In This Issue
Wyevale Garden Centres announces shift away from acquisitions
Meadow View Stone unveil a new customer experience
Nicholas Marshall joins HTA Garden Futures Conference 2017 line-up
Area Sales Manager wanted by History and Heraldry Group
Paul Hansord and Neil Sharpe to retire from T&M
Aussie analyst questions Bunnings UK trading model
Sales volumes up for fifth week in a row
Garden supplier's £4.5m investment in Ashford
Industry high after thriving annual Glee exhibition
New look gift department at Bents
Haskins raise £6,500 to pay for puppy's assistance dog training
Zest power duo take on Ironman Wales for charity
Product Merchandisers (Full-Time)
Marketing and Communications Officer
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Pansies are most popular plant of the autumn season
Garden product stalwart Tony Dedman retires after 48 years
A Glee-full week for Greenfingers Charity
Cutting time for garden products
Bohemian and hippy chic is an outdoor trend says e-tailer
Sales of onion sets are electric
Woodlodge pair raise over £2,000 by skydiving for Greenfingers
Pots of bulb compost sales
CIH Dublin conference to focus on how horticulture impacts health
We need gardens to help us 'live more like cavemen' suggests top archaeologist
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
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All the latest news from the world of garden centre catering
The pies have it - new suppliers found at Lunch!
New trade show will demonstrate how to cater for vegans
Situations Vacant
Area Sales Manager wanted by History and Heraldry Group
 
The History and Heraldry Group are recruiting an Area Sales Manager for the Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and Hants region. A competitive basic salary plus car/allowance is being offered...
Read more»
Product Merchandisers (Full-Time)
Salary: £22,500+
 
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Marketing and Communications Officer
 
Greenfingers Charity has a really exciting opportunity for a passionate Marketing and Comms professional...
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Wyevale Garden Centres announces shift away from acquisitions
Wyevale Garden Centres has announced the successful refinancing of external bank debt facilities, which stabilises the capital structure enabling the leadership team to focus on delivering the new strategy, centred on building a better business for customers. Roger Mclaughlan, CEO of WGC said: “There’s been a significant shift in our financial priorities away from acquisitions and other capital intensive growth initiatives to investment in the core infrastructure, systems and processes..."
Wyevale Garden Centres has issued its 2016 Annual Report and Accounts to include a detailed update on the new business strategy. It has also announced the successful refinancing of external bank debt facilities, which stabilises the capital structure enabling the leadership team to focus on delivering the new strategy, centred on building a better business for customers.

2016 financial and operational highlights
  • Overall footfall has increased year on year with 46.5m visitors coming to our GCs
  • Revenue is up 5.5% year on year at £328.3m
  • Horticulture accounts for 30% of revenue
  • Gardening accounts for 34% of revenue
  • Home & Leisure accounts for 17% of revenue
  • Food & Beverage accounts for 19% of revenue
  • Like for like sales decreased by 2% in 2016 but grew in the second half of 2016
  • Gross margin reduced by 1.8 percentage points due to higher clearance activity as legacy inventory issues addressed
  • Operating costs increased due to acquisitions, additional rental expense from sale and leaseback transactions and investment in people, including impact of National Living Wage
  • EBITDA down 31% year on year at £29.1m
New strategy update

WGC’s strategic priorities are focused on building a strong foundation at the core of the business.  As well as delivering a more compelling customer proposition and experience, WGC aims to achieve its strategic goals by investing in people, upgrading systems and controls and improving the supply chain process.

The management team aims to a deliver best-in-class retailing experience that offers greater choice, value and quality to customers. Having been in place for a year, CEO, Roger Mclaughlan, and CFO, Anthony Jones, have already introduced a number of new initiatives to improve customers’ experience and the Group recently achieved its highest net promoter score to date, a critical measure of customer satisfaction.

So far in 2017, WGC has seen early signs of progress following the implementation of the first phase of its strategy as the business has returned to like-for-like growth.

Justin King, Chairman of WGC, said: “2016 was a transitional year.  In order for the business to achieve sustainable growth a change of strategy, and a change in the leadership team to implement it, was needed as a critical first step. During 2016 the team made significant progress in setting out this new strategy and in dealing with legacy issues, particularly stock. I am pleased to note that this progress has continued throughout the year and with the successful completion of the debt refinancing, we now have a more stable capital structure to support the business’ needs.”

Roger Mclaughlan, CEO of WGC said: “We have spent a lot of time over the past year in gathering in-depth customer insight and feedback from colleagues across the business. At the heart of our new strategy is enhancing our customer experience by focusing on building and strengthening the fundamentals of our business. There’s been a significant shift in our financial priorities away from acquisitions and other capital intensive growth initiatives to investment in the core infrastructure, systems and processes required to develop a scalable and sustainable platform to underpin the Group’s future growth plans.”

 WGC’s Annual Report and Accounts for the year ending 25 December 2016 can be found at https://www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk/cms/about-us/corporate/


Meadow View Stone unveil a new customer experience


Visitors to Glee this year were able to explore a new and extended range of products being unveiled on the Meadow View Stone stand. With 12 new decorative aggregates and over 20 additions to their paving collection, Meadow View have placed consumer trends at the heart of their product development process.



Visitors to Glee this year were able to explore a new and extended range of products being unveiled on the Meadow View Stone stand. With 12 new decorative aggregates and over 20 additions to their paving collection, Meadow View have placed consumer trends at the heart of their product development process.

 

This commitment has also been echoed in their new retail-friendly packaging and informative brochure, as well as their customer driven website which launched at the show.

Marketing Director Sarah Hill said: “Glee is always a strong platform for Meadow View but this year has seen exceptional feedback.

"New product ranges such as our Urban Living collection and Travertine Paving were well received and we were able to effectively demonstrate how these might be displayed in a retail environment, especially to maximise linked sales.

"Many of the products that we have launched this year have been developed to complement our leading lines, giving customers a wider range of choice to suit every garden style and every shopper’s budget.”

Alongside discovering a wealth of new products and packaging unveiled at the show, visitors were able to take a break on the stand and enjoy a selection of speciality gins and drinks supplied by Halewood International.

Halewood, the leading brand in giftware packs, provided hospitality for guests and were able to introduce them to innovative new tastes and flavours from distilleries across the UK.

For more information about recent changes and new products from Meadow View Stone, please get in touch via email  or visit the website.

 
Nicholas Marshall joins HTA Garden Futures Conference 2017 line-up


Nicholas Marshall, CEO of Dobbies Garden Centres, has joined the line-up for the HTA Garden Futures Conference, sponsored by Hozelock, which takes place on Wednesday 4 October at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire....


Nicholas Marshall, CEO of Dobbies Garden Centres, has joined the line-up for the HTA Garden Futures Conference, sponsored by Hozelock, which takes place on Wednesday 4 October at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire.

With over 30 years’ experience in the garden centre sector Nicholas founded and built two garden centre chains, Country Gardens PLC and Country Homes and Gardens PLC. He was also CEO of Wyevale Garden Centres for four years, taking it from near administration to a successful sale for £300m.

