Glee’s Floral Thursday promotion in aid of the Greenfingers Charity turned into a record-breaking event, raising an amazing £3,500 so far and witnessing the biggest turnout of exhibitors and visitors joining in the fun by wearing an array of floral clothing...
Glee’s Floral Thursday promotion in aid of the Greenfingers Charity turned into a record-breaking event, raising an amazing £3,500 so far and witnessing the biggest turnout of exhibitors and visitors joining in the fun by wearing an array of floral clothing.
The event was supported by Garden Trade News.
Winners of the award for the best-dressed teams were:
Glee 2022 may be over, but the garden retail sector is already looking ahead to the 2023 edition of the exhibition, which is gearing up to be the home of international gardening and pet. Next year Glee will see its overall footprint increase, as it moves from four to five halls of the NEC...
Matthew Mein, Event Director at Glee said: "Next year’s edition of Glee will be bigger, better and brighter than ever!”
Glee 2022 may be over, but the garden retail sector is already looking ahead to the 2023 edition of the exhibition, which is gearing up to be the home of international gardening and pet.
The updated June timing of Glee – put in place for the 2022 event to better facilitate the needs of the entire garden retail supply chain – has served to position the show at the very heart of the international event calendar, with both UK and international brands already benefitting from the brand exposure that exhibiting at Glee represents. However, significant expansion plans are on the horizon; plans which are earmarked to ensure that the 2023 event will offer even more opportunities for growth, as international buyers and retail teams make a beeline for the exhibition to build new relationships and expand their retail networks. Here, some of these exciting plans are revealed for the first time.
Matthew Mein, Event Director at Glee said; “The move to June timing marked the biggest change in Glee’s history and we are keen to keep up with the evolving trends and demands that have made gardening and garden retailing one of the most exciting retail stories in recent years. At Glee 2023 the further development of this story will continue apace, as we look to expand and add more value than ever. Watch this space as more information is revealed over the coming months but rest assured next year’s edition of Glee will be bigger, better and brighter than ever!”
New opportunities at Glee
In 2023 Glee will see its overall footprint increase, as it moves from four to five halls of the NEC. This additional space will allow for key sectors of the show to expand and provide a more comprehensive offering, as well as enabling new growth areas to find a home at Glee.
HOME, GIFT & CLOTHING
One exciting development for 2023 is that Home, Gift & Clothing will evolve into a complete village, reflecting the increased popularity of these product categories within garden retailing. This dedicated area will play host to a range of fresh, inspiring, on-trend products, including outdoor clothing, decorative accessories, toys and books. The new Home, Gift & Clothing Village will provide the perfect background for retailers who are looking to diversify their offering and will also give suppliers the chance to capitalise on and be part of a fantastic profit opportunity.
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING
Another existing sector in which further growth is anticipated is Glee Outdoor Entertaining. The nation’s gardens have increasingly become sanctuaries from the chaos of the world, which in turn, saw sales of garden furniture, barbeques, lighting, outdoor heating, garden décor and accessories skyrocket. Glee has witnessed a marked increase in the number of exhibitors from within these categories, as well as greater demand from retail buyers seeking outdoor entertaining products, meaning next year’s show will provide a real destination for this combined product offering.
DIY
DIY will also be making its debut at Glee 2023, with this specialist category joining the line-up. As garden projects give consumers greater confidence and the line between indoor and outdoor becomes increasingly blurred, the presence of DIY products at the show will be welcome news for those garden retailers who want to optimise the potential this poses, with products that will complement existing ranges whilst also opening up prospects with a new customer base.
SOURCING AT GLEE
With so many more opportunities for retail buyers and the chance to capitalise on key trends, Glee 2023 is set to become a destination for international sourcing, as buyers from right across the UK and the rest of the globe flock to the show, taking advantage of the easy accessibility of the NEC in Birmingham. To cater to this demand, Glee will host a dedicated area for sourcing at the 2023 event, which will facilitate better networking and help more suppliers and retailers connect.
FIRE, GRILL & CHILL
Launched exclusively at the 2022 event, Fire, Grill and Chill brings together the best that Glee’s Outdoor Entertainment exhibitors have to offer. From product demonstrations to hosting the annual Glee party, this space has opened up an exciting and interactive way of showcasing the latest innovations from leading barbecue, grill and pizza oven suppliers. In 2023, the area will not only return but Glee’s organisers have big plans to further develop this hub with more content and even more brands set to join the line-up.
Find out more
Glee is the UK’s leading garden retail show, focussing on building year-round profits for buyers and suppliers within the core gardening and outdoor leisure product categories. To keep up to date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com. To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2023 which will take place June 27th – 29th, please call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.
The Board of E P Barrus Ltd has announced that in December 2023 Managing Director, Mr Robert Muir, will retire from his position after 32 years with the company, including more than 11 in the top job...
The Board of E P Barrus Ltd has announced that in December 2023 Managing Director, Mr Robert Muir, will retire from his position after 32 years with the company, including more than 11 in the top job.
Robert joined Barrus in 1990 from Ransomes Consumer Ltd, where he was Managing Director. He has contributed enormously to the growth and success of Barrus during his tenure. First as a highly capable Finance Director ensuring the financial stability of the company; and then as Sales Director and Managing Director. As well as being a popular leader of the company, he is hugely respected by both Barrus’ suppliers and customers.
Robert was instrumental in taking Barrus into the Garden Tools market, first with Wolf-Garten, then Wilkinson Sword and Town & Country. More recently he has been leading the drive on electrification within the markets that Barrus operates in, not least with the design & building of a hydrogen fuel cell powered inland waterways vessel.
Odgers Berndtson has been appointed to lead the search to identify Robert’s successor.
“It is hard to know where to start to thank Robert for his dedication to Barrus and his friendship to me and my family. There have been some interesting times over the last 32 years and Robert’s unwavering commitment has served us very well,” said Robert Glen, Owner of Barrus.
