In This Issue
Frosts’ Brampton becomes Notcutts 19th centre
Old Railway Line and Pugh’s Garden Village take top honours in GCA Wales & West region
Growing, showing and trialing. News from Glee and Solex plus flower and peat free trials in GTN's August 2022 issue, read on-line here
Two new members for Choice Marketing
GIMA Awards judging complete – find out who wins on October 20th
Three mountains in 24hrs – Deco-Pak completes its Greenfingers challenge!
Four Oaks Trade Show announces inaugural ‘Pat Coutts award for excellence’, to be sponsored by HTA
Scarlet Opus return to GIMA to launch SS2024 Trends & Insights Report
Embrace beauty of nature with elho’s green basics range
Bramblecrest return to Solex with new culinary offering
Tong launches adventure play area for older children
Deco-Pak offering expands to meet needs of garden retailers
New from Primeur: Mower Edge Borders and Full Pallet displays join the 2023 line-up
Get your copy of GTN Xtra
Colegrave Seabrook Foundation announces two new Trustees
HTA President's video message about the 2030 and beyond Conference
Catering industry experts give insights during GCA members’ webinar
Promoting flower and plant exports to Polish retail channel
The best of last week's
Tong Garden Centre group acquires further centres 
Perrywood Tiptree and Perrywood Sudbury claim top GCA North Thames honours
GCA Midlands top awards go to Pacific Nurseries and Fairways
Dobbies and Waitrose partnership launches in Edinburgh
Technological advances in DIY pest control
Bestselling Bloomin Amazing invests in new technology
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
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Frosts’ Brampton becomes Notcutts 19th centre

Notcutts have completed the acquisition of Frosts’ Brampton garden centre near Huntingdon. Brampton becomes the latest garden centre to join the family-owned garden centre group. Notcutts now have 19 UK garden centres together with a flourishing e-commerce operation...


 

Notcutts have completed the acquisition of Frosts’ Brampton garden centre near Huntingdon. Brampton becomes the latest garden centre to join the family-owned garden centre group. Notcutts now have 19 UK garden centres together with a flourishing e-commerce operation.

 

First established in 1897, Notcutts has developed to become a leading name in horticulture and home gardening. While plant expertise and garden inspiration remains at its core, Notcutts now offers a wide leisure and shopping experience for customers including handpicked homeware and gift ranges, furniture, and garden accessories. High quality restaurants are also central to the Notcutts customer experience. Significant investment has been made across the company in recent years to create modern, upgraded restaurants which are proving so popular with customers.

 

Nick Burrows, CEO commented “Frosts share a similar set of values to ourselves in the way they operate their garden centres and this has always been cause for our admiration of their organisation. So when Brampton became available for sale we saw it as a garden centre that would fit well as part of Notcutts. Their fabulous gardening offer, great gift and furniture ranges together with a fantastic restaurant all meant that it was of great appeal to us.”

 

Burrows added “On top of this, it has become clear that the Brampton team place a high importance on delivering great customer service which, is right at the heart of all we seek to achieve in every one of our garden centres. We are therefore delighted that we have now been able to complete this acquisition and I would like to thank James Frost and his team for the positive dialogue we have had at all stages of the transaction.”

 

Now in its 125th year, Notcutts has remained a family business which is now in its fifth generation of family-ownership. Caroline Notcutt, Great-Granddaughter of Notcutts’ founder Roger Crompton Notcutt, is Vice Chairman today.

 

Caroline Notcutt said: “We are delighted to welcome Brampton Garden Centre into our Notcutts family. It is an exciting opportunity to grow our business and for Notcutts to reach customers in a new area of the country during our anniversary year. With our family values and our passion for gardening, home, and high quality restaurant experiences, we believe we are well placed to succeed Frosts as owners of this excellent garden centre. It will be our goal to ensure that our new Brampton customers will now enjoy visiting their local Notcutts Garden Centre to experience all we have to offer.”

 

Joanne Hawkins-McDowell, General Manager, Notcutts Brampton, said: “We are so pleased to welcome Notcutts as the new owners at Brampton Garden Centre during this exciting period of change. Notcutts is a well-established family business and we look forward to being part of the Notcutts future. I know that Notcutts place great importance in creating great experiences for their customers every day and that they also have an ambitious and progressive strategy for the future. This is of great appeal to us at Brampton. I’m also particularly excited by Notcutts clear commitment to a range of projects in support of environmental, sustainability and biodiversity goals.”

 

Hawkins-McDowell added “We are now all looking forward to sharing our collective expertise and inspiring all our regular and new customers when they visit us here at Notcutts Brampton.”

 

Photo caption: (Front, L-R) Nick Burrows, CEO; Joanne Hawkins-McDowell, General Manager; and Caroline Notcutt, Vice Chairman, celebrate the official launch of Notcutts Brampton Garden Centre with colleagues. (Credit: Gregg Brown Photography / Copyright: Notcutts Ltd)

Old Railway Line and Pugh’s Garden Village take top honours in GCA Wales & West region

The Old Railway Line Garden Centre (above) was awarded the title of Garden Centre of the Year in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category  at the GCA Wales & West region and Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe (below) received the accolade in the Garden Centre (GC) category...


The Old Railway Line Garden Centre (above) was awarded the title of Garden Centre of the Year in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category  at the GCA Wales & West region and Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe (below) received the accolade in the Garden Centre (GC) category.

 

Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, said: “Our Wales & West regional awards meeting was a huge success and we’d like to thank all those who attended. It was great to hear our GCA Inspector, Alyson Haywood’s feedback from her inspections on the centres and now our members can take this vital information back with them to their centres and make any changes needed.

 

“A big thank you must also go to Groves Nurseries, who were fantastic hosts for the evening.”

 

GCA Inspector Alyson was responsible for inspecting member garden centres in the Wales & West area.

 

She said: “It was a pleasure to once again inspect the garden centres in the Wales and West region. As always, the centres have spent a considerable amount of time and effort to achieve the standards attained and the presentation of awards to recognise these achievements are great motivators to continue improving.

 

“It was also great to see the number of centres highlighting and focusing on their environmental policies, the health benefits of gardening and the environmental benefits of plants.”

 

The Old Railway Line Garden Centre received five awards in total on the night including Garden Centre of the Year (DGC).

 

Huw Lewis, Finance Director at Old Railway Line Garden Centre, who is also the Area Chairman for Wales & West said: “It was great to see so many people in attendance from a variety of garden centres from across the Wales and West Area. My sincere thanks go to Charlie and the team at Groves Nurseries and Garden Centre for hosting the awards and for their hospitality throughout the evening. The food was especially good and was admired by all!

 

“Thanks also to Alyson, who provided us with a superb presentation. What really shone through was some of the great displays and merchandising that all the garden centres across the area had executed and how standards were constantly being improved across many areas of the garden centre offering. My thanks go to everyone who attended the awards and congratulations to all those that won awards.

 

“We are delighted to have won the Best Destination Garden Centre in the Wales and West region for 2022 and would like to thank our amazing team of staff who work so hard, every day to maintain standards and provide the best customer service that we can for our wonderful customers.”

 

Garden Centre of the Year (GC category) winners Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe picked up four other awards on the night.

 

Nicola Pugh, Marketing and Operations Director for Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be awarded with so many fantastic awards within the garden centre category and the destination centre category. We are really in our infancy as GCA members but are proud to be part of a fantastic organisation within our industry.

 

“We could not be prouder of our teams who strive to increase standards consistently and have worked so hard over the past few years, they really do deserve these accolades. With some extremely worthwhile contenders, we are up against some of the best garden centres in the UK. We cannot wait to share these awards with our Pughs family of staff and customers and are looking forward to celebrating!”

