GTN August 2017 by Garden Trade News

gtn AUGUST 2017

Advice and information for garden centre professionals

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Putting on a show... As Glee fast approaches, Vitax will be showcasing more than just new products at this year’s event following further investment in its point of sale materials and marketing support for customers. Revealing a brand new stand for 2017, visitors will be able to fully immerse themselves in Vitax’s vision of how its products will be displayed in garden centres in the future as well as view new products. Taking the limelight once again at the entrance to Hall 19, stand E10/F11, customers will see a marked difference in Vitax’s approach to merchandising as it responds to what garden centres want and need. Daniel Wilkinson, Vitax’s managing director, explains: ‘Vitax has always used Glee as a platform to launch new products, but customers want and need much more support to drive gardeners into centres as competition from online retailers increases. “Late last year, Vitax launched Garden World (www.gardenworld.co.uk), its first consumer-facing website.

“Still in its infancy, the website is growing in popularity as more projects and gardening information is added. We have also invested in ‘How to’ videos to make it easier for gardeners to see which products should be used and applied. “Its overarching aim is to help gardeners pinpoint where to buy specific products local

to them and once in centre, we can provide customers with the point of sale materials to upsell complementary products.” Although visitors will have access to Vitax’s experienced sales team throughout the show, Garden World’s ambassador, Andy McIndoe, will be on hand during the first two days. “Glee is much more than revealing next year’s new product lines, it is an opportunity to inspire garden centres and this includes improving the overall customer experience,” says Wilkinson. “Andy’s input has been invaluable and will bring the whole marketing experience to life from shop floor to in-store and online.” For more information about Garden World, visit: www.gardenworld.co.uk, or see Vitax at Glee in Hall 19, stand E10/F11

www.vitax.co.uk

New area sales manager joins Vitax Vitax has added to its sales team with the appointment of a new area sales manager to work across the South West. Julian Franklin, who has over 20 years’ experience working in the gardening and horticulture sector, joins from Town and Country where he was area sales manager for 17 years. Responsible for managing existing customers as well as securing new business, Julian will be working with clients primarily across Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. Julian will also be working closely with Vitax’s existing South West area sales manager, Julian Goodhand, who will continue to cover Avon, Wilts, Hants and Dorset. This is the first time Vitax has split its southern territory between two managers, but is essential to manage growth as Colin Wetherley-Mein, Vitax’s sales manager, explains: “Vitax has experienced unprecedented growth over the past few years which has seen its customer base in the South West increase considerably. Julian’s experience speaks for itself and we are delighted to have him on board.” Julian joins a sales team of 11 covering the UK and Ireland. Vitax’s managing director, Daniel Wilkinson, welcoming new joint area sales manager for the South West, Julian Franklin.

GREATEST OUTDOOR LEISURE AWARDS

SOLEX SPARKLES Report and pictures from the major outdoor leisure exhibition p12-16

gtn AUGUST 2017

Advice and information for garden centre professionals

gardentradenews.co.uk

“I believe in total control”

What’s hot in plants Discover what’s new in our review of the HTA National Plant Show

Derek Bunker’s keys to success Interview with Alton GC owner

GIMA Awards

8-page Special on all the winners

THE TOP INTERVIEWS People in the news

INTERVIEW

“I believe in total control. The managers come to see me and suggest what they want to do and if they don’t have a good reason, I send them away to re-think”

THREE KEYS TO SUCCESS Award-winning Alton Garden Centre in Essex continues to go from strength to strength under the guidance of Derek Bunker. GTN discovers what makes his business so special... An Essex businessman who started in retail by selling eggs and potatoes at the door as a youngster has developed his business to become the largest independent garden centre in Essex. The business is now one of the UK’s top 20 independents in the sector and the firm’s accountants, Goldwyns Limited based in Southend, have been instrumental in the success story. The £10 million+ success story that is Alton Garden Centre, just outside Southendon-Sea, is the result of many factors but three aspects have been crucial. The first of these is the founder owner himself, Derek Bunker, a clear-thinking business person who is as passionate about his customers as he is about his family and his business. At an age when many people might have retired, 73-year old Derek Bunker works six – sometimes seven – days a week at the garden centre for nine months of every year. The second factor was a great relationship virtually from the start with his accountants, Goldwyns Limited, based in Southend. He is quick to point out that accountants (and bankers) can often be amongst those who can cause greatest harm to a business, adding that, in the case of Goldwyns, they’ve stood by him through lean times and good. The third factor was a chance meeting with an American banker on a cruise-ship who told Derek: “When you get home, go and buy that land”. Derek left school at 15 and worked as a junior clerk in the War office (now the MoD), marrying his first wife at 18 and becoming a father for the first time at 19. He moved to a job in Customs and Excise and, after the offices relocated to Southend where Derek worked in the import/export office, he found part-time jobs outside normal working hours to help make money. At weekends, he worked at a sea-front general store at Canvey selling groceries, kiss-me quick-hats and other essentials. A second part-time job was private gardening work in the evenings and it was here he began to develop his knowledge of gardening. He sealed his interest in the sector by winning a prize in a local gardening club flower show – at the age of 18, one of the few young people involved. Winning a prize for a vase containing three flowers gave him the bug for exhibition growing. He was swiftly appointed Assistant Secretary of the gardening club, ran the members’ store and it was here that his love of retail combined with gardening was born.

2 August 2017

He’d also run a business selling potatoes for five shillings a bag plus eggs door-todoor but swiftly realised it was a dying sector as farmers selling at the farm-gate undercut his prices. It was in 1971 that he started what is now a destination garden centre with a £1,000 loan now working with his three sons, and seasonal help from his wife as well as a team of departmental managers to build the business to its present turnover in excess of £10m. He rented land at the front of a nursery where tomatoes and geraniums were cultivated. It was at this point that he met – purely socially – the American banker who persuaded him to take out a mortgage to buy the 200 ft square plot. He bought it and hasn’t looked back. He has five adult children, three of whom work in the business: Andy (54) manages the outdoor plant area; Peter (47) runs aquatics and lighting; and Jay (34) is in charge of barbecue sales; with other managers running other departments. His company’s relationship with his trusted firm of chartered accountants has played a big part in the success story, Derek believes. He says: “I worked hand in hand with Goldwyns – originally with John Bermon who was Senior Partner and with a then-junior accountant, Arthur Millman.” Arthur is now

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the firm’s Senior Partner. “I got their advice on all sorts of things, some major and some minor,” says Derek. “In the early days when the bank was less than helpful Goldwyns always advised me and it was nice because when you’re in business on your own, there are few people on your side. It was ‘them and me’ versus the bank. Goldwyns have always advised me on all the options and we’ve always worked together. I’m not conventional. Banks want a cash-flow forecast. I don’t do that. I always said: ‘Tell me when the sun shines and I’ll tell you when the money will come in’. Goldwyns helped me jump through rings of fire to get the £4 million I needed to develop the business.” Goldwyns’ Partner, Arthur Millman (right) takes up the story: “For many years, Alton Garden Centre operated as a partnership between Derek Bunker, as founder of the garden centre and his eldest son Andy, who himself has worked in the business since school. Some years ago, there was a major redevelopment of the garden centre given that buildings at the site had been added piecemeal over the years from when

