In This Issue
'Business as usual' says Scotts Miracle-Gro UK general manager Sheila Hill
2016 - a year of headline-grabbing stories!
Record Christmas trading, reports GTN Bestsellers
Smiemans set to WOW with the World of Westland
Briers CEO joins board of trend monitor EFSA
Bradford supermarket makes the magic go further for patients at children's hospital
Glee team expands to meet growing demand as stand bookings soar
Christmas is nearly over - now it's time to party
A quarter of Brits would rather re-buy than untangle Christmas lights
Smell of Christmas in garden centre set off life-threatening asthma attack
GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2016 - The Finalists Announced
Happy Christmas from all at GTN, Garden Radio and The Greatest Awards
Plant Centre Manager
Garden Centre Manager
Retail Plant Centre Senior Supervisor
Product Merchandisers
Area Manager Lawn Care - Northampton
Garden Sundries Retail Manager - Hertfordshire
Despatch Packhouse Manager - Hertfordshire
Trading Manager Horticultural Mailorder E-Commerce Retailer - Surrey
Buy your Christmas Awards Party tickets now
Demand for Poinsettias drives cover pot sales
Sell out will lead to high order levels at Harrogate show
Growing media sales 7% up for the year
Plants are the gift of Christmas
Brian's patience is rewarded as bird of paradise flowers
Geoff raises more than £250 for hospice with tash
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Plant Centre Manager
 
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Garden Centre Manager
 
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Product Merchandisers
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Area Manager Lawn Care - Northampton
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Garden Sundries Retail Manager - Hertfordshire
Salary: £16,000 - £20,000
 
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Despatch Packhouse Manager - Hertfordshire
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Trading Manager Horticultural Mailorder E-Commerce Retailer - Surrey
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GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2106
are sponsored by:

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Book your tickets for GTN's Greatest Christmas Party on Sunday January 8th 2017 by calling 01733 775700 or click here


 
'Business as usual' says Scotts Miracle-Gro UK general manager Sheila Hill
Scotts Miracle-Gro UK general manager Sheila Hill says it’s "business as usual” despite speculation about the company’s future in Europe and talk of redundances...
Scotts Miracle-Gro UK general manager Sheila Hill says it’s "business as usual” despite speculation about the company’s future in Europe and talk of redundances.

When asked by GTN Xtra about all the rumours circulating about the Scotts Miracle-Gro company in the UK and Europe, Sheila said:

"As you may have heard, our US parent company has announced its intention to exit the European business.

"In the future we expect this will mean working with a new strategic partner or new investor. We believe this will provide the best platform for the business and therefore should be regarded as exciting news.

"We have great brand equity and any new partner will want to invest more intensively in the business to continue to grow it. 

"We do not believe that this development will impact our UK customers. We have great brands, a dedicated team and extensive experience of the marketplace. 

"This development will help us leverage all that even more effectively and further enable the business to realise its full potential.   

"As yet no decisions have been made and therefore it's business as usual. We have consumers who love our brands and customers counting on us to deliver. As soon as we have more to communicate, rest assured, we will do so."

From our conversation with Sheila it's clear she is very excited by the prospect of new investors owning the business and injecting new energy into Scotts Miracle-Gro.  She also confirmed there had been a few redundancies as a result of the decision to sell the Chapelwood and Bermuda brands.  As with all retailers we look forward to hearing more about the future of key UK gardening brands and products.  Watch this space.
2016 - a year of headline-grabbing stories!
It has certainly been an interesting and exciting year for the garden industry with lots of changes taking place. We thought a great way to look back on an amazing 2016 was through the top-read stories in GTN Xtra...



The story of Tesco selling Dobbies was the most read item in 2016.

It has certainly been an interesting and exciting year for the garden industry with lots of changes taking place. We thought a great way to look back on an amazing 2016 was through the top-read stories in GTN Xtra...



The story of Tesco selling Dobbies was the most read item in 2016.

Here's our top 50 stories from the past 12 months...