 

The full results for the Wales & West region GCA area awards are as follows for the GC and DGC categories:

 

Garden Centre of the Year: The Old Railway Line Garden Centre (DGC) and Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe (GC)

 

Customer Service Award for Best Customer Service: The Old Railway Line Garden Centre

 

Environment and Sustainability Award: The Old Railway Line Garden Centre

 

The Barton Grange Trophy for Commercial Innovation and Creativity: The Old Railway Line Garden Centre

 

The Dick Allen Award for Most Improved Centre: Webbs, Cheltenham

 

The Award for Catering Excellence for Best Garden Centre Restaurant: Cadbury Garden Centre (DGC) and joint winners Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe and Webbs, Cheltenham (GC)

 

The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer: The Old Railway Line Garden Centre (DGC) and Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe (GC)

 

 

The Indoor Lifestyle Award for Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer: Bernaville Nurseries (DGC) and Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe (GC)

 

The Outdoor Living Award for Best Outdoor Living Retailer: Bernaville Nurseries (DGC) and joint winners Orchard Park Garden Centre, Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe and Webbs, Cheltenham (GC)

Growing, showing and trialing. News from Glee and Solex plus flower and peat free trials in GTN's August 2022 issue, read on-line here

Inside the August 2022 issue of GTN:

  • Primeur’s Recycled Revolution
  • Farm shop revolution in St Albans
  • Growing and retailing plants together at Ball Colegrave
  • Glee Review: Buyers Power List results, GIMA Seed Corn Fund winner, Winning New Products at Glee, Floral Thursday for Greenfingers breaks records at Glee
  • Zest are winners at Glee and Solex
  • The future of eco firepits – El Fuego
  • Mrs A’s Peat Free trials at Aylett Nurseries
  • Outdoor trends in the spotlight at Solex
  • GIMA Golf Day 2022
  • GCA Regional Awards 2022
  • LOFA Column – Thank you for making Solex a success
  • HTA Column – 2030 Here we come…
  • GIMA Column – 2022 Abnormal or normal?

Inside the August 2022 issue: Primeur’s Recycled Revolution, Farm shop revolution in St Albans, Growing and retailing plants together at Ball Colegrave, Glee Review, Buyers Power List results, GIMA Seed Corn Fund winner, Winning New Products at Glee, Zest are winners at Glee and Solex    , The future of eco firepits – El Fuego, Mrs A’s Peat Free trials at Aylett Nurseries, Floral Thursday for Greenfingers breaks records at Glee, Outdoor trends in the spotlight at Solex, GIMA Golf Day 2022, GCA Regional Awards 2022, LOFA Column – Thank you for making Solex a success, HTA Column – 2030 Here we come…, GIMA Column – 2022 Abnormal or normal?

 

 

Two new members for Choice Marketing

Choice Marketing has announced the addition of two new garden centres to the Group – Waresley Park of Sandy in Bedfordshire and Pacific Nurseries of Walsall, West Midlands. This brings the total number of centres within Choice Marketing to 45 and a group retail turnover in excess of £160m...


 

Choice Marketing has announced the addition of two new garden centres to the Group – Waresley Park of Sandy in Bedfordshire and Pacific Nurseries of Walsall, West Midlands. This brings the total number of centres within Choice Marketing to 45 and a group retail turnover in excess of £160m.

 

Steve Baker, owner of Waresley Park, said “joining Choice couldn’t have been simpler. I am now getting better terms with suppliers I was already dealing with, not to mention significant rebates, the comradery is excellent and I really am delighted to be a member of the Group“.

 

Peter Beharrell of Pacific Nurseries said “Pacific made the transition from nursery to garden centre in 2004 (it still retains its wholesale nursery on a nearby site). After a brief flirtation with a buying group a while back, we decided to paddle our own canoe, but life doesn’t stand still and as the business has grown, we now find it comforting to know that we are buying at or near the best prices. Not only have we enjoyed the benefits of buying but are now opening the doors to start saving other costs with Choice partners. The buzz on the Whatsapp chat is a constant reminder of who we have joined!! It will be turned off when my holidays start. But more seriously the friendly nature of our wonderful industry is strengthened further by being a member of Choice, we are looking forward to getting to know the membership at future events”.

 

Commenting on the 2 new additions, Michelle de Lavis-Trafford, CEO of Choice Marketing, said “We are delighted to welcome both Waresley Park and Pacific Nurseries to the Group. Two highly significant garden centres in our industry who are sure to make a great contribution to the Organisation. Following our best ever year in 2021, Choice has since repaid almost £2.6m back to its members in rebates. This exemplifies the power and positive rewards of working together within an established Organisation, with fantastic support from our key suppliers. Although all our member centres are independently owned and independently run, we do speak with one voice in our relationships with our suppliers”.

 

To mark its 20th Anniversary this year, Choice Marketing is currently putting the finishing touches on what is set to be a rip-roaring celebratory evening at its forthcoming

conference and trade show in October. Trade show stand space is already 90% sold out with evening attendance set to mark this as its largest ever event.

 

In addition to preferential purchasing arrangements, Choice members benefit from a comprehensive offering of marketing services, through its partner agency. Commenting further, Will Blake of St Peters Garden Centre said, “It’s so great being a member of Choice Marketing. St Peters have enjoyed the many benefits of Membership since it helped establish the organisation back in 2002. Choice is one of the industry’s leading buying and marketing groups and has forged strong, mutually beneficial working relationships with dozens of key suppliers throughout the garden centre, gift, home and leisure sectors. As an independent garden centre, we really value the combined influence and buying strength that Choice gives our business, as it far exceeds anything we could possibly achieve on our own. The enhanced service we receive from suppliers, combined with the direct lines of communication that the team at Choice have with key account managers across our supply chain, ensures that any issues are dealt with quickly and efficiently. The team at Choice negotiate the very best prices and trading terms on our behalf, which frees up countless hours in our own business and allows my senior management team to devote more time to the day to day operation of the centre. It also enables us to concentrate more on other important strategic issues facing the business”.

 

If you would like to know more about the benefits of membership, please contact Michelle de Lavis-Trafford at info@choice-marketing.co.uk to arrange an informal chat. www.choice-marketing.co.uk

GIMA Awards judging complete – find out who wins on October 20th

Following another incredible year of inspirational new product development, the 200 plus entries to the 2022 GIMA Awards provided this year’s judging panel with plenty of food for thought. Now, with the judging day complete, we must wait until October 20th to find out who will be crowned winners this year...


 

Following another incredible year of inspirational new product development, the 200 plus entries to the 2022 GIMA Awards provided this year’s judging panel with plenty of food for thought. Now, with the judging day complete, we must wait until October 20th to find out who will be crowned winners this year.

 

Selecting products from across 13 product and three marketing categories, plus the overall Sustainability Award - were a panel of eager judges with their work cut out for them. Coming from all corners of the industry with a wide range of retail experience were Will Blake, St Peter’s Garden Centre; David Danning, Blue Diamond Group; Kate Eckley, The Old Railway Line; Neil Grant, Ferndale Garden Centre; Sarah Hayden, John Lewis & Partners; Trevor Pfeiffer, Garden Trade News; Victoria Redshaw, Scarlet Opus, and finally, Chris Moorhouse from Wickeswho joined the other judges, who were onsite at Warwick Racecourse, via remote link-up. 

 

Two additional Special Achievement awards – the Export Achievement, and Supplier of the Year – will be judged by Gardenex and the GCA respectively.