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EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING The Garden Communication & Media Company Ltd (TGCMC), The Old School, 4 Crowland Road, Eye, Peterborough PE6 7TN Tel 01733 775700 Fax 01733 775838 gardentradenews@tgcmc.co.uk www.gardentradenews.co.uk

the garden centre originally opened in the early 1970s. The cost of the updating of the site was considerable and was funded by a £4m bank loan. Although the garden centre continued to trade successfully, the capital repayments of the bank loan had to be met out of income taxed at higher rates, thus making the true cost of the capital repayments excessively high. “The transfer of the business into a limited company enabled Derek to introduce his other two sons into the management structure. However, the fundamental reason to transfer the business into a limited company was to enable capital repayments of the bank loan to be paid out of the company profits taxed at 20%, rather than out of personal income taxed at higher rates. There was a short-term cost to this project in that the company had to pay Stamp Duty on the acquisition of the garden centre, but this is more than outweighed by the tax savings achieved on the capital repayments of the bank loan. “Furthermore, given that Derek is in his 70s, the bank was able to take a longer-term view on the loan as the whole family have shares in the company, and the opportunity was taken to restructure the loan over a longer period. In short, the annual repayments actually made are lower, and indeed far lower when the ‘tax cost’ is taken into account.” Importantly, the company structure as it now is also enables Derek’s three sons, who will ultimately own the business, to achieve a more practical solution to succession problems when Derek and his wife Helen

finally decide to withdraw from the company. Arthur Millman adds: “In essence, the effective reduction of the bank loan repayments has taken pressure off the company’s cash flow, and the fact that all Derek’s sons are now shareholders in the business within which they work gives them a direct interest in the success of the business. “Sometimes it requires a little lateral thinking to achieve a result which has, in the case of Alton Garden Centre, enabled it to take multiple benefits from the restructuring process. Alton Garden Centre is now the largest ‘stand alone’ garden centre in the county.” Asked about whether he’d wish to make this into a chain, Derek Bunker says: “When I’ve got the best I don’t want the second best as well and I don’t believe in franchises. I believe in total control: that’s what I like. The managers come to see me and suggest what they want to do and if they don’t have a good reason, I send them away to re-think. It’s a very flat management structure. We don’t have a finance director because we rely on the good financial advice that Goldwyns has always provided. We employ 100 people full-time plus some youngsters at weekends and at Christmas time”. He employs only people the firm can train. “I don’t want people who think they know best,” he says. “We home-grow them and make them into experts.” The only thing Derek Bunker doesn’t directly control? His own garden. “I delegate the gardening at home as I just don’t have time,” he admits.

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THE GTN TEAM Editor: Neil Pope neil.pope@tgcmc.co.uk Associate Editor: Mike Wyatt mike.wyatt@gardentradenews.co.uk Managing Director: Trevor Pfeiffer trevor.pfeiffer@gardentradenews.co.uk Publisher: Mandy Davies mandy.davies@tgcmc.co.uk Advertising: Alan Burdon alan.burdon@tgcmc.co.uk Ben Greenwood ben.greenwood@tgcmc.co.uk HOW TO SUBSCRIBE Tel 01733 775700 or email subscriptions@gardentradenews.co.uk Subscription rates UK: £145 Subscription includes a password for full access to GTN Online plus a weekly copy of GTN Bestsellers OUR PUBLISHERS GTN is published by The Garden Communication & Media Company Ltd (TGCMC), who also publish: * www.gardentradenews.co.uk website * Weekly GTN Xtra and Pet Trade Xtra newsletters * Garden Radio * Official Glee Catalogue and Glee Daily News Online – the only official guides to the garden industry’s leading annual trade show SMALL PRINT All material © TGCMC 2017. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form whatsoever, either for sale or not, without the express permission of the publishers. The information contained in this publication is published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. TGCMC Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any error or misrepresentation. All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by reliance on information contained in this publication or in the event of any bankruptcy or liquidation or cessation of the trade of any company, individual or firm mentioned, is hereby excluded.

August 2017 3

NEWS UPDATE

TALKING POINTS 5 STORIES THAT MADE THE HEADLINES

Alistair Lorimer died last month after a long battle with cancer. Alistair was involved in the UK garden centre and plants industry for over 30 years, learning his core retail skills within the innovative Jardinerie group. After a spell at Malcolm Scott Consultants he became the Buying and Marketing Director for the Blooms of Bressingham Group where he was closely involved in the development of Bicester Avenue, the first UK garden centre ever to achieve the Retail Week Retail Design of the Year Award and Retail Destination of the Year Award. A service of celebration of Alistair’s life was held at St John’s Church, Aston Cantlow.

Bunnings UK and Ireland announced it is to expand its pilot programme, and will have 20 stores by the end of 2017 – twice as many as previously expected. The announcement coincided with the opening of the fourth Bunnings Warehouse in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire; the largest in the UK and Ireland to date. Managing Director PJ Davis said: “Our decision to extend the pilot programme reflects the positive reaction we’ve seen from customers to the stores we’ve opened so far. Increasing the number of pilot stores to 20 will give us the opportunity to test the concept in new geographies, with different demographics,

2 Wyevale Garden Centres appeared on a list published by the Daily Telegraph during July of what it said are some of the worst companies to work for in the UK, based on ratings on the job site Glassdoor. Wyevale Garden Centres scored 1.9/5 on Glassdoor, with employees citing poor pay and lack of staff. One employee wrote: “Personally I do not feel I am going to have an opportunity to excel in anything other than customer service despite showing dedication to the company.”

Three generations of the Bent family, including Ron and Wendy’s 14 grandchildren joined staff and others involved in the development of Bents over 80 years at a party7. “As a family business, we’ve never been ones to rest on our laurels,” said Ron Bent. “We’ve always taken our chances and strived to innovate, which is exactly how it all started in 1937 when my parents Alfred and Margaret started growing roses just yards from where we are now. Little did they know that our passion for plants would be the start of something so unique and special.”

The shortlist for The Glee Buyers Power List 2017 has been announced. Voting is open until 25 August at: www.gleebirmingham.com/visit/gleebuyers-power-list. Everyone in the industry can vote. Glee’s Event Director, Matthew Mein said: “The shortlist showcases the hard work and commitment that each retail buyer or team has undertaken in the last 12 months, and we’re so pleased to be able to provide a platform on which this dedication can be celebrated and rewarded.”

Full versions of these reports first appeared in GTN Xtra, our weekly e-newsletter mailed direct to registered email addresses to keep readers in touch with industry news as it happens. To register, send your email address to: trevor. pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk and put ‘GTN Xtra’ in the subject line.