“I have known and worked with Robert for over three decades. He is a tremendous leader and on a personal level, adviser, so I am thrilled that we will retain his wise counsel and expertise as he has agreed to remain on the board of the company as a non-executive director," said Tara Glen, Barrus Chairman.
Fifteen fantastic new garden and pet product innovations have been confirmed as this year’s winners of the highly-coveted Glee New Product Showcase. The winning products were announced at a special award presentation organised and run by Garden Trade News at the leading garden retail event, Glee...
Fifteen fantastic new garden and pet product innovations have been confirmed as this year’s winners of the highly-coveted Glee New Product Showcase. The winning products were announced at a special award presentation organised and run by Garden Trade News at the leading garden retail event, Glee.
Over 300 entries were received across the 12 categories, with suppliers from across the garden retail sector eager to showcase the innovation that has kept product development teams occupied over the past 18 months during lockdown.
These eager teams all took to ‘The Stage’, Glee’s dedicated seminar hub, yesterday (Tuesday 28th) and today to pitch to the judges the feature and benefits of their latest products in the hope of being crowned this year’s winners.
It was then the work of this year’s panel of judges – Gill Ormrod – Rosebourne Garden Centres; Mel Livingstone – Fron Goch; Andy Bunker – Alton Garden Centre; Ian Hodgson – Garden News; Nicci Gow – Retired garden centre owner; Elliott Kirby – RHS Wisley and YPHA member; Lilidh Matthews – primrose.com and YPHA member, and Roger Crookes – Pughs Garden Centres – to carefully deliberate on the merits of each entry, before crowning the individual category winners and three ‘champion of champions’ awards at today’s official Glee New Product Showcase ceremony.
Glee 2022 New Product Award Winners and Shortlisted Products
Garden Plants, Seeds & Bulbs
Shortlisted:
Cryptomeria jap. 'Kyara Gold’ - Golden Grove
Clematis Lavallee - New Leaf Plants
Unwins Pea and Bean Box - Westland Unwins
Winner: Golden Grove - Cryptomeria jap. 'Kyara Gold’
Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director confirmed: “Another year and another amazing opportunity to celebrate the hard work and creativity of our industry. This year’s winners’ roster is stronger than ever, with an impressive lineup of new products that are set to ignite new sales opportunities for retailers as well as enticing consumers with products that make gardening easier, more enjoyable and full of swoon-worthy products that also make gardening more sustainable. Huge congratulations to all our winners, those shortlisted and everyone that entered. Together you have made this year’s Glee New Products one of our best yet!”
The winners of the Glee Buyers Power List were revealed yesterday. The Glee Buyers Power List was set up to recognise the individual buyers and buying teams who have gone above and beyond to make a difference within the garden retail industry this year...
The winners of the Glee Buyers Power List were revealed yesterday. The Glee Buyers Power List was set up to recognise the individual buyers and buying teams who have gone above and beyond to make a difference within the garden retail industry this year.
The Nominations and Winners 2022
Plants buyer/buying team of the Year
Winner: The Bourne family @ Perrywood
Second: Choice Marketing Team
Third: Plants Team @ Hillmount
Nominations: Choice Marketing Team; Glen Sheldrake @ Burford Garden Company; Matt Shorter @ Longacres; Nick Chutter @ Summerhill Nurseries; Plants Team @ Hillmount; Taylor Baines @ Blue Diamond; The Bourne family @ Perrywood.
Garden Care buyer/buying team of the Year
Winner: Matt Shorter @ Longacres
Second equal: Bryn Saysell @ Blue Diamond, Amy Green @ British Garden Centres
Third: Jackie Cook @ Notcutts
Nominations: Aaron Saunders and Matthew Ball @ Stax Trade Centres; Adam Szabo @ Charlies Stores; Amy Green @ British Garden Centres; Bryn Saysell @ Blue Diamond; Jackie Cook @ Notcutts; Kevin Beckett @ Yarnton Home & Garden; Liz Brennan @ Dobbies; Matt Shorter @ Longacres; Mike Cook @ Choice Marketing; Robin Mercer @ Hillmount; Terry Head @ Stewarts Garden Centres.
Outdoor Leisure buyer/buying team of the Year
Winner: Nigel Gates @ Gates Garden Centre
Second equal: Jay Bunker @ Alton Garden Centre, Keith Wiblin @ Downtown Garden Centre, Nick Haydon @ Fakenham Garden Centre
Third: Gemma Mercer @ Hillmount Cheshire
Nominations: David Hibbert @ Stax Trade Centres; Gemma Mercer @ Hillmount Cheshire; Jay Bunker @ Alton Garden Centre; Keith Wiblin @ Downtown Garden Centre; Kevin Beckett @ Yarnton Home & Garden; Nick Haydon @ Fakenham Garden Centre; Nigel Gates @ Gates Garden Centre.
Landscape buyer/buying team of the Year
Winner: Andy Wrightson @ Webbs
Second equal: Andy Harris @ Haskins, Dan Kirby @ British Garden Centres, Keith Wilbin @ Downtown Garden Centre
Third: David Danning @ Blue Diamond
Nominations: Andy Harris @ Haskins; Andy Wrightson @ Webbs; Dan Kirby @ British Garden Centres; David Danning @ Blue Diamond; John Birch @ Baytree Garden Centre; Paul Smith @ Chessington Garden Centre
Nominations: Dan Reep @ Squires; Emma Bostock @ Pets at Home; Knights Godstone; Paul Williams @ British Garden Centres; Planters Tamworth; Polhill Garden Centre; Sue Shaw @ B&M; The Old Railway Line.
Retail Food & Drinks buyer/buying team of the Year
Nominations: Alan Mercer @ Hillmount; Andrew Porwal @ Sapcote; Andrew Wood @ Silverbirch; Bents Garden & Home; Squires Badshot Lea; The Old Railway Line.
Overall Multiple Retailer Buyer/Buying Team of the Year – (hardware, DIY, high street)
Winner: Dani Loftus @ Marie Curie
Second: John Lewis
Third: B&M
Nominations: B&M; Dani Loftus @ Marie Curie; John Lewis; Kevin Jones @ Poundland; QD Stores; Robert Dyas; Wilko.