 

Speaking following the judging day, GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall said: “A huge thank you to all our judges for taking the time to be part of the 2022 GIMA Awards. The quality of entries was higher than ever, and I know the judges undertook a lot of very in-depth conversations to ensure that the most deserving winners were selected. I have no doubt that the winner’s roster will be an impressive one come October.

 

“On behalf of the judges I’d also like to pass on their complements regarding the amount of research and development that is currently shaping our industry. On top of this, the judges would like to congratulate those brands that are working tirelessly to bring sustainable solutions to market and helping to set the standard that other industries strive to achieve.”

 

This year, On October 20th, the GIMA Awards will return to the Celtic Manor Resort for another five-star night of celebrations and networking. The event will be supported by a wealth of sponsors Glee, Hozelock, eBay, HTA, GCA, Gardenex, Meadow View Stone, CJ Wildlife, Primeur, Hornby Whitefoot PR, CM Ventures, Gardenforum, Garden Trade News, Garden Radio and Garden Centre Retail with a handful of sponsorship opportunities still up for grabs - please contact GIMA to find out more. 

Book your place now!

With just short of 500 people in attendance, the 2021 event was a sell-out in record time. GIMA is urging interested parties to secure their tickets for the 2022 event now to avoid disappointment.

 

Prices for GIMA members: £329 + VAT per person, or £3,099 + VAT for a table of 10, whilst non-member costs are: Non-Members:  £399 + VAT per person, or £3,799 + VAT for a table of 10 (all costs include dinner and accommodation).

 

There are also several sponsorship opportunities still available. To find out more, please contact the GIMA team directly for more information.

 

Find out more

For further information about GIMA and its wide range of member benefits, please contact the GIMA Press Office on (01959) 564947 or info@gima.org.uk

Three mountains in 24hrs – Deco-Pak completes its Greenfingers challenge!

Wind, rain, blisters and UK holiday traffic all attempted to thwart Deco-Pak’s Three Peaks Challenge this past weekend (23-24 July) but the team were victorious in their efforts. Now it’s time for you to dig deep to help the team reach their fundraising target to help Greenfingers to create even more therapeutic garden spaces at children’s hospices across the country...


 

Wind, rain, blisters and UK holiday traffic all attempted to thwart Deco-Pak’s Three Peaks Challenge this past weekend (23-24 July) but the team were victorious in their efforts. Now it’s time for you to dig deep to help the team reach their fundraising target to help Greenfingers to create even more therapeutic garden spaces at children’s hospices across the country.

 

Not many of us would be brave enough to tackle the three tallest mountain peaks within England, Scotland and Wales – Scarfell Pike – 978m, Ben Nevis – 1345m and Snowdon – 1085m - but Deco-Pak’s Marketing Director, Craig Hall, alongside Dan Gough and Ross Baxter, did just this. The best bit, they did it within 24 hours. 23hours and 55mins to be exact, and that includes over 11 hours driving between Fort William to Seascale in the Lake District, before finishing at Caernafon in North Wales.

 

So far, the brave adventurers have raised 56% of their fundraising total and are now asking the garden retail sector to consider digging deeper to smash through the £500 fundraising target.

 

Craig Hall said: “What a way to spend 24 hours. I won’t lie, it was tough at times but we got through it and are so pleased that we were able to spread the word regarding Greenfingers along the way.

 

“A huge thank you to all of those that have donated so far, it really did help keep us going this weekend. We appreciate that times are tough at the moment but even the smallest donation makes a huge difference so we’re asking for a donation of just £3.24 – to mark the conquering of three mountains in 24 hours. Of course, we’ll happily accept larger donations! But know that every penny donated will make a huge difference in helping the Greenfingers charity to build gardens in children’s hospices. These spaces are so important to the children, families and staff that work and live in these hospices so being able to contribute anything to their continued development is hugely meaningful to all of us at Deco-Pak.”

 

Anyone wanting to show their support for Deco-Pak can do so by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/craig-hall33

 

Find out more

To find out more about Deco-Pak’s leading product portfolio please visit www.deco-pak.co.uk or call 01422 204 394.

 
Four Oaks Trade Show announces inaugural ‘Pat Coutts award for excellence’, to be sponsored by HTA

 

Four Oaks Trade Show has announced a new award to honour the memory of the late Pat Coutts, who founded and drove the show’s success over five decades...


Four Oaks Trade Show has announced a new award to honour the memory of the late Pat Coutts, who founded and drove the show’s success over five decades.

 

Pat died aged 74 last August without being able to head the 50th-anniversary show, which was delayed twice by the pandemic, and will now take place at Four Oaks Nurseries in Cheshire, 6 & 7 September 2022. 

 

Christina Walker and Karen Kelly take the show forward and are establishing an award that reflects Pat’s character, to be given annually at the event, recognising the excellence of so many individuals in the industry. 

 

Pat demonstrated excellence in everything she did; whether it was as a young nursery worker, thought to be unrivalled in her ability to prick out young lobelia at a rate of 60 a minute, or as trade show organiser extraordinaire, Pat always went the extra mile.

 

“I can’t think of an award in her name that Pat would like better than one to recognise the many stars amongst our exhibitors – people who are excellent in what they do, because of their professionalism, talent and dedication. Pat often said ‘horticulture is for life’ and we are pleased to be able to shine a light on those who give so much of theirs to our wonderful sector,” Christina Walker said. 

 

“We were delighted when HTA got in touch wanting an opportunity to recognise Pat’s contribution to the sector and sponsoring this award is a great way to celebrate Pat’s legacy. HTA will help to judge the entries and will provide £100 gift card award to each of our three category winners, which will be based on company size. Anyone who works for an exhibitor company can be nominated by a team member, employee or boss and tell us why they are excellent. We’ll highlight everyone who is nominated on social media and in a display at the show, but only one can win from each group and they’ll be rewarded at the Exhibitors Supper after the close of day one at the show in September.

 

Nominations have now opened through the exhibitor manual and on our website: www.fouroaks-tradeshow.com.” 

 
Scarlet Opus return to GIMA to launch SS2024 Trends & Insights Report

GIMA has again commissioned leading trend agency, Scarlet Opus, to deliver an informative and interactive Insight & Trends report, designed to offer delegates unrivalled access to SS24 trend information, including how these trends meet consumer desires, attitudes and aesthetics...


GIMA has again commissioned leading trend agency, Scarlet Opus, to deliver an informative and interactive Insight & Trends report, designed to offer delegates unrivalled access to SS24 trend information, including how these trends meet consumer desires, attitudes and aesthetics.

 

The report will be launched with a webinar where four key trends for 2024 will be explored, emphasising what’s driving change and the fundamental shifts impacting consumer behaviour.  With a keen focus on gardening and outdoor living, this is the only content of its kind available in the UK.

 

The team from Scarlet Opus will also delve deep into the colours and design trends that look set to shape consumer demand and spend, including a look at those materials, shapes, patterns and textiles which consumers will be looking to adorn their homes with.  The content is directly suited to those companies looking to future-proof their new product development, visual merchandising, packaging and marketing plans.

 

Every person joining the webinar will receive direct access to the online event, where Scarlet Opus will present the report. A copy of the webinar recording, plus an exclusive e-book, will also be made available to delegates post-event, unveiling even more of the research and consumer marketing content that was gathered whilst identifying the trends.

 

GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall said: “We’re pleased to confirm that we have recommissioned Scarlet Opus to provide our trends content for the fourth year running. Previous sessions have been applauded for their value and insight; insight we have seen become a reality and has shaped the products we see on the shelves today. We’re excited to see what 2024 might have in store for us!"                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          GIMA’s Consumer & Design Insight and Trends webinar will be priced at £250 (+ VAT) for members, with each additional delegate priced at £25 (+ VAT).  Non-members are priced at £350 (+ VAT), with each additional delegate priced at £50 (+ VAT). 