4 August 2017

Career Moves

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The Klondyke Group has announced the promotion of Andy Smith from Senior Plant Buyer to Group Head of Purchasing. Andy will step into his new role from 1st September 2017. Chief Executive David Yardley commented, “Andy has over 20 years’ experience of working within the garden centre industry and I am delighted he will be working with us in this new role to help in taking the business forward.”

Following a period of sustained growth, Vitax has added to its sales team with the appointment of a new area sales manager, Julian Franklin, to work across the South West. Responsible for managing existing customers as well as securing new business,

Haskins Garden Centres have promoted Andy Harris from Garden Lifestyle Buyer to Gardening Senior Buyer. Andy has been with Haskins for 11 years. He will be heading up the gardening team and take on the responsibility for buying houseplants, bulbs and indoor pot covers. Colin Brickell will continue to buy garden plants and will take on the extra responsibility for bedding plants.

+12% IS THE ONLY BRAND TO DELIVER SALES GROWTH!* *Source: GfK Gardman Wild Bird Care Report, August 2016 – March 2017 Shows Gardman is the only brand to have grown their market share since the launch of the new wild bird care season in August 2016.

initiatives FOR 2017-18 Why ‘Ready to Feed’? Our consumer research indentified the biggest barrier to feeding is the not knowing how to get started. 2017 will see us launch a simple range of “Ready to feed” products which are quick and easy to use - Simply… hang, watch, enjoy! Sales Potential If we converted 10% of the non-feeding population there is a potential to grow the market by £32m.

Why ‘Supreme’? Insight shows wild bird enthusiasts are looking to attract even more birds and specific varieties using the best products available. Therefore, we are dramatically up weighting our Supreme range with the launch of some exciting new products for those who want to offer their garden birds simply the very best!

HARIT

Sales Potential In the past year we have seen an 82% growth in stockist points for species specific blends and our premium blends are enjoying significant growth too. Supreme suet ball sales in their first year of launch have sold half the volume of our standard suet balls!

Why ‘Charity Campaigns’? We launched two charity campaigns last year to combat seasonal selling dips. Our campaigns were a roaring success and in 2017 we are set to build these with a bigger and stronger product offering.

HA IT Y R

Sales Potential If last years combined sales are anything to go by, we’ll be looking at generating in excess of £4m in retail sales.

Why ‘Décor’? We know that consumers are deterred from feeding the birds, as they find feeders an unsightly addition to their gardens. In 2016 we launched a range of feeders that echo the decorative on-trend styles of home and garden living, for 2017 we are extending the range and have redesigned the packaging to be softer and more appealing as a gifting line. Sales Potential So far our Décor range has generated excess of £1m in retail sales*, with our planned range extension we’re confident that this will drive further sales of this innovative category.

ALL OTHER BRANDS

-7%

SHOW REPORT

HTA NATIONAL PLANT SHOW, STONELEIGH

Malus gets judges vote but elegant perennial scoops visitor award The award for best new plant at the National Plant Show at Stoneleigh went to a darkleaved crab apple – but it was an unusual elegant white-flowered campanula-like perennial that topped the poll in the visitor vote. Malus sieboldii ‘Aros’ from Frank P Matthews, winner of the trees and shrubs category, has strongly-coloured deep purple leaves and produces deep pink flowers. A compact habit should suit it well to pot culture and it will certainly look the business in the planteria. Judging panel member Tim Upson, head of Horticulture at the RHS, said ‘Aros’ stood out as a true winner. “It has a wide use in different garden situations and with its compact nature is particularly suited to small gardens and patios,” he said. Adenophora ‘White Blaze’ from Darby Nursery Stock and Fairweather’s Nursery – judged the best perennial and the winner of the visitor vote – is a new cultivar of a notoften-seen perennial and follows the current fashion for light, airy ‘see-through’ border plants. It will look best planted in groups of at least three. First flowering is in late spring but it will repeat if trimmed. Judging panellist Marcus Cousins enthused about its “fantaastic flowewr colour, prolific flowerong and strong free-standing flower spikes.

Rest of the winners: Annuals Gold and Best in Category – Silene hybrid ‘Sl 11 04-61 Sparkling Rose from Kernock Park Plants Ltd Houseplants Gold and Best in Category – Gloxinia ‘Sonata Pink Spot’ from Javado and Batchmere Ltd Shrubs and Climbers Gold and Best in Category –Passiflora

6 August 2017

‘Riverside Snow Queen’ from Newey PPL The judging panel comprised Tim Upson (RHS), Ian Hodgson (Garden News), Marcus Cousins (Aylett Nurseries), Ken Cox (Glendoick Garden Centre) with HTA’s Martin Simmons overseeing.

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Above: Malus sieboldii ‘Aros’, voted best new plant in the show, and Adenophora ‘White Blaze’, which was the visitors’ favourite. Below: left - Marcus Cousins with the award winning plants. Right - Fairweathers and Darbys receive their visitors vote award.

SHOW REPORT

What plants will future consumers want to buy?

If it’s retail inspiration you’re after, HTA National Plant Show exhibitors have it in droves. Excellence in merchandising and POS has become an increasingly important element at the event and is widely applauded by buyers. Top: Allensmore pushed the boat out with a stunning stand display. Left: Hawkeshill showed ‘Herbs for BBQs’ in trendy pots and matching labels.Below left: Pinetops Nurseries had eye-catching echeveria specimens in 5-litre pots. Below right: Johnsons of Whixley’s display plinths promoted plants for different purposes.

“Are we growing the right plants?” was the question posed to a panel of experts comprising independent plant breeders agent Graham Spencer, Farplants MD Brett Avery, Wyevale Nurseries buyer Ben Gregory and Ayletts Nurseries horticultural manager Marcus Cousins. They tended to fudge the issue, but Brett Avery admitted that new plants were the lifeblood of what growers and retailers do. “We try to put ourselves in the shoes of the consumer,” said Ben Gregory. “We need to ask what this new plant brings to the table. “Plants are 35% of our business,” said Marcus Cousins. “New plants offer customers new opoportunities, but we do need something that is genuinely different.” Scent and flower colour were the most important attractants, he said.

How plants help to create memorable experiences Trevor Pfeiffer, managing director of The Garden Communication & Media Company, which owns GTN and Garden Radio, outlined his views on how plants help to create memorable experiences for garden centre consumers. Drawing on many examples of planteria best practice found during the judging of GTN’s The Greatest Awards, he paid tribute to the creativity, enthusiasm and expertise of planteria teams who make the most of their unique product.