1    Tesco sell Dobbies for £217m - but not to Wyevale
2    Another group in Wyevale' sights...and it's not Dobbies?
3    Tesco gets ready to sell Dobbies Garden Centres
4    Who will buy Dobbies from Tesco? Newshound checks out runners and riders
5    Who are the men behind the Dobbies deal?
6    More change at Wyevale Garden Centres as Roger builds his own team
7    Dobbies MD talking to investors in Tesco queue?
8    Guy Hands, Miss Moneypenny and plenty of speculation at Chelsea
9    Two garden centres in London and Bucks to close
10    Scotts Miracle-Gro wants to exit UK and Europe
11    All-In-One Knutsford closes today
12    After Brexit...mass Inspectorexit shock at GCA
13    Wyevale acquires Woodcote Green Garden Centre
14    Owner of Ingatestone Garden Centre reveals why he closed
15    Wyevale Garden Centres axes head office jobs in re-structuring
16    Wyevale Garden Centres rumoured to have made £175m bid for Dobbies ahead of tomorrow's deadline
17    The acquisition trail leads to...Scotland?
18    Rosebourne opens with "double budget" performance
19    Blue Diamond makes it 19 with Coton Cambridge
20    How will the sale of Homebase impact on the garden industry?
21    Wyevale Garden Centres appoints Roger Mclaughlan as Chief Executive Officer
22    Is the £91m sale and leaseback deal funding Wyvevale Garden Centre's ongoing spending spree?
23    Stunning £1m refurbishment at Trentham Home & Garden
24    Crowders rumoured to be Wyevale's next acquisition
25    Wyevale Garden Centres confirms the acquisition of its 153rd centre...Crowders
26    Blue Diamond get set to buy Harlow Garden Centre
27    10 out of 10 for Glee 2016 from garden centre owners and buyers
28    Alyson Haywood appointed General Manager of Van Hage Great Amwell
29    BBQ giants Weber to give SOLEX a miss in July
30    100 firefighters tackle garden centre fire near Heathrow Airport
31    Winners of GTN's first-ever Greatest Marketing Awards revealed
32    Elho unveils ‘store within a store’ concept at Bents
33    Garden centre fraudster told to pay money back
34    What's in store for us in 2016?
35    Garden centre battles to save £1m extension from demolition
36    Longacres acquires Bybrook Barn Garden Centre
37    Scotland joins Hillview Garden Centres
38    Christmas is bursting out all over and Grottos are fully booked already
39    Rosebourne announces official opening date
40    Lolly Lee leaves Gardman to join Petface
41    Crocus chief says garden centres are struggling
42    Essex garden centre closes suddenly
43    Gallery of pictures from the GIMA Awards
44    French company to buy Bayer Garden
45    June down 15% ... but not the worst ever
46    Smart and Westland are voted Greatest Award winners
47    Don'’t panic, it’s not  as bad as 2013!
48    Team Gardman - Growing with Confidence as they prepare for Glee
49    Cherry Lane reaches 10 centres as it buys Glebe
50    British Garden Centres acquires its 10th store
Record Christmas trading, reports GTN Bestsellers


The final GTN Bestsellers data for the year reveals that the 12 weeks of Christmas trading in 2016 are a record – 5% up on 2015 and 10% higher than the average for the previous five years...



The final GTN Bestsellers data for the year reveals that the 12 weeks of Christmas trading in 2016 are a record – 5% up on 2015 and 10% higher than the average for the previous five years.

Our other year ending graph shows the importance of Christmas products during those 12 weeks, more than double the volumes of Garden Products and Growing Media as measured by Top 50 product volumes.

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year...
  • Garden Products - down 16%
  • Growing Media - down 8%
  • Christmas Products - down 17%
  • All Items Index - down 12%
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk




Smiemans set to WOW with the World of Westland


Smiemans Projecten has been assigned to build the superstructure of the knowledge and innovation centre 'World of Westland' in the Netherlands. This special project 'WOW' will be THE international platform for horticulture where research, education and business come together...



Smiemans Projecten has been assigned to build the superstructure of the knowledge and innovation centre 'World of Westland' in ther Netherlands. This special project 'WOW' will be THE international platform for horticulture where research, education and business come together.

Smiemans starts in mid-March with the glass constructionwith a surface of 4.520m2. The glass roof is 12.30 meters high, this is high enough for two floors with shared facilities for ± 300 guests, such as an auditorium, meeting rooms, flexible workstations and a restaurant.

Several companies are going to use these facilities, some are also going to settle there. Next to the glass building a school and greenhouses for research will be built which will lead to innovation 365 days a year.

The projects of Smiemans are often abroad, this time close by in its own region Westland. Westland has a world-leading position in greenhouse horticulture.



 
Briers CEO joins board of trend monitor EFSA
Briers has stepped up its involvement with EFSA, the European Floral and Lifestyle Product Suppliers Association, with two appointments to key positions within the organisation...


Briers has stepped up its involvement with EFSA, the European Floral and Lifestyle Product Suppliers Association, with two appointments to key positions within the organisation.

CEO Jackie Eades joined the board during the EFSA October 2016 general meeting, with her nomination unanimously supported. "With Jackie on the board we make another step towards an international orientation," said Toine Van de Ven, EFSA chairman.

The company aims to use this ongoing partnership to strengthen its position as the original fashion-led garden clothing, gift and tool brand.

Jackie will be be working alongside EFSA’s dedicated trend partner and the wider EFSA council to deliver inspirational design, innovative lifestyle options and developments for the Briers brand. This partnership gives Briers access to trends information up to 18 before they become mainstream.

 “We want to ensure our ranges, and indeed this industry, are as relevant as ever to our growing audience,” said Jackie.  “I’ve got some really exciting plans that I can’t tell anyone about just yet, but I will say that the work we are doing with an internationally renowned trend partner is a vital part of it!”

Tristan Sissons, Briers’ trading director, has just been enrolled on the EFSA ‘colour committee’.  The new appointment will allow Briers to work more closely than ever with other major European lifestyle suppliers, predicting the next big trends in colour.

Briers are still the only UK supplier to join EFSA, a relationship dating back to 2014. Since joining, Briers has enjoyed an exclusive relationship that has provided inspiration for its product ranges, all of which are designed in-house.

Bradford supermarket makes the magic go further for patients at children's hospital


A nationwide supermarket that is raising funds for London's Great Ormond Street Hospital is making magic closer to home by donating gifts to children who spend Christmas Day in hospital...



A nationwide supermarket that is raising funds for London's Great Ormond Street Hospital is making magic closer to home by donating gifts to children who spend Christmas Day in hospital.