 

To find out more, or to book your place for the webinar, please visit www.gima.org.uk or call 01959 564947.

Embrace beauty of nature with elho’s green basics range

A green space filled with fresh blooms, homegrown herbs and budding plants creates the perfect oasis to relax and unwind. In spaces like these, it’s easy to find the beauty in nature, and with elho’s affordable green basics range of pots and bowls, gardens, patios and balconies can be transformed into stunning spaces that let natures’ beauty speak for itself...


 

A green space filled with fresh blooms, homegrown herbs and budding plants creates the perfect oasis to relax and unwind. In spaces like these, it’s easy to find the beauty in nature, and with elho’s affordable green basics range of pots and bowls, gardens, patios and balconies can be transformed into stunning spaces that let natures’ beauty speak for itself.

 

Thanks to their simple design, the green basics range can help transform spaces into havens that allow plants the chance to shine. The campana pot is an example of this, thanks to its slender and soft round shape. Its two simple shades, living black and mild terra, also offer a subtle injection of style into outdoor spaces, without overpowering any plants that are chosen to fill them. Plus, with an array of sizes available, including 29cm, 34cm, 39cm and 48cm, they can be used alone or arranged together to add real depth in the garden, creating the ultimate plant display.

 

For a beautiful floral table bouquet, the green basics bowl creates the perfect base. Its circular shape will show off sweet peas, erigerons or other summer flowering plants, providing a fragrant backdrop to  an alfresco lunch with friends or evening on the balcony. It comes in a range of exterior friendly colours – living black, mild terra and leaf green – and sizes – 27cm, 33cm and 38cm – which allows plant lovers to personalise their space, creating a tumbling display of nature, no matter how big or small the space.

 

For those with restricted space, elho’s green basics flower bridge makes use of banisters and railings, giving those with the smallest of spaces the chance to surround themselves with nature. The simple design means that the pot can effortlessly slip onto railings of up to 6cm wide with two attachclips at the bottom of the pot ensuring that it is safe and secure. Available in either a round 29cm design or a 55cm elegant oval shape and the same three shades, this model allows plants to brighten up both sides of the balcony or terrace, and mask urban surroundings with a healthy dose of nature.

 

Elho cares deeply for the planet and its love for nature is reflected in how the pots are produced: they’re made from recycled plastic, produced with wind energy from elho’s own windmill, and are also fully recyclable. They’re also super strong and sturdy, frost-proof and colour-fast, so all you have to do is enjoy your greenery, season after season.

 

To find out more about elho, its products and its commitment to sustainability, please visit www.elho.com

 
Bramblecrest return to Solex with new culinary offering

The first in-person Solex for three years saw a busy time for the Bramblecrest team. With over 60 sets of furniture on their stand, the sales team had plenty to show existing and potential new stockists over the three-day period...


 

The first in-person Solex for three years saw a busy time for the Bramblecrest team. With over 60 sets of furniture on their stand, the sales team had plenty to show existing and potential new stockists over the three-day period.

 

New contemporary ranges such as Zurich, Vienna and Amsterdam were well received for the 2023 season. There is a clear appetite for contemporary design and our modular Vilamoura collection proved popular in addition to our classic rattan ranges – Monterey, Chedworth and Tetbury.

 

Stockists were impressed with Bramblecrest’s in-store POS offering which were shown on the stand including shop-in-shop concepts, product drapes and literature. They are the first brand to commit to this investment for retail partners. Bramblecrest is working with Ecologi who are planting a tree for every furniture set that they sell to trade customers. In addition, dedicated marketing support includes provision of premium lifestyle imagery and video for use on websites and printed materials.

 

A cooking demo area outside the show was a first for Solex. Bramblecrest demonstrated the versatility and social aspect of their firepit tables which have optional griddle plates. The chef created simple, tasty dishes which can be cooked whilst sat around the table, creating a social event in itself. Visitors to the show were impressed with the wide range of foods that can be cooked on what is essentially a highly adaptable piece of garden furniture.

Tong launches adventure play area for older children

A Bradford Garden Centre group has introduced a brand-new adventure play experience aimed at older children as part of its ongoing vision to be a destination for families across Yorkshire...


 

A Bradford Garden Centre group has introduced a brand-new adventure play experience aimed at older children as part of its ongoing vision to be a destination for families across Yorkshire.

 

Brainchild of the team at Tong Garden Centre, ‘Mission Out' is a 4.8-acre outdoor adventure play attraction for 6 -14-year-olds that recently opened at Tingley, which will also be the location of the group's second garden centre, due to open in September.

 

The outdoor attraction builds on the success of Grass Hoppers indoor and outdoor adventure play which the business introduced into Tong in 2015 to cater for younger families.

 

Designed by Timber Play and Greenspan to appeal to families, groups and parties, Mission Out features high ropes, water activities, a jump challenge pillow, giant swings and adventure golf.

 

Tingley Garden Centre MD, Mark Farnsworth said: "Since we acquired our first garden centre at Tong in 2015, it's always been our ambition to be a great destination attraction for all the family and we were aware that there was a gap in our offer for something new and exciting for older children to enjoy. In a world that can be dominated by screen time, our aim was to create a park that inspires, engages and challenges this age group.

 

"The opportunity came with Tingley, where additional land lent itself to an excellent value, access-all-activities entertainment park with lots of challenging and exciting outdoor activities."

 

Mission Out has created 47 new jobs and will be managed by Conrad Dales, who joined the garden centre group in May. "With obstacle courses, high ropes and a giant jump pillow alongside lake rafting, crazy golf, den building and other activities, there is something for everyone and it's perfect for family days, treats and celebrations, school trips and team building. We can't wait to welcome people to our epic outdoor adventure," Mr. Dales concluded.

 

For more information and to book, visit www.missionout.co.uk. Entry costs start at £10.95 for all day access all areas play for children over 6.

 

Opening in autumn 2022, Tingley Garden Centre will be a £14m complex that will provide jobs for 250 people and will be home to a 1000m2 plant canopy, a 400-seater Blooms Kitchen, Grass Hoppers indoor and outdoor play and Hearty's Food Hall. It is being developed on the site of the former Acanthus Golf Club off Thorpe Lane and has been designed by architects Pleydell Smithyman. The main contractors are Yorkshire based Brambles Construction, ACN Groundworks, MSJ Civil Engineers and Waingap Contracts.

 

The new centre has been designed to make the most of the natural landscape and will be developed with sustainability in mind, with air source heating, a solar array, zero waste to landfill, rainwater harvesting tank and 50 electric vehicle charging points.

 
Deco-Pak offering expands to meet needs of garden retailers

Over the last decade Deco-Pak has cemented its position in the marketplace as the ‘home of decorative aggregates’. But do you truly know just how expansive the Deco-Pak offering really is? Find out more...


Over the last decade Deco-Pak has cemented its position in the marketplace as the ‘home of decorative aggregates’. But do you truly know just how expansive the Deco-Pak offering really is? Find out more below….. 

 

Sustainability at its heart

With consumers questioning the provenance of the products they buy, Deco-Pak is constantly reviewing its range and supply network to ensure it is bringing to market as many sustainable garden products as possible, with a roadmap in place to further convert ranges in the coming years.

 

Current ranges setting the standard include the EcoStone range which transform materials once destined for landfill into decorative aggregates. Glasglo are translucent tumbled glass stones, pot topper stones and cobbles made from recycled televisions; EcoStone Rubber Chippings give new life to former tyres, recycled into chippings that provide safe play areas and act as a weed-suppressing mulch, while EcoStone Sea Shells – sourced from a whelk processing factory – transform pots and terrariums when used as a dressing and provide natural slug control in borders.