WE INNOVATE FOR YOU Grow your sales with our new products and innovative merchandising. Come and visit us at GLEE 2017 on Stand 19G06 from the 11th to the 13th September. 2170546 Elho adv garden Trade News 192x65.indd 1

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elho.com

07-07-17 August 201711:29 7

GTN PROMOTION

Service with a smile from the merchandising van In the July issue, we visited the new Petface showroom…now open to enthusiastic visiting buyers. This month, we introduce you to the new service that brings the latest Petface ranges right to your door... GTN: Do you have a name for the vehicle? Petface: We simply call it our merchandising van, but we’re sure it will acquire a pet name before too much longer! Any suggestions? GTN: Will it be able to tour the whole country? P: Yes, it is available countrywide and more vans will be added in the coming months. The van has currently been touring the North and is starting to travel across country. If any customers wish to have a visit, they should contact their Petface sales representative or our sales office. GTN: What is its primary function? P: To showcase the latest products and promotions from Petface and our Wild Bird Care range – and to help customers select new ranges and seasonal promotions. GTN: What will buyers find on board – and will they be able to receive deliveries from the van or is it just for viewing the range? P: The van carries all our new products and collections. Orders can be placed at the van for future delivery and we are in the process of adding card facilities so customers can pay at the van for stock if they wish. GTN: Who will be driving the vehicle? P: Our Merchandiser, Sarah McGarty

8 August 2017

Sarah McGarty at the wheel of the new merchandising van, currently touring the country, GTN: What happens next? P: As we mentioned earlier, more merchandising vans will be added to the fleet in the coming months, all kitted out with latest products, so customers will always be able to keep up-to-date with our brands and promotions.

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GTN: How has the new showroom been received? P: It has gone down very well with customers who have visited to date and who have been able to select the latest ranges and complete their range reviews. We’re thrilled with the response so far. For those who can’t make it to the showroom, we’ve now got the van.

PETFACE

NEW TO PETFACE! ADAPTIL is a synthetic copy of the natural â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;dog appeasing pheromoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; released by the mother dog two to three days after giving birth. This pheromone comforts and supports her puppies, giving them the confidence to explore the outside world. This pheromone has been proven to have a comforting effect on both puppies and adult dogs during stressful situations and also helps support their training and socialisation. Adaptil is avaiable in diffuser, spray, tablet and collar formats.

NEW TO PETFACE! FELIWAY CLASSIC is a synthetic copy of facial pheromones used by cats to mark their territories. Diffused nearby, it reassures the animal that its environment is safe and helps to prevent or control unwanted urine marking or scratching. FELIWAY FRIENDS is a synthetic copy of the pheromone naturally produced by a nursing mother to help the kittens feel safe and secure and is clinically proven to help reduce tension and conflicts between cats in multi-cat households. To request a visit from the merchandising van or arrange a visit to the showroom, contact your Petface representative, call 01462 832000 or email sales@petface.com

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August 2017 9

SHOW REPORT

SOLEX 2017: SUMMER OUTDOOR LIVING EXHIBITION, NEC BIRMINGHAM

They’re The Greatest! Alton, Bramblecrest, Chessington and Shackletons set the gold standards in GTN’s Greatest Outdoor Leisure Sales Team Awards presented at SOLEX Alton, Chessington and Shackletons Garden Centres all won Gold Awards in GTN’s Greatest Outdoor Leisure Sales Team Awards, presented at SOLEX 2017. Bramblecrest won the Gold Award for Outdoor Leisure Supplier of the Year as voted for by garden centres visited by GTN’s team of experts over the past four months. The judges visited all the nominated garden centres to meet the Outdoor Leisure Sales Teams before reaching their verdicts. Presenting the awards at a drinks reception, kindly provided by sponsors SOLEX, GTN’s MD Trevor Pfeiffer said: “The judges have seen excellent examples of high quality retailing this year with plenty of effort going in to add-on sales across the outdoor leisure sector that are increasing customer satisfaction and profitability.” “Where great teamwork is added to excellent retail standards that’s when success is even greater,” he added. “That’s why our awards seek to find and celebrate the really great teams who are making a difference and setting new levels of performance that others can strive for.”

Above: Greatest Outdoor Leisure Suppliers of the Year winners receive their awards. Right: Gold Supplier of the Year winners Bramblecrest use shows including Chelsea (pictured) to build brand recognition and reputation. Bramblecrest were the most voted for outdoor leisure supplier for 2017 by a large margin.

The Greatest Outdoor Furniture Sales Team

Left: Our overall Outdoor Leisure Sales Team gold winners at Chessington make it as easy as possible for customers to make the right choice. Here all their corner suites are placed next to each other instead of being grouped by range. “If a customer comes in to buy a corner suite we don’t want them to have to walk miles around the showroom to make their choice,” they told the judges.

Bronze Award – Coolings Green & Pleasant Silver Award – Millbrook Gravesend Gold Award – Shackletons Home & Garden - who also win the SOLEX Best Furniture Retailer Award

The Greatest BBQ Sales Team Bronze Award – Perrywood Bronze Award – Bents Silver Award – Hayes Garden World Gold Award – Alton Garden Centre - who also win the SOLEX Best BBQ Retailer Award

The Greatest Outdoor Leisure Supplier of the Year Bronze Award – 4 Seasons Bronze Award – Supremo Bronze Award – Scancom Silver Award – Kadai Silver Award - Weber Gold Award – Bramblecrest

Right: At Coolings Green and Pleasant a strategically placed set of Barlow Tyrie furniture slowed the flow and encouraged customers to feel the quality. That resulted in many high value sales to their well heeled customer base. Below: What was your most profitable line in outdoor furniture this year? The team at Millbrook Gravesend were in no doubt that it was the folding rattan chair and table set from TOBS. They were selling so many as add ons to suite sales they had to add a pallet display in the showroom to save time fetching them from the stock room.

The Greatest Outdoor Leisure Sales Team Bronze Award – Poplars Bronze Award – Bents Silver Award – Millbrook Gravesend Gold Award – Chessington Continued on page 12

10 August 2017

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SHOW REPORT

SOLEX 2017: SUMMER OUTDOOR LIVING EXHIBITION, NEC BIRMINGHAM

Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re The Greatest! continued from p10 Right: Altons and Hayes took Gold and Silver respectively in the Greatest BBQ Sales Team Category

BBQ team gold award winners Alton Garden Centre impressed the judges with their knowledge, enthusiasm, professionalism and stunning displays, including a display of extreme lounging bag seats that has generated great sales alongside the barbecues.

Right: Chessington (on the left) were voted overall Greatest Outdoor Leisure Sales Team, with Millbrook Gravesend in Silver position.

