Paul North, saying: “As long-term partners with Glee, we are excited to confirm our attendance in 2022, and supportive of plans to move the show forward to June accordingly. Given the very real need of many of our customers to plan earlier than ever before, we believe this announcement will be received positively across the marketplace”
Leading pot and garden accessory suppliers, Woodlodge is another long-term exhibitor in support of Glee’s latest development. Michael Wooldridge, Woodlodge’s Director, said: “Woodlodge welcome the move of Glee to earlier in the year. With a predominately Far East supply chain and long lead times, it would allow us to showcase all of our products and gauge customer reaction whilst still having the flexibility to adapt ordering levels for the season ahead.”
Elsewhere, Mark Portman, MD of Evergreen Garden Care UK & Ireland said how much Evergreen are looking forward to Glee in 2022. He said: “Bringing the dates forward to June works well with our customer meetings and presentations for the following year and will help us with our planning for the following season.”
Importantly, Glee’s trade association partners have shown their support for the announcement. GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall said: “With a majority of our members having previously expressed their desire for an earlier show, this latest development is welcome news and something that GIMA is pleased to support.”
The HTA echo GIMA’s thoughts. Martin Simmons, Director of Membership at the HTA, said: “The HTA has had a long association with Glee having been the main supporter of the Retail Lab feature in recent years and significant involvement in its seminar programme. Equally, Glee is a strong supporter of the National Plant Show, both organisations recognising the unique benefits of each event and what they provide for our industry. We look forward to working with Glee on what we’re confident will be a very busy and successful show season next year”
Referencing the move to a summer show, Glee Event Director, Matthew Mein said: “The new date for Glee follows a period of significant consultation with our stakeholders, including suppliers, retailers and trade associations. Glee’s role is to provide a hub for the industry we represent. The new June timing will open-up new opportunities for all, whilst – more importantly – working more efficiently within the buying cycle. It is a much-needed change that we believe will add significant value to all those that utilise Glee as a central hub for their buying/selling needs. It’s a big move but one we are incredibly excited about. As always, we will work closely with our stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.”
Add the 2022 dates to your diary but, don’t forget, the industry has this year’s event to look forward to and the much-awaited opportunity to come together under one roof, meet face to face, make new connections and touch and feel product. See you in September for Glee 2021!
Find out more
To keep up to date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com. To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2021 call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.
Southern Trident is celebrating yet another success for its quality coir composts. Two of the company’s Coco & Coir™ products have outshone the competition in plant growth trials...
Southern Trident is celebrating yet another success for its quality coir composts. Two of the company’s Coco & Coir™ products have outshone the competition in plant growth trials.
Throughout this year, Southern Trident has been involved in a series of trials carried out by Stockbridge Technology Centre, the UK’s premier independent horticultural growing and testing facility. The trials vigorously tested Coco & Coir Coco Grow+ – a seed and cuttings compost containing coir and perlite – and Coco & Coir Coco Boost – an all-purpose compost containing coir and balanced nutrients. These composts were up against stiff competition – the UK’s best-selling peat-based compost, an own-label peat-free compost and the top-selling branded peat-free compost. The trials were carried out from April to June.
Coco & Coir Coco Grow+
In germination tests using petunias, Coco & Coir Coco Grow+ produced 15% better germination rates than the peat-based compost and three times better than the branded peat-free competition. Germination failed with the own-label peat-free compost.
Poor germination in the competing composts was due to high pH and high electrical conductivity (EC) levels; EC is an indicator of soluble salt content, and high levels can be very damaging to seeds and plants. We monitor and control salt levels in our coir composts and ensure they are maintained at a suitable quantity for excellent plant growth.
Coco & Coir Coco Boost
In growing tests using tomato plants, Coco & Coir Coco Boost performed as well as the peat-based compost, produced plants 36% larger than the top-selling branded peat-free compost, and 13% larger than the own-label peat-free compost.
In tests using petunias, Coco & Coir Coco Boost again performed on par to the peat-based compost, but 30% larger with 144% more flowers than the branded peat-free, and 270% larger with eight times as many flowers as the own-label peat-free compost.