 

Deco-Pak’s paving offering also forms a huge part of the company’s sustainable revolution. Ranges include Eco Smooth – a pastel offering designed to blend into natural planting schemes; Yorkdale – manufactured using locally sourced raw materials; and Riven Paving – based on the natural undulating contours of natural stone.

 

Additionally, Deco-Pak is keen to operate in a sustainable way by sourcing more efficiently from UK quarries; quarries which are supporting this mission for sustainability by leading the world in environmental standards through modern quarrying methods and equipment.

 

THE DECO-PAK OFFERING

 

Marketing Director Craig Hall, said: “Deco-Pak has become synonymous with all things decorative aggregates and this will always remain. However, we are always looking at the category with fresh eyes to identify new opportunities and product introductions that enhance our offering and increase consumer engagement across all consumer demographics. Whilst our range of Heritage Stone branded decorative aggregates are timeless by nature they offer a range of benefits to an emerging market of time-poor consumers wanting instant transformation and gratification. We have reinvigorated the category by enhancing the point of sale and displays to showcase these benefits easily.”

 

Country Bond

Country bond is a self-binding gravel that consists of specifically graded gravel and screened sand precisely blended which, when laid and compacted, forms a stable and largely impermeable surface. The perfect alternative to block paving or tarmac, Country Bond provides a natural look and feel with all the benefits and more of other materials. Country Bond self-binding gravel is widely used in public gardens, National Trust properties as well as stately homes and other high traffic areas and is now available to the DIY consumer.

 

Water features

Deco-Pak’s extensive, yet concise range of water features includes exclusive designs based on timeless classics and current trends, all offering great value. Four new designs are set to join the line up ahead of the 2023 season, further bolstering the current portfolio of four unique ranges: Lithic -recreating the sight and sounds of a natural mountain stream; Artisan - inspired by traditional crafts and homemade artefacts; Zen - channelling eastern influences for a calming aura; and Vista - echoing the traditional styling of country gardens.

All Deco-Pak water features are supported by modular displays that enable retailers to create a bespoke retail layouts to suit the space available.

 

Chelsea Horticultural range

This first-class horticultural collection of sands, gravels and growing media is designed to appeal to consumers who are looking for aggregate essentials and exciting new solutions for updating their outdoor spaces.

 

Pot toppers

Packaged in easy to carry packs, these toppers are perfect for optimising the boom of houseplant sales through effective cross merchandising within the plant area.

 

Zen Gardening

Deco-Pak’s “Zen” range taps into the trend for creating sanctuaries within our outdoor spaces with all the products - decorative gravels, slates, cobbles and pebbles – brought together in one collection to help consumers create minimalist spaces, perfect for inner reflection and calm.

 

Slates

A bestseller, Deco-Pak slate is perfect for paths, borders or around plants and pots. Slate’s appeal lies in the fact that its look changes whether it is wet or dry, giving landscaped and gardens that truly natural look and feel.

 

Rockery

Hand graded and selected from all regions of the UK and some parts of Europe, Deco-Pak’s offering  complements and enhances its wider range of decorative aggregates. The full range is supported by “rockery crates” - wooden collared crates ideal for enticing consumers at the point of sale. 

 

Cobbles and pebbles

Whether it’s for water features – helping to drive up the average basket spend within the water gardening section of the store – or as a way to soften garden beds or borders, cobbles and pebbles should be an essential part of any aggregate offering. 

 

Play pit sand & play sand

Perfect for encouraging children into the garden, all Deco-Pak play pit sand conforms to BS EN 1177:2008 and BS EN 71-3-2013. As well as being non-staining and non-toxic it is washed and graded perfectly for children play areas. Sales of all Deco-Pak play pit sands helps to raise essential funds and brand awareness for the Greenfingers charity, who build therapeutic gardens in children’s hospices across the country. 

 

Rockin’ pebbles and pens

The Rockin’ Pebbles and Pens offering is designed to increase impulse and gifting sales whilst driving loyalty amongst parents with young children, as well as craft enthusiasts

 

Easybuild

EasyBuild is a specialist range of DIY sands and cement based products for garden and building projects.

 

Landscaping accessories materials

Deco-Pak’s range of landscaping materials are ideal products for cross-selling with its core range of landscaping products.

 

Autumn & Winter

Maximising Autumn and winter sales is the order of the day with Deco-Pak’s winter ranges. From smokeless coal and logs, to rock salt, sledges and snow shovels, all ranges are stocked in the UK and available for quick delivery when the inevitable harsh Great British winter hits.

 

Find out more

To find out more about Deco-Pak’s leading product portfolio please visit www.deco-pak.co.uk or call 01422 204 394.

New from Primeur: Mower Edge Borders and Full Pallet displays join the 2023 line-up

Primeur is fresh from an excellent showcase at Glee 2022, where the company enjoyed a fantastic reception to its new launches which joined the company’s existing multi-award-winning recycled rubber garden ranges...


 

Primeur is fresh from an excellent showcase at Glee 2022, where the company enjoyed a fantastic reception to its new launches which joined the company’s existing multi-award-winning recycled rubber garden ranges.

 

Make mowing the lawn easier than ever!

The innovative L-shape of the all-new Mower Edge Border has been designed to make grass cutting effortless!  The new design allows a mower to run right up against the border of the lawn, meaning there is no need to use a strimmer to trim up to the edge. As with the rest of the recycled rubber EZ Border collection, the flexible Mower Edge Borders are capable of bending around curves to fit the shape of your lawn, path, or flower bed, and come supplied with installation spikes.

 

Updates to planters & decking solutions

Ahead of the 2023 season, there are also new additions to Primeur’s top-selling Tierra Verde self-watering planters, with a new steel grey colour added to the Citadelle square and 15cm trough planters, both of which have been flying off the shelves during the 2022 season.

 

Over in the Easy Tile decking range, new introductions include extra-large 45x45cm ‘Extreme’ Tiles and 45x45cm Cosmopolitan Decking tiles, plus edging and corners to fit the new extra-large sizes for a seamless fit.

 

As with all products in Primeur’s Eco Garden collection, the new borders, planters and tiles are all constructed from recycled rubber tyres, making them incredibly durable as well as lightweight and resistant to mould or mildew, making them true gardening heroes.

 

Even more ways to drive sales instore – new merchandising solutions from Primeur

There is more good news for Primeur retailers as the team has also brought to market even more advanced merchandising solutions to ensure that stocking Primeur products is easier – and more profitable – than ever!

 

Launched exclusively at Glee were new full pallet display units for stepping-stones and borders. These ‘naked’ pallets are designed to optimise the sales potential of the landscaping products, allowing these to be merchandised easily alongside other complimentary products making them easy for consumers to locate when they are looking at starting any landscaping project.

 

Each pallet display allows the retailer to hold more inventory of key lines, ensuring stock is fully available at the right time.  Delivered to retail customers ready-stocked with POS attached to make implementation seamless. Retailers can select their preferred items from the EZ Borders and Eco-Way Stepping-Stones.

 

These units run alongside the existing wooden display units which are still available to showcase a number of different products from a smaller footprint, and also the pallet displays which are supplied with a pallet skirt.  POS across all the display options details the unique features and benefits of each product, with simple icons and texts which also communicate to end-users the important sustainable benefits of each product. To further support this, the Primeur team will as ever, be on hand to work with individual retailers to identify their key sales patterns and bestsellers, helping to curate a fully stocked and individual unit that will see consumers coming back again and again. 