Overall Multiple Garden Retailer Buying Team of the Year – 6 stores or more
Winner: British Garden Centres
Second: Blue Diamond
Third: Choice Marketing Team
Nominations: Blue Diamond; British Garden Centres; Caulders Garden Centres; Cherry Lane Garden Centres; Choice Marketing Team; Hilliers; Klondyke; Squires; Stax Trade Centres; The Prosper Group.
Overall Independent Garden Centre Buying Team of the Year – up 5 stores
Winner: The Mercer family @ Hillmount
Second: Longacres
Third equal: Aylett Nurseries, The Bourne family @ Perrywood
Nominations: Aylett Nurseries; Chessington Garden Centre; Kevin Beckett @ Yarnton Home & Garden; Longacres; The Bourne family @ Perrywood; The Mercer family @ Hillmount
Another year and another highly deserving winner of the GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund (GISCF). For 2022 it is the team at Qwickhose that reigns victorious, having impressed the judges with its remarkable solution to the common issues associated with hose pipe connectors. Here we find out more about this year’s winners and those that just missed out on the coveted prize...
Another year and another highly deserving winner of the GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund (GISCF). For 2022 it is the team at Qwickhose that reigns victorious, having impressed the judges with its remarkable solution to the common issues associated with hose pipe connectors. Here we find out more about this year’s winners and those that just missed out on the coveted prize.
Qwickhose was borne during lockdown when a portfolio of previous concepts was turned into a reality. As outdoor living stole the focus when millions of people turned to their gardens for entertainment, the team at Qwickhose put their hearts and souls into the creation of this simple yet effective solution to hosepipe connector issues.
Recognising the issues that come from standard hosepipe connectors breaking under force, popping off mid-use or simply taking too long to install, Qwickhose is designed to alleviate all these frustrations. Built to be long-lasting and robust, the Qwickhose Hose Connector uses a unique winged clamping system for quick and easy connection. Simply push the hose onto the inner tube, clamp the wings shut and secure them with the nut. The extra-long connector then acts as a handle. Unlike traditional hose connectors, there are no breakable teeth, making it more reliable, longer-lasting and leak-free.
Beating off stiff competition and judged by a panel made up of both Glee and GIMA representatives, Qwickhose will now receive support up to the value of £6,000 to help with development and marketing costs associated with entering the UK garden retail market. This includes a year of full GIMA membership and a wide range of business support tools.
In addition to choosing a winner, the panel also selected two shortlisted companies – Cheeky Charlie Ovens and Seedbooks. The first is a new concept in charcoal cooking which takes the principles of professional ovens to create an exciting new chapter for al fresco dining, whilst each of the Seedbooks combines up to six different seed varieties, supported with recipes and growing tips.
GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall said: “We are so pleased to name Qwickhose as our eighth GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund winner. Not only does the Qwickhose offering provide an alternative to existing hosepipe connectors, but it is clear from the design and construction that this is a product that has been passionately and carefully designed. I am sure this is one product garden and DIY retailers will want to see.”
Five minutes with…..Qwickhose Business Development Manager, Michelle Doughty
How does it feel to be crowned GISCF winner this year?
We are thrilled to be the winners of the GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund 2022! When I took the call from Vicky (GIMA Director), I was momentarily speechless, it was hard to take in everything she was saying as I was in total shock and desperate to share the news with the Qwickhose team. It’s such a great feeling when something we believe in, that has absorbed so much of our time over the past two years, is recognised in this way. We are a very happy team!
How did you hear about the GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund?
I found the GIMA website by chance whilst googling new product awards that we could potentially enter to increase our brand awareness. I then had several conversations with the GIMA team about the GIMA Awards, the Garden Press Event and also GIMA Membership. During these conversations, the GISCF was mentioned, and I knew we had to enter. Safe to say, I am thrilled we did!
Do you have any experience in the garden retail sector?
No experience at all – yet! This is our very first introduction to the garden industry. For the last 20 years we have been running a successful building / development company, so this is very new to us all. We’re ready to learn however and have undertaken a huge research project to create a product that we believe fills a gap in the market and can help to increase consumer confidence.
What’s the long-term goal for Qwickhose?
We’d love to see Qwickhose stocked in the likes of Dobbies or Blue Diamond and for our product/s to become a household brand as we further extend the range of products available.
What’s the Qwickhose difference?
We are a family-run business, with all our products designed and manufactured in the UK. We have created hosepipe connectors that utilise unique wing ‘clampers’ that are currently patent pending. Our products do not include breakable teeth and are all made from UV-stabilised premium-grade recyclable plastics, supported with recyclable packaging printed with eco-friendly ink.
Allensmore Nurseries has been awarded Best Stand Display following the end of the National Plant Show 2022 in Stoneleigh Park, Coventry while Ball Colegrave won The Visitor Vote...
Allensmore Nurseries has been awarded Best Stand Display following the end of the National Plant Show 2022 in Stoneleigh Park, Coventry while Ball Colegrave won The Visitor Vote.
The Best Stand Display was judged by Sarah Manning, Visual Merchandiser, and Boyd Douglas-Davies, HTA President and Director of British Garden Centres. The winner, Allensmore Nurseries, were also celebrating their 50-year anniversary.
Sarah said: "Their choice of theme was clear throughout, and the stand flowed very nicely. Colours, textures and points of interest were all thought about, which overall created a beautiful stand to walk around."
Additionally, Impatiens Walleriana 'Glimmer™ Appleblossom' which won Best in Show, was dually recognised by winning the Visitors' Vote. This plant is characterised by its stunning colour, and features large, iridescent rose-like booms. The well-branched, mounded, and trailing plants are covered with double flowers and are suitable for 10-30cm pots and hanging baskets. The impatiens also features high resistance to Plasmospara destructor, the cause of Impatiens DownyMildew.