Nicholas will be interviewed by conference host, journalist and news presenter Cathy Newman who will quiz him on his views on topics such as the future of the industry, the potential impact of Brexit, changing demographics and the consumer and the impact of technology within retail.

Garden retail – the great escape – is the theme for this year’s HTA Garden Futures Conference and Dinner which is aimed at all those from across the garden industry from business owners to directors and managers.

The theme of this year’s one-day strategic event reflects the role of both gardens and garden centres as an escape and focuses on the benefits, positive role and unique opportunities that this provides for the industry. It also tackles key issues impacting the sector such as Xylella fastidiosa.

Also, joining the programme is Rachel Lund from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Rachel heads up the BRC’s Insight and Analytics team and is responsible for all of the BRC’s data gathering and market analysis activities including the Retail Sales and Footfall Monitors.

Josh McBain from the Foresight Factory will present on The Ageless Society demonstrating how the changing demographic provides a huge opportunity for the garden industry with a big focus on experiences rather than material objects.

Jack Stratten from Insider Trends will look at technology in retail, highlighting the way in which developments can help to free up time to spend with customers.

Professor Alistair Griffiths from the RHS will look at the role of gardens, gardening and horticulture, ensuring that humans don’t lose touch with nature and how it can be used to provide preventative natural health and wellbeing care services.

In a session sponsored by Fiskars, botanist, science writer and broadcaster James Wong will be looking at how engaging with your outdoor space could dramatically improve your health and the way in which garden centres can utilise cross-category merchandising to help illustrate the benefit of plants. 

In a session titled ‘Give Room to Nature’ Harald Elderenbosch, owner and managing director of Elho, explores how they use consumer and lifestyle trends to help shape their strategy.


Following on from the Retail Lab @ Glee there will be a Retail Lab @ Garden Futures panel session looking at what the future holds for future retail environments and how retailers can use innovative ways of illustrating lifestyle themes.

Ensuring the sector is kept up to date with key issues, there will be a cross industry panel to discuss the threat of Xylella fastidiosa and the mitigating action required to protect the industry. Chaired by HTA Past President Adam Wigglesworth this panel session involves Colin Dale from Notcutts, Andy Smith from Klondyke Group, Jonathan Whitmore from Johnsons of Whixley, Dan Munro from APHA and Boyd Douglas-Davies from Hillview Garden Centres.

The conference is followed by the Garden Futures dinner which includes the presentation of the HTA Pearson Memorial Medal and The Greatest Garden Retail Awards, followed by an after dinner speaker.

Make sure you don’t miss out! Book your place now at www.hta.org.uk/gardenfutures

#HTAFutures

 
Area Sales Manager wanted by History and Heraldry Group
The History and Heraldry Group are recruiting an Area Sales Manager for the Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and Hants region. A competitive basic salary plus car/allowance is being offered...


Area Sales Manager to History & Heraldry - GIFTS Territory; Kent, Sussex, Surrey & Hants.

Responsibilities towards: Garden Centres, Farm Shops, Visitor Attractions & Tourist Attractions.

History & Heraldry, the UK's largest impulse gift Company is looking to secure an experienced Area Sales Manager, responsible for Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire. Responsible for a portfolio of fast moving impulse gifts across pre-determined channels, we are seeking an ambitious and motivated sales professional to drive sales and customer relationships across both new and existing businesses. Based on territory, with prior experience within the gift industry, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate a consistent work ethic, a committed approach, and a clear understanding of result achievement.

Responsibilities:
  • To build and develop profitable sales across responsible channels in line with prescribed targets
  • To target new business opportunities and successfully convert within territory
  • Service current retail accounts with regular visits and communication, building strong relationship with customers
  • Regular liaison with head office sales support on behalf of broader customer delivery
  • To introduce new products with seasonal demands to customers across territory
  • To adopt and deliver external sales reporting requirements
  • To attend and the represent Company at trade shows and industry events, as required
Candidate:
  • Previous experience within the Gift industry, ideally across Garden Centre and/or Visitor Attraction sectors
  • A proven track record of building and developing profitable sales achievement within the gift industry
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels
  • Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
  • Proficient with IT skills, specifically external sales reporting
  • Self-motivated and driven, with a desire to be a part of a successful team
Remuneration:
  • Competitive Basic Salary (commensurate with experience)
  • Commission/Bonus Program
  • Company Vehicle/Private Vehicle allowance
  • Pension
  • Westfield Health Membership
  • iPad/Mobile phone
Start Date: Immediate

Closing Date: 27th September, 2017

Location: Home Based

 
COMPANY PROFILE
With distribution in over 60 countries in 30 languages and retailed in over 70,000 locations worldwide, History & Heraldry Group are the pre-eminent global leader in the supply of impulse giftware to the retail trade. Over the last 20 years, we have worked hard to achieve our reputation of constantly providing innovative, well designed, effectively merchandised and safety accredited product ranges. We have been awarded numerous accolades with the Sunday Times top UK company listings along with the Queens Award for Export. We engender an inclusive and rewarding working ethos, offering the best in sales support to our sales managers within our industry sector, in order to allow them to focus on what they do best - managing and evolving existing and new sales relationships.  www.historyheraldry.com  


COMPANY DETAILS
History and Heraldry Ltd.
5 Denby Way
Rotherham
S66 8HR

01709 730700

Please forward your CV to hr@historyheraldry.com Strictly no agencies.

Paul Hansord and Neil Sharpe to retire from T&M
 
Paul Hansord, MD of the young plants division at Thompson & Morgan, and Neil Sharpe, the company's head of retail sales, are to retire following the change of ownership...

Paul Hansord, MD of the young plants division at Thompson & Morgan, is to retire next summer after 30 years with the company. Neil Sharpe, long-standing head of retail sales, will also retire next month.

 

Paul, who joined T&M from Barton Grange Garden Centre, will work part-time from November leave the business in early summer.

 

His departure follows the recent acquisition of the Thompson & Morgan group by BVG.

 

Paul (left) said he was confident T&M was in safe hands for the future. “BVG’s investments and clear goals on customer service and quality, and the introduction of a new horticultural team, means that T&M will positively embark on its next chapter. Like all businesses, success relies on adaptation to the market and ever-changing customer expectations. I feel that the BVG and the T&M Executive team understand what customers want and are prepared to invest time, energy and money into the future.

 

“With this confidence in the leadership of T&Ms future, I feel I can make some personal changes by taking life a little easier and enjoying more family time.  Therefore from 1st November 2017, I'll be reducing my workload to three days a week with the intent to retire from the business in the early summer of 2018.

 

“I've been proud to have been involved with the success of T&M over the past 30 years, none of which would have been achieved without the dedication of all my colleagues past and present. It is with mixed emotions therefore that I make my decision but we all have to slow down sometime! I wish the BVG Group and all my colleagues the best in continuing to make T&M the market leader through innovation, quality and service.”

 

Neil Sharpe (right), long-standing head of retail sales, has been a pivotal player in the success of the retail operation. Christine Wilcock (left), who has worked for T&M for over 40 years, also retires in November. As Neil’s right-hand woman, Christine has also played a big role in the growth and success of the retail channel. 