Sainsbury's, who is working with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity to help families be together at Christmas, rallied to an appeal from the team at Tong Garden Centre to help make Christmas Day magical for the children and staff on wards L41 and L42.

Following a request from Play Leaders Joanne Phillips and Katy Inman earlier in the year, the team at Tong Garden Centre has helped to make Christmas memorable for the children who spend time in hospital over the festive period. They have transformed the two wards into a festive wonderland with themed trees, tinsel, stars, angels and hundreds of lights that were switched on by Santa, with the help of Dixie and Emma from Heart breakfast, on 1st December.

Tong's Marketing Manager, Jo Dales said: "At the switch on, we surprised a delighted Joanne and Katy with 24 presents for the ward; one for each day of advent.

"We wanted to give the wards something memorable over and above the decorations, so we were thrilled that the advent gifts were so well received. The fact that we can now make the magic extend to Christmas Day itself, thanks to the generosity of Sean Higgins and his team at Sainsbury's on Harrogate Road, is just amazing."

Of the donation, Sean said: "We're more than happy to help Tong Garden Centre make Christmas Day extra special for the children who are in hospital. It's particularly appropriate this year given our ‘Christmas is for Sharing' theme, that includes raising money for new accommodation for parents to be near their children in hospital."

The gifts will be distributed on Christmas morning by Tong's resident Santa whose snowy white beard makes him a natural for the role.
Glee team expands to meet growing demand as stand bookings soar

With exhibitor bookings up 19% year-on-year, the Glee team has expanded to meet growing demand, particularly from international markets...


With exhibitor bookings up 19% year-on-year, the Glee team has expanded to meet growing demand, particularly from international markets. 

Alix Mariello has joined as international sales manager. Her responsibilities will include new business development with a particular emphasis on growing Glee’s international exhibitor base, as well as driving exhibition stand sales within the show’s plant and pet sectors.

Glee’s event director Matthew Mein said: “We’re incredibly pleased to welcome Alix to the team. She has already made her mark, and no doubt her experience from her previous role as senior manager within an international business development company will pay dividends as we look at ways to expand Glee’s offering in 2017 and beyond, as well as ensuring exhibitors have a strong and ongoing support network before, during and after their time at the show.”

Since the close of Glee 2016, the show has witnessed a record-breaking start to its re-booking process, with floorspace filling up fast. Core brands who have already confirmed their presence at Glee 2017 include Westland Horticulture, Bonningtons, Gardman, Apta, Smart Garden Products, Elho, Briers, Kelkay, SBM Life Science (previously Bayer), Woodlodge, The Scotts Miracle Gro Company, Kaemingk, Cadix, Petface, Town & Country, and Burgon & Ball. Eden Greenhouses, Evergreen Peat Products and Vitavia have all confirmed their return to Glee during 2017 after a short break from exhibiting.

Brand new exhibitors set to make their Glee debut come September will include Koopman, a key Dutch supplier, German gift wholesalers, Hellmann-Versand, Sporting Wholesale UK, Crystal World, Bidvest Wholesale, Potters Crouch Candles and Chive.

Christmas is nearly over - now it's time to party
Book your tickets for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Party


Tickets are now on sale for GTN’s The Greatest Christmas Awards Party. Come and join us for the party of the year in Harrogate on Sunday 8th January 2017...



Tickets are now on sale for GTN’s The Greatest Christmas Awards Party.

Come and join us for the party of the year in Harrogate on Sunday 8th January 2017. A three course meal with reception drinks and wine is followed by the awards presentations and dancing to a live band.

Ticket prices have been held at last year’s levels: £84 plus VAT per person with discounts for bookings of 3 or more tickets.

It’s the ideal opportunity to combine a buying trip to the Harrogate Christmas & Gift show with a great night out in the company of industry friends and Greatest Award winners.

Call The Greatest Awards team on 01733 775700 or e-mail harry.sinclair@tgcmc.co.uk for booking today or buy on-line using this Pay Pal link:



The Greatest Christmas Party Tickets
 
A quarter of Brits would rather re-buy than untangle Christmas lights
Wyevale Garden Centres and YouGov have surveyed the Great British public to delve into consumer behaviour at Christmas. Findings from the survey present a nation of Brits who would rather buy a new string of lights than untangle them...


Wyevale Garden Centres and YouGov have surveyed the Great British public to delve into consumer behaviour at Christmas. Findings from the survey present a nation of Brits who would rather buy a new string of lights than untangle them, and Dads who hide in their gardens on Christmas day to avoid doing the washing up whilst Mums take charge of Christmas from the word go.

OUTDOOR LIGHTING? IT’S COMPLICATED…

It seems the British have a very complicated relationship with outdoor lighting at Christmas. Just under a quarter of all Brits would rather buy a new set of Christmas lights than untangle their current set. Some of us, however, don’t even attempt this, with an astounding one in ten of us leaving up our outdoor Christmas lights all year round.

Despite this, 57% of Brits that take down their Christmas lights are traditionalists, taking down decorations on the Twelfth night. Our choice of lighting also reflects this trend towards traditionalism, with icicle and fairy lights remaining the most popular lighting choice for Britons with outdoor Christmas light displays. Santa and animal-shaped lighting is the next most popular choice, with residents in the North and the Midlands most likely to include them in their displays. Whatever the content of the display, outdoor lighting is definitely on the rise, with one in ten people planning to add to their display this year.