Martin Simmons, Director of Membership, said: “The long-awaited physical return of the National Plant Show has given us a valuable opportunity to celebrate the best in the industry. Growers and nurseries demonstrated creativity and skill across the board and created a space that was an inspiration for visitors and a true celebration of British growers.”
The Blue Diamond Group has announced it will be creating a Show Garden at this year’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival (4-9 July inclusive), and in addition will have a display of their own brand Fryer’s Roses and selling area in the Festival of Roses Marquee...
The Blue Diamond Group has announced it will be creating a Show Garden at this year’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival (4-9 July inclusive), and in addition will have a display of their own brand Fryer’s Roses and selling area in the Festival of Roses Marquee.
The Blue Diamond Beautiful Abandonment Garden is a collaborative design by the team at Blue Diamond, inspired and project managed by Anna King, Lead Designer and and Jill Kerr, the Group’s Events Manager.
The Garden includes a diversity of wild and cultivated plants to attract birds, bees, pollinators, other insects and mammals. Plants in the garden are UK grown with many coming from Blue Diamond’s own Bridgemere Nursery based in Nantwich, Cheshire.
This garden celebrates the wonder of nature and the beauty of abandoned buildings. A wildlife friendly garden that focuses on taking a disused part of land and repurposing the structures left behind to create an outdoor living space especially suitable for a family. An old farm building has left its mark in this garden, leaving behind a stone wall with original features, forming the backdrop to this repurposed space.
A bespoke pergola built from reclaimed oak, frames the family seating area, providing character, a sense of age & shade from the sun. The journey through the garden allows visitors to discover different view-points of the naturalistic planting with unintentional pockets and the architectural forms of the trees, stone and wooden structure.
This garden is designed with sustainability in mind as we move away from a throwaway society, demonstrating how abandoned buildings or unused areas can be repurposed into functional and beautiful spaces
In the run up to Glee, GTN's Trevor Pfeiffer hosted a round table discussion in the Glee Studio with Marcus Eyles, Roger Crookes and Adam Wigglesworth about making peat free gardening work for everyone with a special focus on making the most of the opportunities for the future...
In the run up to Glee, GTN's Trevor Pfeiffer hosted a round table discussion in the Glee Studio with Marcus Eyles, Roger Crookes and Adam Wigglesworth about making peat free gardening work for everyone with a special focus on making the most of the opportunities for the future.
“The past is gone,” says Roger. “There's an exciting future ahead. We're not powerless in this. We have huge power to influence and co-operate with this amazing trend. I'm excited.”
Adam says the industry shouldn’t let perfection in gardening get in the way of progress. “We need to go forward and customers want us to do that and they want to do the right thing. We need to facilitate it. We shouldn’t let perfection hold us back.”
Marcus says the industry should now be proactive and has seen it coming together on the peat free issue, which has fast tracked and gained momentum really quickly. “We should be sharing [the issues], discussing them and getting on the front foot rather than being caught lagging behind.”
“We’ve got an opportunity,” says Adam. “Let’s grasp it”.
GTN’s Guide to Sustainability Innovations for Garden Centre Retailing.
Encouraging customers to make the switch to peat free gardening - comment from RHS, Millbrook, Buckingham, The Gardens Group, Hillier, Cherry Lane, Pughs, Alton's, Groves, St Peters, Monkton Elm, Lakeside Plant Centre, Planters, Notcutts, Green Pastures, Summerseat & Bradley Fold Garden Centres.
Taking Charge – Garden Centre EV Charging.
LOFA members Improving green credentials.
Get ready for new EPR regulations.
Green commitment at Highfield Garden World.
Small steps, big difference at The Gardens Group.
Plant Hope at Perrywood.
New Sustainable Products.
Sustainability Directory 2022.
GTN’s Guide to Sustainability Innovations for Garden Centre Retailing.
In this issue:
Encouraging customers to make the switch to peat free gardening - comment from RHS, Millbrook, Buckingham, The Gardens Group, Hillier, Cherry Lane, Pughs, Alton's, Groves, St Peters, Monkton Elm, Lakeside Plant Centre, Planters, Notcutts, Green Pastures, Summerseat & Bradley Fold Garden Centres.
Campingaz is recruiting a new sales role focusing on the garden channel...
Campingaz is recruiting a new sales role focusing on the garden channel.
For our fast growing Outdoor & Recreation division in UK, we are looking for hiring an BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER - HOME & GARDEN (home based)
The BDM – Home & Garden channel is responsible for the creation and execution of annual and strategic business plans and associated sales targets. This individual will strategically manage the UK Garden Centre and associated wholesale distribution channels, establish strong and mutually beneficial business relations and develop and implement market and account specific sales strategies. The individual is also responsible for establishing and controlling the selling costs with the objective of achieving continual improvement in the profitability of our business activities.
Major Job Responsibilities
Develop and execute annual sales strategies.
Develop mutually beneficial relationships with Coleman’s key retail and wholesale partners.
Work with local and central marketing teams to develop and execute account and trade specific marketing programs that support the brand, product and key business drivers.
Work with local demand planner and central S-OP (Sales & Operations Planning) to develop timely and accurate forecasting tools that maximise sales opportunities whilst driving efficiency.
Work with internal sales and customer service team to optimise customer service strategies and initiatives.
Drive continual improvement of retail sales staff through training and development programs that align with brand values and support the company’s overall direction.
Utilise, create and implement analytical tools and processes in order to manage sales performance levels against market, internal goals and company objectives.
Work with management, sales colleagues and marketing to create product segmentation strategies that maximize business opportunities across different sales channels.
Develop, manage, and nurture new business partnerships that accomplish revenue and profit goals while respecting existing business relationships and channels of distribution.
Effectively communicate changing market conditions and trends back to key stakeholders in the organisation.
Access monthly and quarterly sell-through reports from major accounts and sales representatives to evaluate brand performance.
Communicate Monthly and Quarterly Status Reports on business unit performance.
Conduct regular informal and formal communications with field based account managers.
Qualifications
Educated to degree standard
Minimum of 5 years sales and sales management experience in the outdoor, DIY or garden industries.