 

Meanwhile, Joseph Cordy joins as as head of B2B Sales, responsible for the Retail and Wholesale channels. and Jenny Palmer, a member of the buying team for the past three years, is the new retail sales manager. Both will be out on the road meeting customers over the next few weeks.

 

T&M are now looking for a business development manager for the retail team.

 

Kris Collins will join the horticultural team shortly as quality control manager. He has worked within the industry for more than 20 years.

Aussie analyst questions Bunnings UK trading model
An Australian analyst has questioned the Bunnings Group's switch to an every day low pricing trading model at Homebase after big losses in the first full year since acquisition...


The following article in the Australian Hardware Journal offers an alternative perspective on the troubles facing Bunnings as they attempt to change the trading model of their Homebase chain

 

It seems the European hardware industry has become even more tumultuous, after recent news that the UK's big green box has reported an $89 million loss in its first full financial year - since the acquisition of UK chain, Homebase.

 

Wesfarmers executives were recently asked questions about the dismal performance of the UK and Ireland business, with Merrill Lynch analyst, David Errington, describing it as a “big loss”, and questioning the strategy of moving Homebase stores from a promotional to an everyday low pricing model. 

 

“The whole UK market is a promotional market. You're going to try to convert the market to non-promotional – that is a real worry. What's the risk they turn into a real disaster? You guys were pretty aggressive saying (Bunnings UK and Ireland) wasn't going to lose money. Where is this business going to go?" Mr Errington said in a recent news.com.au report.

 

Although he agreed that there is a risk in doing this, Bunnings Group Managing Director, Michael Schneider also pointed out that in 1994, the Australian retail landscape was similarly based on a “"high-low” promotional strategy, until Bunnings “came along and introduced EDLP” (every day low pricing)

 

"It's going to be a long slog, but what we're seeing in the Bunnings pilots is that they are performing well. When they (the UK consumer) see what EDLP is, they (will) trust it," Mr Schneider said in the news.com.au report.

Sales volumes up for fifth week in a row


There have been enough dry and sunny spells in between the heavy showers to get people out gardening and into garden centres. We’ve now recorded five weeks in a row of sales volumes up on 2016...



There have been enough dry and sunny spells in between the heavy showers to get people out gardening and into garden centres. We’ve now recorded five weeks in a row of sales volumes up on 2016.

Sales of plants have been particularly strong with volumes as tracked by GTN Bestsellers from EPoS data showing volumes up 16% over the past five weeks.

Our Garden Products Top 50 index hasn’t fared so well with that being 5% down over the same period. Is that due to changing buying patterns or an earlier switch from gardening to Christmas at the start of September?

With only two weeks before we publish the first GTN Bestsellers Christmas chart we are already seeing sizeable volumes of Christmas cards selling through. We will all be hoping the volumes sold for Christmas 2017 make it a bumper year for garden centre trading.

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year...
  • Garden Products - down 11%
  • Veg-2-Gro - down 9%
  • Growing Media - down 11%
  • All Plants Index - up 3%
  • All Items Index - up 7
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
Garden supplier's £4.5m investment in Ashford
Ashford-based Vatre Terracotta Ltd, which trades as Apta, has secured planning permission for a £4.5m warehouse, storage and distribution centre...



Brian Fraser of Oakover Nurseries (left) and Vatre Terracotta Ltd Managing Director Paul Sykes at the Tutt Hill site on the A20 north west of Ashford.



Ashford-based Vatre Terracotta Ltd, which trades as Apta, has secured planning permission for a £4.5m warehouse, storage and distribution centre.

Apta is the UK’s leading supplier of garden pots and planters, selling its products under its own-brand as well as other prestigious names, including the Royal Horticultural Society and Laura Ashley.

Vatre Terracotta has a head office and distribution site at two locations in Dencora Way and nearby Leacon Road, but the firm has outgrown the facilities and spent two years scouring Ashford for a new home. Sales have doubled in the last eight years to £14m, and the company now supplies more than 1,200 customers throughout the UK and Ireland.  

The relocation plan safeguards more than 30 local jobs and will also enable additional staff to be employed as the business continues to grow. It will also reduce traffic in the town centre, especially HGVs and containers.

On Wednesday (21 Sept) Ashford’s planning committee heard that the company’s future in the Ashford borough would have been in jeopardy if it had been forced to find an alternative site outside the area. Councillors were unanimous in granting consent, subject to a number of conditions which the company is very happy to accommodate.

The development site is a six-acre parcel of surplus land owned by Oakover Nurseries at Tutt Hill on the A20 north west of Ashford, opposite the Holiday Inn Ashford North hotel. The plans cover commercial use for the import, storage, sorting and distribution of Apta’s products, plus a two-storey office and a showroom for the company’s customers and partners to view its products.



Managing Director Paul Sykes says he is delighted to have secured the go-ahead for the site, which he believes is the perfect base to enable the company to pursue expansion plans that have been curtailed by the lack of space at its current site.

“We are a growing business, an Ashford success story that’s been based in the town for more than 30 years. But by 2013 we were already starting to outgrow our current site. The owners were determined to keep the company in Ashford, but it took us a further two years of searching to find an alternative site in the borough.

“We’re absolutely delighted that Ashford Borough Council has approved our plans and we look forward to working with them to ensure that we satisfy the conditions attached to the consent.

“Tutt Hill is very important to our future in Ashford because it enables us to remain in the town for the foreseeable future. The A20 site is big enough for us to expand; it’s got excellent vehicle access and is convenient for the M20 and for our imports by road from Europe. It’s also within easy reach of Ashford so our existing workforce will have good access, and, above all, it’s affordable.”

He says the bigger site will allow the firm to expand. “In recent years we had to make the very difficult decision to decline several opportunities because we simply weren’t in a position to compete properly from our current location.



“At the new site we will have the opportunity to diversify into other similar items which compliment our existing products and customer base, and consider ways to co-operate with other local companies also supplying the horticultural trade.”

The company also believes that the new site will deliver important financial benefits by consolidating all of its activities onto one site with excellent transport links outside central Ashford. Paul adds: “At present we’re constantly moving stock from one location to another, which is costly and inefficient. By bringing all of our activity together on one site close to the town and M20 we won’t have to double-handle the goods, which is a great benefit.”

Brian Fraser of Oakover Nurseries welcomed the decision to grant planning consent for the development. He explained that the site was formerly used as a bulking plant for the nearby M20 construction works and today is easily accessed by an established apron off the A20. The land previously housed a consumer sales operation for shrubs and trees.

For more information about Apta visit www.apta.co.uk



Brian Fraser of Oakover Nurseries (left) and Vatre Terracotta Ltd Managing Director Paul Sykes at the Tutt Hill site on the A20 north west of Ashford.
Industry high after thriving annual Glee exhibition


The doors to Glee 2017 may now be closed, but the industry praise continues to be heard. From busy aisles, full-to-capacity exhibiting space, a positive, business-building atmosphere and the strongest ever offering of focussed added value features – including the hugely popular Retail Lab @ Glee – this year’s event has proven that Glee’s evolution is continuing to hit the mark for the industries it represents....