Five times winners in The Greatest Awards previously, the team from Shackletons in Clitheroe (two of whom are pictured below in their outstanding showroom) are still leading the way in white glove delivery all over the UK and stunning customer service. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why they won Gold again for The Greatest Furniture Sales Team, beating Millbrook Gravesend (below centre) and Poplars (below right) into Silver and Bronze positions

12 August 2017

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GTN PROMOTION

Brush up...on a great new sales opportunity Premium quality Redecker brushes are now available with full UK distribution and back-up. The Redecker brand, with the largest collection of natural bristle brushes on the market, is expanding its UK availability. Each brush is made with thought and care in Germany, by a family business founded over seven decades ago. The expansion will be handled by The Oxford Brush Company, who have been retailing Redecker for the past five years. The brand has been selected by the RHS for its shows and earned four stars in this year’sTyrie RHSrecycled Chelsea Flower Show Right: Barlow teak furniture on product of year Outdoor awards.Furniture Kirstie Allsopp is a proud display atthe Greatest Sales Team customer, Bronze Award winners among Coolingsmany Grerenothers. & Pleasant. Redecker offer a full retail display unit wide by 50cm Below: measuring folding rattan1m furniture from The deep Old and 1.9m high, with adjustable and Basket Supply Co, with throws asshelves an add-on - storage below. Each unit can winners display 35 different displayed at Silver Award products. Spinning units and tables are also Millbrook Gravesend. available. The range is divided into five categories: House and Home, Grooming and Beauty, Clothes, Outdoor, Pet Care and Accessories Each category is then subdivided; for example there are 15 different items in the nail brush category for the needs of gardeners, craftsmen, children etc. There are lines for practically everything… radiators brushes, bottle brushes, utility brushes, dog brushes, cat brushes, boot jacks, boot brushes, a selection of soaps from sheep milk, complete shaving brushes made from badger hair, cleaning brushes, cobweb brushes, food prep brushes, vegetable brushes, mushroom brushes, lint

brushes, even extendible aluminium poles up to 4m for those hard to reach places. All wood is FSC accredited. All products are supplied in sterling and have an excellent above average margin. There is an online ordering system with a seven-day delivery lead time and The Oxford Brush Company offer full training days. With their unique sustainability story and a growing loyal following, the brushes are perfect add-on ranges for garden centres and lifestyle retailers. The units have provided one of the most profitable sections per square foot for many stockists. The whole ethos of the company revolves

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around beauty, utility, sustainability and natural materials and the wow factor in the stores leaves customers amazed that there can really be so many useful brushes. They work on the basis that if they ‘don’t have a brush for it, it’s not worth cleaning’. For more information about Redecker products, call 01993 824148, email sales@redecker.uk or visit the website: www.redecker.uk

August 2017

GTN PROMOTION

SOLEX REPORT continued from p12

Leisure & Outdoor Furniture Association (LOFA) chairman Mark Osborne of Outback UK cuts a cake to mark the 10th anniversary of SOLEX, watched by LOFA secretary Phil Gibbs.

A new time, a new way... By Darren Brown, Head of SBM Life Science Ltd SBM Life Science, established in October 2016 following the sale of Bayer Garden and Bayer Advanced to SBM, is now fully operational throughout Europe and North America and we are moving into the next phase of our business development, with its New Time, New Way strategy. This strategy, designed to deliver the goal of becoming a true global leader in the home and garden sector, reflects the very different approach we will take in the market over the coming years. It encompasses some of the significant changes and trends taking place in the garden care sector and aims to intimately connect with gardeners and their gardens, providing them with effective and trusted product solutions that are well balanced and ‘In Tune with Nature’. In an increasingly restrictive regulatory landscape, companies in this sector are constantly obliged to redefine their offer. More than ever, we have to question, re-adapt and reinvent ourselves to make sure the needs of our garden centre customers continue to be met. To this end, we are investing; expanding our product lines and powering up our brands - Baby Bio®, Phostrogen®, Toprose and Provado®. Crucially for the industry, this includes investing in R&D to introduce effective product innovations that are respectful of the environment. In the months since our official formation in October last year, we have taken the time to talk to garden centre customers to understand better exactly what they want and how to add increased value to the UK market. They told us they wanted more innovative products, simpler processes, bigger UK investment and greater customer flexibility. We heard this feedback and it’s now at the heart of our business, heavily influencing the development of our core values, which include a focus on Entrepreneurship, Support, Partnerships, Rapid Response, Innovation and Teamwork. UK customers and stakeholders will see the emergence of the New Time, New Way strategy at Glee, when we will be making our first full appearance at the show. As well as showcasing the next phase of our development, we will launch new products, including a new brand. Visit us in Hall 18 on on stand number 18N51. www.sbm-lifescience.co.uk

14 Aug 2017

Tepro picked up the SOLEX Best New Product Award for its ‘clean and sleek’ barbecue (right). James Jagged of Tepro (pictured above collecting his award from Mark Osborne), said: “It’s great for a product with such great design and manufacture to be recognised by the industry.” Runner-up was Alexander Rose, with LeisureBench in third place.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Left: Richard Searle collects Kettler’s award for Best Stand, which featured the impressive Everdure by Heston Blumenthal display of all-new barbecues (below).

GTN PROMOTION

Eden launches easy-to-fit greenhouse roller blinds Following on from the highly successful unveiling of its Zero Threshold™ range at Glee 2015 – the first design breakthrough in aluminium greenhouses for more than 25 years – Eden Halls has launched a series of accessories under the Eden Greenhouses brand, the latest of which is a greenhouse roller blinds offer. Designed to provide neat and effective shading to protect young plants from harsh sunlight, the blinds are supplied in packs of two with an SRP of £34.99, home delivered. The blinds are easy to fit with suction pads top and bottom if seasonal removal/re-application is required, and are easily retractedt. The Eden blinds range can also be fitted to other brands of greenhouse with similar glazing panel sizes, using the suction pads. The launch makes the Eden greenhouse accessories collection one of the most comprehensive ranges in the market. The other products in the range are a purpose-designed shelving and staging system, ventilation accessories and a 100L water butt, made from recycled materials and available in grey and black, complete with stand and a hosepipe-compatible tap. A gutter connecting kit and additional fittings are for customised water harvesting. Interested retailers should contact their Eden representative or call the company on 01242 676625.

CMY

2017

In association with

The UK’s aquatics & watergardening trade show 18th & 19th October 2017 | Telford International Centre Confirmed Exhibitors include: AB Aqua Medic Anglo Aquatic Plant AQUA One Aquadip Aquael Aquaja Aqualogy Aquarium Connections Aquarium Systems UK Aquatics Express Distribution Aquatlantis BCUK/MaxSpect Beaver Plants Berry Ring Biohome Bluetang Enterprise CASCO Pet CeramicNature Certikin Cloverleaf Colombo DD The Aquarium Solution Dennerle Easitill Eastern Connections Eco Pond Eheim Evolution Aqua FishScience Gordon Low gov.uk Hamac Trading - Aqua Creations Heritage Distribution Hertford Shelving Hozelock Hydor UK Industrial Leisure Interpet ITC Aquatics ITS Europe JBL JMC Aquatics Kelkay KoralSea Lotus-Atlantis Marine Arts