 

Talking post-Glee, Primeur Managing Director, Jenny Douthwaite, said: “Despite the challenges this year has brought us all, Primeur has witnessed yet another strong year and our sustainability story has been further enhanced. Our focus has remained on continuing to offer our customers innovative products that add interest to their ranges, and as we move forwards, we will continue to work closely with customers to ensure that any space allocated to Primeur ranges works hard for them by generating volume sales by having the right products, and the right quantity when it is needed most.”

 

To date, Primeur has helped to repurpose over 5 million tyres in the last year alone.

·         Planters remain Primeur’s bestsellers with over 50% of its sales in garden ranges being planters. Hot on the heels of planters if borders which account for 30% of garden centre sales, with the remaining 20% made up of stepping-stones and decking solutions.

·         In fact, Primeur’s popularity has soared so high it is reporting a 156% YOY growth for the 2021/22 season!

 

Get in touch

To find more about Primeur’s 2023 offering, please contact the team on 01274 518800, email sales@primeur.ltd.uk or visit www.primeur.co.uk

 
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Colegrave Seabrook Foundation announces two new Trustees

The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation has announced the addition of two Trustees to its panel of industry experts. Nicole Higginson, a director at New Leaf Plants Ltd, and Neville Stein, the well known nursery business consultant, join the board of Trustees who work through the Foundation to support students studying horticulture in the UK.


The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation has announced the addition of two Trustees to its panel of industry experts.

 

Nicole Higginson, a director at New Leaf Plants Ltd, and Neville Stein, the well known nursery business consultant, join the board of Trustees who work through the Foundation to support students studying horticulture in the UK.

 

Nicky, who with husband David, set up the specialist clematis and climbing plant nursery based near Evesham, Worcestershire, has a BSc in Biochemistry from Birmingham University and has spent most of her working life teaching chemistry in high schools.

 

Nicky, who brings her experience and skills in education to the Foundation, in addition to her understanding of growing and business management commented: “I feel very strongly that we must encourage young people to consider horticulture as their first career choice and nurture them within our industry.    I see the work that the newly renamed Colegrave Seabrook Foundation does as an integral part of that support.”

 

Neville Stein has operated as an independent horticultural business consultant for almost 30 years, primarily working in the ‘land based’ sector. He is recognised as an expert business consultant amongst SMEs and family enterprises and has worked with a wide range of organisations both in the UK and Ireland.  In addition he spends his time educating the horticultural managers of the future, including assessing on the prestigious Master of Horticulture for the Royal Horticultural Society, The Kew Diploma and the Institute of Leadership and Management. 

 

Neville said: “I am delighted to become a Trustee of the Foundation as it fits well with my ambition to inspire and encourage the next generation of horticulturists. My wide ranging experience in ornamental production horticulture and further education will help me bring even more value to the students supported by the work of the Foundation."

 

Nicky and Neville join Chair of Trustees Jeff Colegrave, Roger Seabrook who joined the board in May this year, Stuart Lowen of Ball Colegrave Horticulture, Tim Kerley, Nigel Wait, Adam Dunnett of Hillier Nurseries, Caroline Owen of Scotsdales Garden Centres and Neil Gow, all of whom volunteer their variety of skills from a diverse range of horticultural backgrounds. The focus of the Foundation is towards ornamental and production horticulture but includes scientific research and, increasingly, environmental matters.

 

The new scholarship season will launch in September this year and students, lecturers and employers linked to the horticultural industry, whether in ornamental production, research and other technical disciplines are encouraged to get in touch via the Foundation’s website.

 

Following the death of founding Trustee, Peter Seabrook earlier this year, the registered charity announced it’s renaming to the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation.  This was done on the feature exhibit created at BBC Gardeners World Live in Birmingham in June, where the display, based upon Peter’s original design won a Platinum medal.

Peter had been an active participant in the Foundation’s activities ever since the Foundation was created in 1993, and never missed a trust meeting in all that time.

 

“As the industry’s leading charity supporting horticultural students, we were so fortunate to have had Peter as a trustee since the Foundation’s inception," said Jeff Colegrave, the current chair of Trustees.

 

“We are delighted to welcome these two new Trustees, who together with the appointment of Roger Seabrook in May, will further strengthen our board. With the support of our industry, nurseries and suppliers, working with colleges and universities, I believe we have a key role to play in supporting students who want to study horticulture in its broadest terms which is just so fundamental to all our futures.”

 

 
Catering industry experts give insights during GCA members’ webinar

Experts from the catering industry gave their insights during a webinar for members of the Garden Centre Association...


 

Experts from the catering industry gave their insights during a webinar for members of the Garden Centre Association.

 

Chris Brown from leading catering consultancy, Turpin Smale, discussed sales and customer numbers while Penny Cook from Penny Cook Recruitment gave her view on the challenges the industry is facing.

 

Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, says: “We’d like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who attended the webinar, including Chris and Penny for giving us their expert insights and Ben Harrison from Haskins for facilitating the session.

 

“To start we heard from Will Blake, Managing Director at St Peters Garden Centre, who outlined the development of its Potting Shed Restaurant from a 90’s restaurant, to its latest refurbishment in 2015 as a self-service operation, to its present-day table service facility.

 

“He explained that the counter service operation couldn’t be scaled up, however, the Covid-19 pandemic was the opportunity to reconsider. The restaurant was refurbished, rebranded and converted to table service when closed during the second lockdown. This has resulted in better food quality and customer experience and Will is now proud of the restaurant.”

 

Tammy Woodhouse, Managing Director of Millbrook Garden Centre, and also the current GCA Chairman, showcased the two different operations that its two centres have, The Green Café at Staplehurst and the Mill at Gravesend. The Green Café is table service, but the Mill remains a counter service operation.

 

Iain added: “Tammy explained how The Mill and The Green Café operate and that The Green Café was refurbished in 2020 and now has 80 covers. They use the same menu and price points at both, with a few tweaks.

 

“Chris Brown commented that it is always an idea to analyse the figures, adding in these times of food inflation it is more important than ever to control costs. He advised that garden centre owners should remember competitors are not other garden centres, but other leisure attractions such as museums or farm shops.

 

“He said successful garden centre restaurants see themselves as leisure attractions and suggested visiting Wetherspoons and trying their app, which he believes is one of the best examples of using this technology in the hospitality sector. He then went on to cover the wider market and the recruitment challenge.”

 

Penny Cook has more than 25-years’ experience in catering recruitment.

 

“Penny believes the problem facing hospitality is bringing in new talent. There are 176,000 hospitality vacancies. Brexit might not have helped, and the pandemic gave people time to reassess and change careers.

 

“She advised that to attract staff you have to pay above market rate. She said garden centres offered a good work/life balance compared to most. She also suggested first interviews should be done by Zoom/Teams to cut out no shows and centres should consider paying for trial shifts.

 

“She said centres should be flexible with working hours and recruit from all backgrounds, including out of sector. They should be clear on who they want to recruit as kitchens and front of house need different skillsets. Always include salaries on job adverts. Always hold second interviews and always provide feedback on interviews, she said.”

 

Some of Penny’s brief pointers included:

 

Give people a reason to stay, not a reason to leave

  • Ask them how they are doing
  • Give training
  • Social media – tell people what you can do for them
  • Not everyone wants to go to university – contact local colleges
  • Bonus – offer introduction incentives
  • Make contact with the Job Centre
  • Identify training/progress within existing team
  • Retention benefits
  • Employee share schemes
  • One-off cost of living payments
  • Loans.