The doors to Glee 2017 may now be closed, but the industry praise continues to be heard. From busy aisles, full-to-capacity exhibiting space, a positive, business-building atmosphere and the strongest ever offering of focussed added value features – including the hugely popular Retail Lab @ Glee – this year’s event has proven that Glee’s evolution is continuing to hit the mark for the industries it represents.  

In a move to be more reflective of the changes taking places within trends, consumer spending habits and future growth potential, Glee 2017 was designed to be bigger, fresher and bolder – full of innovative feature content, tangible business advice and the strongest collection of brands ready and willing to forge relationships with retailers. And it is this overall offering that is drawing praise from buyers and buying teams, owner/operators, key decision makers and influencers from across the garden, landscaping, builders merchant, home, gift, pet and wider retail markets, who attended en mass, including 98% of GCA members.

From the new Retail Lab - which drew crowds from both the UK and Europe, keen to join the area’s Creative Director, Romeo Sommers, to learn more about the four key future facing trends that will impact gardening and retail in the year ahead – to the unrivalled seminar programme created by The HTA, Innovators Zone, GIMA Business Village, PetQuip Business Village, International Buyers Centres, and the Buyers Power List and Glee New Product Showcase – Glee’s action packed programme of events, plus 550 exhibitors, meant that for three-days the industry came together under the Glee banner.

What’s more, Glee also placed gardening on the national news agenda, with a visit from BBC Breakfast on Monday 11th September. Steph McGovern, the BBC Breakfast business correspondent, reported live from the show, putting Glee in front of an audience in excess of seven million. Kick starting the show in style, this national news coverage helped create a buoyant and positive mood throughout the exhibition.

Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director, said: “From the comments we have received from both buyers and suppliers, this has been the most vibrant and exciting Glee of recent years. It was clear that plenty of business was being done, new relationships were being forged, and people were seizing the chance to network and build their professional insight. Visitors also took advantage of Glee unrivalled inspirational content, with many taking the time to visit both our seminar programme, and our new-for-2017 Retail Lab feature.  We want Glee to provide a vital platform for growth for both suppliers and retailers, and believe that Glee 2017 has worked to reaffirm this role.

“We have already taken a significant number of re-bookings from suppliers keen to secure their places at Glee 2018, as well as Glee @ Spring Fair in early spring 2018.”  



The industry speaks – praise for Glee 2017

This year – more than ever – Glee offered buyers the chance to shop across every aspect of their gardening ranges. Over 550 brands, including 150 international companies and 200 brand new exhibitors, came together to create the most exciting showcase of new products and leading innovation, to be seen anywhere in the UK. Here exhibitors and visitors share their thoughts on the show.

Jonathan Stobart, Managing Director, Smart Garden Products: “We have had another very positive experience at Glee 2017. From our largest ever product introduction, to a significantly expanded Glee presence, and significant orders taken, it’s been a great show. We have already committed to 2018 show with an enlarged single stand.”

Sheila Hill, General Manager of The Scotts Company (UK) Ltd: “Glee 2017 was a fantastic show. The strong BBC Breakfast coverage demonstrated progress in the industry and allowed us to raise the profile of our brands. As well as its usual high calibre visitors and exhibitors, Glee highlighted clear trends for the coming year, including the need to address changing demographics and demand for natural product ranges. We were delighted to see the positive response to our new products, and comments from visitors on how our innovative stand design is helping to inspire retailers to display products in new ways to excite customers.”

Craig Hall, Marketing Director, Deco-Pak: “Glee 2017 was a fantastic show for the Deco-Pak brand. We use Glee as our annual launchpad for our new products and latest innovations, and this year was no different. We met with both existing and potential customers, and were so impressed by the quality of audience the show drew. The BBC Breakfast coverage was also great to see. We have already signed up for Glee 2018, increasing our stand presence by 25% to ensure we make as much impact as we possibly can!”

Christine Virginie, Marketing Manager at Fordingbridge: “Fordingbridge once again thoroughly enjoyed the annual Glee show. We caught up with lots of existing clients and formed relationships with lots of new ones too! What is so good about Glee is that it concentrates everyone under one roof for three days, as the number of clients seen over the duration of the show would ordinarily take several weeks to achieve. A great event and we have already booked our stand for 2018.”  

Katy Bracewell, GA Pet Foods “It's a good show. We have spoken to key contacts and there are some good leads here to meet the right people an organisation would need. We think the show has been a real success. This is our first show at Glee after five years. We decided to come back because our business has developed and changed, therefore we wanted to know whether it would be worth it for us and it has been worth it. One of our new products is grain-free products. We would definitely attend Glee again, we think it's a lovely exhibition.”

Jackie Eades, Founder, Briers: “For us, Glee represents an unrivalled opportunity for launching new ranges, reinforcing the brand, business building and of course a bit of after-hours bonding thrown in too! It has been a great success for us in terms of the goals we set out to achieve.  One was obviously to demonstrate the newly expanded award-winning kids ranges and latest licenced offerings in their merchandisers, whilst also promoting ourselves as an increasingly trend orientated lifestyle outdoor brand.  The other was to strengthen the message around quality, with our dedicated Compliance Director taking retail partners through the steps we are now committing to in terms of ethical production, material sourcing and the environment.”

Jack Nelson, Managing Director, Muztag: “Glee has been a real success. This is my first trade show ever and even my first year of trading. I think Glee gives off great exposure for brands. It's really good that everyone is all available in one place. It's a really nice show, really friendly, everyone's been really helpful and I would definitely rebook.”

Kyle Daniels, Sales, bio-bean (winners of the 2017 GIMA Innovators Seedcorn Fund – announced at Glee): “We think the show has been really, really good. There are extremely high-powered supermarkets and sheds. Glee is by far the best show.”

Fiona Pringle, Enchanted Earth – Buyers Power List, Best Online Buyer/ Buying Team winners: “For me this was the best Glee in all my years of attending. I attend each year as it is the best show to see brand new ranges and trends in the garden centre sector, I like to meet with new and old suppliers. I particularly enjoyed the Retail Lab - the use of the plants and the design was amazing and really helped me to unwind and focus, great ideas and so calming.”
 
Lee Plevey, Managing Director, Plevey: “We like to come to Glee every year, just because we like how everyone is in the same place. Of course, there are some companies who don’t exhibit but the majority of them do and make such an effort, it seems a real shame not to come. Especially as Glee make a lot of effort into getting everybody here, so it seems a shame for us customers not to come.”

What next for Glee?

The 2017 exhibition may be over, but the plans for Glee in 2018 are picking up apace!

Glee at Spring Fair (4th – 8th February, NEC Birmingham)

Glee at Spring Fair will give retailers the opportunity to see new and best-selling ranges ahead of the spring season. A second addition at this time of year will give retailers an additional destination to refresh their ranges for key retail spikes.  Glee in February will also provide garden buyers with the latest concepts and trends for 2018, helping them to direct their buying.  Categories that retailers can look forward to sourcing will include garden care, landscaping and garden decoration, and outdoor entertaining.

The spring edition will also provide Glee exhibitors with a secondary revenue opportunity in the year, and an additional touchpoint to meet with new and existing customers, whilst also enabling Spring Fair to benefit from having a dedicated garden centre hub at its heart. Glee at Spring Fair will take prime location in Hall 3, considered to be in the main thoroughfare, and will have the signature wide boulevard synonymous with the September layout.

