The planned introduction of the so-called ‘living wage’ could force more independent garden centres to sell their businesses to large groups, according to a report in the August issue of Garden Trade News

The view was expressed of a number of centre owners attending the GCA Regional Awards in July.

The garden centre retailers didn't wish to be named but told GTN that the 'living wage' proposal would put huge pressure on smaller independent stores.

As reported in an earlier edition of GTN Xtra, the Horticultural Trades Association have admitted that the plan will present a huge challenge for the industry.