Mars Fishcare Matsuiko Direct Natures Grub Nauticalia Neil Hardy Aquatica Nishikoi NT Laboratories OASE OATA OCTO by Reef Octopus PBW News Pedigree Aquatic Wholesale Petra Aqua Pettex Piscine Energetics PondTeam PondXpert Premier Epos Prodibio Real Aquatics Red Sea Aquatics Seachem Seneye Sibo Fluidra Netherlands Sicce Soell Tetra Trade Mark Aquatics Triton Tropica Tropical Marine Centre Tunze UK UK Pond Products Unipac United Aquatics Velda Waterlife World Feeds/Vitalis Aquatic Nutrition Yorkshire Brine Shrimp Zoo Fantasy Zoo Med

www.aquatelford.co.uk www.gardentradenews.co.uk

August 2017 15

SHOW REPORT continued from page 14

New furniture range a total success says Zest4Leisure The launch of Zest 4 Leisure’s new 2018 garden furniture range was a total success, the company says. Visitors were delighted with the new range launched at the show. The double decker stand gave panoramic views over the hall and was a popular location for Zest customers and visitors. Steve Morgan, Zest 4 Leisure’s MD, said customer satisfaction and product design were “at the heart of everything we do. “We listen to our customers, and for 2018 we have taken some of our bestselling ranges and introduced new products, such as the Emily Corner Bench, as well as creating completely new products. “Zest 4 Leisure has a hard-working, forward-looking team with a flair for design.

We’d like to thank everyone who visited the stand and for their positive feedback. Zest showcased a range of new products including a children’s picnic table, alfresco

dining set and more. Zest’s garden furniture, made from FSCcertified wood, carries a 10-year guarantee. Information: www.zest4leisure.co.uk

LeisureGrow launch contemporary wood-effect aluminium range LeisureGrow have launched a stunning new contemporary wood-effect Aluminium range for 2018 – The Milan. The range includes a variety of tables including an extendable dining table with either recliner or padded arm chairs, a low modular lounge set, sun lounger and swing seat, all in a modern anthracite, with wood effect table tops and chair arms and finished with dark grey cushions. LeisureGrow now boasts that all cushions across the collections feature their Eden season-proof technology, meaning they can be left out all summer. The covers are shower proof and the quick dry filling means any water that does get through runs straight out the other side.

Al Fresco Chef aims to fire up UK wood pellet market Outdoor cooking specialists The Al Fresco Chef of Blackpool are aiming to set a new trend in the UK with the launch of their first wood-pellet barbecue and smoker. Wood pellet barbecuing - where pellets are automatically fed into the fire by an auger driven by an electric motor - has not yet taken off in Britain although it is huge in the USs - probably because few consumers

here are familiar with the concept of plugging a barbecue into the mains, having been raised on charcoal and gas. The mighty Timberline 850 barbecue from Traeger (pictured) is a serious piece of wood pellet-fuelled kit with a price tag to match - SRP £1,849 – but Al Fresco Chef’s sales manager Jordan Lee says prices could drop as the concept catches on.

NATIONWIDE DISTRIBUTION FROM A SINGLE PALLET TO A FULL LOAD

AWARD WINNING FORMULATIONS

An extensive range of premium quality horicultural products ideal for a diverse variety of applications.

PRODUCTS DO NOT CONTAIN RECYCLED WASTE www.bathgatehorticulture.co.uk 16 August 2017

01270 762828

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

sales@bathgatesilica.co.uk

SHOW REPORT

Alexander Rose know the ropes A clutch of new ideas from Alexander Rose’s head of design, Alan Morley, were shown at SOLEX - including a beautiful range finished in braided marine-grade rope. The elegant all-new Cordial Lounge collection (pictured below) is built on stainless steel or powder-coated aluminium frames. The sofa and chair frames are then woven with an attractive woven olefin rope (which is made in India). The rope has a rubber core, which means the rope covering can be thinner so that it dries out more quickly. The new Classic traditional weave range is Alan Morley’s attempt to produce a weave collection mirroring British tastes. There are two styles - stacking armchair with small square table and open or closed weave dining armchairs plus a round table.

Landmann take up smoking... Following signs that UK consumers are increasingly keen on smoked foods, barbecue suppliers Landmann have included new Tennessee smokers in their line-up for next season. “We’re pushing smokers next year,” said MD Martin Carnaby (pictured with the new Tennessee 300 model). “Smokers are massive in the US and Germany but still quite niche in Britain. However we’ve seen good growth here and think there is potential to go further.” The range chimes well with Landmann’s new marketing strategy targeting mid- and up-market consumers with premium quality products. “This has gone down extremely well with our garden centres,” said Martin, “who are happy to have a quality brand offering outstanding value alongside the existing brand they stock.”

WWW.HARTMANUK.COM www.gardentradenews.co.uk

INFO@HARTMANUK.COM August 2017 17

Order early to secure winter-season supply Great deals available through selected wholesalers Up to 6 months sell-through* * New regulations will take effect from March 1st 2018, reducing rodenticide concentrations and restricting retail pack sizes

Stock up now! Contact The Big Cheese sales rep in your area for more information, or call STV on 01953 881580 info@stvpestcontrol.com | stvpestcontrol.com

F St ind an u d sa 18 t G N1 le 0-P e 11

GTN PROMOTION

Meadow View Stone helps Perennial residents prepare for National Garden Scheme open day Decorative aggregate, paving and stoneware supplier Meadow View partnered with Perennial to help the residents of The Six Houses in Barton near Cambridge prepare for their National Garden Scheme open day earlier this year, with the donation of two classical Stancombe Urns. The Six Houses are home to eight retired horticulturists and have extensive gardens that open to the public through the National Garden Scheme twice a year. Owned and run by the horticulture trade charity Perennial, The Six Houses provide accommodation for retired gardeners with each cottage having its own plot, alongside four acres of communal gardens where the Stancombe

Urns now stand. Meadow View Stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classically styled Stancombe Urns complement their new surroundings, with their floral motifs and traditional colouring working in harmony with the local brickwork of the cottages and GLEE ad 2017 lansdcape_Layout 1 24/07/2017 10:05 Page 1 range of planting in the gardens. the diverse

Perennial is the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only charity dedicated to helping people who work in horticulture when times get tough. For more information about Perennial please visit: www. perennial.org.uk or call 0800 093 8510.