Iain continued: “Chris Brown supported what Penny said, citing a commitment to paying the ‘real living wage’ by some businesses has helped retain staff. He thought garden centres should consider this and other benefits to boost retention.

 

“Finally, a few ideas were discussed on the challenges garden centres are facing. With social distancing, garden centres were places that were considered safe, now there is a change of mindset, it is a race to get people in and return to ‘normal’.

 

“Overall, the webinar was extremely interesting, and it was great to hear everyone’s opinions on different sides. It was a great opportunity for our members to get together and discuss such as important issue in depth. It gave them a lot of food for thought to take away with them.”

 
Promoting flower and plant exports to Polish retail channel

FloraCulture International and Fresh Market B2B Meeting and Fair introduce the inaugural Trade Mission Poland on 21 & 22 September...


 

FloraCulture International and Fresh Market B2B Meeting and Fair introduce the inaugural Trade Mission Poland on 21 & 22 September. 

 

AIPH – International Association of Horticultural Producers' magazine, FloraCulture International, and Fresh Market Poland Trade Mission Poland are organising B2B meetings between flower and plant professionals and buyers from Polish supermarkets, DIY stores and garden centres.

 

Horticultural producer growers and exporters of cut flowers, pot plants, bedding plants, trees, shrubs, perennials and flower bulbs to all corners of the world can establish new retail contacts or strengthen existing relationships through this trade mission.

 

This event will be at the 2022 edition of the Fresh Market B2B Meeting and Fair on 21 & 22 September in Warsaw, Poland.

 

For more details click here

 
The best of last week's

If you missed last week's GTN Xtra, below are the most-read stories...


 
Tong Garden Centre group acquires further centres 

YGC Group, the parent company of Tong Garden Centre, are taking over the two Stephen H Smith garden centres in Otley and Harden, near Bingley. All of the 100 strong Stephen H Smith’s team are transferring to YGC Group...


 

YGC Group, the parent company of Tong Garden Centre, are taking over the two Stephen H Smith garden centres in Otley and Harden, near Bingley. All of the 100 strong Stephen H Smith’s team are transferring to YGC Group.

 

YGC Group MD, Mark Farnsworth is excited about the opportunity and said: “We are delighted to take on the Stephen H Smith sites.  Their business was established in 1966 and has a proud history, we are very grateful to Christopher Smith for the opportunity to run these two great garden centres.  We hope we can retain and enhance their reputation in the coming years.  

 

“We plan to invest in both sites to help them thrive, which we hope will provide great opportunities for the existing team and for future employees.

 

“It has always been our ambition to create a group of family destination garden centres in Yorkshire and the addition of these sites sets us well on our way.  We have been delighted with the progress we have made at Tong over the last seven years and, with Tingley set to open in the autumn and a planning application submitted for a third site at Thorp Arch, it’s going to be a busy second half to 2022. 

 

“We have been building towards this growth for some time, so although we have a very busy couple of years in front of us, we are very confident that we have the team and the infrastructure in place to help deliver our plans.  We hope to continue to enhance the offer for our customers and to create further opportunities for our fantastic teams at all sites,” concluded Mr. Farnsworth.

 

Christopher Smith, partner in Stephen H Smith, said: “I’d like to thank our teams at Otley and Harden for all their hard work over the years, it has been very much appreciated. I am confident that we are leaving the business in very good hands and wish everyone every success for the future.” 

 

YGC Group founders, Farnsworth and Tom Megginson acquired Tong Garden Centre in 2015 with 45 staff and a turnover of £3.3 million. Since the acquisition, turnover has grown to £15m and the team at Tong have raised over £50,000 for local charities.

 

YGC Group’s first garden centre at Tong occupies a 19-acre site in Tong village. It is one of Yorkshire’s biggest independent garden centres with 125,000 square feet of retail space and parking for up to 700 cars. 

 

Photograph caption: Left to right: Tom Megginson (YGC), Sharon McNair (YGC), Christopher Smith, Mark Farnsworth, Richard Coggill (SHS GM), Charlie Barker (YGC)

 
Perrywood Tiptree and Perrywood Sudbury claim top GCA North Thames honours

Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree won Garden Centre of the Year in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category in the GCA North Thames region while Perrywood, Sudbury picked up the accolade in the Garden Centre (GC) category...


 

Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree (above) won Garden Centre of the Year in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category in the GCA North Thames region while Perrywood, Sudbury (below) picked up the accolade in the Garden Centre (GC) category.

 

 

The prersentations were made at RHS Hyde Ha;; on Wednesday (July 20).

 

Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, said: “We’d like to thank the team at RHS Hyde Hall for hosting a fantastic event and to our inspector, Gordon Emslie, for his crucial feedback from his inspections, which we know our members will take on board for the future.”

 

GCA Inspector Gordon was responsible for inspecting member garden centres in the North Thames area.

 

He said: “It was fantastic going back to visit the North Thames garden centres after five years. Every centre was delivering great service, which was backed up by very strong availability, especially on plants and this was delivering some very positive sales.

 

“It was great to see so many centres engaging in the inspection process and using this to improve their operational standards.”

 

As well as Garden Centre of the Year (DGC), Perrywood Tiptree also picked up five other awards on the night, including the Barton Grange Trophy for Commercial Innovation and Creativity.

 

Simon Bourne, Retail Director at Perrywood, said: “We are all on cloud nine today! For Perrywood Tiptree to keep coming top takes a lot of hard work and creativity every year. September will see Perrywood Sudbury celebrating its fourth birthday.

 

“To be named as the best Garden Centre in the region in such a short time is a great reward for the investment and effort we have put into making it a brilliant place to work, and to shop.”

 

The full results for the North Thames region GCA area awards are as follows for the GC and DGC categories:

 

Garden Centre of the Year: Perrywood, Tiptree (DGC) and Perrywood, Sudbury (GC)

 

Customer Service Award for Best Customer Service: Perrywood, Tiptree

 

Environment and Sustainability Award: Perrywood, Tiptree

 

The Barton Grange Trophy for Commercial Innovation and Creativity: Perrywood, Tiptree

 

The Dick Allen Award for Most Improved Centre: Bosworth’s Garden Centre

 

The Award for Catering Excellence for Best Garden Centre Restaurant: Thetford Garden Centre (DGC) and Thurrock Garden Centre (GC)

 

The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer: Perrywood, Tiptree (DGC) and Perrywood, Sudbury (GC)

 

The Indoor Lifestyle Award for Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer: Perrywood, Tiptree (DGC) and Perrywood, Sudbury (GC)

 

The Outdoor Living Award for Best Outdoor Living Retailer: Alton Garden Centre (DGC) and joint winners Charlbury Garden Centre, Perrywood, Sudbury and Squires Garden Centre, Stanmore (GC)

 
GCA Midlands top awards go to Pacific Nurseries and Fairways

GCA Midlands region Garden Centre of the Year in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category was awarded to Pacific Nurseries and the Garden Centre (GC) category award went to Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne..


 

GCA Midlands region Garden Centre of the Year in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category was awarded to Pacific Nurseries (above) and the Garden Centre (GC) category award went to Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne.

 

They received the awards during a presentation evening at Planters Garden Centre Tamworth on Tuesday (July 19).

 

Iain Wylie, Chief Executive at the GCA, said: “Our third regional awards meeting was a great success. We’d like to say a huge ‘congratulations’ to all of our winners, they all thoroughly deserve the recognition and are a testament to us.

 

“We’d also like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to our inspector, Alyson Haywood, for visiting each centre and providing extensive feedback on what she found. The feedback really is invaluable to our members and one of the main benefits of our membership.”

 

GCA Inspector Alyson was responsible for inspecting member garden centres in the Midlands area.