Established relationships in Coleman’s trade channels and with key accounts beneficial
Experience in a high-growth environment with a solid understanding of what is required to grow current channels of business and develop new channels of business
Able to work under pressure and thrive in a deadline oriented environment.
Demonstrated ability to develop and manage to sales strategies and performance metrics.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
Leadership ability, entrepreneurial attitude and a good team player.
Strong training and presentation skills.
Excellent negotiation and sales skills.
Good knowledge and comfort working within the Microsoft Office Suite of software.
Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Rubbermaid, FoodSaver, Calphalon, Sistema, Sharpie, Paper Mate, Dymo, EXPO, Elmer’s, Yankee Candle, Graco, NUK, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Spontex, Coleman, Campingaz, Contigo, Oster, Sunbeam and Mr. Coffee. Newell Brands' beloved, planet friendly brands enhance and brighten consumers lives at home and outside by creating moments of joy, building confidence and providing peace of mind.
By submitting your CV you acknowledge having read Newell Brands’ Privacy Statement for Job Applicants available at http://privacy.newellbrands.com/job_en.html . If you wish to be considered also for other suitable positions with the company, please explicitly indicate so on your CV/motivation letter.
Tong Garden Centre has appointed 33 year old Steph Bates from Menston to lead an agenda that incorporates sustainability, people, nature recovery and community...
Tong Garden Centre has appointed 33 year old Steph Bates from Menston to lead an agenda that incorporates sustainability, people, nature recovery and community.
Ms Bates joins the growing garden centre as a People, Culture and Sustainability Business Partner and her role is to lead the sustainability agenda at Tong Garden Centre and to apply the strategy to future developments at Tingley (due to open autumn 2022) and Thorp Arch (subject to a successful planning application).
"Our aim is to be Carbon Neutral by 2026. My first focus is to create a robust sustainability roadmap and to explore the actions it will take to make sure we achieve this," said Ms Bates.
"This year, we are dedicated to reducing the impact our waste has on the environment and we have mapped out several pledges to help achieve this, including re-educating our teams about the community benefits of being a sustainable business; continuing to re-use our food waste as biofuel; engaging with our suppliers to deliver a Circular Plastics Economy and re-using and recycling wherever possible.
"Early signs of our pledge are looking promising. We now convert all of our used oil and food waste into biofuel, and with the introduction of enhanced recycling streams, we have reduced our general waste content by 35% within the first five weeks. We are excited to introduce balers to further ensure we repurpose and recycle for good. We have also signed up to PlanetMark to measure our Carbon Footprint and have joined the Carbon Literacy Training Accreditation Process to educate the team. We're looking forward to seeing continuous improvement as we make our way to carbon neutrality."
Other climate and community initiatives include the creation of a Love Nature garden at Tong in partnership with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, the development of a sustainability steering group and the launch of a volunteering programme for Tong's team of 237 that will offer over 1000 hours of paid volunteering each year so that the team can give something back to local community projects.
Ms Bates was previously Business Manager for a McDonalds franchise and led the restaurant's sustainability agenda for her franchisee. When she's not working, she enjoys hiking and finding new places to explore with her family.
After two years of absence, garden retailers can finally meet again at the IGCA 2022 Congress in Amsterdam. Currently, almost 200 delegates registered already to join the Congress which starts on Sunday the 28th of August and ends on Friday evening, the 2nd of September...
After two years of absence, garden retailers can finally meet again at the IGCA 2022 Congress in Amsterdam. Currently, almost 200 delegates registered already to join the Congress which starts on Sunday the 28th of August and ends on Friday evening, the 2nd of September.
IGCA is a great place for inspiration, education and entertainment. Garden retailers from all over the world gather together to discuss ideas and challenges they have. Every garden retailer, big and small, is learning and sharing during the Congress which makes it a unique experience. There are still some weeks left to register for the Congress.
10 garden centre visits
The IGCA will visit 10 garden centres in the Netherlands. Centres on the list are a mixed variety of big destination garden centres like Intratuin Barneveld, newly built centres like Tuincentrum Abbing and centres focused on plants like Plantencentrum Velden.
This mix assures everyone can find ideas & tips which can be applied once back home.
Breeders & suppliers
Apart from the garden centres that will be visited, IGCA will travel to some outstanding breeders and suppliers. On Tuesday, the tour will have dinner and Schoneveld Breeding, a breeder of Cyclamen, Primula and Ranunculus. The ELHO factory in Tilburg will also be visited. ELHO invested a lot in sustainability and will give a presentation on how they made this happen.
Amsterdam
Apart from this, there will be multiple cultural visits in & around Amsterdam:
Rijksmuseum
Van Gogh museum
Canal tour
This is Holland!
Floriade 2022
And for those who want to see even more stores, a self-guided retail tour in Amsterdam will be available as well on Wednesday afternoon.
Register today
More information about the IGCA 2022 Congress can be found at www.igca2022.nl. Registration is open until the 31st of July.
The best of last week's
If you missed last week's GTN Xtra, below are the most-read stories...
Impatiens Walleriana 'Glimmer Appleblossom' has been recognised has Best in Show at the New Plant Awards at this year’s HTA National Plant Show...
Impatiens Walleriana 'Glimmer Appleblossom' has been recognised has Best in Show at the New Plant Awards at this year’s HTA National Plant Show.
The show is takes place at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry.
This plant, which also won the Annuals category, is recognised by its stunning colour, and features large, iridescent rose-like booms. The well-branched, mounded, and trailing plants are covered with double flowers and are suitable for 10-30cm pots and hanging baskets. The impatiens also features high resistance to Plasmospara destructor, the cause of Impatiens DownyMildew.
Pippa Greenwood, HTA Judge said, "This year there were more entries than ever before, with 137 covering all five categories. The standard of entries too was brilliant, making our team of judges work even harder than usual.
“The houseplant category was particularly popular, with the emphasis being on phenomenal foliage. This year’s Houseplants winner, Alocasia ‘Silver Dragon’, boasts sturdy, well-shaped foliage with an almost metallic sheen.