Greenhouses Garden rooms Wall Gardens cold Frames accessories

VitaVia Garden ProductS Ltd t: 01473 218100 e: info@vitavia.co.uk @VitaviaLtd

ViSit uS at GLee

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

11-13 September 2017 www.gleebirmingham.com Hall 20 L50-M51

August 2017 19

EVENTS

More than 200 companies exhibiting at PATS Telford 24-25 September 2017 The UK’s National Pet Trade Event

If you are serious about stocking pet products Only PATS has all the brands under one roof

REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE ENTRY TO PATS Simply go to www.patshow.co.uk or call our hotline 01892 862848 If you can’t make it to PATS Telford, then please join us at PATS Sandown on 20-21 March 2018 20 August 2017

Visitors to PATS Telford in September can expect a busy and exciting show as almost every stand at the two-day event has now been sold. The exhibition hall at The Telford International Centre will be packed with stands showcasing new products. And there will be lots to see and talk about with over 200 companies exhibiting. As well as meeting up with a long list of PATS regulars, visitors will be greeted by a host of new faces when the show takes place on Sunday, September 24, and Sunday, September 25, 2017. A growing number of companies are choosing to exhibit for the first time as they see PATS as the perfect opportunity to showcase their products to retailers and overseas distributors. And more international exhibitors are also using PATS as a platform to launch their products on to the UK market. PATS Telford attracted a total of 2,009 visitors in 2016 – the second year in a row that the 2,000 barrier had been broken – and with so many exciting plans for 2017 it could easily be another record-breaking year. New pet brand Hidey Hidey will be appearing at a PATS show for the first time and founder Johanna Buitelaar said: ‘We really are very excited to be exhibiting at PATS. Hidey Hidey is our second major launch this year and follows hot on the heels of Memory Bloom. The feedback for Memory Bloom

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

has been amazing and now we can’t wait to unveil the Hidey Hidey range as well. We believe that both new brands are pretty unique in the trade and PATS Telford is giving us the perfect opportunity to showcase them to potential buyers and retailers.” TropiClean, a manufacturer of grooming and oral care products, is also looking forward to its first ever PATS show. “We could not ask to be in a better place than PATS Telford to show the entire trade why TropiClean items are so unique and, more importantly, how proven all ranges are,” said the company’s Paul Mercer. One of PATS Telford’s most popular features is the New Product Showcase, which saw an impressive number of over 260 entries last year. Early indications suggest this figure will increase in 2017, and all items will be displayed prominently in the exhibition hall. The Showcase entries will be judged by a panel of retailer judges for the New Product Awards on the first morning of the show, and the winners will receive their honours at the PetQuip Awards Dinner on the evening of the opening day. To help make the visitor experience even more enjoyable and rewarding, visitors will receive free show entry, free parking, a free catalogue and many special offers. There will also be a full programme of free seminars and grooming demonstrations. To register for free entry to the show visit patshow.co.uk

E 8-PAG L SPECIA

Roll of Honour

All the winning products and finalists listed and pictured inside

Roll of Honour

GIMA SWORD OF EXCELLENCE

WINNER

Westland Horticulture (SafeLawn)

GIMA Sword of Excellence Winner: Westland Horticulture (Westland SafeLawn) GCA Supplier of The Year Winner: Smart Garden Products Finalists: Decco, Woodlodge Gardenex Export Achievement Winner: Briers Finalists: Smart Garden Products, Crest Garden Garden Care Winner: Westland Horticulture (Westland SafeLawn) Finalists: Round Up (Telescopic Weeding Wand), SBM Life Science Ltd (Baby Bio Feed & Mist for Orchids), Sipcam UK (ecofective range) Growing and Planting Equipment and Sundries Winner: Elho b.v. (Corsica door stopper) Finalists: Hozelock (Superhoze 30m & 15m), Elho b.v. (super xxl grow table and lid), FITT SpA (YOYO 2017) Garden Tools, Machinery and Implements Winner: Burgon & Ball (Ergo Deadheader) Finalists: Burgon & Ball (FloraBrite range), Spear and Jackson (Spear and Jackson Select Stainless Allotment Hoe), Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (Evergreen Wizz Year-Round Spreader), Hozelock (Pico Power, Pico Power Home) Outdoor Leisure Winner: Hutton Garden and Landscaping Products (Melrose Dining Set) Finalists: Woodlodge Products (Mendip Fire Pit), CPL Distribution Ltd (Homefire Olive Briquettes), Fallen Fruits (Dachshund Bench) Plants, Seeds and Bulbs Winner: Hawkesmill Nurseries (Salvia ‘Pink Lips’) Finalists: Westland Horticulture (Unwins Sensational Sweet Peas range), Mr Fothergill’s Seeds Ltd (Optigrow vegetable seeds), Hawkesmill Nurseries (Victorian Viola Range) Garden Landscaping Winner: Forest Garden (Decibel Noise Reduction Panel) Finalists: Grange Fencing (Adjustable Garden Screen), Deco Pak Ltd (Milano Porcelain Paving), Forest Garden (Whitby Range), Ronseal (New Colours of Garden Paint).

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID... A great new product that clearly addresses both the customers’ needs and concerns, with a really strong marketing campaign.

GARDENEX EXPORT ACHIEVEMENT

WINNER

Briers

Gardening Clothing and Gifts Winner: Horticultural Trades Association (National Garden Gift Card) Finalists: Crest Garden (Kent & Stowe Gardener’s Clothing/Gift), Burgon & Ball (FloraBrite range), Crest Garden (Kent & Stowe Garden Gift) Pet Care, Aquatics and Wild Bird Care Winners: Fallen Fruits (Best for Birds - Five Feeders complete with Feed) Finalists: Cadix UK (Outdoor Statue Birdbath), Gardman Ltd (Butterfly Glass Bird Bath), Wildlife World (Dewdrop Wildbird Window Feeder) Garden Lighting, Water Features and Ornamentation Winner: Smart Garden Products (Eureka! Retro Solar Lightbulb) Finalists: Smart Garden Products (Illumina Silhouette Table and The Elvedon Collection), The Solar Centre (Lumify USB Solar Festoon Lights) Best Point of Sale Material Winner: Briers Ltd (Kids Range Display Concept) Finalists: Kelkay Ltd (Collections), Smart Garden Products (Doormats Display), Westland Horticulture (Smart Cover Mega Pallet) Best Consumer Packaging Winner: Westland Horticulture (Westland SafeLawn) Finalists: Wildlife World (Floral Gift Range), Burgon & Ball (Brie Harrison range), Hozelock (Superhoze Packaging and DQP) Best Marketing Communication Campaign Winner: Gardman Ltd (The Royal British Legion Charity Campaign) Finalists: Westland Horticulture (Westland SafeLawn), Hozelock (Bizzi Marketing Campaign), Wagner System GmbH (Out of Black Forest)

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID... Briers’ commitment to growing its export business has been echoed in the growth of its sales in the financial years 15/16 – 16/17. Sales growth has doubled in this time, now reaching in excess of one million euros, and further growth predicted for the coming season. Currently Briers exports to 20 different countries, and has witnessed particular success from the United States, the Netherlands and Belgium. Briers’ presence and growth on the continent has been cemented by Jackie Eades’ association with EFSA and the long-term commitment to numerous trade shows. The United States has also been a success story, again after a commitment to be present at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas and the IGC in Chicago. The quintessentially British appeal of Briers’ products has driven success in the United States.

FINALISTS

Smart Garden Products, Crest Garden

GCA SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

WINNER

Smart Garden Products

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID... ‘Great quality of products, service and reliability’, ‘fantastic innovation and new products’ and ‘even in a difficult year the service was excellent’.