 

She said: “As always it was an honour and a privilege to inspect the garden centres in the Midlands region and witness first-hand the enormous amount of work and dedication put in by the teams to achieving the standards attained.

 

“The service the garden centres give to their customers and the innovative and creative visual merchandising is a credit to the industry.”

 

Pacific Nurseries was also awarded the Barton Grange Trophy for Commercial Innovation and Creativity and the GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer.

 

Peter Beharrell, Director at Pacific Nurseries, said: “I am thrilled for the team at Pacific to have picked up the Best Destination Garden Centre Award in the Midlands Region for the first time. 

 

“We have constantly strived to improve each part of the business over many years and after joining the GCA we have found the judging process to be a real motivator in trying to reach new heights. Being backed by our own nurseries growing such a broad range of plants selling to both ourselves and to many other garden centres in the Midlands, ensures the main focus of plants is kept as our priority and in a rather old-fashioned way we are delighted to win a garden centre award and still to be called a nursery.”

 

During the awards evening, Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne was also awarded with the Indoor Lifestyle Award for Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer and the Outdoor Living Award for Best Outdoor Living Retailer.

 

Ally Moseley, Director at Fairways Garden Centre, said: “It’s fabulous to have independent acknowledgement of all the hard work our team put in each and every day.”

 

 

The full results for the Midlands region GCA area awards are as follows for the GC and DGC categories:

 

Garden Centre of the Year: Pacific Nurseries (DGC) and Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne (GC)

 

Customer Service Award for Best Customer Service: Pennells Garden Centre, Lincoln

 

Environment and Sustainability Award: Planters Garden Centre, Tamworth

 

The Barton Grange Trophy for Commercial Innovation and Creativity: Pacific Nurseries

 

The Dick Allen Award for Most Improved Centre: Ferndale Garden Centre

 

The Award for Catering Excellence for Best Garden Centre Restaurant: Melbicks Garden Centre (DGC) and Ferndale Garden Centre (GC)

 

The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer: Pacific Nurseries (DGC) and Webbs, West Hagley (GC)

 

The Indoor Lifestyle Award for Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer: East Bridgford Garden Centre (DGC) and Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne (GC)

 

The Outdoor Living Award for Best Outdoor Living Retailer: Brigg Garden Centre (DGC) and Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne (GC)

 
Dobbies and Waitrose partnership launches in Edinburgh

Dobbies Garden Centres has marked its partnership with Waitrose by opening its first foodhall in Edinburgh...


 

Dobbies Garden Centres has marked its partnership with Waitrose by opening its first foodhall in Edinburgh.  

 

Featuring the supermarket’s wide range of high-quality food, grocery products, and everyday essentials, the Waitrose foodhall is one of more than 50 that are to be launched at Dobbies’ stores across the UK and which will bring Waitrose to 20 new towns and cities.   

 

 

Shoppers at Dobbies’ Edinburgh can choose from an extensive selection of products including the essential Waitrose range, which is the biggest value tier of any supermarket, plus its premium range - Waitrose No. 1 - and Waitrose Duchy Organic. Ready meals, free-from and vegan ranges, prepared fruit and vegetables, snacks and cupboard staples will also be available.  

 

 

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, said: “Through a shared commitment to great value, quality and sustainability, Waitrose was the natural grocery partner for us as we continue to build on the success of our foodhalls in recent years. I am sure our first Waitrose foodhall at our flagship store in Edinburgh will prove popular with our customers.  

 

“Our foodhalls are integral to our garden centre ranges and the experience of our customers, and we look forward to introducing Waitrose’s offering across our network of UK stores.” 

 

 

To find out more about the partnership, visit www.dobbies.com.  

 
Technological advances in DIY pest control
GTN Xtra Promotion

The market for DIY pest control is growing strongly and most consumers go first to their laptop, phone or tablet for advice. And sales of DIY pest control through online retailers have been growing much more strongly than traditional bricks and mortar. STV want to make sure traditional retailers benefit from this strong category growth in DIY pest control – even if they don’t have a ready-made online solution...


The market for DIY pest control is growing strongly and most consumers go first to their laptop, phone or tablet for advice. And sales of DIY pest control through online retailers have been growing much more strongly than traditional bricks and mortar. STV want to make sure traditional retailers benefit from this strong category growth in DIY pest control – even if they don’t have a ready-made online solution. 

 

The Big Cheese - Problem Solved stand, STV’s fully interactive merchandising solution, clearly segments pest control products at the point of sale to make consumer selection simpler. But the really clever technological advance is the interactive NFC code built in to the POS. This means consumers can quickly and easily access the new The Big Cheese Webstore online product selector. Consumers are never more than three clicks away from their ideal product solution. 

 

From the recommendations on the site, consumers can purchase direct from the shelf, or they can order other products for click and collect or direct delivery to their home. STV’s partner retailers collect a healthy margin on all sales – from the shelf or the website. Even sales made on The Big Cheese Webstore by consumers at home attract a retail margin for STV’s local retail partner.

 

Edwin Allingham, STV Managing Director, said “We need traditional retail partners to join us to ensure that consumers can easily access the product they identify online – and keep them shopping with their trusted, local retailer. I’d love to hear from any retailer who would like to know more about this exciting new way to retail DIY Pest Control and to benefit directly from the latest shopping trends."

 

For more information on The Big Cheese Top 100 and this exciting new sales opportunity, interested retailers are encouraged to make contact with their local sales agent or contact STV directly.

 

STV International Ltd

Forge House

Little Cressingham

Thetford

Norfolk IP25 6ND, GB

Phone 01953 881580                   

Email info@stvuk.co.uk

 
Bestselling Bloomin Amazing invests in new technology
GTN Xtra Promotion

To maintain their impressive growth, award-winning Bloomin Amazing have recently invested significantly in new technology for their filling and bagging line with the aim of making the whole process even faster and more efficient...


 

Award-winning Bloomin Amazing has quickly become established as the UK’s best-selling digestate soil conditioner and mulch, and it features in GTN Bestsellers week in, week out.

 

For a small business that was set up only four years ago, that’s quite an achievement.

 

To maintain their impressive growth, Bloomin Amazing have recently invested significantly in new technology for their filling and bagging line with the aim of making the whole process even faster and more efficient. 

 



Nick Finding, Managing Director says, “We’ve decided that the best way to grow our business is to focus on doing one thing really well. By concentrating on a single product, our 50L bag of soil conditioner and mulch, we have been able to build and hold really substantial stock levels. At any time, we now hold hundreds of pallets in stock to cope with the unpredictable peaks in demand. The team are achieving next day delivery on our minimum 7 pallet order for 80% of orders.”

Bloomin Amazing has proven to give gardeners great results with many reporting more vigorous growth in vegetables and abundant flowers in herbaceous and bedding plants. Because the product comes from a consistent source with only green crops used in its manufacture, gardeners can guarantee the same great results every time. That’s clearly building a reliable and loyal following amongst consumers which is, in turn, driving brand value and repeat sales.


Bloomin AmazingSoil Enricher is available in 50L bags with a suggested retail price of £6.49.

 

To find out more about Bloomin Amazing go to www.bloominamazing.com or e-mail Nick at nfinding@bloominamazing.com or call head office to speak to us on 01305 889525

 
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 2018 as well as 2019 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

 

Access is by subscription only.  For £145.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales.  To subscribe call 07973 504214, e-mail karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

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

 

Highlights of the GTN Plants Bestsellers chart for last week are here

 

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

 

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

 

Highlights of the GTN Wild Bird Care Bestsellers chart for last 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 £100m.

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

For further information contact karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk or call 07973504214.

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