“Malus ‘Halloween’ (Frank P Matthews) offers distinctly ribbed crab apple fruits and won the ‘Trees and Conifers’ category. For herbaceous perennials the judges chose Geranium x Kelly Anne, a delightful addition to any border.
“The striking almost glowing orange, red and gold foliage of Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Magic Ball’ won first place in Shrubs & Climbers for Wyevale Nurseries.
“All these plants illustrated the exceedingly high quality of this year’s entries, but it was Impatiens ‘Glimmer Appleblossom’ (Ball) which stole the show, winning best in the Annuals category and Best in Show - not only for its good looks, but also its resistance to downy mildew."
“The New Plant Awards are the beating heart of the show and create an area bursting with inspiration for our visitors. This year there has once again been over 100 entries – meaning that over the history of the show over 1,000 new plants have been showcased.”
Other winners included:
Trees & Conifers category: Frank P Matthews- Malus Halloween. Recognised by its white spring flowers, these are followed in the autumn by yellow-orange crab apples that are ribbed in appearance looking like mini pumpkin in time for Halloween.
Houseplants category: Javado- Alocasia Silver Dragon. A cultivar from the baginda line, this Alocasia is characterized by the compactness of the plant in combination with the hardness of the leaf. This also ensures a long shelf life
Herbaceous Perennials category: Newey- Geranium x hybrida Kelly Anne. This plant is neat and compact plant and is resistant to diseases, heat, and moisture. It boasts bright pink flowers with a darker pink vein and the flowering period is very long: from late spring to the first frost
Shrubs & Climbers Wyevale category: Physocarpus opulifolius 'Magic Ball'. This shrub changes leaf colours four times, starting in spring as bright yellow, this deepens to orange gold before entering the summer months to its final colours of red then purple.
The Horticultural Trades Association has launched its search to find the UK’s best ornamental growers...
The Horticultural Trades Association has launched its search to find the UK’s best ornamental growers.
The Ornamental Grower of the Year awards will recognise and celebrate best practices in sustainable ornamental production. Nominated by their customers or supplier, grower members must be able to demonstrate their commitment to the environment through a public plan, and must be working towards a target such as Co2 reduction, peat-removal, or water resilience. To this end nominees will be approached over the summer to make a commitment to support the HTA’s sustainability roadmap.
Martin Simmons, HTA Director of Membership, said: “These awards will acknowledge the hard work and outstanding creativity of ornamental growers across the country. They are also a token of appreciation for the vital work that ornamental growers are doing to help the country meet its environmental and net-zero targets.
“It is incredibly exciting to have this opportunity to recognise their contribution to horticulture and find some of the UK’s best ornamental growers.”
Categories include:
Young Plant Grower
Finished Plant Grower (inc Annuals, Herbaceous Perennials, Houseplants, Trees and Conifers, Shrubs and Climbers, Bulbs & Cut Flowers)
Inspirational Business
Young Grower
Staff Member
The winners will be announced during the HTA Autumn Conference on the 14th September 2022. Award recipients will be automatically enrolled in the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards in 2023.
A nomination form can be submitted online at https://hta.org.uk/ogoty. Entries will close on the 15th July 2022.
Squire’s Garden Centre has donated £3,700 to Greenfingers with the cash resulting from carrier bag sales over the last year...
Squire’s Garden Centre has donated £3,700 to Greenfingers, a charity which aims to give children in hospices across the country magical gardens, in the most difficult of circumstances.
The donation was the result of carrier bag sales over the last year, with the 10p government plastic carrier bag charge being donated to the charitable cause. Squire’s Garden Centres has donated the charge to Greenfingers Charity for the last six years.
Colin Squire, Chairman Emeritus, Squire’s Garden Centres, comments: “We are delighted to once again be able to make this donation to Greenfingers, continuing our commitment to support the charity’s creation of inspiring gardens over the coming year, for hospice patients and their families to relax in and benefit from.”
Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications, Greenfingers Charity, comments: “We are sincerely grateful for the continued support of Squire’s. Such significant donations make an enormous difference to what we can do; enabling us to continue to create beautiful, well-designed outdoor spaces for children to enjoy with their families. We are committed to creating specially designed, stimulating garden spaces that can bring many benefits to children with life-limiting conditions.”
Pictured: Colin Squire presenting the cheque to Linda Petrons of Greenfingers Charity.
Around 25,000 visitors from 112 countries visited spoga+gafa in Cologne to experience the new products and innovations of around 1,000 exhibitors from 52 countries live...
spoga+gafa, the largest garden lifestyle trade fair in the world, impressively confirmed its standing as the most important industry meeting point for the green industry in Cologne from 19 to 21 June 2022. Around 25,000 visitors from 112 countries came to Cologne to experience the new products and innovations of around 1,000 exhibitors from 52 countries live. The first spoga+gafa without spoga horse being staged parallel and with its new venue date in June thus made a successful comeback after three years.
Taking the reserved approach of the Asiatic manufacturers into account, spoga+gafa 2022 reached the pre-crisis level in terms of the number of exhibitors. That was acknowledged by top decision-makers, many of whom had made their way to Cologne. As usual, the European core markets Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain were strongly represented by dealers and buyers. Intercontinentally, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Canada, the UK and the USA were excellently represented at the trade fair. The share of foreign visitors rose up to 67 percent (2019: 65%).
"The quality and internationality of the visitors is outstanding. This has become clear from our discussions with the exhibitors. We have used the last 2.5 years to further develop spoga+gafa and are delighted to experience the first benefits here live. Thanks to the 365-day platform, which we initiated over the last weeks, spoga+gafa will in future also lend the green industry strong support all year round," stated Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer, Koelnmesse GmbH.
Focus on sustainability As expected, this year's focal theme "Sustainable Gardens" was omnipresent throughout the halls: The emphasis was placed on durable, reusable and resource-saving materials and on the efficient implementation of energy and water in the garden across all segments. spoga+gafa thus once again satisfied its claim of being the theme platform and trendsetter of the green industry.