FINALISTS Decco Woodlodge

FINALISTS

SBM Life Science (Baby Bo Feed & Mist for Orchids)

GARDEN CARE

WINNER Westland Horticulture (SafeLawn) ABOUT THE WINNER Appeals to households that love their lawn, but are put off using chemicals due to safety concerns over children and pets. Made using 100% natural ingredients. It’s a dust-free organic fertiliser with a balanced NPK that breaks down easily in the soil avoiding soft, weak growth. It also has added lawn seed. It’s only made using natural ingredients. The judges said: “Addresses the issues the consumer demands, simply and effectively.”

GARDEN TOOLS, MACHINERY & IMPLEMENTS

WINNER Burgon & Ball (Ergo Deadheader) ABOUT THE WINNER This tool is designed to be held in a new way. The finger loop, uniquely shaped handles and comfort grip allow the ergo deadheader to nestle in the palm, taking the strain off the wrist and thumb for more comfortable cutting. The judges said: “Designed with the user in mind not just the task, it’s easy and comfortable to use.”

FINALISTS Burgon & Ball (FloraBrite range) Spear and Jackson (Select Stainless Allotment Hoe) Scotts Miracle-Gro (Evergreen Wizz Year-Round Spreader) Hozelock (Pico Power)

Round Up (Telescopic Weeding Wand) Sipcam UK (ecofective range)

OUTDOOR LEISURE

WINNER

GROWING & PLANTING EQUIPMENT & SUNDRIES

WINNER

Hutton Garden (Melrose Dining)

ABOUT THE WINNER Most outdoor garden furniture is produced using small dimension softwood with the aim of achieving low cost to the consumer. The Melroseis proof that using innovative Britsish manufacturing techniques, high quality products can be produced at a very affordable price. The judges said: “Excellent value for money with good environmental credentials, and it’s made in the UK too!”

Elho b.v. (Corsica door stopper)

ABOUT THE WINNER There is no other synthetic product at present that is able to be planted to create a unique way to hold open a door. The judges said: “Innovative new design, it broadens the use of standard planters.”

FINALISTS

Hozelock (Superhoze) Elho b.v. (super xxl grow table and lid) FITT SpA (YOYO 2017)

Woodlodge Products (Mendip Fire Pit) CPL Distribution Ltd (Homefire Olive Briquettes) Fallen Fruits (Dachshund Bench)

PLANTS SEEDS AND BULBS

WINNER Hawkesmill Nurseries (Salvia ‘Pink Lips’) ABOUT THE WINNER Salvia Pink Lips (Jeremy) is a pink form of the popular Salvia Hot Lips and is exclusive to Hawkesmill Nurseries for 2017. The stunning blooms are pink-white instead of red-white (Hotlips) and the flowers have a larger size (about 50% larger compared to Hotlips). The judges said: “Beautiful and hardy; a great follow up to the popular Hot Lips variety.”

FINALISTS Hawkesmill Nurseries (Victorian Viola range) Mr Fothergills (Optigrow vegetable seeds) Westland Horticulture (Unwins Sensational Sweat Peas)

GARDEN CLOTHING AND GIFTS

Garden Trade News

WINNER Horticultural Trades Association (National Garden Gift Card)

FINALISTS Crest Garden (Kent & Stowe Gardener’s Clothing/Gifts, and Kent & Stowe Garden Gift) Burgon & Ball (FloraBrite range)

ABOUT THE WINNER Unlike the old propriety gift cards, retailers can sell as well as redeem the NGGC. The purpose-built transactional technology enables the card to be activated by any epos system and even online. This enables the widest possible sale and redemption possible. The gift card is all-inclusive for retailers. The judges said: “A great product for driving more sales into gardening. Great for both retailers and customers.”

GARDEN LIGHTING, WATER FEATURES AND ORNAMENTATION

WINNER Smart Garden Products (Eureka! Retro Solar Lightbulb)

FINALISTS Smart Garden Products (Illumina Silhouette Table and The Elvedon Collection)

The Solar Centre

The Solar Centre (Lumify USB Solar Festoon Lights)

ABOUT THE WINNER Following the success of the Eureka! Solar light bulb, this larger sized bulb and retro Edison filament lighting effect continues the evolution of the Eureka! range of products and provides consumers with an enticing, new option. The new flattened bottom allows them to sit on tabletops as well as hang. The judges said: “Bang on trend again; a great new twist on a bestseller.”

GARDEN LANDSCAPING

WINNER

BEST POINT OF SALE MATERIAL

Forest Garden (Decibel Noise Reduction Panel)

WINNER

ABOUT THE WINNER It is the first attractive, affordable and ready-assembled acoustic panel on the market available for purchase and home delivery from national retailers. Unique Triform technology incorporates boards with a triangular profile that optimise the diffusion as well as reflection of nuisance noise. The judges said: “Shows a good understanding of the need to reduce noise and stress in the urban environment.”

Briers Ltd (Kids Range Display Concept) ABOUT THE WINNER It blends the need for the retailer to display a high impact range that delivers in a compact footprint and is robust enough to withstand the retail environment. The display concept offers retailers flexibility to choose their ranges, and to cater for their customers with different product mixes.

FINALISTS Ronseal (New paint range) Grange Fencing (Adjustable Screen) Forest Garden (Whitby Range)

FINALISTS Kelkay (Collections), Smart Garden Products (Doormats Display), Westland Horticulture (Smart Cover Mega Pallet)

Deco Pak Ltd (Milano Range)

BEST CONSUMER PRODUCT PACKAGING

WINNER Westland (SafeLawn) ABOUT THE WINNER Extensive research gave Westland the insight needed to spot a gap in the existing lawn range. Parents and pet owners were worried about safety concerns, rather than seeking organic alternatives. By naming the product ‘SafeLawn’ and giving clear visual representations on pack, Westland was able to identify a consumer need. return to add and extend projects at a later time, further expanding the market.

FINALISTS PETCARE, AQUATICS AND WILD BIRD CARE

WINNERS

FINALISTS

Wildlife World (Floral Gift Range) Burgon & Ball (Brie Harrison range) Hozelock (Superhoze Packaging and DQP)

Fallen Fruits (Best for Birds) ABOUT THE WINNER Aimed at the entry level pricepoint, a pocket money product. They allow customers to experiment with different feeds in different locations to see what suits their garden birds. The feeders are colourful and easily disposed of when empty. The judges said: “Innovative unique design, low cost and recyclable.”

BEST MARKETING COMMUNICATION AWARD

WINNER

Gardman (The Royal British Legion Charity Campaign)

ABOUT THE WINNER Gardman became corporate partners with the Royal British Legion and launched a range of of poppy wild bird care products; a cast iron poppy bird feeder dish and two premium wild bird care seed mixes. Through sales of these products, Gardman have managed to raised an incredible £240,000 to support veterans and their families.

FINALISTS Cadix UK (Outdoor Statue Bird Bath)

Gardman (Butterfly Glass Bird Bath)

Wildlife World (Dewdrop Wildbird Window Feeder)

Westland Horticulture (SafeLawn) Hozelock (Bizzi marketing campaign) Wagner System GmbH (Out of Black Forest)