Time to grow: Glee 2018

Next year, Glee will be relocating to NEC Halls 6,7,8, 19-20, providing the show with a much bigger footprint, and an even larger and more exciting exhibition.   Exhibitors will be able to relocate, whilst visitors will be walking an updated floorplan; discovering new products and companies at every turn. 

The overall effect will be a refreshed, revitalised event, as Matthew Mein explains: “Glee has been growing at a significant rate and that means we’ve outgrown our current home. Glee has successfully relocated before, and we hope that this next move will be received with the same level of industry support. Not only will the exhibition be able to better accommodate more exhibitors and visitors, but its refreshed layout will breathe new life into the show. This move is inspired by the way that retailers keep their store interesting for customers by constantly revising the layout. This way customers discover more, and ultimately spend more – something we know our exhibitors and visitors want to replicate during their time at Glee.”

Building more content to help support the continuous growth of gardening in the UK will be a key theme of the 2018 event. Garden retailing is continuing to buck the trend that other retailers have fallen foul of, with growth for both garden retailers and suppliers continuing to grab the headlines. At Glee 2018 look out for more features, seminar sessions and year-round information relating to trends, merchandising and practical advice on ways to build better business, whilst also tackling the most burning issue – how to attract millennials into the garden centre.

Find out more
Glee is the UK’s leading garden retail show, focussing on building year-round profits for buyers and suppliers within the core gardening and outdoor leisure product categories.  To keep up-to-date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com.  To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2018 call 020 3033 2160.

New look gift department at Bents


Cheshire based Bents Garden & Home is always looking for ways to innovate and improve and this time the Centre has focused its attention on gifts, launching a fantastic new-look department just in time for Christmas...



Cheshire based Bents Garden & Home is always looking for ways to innovate and improve and this time the Centre has focused its attention on gifts, launching a fantastic new-look department just in time for Christmas.

 

Bents has always been passionate about gifts and now, after a major £100k investment programme, the department has been given an extensive makeover which can be seen in our latest film: https://youtu.be/jakG08A6kks

 

The recent works bring the department in line with other areas of the store which have been transformed over recent years. They also help set the scene for the final phase in Bents’ journey which will see a brand new entrance, providing a new focal point and bringing all elements of the Centre together.   

 

The new-look gift department has been opened out and extended, with new display units providing more space, making it easier to browse and shop for the perfect product.  Two different and distinct areas have been created; one for the home and one for you, both of which are full of great gift ideas.

 

The new home area combines all homeware gifts with Bents’ floristry department. Each display is beautifully themed bringing together popular products with colour themed flowers and candles, whilst all jewellery, luxurious toiletries and beauty gifts such as L’Occitane and Molton Brown products, have now moved next to the clothing department, creating an exclusive new area.

 

Bents has planned a special opening event between Wednesday 27th and Friday 29th September between 5 – 8pm when customers will be able to experience the new-look department and enjoy demonstrations from suppliers such as Bath House, Wax Lyrical and Rocktails as well as giveaways and a golden ticket prize draw, all to be enjoyed with a cheeky glass of fizz!

Haskins raise £6,500 to pay for puppy's assistance dog training



Staff at Haskins Roundstone have raised £6,564 to pay for the training of an assistance dog...

Staff at Haskins Roundstone have raised £6,564 to pay for the training of an assistance dog.

 

Bloom, a three-month-old Labrador, is currently being trained at the Puppy Training Satellite in West Sussex. Over time, she will be trained to help with a range of everyday tasks, including opening doors, picking up dropped items and helping to unload a washing machine.

 

After an 18-month training period by a Canine Partners’ volunteer puppy parent, Bloom will go to the Canine Partners Training Centre to learn her advanced tasks before an assessment to determine if she has the skills required to become an assistance dog.

 

Nominated as the centre’s charity of the year for 2015 and 2016, Canine Partners relies on donations to fund its work with people with disabilities. It costs the charity £5,000 to purchase a puppy and pay for training, equipment, toys, vet bills, insurance and transport.

 

Haskins Roundstone general mananger Nick Joad said: “Everyone at Haskins enjoyed raising funds for Canine Partners as we’re all dog lovers. We aimed to raise more than £5,000 by the end of 2016 and were so pleased to smash this target. We’re delighted to see Bloom is progressing on her puppy training journey and have every confidence in her that she will become an assistance dog for the charity.”

 

Jenny Dwyer-Ward, community fundraiser at Canine Partners, said: “We receive no government funding, so we rely on the generosity of supporters like Haskins in order to sponsor a puppy through its first year of training. Assistance dogs are needed to transform the lives of people living with physical disabilities and to change lives by boosting disabled people’s independence and confidence.”

 
Zest power duo take on Ironman Wales for charity
An inspirational duo from Zest 4 Leisure successfully tackled an Ironman as part of their 1,000-mile challenge in aid of a cancer charity...
An inspirational duo from Zest 4 Leisure successfully tackled an Ironman as part of their 1,000-mile challenge in aid of a cancer charity.

Zest 4 Leisure, part of the award winning P&A Group, based in Mold, has pledged its support for Cancer Research UK and has already raised over £14,000 for the essential cause.

Zest’s managing director Steve Morgan and Fencing & Timber Buildings manager, John Vaughan are taking part in a number of tough challenges throughout the year, totalling 1,000 miles.

Their most recent challenge, Ironman Wales, saw Steve and John take on a gruelling 140 mile course, consisting of a 2.4 mile sea swim, a 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run, all within 17 hours.

The renowned Ironman Wales challenge is considered to be one of the toughest distance triathlons in the world. This year’s event was made all the harder thanks to terrible weather conditions.

Steve, who is a strong believer in employee fitness and wellbeing, said that although he knew the challenge would be tough, he lives by the motto “together stronger”.

“I knew that Ironman Wales wouldn’t be easy, but we had already completed three Ironman challenges in the past so thought we had a shot at maybe getting a personal best time.  What we didn’t factor in was the dreadful weather which did impact on our performances!” Steve said.

He continued, “We come across so many people who are living or have been affected in some way by cancer.  I hope our employees combined efforts across the year will encourage others to get involved by donating or raising funds for Cancer Research UK.”

There was more to come for John and Steve as on 17th September they successfully took on the Sandman Triathlon in North Wales, joined by Sorin Tudorut, Zest 4 Leisure’s Online Marketing Coordinator.

Next month they will be joining 21 Zest employees who are taking part in the Chester Marathon as part of the company’s fitness drive and community support scheme.

Zest 4 Leisure takes employee fitness and wellbeing very seriously and it is a major focus for the company.  It is currently supporting employees with fitness plans that include twice weekly personal training sessions.

To help Zest in its fundraising efforts, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/P-A-Group-and-Zest4Leisure


 


The Company:

 

Apta is the leading supplier of quality flower pots and accessories to the UK garden trade.

 

The company has achieved very considerable growth and now wishes to strengthen its merchandising team with the recruitment of additional Product Merchandisers. The role will appeal to motivated and ambitious individuals.