As such, the Industry Garden Association e.V. (IVG), the industry sponsor of spoga+gafa, was also satisfied with the outcome of the trade fair: "We are delighted that the trade fair is finally taking place again. We really missed the personal contact and it was good to be able to shake people's hands again. There may have been fewer visitors here than before the pandemic, but the quality of the visitors is spot on. That is the decisive thing," confirmed Anna Hackstein, Executive Director of the IVG.
Looking ahead A premiere is now scheduled after the trade fair in Cologne: The aftershow starts on the new digital platform of spoga+gafa on 27 June - with live interviews, recorded videos of the stages as well as digital events of the exhibitors. Seamless networking is also possible after the fair closes via the app. The 365-day platform of spoga+gafa goes live soon and already invites guests to attend the digital deep dive "BBQ" on 8 September. And the joyful anticipation for 2023 is already growing: By the way, guests of the Global DIY Summit in Berlin, which will be staged there from 14-16 June 2023, can now plan their direct onward journey to Cologne. Because spoga+gafa 2023 is scheduled to take place from 18 to 20 June 2023.
Quotes from exhibitors
Bestway Europe “After two years of stop, it has been a great pleasure to come back to spoga+gafa. Thanks to our local presence in all European countries, we have been able to keep in close contact with all our customers in the recent years, however this is the first international fair which has occurred for our industry since 2019. The attendance and the reply to our invitation have been warmly accepted. We consider ourselves satisfied both regarding the affluency and the timing of the fair. Indeed, June is an important month for monitoring the sell-out and introducing our brand-new products for the 2023 summer season. We are grateful to our trusted customers and all the new contacts, who decided to visit us and see our 390 square metre booth with our new collection. - Simone Zesi, Chief Executive Officer
CAPI Europe “It was a special show after 2,5 years, with a good atmosphere. The quantity might be less, but I don’t care: It’s about quality, and the quality is very high. All the top customers in the world were here, so it was a very good show for us.” - Toine van de Ven, Managing Director
elho “We were happy to inspire and meet our customers in person again at our green stand. It is great to be back and have the opportunity to share our sustainability journey and present our 2023 innovations to our customers and prospects.” - Olaf Elderenbosch, Chief Executive Officer
Fiskars "The quality of the visitors clearly tops the quantity. We held very concrete discussions with the right people. We and our contact persons had the necessary peace and quiet to hold these dialogues. It really was a very good trade fair." - Andreas Fonken, Sales Director DACH
Gardena "After the long compulsory break, it was great that the industry was able to finally meet up in Cologne again. We were able to connect up with many long-standing personal contacts again here and also establish new ones. The visitors at our stand were very international, which enabled interesting discussions." - Heribert Wettels, Company Spokesman
G. WURM "As first-time exhibitors at spoga+gafa we were very much looking forward to the event and we received a clearly positive response, especially in combination with the other EVL members here on-site. We also stood out positively with our stand. We were extremely surprised about the high export share. We were able to win over many customers beyond the DACH region and get to know potential high-quality customers." - Philip Wurm, Executive Director
IKONO “We are extremely satisfied with the trade fair. It is the first time we exhibited. We are an international dealer and we especially established good international contacts, that is exactly what we had hoped for. So, we look forward to returning." - Olaf Kramm, Chief Executive Officer
HÖRMANN Here at HÖRMANN we are very content with the outcome of spoga+gafa. We had a "full house" at our stand the whole time from Sunday onwards already. We were able to establish many interesting new business contacts and were able to optimally present our products that fall in the upper- class segment at the trade fair to this market which is new to us. - Sebastian Fischer, Sales Director, HÖRMANN
SEVERIN "For us it was a fantastic trade fair. We were here in the BBQ hall for the first time and thus in exactly the right place to present our new product, the Sevo Smart Control GTS. We had many qualified contacts and are thus already looking forward to the next trade fair." - Joyce Gesing, Executive Director
TRAMONTINA "We are very satisfied with the course of the trade fair. Overall, we clearly felt that people want to meet in person again and spoga+gafa offers an optimal platform for this. The frequency of the visitors who came to see us was consistently high, both nationally and internationally, and showed that the new date was also well received. spoga+gafa convinced us once again in 2022 as a business platform." - Marcos Grespan, Sales Director
Koelnmesse – industry trade fairs for the interior, outdoor and design sector: Koelnmesse is the world’s top trade fair organiser in the fields of interiors, furnishings, design, home living, garden lifestyle and modern work environments. At the trade fair grounds in Cologne/Germany, the leading international trade fairs imm cologne, LivingKitchen®, spoga+gafa and ORGATEC showcase the latest trends, products and innovations, serving as international, central gatherings for the global industry. In addition to the events at its Cologne headquarters, Koelnmesse is strategically expanding its portfolio internationally: The inaugural ORGATEC TOKYO will be hosted in 2022. It will be the first trade fair in Japan to focus on professional and hybrid work environments. As the satellite event for imm cologne and ORGATEC, idd shanghai provides European companies in the premium and luxury segment of the interior design industry with a unique platform for showcasing exclusive, design-driven products.
The in-person events are complemented by ambista, the online business network for the international interiors industry, which provides direct anywhere, anytime access to relevant products, contacts, expertise and events.
For a new series of GTN features about suppliers to garden centres, the intrepid GTN team followed in the footsteps of Greg Wallace to go inside the Woodmansterne greetings card factory in Watford, Hertfordshire...
For a new series of GTN features about suppliers to garden centres, the intrepid GTN team followed in the footsteps of Greg Wallace to go inside the Woodmansterne greetings card factory in Watford, Hertfordshire. MD Seth Woodmansterne tells us the back story to the third-generation family company and their plans for future development in this increasingly important sector of garden centre retailing.
Find out more about Woodmansterne at Glee, stand 20E20-F21
Garland Products launched over 50 new products at Glee 2022. The items comprise new garden furniture covers, additions to its garden basics range, plant support trellis and a budget friendly propagator...