Louise Lee, Seasonal Buyer at Wyevale Garden Centres says, ‘We are all familiar with the neighbourhood one-upmanship that takes place during the festive season around outdoor lighting displays, and this year is set to be no different! At WGC we’ve seen sales of outdoor lighting rise and expect this year to be no different, with +5% YOY growth driven by icicle shaped and ‘chaser’ setting lights. This year alone, we expect to sell 1,801,375 metres of string lighting during the Christmas period across all 150 centres; if we joined them all together they’d be longer than the full length of Britain! Animals are a very popular feature in our outdoor lighting displays, with reindeer and polar bears always at the top of the list. Wicker & spun acrylic animal varieties drive the largest proportion of sales nationwide.’

Lee adds, ‘Despite this, it is clear there’s still a big challenge when it comes to lighting at Christmas. Imagine the scene – it’s December, you’ve got the tree in place and have managed to retrieve your Christmas decs from the loft without smashing them, only to find a string of tangled, knotted, half-functioning lights at the bottom of your box. Faced with this nightmare scenario, an impressive quarter of Brits would rather buy another set of lights than force themselves to untangle their current set.

BRITS BRAVING THE OUTDOORS

More and more Brits are looking to their gardens as an extra room in the household, with more than one in ten of the people surveyed saying they would use their garden to cook food on Christmas day. The garden is not only a space for cooking at Christmas it seems; a fifth of people surveyed said they had used foliage from their gardens to decorate their homes.

Louise Lee, Seasonal Buyer at Wyevale Garden Centres says, ‘At Wyevale Garden Centres we’ve noticed a general trend towards Brits seeing their gardens as an extra room in the house. We see more and more people getting creative with DIY decoration at Christmas, and at Wyevale Garden Centres we sell small clusters of ornamental berries and floral sprays to help people who want to incorporate their own fresh foliage to literally deck the halls!’

MUM IS APPOINTED FESTIVE PROJECT MANAGER, DADS SUBMIT

Family dynamics at Christmas are always complicated, however British mums[5] have come out on top as the Christmas project manager, with 69% of them self-identifying as the family member who kicks-off Christmas in their household. British Dads too admit to their partners taking charge, with only 17% of Dads claiming the leadership role for themselves.

Not only are Mums in charge of Christmas, but they’re also steering Christmas day itself, with Dads being twice as likely as Mums to ‘escape’ to the garden on Christmas Day.

Louise Lee, Seasonal Buyer at Wyevale Garden Centres says, ‘Unsurprisingly, Mums are the self-appointed Christmas project-managers and Dads understand their, nevertheless important, supporting role! We think that Dad’s hiding in the garden might be surprised to see the washing up bowl and dirty plates making an appearance outside too this Christmas!’


[1] Base: All GB adults who have used outdoor Christmas lights - who celebrate Christmas

2 Base: All GB adults who have ever used outdoor Christmas lights - who celebrate Christmas

3 Base: All GB adults who use the garden as a 'sanctuary' on Christmas day - who celebrate Christmas  

4 Base: All GB adults - who celebrate Christmas

5 Parents are based on having children under 18yrs
Smell of Christmas in garden centre set off life-threatening asthma attack



A 54-year-old Wisbech woman ended up in hospital with a life-threatening asthma attack two days after smelling festive aromas from Christmas displays at a Peterborough garden centre...

A 54-year-old Wisbech woman ended up in hospital with a life-threatening asthma attack two days after smelling festive aromas from Christmas displays at a Peterborough garden centre.

 “I thought I was going to die,” said Anne Murray, who was born with asthma and whose mother, Mary, died from an asthma attack at the age of 35 in 1974. 

According to a national newspaper account, Anne is allergic to certain spices and scents and has to avoid things like mince pies and cakes at Christmas. Even inhaling orange zest aromas can trigger breathing difficulties..

Anne didn’t notice the “distinct Christmas smell” when she entered the garden centre in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire but had to use her inhaler ten minutes later after smelling mince pies and pine cones. 

When the attack worsened, she was rushed to hospital, where she was given steroids and oxygen. She returned to her work as an aerospace engineer a month later.

“People don’t realise how severe asthma can be, so it’s good to raise awareness,” she told the newspaper.

GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2016 - The Finalists Announced
GCA 20.jpg

The judges meeting for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards took place at the new Horticultural House last week. After a 13 hour marathon session looking at the images and listening to the stories behind over 110 garden centre christmas experiences the finalists are now announced...


GCA 20.jpg

The judges meeting for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards took place at Horticultural House last week. A 13 hour marathon session looking at the images and listening to the stories behind over 110 garden centre christmas experiences.  As a result we can now announce the finalists who are in contention across the ten categories, plus a sackful of Santa Special Awards, that make The Greatest Christmas Awards amongst the most sought after team awards in UK garden centre retailing.

GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2016 - The Finalists:

  • ACW Garden centre
  • Arcadia – British Garden Centres
  • Averys
  • Aylett Nurseries
  • Barton Grange
  • Baytree
  • Bents
  • Birkacre
  • Blue Diamond - Fryers
  • Blue Diamond - Grosvenor
  • Blue Diamond - Le Friquet
  • Blue Diamond - Redfields
  • Blue Diamond - Trentham
  • Bosworths
  • Brigg - British Garden Centres
  • Brookside Garden Centre
  • Burford Garden Company
  • Burleydam
  • Burston
  • Castle Gardens
  • Chaplins
  • Chessington
  • Codsall & Wergs
  • Colleta and Tyson
  • Conkers Garden Centre
  • Cowells
  • Creative Gardens Donaghadee
  • Fair Gardens Plant Centre
  • Fairways
  • Frensham Garden Centre
  • Fresh@Burcot Garden Centre
  • Fron Goch
  • Frosts Woburn Sands
  • Gates
  • Glendoick
  • Gordale
  • Gouldings
  • Haskins Roundstone
  • Haskins Snowhill
  • Haskins West End
  • Hayes Garden World
  • Hetland
  • Hillmount Garden Centre
  • Hillside Garden Centre
  • Hillview - Burford House
  • Hornsea - British Garden Centres
  • Jacksons Boutique
  • Jacksons Nurseries & Tea Room
  • Keelham Farm Shop Thornton
  • Kershaws
  • Kirktown
  • Langlands Leeds
  • Langlands Shiptonthorpe
  • LBS Garden Centre Colne
  • Mains of Drum
  • Mere Park Garden Centre
  • Munros
  • Notcutts Woodford Park
  • Owl Lane
  • Perrywood
  • Planters - Tamworth
  • Pughs Radyr
  • Pughs Wenvoe
  • Raemoir
  • Rosebank
  • Ruxley Manor
  • Scotsdales Cambridge
  • Scotsdales Fordham
  • Seven Oaks Garden Centre
  • Silica Lodge Garden Centre
  • Silverbirch
  • Simpsons
  • Snowdonia
  • Southwood
  • Squires Badshot Lea
  • Strikes Garforth Leeds
  • Strikes Lady Green
  • Sturmer Nurseries Garden Centre
  • Summerseat
  • Summerhill
  • Sunshine
  • The Old Railway Line
  • Timmermans
  • Van Hage Great Amwell
  • Van Hage Peterborough
  • Walkers Nurseries
  • Waresley Park
  • Webbs
  • Whitehall Lacock
  • Woodbank Nurseries and Garden Centre

We now await the final postal deliveries of customer votes to pour into the GTN offices and then all of the trophies can be engraved ready for The Greatest Awards Christmas Party in Harrogate on January 8th 2017.

Over the coming weeks the pictures taken by the judges will be available in picture galleries in issues of GTN Xtra so make sure your Christmas team members have their own subscription to GTN Xtra - use this link - then they will be able to browse images of over 110 garden centre's during the Christmas season 2016 as part of their inspiration for 2017.

The results will be announced at The Greatest Awards Christmas Party evening on January 8th at the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate, during the Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair.

To book your ticket for what is always a fun-packed and motivational evening click here

Happy Christmas from all at GTN, Garden Radio and The Greatest Awards
Happy Christmas to all our readers, advertisers and garden centre customers.

We've really enjoyed bringing you all the news as it happens and more retail ideas than ever before during 2016 and we look forward to doing more of the same in 2017.

Here's hoping to see many of you at The Greatest Christmas Party in Harrogate on January 8th.  It is a great way to start the new year.  

See you on the dance floor!

Trevor, Neil, Mike, Mandy, Ben, Alan, Rebbecca, Harry and Karen.

 

Coles Nurseries have an exciting opportunity for a Retail Plant Centre Manager to manage the day to day operation of Coles Plant Centre.

The applicants will preferably have Garden Centre management experience, the ability to work with and develop a team, be forward thinking and interested in joining a business established over 100 years and one of the largest wholesale nurseries in the UK.

The business has plans to develop the Plant Centre in the future, and would like the applicants to be part of that process. Both roles are an opportunity for someone to make a real difference and grow their career in retail management. Salary will be appropriate for the position.

Reporting to
James Coles (JRC) and Mark Cade (MJC).

Responsibilities (initial guidelines)
• To operate the Plant Centre within Company policies
• To manage and control stock and purchases to maximise sales, profitability and stock turn.
• To ensure an annual stock take is planned and executed with accuracy.
• To ensure the team maintain the quality of stock, dry and green, offered at all times.
• To engage with JRC when planning new product lines, and developments.
• To be aware of Health and Safety protocols and inform JRC where action is required.
• Check frequently security around the site.
• Planning staff rotas ensuring sufficient cover is maintained in all departments at all times.
• To be aware of the ranges available from Coles Nurseries, and include in purchasing if appropriate.
• Ensure all staff are aware of cash handling procedures, sales/refund procedures.
• Train and develop staff members where required or desired.
• Annual appraisals of the staff team.
• The logging of staff attendance and hours.
• Maintain staff uniform quality and presentation.
• Ensure that customers come first and are at all times greeted with a friendly yet efficient team.
• To assist in development and implementation of marketing plans
• To comply with waste regulations, and ensure the site is safe and tidy.
• To be proactive, enthusiastic and driven to succeed.
• To work with Steve Myatt and Joy Lamb (Garden Retail Success) in developing the business in
the Making it Happen programme.
• Any additional duties for the benefit of The Business.

Please send your applications including your CV and references to:

Mr J Coles
James Coles & Sons (Nurseries) Ltd
624 Uppingham Road, Thurnby, Leicester LE7 9QB

recruitment@colesnurseries.co.uk

 

Following a recent internal promotion we are now looking for a new garden centre manager to lead the team at Little Heath Garden Centre. This store is about to embark on a refurbishment programme so this is a great time to join us.