 

Job title:         Product Merchandisers (Full-Time). See Areas below.

 

Area 1:           Kent, Sussex, Surrey, South London

Area 2:           Essex, Suffolk

             

Salary:            £22,500+ after training with immediate start.

Generous bonus scheme & company vehicle.

 

Progression:            Apta has a track-record of promoting its staff.

 

The Role of Product Merchandiser:

  • Building upon strong partnerships with existing customers
  • Working with the sales team to ensure that customer experience is always exceptional.
  • Planning and working to an effective journey plan, maximising customer contact.

The person for this Product Merchandiser opportunity:


We are looking for committed, fit and motivated individuals to join our excellent merchandising team. The main duties involve setting up display benches and displaying our products within garden centres.  

 

Area 1: mainly covering Kent, Sussex, and surrounding areas. Candidates must be well located in the territory, ideally in the Ashford to Crawley area. Other well located locations within the territory will be considered.

 

Area 2: mainly covering Essex, Suffolk and surrounding areas. Candidates must be well located in the territory, ideally in the Chelmsford to Ipswich area. Other well located locations within the territory will be considered.

 

This is an outdoor job involving heavy lifting and only applicants whom are very fit, healthy and willing to work extended hours during our main season should apply. A company vehicle is provided for all work duties along with a fuel card and mobile phone.

 

A full clean driving licence is required and applicants need to be 23 + years of age.


Applications should be sent by email with your CV and covering letter to Brian Cobb, Merchandising Manager, brian.cobb@apta.co.uk or telephone 07968 153418 for any other details.

 

The closing date for all applicants is 30th September 2017.

 
Marketing and Communications Officer
Greenfingers Charity has a really exciting opportunity for a passionate Marketing and Comms professional...
Greenfingers Charity has a really exciting opportunity for a passionate Marketing and Comms professional.

Are you a Greenfingered Marketing and Communications professional? 

Greenfingers Charity is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic Marketing and Communications Officer to join the team in Beaconsfield. If you are a great team player, flexible and have a passion for writing and brand building this could be the perfect role for you.  If  you would like more information about the position please contact Linda Petrons by email: linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk or by calling 01494 674749 for more information.
 
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox...



with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox.  The best news service every weekend and all the breaking news as it happens.

Subscribe for free using this link: http://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/7rulj2yio7x?a=6&p=49514304&t=20355005
 
Pansies are most popular plant of the autumn season
Pansies are leading the way, ahead of Cyclamen, as the most popular plant of the autumn season. Last week’s sales of Pansies were over 100% up on the same week last year, taking their total volume 11% ahead of Cyclamen...
Pansies are leading the way, ahead of Cyclamen, as the most popular plant of the autumn season. Last week’s sales of Pansies were over 100% up on the same week last year, taking their total volume 11% ahead of Cyclamen.
  • Primula sales grew by almost 200% to reach No 4 in the GTN Plants Chart.
  • The Top 10 plant genus all grew sales and accounted for 50% of all plants sold.
  • Bellis were the highest Top 50 re-entry at No 29.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
 
Garden product stalwart Tony Dedman retires after 48 years
After 48 years in the garden trade, Tony Dedman, operations director of Garland Products/Worth Gardening, is to retire on September 30...

After 48 years in the garden trade, Tony Dedman, operations director of Garland Products/Worth Gardening, is to retire on September 30.

 

During the past five years Tony has been involved in the introduction and launch of over 700 new products to the Garland/Worth Gardening portfolio and has helped expand the company’s sales to worldwide markets.  Tony was also involved in establishing the company’s new distribution warehouse. 

 

Tony’s career commenced in 1969 and has included periods with Haselden, where he was selling the Hasel hose reel and then with Netlon Ltd.  He then worked with Netlon/ Sentinel as both a representative and agent before becoming sales director of Bosmere Products.

 

Tony has been a regular face at garden events and has been involved in every single Glee exhibition and before that the Hardware Show in London.  He has also just completed 39 years at the spoga+gafa international trade fair in Cologne, having first exhibited there in 1973.

 

To ensure continuity, Tony’s role will be assumed by his son Mark Dedman with the support of Phil Burgoyne who joined the management team in January 2017.  In his retirement, Tony plans to play more golf, to have more involvement in the indoors bowls club and to spend more time on holidays and gardening with his wife, Ginette.

 

The Garland Products Group specialises in the manufacture of plastic injection moulded products and is one of the fastest growing suppliers to the garden industry. 

 
A Glee-full week for Greenfingers Charity
This year’s Glee saw record breaking donations to Greenfingers as exhibitors donated hundreds of stunning products to the charity...



This year’s Glee saw record breaking donations to Greenfingers as exhibitors donated hundreds of stunning products to the charity. As well as stock from Bord Na mona and the New Product Zone, generous donations from Cadix. Woodlodge, The Solar Centre, Ivyline and many others who contributed to the Retail Lab helped to make-up the FIVE vans of stock which will be up-sold by Hillview Garden Centres, to raise money for the charity that creates therapeutic gardens for children and their families who spend time in hospices across the UK.

Head of Fundraising and Communications, Linda Petrons said: "On behalf of everyone at Greenfingers Charity I'd like to say a huge thank you to Glee for their overwhelming generosity this year.  The much loved Woodlodge fire pit of booze was raffled at the exhibition raising a huge £550 and donations received at the end of the three-day event will go on to raise many hundreds of £s in the weeks ahead. 

I'd also like to say a very special thank you to the HTA and Boyd Douglas Davies and his fantastic team from Hillview Garden Centres for working so hard, late into the evening on Wednesday and Thursday to ensure all donations were securely packed into the waiting vans for onward delivery".

 

The charity also took the opportunity to remind visitors and exhibitors to the show that it’s just six months until Garden Re-Leaf Day which next year takes place on

FRIDAY 16TH MARCH 2018

To register your event or sign up to take part in, or support the GREAT Garden Re-Leaf Day walk, contact Mandy in the Fundraising Team on 01494 674749 or by email gardenreleaf@greenfingerscharity.org.uk. 

 
Cutting time for garden products
Lawn care, weed control and mini cutting tools are the leaders in sales for autumn gardening lines in the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products chart as gardeners take advantage of the September dry spells in between the heavy showers...
Lawn care, weed control and mini cutting tools are the leaders in sales for autumn gardening lines in the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products chart as gardeners take advantage of the September dry spells in between the heavy showers.

This week's highlights were:
  • Scotts Evergreen Complete 360 sq m + 10% Extra Free is the week’s highest re-entry, back in at No 6.
  • Gripsnipz Mini Cutting Tools in Pink, Orange and Green maintain their lofty bestsellers positions at Nos 2, 3 and 5.
  • Westland Resolva 24H Ready To Use, 1 litre, is the highest chart climber, up 27 positions to No 21.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
 
Bohemian and hippy chic is an outdoor trend says e-tailer
Garden and conservatory furniture online retailer Alfresia has reported a surge in sales of bohemian and hippy chic themed furniture...

Garden and conservatory furniture online retailer Alfresia has reported a surge in sales of bohemian and hippy chic themed furniture.

