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GTN November issue now on-line
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Lockdown hits Wild Bird Care sales
GROEN-Direkt’s Spring Showroom: February 2-3 2021
Brexit webinars to support global ornamental horticulture industry
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Barton Grange Christmas 2020 - Exclusive GTN Xtra Photo Tour
Homebase up for sale after recent overhaul
Little Dobbies opens in Edinburgh
Simpsons expands with purchase of Aberdeenshire garden centre
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British Garden Centres open their 58th centre at Thatcham
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Simpsons expands with purchase of Aberdeenshire garden centre

Inverness-based Simpsons Garden Centre has acquired an Aberdeenshire garden centre for an undisclosed sum.

 

Happy Plant, based in Mintlaw, was established in 1984 and is one of the largest garden and gift centres in the north-east and a 4-Star Scottish Tourist Board Garden Centre. 

 

The firm’s 30 employees will transfer to Simpsons under their existing terms and conditions. More jobs will be created as Simpsons plan to invest in the long running business.

 

Plans include upgrading the centre’s facilities including the restaurant and introducing new garden and furniture product ranges.

 

The acquisition is especially positive in the current climate and is testament to the strength of the gardening industry at this time.

 

Gardens and gardening have given many a welcome escape during lockdown, providing a positive outlet for mental and physical health with young and old enjoying the benefits of their outdoor space. 

 

Andrew Simpson, managing director of Simpsons Garden Centre, spoke of his appreciation of previous owner Moira Smart.

 

He said: “Happy Plant is a long running business that has been part of the Mintlaw and wider Aberdeen-shire community since the early 1980s. Moira and her team have created a fantastic local business and we are excited at the prospect of continuing their work and building on their achievements. 

 

“We plan to refurbish the garden centre, including the restaurant, where we will be launching a new menu with the focus on quality local ingredients. At the same time, we intend to expand the range of garden and furniture products on offer, again with the emphasis on quality and the type of products that keen gardeners expect. 

 

“We will also be creating new employment opportunities at the garden centre, which is further good news for the local community.” 

 

Moira Smart added: “I have been following the success of the Simpsons team for a number of years and I am delighted to leave the Happy Plant team in the hands of a younger owner who is full of enthusiasm and great ideas.”

 

“Like Happy Plant, Simpsons is very much part of the local community with a focus on customer service, experience and knowledge, while offering a wide range of quality products. It’s an exciting time for the team, and I believe for the many loyal customers, who I would encourage to support the new and improved version of Happy Plant. I hope to be a regular customer and I look forward to seeing the garden centre going from strength to strength.”

 

Agents for the sale were Alexander Mackie Associates, for further information, visit: www.alexandermackie.co.uk

 

Simpsons has been named as Scotland’s Best Destination Garden Centre by the industry’s governing body, the Garden Centre Association, for four years running. 

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