Having had previous experience at management level, preferably within a garden centre, you will be a natural leader with a 'hands on, can do' attitude.

This is a busy site with a strong Aquatics Department and popular Cafe. The introduction of garden furniture and a broader range of leisure goods has been very successful and we anticipate the imminent improvements to lift the store even further.

A horticultural background is preferable but not essential. Computer literacy is required as you'll be responsible for a lot of the product purchasing at store.

Managers are encouraged to run the store as if their own business so you need to be highly organised and commercially savvy.

Please send CV and introductory letter to Boyd.ddavies@hillview-group.com

Closing Date 8th January 2017

 

Coles Nurseries have an exciting opportunity for a Retail Plant Centre Senior Supervisor to assist in the day to day operation of Coles Plant Centre. (Weekend Duty
Manager).

The applicants will preferably have Garden Centre management experience, the ability to work with and develop a team, be forward thinking and interested in joining a business established over 100
years and one of the largest wholesale nurseries in the UK.

The business has plans to develop the Plant Centre in the future, and would like the applicants to be part of that process. Both roles are an opportunity for someone to make a real difference
and grow their career in retail management. Salary will be appropriate for the position.

Reporting to The Plant Centre Manager.

Responsibilities (initial guidelines)
• To work with Steve Myatt and Joy Lamb (Garden Retail Success) in developing the business in
the Making it Happen programme.
• To work with the Manager to ensure the smooth running of the Plant Centre and the quality of
products offered both dry and green.
• To provide cover for the Manager when on days off or leave/sickness.
• To work with Plant Centre assistants ensuring that set tasks are completed to satisfaction, and
support the team where needed.
• To work with the team to ensure the site is clean, tidy and well presented at all times.
• Ensure the staff team are well presented and timely with attendance.
• To assist the Manager with cash handling, ordering systems and invoices, plus any additional
paperwork required.
• Ensure deliveries are checked and that inward delivery systems are adhered to, and claims for
breakages/short deliveries are made immediately.
• To assist with purchasing where required, and discuss with the Manager any stock issues you
are concerned about.
• Always discuss any areas that you feel could be improved with the Manager.
• Remind the team of holiday date embargoes, and be aware of Health and Safety issues around
the Centre
• Any additional duties for the benefit of The Business.

Please send your applications including your CV and references to:
Mr J Coles
James Coles & Sons (Nurseries) Ltd
624 Uppingham Road, Thurnby, Leicester LE7 9QB

recruitment@colesnurseries.co.uk

 
Product Merchandisers
Salary: £22,000+

The Company:

Apta is the leading supplier of quality flower pots and accessories to the UK garden trade, under its own brand and iconic UK brands, The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and Laura Ashley.

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

Area 2:           Southwest and surrounding areas

Area 3:           Sussex,  West Kent, south London, Surrey

Salary:            £22,000+ 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 and head office 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 area. Other well located locations within the territory will be considered.

Area 2:  mainly covering the Southwest and surrounding areas. Candidates must be well located in the territory, ideally in the Exeter area. Other well located locations within the territory will be considered.

Area 3:  mainly covering Sussex, Kent and surrounding areas.Candidates must be well located in the territory, ideally in East Sussex. Other well located locations within the territory will be considered.

This is an outdoor job involving heavy lifting and only applicants whom are 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.

 

Area Manager Lawn Care (ref:DS8922)

Location: Northamptonshire
Salary: Competitive
Date: 19 Dec 
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent

This fresh and innovate new lawn care company have a core focus on providing their customers with a range of bespoke Lawn Care treatment programs and specialise in the treatment of weeds, moss, pests and diseases. They can also tackle all outdoor garden surfaces including decking, driveways, pathways and patios throughout the seasons and provide customers with an excellent level of service and care.

This expanding company is now looking for an entrepreneurial individual with a good horticultural background who is a self starter and able to manage one of their areas which will cover North Northamptonshire, North Cambridgeshire and South Lincolnshire.

The Role

The role will be to visit customers and assess the level of treatment they will need, prepare quotes and also carry out the treatment. You will be capable of taking on the area, develop the customer bases and as this area grows you will train additional staff to carry out treatment plans for the customers ensuring that they do this to a very high standard of customer care.

The Candidate

For this role they are looking for an outgoing, target focused individual with a strong work ethic who is able to look for new opportunities to sell their services and has a confident outgoing manner. Training in horticulture is essential and it is desirable that the successful candidate has PA1 & 6 Spray Certificates.

To apply for this role click here
 


Garden Sundries Retail Manager | Hertfordshire (ref:DS8219)

Location: Hertfordshire
Salary: £16,000 - £20,000
Date: 25 Nov 
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent

Our client is a Nationwide group that are continually growing and developing their leading garden centres across England and Wales. They are proud of their heritage in the gardening industry and each and every one of their garden centres has its own identity and for this reason each of the garden centres is separately branded and the staff and customers are loyal to their centre.

Currently they are seeking an outstanding Garden Sundries Retail Manager to manage their Shop area.

The Role 

This is an exciting opportunity to join a cutting edge Garden Sundries Department. The ideal candidate will have a background in garden centre retail with excellent garden sundries product knowledge from seeds to clothing. They will manage seasonal changes and have the ability to present and merchandise their department to the highest standard. 