Garland Products launched over 50 new products at Glee 2022. The items comprise new garden furniture covers, additions to its garden basics range, plant support trellis and a budget friendly propagator.
The new cover range extends the company’s popular Super Tough covers which have only been available in green in the past. Now the entire range will be available in black in order to make them well-suited to modern furniture trends and colours. The covers are part of Garland’s entry level cover range but are still covered by the company’s market-leading 5-year guarantee. There are 44 covers in the range, offering the ultimate protection for garden furniture, barbecues and outdoor heaters.
New extra value packs that include screw eyes, vine eyes, wire fleece and fabric pegs have been added to Garland’s garden basics range. The new packs will enable consumers to purchase bigger and better value packs, making them particularly suitable for larger gardening jobs.
Garland’s plant support trellis range comprising three designs was first introduced at Glee last year and due to its popularity, the company has added a fourth design. The new leaf design trellis will be available in the same four sizes as the current range.
Completing Garland’s new products’ launch is a budget friendly Black XL High Dome Propagator that is being introduced as a result of considerable customer demand. The large propagator has a lower price point, enabling garden centres to offer their customers a great value promotion, whilst not affecting their core range and sales.
Following the most successful pre-season in the company’s history, Garland’s sales director, Mark Dedman, commented: “In the first two months of this year we posted an increase in sales of 8 per cent on 2021, which at the time was our best ever year. This was achieved without delays in our delivery times. We are confident of maintaining this situation as later this year will see our new £160,000 software system go live. The system comprises the most state of the art warehouse management software that will lead to faster order processing and deliveries, along with a greater intelligence in our sales trends to ensure that the right stock is available all season long. It will also increase our capacity during peak times. Our desire to continually improve services to customers has also seen the launch of our new website with a dedicated trade online ordering facility. This will help speed-up our order processing and allow customers to identify their favourite items for fast, easy ordering.
“Our excellent sales figures have further benefitted from the opening of our new showroom which has resulted in positive feedback and also several new customers.”
The Garland Products Group specialises in the manufacture of plastic injection moulded products and is one of the fastest growing suppliers to the garden industry. The products available to both keen or hobby gardeners have been designed through the company’s own experience as keen gardeners.
EKJU are celebrated their past success at Glee 2022 as well as looking forward to the 2023 outdoor living season...
In the last 30 years EKJU have achieved a renowned reputation for quality timber gardening products across Europe and have introduced hundreds of functional products that consumers love to use in their gardens.
This month sees a road show of summer celebrations ending at Glee 2022 where EKJU are celebrating their past success and looking forward to the 2023 outdoor living season.
Four founding fathers with one vision
Egons, Klauss, Juris & Uldis were the founders of EKJU in 1992, who had a vision to create garden furniture that is crafted with the care and attention needed to ensure the product lasts as long as it takes to regrow a new tree. Since 1992 the company have adopted this ethos throughout their range of products. The focus on the end user and attention to detail across the business nurtures a drive for the highest product and service standards.
EKJU are now one of Europe’s biggest manufacturers and exporters of timber Garden Furniture and have been exporting products throughout Europe for over 25 years, with 98% of EKJU’s total product volume being exported across Europe using long standing logistical networks throughout the continent to help deliver great customer service. Their extensive product range is manufactured using northern European live wood that is ideal for use on Garden Furniture due to its high density and durable qualities.
Over 30 years, EKJU have kept a consistent vision and through constant refinement of their product assortment. Throughout this period EKJU’s genuine care for the environment has been central to their operations. EKJU have carbon neutral status, use the most durable of FSC timber from local forests and have zero timber waste at their manufacturing site in Latvia.
Bringing people together and closer to nature
As part of the vision of the founding fathers, EKJU aim to bring people together and closer to nature via their outdoor living solutions. Their products are often enjoyed the most in the summer months bringing loved ones together at garden parties and picnics. EKJU’s products that have become central to summer celebrations include Picnic Tables, Garden Benches and Table Sets, which they supply to retail organisations of all sizes. This range of garden furniture is comprehensive and provides multiple furniture solutions for retailers to supply consumers.
In the last 10 years, the range has been extended to include Grow Your Own products, which has been a popular trend throughout Europe in the last 15 years. EKJU have many shapes and sizes of Raised Beds, which cater for differing garden sizes. There are also many styles of Planters which can house vibrant summer blooms, complementing the furniture range. Like EKJU’s Garden Furniture, this range is constructed well using the best quality FSC timber which is treated against wood rot.
Please email ekju@ekju.lv if you wish to discuss the EKJU range prior to the show or alternatively visit www.ekju.com to browse the product range.
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.
GTN July 2022 SOLEX SHOW PREVIEW ISSUE - Inside this issue:
Glee 2022 may be over, but the garden retail sector is already looking ahead to the 2023 edition of the exhibition, which is gearing up to be the home of international gardening and pet. Next year Glee will see its overall footprint increase, as it moves from four to five halls of the NEC...
Matthew Mein, Event Director at Glee said; “The move to June timing marked the biggest change in Glee’s history and we are keen to keep up with the evolving trends and demands that have made gardening and garden retailing one of the most exciting retail stories in recent years. At Glee 2023 the further development of this story will continue apace, as we look to expand and add more value than ever. Watch this space as more information is revealed over the coming months but rest assured next year’s edition of Glee will be bigger, better and brighter than ever!”
GTN’s Guide to Sustainability Innovations for Garden Centre Retailing.
The new cover range extends the company’s popular Super Tough covers which have only been available in green in the past. Now the entire range will be available in black in order to make them well-suited to modern furniture trends and colours. The covers are part of Garland’s entry level cover range but are still covered by the company’s market-leading 5-year guarantee. There are 44 covers in the range, offering the ultimate protection for garden furniture, barbecues and outdoor heaters.
Garland’s plant support trellis range comprising three designs was first introduced at Glee last year and due to its popularity, the company has added a fourth design. The new leaf design trellis will be available in the same four sizes as the current range.