 

It claims the trend, which has seen 100% growth of festival-themed lines, is inspired by music festivals like Glastonbury in the UK and California’s Coachella.

 

Sales of firepits have increased 74% over the past 12 months, and in a survey of 1,000 homeowners, 27% said they have decorated their outdoor space with lanterns. Almost a third said they had invested in more relaxed furniture, including sofa seating, swinging chairs and sun beds. Sales of children’s teepees have more than doubled.

 

The bohemian outdoor trend follows a summer of high profile and boutique festivals and their celebrity attendees, including Kendal Jenner who attended Coachella and the Beckhams and Alexa Chung, who visited Glastonbury.

 

Nic Jones, head of digital at Alfresia.co.uk, said: “It seems we have been inspired by the likes of Worthy Farm and the other great international festival sites of the world, and alongside a surge in the popularity of music festivals, we have seen the steady increase and now boom in festival themed outdoor furnishings. Those who are entertaining outdoors this summer are taking pride in their gardens and adding a touch of their own personality.”

Bristol residents were most likely to decorate their outdoor space with glamping and bohemian lifestyle inspired furniture and accessories, followed by Manchester.

 
Sales of onion sets are electric
Sales of onion sets and garlic for autumn planting soared last week with onion sets Electric buzzing to the top of the chart.  This week Taylors Bulbs Veg-2-Gro lines make up 14 of the GTN Top 20...
Sales of onion sets and garlic for autumn planting soared last week with onion sets Electric buzzing to the top of the chart.  This week Taylors Bulbs Veg-2-Gro lines make up 14 of the GTN Top 20.  

This week’s highlights were:
  • Taylors Garlic Germidour increased sales by over 250% to be the best selling garlic bulb, moving up to No 3.
  • Vegetable 6 Packs from WD Smith were the highest new entry last week, in at No 15.
  • Taylors Bulbs Kitchen Herb Pot is the charts highest climber, up 18 places to No 30.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
 
Woodlodge pair raise over £2,000 by skydiving for Greenfingers
Richard Newton and Abigail Stocker from Woodlodge have beaten their fundraising target of £2,000 by completing their sky dive for Greenfingers...
Richard Newton and Abigail Stocker from Woodlodge have beaten their fundraising target of £2,000 by completing their sky dive for Greenfingers.

In association with the Army Parachute Association, the dare devil pair took part in a tandem parachute jump over the stunning Wiltshire countryside. 

Richard, who has recently become a Greenfingers Charity Ambassador said: “We were incredibly excited, and slightly terrified, to be fundraising for Greenfingers Charity by taking the leap, but we know the money we raise will make a real difference to children and families who face daily challenges.”

For more information about Greenfingers Charity, visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk

Abigail said: “Thank you for supporting us in this terrifying challenge and thank you for helping to make a real difference”

Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.




 
Pots of bulb compost sales
While overall growing media Top 50 volumes were down 10% for last week, year on year, bulb planting compost volume sales were up by 13%. That indicates more bulbs being planted in pots this year, especially as the sales of 10 litre packs are up by 39%...
While overall growing media Top 50 volumes were down 10% for last week, year on year, bulb planting compost volume sales were up by 13%. That indicates more bulbs being planted in pots this year, especially as the sales of 10 litre packs are up by 39%.

This week’s highlights were:
  • Ten litre packs of Westland Bulb Planting Compost are the week’s highest climber, up 23 places to No 23.
  • Taylors Bulb Fibre, 10 litres, moves upone place to No 5.
  • Scotts Miracle-Gro Eco Sense Bulb Compost, 20 litres, moves up four places to No 7.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
 
Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport
CIH Dublin conference to focus on how horticulture impacts health
The impact of horticulture on human physical and mental health will be the theme for this year’s Chartered Institute of Horticulture conference in Dublin next month...

The impact of horticulture on human physical and mental health will be the theme for this year’s Chartered Institute of Horticulture conference in Dublin next month (13-14 October).

Staged at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dublin Airport (Northwood, pictured), it’s the first time the conference has been held in Ireland.

CIH President, Dr Owen Doyle CHort FCIHort, said that as the institute represented professional horticulturists in both Great Britain and Ireland, it was high time the conference was held in Ireland. “We will have the opportunity to listen to experts and visit industry sites demonstrating excellence in horticulture; in the era of Brexit it is essential to maintain strong links with colleagues and businesses within the EU,” he said.

Conference topics will also explore how to maintain a healthy horticulture business and implement succession planning for future generations.

“Plants are essential for human life on this planet; their cultivation is what horticulturists do!,” Dr Doyle said. “In addition to providing the oxygen we breathe, the foods we eat and the medicines we need, they also give us the beautiful, healthy environments in which we live and work.”

Highlighting the importance of health and horticulture, microbiologist Dr Fiona Crispie, technologist at Teagasc and the APC Microbiome Institute, will discuss ‘You are what you eat: the microbiome and health’.

Caroline Keeling will present the James Bruce Memorial Lecture: Growing with passion to meet consumer needs. Caroline, chair of Bord Bia’s Horticultural Board and a member of the Export Trade Council, is a prominent figure campaigning for jobs implementation in Ireland, supporting women for election, and many more just causes.

Representing the amenity sector will be director of Out There Services Steven Thompson. A market leader in the UK grounds maintenance and landscaping sector, he will discuss careers in horticulture’.

The two-day event features a full day of talks on the Friday, with a gala dinner in the evening, followed the next morning with visits to leading mushroom grower and growing media businesses, as well as an award-winning arboretum.

Find out more about who will be joining the programme and book your ticket online here.

 

 
We need gardens to help us 'live more like cavemen' suggests top archaeologist
Provision of more gardens, growing spaces and allotments and a return to a way of life more attuned to our hunter-gather origins are among the solutions to modern urban challenges advocated by leading archaeologist Gustav Milne.

Provision of more gardens, growing spaces and allotments and a return to a way of life more attuned to our hunter-gather origins are among the solutions to modern urban challenges advocated by leading archaeologist Gustav Milne.

In a new book titled ‘Uncivilised Genes: Human Evolution and the Urban Paradox’, he examines the mismatch between our increasingly urbanized world and our biology. The problem, he says, is that society continues to change with remarkable speed, yet anatomically and genetically we remain much as were thousands of years ago. Understanding the requirements of our prehistoric past may hold the answer to tackling the epidemic of western lifestyle diseases currently confronting us.

We cannot change our genes, so the solution, according Milne, is to change our modern urban lifestyles, our buildings and even our town plans to better fit our biology. We need to eat and live more like our cavemen ancestors.

  • Eat like a hunter-gatherer. Our evolving digestive system is designed for fresh foods, not industrially-processed products with additional sugars. Indeed, evidence suggests that the more your diet diverges from a Palaeolithic norm, the shorter your life is likely to be. The ideal diet is rich in vegetables and proteins, and is shaped by the seasons in the same way our hunter-gatherer ancestors' diets were. That’s good news for the grow-your-own market.
  • Live like a hunter-gatherer. Modern urban homes should be no more than six storeys high, have good natural light, and open out to outdoor spaces such as gardens, balconies or roof terraces. Having access to nature - be it through houseplants, pets or being outdoors in gardens and parks - is essential not just for the psychological uplift, but also for the effective working of our ancient immune system. More good news for the garden industry.