The Candidate

Team leadership skills are essential as is the ability to communicate well with customers delivering excellent standards of customer care. Working in a busy retail team environment means you will have to have a hands-on approach to all duties within this department. 

Candidates must have a background in retail, be able to merchandise and manage rapidly changing stock. 

Knowledge of garden products and garden chemicals etc. would also be an advantage.

If you are passionate about Garden Sundries and would enjoy sharing this enthusiasm with our client's customers, we would love to hear from you.


To apply for this role click here
 
Despatch Packhouse Manager - Hertfordshire
Salary: £25,000 - £35,000


Despatch Packhouse Manager (ref:DS8885)

Location: Herefordshire
Salary: £25,000 - £35,000
Date: 07 Dec 
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent

Our client strives at all times to supply, exceptional quality plants. Provide outstanding customer service, whilst maintaining a sustainable, ethical business model with a well-trained, motivated and developed team working within the 'culture' of their family business, one of; efficient and focused work ethic, respect, professionalism and friendliness where their people all feel valued, challenged and fulfilled in their work. They are currently seeing a Packhouse Manager for their Despatch Department.

The Job

To take the lead and manage the pack house planning, organising and implementation of pack house operations across two sites.
To ensure the delivery of departmental performance targets and business strategy by leading, managing, training and mentoring that team so that they continually work to a continuous improvement cycle delivering outstanding quality and customer service whilst working in an efficient and effective way, following business policies and SOP.
Required to deputise for the immediate line manager (this would include shift patterns), or during high workload times of year.
To provide support in specific key areas of the business as directed by the line manager / supervisor.
To be responsible and accountable for key business goals and targets that may be assigned from time to time as and when required by the business. 
To continually look at and suggest how the business can increase its effectiveness, efficiency, quality and customer service in the areas of the business being presently worked in at the time.

The Person

Must be an effective, accurate and honest communicator up and down, both within and across departments.
Must have experience of leading, motivating and developing teams preferably at management or supervisory level.
Must be well organised with excellent attention to detail and the ability to prioritise work.
Must have a flexible approach to work and able to demonstrate problem solving skills.
Must be proficient in the use of IT systems, including Microsoft Excel.
Must have an understanding of process improvement and LEAN systems.
Must have a working knowledge of Quality systems.
Must be a great team player and be able to motivate, mentor, train, support and develop their teams. 
Should be at ease on the shop floor.
Ideally have experience of working with the horticultural industry.
Ideally have some experience of change management.

The position may involve early morning, late night and weekend working on a rota basis during the season and may involve the use of an annualised hours contract.

To apply for this role click here
 



Trading Manager Horticultural Mailorder E-Commerce Retailer (ref:DS8881)

Location: Surrey
Salary: £30,000 - £35,000
Date: 19 Dec 
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent

Our client is a leading Horticultural Charity and as part of the Marketing and Fundraising strategy they operate a trading arm that sells cards, gifts and gardening products via an online shop, catalogues, garden shows and retail space at two gardens owned by the charity. 

This is an opportunity for an enthusiastic retailer with a 'can do' attitude to build the charity's trading arm for the future. Currently turning over c£250k they believe the trading arm has much more potential, not only to increase its turnover and thus donations to the charity but also in raising the profile of in garden retail to reach out to more people who may be missing out on their help. Following a comprehensive review of the current structure, investment is being made in a new online shop, implementing new systems and changing the operational structure of the business. Supported by a strong management team, you would be highly involved in this exciting project.

This is an exciting time to join this dynamic client. Following a review in 2016, the operation is being streamlined and the person who takes on this role will be working closely with the Head of Trading for the first few months, who is the part time consultant brought in to review the practices on a contract basis which ends in Spring 2017. The Trading Manager will implement the operational changes and be key in developing and managing every aspect of the company for the future.

For this role they are seeking someone with:
Experience of working for a major retailer, preferably within the garden centre, gardening, giftware or charity sector. 
Experience of effective customer relationship management. 
Experience at product selection and buying. 
Experience in managing sales and fulfilment of online shops and catalogues.
Experience of organising and managing staff, trade stands at exhibitions/shows. 
Ability to think strategically with a good commercial instinct and deliver recommendations.
Excellent relationship management and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Character/Personality:
Flexible with an enthusiastic and a 'can-do' attitude. 
Able to work on own initiative.
Desire to coach and develop their own team and naturally supportive of colleagues. 
Willing and able to integrate into a fresh, creative, and fast-paced department.
Passion for gardening/horticulture.

To apply for this role click here
 
Buy your Christmas Awards Party tickets now
GTN's Greatest Christmas Party takes place at The Majestic Hotel, Harrogate on Sunday 8th January 2017...
GTN's Greatest Christmas Party takes place at The Majestic Hotel, Harrogate on Sunday 8th January 2017.

As well as the announcements of The Greatest Christmas Team winners for 2016 there's a 3 course meal, drinks for reception and during the meal plus dancing into the night to a live band.

What a great way to celebrate your teams Christmas trading success and set the scene for Christmas 2017.  See you there!

The Greatest Christmas Party Tickets
 
Demand for Poinsettias drives cover pot sales
Dark Red Cover Pots are once again the most popular garden product in the last GTN Bestsellers Garden Products chart of the year...
Dark Red Cover Pots are once again the most popular garden product in the last GTN Bestsellers Garden Products chart of the year, with Orchid drip feeders just outselling Poinsettia feeders which is the opposite of last year.