Again, high pH and EC levels affected the own-label peat-free compost when growing these sensitive plants, and there were lower overall nutrient levels in the branded products
These trials consistently showed that growing media based on 100% coir outperforms all peat-free blends it has been tested against.
Advantages of coir
Coir, like peat, can hold up to 20 times its own weight in moisture. Unlike other peat-free alternatives, coir has a pH range of 5.8-6.8, which is close to what the vast majority of plants need. It contains high levels of lignin and cellulose, so doesn’t decompose, slump and compact in containers like some other alternative materials.
The future
Growing trials at the Stockbridge Technology Centre are on-going.
Southern Trident has invested in its own growing facilities at its site in Scunthorpe to be able to more readily improve its mixes even further before independent trialling.
Southern Trident is testing new products, new innovations and new materials that can be added to its coir composts to improve their already proven results even further. News of new products will be revealed later in the year.
In advance of the launch of GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2020, GTN's Northern Correspondent, Steve Myatt, paid a visit to Barton Grange to bring you this first GTN Xtra Christmas photo tour.
In advance of the launch of GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2020, GTN's Northern Correspondent, Steve Myatt, paid a visit to Barton Grange to bring you this first GTN Xtra Christmas photo tour.
Here's a sneak preview of Perrywoods photo tour entry in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards for 2020, including the vital ingredient for all entries, team photos. See the gallery of photos below. Apologies for the wrong photos being included in yesterdays edition.
There's over £7,000 worth of prizes to be won in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards so get snapping and enter today. Full details can be found here.
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 2018 as well as 2019 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 07973 504214, e-mail karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.
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 £100m.
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.
Mars Petcare is working towards its global ambition of ending pet homelessness by 2030 with the UK launch of its Adoption Mission commitmentthis July...
Through two of its most recognisable brands – Pedigree and Whiskas – Mars Petcare will be donating three million meals to dogs and cats in rescue centres across the UK. A special programme of support will also be delivered to shelters and owners to ensure all pets are wanted, cared for and welcomed.
Kicking off the Adoption Mission, a new £1.3m TV campaign from Pedigree - the UK’s number one dog food brand - will go live on 18th July, featuring the tag line ‘Feel the good. Adopt’. The advert aims to highlight the good that can come from pet adoption, showcasing the unconditional love and happiness that adopted pets can bring to families.
Working in partnership with the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) and its members, Mars Petcare will be providing a comprehensive programme of support to shelters across the UK. Through guidance from behaviourists, practical back-office training and toolkits, the company is aiming to help shelters overcome some of the barriers they face when it comes to pet adoption and tackle abandonment scenarios.
Arthur Renault, marketing portfolio director at Mars Petcare, comments: “The Adoption Mission will deliver work that will truly make a difference for dogs and cats across the country, supported by our petcare category leaders Pedigree and Whiskas, to help raise maximum awareness of the positive impact of pet adoption and help us work towards our global ambition of ending pet homelessness entirely by 2030.”
“Forming a crucial part of our dedication to making a better world for pets, the Adoption Mission will see us working directly with animal shelters to identify the misperceptions and help tackle the challenges around pet abandonment and adoption. It’s important to us that we share our journey with our loyal customers and we aim to do this through our marketing support and in-store activation. We know we can’t achieve this goal to end pet homelessness on our own – the support of pet-loving retailers and consumers is pivotal in driving long-term success.”
From August, in-store point of sale materials will be available to help retailers across all channels spread the word on Mars Petcare’s Adoption Mission, encouraging new and existing shoppers to support the campaign through their choice of purchase.
Natures Menu has extended its Natural Raw Freeflow range. High quality mince Turkey is now available as part of the brand’s popular Home Prepared frozen offering – exclusive to the specialist pet trade from August 1...
Natures Menu has extended its Natural Raw Freeflow range. High quality mince Turkey is now available as part of the brand’s popular Home Prepared frozen offering – exclusive to the specialist pet trade from August 1.