Gustav Milne specialises in urban archaeology. His national community-based coastal archaeology project is featured in the Channel 4 series Britain at Low Tide.

‘Uncivilised Genes: Human Evolution and the Urban Paradox’ is published by Independent Thinking Press (Crown House Publishing).

 
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts...

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

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

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2015 as well as 2016 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

Access is by subscription only.  For £145.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales.  To subscribe call 01733 775700, e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

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

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

Highlights of the GTN Veg-2-Gro Bestsellers chart for this week are here

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All the latest news from the world of garden centre catering

The pies have it - new suppliers found at Lunch!


Chefs Chris Rich-Bates and Simon Wilkes of Planters Garden Centres took part in the Cafe Life Challenges judged byTheo Randall at Lunch! last week where we found pies, sweet and savoury biscotti, organic sugar free cola, alcholic Iced Tea (an ideal twist for afternoon teas), more pies, street food and a gluten free bakery supplier from Devon...

Read more and see GTN Xtra's pictures from Lunch!


Chefs Chris Rich-Bates and Simon Wilkes of Planters Garden Centres took part in the Cafe Life Challenges held at Lunch! last week.

Judged by a panel including celebrity chef Theo Randall, Chris and Simon weren't winners on this occasion but they were proud to be representing the UK garden centre catering sector at this prestigious event.

Meanwhile in the Lunch! trade show, GTN Xtra met the rest of the Planters team who were looking for ideas that they can include in their new double decker bus cafe which they are planning for their Garden King centre.  Pies will be one of the themes and there were a number of excellent pie suppliers giving out samples at the show.  Tasted pretty good to us, see our photo gallery below.

Elke and John Birch from Baytree Garden Centre found some new suppliers at Lunch! "The suppliers we found are more than willing to work with us on distribution so it was a good show to attend for a few hours," John told GTN Xtra, "I also came out stuffed due to all the free samples."

Our photo gallery below includes; pies, sweet and savoury biscotti, organic sugar free cola, alcholic Iced Tea (an ideal twist for afternoon teas), more pies, street food and a gluten free bakery supplier from Devon.

New trade show will demonstrate how to cater for vegans

A host of catering experts will be showcasing the delights of plant-based cooking as well as offering their insights into how best to integrate vegan meals into the major catering and hospitality trades, at the UK’s first dedicated vegan Trade show next month... 

Left: author, chef and restaurateur Aldo Zilli

A host of catering experts will be showcasing the delights of plant-based cooking as well as offering their insights into how best to integrate vegan meals into the major catering and hospitality trades, at the UK’s first dedicated vegan Trade show,  VegfestUK Trade (Friday  20 October 2017, Olympia London).

 

Amongst the experts present at the Plant-Based Chefs Corner are:

Italian chef and Soho Radio host Aldo Zilli, alongside nutritionist, chef and author Christine Bailey, vegan caterer Shambhu’s founder Nishma Shah (pictured), 222 Veggie Vegan restaurant head chef Ben Asamani, Vantra restaurant founder and manager Lenny Phong, Amico Bio organic vegetarian Italian restaurant head chef Pasquale Amico, Tofurky chairman and founder Seth Tibbott, as well as vegan cheese maker Mel Rogers from Mel’s Kindness Kitchen.

 

Radio presenter, author and chef to the A-listers, Aldo Zilli specialises in Italian and vegetarian cuisine. Award-winning chef and restaurateur Aldo says: “Catering for vegans and those who eat a plant-based diet is an art form, and a specialised area, and as one of the first people to open a restaurant in the UK to cater for plant-based diets, I know all about it.

 

“I’m looking forward to sharing some of my secrets, experiences and recipes with you.”

 

This area of this inaugural event is tailored to those working in the catering and hospitality trades and the growing Cafe Culture movement. The Corner will include:

  • A Vegan Mylk and Latte workshop, looking at the use of plant “milks” in lattes and other caffeinated drinks.
  • A Vegan Meat session dissecting the different varieties of plant meats available in the market nowadays.
  • A Vegan Cheese Making and Blind Tasting Workshop
  • A Vegan Pastries, Cakes and Desserts session involving the making of veganised versions of the traditional favourites for every sweet tooth.
  • An Italian masterclass demonstrating how Italian cuisine lends itself well to vegan cooking

 

  • An Optimum Nutrition Vegan Options panel dissecting which vegan options are best for those looking for meals to power them through their hectic lifestyles in the long run.
  • A panel discussion where industry experts from the vegan circles discuss the do’s and don’ts of catering for vegans in restaurants, cafes and other eateries as well as what vegans are looking for most when eating out.

 

It is the aim of the organisers that delegates will take away lots of delicious vegan recipes and useful ideas for incorporating vegan editions of everyday favourites into their own catering and hospitality businesses.

 

Registration is for trade professionals is here www.trade.vegfest.co.uk/registration

 

Amongst the experts present at the Plant-Based Chefs Corner are:

Italian chef and Soho Radio host Aldo Zilli, alongside nutritionist, chef and author Christine Bailey, vegan caterer Shambhu’s founder Nishma Shah, 222 Veggie Vegan restaurant head chef Ben Asamani, Vantra restaurant founder and manager Lenny Phong, Amico Bio organic vegetarian Italian restaurant head chef Pasquale Amico, Tofurky chairman and founder Seth Tibbott, as well as vegan cheese maker Mel Rogers from Mel’s Kindness Kitchen.

 

Radio presenter, author and chef to the A-listers, Aldo Zilli specialises in Italian and vegetarian cuisine. Award-winning chef and restaurateur Aldo says: “Catering for vegans and those who eat a plant-based diet is an art form, and a specialised area, and as one of the first people to open a restaurant in the UK to cater for plant-based diets, I know all about it.

 

“I’m looking forward to sharing some of my secrets, experiences and recipes with you.”

 

This area of this inaugural event is tailored to those working in the catering and hospitality trades and the growing Cafe Culture movement. The Corner will include:

  • A Vegan Mylk and Latte workshop, looking at the use of plant “milks” in lattes and other caffeinated drinks.
  • A Vegan Meat session dissecting the different varieties of plant meats available in the market nowadays.
  • A Vegan Cheese Making and Blind Tasting Workshop
  • A Vegan Pastries, Cakes and Desserts session involving the making of veganised versions of the traditional favourites for every sweet tooth.
  • An Italian masterclass demonstrating how Italian cuisine lends itself well to vegan cooking

 

  • An Optimum Nutrition Vegan Options panel dissecting which vegan options are best for those looking for meals to power them through their hectic lifestyles in the long run.
  • A panel discussion where industry experts from the vegan circles discuss the do’s and don’ts of catering for vegans in restaurants, cafes and other eateries as well as what vegans are looking for most when eating out.

 

It is the aim of the organisers that delegates will take away lots of delicious vegan recipes and useful ideas for incorporating vegan editions of everyday favourites into their own catering and hospitality businesses.

 

Registration is for trade professionals is here www.trade.vegfest.co.uk/registration