The year end stars of the chart are however garden lights with 11 lines featuring in the top half of the chart.

The main highlights were:
  • The highest new entry was Apta Glazed Pot Large Assorted at No 39.
  • Oasis 1141 Wet Floral Foam Cylinders was the highest re-entry at No 24.
  • Vivid Arts Plant Pals Robin On Stick was the highest climber, jumping 24 places to No 20.
  • Scheurich Cover Pot Dark Red 15cm claimed top spot.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
 
Sell out will lead to high order levels at Harrogate show
The last GTN Bestsellers Christmas chart of 2016 reflects the state of sell out in many garden centres as the final days of shopping are upon us. Albert Premier Chocolate Gold Coins In Net 75g was the highest new entry...
The last GTN Bestsellers Christmas chart of 2016 reflects the state of sell out in many garden centres as the final days of shopping are upon us.

This week’s chart is proliferated by Christmas sweets and last minute panic purchases, where they are still avaialable.

Harrogate Christmas and Gift exhibitors should be in for good order levels for 2017 as there won’t be much packed away from this year.
  • Albert Premier Chocolate Gold Coins In Net 75g was the highest new entry.
  • Premier Deluxe Plush Santa Hat was the highest re-entry.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
 
Growing media sales 7% up for the year
Three lines of houseplant compost feature in the Top 10 of the GTN Bestsellers Growing Media chart as sales dip to their annual low, but end the year 7.1% up year on year...
Three lines of houseplant compost feature in the Top 10 of the GTN Bestsellers Growing Media chart as sales dip to their annual low, but end the year 7.1% up year on year.

The main highlights were:
  • Westland Decorative Mini Bark (50 litres) was the highest climber, jumping 18 places to No 20.
  • Bord na Mona Growise Multi Purpose With John Innes (56 litres) was the highest re-entry at No 9.
  • Scotts Levington Multipurpose + John Innes (56 litres) retained the top spot.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
 
Plants are the gift of Christmas
Another week of increased plant sales shows the importance of great plants and great plant displays...
Another week of increased plant sales shows the importance of great plants and great plant displays.

Customers may not have been able to buy some Christmas products because they’ve sold out, but they have certainly bought high volumes of plants to use for their own decoration or to give as gifts.
  • Roses bought as gifts saw a near 500% increase to move up to No 7.
  • Poinsettia hold on to the No 1 spot, just ahead of Cyclamen.
  • Beech hedging sales see Fagus as a new entry at No 22.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
 
Brian's patience is rewarded as bird of paradise flowers
Despite having been a grower for more than 50 years, Mr Fothergill's trials manager Brian Talman still enjoys a horticultural challenge. During those years he has learned the value of patience, and nowhere more so than with his experience of Strelitzia reginae, also known as bird of paradise.
Despite having been a grower for more than 50 years, Mr Fothergill's trials manager Brian Talman still enjoys a horticultural challenge. During those years he has learned the value of patience, and nowhere more so than with his experience of Strelitzia reginae, also known as bird of paradise.

Brian sowed the seed of the flamboyant South African native back in 2008, and waited for it to germinate in his greenhouse; the process took two years, but finally green shoots emerged. He has been nurturing the plants ever since, and in December 2016 he was rewarded when the first flower appeared on a 2m tall plant - six years after it first emerged.

"It has been growing in general purpose compost all that time", explains Brian, "and it even managed to survive being frosted once, despite its tenderness. It's great to see it flowering after all that time!"

In the wild, Strelitzia reginae is thought to be pollinated by the sunbird (Nectarinia afra), which lands on the corolla tongue or spathe, probing for nectar. The tongue opens, pollen is released on to the bird's feet and feathers, from where it is transferred to the swollen stigma of another flower.

Gardeners who fancy a similar challenge to Brian's can buy a packet of 10 seeds of Strelitzia reginae for £2.55 from Mr Fothergill's.
 
Geoff raises more than £250 for hospice with tash
A member of staff at one of the UK’s leading nurseries in Hereford has raised £287.43 for a hospice in the area by growing a moustache...


A member of staff at one of the UK’s leading nurseries in Hereford has raised £287.43 for a hospice in the area by growing a moustache.

Geoff Godsall, who has worked at Wyevale Nurseries for 29 years and is currently a Trading Foreman, grew a moustache for a month to fundraise for St Michael’s Hospice in Bartestree.

Geoff, who is 63-years-old and lives in Hereford, said: “I am delighted to have raised £287.43 for the hospice. I would like to thank all the people who sponsored me via my Just Giving page or who dropped their loose change into my collection bucket.

“I choose to support St Michael’s Hospice as it is a wonderful local charity, which offers a fantastic service to the community during particularly hard times. Both the hospice and Macmillan Nurses have helped my friends and family in the past.”

St Michael’s Hospice looks after people age of 18 and above with progressive life-limiting illnesses at various stages of their journey. It also provides care and support for patients’ families, friends and carers.
 
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
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Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts...

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

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

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2014 as well as 2015 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

Access is by subscription only.  For £195.00 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 Christmas Products Bestsellers chart for this week are here

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

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

 
Get the GTN Bestsellers charts in full every week in the GTN Bestsellers newsletters delivered via the post for only £195.00.

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.

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