This single protein free flow mince has been formulated using ethically sourced, 100% natural raw turkey meat. The free flow format makes home prepared portion control, storing and serving easier, with the large bag size appealing to those looking for value or feeding bigger breeds of dogs.
The mince is available in 2kg packs and joins the Natural Raw Freeflow range of Chicken, Beef, Tripe, Chicken & Lamb and Chicken & Tripe. The packaging is consumer friendly with easy-to-understand labelling, featuring updated storage and feeding instructions. The product is in block-format, ideal for space-efficient storage.
James Langan, Managing Director at Natures Menu, said: “The new Turkey offering perfectly fills the gap in our current Natural Freeflow Mince range.
“We believe dogs deserve real, natural food, that’s why for the last 40 years we have continued to make high-quality, easy-to-feed raw food that dogs will love. We are committed to meeting growing demand for Home Prepared by giving customers more variety. It’s all natural, with no added colours, flavourings or preservatives. Packed with goodness, customers have the freedom to mix real, natural and healthy meals to their dog’s individual tastes and needs.
Natures Menu specialises in raw dog food made with fully traceable quality meats and fish, blended vegetables, fruits and healthy carbohydrates, and uses British suppliers and ethical product sources wherever possible.
Retailers wanting to find out more information about Natures Menu and their range can email trade@naturesmenu.co.uk, phone 0800 0183770 or visit www.naturesmenu.co.uk/trade-landing.
Pet Remedy, manufacturer of unique and clinically proven natural de-stress and calming products, has announced an exciting new initiative aimed at supporting the animal rescue sector...
Pet Remedy, manufacturer of unique and clinically proven natural de-stress and calming products, has announced an exciting new initiative aimed at supporting the animal rescue sector.
The scheme’s primary goals are to help ensure the success of adoptions and to provide the rescue with opportunities to raise much needed revenue.
Following a long consultation process with rescue industry representatives, the new partnership programme has been designed to offer benefits that are tailored to each organisation regardless of their size or set up.
The Rescue Partnership includes:
Free calming products to be used by the rescue to help support the animals in their care.
Free access to training and advice by leading training and behaviour professionals, as well as special events focussed on celebrating and supporting those involved in the rescue sector.
Access to an exclusive video, branded with the rescue centres own logo for adopters to watch before adopting the animal. The video has been produced with an emphasis on ensuring the adopter understands all the important points to consider with a primary focus on the emotional needs of the animal. It is hoped that this visual medium, along with the traditional adoption packs, will help make a big difference in ensuring successful adoptions.
A bespoke commercial plan including generous discount off trade prices.
Enrolment to Pet Remedy’s charity donation scheme. This new area of the Pet Remedy website enables supporters to buy product to donate directly to the rescue centre. Pet Remedy will match every donation to give double the support.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Andrew Hale, Animal Behaviourists at Pet Remedy, said: “Working in, and supporting, animal rescue, is a real passion of mine. With over 10 years experience in the field, I know how difficult it can be to both raise revenue and to ensure adopters are fully aware of the care need of the animal they are adopting.
"So, I am really proud of our new Rescue Partnership which offers the opportunity to help in both these areas. I am particularly excited about the role that the new adoption video can play in informing adopters of the important considerations when welcoming their new companions into their family. Understanding and supporting the animals emotional need is so important if an adoption is to be successful, and the video puts a real focus on this.”
Pet Remedy are inviting rescue centres to get in touch and find out how they can benefit from this exciting and innovative new Partnership Programme by emailing rescue@petremedy.co.uk
The book is aimed at children aged 3-5, and is about animals who have fun yet unusual habits which are reflected in their names, so there’s Cheddar the mouse, Howler the dog, Chippy the seagull and Suds the cat, to name but a few.
Natures Menu has extended its Natural Raw Freeflow range. High quality mince Turkey is now available as part of the brand’s popular Home Prepared frozen offering – exclusive to the specialist pet trade from August 1...
